House of Large Sizes can be tidily summed up in two words: mostly harmless. The band's been banging out honest and convincing underground pop since the late 1980s. 15 years later, they have yet to give up the dream of underground rock. Unfortunately, underground rock is a vast, vapid wasteland, and one whose features fade into the horizon from a very short distance. I.O.W.A., named for the band's home state, is a 22-track "greatest hits live" album. All your favorites are here, from "School is a Drag" to "Ball Dropper." And remember classics like "North Cedar" and "Eisenhower?" Neither do I.

Nominally, the band's press kit has it right: "House of Large Sizes incorporate elements of punk, grunge and alternative music trends without being stereotyped as any one." This is correct, but there's nothing particularly innovative about that broad a canon of influences. Correspondingly, there's nothing particularly innovative about this band. Think about it: what would you think if you saw a flyer reading "Band seeks guitarist-- influences include punk, grunge and alternative music?"

House of Large Sizes spent two months recording this "live" album, likely in an attempt to capture their best performances. And while their audibly pure belief in rock n' roll is usually listenable (the Superchunk-ish "Lazy")-- and in rare cases uplifting (the MC5 opener "Green Lightning," and their best song, the slinky "Fingernail")-- these guys are about as dangerous and riveting as vanilla yogurt. Have you ever eaten 22 cups of vanilla yogurt in one sitting? Neither have I.

-Chris Ott