MUSIC REVIEWS

Operation Ivy Energy (AKA Self Titled)
Lookout Records

Let me start of by saying that this is a classic punk album from a classic (but short lived) punk band. To point out how famous these guys are, I would have to point out that they are considered by some to be the creators of ska/punk and that members from Operation Ivy have gone on to be in Rancid. Their music is very energetic, blending ska guitar, great vocals, and punk beliefs. Anyone that is a fan of today’s punk, ska or both needs to buy this album.
-Some Guy

I Give This Album: 10/10

NOFX
(‘So long…and thanks for all the shoes’/Epitaph)

Another someteen songs of pure NOFX. “All His Suits Are Torn” is the best song on here. I could listen to that song someteen times in a row. All the songs are noticeably short. This is not their best album, but it’s still really really rad. Shit, the last two records they put out were pretty much classics with every song a work of sickness. How long can NOFX keep it going? Anyway, if you don’t know NOFX by now, you’re clueless! If you do, then you know to expect great melodic punk songs and brilliant wit in both the lyrics and the package. So, buy this album. Also, on the liner notes there’s 10 Answers To The Most Asked 10 Questions We Would Like To Never Be Asked Again and I laughed out loud. By the way, if you don’t already know, NOFX really kicks ass live.
– Sonny Mayugba

I Give This Album: 7.5/10

Gob & Another Joe
(Ass Seen On TV/LandSpeed)

This is a split CD from two bands from Canada, the first is Gob. This band has great catchy songs, songs that remind me of earlier Screeching Weasel or Queers with titles like Na na na, blah blah blah, fuck you. Another Joe is definitely sounding like they are from Southern California. These guys have more of a pop punk sound to them, that I enjoy, and the singer remins me of Keith Morris. I think the CD should be called Full Moon Rising, check it out and you’ll see what I mean. Definitely worth checking out.
-Isacto

I Give This Album: 8/10

Gob songs are heavy, melodic,and aggressive. gob is like a Texas tornado that could suck the chrome off of a trailer hitch faster than the lips of Ginger Lynn could; with tempos ranging from 180 to 224 beats perminute.

(Also Check Out Their Newest Album “ How Far Shallow Takes You” and “Too Late…No Friends”.

Bouncing Souls
(Epitaph)

Shit man! Epitaph’s taking over the world (again!) with their recent signings of H20, U.S. Bombs and now, The Bouncing Souls, one of my very favorite bands around. I’m happy for the guys from New Joiszy, they’re finally gonna get the props they deserve after years and years of non-stop touring and putting out records. This 11-songer is their best one yet! God, I love these guys! Only complaint is, as usual, this record’s way too short. Say Anything, Kate is Great, Low Life, East Side Mags, Serenity….shucks, they’re all great!!!!
-Kev seconds

I Give This Album: 9/10
(I also highly recommend buying their earlier CD Maniacal Laughter)

Vandals
(Hitler Bad, Vandals Good/Nitro)

Yippie, the clown princes of punk are back with a new one. The Vandals are known for being certifiable nut cases writing songs about dead girlfriends, super sizing your food, short/long haircuts (the ape drape), and a bunch of other crazy shit. With lyrics like, I’m the ambassador of kick your assador, how can you go wrong? Not quite as hard as some of their albums, in fact, it’s down right poppy, but the Vandals make it work. With a smooth blend of clean drumming, slick guitar work, and sassy lyrics, the Vandals still know how to rock. There is a lot more experimentation on this one. I’m talking bongos, saxes, tubas, and ohhh so much whistling. Hell yeah. By the way, what other band can cover a Pennywise song like Katrina and the Waves?? Nobody like the Vandals.
-Brad Gobdel

I Give This Album: 10/10 (Check out their earlier stuff too)

MxPx
(Slowly going the way of the buffalo/A&M)

MxPx has been around for a while now. This is their fourth full-length album, not counting the slew of compilations they have graced, 7”’s, and EPs they have put out as well. Slowly going the way of the buffalo picks up right where their last album, Life in General, left off. So for all you kids who have been waiting for another album packed with Mike Herrera’s wisdom of relationships, shady record company people and just life in general (no pun intended), now is the time to run down the the corner store and purchase one. The tunes that I just can’t get outta my head are: Tommorrow’s another day, I’m o.k, you’re o.k, The final Slowdance, and For Always. MxPx is one of those bands that no matter how terrible a mood I am in; their pop punk songs will always put a smile on my face. The only problem for the 15 yr. Old girls, who pack their shows, is figuring out which member is cutest. And to top it off they’re three of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. What more could you want from some punk heartthrobs?
-Travis Keller

I Give This Album: 8/10

The Clash
"THE CLASH" (1977)

Their best record, in my opinion, and the best ever debut album by any band. Released well before The Sex Pistol's only studio album "Never Mind The Bollocks", it voiced the political anger of the youth of England in '77 - recession, racism, rampant unemployment. Each song has a message to ponder over. The album commences with the high-speed drumming of "Janie Jones" and leads into "Remote Control". "I'm So Bored With The U.S.A.", which was originally going to be a love song, "I'm So Bored With You", until Joe misheard Mick and wrote the lyrics about the American domination of culture. The Clash's debut single, "White Riot" follows, voicing the concerns that the Whites of England don't have the unity like the black community. The first side finishes with the energetic songs "Hate And War", "What's My Name" (Keith Levene's lasting contribution to the band), "Deny" and "London's Burning". Side 2 opens with the classic "Career Opportunities", which discusses the frustration of doing jobs that you don't like, including the real-life situation in which Mick was once employed by British Post to check for letter bombs. "Cheat" follows, as does "Protex Blue". "Police And Thieves", a cover of the Junior Murvin and Lee Perry, was The Clash's first venture into reggae and became one of their best ever songs. This album wraps up with "48 Hours" and "Garage Land". One of the 2 essential Punk albums.

I Give This Album: 9/10 (Also Check Out “London Calling”)