Q: If all members of Band X choose to don a fictionalized last name, which also happens to be the name of the band, what are the chances the band won't sound like the Ramones?

A: You have a better chance of seeing Jesus.

Q: An imitative allegiance to the Ramones now presumed, if the lead singer of this band substitutes the understated low murmurings of Joey Ramone with tinny, nasal intonations, what are the chances the band won't sound like Screeching Weasel?

A: You have a better chance of discovering the lost city of Atlantis in your bung.

Q: These similarities duly noted, what remains to be said for the Huntingtons and their shamelessly derivative brand of pop-punk music?

A: Well, for starters, they do up the ante a bit as far as tempo is concerned, but this hardly helps to distinguish them enough to be appreciated as an original voice. In their defense, their songs are energetic and immediately accessible, so if you're into this vein of tuneage, you shan't be disappointed-- catchy choruses, three chords, and song titles referencing "I Don't Wanna," "brat," "rock 'n' roll," and various female names never fail to register with some people, regardless of the novelty of the source.

Q: Would you, as almighty, ne'er do wrong, I- review- music- to- supplant- my- own- failed- musical- aspirations- in- life music critic, like to offer any other disparaging comments before closing this particular session?

A: Incidentally, yes (and I'll thank you not to draw any more attention to my role- as- reviewer insecurities). As a live album, this is, at best, too direct, and in many cases, altogether suspect. The "live" audience sounds artificial, something akin to the laugh- track of some television sitcoms. Additionally, the between song banter showcases about as much personality as a piece of belly- button lint (e.g. "How is everybody doing tonight," "This song is for all the girls"). Truth be told, I wouldn't be surprised if the whole project was farcical-- that members of the Queers or Screeching Weasel were involved with it somehow. (These suspicions are greatly enhanced by the tune "Veronica," a song I swear I've heard before.)

Q: Following your carefully constructed schema for writing reviews, what final succinct advice can you offer the reading public?

A: If you like rock- by- numbers music Ramones- style, give the Huntingtons a whirl; if you're seeking something beyond the exploitation of a twenty- year- old formula, the search continues.

-Kevin Ruggeri