Rips is the debut album from Mary Timony’s new band, Ex Hex. Hot off the heels of playing with Wild Flag (currently on hiatus), Mary wastes no time and ensembles Ex Hex, along with ex-Fire Tapes singer and guitarist Betsy Wright, now on bass, and Laura Harris, ex-Aquarium, on drums. Rips is hands down one of the coolest and rockiest albums I have heard in ages. Mary Timony’s distinctive vocals meld with a newer late 70’s inspired power pop sound, and the sick guitar work and awesome riffs are a departure from her lo-fi experimental years with Helium in the 90’s. An album that is destined to become a classic for the new Millennium. Play it loud!!

RIYL: The Runaways, Cheap Trick, Wild Flag, Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers, The Sweet, & Thee Oh Sees.

FCC CLEAN!!
Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11

1. (2:27) ***Don't Wanna Lose – One of the coolest openers ever! Play it!!
2. (3:15) **Beast – Catchy beat, cool guitars, enjoyable vocals. All there!
3. (2:47) *Waste Your Time – The Sweet’s influence here. Solid guitar work.
4. (2:46) ***You Fell Apart – With a beat that could have come out of R.E.M.’s Murmur; the guitar just rocks! I got no regrets!
5. (3:06) **How You Got That Girl – If this song had come out in the late 70’s, it would it have been a top 40 hit. Timeless.
6. (2:06) ***Waterfall – The single of the album! My favorite track. Play it!!
7. (2:35) ***Hot And Cold – Another rock-solid gem. Lou Reed would be proud.
8. (2:42) **Radio On – And the hits keep coming. Betsy Wright sings this one. Radio on!
9. (2:58) New Kid – The Runaways’ influence here. Catchy beat.
10. (3:58) ***War Paint – My second favorite track on the album. Perfect guitar solo.
11. (3:18) **Everywhere – Another catchy track with a great beat, cool guitar work, and enjoyable vocals. Yeah!
12. (3:18) Outro – The bluesiest track on the album. Great riff. Perfect closer!