The Ditty BopsSelf-titledWarner Bros.

I’m going to lay it on the line for you folks... It isn’t often that I come across a musical group that fits my fancy quite like The Ditty Bops have since I purchased their debut album from the hand-dandy iTunes Music Store. At the risk of sounding like a hornswaggling, leg-pulling lunatic, this self-titled album is as sweet as pie, fit as a fiddle, footloose and definitely fancy-free. The Ditty Bops are a musical union that began just a year ago with two odd-ballers: Amanda Barrett on mandolin and dulcimer and Abby Dewald on guitar. Amanda, a world-class model, who is often seen toting a red ukulele, and Abby, who never leaves home without her signature juggling pins and collage-making supplies, make for a crazy couple and superb entertainment. Rumor has it that they wander the streets of LA putting on circus street shows just for kicks and giggles.

Filled with reminiscences of the roarin’ ’20s and sprinkled with a touch of honky-tonk, this album is anything but ordinary. It features many a tune with witty lyrics and even wittier musical ideas. The album hosts only one cover song; they chose the perfect vintage bootstomper, “Sister Kate,” which is all about learning how to shimmy like an older sis’. However, the original jingles are just as masterfully written as any olde tyme melody.

All the songs are as fresh as rosebuds, butthere are a few I can’t help but put on repeat. “Walk or Ride,” the principle track sets the tone and (dare I say it) states a thesis for the entire album. The ballad, “Pale Yellow,” is emotional, soft and full of pastoral imagery. My personal favorite, the mellow, ear-smoochin’ “Short Stacks,” compares to the likes of The Be Good Tanyas and installs a sense of blitheness into the minds of stressed and malnourished students... no, seriously, you should get your hands on this track. It’s better than chamomile.

So, this isn’t convincing all you jazzbots and metal heads to let your deals go down, is it? All I can say is, if you don’t like the Ditty Bops, you’re at risk of losing your girlfriends, and fast! This fierce duo is taking SoCal by storm, which means that it won’t be long before the frenzy makes its way to our bitty hamlet. With the Ditty Bops, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether it’s their homegrown, cut and paste website (thedittybops.com), their eternally optimistic and “punny” lyrics, their endearingly catchy melodies, or their ridiculously enjoyable revival of the good ol’ days, you’re going to love them.

The Ditty Bops’ first album is currently available digitally, or you can shop in the old-school mode of the gals themselves and buy the CD when it comes to record stores on Oct. 26.