The Murmurs

• Pristine Smut [MCA, 1997] A-
• Blender [MCA, 1998] B-

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Pristine Smut [MCA, 1997]
Outgrowing the bland preciosity of their debut (as in "You Suck," where cute was supposed to sharpen mean and muddled it instead?), showbiz kids reemerge as prosex lesbians with a weakness for romance and the lissome, breathy country-rock to match. Not since Liz Phair's "Flower," Janet's "Throb," and Madonna's Erotica has pop softcore attended so sweetly to the erogenous zones. A-

Blender [MCA, 1998]
Replaces the two filthy cuts that gave Pristine Smut its name with one called "La-Di-Da" that says it all and an I-had-a-hit-and-you-didn't Go-Go's collaboration. They were cuter with slime on their pudenda. Docked one notch apiece for pusillanimity. B-