Published in Reglar Wiglar #15, 2001
“The Reglar Wiglar’s record reviews are some of the most provocative, insightful, compelling and intelligently written music criticism being produced today… in any medium!”–Reglar Wiglar Magazine
AGAINST ALL AUTHORITY
24 Hour Roadside Resistance (Hopeless)
AAA play good old fashioned hardcore with tinges of horn-ladden ska (just a tinge) and they put the politics back into it at that. Pretty cool lyric booklet accompanies this product. If you can take the snarling, nasally vocals throughout the whole CD then you’re punk rocker than my ass. Resistance is futile, say AAA, so don’t resist the urge to buy into the American Nightmare of those who oppose, not some, but ALL authority—Joey Germ
ALIEN CRIME SYNDICATE
From the Word Go (Will)
As a pop rock, ready-for-the-radio band, Alien Crime Syndicate are going for broke. Slick production by Joe Reinke (Foo Fighters, Counting Crows) make ’em sound good in the studio but there’s pretty much nothing on this CD that makes them stand out from any other band trying to chart. Press kit says they’re ready to take over the world. I’m sure they’re ready for the world but are we Earthlings ready for them? I don’t think so, but I was wrong about the Beatles too and they’re HUGE now—P.C. Jones
THE ATARIS/USELESS ID
Let It Burn (Kung Fu)
This is a split LP with the first eight tracks going to The Ataris. The Ataris play the kind of pop punk rock that the friggin’ kids gobble up in big, heaping, slobbery spoonfuls and the kind of punk rock that drives me a little friggin’ nutty. If you’re into this kinda thing, I’m sure these kids rank right up there with your Blink 182s and your MxPxs and the like. This CD features some of The Ataris unreleased stuff including a cover in which they take all the balls out of the Crue’s “On with the Show”, and yes, I do understand that it’s a ballad, but still. Useless ID are a pop punk band from Israel which is the only interesting thing about them because nothing about their sound would suggest that they are from anywhere but beautiful (never been there) Santa Barbara, CA—Joey Germ
BIG, BIG FURNACE
Big, Big Furnace (Crustacean)
Heartfelt, rootsy, indie rock from Wisconsin (pronounced ‘Sconsin, the Wi is silent). Props for the cleaver, “Channel 7Has One Less Viewer in Athens” but I’ve never heard a bigger interstate ass-kissin’ song that “Twin Cities” (that being Minneapolis and St. Paul twin cities). I’m embarrassed for both of those towns—Jayne Wayne
BIG BUBBA
American Trend (Smart Ass)
Badly recorded hardcore from some po-dunk town in Minnesota. Unintelligible, dual vocals and guitar mixed way up high, bad drumming and bass(?) mixed way down low. E for effort though comin’ from me that don’t mean much. Sorry—Joey Germ
BOY SETS FIRE
After the Eulogy (Victory)
Sociopolitical hardcore from Delaware. Thought provoking, compelling lyrics. Punk rock activists. A dying breed or the wave of the future? Yes, it’s all true! Pretty cool lyric booklet comes with. This is for the young radicals. Tear it up!—Joey Germ
BURNING HEADS
Escape (Victory)
Burning Heads play a mix of straight up punk and full-on hardcore with stops for a reggae tune now and then complete with lyrical references to Babylon and the whole nine. Kinda like the Bad Brains in that respect. These guys have been around for about a dozen or so years and have released five albums and if you haven’t heard of them before it’s because they’re form Orleans. Yeah, Orleans, France–they’re punk rock Frenchies! But they’ve spent enough time in our evil country to let Jack Endino record this CD which was a gesture of international good will by both parties, I think—Joey Germ
BY VIRTUE ALONE
Odds Against Tomorrow (Common Ground)
Dig it, these guys are GIs stationed in Japan who play in a hardcore band. Now I’ve heard it all. It’s not just rape and drunk driving our boys are up to over there. That was perhaps a little unfair to BVA, but I don’t exactly write for Stars and Stripes in case you haven’t noticed. Anyway, this is a state-side re-release of a CD that was originally put out by the Japanese label, Out ta Bomb. It’s pretty heavy hardcore that borders on metal, I call it scary-core, ’cause it’s frightening. By the time you read this review BVA should be out of the military and enlisted in the American hardcore scene. And oh yeah, they’re looking for you and they want to kick your ass!—Jayne Wayne
CALIBOS
Calibos (Arlington)
Indie rock, slow jams, Sebadoh without the full-on punk rock songs. Three piece (two guitars, drums–no bass; never a good idea) from Arlington, VA. Their drummer, Nikhil, learned how to play drums specifically for this band. He makes some interesting decisions, sounds like Mo Tucker at times—Muggsy McMurphy
CATCH 22
Alone in a Crowd (Victory)
Ska, ska, ska ain’t dead. Here’s the Catch-22 of the thing though, I don’t really like ska. Is that a Catch-22? I don’t remember. Oh well—Joey Germ
THE COLOUR BLUE/KILL DEVIL HILLS
Split CD (The Pirate Party Record Co.)
