*** Nerf Herder

HOW TO MEET GIRLS

(Honest Don's)

According to his ultra-catchy confessions, Nerf Herder frontman Parry Grip works in the back of Radio Shack (when he's not in the back of the bus "with the retarded kids"), and he wants to smell his crush's underpants (even though he wet his own "at the high-school dance"). This potty-mouthed Peter Pan would sooner grow up than pen a sincere word -- or play more than three chords at a time.

How To Meet Girls is pop punk all the way through, even "Vivian," a tune about starting a new-wave band. The frothy musical formula recalls Weezer and Fountains of Wayne, but the teenage conceit is pure Donnas -- except Nerf Herder are half as good-looking and twice as old. No matter. Lines like "I hope I'm not out of place but/Courtney Love sit on my face," are charming even given the male lechery. In fact, the sliminess (like the Bloodhound Gang's politically incorrect put-on) is what's so bewitching, tempered as it is with innocent self-depreciation.

-- Nick Catucci