Rooney

"Rooney"

Geffen Records

Grade: B+

Get those eardrums ready for a big dose of Rooney. The self-titled CD is sure to win over anyone who likes fun, upbeat tunes with super-catchy lyrics.

The band had a big fan base before its debut album hit stores, but since appearing on FOX's "The OC," new Rooney fans have been popping up all across the country.

The 11-track CD was produced by Keith Forsey and Brian Reeves, who also have worked with the likes of Mr. Billy Idol.

The first single off the disc, "I'm Shakin'," is a good sing-along song. The chorus, "I'm sha sha shakin', sha shakin'/ I'm sha sha shakin, I'm shakin' now," is sure to be stuck in the listener's head for hours after hearing it.

"Blueside" kicks the album off with its Beach Boyslike vocals from lead singer Robert Carmine and harmonizing from Taylor Locke, also on the guitar, and Ned Brower, who keeps the steady beat going on drums.

Songs such as "Daisy Duke," "Sorry Sorry" and "Simply Because," as well as others mentioned, are the backbone of the record.

They keep the disc on a happy-go-lucky ride, while songs such as "If It Were Up To Me," "Popstars" and "Loosing All Control" just bring it down with the whining voice and slow pace.

The different guitar solos and the keyboard riffs by Louie Stephens make for an awesome listening experience.

These Californians know that a retro-sounding album along with cheerful feel is a ticket to success.

A 60-year-old person might say the record brings back nostalgic memories of the beach and being in love, but for the youngsters it's just another modern soundtrack.

-By Jordan Marshall, Staff Writer