The Beach Balls First LP: Ball Sounds!

Let's face it: when you think of a cover band, traditionally what comes to mind is a drunken band of guys playing tunes they did not write for fun and money. While there's a lot to be said for making a bit of cash, drinking excessive amounts of beer, and having a boatload of fun on Delaware Avenue, there do exist in the genre of cover several extremely original acts.

The Beach Balls, while fairly drunken, will never be caught on Delaware Avenue. Lead by the operatic vocals of Opera James, the trio belts out your favorite '80s tunes with all the majestic and mysticism of opera. The Beach Balls were winners of "Best Classical/New Music Performer" in the City Paper Music Awards 2000.

Their first release, Ball Sounds, will find its way into your party rotation with ease. If you'd like a taste of this acoustic, operatic sound, two songs are available on MP3.com: Centerfold and Back in Black.

While the CD is excellent, nothing can quite compare to seeing these minstrels live. You can catch them at any First Friday alternating sets between the street corners of 2nd and Market & 3rd and Arch throughout the evening. You will not be disappointed.