Music Reviews!

*Dutchland Diesel- Staging Grace, CD
This band excells at the whiny post-indie-emo-whatever-it's-called-these-days. You know what i'm talking about: Horrible lyrics, stop-starty guitars, annoying whiny vocals, pretty boring in general. There are bands out there that do this pretty well, but alas these guys are not one of them. I dunno, maybe i'm being a little too harsh...i guess this is accually pretty good...IF YOU LIKE CRAP!
Dutchland Diesel 227 N. Duke St. (3rd flr.) Lancaster, PA 17602

*River City High- Richmond Motel, CD-EP
Damn. Seriously. This kinda reminds me of The Get-Up Kids, but less whiny and more catchy. I really like the guys voice...lots of emotion, but as i said early not whiny. I foresee good things for this group. This is definitly better than a lot of the crap that everyone is way into nowadays. Highly recommended.
Red leader records PO Box 20836 Park West Finance Station NYC, NY 10025

*Saturday Supercade- a study in contemporary punk rock, CD
Ok, picture this: Blink 182 (and i can't believe im using them in a review...) learned how to play their instruments well, but along the way they lost the catchiness and humor (once again i can't believe im saying Blink 182 is catchy and humorous). That's about the most i can say about this band. The hardcore song about love was pretty funny...but it's basicly this: the music is tight, but the songs in general just aren't anything to write home about. They do have potential though. If yer a huge fan of poppy punk ala Blink 182 i recommend this, if not, skip it.
red leader records PO Box 20836 Park West Finance Station New York, NY 10025

*Foolproof- foolproof, CD-EP
Ok, listen up, jerkys: If you have a label, and you wanna sign the "next big thing", sign these guys, STAT! This ep is a taste of their full-length, which is set and ready to be released with the exception of one thing: No one to put it out. The four songs on here are fucking amazing, and coupled with their amazing live show...this band is simply...AMAZING. Sorry for the repeat use of the same adjective, but they are definitly climbing up the ladder to a nice comfy seat in the "my favorite bands" lounge in my music collection. Write to them, and get this EP, and yer life will be better because of it. Trust me.
Foolproof

*$parechange?- Has Sincerity Gone Out of Style?, CD
I don't know if they stole the "using the '$' as an 's'" from the $toics or not...but i guess the point is moot. Anyways, if yer familiar with Rod or Midway, than you know what this band sounds like. It's a decent CD, and there are quite a few really good songs on here, but i think they could have cut out some of the more lukewarm tracks. They could have cut out about 5 or 6 tracks, and the album would have been a lot more solid. All in all, these guys show definite promise, and i look forward to hearing newer stuff from them when it comes out.
$parechange? 8164 Burkley Rd. NW N. canton OH 44720

*A.O.S.- Another #Hit, CD
In case you're wondering, that is NOT a typo in the title...they accually left the "1" out themselves..i don't know if it was on purpose or not. Ok, so on to the CD: Um..i can't really be extremely nice about this CD. I don't think the kids knew what they were doing when they did this CD. It's a nice effort, and you can tell they had fun which is the important thing..but the songs just arent that good. Skip it.
aos 417 pendik, jacksonville il. 62650

*Swingin' Utters/Youth Brigade- Split-CD
Volume II of the BYO split series, and it's pretty good. If yer not already a fan of the Swingin Utters, i would reccomend starting here, cause it's cheap. The Youth Brigage songs are pretty good straight-forward punk rock. I wasn't too familiar with any Youth Brigade before this, and i'm kinda sad i missed out on them before. So, in summary on this album: If yer already a fan of either band, buy it. If you arent but are curious about either band, buy it. If you don't give a rats ass about either band, skip it.
BYO Records PO BOx 67A64 Los Angeles, CA 90067

*V/A- You'll Never Eat Fast Food Again, CD
A sampler of what's up at Drive-Thru records, and it's not much. The only good tracks on this disc is the ones from A New Found Glory and Caught Inside. The rest could really not exist and it really wouldn't bother me.
Drive-Thru Records PO Box 55234, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413

*Tom Foolery and the Mistakes- 3 song 7"
Hell yea! hey everyone, this is right up your alley (i'm considering everyone reading this has a. an IQ of at least 12, and b. good taste in music). If rock n roll, played the right way, catchy as hell and amusing too is yer thing, get this. Accually...if it isnt your thing get this anyway. Get this. Period.
Colossal Thumb Productions 2813 Axtell Clovis NM 88101

*Screeching Weasel- Jesus Hates You, Picture-7"
3 covers and a naked girl on the front and back. The songs on this are also going to be on the upcoming rarities comp, so really unless you love vinyl, picture discs, or naked chicks you can skip this. The songs on side A are pretty good, the song on side B ("dirt" by the stooges) is....not good. I don't know, i think it was a crappy song in the first place. I got this cause im a completist, and i'm into having as many releases by a band i love as possible. And yea, i like picture discs, vinyl, and naked chicks. On a side note, the interview with said naked chick can be found here. i interviewed her a year ago when this thing was in the planning stages. So read that, buy the record if you are into the above things, or play it smart and cheap and wait for the songs to come out on CD in a few weeks.
Probe Records Po Box 5068?(the printing is really small) Picasaslos?, GA 94366? If you want it, go to Interpunk.

*Rod/As it Stands- Split-7"
2 outstanding tracks from Rod, and 2 pretty good tracks from As It Stands. The only complaint about As It Stands is they should have mixed the bass drum lower, it is about all you can hear through most of the song. All in all a very solid release, and i highly reccommend it.
Napalm Ape Records PO Box 2510 Port Charlotte FL 33949

*The Interns- Short in the Front, Long in the Back, CD
Goddamn this sucks something terrible. And yes, that is the nicest thing i can say about it. Next.
The Interns 7024 Hankee Rd. Garrettsville OH 44231

Screeching Weasel- EMO, CD
Looking to see i have this to review drills in the fact i haven't done reviews in a long time. Getting past that point, this is, i believe, one of SW's best releases ever. It has some of the best songs Ben has ever written, and especially the lyrics. I'm not going to joke here, folks: This record saved my life. It will make you want to live. I highly suggest you check this album out. I think it belongs up there on the list of "required punk albums" (im going to write that list out one day..)
Panic Button Records PO Box 148010, Chicago IL 60614-8010

Enemy You- Where No One Knows My Name, CD
Think Suffer-era Bad Religion meets Pennywise meets the Vindictives, but yet it STILL sounds original. Yes, it's that good. Up there with the Mopes on one of the best albums of the year.
Panic Button Records PO Box 148010, Chicago IL 60614-8010

NOFX- The Decline, CD-EP
I can't believe they did it. An 18 minute long song, and it's not boring. Yes, this EP is one 18 minute song. And it's easily the best thing NOFX has ever done. Mike finally got the political thing down, the music is amazing...even if you don't like NOFX get this because it will STILL knock your socks off.
Fat Wreck Chords

The $toics- Tougher than DeNiro, CD
I don't know if this is the first full length album by these guys or what...i think they have had a full length tape out at one time in the past or something..can't remember. Anyways, this is The $toics, from lovely Dayton Ohio. A few years ago they put out a cool split tape with dayton's PAWN, doing hardcore punk the way it should be done. Then they dropped off the face of the earth for a few years, resurfacing with this gem and a newfound love for playing shows (or at least promoting them). This CD starts where the old tape leaves off, meaner, harder, and better than the band has ever been. You can tell they have matured, especially when you compare the 3 old songs from the tape with the rest of the disc. The music is better, the lyrics are on a more political slant, and...well, the cover is better than the tape! I recommend this to anyone who likes some punk without the pop (yes, there ARE bands like that!). Real hardcore for real folks.
The $toics No address, check the website out.

V/A- Not So Quiet on the Western Front, CD
The long-awaited reissue of the old comp. This is chock full of old california and nevada hardcore. Real hardcore, before it was invaded by tough guys tired of metal. Buy this, your punk status depends on it.
Alternative Tentacles PO Box 419092, San Francisco, CA 94141-9092

Refused- The Shape of Punk to Come, CD
I guess this is what the kids are calling "post-hardcore" or something. I call it good. Much different than the old Refused stuff, but still good. Really interest stuff, they blend in elements of techno and even the dreaded emo to give their sound a bit of a makeover. But, the treatment works.
Epitaph Records

ROD- Down Not Out, CD-EP
ROD punches out 3 more new tunes and a old cover they used to open with. Damn. this is good. More of the same stuff ROD is known for, but tighter and a little more mature. The new drummer works very well for them. Buy this so you can say you were into em BEFORE they got huge.
We All Float records, PO Box 38 Vandalia, OH 45377

The Vindictives- Hypno Punko, CD
The Vindictives finally released a new album this year. A very interesting record. Only about 10 real songs (all of which are amazing, by the way) and a lot of studio trickery. The studio tracks are very interesting, and kinda hynotizing, but accually pull the album together. All in All a great effort by these guys. The best full length by them, i think, and well worth anyone's money to buy it or effort to steal it. Oh, and "in pursuit" is one of the best songs you'll ever hear.
Coldfront Records PO Box 8345 Berkeley CA 94707

V/A- Go-Kart vs. The Corporate Giant 2, CD
This is a sampler of the current Go-Kart stuff. Didn't do much for me. Maybe i haven't listened to it enough. worth it for the unreleased Anti-Flag and Boris the Sprinkler songs. If yer into any of the bands on it, buy it. If yer into record label samplers like i am, buy it. If not, skip it.
Go-Kart Records PO Box 20 Prince St. Station NYC 10012

Contantly in Retrospect/A Life inside Myself- Simply Waiting, CD(2 of em)
This is the latest effort by my ex-bandmate Matt and my best friend Josh. The songs were too long to fit on one CD. So they did two. The first CD, Contantly in Retrospect is the better of the two, i think. I like almost all the songs on it. The other disc has about 2 good songs on it, and the rest i think they should have dropped and fit it all on one CD. Self-editing is one of the hardest things to do, but i'm sure these guys will learn that next time. Overall a good job, though. Not really my style, but good nonetheless. Could have shortened most of the songs by a few minutes, though...
Simply Waiting No address, check the site out.

US Bombs- The World, CD
More of what the US Bombs are known for: Political songs and songs about skating that sound like it should have been released in the late 70s. If yer into this type of stuff, definitly pick this up. If yer not into this stuff...i'm sorry. get with the program and buy this.
Hellcat Records 2798 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles CA 90026

V/A- Return of the Read Menace, CD
The sequel to "Better Read than Dead", benifit for AK Press. This one is much better than the last one, much better bands, better songs, etc... This is one of my favorite comps, and one of my favorite charitys to. Self owned businesses should be more popular. Buy this. Now.
G-7 Welcoming Commitee box 3-905 Corydon Winnipeg MB R3M-3S3. (here in america i believe it's on Honest Dons or Epitaph).

The Scrubs- Makin' a Mess, CD
Fun, catchy as hell pop-punk from cincinatti ohio! yes, they sing about girls but they do it so well! If yer into poppy punk about girls, this is definitly one at the top of the heap. And it's only their debut, too!
Nice Guy Records 9648 Ash Court (thats all the address...) Waffle Iron Records PO Box 181023 Corpus Christi TX

V/A- Give Em The Boot II, CD
The latest Hellcat Sampler, and it's awesome. I know i've loved almost all the releases i've gotten...but it's been a good couple of months. Sorry. Buy this is you like REAL ska, reggae, street-punk, Oi, or just punk in general.
Hellcat Records, look at the address above. Im tired of typing.

The Mopes- Accident Waiting to Happen, CD
Hands down one of the best releases i've gotten in a while. Great pop-punk from Vapid and company. 8 love songs, a lot of which fit my current situation right now, and 3 western instrumental songs. Your a moron if you pass this up.
Lookout! Records PO Box 11374, Berkeley, CA 94712-2374

The Retreads- Dumb Kids, CD
I hate the Retreads with a passion. Why? BECAUSE THEY WRITE SUCH GODDAMN CATCHY SONGS! Do you knwo how difficult it is to work with such punk gems as "jessie please dont take those pills", "Hangin on to misery", "Her prom date gave her mono" and "standing in the moonlight" going through your head? Anyways, buy this record and go see these guys live, you won't be disapointed.
Sub City

Fifteen- Lucky, CD
Finally, Fifteen is back and they have a new album. And let me tell you, it's fucking great. This CD seriously hasn't left my CD player in the few weeks i've had it... Highly recommended for anyone looking for a change of pace and a good message.
Sub City PO BOX 7495 Van Nuys CA 91409-7495

The Rumblers/GotohellsHigh Octane Decadence, Split 7"
Long live punk and roll! The Rumblers are fucking amazing, i was blown away live, they kinda sound like Social D. but better... The Gotohells....well...how can anyone not like them? All in all this 7" makes me want to put some grease in my hair and go driving around in a 57 chevy and stuff... it's good, anyway.....
Switchblade Records PO BOX 42 Pedricktown NJ 08067

Buck- Hex Me, 7"
Debut 7" from Buck, featuring ex-members of Cub. Kinda like cub i suppose, but more rocking... Though i could have done without the song "Was i thinking?", the other two are good.
What Else? Records ( i don't have the new PO box, go to the website, sorry.)

Groovie Ghoulies- MAgic 8-Ball, 7"
pretty cool little EP by the Ghoulies. 2 covers of two different songs called Magic 8-Ball. If your a Ghoulies fan this is right up your alley.
What Else? Records ( i don't have the new PO box, go to the website, sorry.)

The Unknown- Puzzles, 7"
Great little single from the best band in Cleveland. If you havent heard them yet, this is a great starting point. One of the best songs from the new album plus two live songs from the old one. If you have heard the Unknown, you need this, cause "puzzles" sounds great on vinyl..and the live songs are pure nostalgia...
Boss Tuneage PO Box 19550 London SW11 1FG, UK. Order from The Unknown or Jiffi Pop, though..and be quick about it...supplies are limited.

Anti-Flag- A New Kind of Army, CD
More of what you've come to expect from Anti-Flag. Kinda like their last album, but a lot better. I really like it.
AF Records/Go Kart PO Box 20, Prince St. Station New York NY 10012

V/A- Take Action!, CD
Nice little sampler of the Sub City Records scene. Nice mix of bands. Nice packaging. Nice altogether. This is definitly worth getting for The Weakerthans track if nothing else, plus it benifits the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Sub City PO BOX 7495 Van Nuys, CA 91409-7495

Belvedere- Because No One Stopped Us, CD
Fast skate-punk ala Fat Wreck Chords, except that's it's much better than most of the bands on Fat. These guys are gonna be fucking up Dayton on the 4th of November, and you're a fucking moron if you miss them.
206 Records 8314 Greenwood Ave. N. Suite 102 Seattle WA 98103

Sidecar- All Those Opposed, CD
More great poppy punk rock from these Mentor Ohio kids. my favorite track on here is probably "Come Home", one of the best love songs i've heard inna while. Highly reccomended.
Asian Man Records PO Box 35585 Sereno, CA 95030

The Weakerthans- Fallow, CD
This band is John (ex-bassist of Propagandhi) Samson's new band. BAsicly, think of what you would expect an ex-member of Propagandhi to do, and then think the exact opposite. That is what the Weakerthans are. Very poppy, very rock, very mellow at times, and also very fucking good. Beautiful lyrics, great songs. And they are extremely nice people too, when i saw them last week we hung out with them for most of the show. I think this is definitly a band to watch out for. My opinion: This will be the next big thing if people are smart enough to listen. BUY THIS.
G-7 Welcoming Committee PO Box 3-905 Corydon Ave. WInipeg, Mb. r3m3s3, Canada

John Brown Battery - s/t, cassette
It's hard to nail down these guy's sound, the mellower parts of it remind of avail, the harder parts remind me of a few bands, but i can't quite think of the names. I highly recommend these guys though, if you happen to see any releases by them or see that they are playing near you.
John Brown Battery 1025 forest ave. Deerfield, IL 60015