The Prime Ministers - Efficiently Yours

2007 6 song, 28 minute mini-CD from this Detroit power pop band. While there's not a lot of power pop bands in Detroit, after the success of their debut "Go For The Glory" and this new material, we feel comfortable saying this band is good enough to change that. I have to quote their press kit as I found it not only apt but it made me smile: `Courteous Power Pop. Well-mannered rock `n roll. This is the modus operandi of The Prime Ministers.` Well, some of the songs here have a classic mid-western power pop feel for them, reminding me Pezband/The Producers on opener "May Flowers" and Detroit's own The Romantics "Goldie Let's Go", what is unique in their sound is a the rich, deep bariton of Todd Wicks giving a earthier, bar-room sound to their palette.

Here's a snippet of a review written about their previous release which is applicable here: "The collection of songs that make up Go for Glory are understated, to say the least. There are no massive guitar flare-ups, no screaming piles of vocal tracks, and no train wreck rhythm section explosions. In place of those modern rock staples, The Prime Ministers offer up 10 well written, conservatively performed songs that carry weight in their musical modesty. The intensity that drives T-Minus Whatever doesnt come via fancy production work or a melodramatic crescendo it comes from nothing more than the sheer inflection of Wicks` vocals coupled with a tight track that uses restraint and subtlety to build interest.... The Prime Ministers have released what amounts to a seamless album.. for the folks that still believe that a solid guitar pop album can be carried by solid, no-frills songwriting and capable performances, this is the disc to pump from the stereo this summer. "-MotorCityRocks.com.

Now, I have to quote their official bio again because The Prime Minsters really have a handle on what they are doing and trying to accomplish judging from these well chosen words:

"Since their proper beginnings in 1999, the Prime Ministers have slowly established their preferred operating procedure, with minimal work stoppages and lineup shuffles along the way:

� When time allows, write no-frills, instantly hummable power-pop tunes

� Bring these to weekly rehearsal in the suburbs of Detroit and teach them to the other band members

� Work up an arrangement with pleasantly rough guitars and practice until everyone's had enough

� Sprinkle these new songs in setlists at semi-regular shows downtown (positive audience response desired but not necessary)

� Repeat for two years

� When a satisfactory clutch of songs has accumulated and money saved up from shows allows, head for the nearest studio and hit "Record"

The Ministers' painstakingly slow methods have yielded no great financial reward, sold-out venues, or legions of teenage fans. However, it has been�what's the scientific term? Lots of fun.

Lots of fun? A no brainer, you bet! Extremely Highly Recommended!

May Flowers - mp3

X-Pensive Tears - mp3

goldie Lets Go - mp3

Highlight, Delete - mp3