The Very Best Of 2007

I have not heard every record released this year, and I'm sure if you ask me to make this list in a few weeks, it will be different. But for now I present to you the Top 7 records of 2007. I wont be giving them stars because they are all awesome and I'm not going to devise a "4 and one tenth of a star" system. I made my selections not only based on the music within each record but how important a release it was to both the band and music as a whole. Comments are welcome, but I'm always right so criticism will be ignored.

Top 7 of '07

7. The Unseen's Internal Salvation

You know, a lot of times The Unseen get lumped in with a bunch of other shitty mohawk-ish bands, but they really are a step above the norm. All Music Guide has their first album listed as released in 1998, which I believe is false, as I recall having their debut record in 9th grade, putting it to be released around 1996. Either way, after releasing a ton of records in however many years, their 2007 release is their best since 1999's "So This Is Freedom." They haven't changed what they are singing about, or the way in which they say it. To sum up: 'fuck the system, do it your own way.' That being said the band does continue to grow and tighten up as musicians. The only thing I was dissapointed by on this record is the cover song at the end. I remember "Every Rose has its Thorn" "Beat It" and "Paint it Black" from their previous albums, and their cover on this record a song by The Freeze, is good, but I long for the olden days. Still a really great release from a band that has been really great for a long time. Keep up the screamin boys.

Up the punks, huh?

6.Ben Weasel and his Iron String Quartet's These Ones are Bitter

I gave this record a thorough review a few months ago and every word I wrote remains true. This album is like checking in with an old friend, and finding out he took singing lessons. After repeat listens this still stand up to the test. A little less rocking than a Screeching Weasel record, but still awesome. He still writes in a very personal way and he seems to have perfected his style here.

Definitely worth checking out for anyone, even if you don't like Screeching Weasel, and especially for those who wanted more from Ben's first solo album... You know, I only initially gave this 3 stars. I think I was having a bad day. This is a really good record certainly worthy of more than 3. In retrospect I would venture to call it a 4 star release.

5.Tiger Army's Music from Regions Beyond

I've read several things about Tiger Army "selling out" on this record and becoming more commercial. I never enjoyed a Tiger Army album until this one, so maybe its a good thing they polished their sound a little bit. The album still rocks as hard as anything else, especially the first two tracks. And the slow ones are still really well done. Nick 13's vocals soar on the 'ballads' and he growls on the songs he should be. I actually am more fond of this record when they mellow out a little bit. I think "Afterworld" and "Forever Fades Away" and of course the tear jerking last song "Where the Moss Slowly Grows" are the best tracks on the album. Not having any idea what the song is really about, but still finding it beautiful, I find myself weeping along with the band and singing "Embrace, this joy, this pain. Don't miss this chance, it will not come again. You mean more than you may ever knooooow, don't linger where the moss slowly grows." Excellent album, even if you were never a fan of the band.

4.The Vacancies' Tantrum

Again, there is a full review of this record a few months back. It really is good (the album not the review...well the review is pretty good too). I was a huge fan of their previous release and after re-listening to each back to back I have come to a conclusion: This one is superior. Ok, it doesn't have a screaming "Cleavland!!!" to begin its first track... but I promise you will still be excited by the way this album begins. After the first one minute assault the whole thing crashes into you ear drums, and continues to rock for 14 tracks. Including a 7Seconds cover song!! The band takes two breaths from the breakneck pace on the whole record in "Joe Strummer" which is a really fantastic song. And boy oh boy can singer Billy Crooked scream. You will never hear Joe Strummer's name the same again. The closing track is a quiet song featuring just Crooked and a guitar. As a whole this album is the real deal, and these guys deserve to be more popular than most bands releasing trash these days. Viva la Vacancies!

