The Bomb

Absolute Powerpop 6/26/09

Gidgets Ga Ga-The Big Bong Fiasco. One listen to this disc and you won't have any problem identifying this band as being from Minneapolis, as they capture the classic Replacements/Soul Asylum sound with a 60s power pop sheen. The disc clocks in at a generous 18 tracks, but doesn't wear out its welcome. Since there are so many to choose from, I'll highlight "Beki", "Baby, You're a Star", "The Bomb", the jangly "Hit by a Train", "Offer You Can't Refuse", and "Lullaby", which is anything but. If you like this kind of driving melodic rock, you'll go "Ga Ga" over this one.
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The Spotlight Zone 7/2/09

This band boils down the elements of Rock ‘n Roll to where its musical DNA is jumping right out of the speakers. There are no frills or over produced arrangements wrapped in fancy packages. This is the real deal when it comes to down to earth rock music that has the ability to show up on the pop charts. It has raw and realistic uncluttered sanity in the tradition of the retro hit makers. It’s Gidgets Ga Ga from Chicago, Illinois!

I just listened to a few cuts from their new CD entitled “The Big Bong Fiasco”. Now besides being able to connect very well with the title, I was also impressed by the sincerity and simplicity of each track. I don’t have the CD, but I can give you my overall impression from listening to a few cuts on myspace.

I really liked “Baby you’re a star” for its drive and catchy hook. And “Beki” for its “Beatles” type of overtones. And “The sorry song”, plus the few more that I heard not only have a very down to earth garage band sound, but also a professional approach to their delivery. They are also great compositions that are so polished that they rival any well known concert band in their genre.

Gidgets Ga Ga represent what it’s like to play raw and real while still maintaining musical perfection. And they do it with class and great musicianship. So let’s welcome them to our family of independent international musicians by visiting them at their link below. Then get ready to crank it up!
- JJ Rocks

You can visit them here: http://www.myspace.com/gidgetsgaga

Chicago Rock Music Examiner/Windy City Rock 7/10/09

With a band name like Gidgets Ga Ga and an equally off-the-wall album title, The Big Bong Fiasco, you might not expect to hear straightforward, classicist rock from this local trio, but that’s exactly what you'll hear on their new record. Describing themselves as sounding something like “The Replacements getting jumped by The Beatles and The Monkees, then molested by The Who and Nirvana,” Mick Flores (lead guitar and vocals), Zac Zidron (bass) and Larry Beers (drums) are all about catchy choruses, crunchy guitar riffs and DIY energy that owe equally to 60s garage rock and 70s power pop with a bit of 90s grunge thrown in for good measure. Just listen to opening track, “Beki” – which is the sort of song so instantly accessible that it remains firmly implanted in your head after only one listen – and you’ll get a good idea of the band’s mission statement. That cut might be the album’s strongest, but keep listening and you’ll find much more that's worthy of repeat plays. The galloping guitar and downright charming, Fab Four melody of “Dreamer” would appeal to any sucker for an old-fashioned, three-minute pop song, while “Streetwalker” rocks with abandon , “Belmont” has a smoky, grungey allure and “Hit by a Train” serves up an irresistible jangle. While many other bands on the scene seem fixed on chamber pop, alt-country and indie folk, The Big Bong Fiasco is solid proof that Gidgets Ga Ga are a band determined to keep the old school Midwestern power pop of bands such as Material Issue, Cheap Trick, Pezband and Shoes alive and well.

Frank Krolicki