The Snoopy test is a very scientific set of criteria that determines whether a song encourages you to do the dance Snoopy does. I think past Mates efforts have had track lists that were a bit giddier than the one for Juice , and I think that led me to expect something that this album doesn't try to deliver. Not that this album is dreary by any stretch of the imagination. There are plenty of upbeat songs, and all of the material has a warm glow that has been missing from way too many collegiate albums of late. Juice is an album full of highlights.
Ladyfingers is a blast, plain and simple.
Waiting in Vain hits all the right emotional marks. The solo on Hot Stuff rips. Hell, the Amalgamates even manage to make the Eagles sound good on Love Will Keep Us Alive . Soloist Mike Neary is a lot better than Don Henley. Mike is good.