3.Chuck Ragan's Los Feliz and Feast or Famine

Combining the two releases seemed the only way to go. As the live "Los Feliz" was more of a teaser for the studio record, "Feast or Famine". It's difficult to pick which versions are better, live or studio. You can actually feel the songs on the live record. This is a man who means what he is singing...with his gravely voice and acoustic guitar alone he is capable of making you forget where you are and entering the song. You say thing to yourself like "well damn, he really loves the heck out of his wife" after hearing the very moving "Symmetry" especially on the studio version (he fumbles the lines a bit on the live record...but then he apologizes to his wife saying "doesn't mean I love you any less baby" awwww) The whole collection of songs are more of a love song to his own life, but It's not self indulgent.... it's more of a way to tell his friends and fans that he may have left Hot Water Music but he is really enjoying the shit out of his life. His blend of folk and traditional music really lends itself to his vocals and the subject matter. Not so hidden though are the political songs, including "For Broken Ears" and "Between The Lines" and the best track on both records "California Burritos" which includes the brilliant line "I can't stand feeling nothing, I can't stand feeling old. I can't stand standing for nothing, when standing up is all I know" Highlight between the two records: on the live record he sings a song called "God Deciding" which goes right into "Fixin' to Die" both songs seem to push Mr. Ragan's vocals to the limit, but he pushes right back and you can hear how bad he wants to sing these songs for people. Good work sir. I look forward to many more albums to "Open Up and Wail" along with.

2.Against Me's New Wave

Another polished album by veterans. In 20 years this album will still be in my top 5 of all time. It is that damn good. The whole album is only about 30 minutes long so I would suggest setting aside 15-20 hours in a day and listening to this on repeat. From the very first sound on track one, the title track, you know you are in for a treat. Its like that scene in SLC Punk when Bob plays "Kiss Me Deadly" for Stevo, and he turns to him and says "This is new...its different" (or something like that, it's been a while since I have seen that movie). This record has the same effect. You want to share it with people, but you don't want your favorite secret to be out. Well, after this release, the secret is out about Against Me. Their unique blend of folk/punk reaches its pinnacle on this release. With lines like "We can be the bands we wanna hear. We can define our own generation" you know that they are in it to win this time. Polished or not singer Tom Gabel still bellows through the 10 tracks. Similar to Chuck Ragan, what Tom Gabel lacks in range he makes up for with emotion-tenfold. With songs like "Up The Cuts" where he howls the question "Are you restless like me?" in a plea for the music industry to do something that matters, I respond to him that I was restless until this record, now I'm anxious for another. Every song can be listened to on different levels. You can dance to nearly every one, or you could pump your fist and be angry at the world, or you could sit with headphones on and just enjoy the tunes. Major Label or not they brought the rock with them to Sire Records. Sure they toned it down a bit, they have a few more harmonies, some more radio-ish songs. But this is Against Me's absolute best record. There is not a moment on the album where they lose your attention or where they seem to falter. The whole thing spans numerous topics from life decisions to politics to being born the wrong sex (maybe I just don't get the metaphor??) To be cheesey for one moment: You have to Stop! Take some time to think, think about whats important to you, and buy this record. I am not exaggerating about this being next to Abbey Road in my list of all time records. If I haven't convinced you than listen to it once. I guarantee that you will hit play again as soon as the last song is over.

1. Gogol Bordello's SuperTaranta!

How could anything be better than the Against Me album? You ain't heard nothin yet. Gogol Bordello continues to be one of the most original and innovative bands making music today. This record is like a shot of vodka. At first its kind of weird, but once it soaks in you get all warm and realize that this might be the greatest thing that ever happened to you. The most endearing thing about this band is that they are just playing the music that they grew up with, being assembled from many different countries :Israel, Ethiopia, USA, The Ukraine etc...

The album is pure energy from start to finish. It is the very definition of what a rock and roll album should be. I would venture to say that an entire course could be taught based on this record. It is original, it questions conventions of law and religion, it is loud fast and you can dance to it. I think that very soon more and more people will start to sit up and realize just how brilliant this band is. And this will be the album they talk about. From the minute it stars with "If we are here not to do, what you and I want to do and go forever crazy with it, why the hell are we even here" you are embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. The opening track explodes with a rousing intro, leading into singer Euge Hutz's theme song "Wonderlust King" which is an example of what he is so good at in his song writing. Making large problems seem easily solved and small and manageable. All he wants here is for everyone in every country to get along and experience what he has by learning new cultures and races and religions. No big deal. Race, origin, and religion prove to be a large part of the record. Hutz does not judge or push, he is more informing us of his supertheory. He lives a life fulfilled because he has accepted so many cultures and traditions into his life. Why can't everyone subscribe to this "Supertheory of Supereverything." Towards the middle of the record comes "Tribal Connections" which proclaims "Gonna turn frustrations into inspiration, whatever demons are there, we gonna set them free". I have a soft spot for songs like this because Eugene and company seem to think that music can change the world, which I happen to agree with. He elaborates in "Forces of Victory" with the line "spread good music and good poetry joining forces of the victory" this song ,incidentally, has an "outro" of about a minute in which he repeats "I can't go on, I will go on" several times and it proves to be one of the rockin-est moments on the record. The song "Alcohol" tells a story of the oldest love/hate relationship in the world: man vs. the bottle.

