This cross-continental 7" finds pop behemoth Gary Pig Gold fronting a pair of the finest combos on the underground scene, one on either American coast. The A-side captures the combined superpowers of Gary and the Masticators on Gold's neo-hodad classic, "Permanent Vacation," a new "Summertime Blues" that has sand in its shoes and a tube-riding surfer's daydreaming disposition. Jan & Dean harmonies and flawless bubblegum vocals lap up against a sunny Californian mood before the tune drifts out to sea and fades over the horizon in perfect "Twist & Shout" mode. The song initially found a domestic home on the Optional Art compilation Burnt Marshmallows & Teeny Bikinis, sort of a mock '60s beach compilation. There is nothing mock, however, about the pleasures of this particular track. The only thing missing is the beach blanket bongos. (Ha.) The flip side falls under the guise of Gary and the Grip Weeds and finds Gold teaming up with powerfully mod-popping fellow New Jerseyites, the mighty Grip Weeds, for a betartaned run through the Bay City Rollers' "Rock and Roll Love Letter" (originally from the tribute album Men in Plaid). Tube-sock cool with cascading "Can't Explain" harmonies, the song actually blows the original into oblivion. Perfect for roller skating off into that eternal '70s saturday night. ~ Stanton Swihart, All Music Guide
