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