American guitarist/singer Brix Smith originally formed the Adult Net in 1985 as a flower-powery side project to the Fall, recording singles with a flexible lineup drawn from past/present members of the Fall and Smiths. Take Me has a great rendition of the Strawberry Alarm Clock’s “Incense and Peppermints” and three originals, two of which take a pointless country turn.
Having ended her marriage to Mark E. in early ’89, Brix left the Fall shortly after the release of The Honey Tangle that summer. Ex-Blondie drummer Clem Burke, erstwhile Smiths guitarist Craig Gannon and bassist James Eller back her on this catchy power-folk-pop collection that sounds like a flashback to 1981 Los Angeles. Polished by Craig Leon’s mild paisley production, Smith’s songs (plus a joyous cover of P.F. Sloan’s “Where Were You (When I Needed You)”) and wispy vocals recycle classic styles to no special effect, but the familiar setting helps sell the tuneful material. The American CD and cassette include four bonus tracks, including “Incense and Peppermints.”