Robert Christgau Word of the Day

his·tri·on·ics n. pl. Exaggerated emotional behavior calculated for effect. (dictionary.reference.com)

ABC The Lexicon of Love [Mercury, 1982]

Since Bowie and Ferry sold surface in disguise back when they were supposedly saving rock and roll, I don't worry about this tribute band's lack of depth. Martin Fry's candid camp and ad-man phrasing don't fully justify his histrionic flights, but they do give him room to be clever, which is clearly his calling--some of these synthetic funk rhythms make me laugh out loud, and he's an ace jingle writer. "If that's the trash aesthetic I suggest that we forget it"? Not when your throwaways include bon mots like "looking for the girl who meets supply with demand." A- (www.robertchristgau.com)