Like gawky kid brothers of They Might Be Giants, these four articulate brats from Scarsdale, New York, may delight in their own cleverness, but never to the detriment of listeners. Son of Sam I Am, the band's second album, aims satirical blows at various unsuspecting targets and wraps the whole in engaging melodic rock.

Son of Sam I Am contains not only a surprisingly melodic version of L.L. Cool J's "That's a Lie" but also a song delivered from a dog's point of view, an overly didactic history lesson, a derisive poke at rock & roll commercialism that names names and a misguided would-be hit single entitled "Making Fun of Bums."

Imaginative and varied arrangements, Tim Quirk's homely, weird vocals and Jay Blumenfield's spry guitar work keep the LP consistently enjoyable. But the wit and strength of Too Much Joy's material is what makes the delightful Son of Sam I Am an exciting, promising discovery. (RS 554)

IRA ROBBINS