First up is the Colour Blue, an emo band from what I gather. And that’s OK, I s’pose. Kill Devil Hills are a little more straight ahead punk rock which means I like them a little better. I’d split a cab with these guys, maybe even a six-pack or a sandwich, but a whole CD?—Irresistible Frank
COMPULSIVE GAMBLERS
Crystal Gazing, Luck Amazing (Sympathy for the Record Industry)
I can not even begin to explain how good this is. Five–no six stars. Go buy two copies now. I SAID NOW!!!—Mike Dixon
CREASE
Vindication (Roadrunner)
To give you an idea of what Crease is all about, let me name a few bands they’ve opened for; Sponge, Our Lady Peace, Buckcherry, Dishwalla and the Goo Goo Dolls. Yeah, Crease were the opening band for those guys. This record contains five remixed songs from their unreleased 1997 EP, …Six Pack Shy of Pretty which is a horrible song to write about your own mother—P.C. Jones
CRISPUS ATTUCKS
Destroy the Teacher (Soda Jerk)
A short bursting attack of hardcore punk from DC. At times the singer sounds like Black Flag-era Hank Rollins. There’s even a secret, hidden, heartfelt acoustic track that may or may not be called “Suburban Pride” which pokes fun of everybody’s favorite target, Suburbia. Leave ’em alone already, you’re making them wanna move back to the city!—Joey Germ
DAYCARE SWINDLERS
Testosterosa (Vile Beat)
A little bit of Offspring style punk rock (I hate saying that just as much as you hate readin’ it). Pretty solid overall with influences ranging from the Bad Brains (they’re from DC you know) to Jane’s Addiction. I’m not sure if I endorse the swindling of daycares but I guess it’s ok—Muggsy McMurphy
DIGGER
Monte Carlo (Hopeless)
Melodic pop punk that has its moments, that is if you like melodic punk rock songs about girls, or written to a girl, or written for a a particular girl. Don’t know how Monte Carlo or gambling figure into it, but that seems to be the gist of the CD title and the packaging. There’s even a tiny pair of dice in the spine(?) of the CD case. I rolled ’em and guess what? Yeah, you got it, I crapped out—P.C. Jones
DILLINGER FOUR
Versus God (Hopeless)
Tight, melodic, and smart punk rock from Minnesota, Hopeless Records, and the guys who–judging from the CD booklet–like their hooch. Nice lyric book with plenty of pictures ought to please the fans. Yeah, I can see what the hype is about, these guys just don’t lay it down they throw it down—Joey Germ
THE DRAGS
5×3 (eMpTy)
This is a collection of “everything the Drags recorded while Keith was in the band, that didn’t appear on the Estrus LPs.” Keith being the Drags former drummer. The Drag Triumvirate lay the nerve bare and the end result is a collection of twenty-three raw, sloppy garage rock gems originally released as different singles and compilations on ten different labels. It would cost you a fortune to buy all those different records! Now you can get them all on one CD!—Joey Germ
DRAG THE RIVER
Hobo’s Demos (Upland)
This is some bluesy, boozy, roots rock from Ft. Collins, CO. Little bit country, little bit rock and roll. It’s whiskey drinkin’ music recorded over a two year period (’96-’97) with a varying line-up. The current lineup features Karl Alvarez and Chad of ALL doing something completely different. How that’ll go over with all those ALL nuts out there I don’t know but it’s worth a listen for sure—Irresistible Frank
DROWNING MAN
Rock and Roll Killing Machine (Revelation)
These guys are rock and roll killing machines which means they enjoy killing people. Actually, they may have killed rock and roll with their bastardized brand of metal meets math rock! It’s like a way heavy algebra club, man. It’s like this fucking weird, twisted mess of noise that is absolutely schizo in nature. If you are at all unstable this couldn’t possibly help your situation. If you are reasonably sane, put this down and walk away—Irresistible Frank
EARTH CRISIS
Slither (Victory)
Slither is the sixth release on Victory for Earth Crisis and it’s a welcome back brick to the skull after the band’s brief stint at Roadrunner. EC is a hardcore/metal hybrid with lyrics delivered in an alternating rasp/tuneful (actual) singing that hints at a young Ozzy (press kit wuz right). And not only that, the band wears its politics on its sleeve (made of 100 percent vegan clothing for sure). Earth Crisis have been layin’ down this shit when Slipknot was just a baby square knot—Malcolm Tent
ELLIOT
False Cathedral (Revelation)
Tears are literally gushing down my face as I listen to this heart-wrenching musical confession from Elliot. Actually, all kidding aside, it is very pretty—Muggsy McMurphy
ENGINE
Engine (Metal Blade)
Good old fashioned metal from Metal Blade. There ain’t no rappin’ knuckleheads dressed in “scary” costumes and wearin’ clown makeup in this band. Engine sound alternately like Alice in Chains and Tool and sometimes lean toward the cheesy side. Where are Alice and Chains and Tool these days? You could tell me, “Hey Idiot, they both just released new records last month.” and I wouldn’t know. Well, if that ain’t true, this’ll tide you over until the do, or even if they did—Muggsy McMurphy
THE EXPLOSION
Steal This (Revelation)
Steal this? Oh yeah? Well, I did steal this, buddy. In fact I stole three fuckin’ cases of the things, man! So now ain’t nobody gettin’ paid! And it ain’t on me, it’s on ya’ll—Chris P. Crunch
FIFTEEN
Survivor (Sub City)
Their hearts are in the right place, there’s no doubt. Although, just because I have a job and pay my landlord rent every month, doesn’t necessarily mean I’m a “puppet living in fear, sedated and silenced by beer.” Although it doesn’t necessarily meant I ain’t. I just had a hard time sitting through this. It’s pretty over the top in its politics, but more than that, the vocals just really bugged me. I guess in this case it was the medium and not the message that I couldn’t get with—Jayne Wayne
JOSH FREESE
The Notorious One Man Orgy (Kung Fu)
Who the hell is Josh Freese? Oh, that drummer guy! The Vandals drummer, G’N’R’s official drummer, that guy who plays drums for DEVO and Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle. Yeah, that’s all one guy. So what in the hell could a solo album from that guy possibly sound like. Well, it’s actually pretty good pop punk tunes performed almost entirely by Josh himself (except for some guest guitar soloing) including the heart rending plea to the TLC bad girl pyromaniac, “Why Won’t You Left Eye Get With Me?” and several humorous recorded answering machine messages—Irresistible Frank
GAME FACE
Always On (Revelation)
I don’t know about Gameface, they sound pretty top 40, Matchbox 20, “it’s 2AM and I’m feeling lonely” for my tastes—Joey Germ
GARRISON
A Mile in Cold Water (Revelation)
Sensitive, poetic lyrics sung with angst-ridden emotion, set to distorted guitar chords can only mean one thing and one thing only: EMOCORE!!! Well, it kinda is and that usually sends me packing to the hills. However, most of this CD was tolerable to my ears and my rock sensibilities and my tough guy image although I wish I hadn’t read the lyrics on the inside of the CD insert but it’s too late for that now. Oh yeah, and they didn’t “record” this record like most bands do. No, it was “dedicated to tape.” I typically prefer bands that “lay down tracks” myself but they done it they way the done it, I guess—Joey Germ
THE GO-NUTS
Dunk and Cover (Lookout!)
These guys are total fucking Snack Rock, man! What else would you expect from a band called the Go-Nuts? If you said nuttiness, you are correct. With songs like “I See the Mona Lisa in My Pizza,” “Donut Princess,” and “(Let’s Bring) Cheese to Chine.” Yeah, they do a “cover” of Van Halen, “Hot for Twinkies.” Yeah, they do a hell of a lot of brand name dropping but if you like donuts or any snack for that matter, you’ll love the Go-Nuts—P.C. Jones
GRANDPA’S GHOST
II Baccio (Upland)
Grandpa’s Ghost has been labled psychedelic, No Depression, roots rock, etc., and while those labels certainly hold true in some respects, they weren’t labels that jumped to my mind when I first heard Il Baccio. That’s not to say that it defies categorization ’cause when people start putting that kiss-of-death anti label label on music I usually hit the eject button and take a little nap. When there are vocals in songs and everything comes together with some sort of cohesion and structure, it does have an alt.country feel, but more often than not, it’s just loose, sonic, spectral noise in space and if I may borrow a line from their press sheet: “If you can dig that, well fuck-a-doodle-doo—Irresistible Frank
GROOVIE GHOULIES
Travels with My Amp (Lookout!)
Groovie Ghoulies are a fun, cartoon kind of punk pop band that seem to owe a debt of gratitude to The Ramones as well as garage rock, B-movies and other assorted ghost and goblins. Travels with My Amp is a 30 song 14 minute journey in an old jalopy with the grooviest of ghoulies, The Groovie Ghoulies!—P.C. Jones
H. CHINASKY
Smaller-Sized Jar with an Idea (DPG)
H. Chinasky have been playing together for ten years and they’re from Wisconsin–no small feat. What this record reminds me of almost immediately is the Grifters, One Sock Missing, in particular, which is one kick-ass fuckin’ record according to me. There’s a similar feel with H. Chinasky. It’s that melody and groove buried under whatever else happens to be going on in the room at the time and if you’re willing to play it a few times, you’ll find it without having to try too hard—P.C. Jones
IN MY EYES
Nothing to Hide (Relevation)
With the goal of playing the kind of hardcore they grew up on, this straightedge Boston hardcore band definitely succeed in paying tribute to the HC of yesteryear, going so far as to name their band after a Minor Threat song. But where a band like Fugazi, that IME no doubt admire more than a little, took hardcore and turned it into something new and interesting, In My Eyes, at least in my eyes, took hardcore, did nothing with it, and while it may be very earnest, it’s also very boring—Jayne Wayne
I SEE SPOTS
Cantilevered Heart (Arlington)
Oh yeah, well I see dead people so don’t complain. That aside, I See Spots is a DC area duo of Sean O’Brien and Joel Rosenquist. With added instrumentation provided by O’Brien and Peter Vidito this duo, or trio if you will (and I heard you will) create mellow, jangly, sparse tunes that set a melancholy mood that will provide further support to your already cantilevered heart—Jayne Wayne
JANIS FIGURE
Damage Control (O&O)
The singer sounds like the dude from Kyuss only cheesier. This trio tries too hard to be ROCK. Sometimes it does rock but there’s really no subtlety in its unabashed attempt to rock. This is just a little too bad-top-forty-rockish for my tastes, but it may do well for the lads in the short run. Who knows? Most certainly not me—P.C. Jones
THE KILLINGTONS
The Killingtons (MEG)
Emocore as performed by four young fellows from some such place. Sounds like Shudder to Think without the dynamic guitar sound. And what do you get when you have Shudder to Think without the dynamic guitar sound? That’s right, one serious, arty and pretentious vocalist. But despite my resistance to such pretty music, it’s OK I sat through it twice and I feel rather sullen and I’m ok—Joey Germ
LAMB OF GOD
New American Gospel (Prosthetic)
This is some seriously heavy music from the metal gospel according to Lamb of God. Formerly Burn the Priest, this Richmond, VA team are hard, tight, and have relentless attacking power and pounding machine gun double bass beats. It will restore your faith in metal n case you lost it along the way somewhere—Muggsy McMurphy
LORENZO MUSIC
Schematic (Crustacean)
Lad back, loungy-type music that aspires to be Tom Waits but fails pretty miserably. The lyrics are not as clever as they try very hard to be. I wouldn’t call this easy listening as it was actually very difficult—Jayne Wayne
THE MR. T EXPERIENCE
The Miracle of Shame (Lookout!)
MTX have been cranking out the pop, pop, poppy punk rock for about 15 years and although I am largely unfamiliar with their body of work as a whole, I do have this EP in which to study. This would appear to be a slight departure for Dr. Frank and company. In addition to the two full-on, straight ahead pop songs, “Spy vs. Spy” and “Mr Ramones,” which I don’t care much for, are “Leave the Thinking to the Smart People” and “Stephanies of the World Unite” which the accompanying label propaganda likens to the sounds of My Bloody Valentine or Sprititualized which is really pushing it, however, it is an infinitely more interesting approach than, for example, the last tune “I Don’t Know Where Dan Treacy Lives,” a mostly acoustic, pretty self-indulgent chore to listen to. So I guess what I’m saying is; more of one, less of the other—Jayne Wayne
THE MOTOR CITY BURGERS
Escape from Detroit (Talking Trash)
A blend of bad funk, metal and a dash of rap, peppered with sexual bravado and what is probably intended to be sexy, a la Anthony Kiedis, lyrics from tough actin’ white boyz who are more than likely just frontin’. This could be a joke but it ain’t funny. It could be good but the recording sucks which does little to help the mediocre musicianship. The real tragedy is that in spite of all these things it still could be entertaining but it ain’t—Muggsy McMurphy
MOONEY SUZUKI
People Get Ready (Estrus)
(CD and live and the Fireside Bowl). Totally competent rocking out in the en vogue 1963 via 1969 style, but we really need to put an end to the Preacher Man persona that so many lead singers are adopting these days. Mark my words, if I hear another singer address the audience as, “Brothers and Sisters,” I will kill him. Can I get a witness?—Mike Dixon
THE MOVIE LIFE
This Time Next Year (Revelation)
From the heartwrenching joyous track, “I Hope You Die,” to the uplifting, “It’s Monday and Raining,” The Movielife take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and by roller coaster ride of emotions I mean anger to angst in ten seconds flat. This sounds like many an emo band I’ve heard in the last three or so years. Nothing really elevates if from the pack, or the herd, as it were. But the kids dig it, and who am I to judge the sounds of the new generation? I am simply a bitter and jaded old fool whose time has sadly passed and all I ask in return is for some innovation from these little crybaby punks. Is that a lot to ask? Why yes, yes it is—Joey G.
MUDHONEY
March to Fuzz (Sub Pop)
While two hours may seem like a long time to spend with these guys, this career spanning retrospective zips along quite nicely. It’s divided evenly between greatest hits and rarities, three sides each, revealing Mudhoney to be a relatively diverse bunch. Will history be kind enough to crown them kings of Grunge? I think so. While I can’t imagine myself ever voluntarily listening to Nirvana again, I’m looking forward to sharing March to Fuzz with my grandchildren—Al Gore
THE NERVE AGENTS
Days of the White Owl (Revelations)
Make-up wearing SF punk rockers playing that tight-ass, angry punk rock music which I must admit all starts sounding the same after awhile. But it sounds good, it looks good, and I bet they can lay it down live but I got a couple dozen CDs already that sound like this. No matter. Just what does the White Owl do during the day anyway? That’s really the only unanswered question—Jayne Wayne
NO USE FOR A NAME
More Betterness (Fat Wreck Chords)
No Use for a Name? No use for a band. More Betterness? No betterness. This is pretty uninspired and bland punk rock and contrary to overwhelming public opinion, I get no satisfaction in saying that—P.C. Jones
OLD SCHOOL 101
Pura Vida (Victory)
This is old school, man! Which is to say, don’t worry about having to listen to any fresh new sounds, concepts or ideas. This is punk like they played it back in the day, only it’s not as good as I remember it. Maybe ’cause that’s when it wasn’t old school—Frank the Irresistible
PARASITES
Compost (Go-Kart)
Parasites: pop punk band that packs a punch. Problem is, I eat pop punk bands for lunch—Joey Germ
THE PIETASTERS
Awesome Mix Tape #6 (Hellcat)
Not just a ska band, The Pietasters start before, and finish much after so many of the so-called ska bands that wiped out on the last wave of ska, They actually seem to have an understanding of the music that goes beyond the Specials. Not only that. The Pietasters can actually play reggae and ska that sound authentic, they can toast, they can rock, their horns sound like they’re played by guys who have more experience with their instruments than high school pep band and they obviously love pie, as we all do—P.C. Jones
PINHEAD CIRCUS
Everything Else is a Forgone Conclusion (BYO)
Scooter, Trevor and Brandon can serve up the three chord punk with the rest of them!—Joey Germ
PLAN A PROJECT
Spirit of a Soldier (Go-Kart)
Pretty basic, stripped down punk rock. It’s decent, but for the sake of argument, gentlemen, let’s hear Plan B—Joey Germ
PISTOL WHIPPED
Too Much Excitement (Beluga)
There’s no such thing as too much excitement, but I’ll tell you what I am (almost) too excited about (and I never get excited, or so I’ve been told by people who appear more excited than I am about things) is this CD! It’s got more pop gems (“Friend of Mine”) and some sad country flavored tunes (“Plains of Nebraska”) and some angry punk songs (“Have a Nice Day”) and if I sound like a pistol whipped geek, you’ll have to excuse me, I am a pistol whipped geek—Irresistible Frank
PLASTIC
Spritual Kung Fu (Crustacean)
A bit of a departure from what I’ve come to expect from Crustacean, which has been pretty much straight-ahead rawk, but Plastic seems to be an attempt to put all the chickens in one basket. From reading the biography of this Madison quintet, it seems that this fresh, innovative group took the “psychotic genius of Pink Floyd” and the brilliance of Smashing Pumpkins” and somehow one-upped both of these million+ sellers with their own psychotic and brilliant blend of psychedelic, pop and dance. But there’s really no hooks, groove or “phat” beats on this slooooow moving record and I don’t see how anybody could really dance to this–even white people!—Jayne Wayne
RIVER CITY REBELS
Racism, Religion and War (Victory)
Like it or not, RCR reminds me of Rancid in the way that Rancid remind me of the Clash. Therefore RCR remind me of the Clash and I am unapologetic in my love for the Clash City Rockers. One difference, however, and there are several, is the use of a horn section, giving it that ska angle without really sounding ska. I am unapologetic in my lack of tolerance for the faux ska. The Rebels sing songs about hate (“Hate”), religion (“Religion”) and Corporate America (“Corporate America”). Hell yeah—P.C. Jones
SAMIAM
Astray (Hopeless)
Better than average, melodic punk rock doing that loud/quiet, hard/soft arrangement thing. Pretty catchy. The singer reminds me of Greg Duli at times. Sorry so short on the review but the timer just went off on the oven. Pizza! S’later—Hungry
THE SELBY TIGERS
Charm City (Sub City)
I like this St. Paul band, Selby Tigers. They’ve got a right-on rock sound with the male/female vocal action. Yes, quite a charming little CD and don’t let ’em fool yah, these are the droids you’re looking for—Joey Germ
SHELTER
When 20 Summers Pass (Victory)
Shelter is a part of a musical genre that I didn’t know existed until now, krishnacore and that’s melodic hardcore with an “uplifting and optimistic perspective.” Despite the invention of a new name for something that has been around for quite some time, Shelter do indeed deliver on the promise of hook-ladden hardcore with a positive, drug- and meatfree lifestyle, straight-edge I think they used to call it. So if you’re feeling weary, your troubles got you down–seek Shelter—Jayne Wayne
SHUTDOWN
Few and Far Between (Victory)
Aggressive, angry, NY-style hardcore with some heavy (metal?) guitars eschewing a positive, uplifting and inspirational message. I’m not a big fan of the vocals, they never travel very far from the throat-ripping, unintelligible hardcore rants, but that’s the game, I guess—P.C. Jones
THE SMUGGLERS
Rosie (Lookout!)
