The Spongetones

The 40th Anniversary Concert…And Beyond

Big Stir Records

This Charlotte, North Carolina institution turned 40 in 2021 and celebrated with a concert at Spirit Square in Charlotte on August 14, 2021. The recording of that show is now being given a general release.

A good time was had by all, with a lot of rockers spanning topics from where one lives (“Anyway Town”) to your job (“Honest Work”) to romantic ups and downs. And not just downs -- you have happy songs like “My Girl Maryanne” to “Must Be Lust.”

The three studio recordings at the end also rock, in a way that is more than just one more Beatles update. The happy-go-lucky spirit of these songs, both live and studio, is irrepressible. The joy that is taken here is special, and not found often. This album is a lot of fun and will put a smile on you face immediately.

And that’s what good much is supposed to be about, right? This music, and the lyrics that almost overflow with good cheer, even when it’s a relationship in trouble, are what is needed in these really dark times. So if you’re feeling bad about anything, just put this concert on and rock out. You’ll feel much better.

Andrea Weiss