"Suddenly...(I miss Carpathy)" is a song about Hutz's homeland, and is sung half in Ukrainian(like several song are on the record) but manages to still make you understand what he is going through just by the inflections in his voice. This is a man committed to his heritage, but still forging ahead to change the perception of heritage. Which is elaborated on in "Your Country" with lines like "What are all these countries? How did they appear? Who cut up the cake? Who brought up all this gear?" Now think about that, sweet baby girl ohhh. "American Wedding" teases American folks for having lame weddings, "Where is the musician that got the taste? Where is the supply that gonna last 3 days?" One of the only purely playful track on the album this is really a great tune. Its fun, it rocks and its easy to sing along to: "Ta-tarant-ta- ra - ta -ra"

The closing number is indeed an epic. Bringing all of the themes of the record together in one line, the band lets loose and gives us the gift of perhaps the best rock and roll instrumental to ever be recorded. It soars through the musical and cultural themes of every song preceding it and it is like a six and a half minute epilogue to a trip you have just taken across the world.

May Gogol Bordello and Eugene Hutz continue to spread their Supertheory of Supereverything and change the world. Or at least keep making records.

This album will change how you look at music. The difference between what can be written and recorded and what IS being written and recorded is realized in this album. Buy this and play it for everyone you know. Then make them buy it. And always remember "If you 'll remember those before and the ones that yet to come. Than above suffer of it all, triumphs the union of souls". -from "Forces of Victory"

All Selections and Reviews by Pete.

The Tossers: The Valley of The Shadow of Death

If you're lucky enough to be Irish, than you're lucky enough.

Reviewed By: Pete

It seems that "Celtic rock" or "Irish Punk" has muscled its way into the forefront of music these days. You have your obvious Kings of the Court: Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, and The Pouges. And your endless amount of insufferable imitators like the the Bloody Irish Boys have tainted the genre slightly, but I would like to introduce you to: The Tossers. They will 'un-taint' (eww) anything any band could every do. Pre-dating both the Mollys and the Murphys their brand of Irish/Punk/Folk/Rock is unstoppable, and creates some beautiful and haunting songs, especially on "The Valley of the Shadow of Death" their 2005 release, and their first on Victory records.

From the opening chords on "Goodmornin' Da" you can tell these guys are different than the bands they are constantly compared with. The singer, Tony Duggins, has a voice that is gruff and full of thousands of tales of drinking and lost love and friends. Along with the opening track, the next one, "A Criminal of Me" keeps the party going with more fast paced dancin tunes.

Track 3 , "No Loot, No Booze, No Fun" slows things down a little and sounds like a drunken waltz, except for the subject matter which in the second verse includes snorting coke till you tun blue...

Track 4, The Crock of Gold, should have been separated into two fantastic songs... but instead it has a 3 minute intro which is great but still proves to be one of the only flaws on the whole record. It takes forever to actually get into the song.

Next up is "Late" one of the standout track on the record. Contains an absolutely beautiful chorus "I'm here for you, only to adore you. You mean Everything to me" The slow and muted execution of this song alone is worth the price of admission.

The next few songs are two more reasons why you should be wearing your dancing shoes when listening to this record. "Drinking in the Day" is another slower and very pretty song, despite its story of being drunk before noon (which may very well be a beautiful thing) the only problem is the intro again. There is a two and a half minute spoken word intro that is kind of creepy. But this song includes some great lines such as "She said I'll have a drink with you, but I said you'll have to pay. For a comprehensive education on drinkin in the day" and "Bestowing ancient wisdom of what made me this way, here it is: Deny your friends and family, to serve you must betray... always talk to strangers and make love with whom you may"

The next three songs are each an example of different styles of traditional music, which is really where The Tossers shine. Stick to playing what you know and if it ends up a little faster and a little more "punk rock" than other bands than thats just how its going to be.