So this record came out a year ago. Yes, it has probably been sitting on or under some desk here at Wiglar HQ collecting dust while some burnout collected a paycheck for supposedly reviewing this and others. Never mind all that, this CD by Vancouver BC’s Smuggler’s will surely stand the test of time with their high energy, their passion and their love for a girl (any girl) named Rosie. A cover of the Kinks “I’ll Remember” and Brownsville Station’s “Kings of the Party,” the Dr. Frank penned “Coffee, Tea or Me,” make this an action-packed power punch just in time for the new millennium which of course could be this year or last year which would make this review really late or right on time—P.C. Jones
SPOT
Unhalfbaking (Upland)
Spot, whose name as engineer has appeared on some of the best fucking records to spurt out of the 80s underground punk rock) or post punk) music scene (or movement or whatever), passes his time now as somewhat of a wandering minstrel playing a guitar or a mandolin or banjo, or etc. This CD is a collection of tunes, both original and traditional, folk ditties and Irish jigs. Spot provides the greater portion on the disc’s instrumentation himself playing the heretofore mentioned stringed instruments. Joe Carducci summed it up best in what should probably have been the liner notes: “Old school, hell! This is preschool!” alluding of course to the pre-rock styles of music covered on this album—Joey Germ
THE STOP & LISTEN BOYS
Monkey Junk (Upland)
This is a collection of folk music that was recorded over a period of three years in Colorado and Wyoming. Most are covers and of what I can only assume are folk and bluegrass classics (or at least well-known songs, easily recognized by people who know about such things). The 11-track CD also features a few originals by S&L Boys, David Lightbourne and John Marz. Since I’m thoroughly unfamiliar with folk music outside of legendary names like Pete Seger and Woodie Guthrie, all I can really say is that this CD is a welcome departure from most of the music that finds its way into the Reglar Wiglar POB. Nope, don’t get much mandolin, banjo, string, bass or banjitar ’round here. Maybe that’ll change. I wouldn’t complain—P.C. Jones
SUCKA PUNCH
Bustin’ Roids (Fishbowl)
You know, you can’t always judge a CD by its cover. I say can’t always because in many, many instances, I have judged CDs by their cover and correctly. In the case of Sucka Punch and their release Bustin’ Roids I judged correctly. Yes, as much as I hate the name of their band, the name of their CD, their poor taste in cover art and their goofy face-making selves on the back, they play passable ska music. (I was expecting it to be unpassable is my point)—P.C. Jones
TOILET CREATURES
What Are You Staring At? (Smart Ass)
The Toilet Creatures? They stink! Of course that would be the obvious and easy route to take; quick play off the band name. Actually, that sums it up pretty nicely. Horrible recording of very basic punk rock songs (all you can really hear is the guitar and drums), ridiculous song titles (“Corn Detassling”), etc. But I think these guys are in high school up there in Minn-a-soda (that’s Minnesota for you people out there unfamiliar with the way those goofy bastards talk) so I’m gonna cut them and their Cottage Grove Mushcore (and the godawful cover art) some slack. Awwwww. Don’t say the Germ don’t have a heart—Joey Germ
VANDALS
Look What I Almost Stepped In (Nitro)
Look what I almost listened to! Sorry, that was too good to pass up. Actually, I like the Vandals, they’re my favorite rock athletes; the way they leap over the hurdles of good taste with such grace and aplomb, it’s really fascinating. They play good punk rock with the funny and clever lyrics like the jab at major label sell-out band on “Behind the Music”: “We’re in it for the art, but we’d like to see it chart.”. Blink 182, that’s for you, man!—P.C. Jones
VARIOUS
0 to 60 in 73 Bands (No!No!)
