Reviews (76)

Ska at it's best!
I am a Christian and I do have strong faith in Jesus Christ and God. But I was never really partial to christian music. Then I listened to The Orange County Supertones...and they blew my f***in' mind! The music is very upbeat and melodic...the horns coincide with the rock guitar perfectly. Who ever said music nowadays had to be depressing and fun? This CD breaks all barriers and brings Punk/Ska/Reggae/Christian music all in one. It really is sad that worshipping God is considered so taboo in today's world. If people would open up their eyes like these guys did, then these guys would definitly be on top. Until they are, they are on top in my mind. Also, I believe the first song on this CD (Supertones Strike Back)is great blending the beginning of Metallica's Creeping Death (which happens to be another fav of mine). Check this CD, keep an open mind, and love the sweet, ska music! Buy it...it kicks a**!

Supertones Strike Back, alright
The OC Supertones have become my favorite Christian band very quickly. I bought this CD because I love ska, and I decided to venture into the realm of Christian ska after hearing Five Iron Frenzy in concert. Boy, I'm sure glad I did. This album is amazing. Ska is a great form of music, and when delivered with a Christian message, it really becomes great. The Supertones have mastered ska. Every single song is different, so they don't all sound alike, unlike other more popular ska bands (LTJ in my opinion). They go from rockin, upbeat stuff like "Supertones Strike Back" and "Unite" to more mellow ska stuff like "Unconditional Love" and "Resolution." Every song has a good message to it, and it's a really fun CD to listen to. I highly recommend this CD.

Ha ha!
Hey, wanna buy a copy of this waste of polycarbonate? Buck fifty in the used listings! Bwahahahahaaa! Pretty soon it'll be one cent like the listings for Hanson CDs.
If you like ska, get into the Specials, Elvis Costello, first-wave Jamaican ska, rocksteady etc. This is the CHAFF, duders. Get a little taste.
(See? I like ska! Pbttttt!)

haters are morons...
first, yes 3rd wave ska was a flash in the pan....SO WAS THE FIRST AND SECOND WAVE AS WELL!!! idiots. the first wave (late 50s, jamaica) lasted like 5 years. and the second wave (late 70s, UK) lasted liek 5 years as well. the third wave (mid-late 90s, USA) lasted a good 4-5 years. each wave with a 20 year gap between. we'll see what happenes in 2015 when the 4th wave comes. ska has always been pressent, the "waves" just indicate when it got HUGELY popular. this cd is probably the single greatest ska cd composed. period.

SUPERTONES STRIKE BACK!!
The O.C. Supertones strike back with this truly amazing Supertones/ska classic. I love this cd and will never stop loving it as it was the first Supertones album i have ever heard. In 1999, i bought WOW 1999, and once i listened to the whole cd through i got to hear the song: "Little Man." And i was hooked i later bought the cd and loved it. I highly reccomend this unforgettable album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mest hail from Chicago but their hearts are in the Southern California-style punk made famous by Green Day and Goldfinger.(In fact, this release was produced by Goldfinger's John Feldmann, who also encouraged the band to record their first demo tape.)The result sounds too much like their influences. Though solid and crunchy, the songs on Wasting Time, Mest's major-label debut, mostly come across as anonymous-sounding anthems for the hyperactive skateboard set. However, there are a couple of moments when the band proves that there's muscle beneath the mush. The hilariously titled "Richard Marxism" sears, cajoles, and busts out with a hook as big as a Blink 182 single. "Drawing Board" has the same vibe, with the overdubbed harmonies of frontman Tony Lavato adding a necessary melancholic twinge to the tune. Still, this one's for die-hard power-pop fans only. --Jason Josephes ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Listening to this will not be a waste of your time...
I love this CD. I own all four Mest albums, and I think that this one is my favorite.

1. Long Days, Long Nights- 9/10- good opener for the CD, pretty good song.
2. Hotel Room- 11/10- my second favorite song on the CD, the vocals are amazing.
3. What's The Dillio?- 10/10- extremely catchy, more of the pop-punk style that Mest is like today, great song.
4. