How Pop Can You Get? was the only album by musical group The Bats, consisting of Jon Brion, Bill Murphy and Don "Riff" Fertman. It was recorded in New Haven and West Haven, Connecticut and released on the Gustav label (Gustav UA1001) in the fall of 1982.
Background.
The Bats was formed in the early 1980s by Jon Brion, Bill Murphy and Don Fertman. They would write and record the entirety of what would be their first album in a small studio in Connecticut.
Before the release of the album, the band released a single titled "Popgun," in 1982. Just like the album, the single was released under the Gustav record label. The single would be rereleased as part of the digital remaster of "How Pop Can You Get?" in 2008, and would be reissued as a vinyl in 2012.
Critical reception.
The album received critical acclaim, being called "The Pop(ulist) album of the Year" by "Op Magazine." "Billboard" called it a "Recommended LP" in their October 2, 1982 issue. They explained that:
"From the cover, this looks like wacky new wave pop a la B-52’s. What’s on the vinyl though is well-crafted, if youthful power pop. This group is only a trio, and from their looks quite young but manages to project a full, powerful sound. Though on a small label the sound is crisp and professional. To those who wake up every morning to well worn copies of the Rasperries’ “Go All the Way,” this ones for you."
Despite critical acclaim, the album failed to chart. The band would break up shortly thereafter.
Legacy.
In 2006, The Bats song "Not My Girl Anymore" appeared in the soundtrack of the movie "Nail Polish."
A digitally remastered version of the album, which includes the previously released single "Popgun", was released in 2008 on most major online music retailers.
References.
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