The idea behind this compilation is that most songs (radio-friendly or not) are too damn long. So here’s 73 bands that fire it up and crank it out and basically get it done in under 60 seconds. The No!No! guys sent out a shitload of postcards to bands listed in Book Your Own Fucking Life and what you have here is those bands who responded from countries as far away as Brazil, France, UK, Italy, Scotland, Lithuania, Israel, Mexico, Canada and Rhode Island. Songs by Useless ID, Flesheating Creeps, Oi Polloi, and Team Satan—B.S. Brown
VARIOUS
Chica-go-go (Beluga)
As the title suggests this CD is the soundtrack to Chicago’s beloved Chic-a-go-go dance show extravaganza starring Ratso and Miss Mia. Included on the CD are songs by Bobby Conn, Pansy Division, Kelly Hogan, and The Dishes and of course the “Chic-a-go-go Theme” by the Goblins. There’s also some soundbites from Ratso’s interviews with The Monks, Lemmy (Motorhead) and Jello Biafra—Jayne Wayne
VARIOUS
East Timor Benefit Album (Idols of the Marketplace)
This is a benefit release from Community Aid Abroad which is an Australian organization that helps refugees of Indonesia’s political turmoil. It’s got some good songs on it, most notably from Ramon & Beezus, Smoking Popes (yes, I’ll admit to liking it, tell no one!), The Mudkids, and a crazy rock opera from the now defunct Idiot Flesh whom I’ve never heard of but wish I would have had a chance to see live—Jayne Wayne
VARIOUS
Fall Asleep to This (Smart Ass)
Thanks, I will—Joey Germ
VARIOUS
Go-Kart Records Vs The Corporate Giant 2 (Go-Kart)
A thoroughly delightful variety of punk rock gems compiled by your friends at Go-Kart records. Anti-Flag, Buzzcocks and Lunachicks are the list toppers for me. Also features those crazy fucking Candy Snatchers, The Unseen and Boris the Sprinkler and a few previously unreleased songs from Anti-Flag and Down by Law making this a pretty freakin’ solid and enjoyable compilation—Irresistible Frank
VARIOUS
The “Gone with the Wind” of Punk Rock Samplers (Kung Fu)
Actually, I was thinking this was more of the Thornbirds of punk rock samplers but since I don’t know what that means I’ll move on. This has got some good stuff on it, including various Vandal’s tracks (always entertaining, as well as Josh Freese who I am now a fan of), Apocalypse Hoboken with “Little Finger” which is probably the best song from Microstars, three songs from Assorted Jelly Beans that sound a lot better than I remember the Beans sounding. Of course, there’s a godawful song on there by MxPx which I suspect is only there to sell a couple more copies but I’ll let it slide since it’s only one song out of nineteen—Joey Germ
VARIOUS
Victory Style 4 (Victory)
All twenty-three of your favorite Victory bands are on this twenty-three song CD sampler: Earth Crisis, River City Rebels, Hatebreed, Electric Frankenstein, Boy Sets Fire… have I mentioned your favorite band yet? Snapcase, Catch 22, Reach the Sky… well have I or haven’t I, ’cause there’s fifteen more and I ain’t got all fuckin’ day—Joey Germ
THE VICTORIA PRINCIPLE
Mis en Scens (Ruido Union)
Raise your hand if you’re tired of clever play-on-a-famous-person’s-name band names? Holy shit, there’s a lot of you out there. Anyway, since this is not three chord power pop punk, I will let it slide. Yes, much to my surprise this is a much slower, more intricate–I will dare say, more arty by far. It’s somber, mostly instrumental guitar music from Richmond, VA where there really is no straight ahead anything, everything teeters on math rock—P.C. Jones
THE WEIRD LOVEMAKERS
Live–Bigger Than a Cookie, Better Than a Cake (eMpTy)
A new live CD from the Lovemakers that does a dandiful (not a word) job of capturing the spirit of a band I’ve never seen live. This CD sounds just like I imagine they would sound if I did seen ’em live. does this make any friggin’ sense? Recorded in 1999 at the Breakroom in Seattle, this is a limited release and I already got one of ’em so run you freak!—Joey Germ
WINTHROPES
You Mean to Tell Me That All We Got is a SIX PACK! (Rare)
Pour yourself a glass of warm milk and grab a pillow, kiddies, we got a Winthropes CD! Just remember, a review from Joey Germ is like a review from no one at all—Joey Germ
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