The last track is the best on the record. "The Valley of the Shadow of Death" a looming and slightly depressing beginning blossom into a jazzy drum beat and a violin leading the way. With Tony growling along every measure of the way. The chorus repeats several times but never loses its effect. Near the halfway mark in the song everything drops out except the vocals and a little mandolin action. It seems that in this sad portion of the song the band is building up steam, (most likely they all did an Irish car bomb while the singer and mandolin player were recording that part) because when they come back after Tony howls "if only in my dreams...well, come to me in my dreams..." everything, even the soothing violin from the beginning, sounds angry. And the song takes on a life of its own running away like a freight train and fading out on a really great record that does not receive nearly enough recognition. Perhaps being on Victory Records doesn't help. Almost a perfect album. But those damn extended intros piss me off... still 4 1/2 stars ain't nothin to laugh at.

Get this record. Now. You will be happy you did.

The Tossers' The Valley of the Shadow of Death

Released 2005

Reviewed by Pete

The Bouncing Souls: The Gold Record

Forget about...The Things I said...This records' better...than all of them.

Reviewed by:Pete

I have been putting off this moment long enough. The review of The Gold Record. Goddamn. Not ever really being appropriately acquainted to The Bouncing Souls, and not even really wanting to be, I purchased this album on a whim having heard many good things. This record kicked my ass from start to finish. And has continued to do so at every single listen since June of 2006.

The very first track The Gold Song starts quietly with the sound of bottles hitting the floor, and then a sudden build up into an absurdly exciting chorus of "heys" which defies all reason and may be one of the single most energetic openings to any record ever. And thats just the first 20 seconds of the song. I could write 4 paragraphs about this song, but I will not. I'll only say that if you aren't ready to jump out of your seat after the breakdown when singer Greg Attonito proclaims "These dreams are yours and mine, that time can't take away"...and then the rest of the guys join him to yell "TAKE AWAY" well, if you arent jumping around then you probably aren't human.

The next track is "So Jersey" and is a perfect example of why punk rock doesn't have to be fast. This song could be sung by Bon Jovi or Bruce Springsteen. But thank the gods of Asbury Park that this is the Bouncing Souls offering this epic love note to their home state. The rock keeps coming with track 3 "Sounds of the City" another rabble rousing tune about making it through tough times. It has my single favorite moment on the whole record. The guitars slow down and the drums dominate, a seemingly traditional breakdown. But singer Attonito once again pulls no punches and bellows the last lines of the song, sending chills down ones spine. "One strength to see us through...hey all together this one goes out to you. We are not alone In this city that is our home." The emotion and heart that is poured into this one line, let alone this song is enough to make this record worth the price of admission. "The Pizza Song" comes next and I dont think there is anyone out there who can't picture this Tony's pizza joint, and put themselves in the environment the song effortlessly paints. "Sarah Saturday" comes next and slams into the side of your face like a truck. This is indeed the perfect song that makes me want to sing along that is referenced in the chorus. Next up is the first cover song on the album, "Better Things" originally recorded by The Kinks, the Souls version is (you guessed it) full of better things.

This brings us to the second half of the record kicking off with "The Messenger" where a blistering harmonica solo (!) segues into a plea to "Let all of the people hear it" apparently speaking about their music. "Lean On Sheena" is next, a cover song that so unbelievably dominates the original that they have destroyed all known recordings of it. (not really, but that would be cool). This song indeed speaks to many people, in many different ways, and is a shining achievement for this band. "Letters From Iraq" is a small departure from the style of the rest of the record, and as is true with most punk bands: "faster equals better." The lyrics are actual letters from a soldier in Iraq which makes it hit home, "They lost another friend today, its getting rough over there, they say the whole things fucked. I wish the boys were back, at least I'd know their still alive."

"The New Thing" lightens the mood up a bit, complete with gang vocals and hand claps. "Midnight Mile" is a great song about wanting something and having the courage to go and get it. The last chorus is one of the best moments on the album. Which brings us to the closing number "All the Unheard" a finale that would make anyone proud. The song is a dedication to all of the thousands of bands and kids out there who are still playing their music.

This album is better than most things any bands has ever done, and certainly is a crowning achievement for The Bouncing Souls. I think I have already said all that I can say about how great I think this record is, but I would close with a message for The Bouncing Souls:

"And we wanna say, thanks to the music in our lives,we give ourselves for all those lies.
Send some love to all the lonely, don't forget we're all one family.Thanks to the music in our lives, helpin us to survive.Lost in one lonely dream, born to run and LIVE FREE!"

5 Stars. Thats right.

reviewed by: Pete

Bad Religion: New Maps of Hell (and more... How do they keep doing this?)

Ya-Hey!!
reviewed by: Pete


So it appears a new Bad Religion record has exploded from wherever it is that ridiculously rocking albums explode from. I, for one, would like to present the theory that Bad Religion albums are genetically engineered by Mr. Brett and Greg Graffin to chemically include the most excitement per minute. But maybe they just record it in a studio like every other band.

After stumbling on No Substance and New America, Greg, Brett, Brian, Jay, Greg and Brooks have releases three fist pounding records. Almost as if they wanted us to forget the Atlantic days...


This new release starts off with yet another overture type, 52 Seconds, but quite honestly nothing can touch the overture slamming right into Sinister Rogue from 2004's The Empire Strikes First. Nevertheless jumping right into the action is Heroes and Martyrs which has every element of a perfect Bad Religion song, and it does not disappoint. The next 4 track blow the roof off of wherever you might be enjoying this record. Particularly the soaring chorus in New Dark Ages, and the unreasonably exciting backing "ooozzin ahhhs" and "heys"and "requiem" from Requiem for Dissent.

Losing its footing momentarily, the album offers Honest Goodbye which falls pretty flat. But never fear, Dearly Beloved has the cure for any ailment its preceding track causes.


Never again losing its momentum the album rockets on for 8 more tracks. And not a bad one amongst them. Grains of Wrath has the harmonizing chorus we have all grown to love, as well as a pretty kick ass guitar solo from one of the three guitar geniuses present. Mr. Graffin's vocals are a focal point on the slightly subdued Lost Pilgrim. And keeping with the tradition from the last three records the album comes to a close with an epic song, Fields of Mars, but this time there is a piano (!) and it opens with a certified face melting lead line, again courtesy of one of the guitar folks.

Bad Religion cannot be stopped. For my money one of the absolute greatest bands of all time. Having gone through several line-up shifts over the years, this incarnation seems to be the best. Graffin and Mr. Brett's songwriting collaborations are spot on. Having been a band for almost 30 years its is certainly noteworthy that these graying punk rockers still maintain social relevance. They manage to channel the anger of their generation and still stay in touch with the youth of today. Blazing indictments of the government are abound as well as accusations thrown liberally at society, as if to scream "it will only change if you want it to!!!"

A huge contributor to their recent records excellence is drummer Brooks Wackerman. Hands down the best punk drummer out there. He has no fear about going for anything and seems completely at home playing with the band.

Of course rounding out their sound is Gret Hetson, Brian Baker, and Jay Bently. Excellent musicians. I look forward to Bad Religion's future releases. And as we have learned in the past even if they release 2 shitty records in a row, they will only come back twice as hard the next time. I think that as long as there is evil in the world Bad Religion will be here to help us combat it. Or at least write a freakin awesome song with kick ass drum and guitar parts, oh year, and some vocal harmony.

Yeah, so what if I'm giving this record 4 stars??? I challenge you to write and record a better album. I suppose one day I will review another CD that I give a bad review (please see our review of the new Coheed and Cambria album...BOO!!!) but where is the fun in that?

Long Live Bad Religion.

Ben Weasel and His Iron String Quartet: These Ones Are Bitter

My Right to say what I want, and release a CD on ITUNES...


reviewed by: Pete

I am probably one of the biggest Screeching Weasel fans out there. I have every album, even the shitty ones, I have read the Ben Weasel books, I have had two different white Weasel shirts, and (check this out) my copy of "boogadaboogadaboogada" has a green cover, not a pink one. What I have always found endearing was the simplicity in the songs, and how they were almost given merit by the emotion in Ben Weasel's voice. Even if he was singing about characters from Happy Days having sex, or one of the Brady family snapping and disposing of the rest of the bunch. When his first solo album, "Fidatevi", came out a few years ago I instantly ordered it and greedily listened to it over and over again. Only to slowly realize that it kind of sucked. There were a few good tracks but they were overshadowed the poor production value and the fact that the playing, singing and songwriting was all pretty sub-par.

Cut to 2007. First of all releasing this new record as a digital release only is kind of frustrating. I like to be able to hold the CD and look through the booklet a thousand times, reading the lyrics and trying to really get a feel for the song. Plus I can't possibly put a burnt CD into one of my CD booklets...can I? Packaging notwithstanding, I was certainly wary about this because of his previous solo release, but after checking out a few songs on his myspace page I decided I would take the risk. What I found was quite a surprise. Mr. Weasel seems to have had the same feelings about "Fidatevi" as I did, and attempts here in "These Ones Are Bitter" to right the wrongs of his previous outing, and mostly succeeds.

His "Iron String Quartet" consists of members of Alkaline Trio and All American Rejects. Also, according to the liner notes (that I downloaded) it is also produced by a member of The All American Rejects. I can say that from the very first note on opening track "Let Freedom Ring" it sounds like the song could be squeezed onto any Screeching Weasel album and no one would ever notice the difference. Only one thing that would tip people off:Ben Weasel sounds really really good here. Hands down the best vocal performance of his to date. He still has his smarmy, attitude drenched whine, but its smoother and sounds as if he has been practicing. The music is great, and the production value is top of the line. The songs are typical, straight forward punk rock tunes, but more of a guitar driven sound dominates this release than previous Weasel material.

There are two songs mentioning a girl named Jeanette, presumably someone in Ben Weasel's life. Or maybe he just liked the way the name rhymed with stuff. The two songs "All Over" and "Jeanette" feature lines such as "You're sour all over baby" and "Spitting your venom one minute and then shamelessly changing your tone again" which both make me think that maybe this Jeanette person is a bitch...

There are plenty of high points aside from those mentioned above. The ongoing theme of the seasons returns here on "The First Day of Spring" an excellent entry in the series. "Blue is the Ocean" has a great guitar line as it fades out. Fast forward a few tracks and you find "Addition by Subtraction" a classic poppy Weasel song, which is as good as any song any other band is writing now. The record comes to a close with two great tracks, "In a Bad Place" is as epic a song as Weasel has ever written. It is slow, and building to the climax he has learned exactly when its time to hit the distortion pedal and sing a little louder. It sounds like "Last Night" from their album ""Emo" except sung by an adult. It closes with the repeating chorus "How could the Sun Be so Cold". The last track is "Only in November" which is a perfect way to close out this record, with Weasel singing about past loves, mistakes, and how he doesn't care about them anymore.

I don't listen to Screeching Weasel as much as I used. I guess when you get older you decide you need more 'complicated' and grown up music. Well screw that. I'm going to go listen to "My Brain Hurts" and "Emo". I was almost at two and a half star for this, but then I realied how damn good Ben Weasel really does sound, and also how much better this is than his previous solo record. I recommend you pick up (http://www.itunes.com/) this record because it isn't the best but it will help you remember why you loved Screeching Weasel in the first place.

High Points:

Let Freedom Ring

Got My Number

The First Day of Spring

Addition by Subtraction

In a Bad Place

Only In November

Low Points:

Give It Time. and thats about it.

Ben Weasel and His Iron String Quartet's These Ones Are Bitter

Released in 2007

Westbound Train:Transitions

I'm Sorry Mama I never meant to make you dance, so tonight I'm cleanin out my closet.

Reviewed by: Pete

Listen to this album without tapping your feet and swaying a little. I freakin dare you. Of course you couldn't do it. Westbound Train is the real deal. They took elements of ska / reggae / soul /motown /blues and funkified it. No distorted guitars or crazy drum parts. Just good old fashion jamming.

The record opens with a great ska tune in "Please Forgive Me", which starts you off on a trip around several different genres. Not trapping themselves into any conventions is the best thing a band can do, it ensures that nothing is ever stale or overplayed. Westbound Train has mastered that concept. In "Good Enough" there is a distinctly traditional reggae feel, but the very next track "For The First Time" feels like a Stevie Wonder song (both in music and lyrics). A few tracks later, when "I'm No Different" starts out, I don't think anyone would have been surprised if Sam Cooke started singing instead of the regular singer. (Who, incidentally, is Obi Fernandez). "I'm Gone" sounds like a blues song played in Jamaica, which plays directly into the big band style horns of the next track "The Runaround" which features a great rapping verse focused on the slight imperfections of the singers voice, which make it sound awesome.

When it comes to musicianship these guys ain't no joke. There are two mostly instrumental tracks, "Soul Revival" being the superior. It is just a fun, organ driven dance song with occasional one line inspirations such as "No time for prayin' only time for layin' baby".

The song goes on and dares you not to "feel the power" of the Soul Revival. I, for one, am now a soul revivalist. It was the saxophone solo.



The album comes to a close with two slower offerings: "When I Die" which features an even better saxophone solo! And an extremely catchy horn part that will have you whistling along immediately. The final track is the six minute soul jam "Travel On" which eases you out of the last hour of excitement. A fantastic song with some added female vocal parts put a cap on a great record.

Not a flawless release, but a really goddamn fun album to listen to and enjoy. Get it.

Westbound Train

Transitions

released 2006

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros: StreetCore

You lot! What?Don't stop! Give it all you got!...

Reviewed By: Pete

I'm obviously a few years late on this one, but with the release of the Joe Strummer movie this week I figured this would be kind of topical.

In the dictionary of phrases (if such a thing exists), next to "Going Out With A Bang" there should be a picture of this record. This is an excellent release which proves definitively that Joe Strummer was one of the greatest rock and rollers of all time. The album starts off with a straight up, guitar driven, rock songs in "Coma Girl" and jumps right to Strummer's famous style of reggae in "Get Down Moses." The band slows down the pace with "Long Shadow" which has a Johnny Cash feel to it, but with even more of a snarl. (which includes one of the best lines of Strummer's career, as the song comes to a close he adds, almost as an afterthought,: "Somewhere in my soul....There's always Rock and Roll")

The band puts the brakes on halfway through the record, but slow isn't bad. The songwriting and lyrics are still enough to keep your ears perked, including the haunting chorus in "Ramshackle Day Parade" and the brilliant cover of "Redemption Song". The six minute "Midnight Jam" truly lives up to its name.

Strummer died unexpectedly during the recording process of this album and it makes it much more meaningful. It also is depressing, and yet awe inspiring... In awe of Strummer's ability to continuously release relevant and highly exciting music, but depressing because there are no more new Joe Strummer albums to be released. Which brings us to the last song "Silver and Gold" , which is almost tear inducing. Mr. Strummer sings to us about everything he wants to do before he dies. As we know he went off to punk rock heaven in 2002, so he may not have achieved all of his goals, but imagine writing and recording something like this, and it ends up acting as your legacy. Not too shabby. Well Done Mr. Strummer.

High Points

Pretty Much the whole thing.

Low Points
Pretty Much Nothing

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros' Streetcore

Released 2003

The Vacancies: Tantrum

Cleveland!!!!

Reviewed By: Pete

From start to finish The Vacancies new album is a rockin' assault on everything from politics to the price of wine. Including a kick ass cover of one of my favorite 7Seconds songs, "Satyagraha." Anyone familiar with The Vacancies knows they are not afraid to play their music loud and rock harder then most. Their new album, their second on Joan Jett's Blackheart records, absolutely does not disappoint. From the opening track, "Compound" (a :50 second blast) you know you are in for something special.

What makes the band so great is that they know what they are here to do and they don't vary from what they do well. The songs come fast and furious, but are memorable and witty enough to warrant many many repeat listens. The story of a guy stealing a bottle of wine on a Sunday morning ("Below Merlot") flows seamlessly into "Pride" and "Sick Modern Era", two more traditional punk themed songs. And standout tracks like "Believe", "Strummer" and "Distracted" set the pace for one hell of a punk rock tour De force. The Vacancies deserve much more notoriety than they currently receive, but I hope their day in the sun is close. If they keep releasing albums like this, there is no stopping them. Go and buy this record. You'll thank me...or more appropriately, you'll thank The Vacancies. "Tantrum" earns our first 4 star review. Good Work Boys.

The Vacancies' Tantrum

Released 2007

High Points

Compound

Below Merlot

Satyagraha

Believe

Strummer

Coheeed and Cambria: No World For Tomorrow

What did I do to deserve?

