Demo Universe   Mannix by Jim Santo September 12, 1998   No, it's not a Mike Connors tribute, but a new band fronted by and named after Joe Mannix, former lead singer for the dearly departed Oral Groove. Despite an impressive following for an NYC band, time ran out for the O-Groove in January '98 and now Joe's back at square one, accompanied by snappy OG stickman Chris Peck (former Oral Groove bassman Ed Fingerling now hits boards with Ultrafine). Don't expect a big departure; Mannix is sticking to the Everlys-Beatles-Hollies-inspired pop-rock that brought him to the brink of breakthrough once before. And why not? Nobody does it better than Joe. This is a very strong set -- sparkling pop with heart and guts, sung by one of the finest vocalists you've never heard. Well worth a listen.