MUSIC REVIEW

By Kelley Lyne

54.40: Casual Viewin' USA

With the recent release of Casual Viewin’ U.S.A., 54.40’s new label Nettwerk America is out to accomplish what no other has been able to do for almost two decades – and that is to break the Vancouver based pop/rock band in the good old U.S. of A. once and for all. Hey – four platinum albums and ten top-10 Canadian singles aren’t exactly chump change, my friend.

Released in September of this year, Causal Viewin’ U.S.A. is a greatest hits of sorts that’s aimed at familiarizing the uninformed to the unique brand of funkified pop of the “guys from Tsawwassen.” From the driving sounds of the tune Baby Ran off of 1986’s disc 54.40 to the mesmerizing beat of One Gun from 1991’s Sweeter Things, 54.40 delivers the ear candy goods. And few songs are as recognizable as the first eight notes on Ocean Pearl from the Smilin’ Buddah Cabaret release of 1994.

Nettwerk America representative Monica Seide says that the Yankee roll out of 54-40 is “so far so good” and the band will be heading off for the east coast leg of their American tour in February. Seide added the labe hopes, with Casual Viewin’ U.S.A.’s airplay, music buffs across the states will soon be hip to what legions of loyal Canuck fans have known since the early 80s.

After a sold out show in Bellingham, 54.40 will make their second live U.S. performance in 2002 at the Dakota Creek Roadhouse in Blaine on Saturday, January 19. Tickets are $10 (U.S.) in advance and are available at Ticketmaster outlets or at www.rockitboy.com.