Reviewed by Pete

I'm not an obsessive fan of this band, but their previous two records ("In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth" and "Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV etc...") have been very exciting releases. Full of energetic songwriting, fantastic musicianship, and a nearly unnerving lead singer. I tried once to figure out the story line behind this epic space opera, and I very quickly gave up and decided to just enjoy the music for what it was. And they were just two really kick ass rock and roll records - stupid alien war or not. Unfortunately for me, this new album appears to be more focused on moving along and completing the story. There isn't really a stand out song or even a memorable chorus. The music is still extremely well played, but the songs are written and delivered in an almost lackluster fashion. Most of the tracks leading up to the grand finale sound like a shitty parody of Coheed and Cambria but with hints of Van Halen / The Who / and Pink Floyd. With the exception of the title track, which rocks as hard as anything on their previous albums.
The band almost pulls it off with the last 5 tracks "The End I - V." Starting the climax off with an awesome intro in "The Fall of House Atlantic" but, unfortunately they immediately suck any excitement out with the poppy and predictable "Radio Bye Bye". The best track on the album is the last one, "On The Brink." It is a slower more mellow song than the rest of my favorite Coheed songs from previous albums, but it maintains a pretty epic feel. The song clocks in at over 7 minutes most of which is instrumental, and a good one at that. And suitably so the album ends with a 3 minute guitar solo fading out into some organ and noise and then as quietly as the album begins it is over. No one really having been the better for hearing it.
I would also like to note that I pre-ordered this CD for $14 and received a cardbord envelope with the cover artwork and no lyrics or credits or liner notes. Only a note on the back telling me to visit coheedandcambria.com to see the booklet. I'm all for cutting down on paper and all that, but come on...I should have been warned.

There are no standout lines to check out, and so few high points its not worth listing them.

-Pete

Coheed and Cambria's Good Apollo Star IV part II: No World For Tomorrow.

Released 2007

Say Anything: In Defense Of The Genre

Perhaps Mr. Bemis has become too real a boy...

But its not all bad.

27 tracks on 2 discs is a lot of "angst" to handle at once, luckily our hosts have scattered a few slow jams and a show tune in for good measure. The lyrics are much less ambiguous then their previous (and superior) release, 2004's ...is a Real Boy, and the freedom and production value seem to allow singer/songwriter/everything else-doer Max Bemis' "psychological unpleasantness" to boil over. He has traded in the metaphors present on their last record and got himself some straightforwardness. Extremely evident on disc one's The Church Channel. The opening line of the song is "I wake up in a room and realize I'm insane again. This is the fifth time straight in a year I've ended up in here..."
The record jumps all over the place, each song a mini-adventure that really has no predetermined destination. There are several constants in the themes of the songs, even if the styles are different from one to the next. Songs about girls, drugs, sex, insanity, abuse, and racism(seriously, listen to Died a Jew. What the hell is he talking about??).
There are some extremely bright points on the poppy "Shiksa" and there are some downright unsettling points such as the stripped down "Spores." An album you don't want to miss, but are truly unlikely to make it all the way through in one sitting, Defense of The Genre could have been great- almost as good as "...is A Real Boy." But it is as if Bemis recorded as many songs as he could and just left them all on the CD. No matter how many different styles of music you play or how many guest stars you have on your record, sometimes you just gotta know when to cut a dozen or so songs off.
Hovering at 2 stars, I listened to the guitar solo at the end of "I Used to Have a Heart" and bumped it to 2.5. Then I listened to the tempo change in "The Church Channel", and I had to go with 3 stars. You certainly won't regret listening to this record, but it won't change your life... well, actually nearing the end of disc 2 you find: "Goodbye Young Tutor, You've Now Outgrown Me." That might actually change your life - in that it will assist in any insomnia you have been experiencing.

Lines to check out:

"So I'll Go Out and Get Crunk With My Friends"

"Maybe Someday we, together, can be the king and queen of all I've Seen"

"I'm Sorry That I wrecked that tour for us, the drugs left me wigging out on the bus"

Reviewed by: Pete

Say Anything's Defense of The Genre

Released 2007

High Points:
Skinny Mean Man
Surgically Removing The Tracking Device
The Church Channel
Sorry Dude's My Bad
We Killed It
Hangover Song
I Used To Have a Heart
Plea

Low Points:
That is Why
Baby Girl I'm a Blur
Retarded in Love
Died a Jew