In a move later copied for the faux-live
Beach Boys' Party!,
Sandy Nelson's
Teenage House Party adds post-production crowd noise and chatter in an effort to lend the material a loose, informal feel. Such overdubs and trimmings are unnecessary, however, as this is
Nelson's most inspired effort in some time. Its success hinges largely on a particularly well-chosen and far-ranging set of cover tunes geared to the drummer's wild, pummeling approach. From the jazz staple "Night Train" to the seminal New Orleans R&B number "Let the Good Times Roll" to the rockabilly favorite "Tweedle Dee,"
Nelson performs with energy and ferocity, and while the album doesn't actually document a high school kegger, it more than likely served as the soundtrack for more than a few. ~ Jason Ankeny