The Amplifier Heads – Super 8

Super 8 by The Amplifier Heads is a joyous blast of pure rock ’n’ roll from Boston’s Sal Baglio (The Stompers) and collaborators including Kevin “King” Rapillo on drums and Brad Hallen on bass. With each successive LP, Baglio captures more of that magic that old mediums like 45s, AM radio, and Circus magazine used to back in the day. Yet he manages to avoid slipping into hokey nostalgia. 

It opens with the stompin’ “Rock N Roll Riot,” a two-minute history lesson that barrels through early rock’s chaotic past events—riots, cops, kids, and all. “Hot Stars” delivers bluesy guitar riffs, fine harmonies, and sparkling piano, while “A Song Called Sha La La” channels Springsteen-esque affection for the medium itself, complete with a well placed sax solo.

“A Girl Named Chop Suey” is a scruffy Stones-style romp, “Can’t Put My Finger On It” is irresistibly hooky, “Superstar” struts with overt swagger, and “Hot Wax” closes the main set as a bar-room celebration with more sax.

Baglio’s melodies, driving guitars, and clear-eyed love for the form make Super 8 feel alive and immediate. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll love letter to simpler times – essential listening for anyone who ever got an amphetamine hit from 70’s AM radio. Get it at Kool Kat Musik(CD) or Apple Music (mp3). If Super 8 is your introduction to The Amplifier Heads, consider giving 2022’s SaturnalienS and 2020’s Music for Abandoned Amusement Parks a listen as well. You won’t be disappointed.