This being their fourth album since their inception in 2004, few can fault Jack Rabbit Slim for their productivity. “Hairdos & Heartaches” is a decidedly British take on rockabilly with the end product being a rather likeable one. More pomade, daddy-o!
The title track, strangely, sounds like The Jam on an off-day, and really isn’t in keeping with the rest of the album. However, the harmonica-blues of “Shake-Rag” is atonement enough. Similarly, “The Gift” - a standout on this album - makes for good listening and, presumably, dancing.
Moving on, “Skin” is a rather vulgar affair, while The Kinks’ “I Need You” is given a faithful regurgitation. In between, “Sentimentally Yours” takes us briefly back to the days of Gene Vincent. “Everyday’s Gonna Be Like Yesterday”, however, is an innocent guitar-pop affair and, much like the opening track, it seems undeserving of a place on the album and interrupts its flow.
Thankfully, “Typhoon” and “The Prisoner” are dirty rock ‘n’ rollers, while “21st Century Bettie Page” has a voodoo feel that might’ve suited The Cramps. Despite a little slip-up on “High ‘n’ Mighty” (which sounds dangerously like Morrissey), the album is seen out in commendable fashion on “Time Is a Wastin’.”
Despite hints of multiple personality disorder, “Hairdos & Heartaches” is a decent effort. It might, though, be in the best interests of the band to decide whether they want to be the next coming of the Meteors or the next big thing in the land of indie rock. In this day and age you surely can’t be both.