You can't help but like a band that can use the word septuagenarian in a song. And make it rhyme at that. Deadeye Dick, a power pop trio from New Orleans, do just that on "A Different Story," their debut release on Ichiban Records.

Taking their name from a novel by Kurt Vonnegut, the group came together in 1991 and consists of lead singer/guitarist Caleb Guillotte, bass player Mark Miller and drummer Bill Landry.

When one thinks of music coming out of New Orleans, images of Dixieland or Cajun rhythms generally come to mind. Not so with Deadeye Dick. What you get from this band are light-hearted harmonies that dance in and out of Beatles-like pop rhythms heavy laden with great hooks.

Guillotte, the song spokesman for the band, offers a refreshingly honest view of life. Unlike many songwriters who veil their meanings with vague descriptions and abstract images, Guillotte spells out clearly what he wants his listeners to understand. Whether he's mourning the death of a lover ("Marguerite") or the breakdown of the American family ("Perfect Family"), there is never any doubt as to the message being conveyed.

"New Age Girl," the song that brought music executives out of the woodwork trying to woo Deadeye Dick, gets things started and definitely sets the pace for the rest of the album. With its humorous tongue-in-cheek lyrics ("She don't eat meat, but she sure likes the bone"), "New Age Girl" has become a regular favorite on local radio. Other songs like "Lucky One," "Sentimental Crap," and the mournful "Marguerite" should have no trouble following suit.

Although the album is a bit brief by today's standards (just a little over 33 minutes) "A Different Story" definitely tells the tale of a band that is here to stay.

Reviewer:  Greg Brown, courtesy of Flash Magazine.