The Singles are no mere Detroit garage band, they're capable rock historians. Wearing 1960's pop/rock influences proudly on their sleeves, this Vincent Frederick-fronted combo nods to everyone from Buddy Holly ("See You Again") to the Zombies ("Until You Came Along") to the Who circa '65 ("I'm In Love With You"). These originals may not be that original, but skillfully constructed, Byrds-derived pop like "Since You've Been Gone" is impossible to resist. And "It'll Never Be the Same Again" pilfers the guitar hook from the Flamin' Groovies staple "Shake Some Action" with exemplary results. Still, the centerpiece of Better Than Before, produced by White Stripes vet Jim Diamond, is "I'm Coming Home to You," a gorgeous lament that's also the least derivative tune here. The Singles aren't breaking any new ground, and at times the retro material gets a bit redundant, but rarely has a history lesson been this fun.
JOHN D. LUERSSEN
(October 7, 2003)