We Went to Different Schools Together

Comprised of blue-collar band boys who rocked bars even before the Beatles broke, the Jaggerz luckily keep the radio sensibility of tight compositions for most of their sophomore shindig. The shortest song even reached number two on the charts, though the rapturous "Rapper" hasn't enjoyed a cinematic or advertising revival like most other supernovas of the 70s. That one-hit wonder is also the only piece betraying any hints of the power-pop pleasures of lead singer Donnie Iris's future career with the Cruisers. Otherwise, We Went to Different Schools Together may come off a bit too quaint, except for discerning fans of Philly blue-eyed soul. Like most acts from this experimental era, the Jaggerz venture into some strange territory. The group attempts to outdo Mad Dog Joe Cocker on "With a Little Help From My Friends," which echos Introducing the Jaggerz, but seems a bit unnecessary. When the band goes for AM fluff (the tasty "I Call My Baby Candy") rather than FM workouts (the twirling "Carousel"), the results revolve much more pleasantly. Brass bulges out of side two, reinforcing the high school motif, but some looney lyrics (especially in "Things Gotta Get Better") keep things calm and cool. Try to score this platter on CD so the stranger, long-winded tracks receive the sonic attention they deserve. ~ Whitney Z. Gomes