The Joe Hebert Band “I Don’t Wanna Be A Preppy” b/w “First Date”

(Almost Ready) This reissue of an ultra-rare 1981 45 by Rockin’ Joe Hebert (Ocean Staters know him for his comedy stylings) has some amazing balance/imbalance magic happening, where Joe has crafted two can’t miss, morning radio novelty numbers, an anti-preppy tune to cash in on the Preppy Handbook fad (don’t feel like explaining it to folks under 40, just  google away) and a bouncy number about going on a first date. But his band, while delivering the kind of bouncy pop the songs require, can’t help but engage in the kind of fuzzy, nasty punk that undermines the commercial possibilities. Nothing succeeds more than failed novelty!