By Katherine Raz

This infectious three-song single from Chicago-based Gidget’s Ga*Ga is an apt replacement for more pop-oriented bands like Third Eye Blind or Matchbox 20. Think of a post-millennium version of The Replacements. They incorporate jangly guitar, poppy bass lines and a male lead vocalist whose lyrics center on slacking. The last song on the single – the best song, really – is appropriately titled “Belmont.” Upon first listen, “Belmont” appears to be a suburban homage to the hipster meeting place at the corner of Clark and Belmont streets in Chicago. Until you listen carefully to the lyrics and realize the singer is sarcastically moaning, “Do - - oc Martens,” over and over again. After listening to the song several times and laughing out loud at its clever comedic genius, my only wish was the two-verse ditty had even MORE contemptuous comments about the “twenty something hipsters” who hang out and shop at the intersection. Alas, it’s best to leave good-enough alone.

I believe that’s Gidgets Ga*Ga’s formula, too. The “Picture on the Radio” single may not be groundbreaking, but it’s hummable. Very hummable. It seems to me like something we’ll hear on Chicago radio in months to come. I for one, can’t wait to blast it out my car windows this summer while I’m driving down Clark street.

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