Tinted Windows, self titled album

Tinted Windows, a self titled album
Carlos, Bun E., Taylor Hanson, James Iha, and Adam Schlesinger. Tinted Windows. New York: S-Curve, 2009. 36 minutes $9.99 ISBN 9786312860006

Readers Annotation: Newest rock'n'roll super-group spans multiple generations.
Critical Evaluation: The new self-titled album by the super-group Tinted Windows is not what fans of the members' previous bands expected. Comprising of Cheap Trick's Bun E. Carlos on the drums, Hanson's Taylor Hanson on vocals, Smashing Pumpkins' James Iha on guitar and Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger on bass, the result is something more early Cheap Trick than anything else. The pop-rock songs are all upbeat and speak on love, love and more love. Their style reminds me of the pop-rock bands of the 70s and early 80s, like The Knack, Buzzcocks and Elvis Costello.
Information about the Author: Each of the band members have had a great deal of success with their other bands, but decided to come together for something new. Cheap Trick has a new album out, and is currently on tour. Smashing Pumpkins went on a 20th anniversary tour last year, with their latest full-length album released in 2007. Hanson will be embarking on a US tour in the fall. Fountains of Wayne is performing a few acoustic shows in the fall.
Genre: Rock, Pop
Age Level: All Ages
Curriculum Ties: History of Music
Book talking ideas: Have them listen to samples from Cheap Trick, Hanson, Smashing Pumpkins and Fountains of Wayne, then compare this to Tinted Windows.
Challenge Issues: No challenge issues.
Why I included it: As a big fan of all bands represented, I was very excited when I heard Taylor Hanson, Bun E. Carlos and James Iha were collaborating. Honestly, the only thing I'd heard up till recently by Fountains of Wayne was "Stacy's Mom," but that isn't a good reflection of their work. I have always loved when talented musicians get together outside of their normal jamming buddies. The result is usually something different, and fantastic. I hope that teens will hear bands like this and become interested in the members' other achievements, especially with those like legendary Bun E. Carlos and the often overlooked Taylor Hanson.