Cowboys and Indians

Onetime John Cale sideman Dave Laredo (here singing and playing guitar) leads this New York quartet whose borrowed name was subsequently adopted by a New Orleans band. The sincere and skillful power pop originals on Cowboys and Indians take most of their character from textured guitar figures as well as one-finger organ/synthesizer tootles; Suicide would seem to be an influence on both the songwriting and the keyboard work. Whether chosen to illustrate the song or inspired by the photo, the front cover snapshot of Laredo as a toothy eight-year-old is perfectly synched with 'Mr. Wilson,' a cute song written from Dennis the Menace's perspective. [Ira Robbins]