REVIEW: Marcy Playground returns for some ‘Lunch, Recess & Detention’

Marcy Playground, a ’90s band that deserves a lot more recognition and success, has brought together an inspired mixture of old tunes and new songs for its latest album, Lunch, Recess & Detention. The 19 tracks will feel familiar to longtime fans, especially with the inclusion of the band’s biggest hit, “Sex and Candy”. But the added pleasure is hearing Marcy Playground’s take on other iconic songs, everything from “Whiter Shade of Pale” to an exquisite “Hallelujah”. The band, now more than ever, makes a compelling case for a resurgence.

Headed by lead vocalist and chief songwriter John Wozniak, Marcy Playground has always broken the rules by expanding on the definition of alternative rock. From one song to the next, listeners can hear a variety of influences, from the surfer rock of southern California to the poetic musings of the Beats. They’re a group centered around catchy rhythms and smart, transporting lyrics. This balance between the two can be found on the album’s first track, “Shapeshifter,” an unreleased song off their sophomore album. After hearing Wozniak’s singing and Dylan Keefe’s bass, all brought together beautifully by Dan Rieser’s drums, it’s hard to see how this gem didn’t make the album.

“Black Eyed Sue,” “Up and Down” and “The Plant Song” are other strong unreleased tracks. In between, we’re treated to “Whiter Shade of Pale” and “Hallelujah” covers. Perhaps the highlight of the album is the reggae-tinged take on “Mr. Fisher”. The song was cut from the band’s third album, MP3, but it’s certainly worthy of salvaging. The smooth-sailing tune stands apart from anything else on the album, almost as if this weren’t a song by Marcy Playground. It’s that different and revelatory.

A re-recording of “Sex and Candy” sits nicely in the middle of the 19 tracks. The song still conjures memories of the late 1990s, and as we learn from the liner notes, drummer Shlomi Lavie is now included. It’s a tune that defies explanation. We’re first sucked into this story about hanging around in the city all by our lonesome, feeling somewhat depressed. And then we spot a woman across the way, an alluring woman that changes our life. The picture of this female becomes so intoxicating that we seem to spout out anything that comes to mind: “double cherry pie,” “disco superbly,” “disco lemonade”. The song sounds great, even if the actual smell of “sex” and “candy” still seems a mystery.

For those looking for an alternate version, the band also includes the “Disco Superfly Remix” of “Sex and Candy” as the final track. It’s an interesting mashup of the beats and lyrics, although the original is far more listenable.

The final tracks prove Marcy Playground’s lasting power. From “Special” to a cover of “The Needle and the Damage Done,” Lunch, Recess & Detention feels like a perfect entry point for new fans, and yet there is enough new material (or new takes on old songs) that the album is a treat to those listeners who have stuck with this iconic band throughout the years.

To jump beyond the album, fans can see Marcy Playground on the Summerland Tour throughout July and August. Playing alongside Everclear, Sugar Ray, Lit and Gin Blossoms, the festival tour will play the following dates:

• Tonight, July 20 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y.

• Tomorrow, July 21 at PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, N.J.

• Sunday, July 22 at Meadowbrook — US Cellular Pavilion, Gilford, N.H.

• Tuesday, July 24 at Sands Bethlehem Events Center, Bethlehem, Pa.

• Wednesday, July 25 at Wolf Trap, Vienna, Va.

• Thursday, July 26 at Sahlen’s Stadium, Rochester, N.Y.

… plus future dates in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri, Minnesota and Nevada. Click here for more information.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Lunch, Recess & Detention

• Marcy Playground

• 2012

• 19 songs

• EMI Music

• Rating: