CD Review
Artist:  PlayRadioPlay!
Album Title: Texas
Label: Universal Music Canada
Released: March 12, 2008 

3 Stars

Reviewed by: Todd Andre 

The MySpace generation merges with commercial radio on Texas, the first full length studio album released by teenage electro-pop artist Dan Hunter.  PlayRadioPlay! is taylored for teenagers looking to seize hold of the recent resurgence in electronic music.  Hunter's non-threatening chord progression is unapolegetically in synch with typical "top of the pops" chart toppers, and his themes centre around the safe articulation of secondary school love and drug struggles.  The album is clearly aimed at the pre-teen to post-pubescent 'new' new wavers who crave lighter fare than bands like Crystal Castles and The Postal Service.     

Tracks like 'Some Crap About the Furniture' and 'My Attendance Is Bad But My Intentions Are Good' outline the demographic division between PlayRadioPlay! and the rest of the crowd.  Each loop-based single builds into bouncy pop ballads about streamlined themes like summer vacation, skipping school and blissful teenage romance.  Hunter doesn't hide the fact that he is reaching out to 'the kids' that flock to his MySpace page, and his music is a reflection of his desire to speak to his peers.  The sugary sweet pop rockin' beats and punkish guitar riffs may scare off more mature listeners looking for fresh sounds centered on more universal themes.

The safety of the songs and the narrow teenage themes therein will make for an easy sell to MTV and 'new' music commercial radio.  Hunter has layed the groundwork for electro-pop to seize the reigns of teenage soundtracks from pop-punk acts like Blink 182 and Fall Out Boy.  Aptly named PlayRadioPlay! will no doubt live up to its name. 

1. "Loco Commotion"

• 1.5. "Suddenly, I've Become a Perfectionist"

2. "I'm a Pirate, You're a Princess"

• 2.5. "A Special Thanks to Dr. Allan C. Lloyd"

3. "Some Crap About the Furniture"

• 3.5. "Invisible Suits and Ties"

4. "Madi Don't Leave"

• 4.5. "For the Whole World/Room to See"

5. "Without Gravity"
6. "See You Soon"
7. "I'm Afraid There's a Hole in My Brain"

• 7.5. "Taxes"

8. "More of the Worst"

• 8.5. "Lady Killers Wear Funny Hats"

9. "My Attendance Is Bad But My Intentions Are Good"

• 9.5. "Cheap Paper With Full Color Advertisements"

10. "Corner Office Bedroom"

• 10.5. "Why Is Everyone Running?"

11. "Forgiveness, The Enviable Trait"
12. "Texas"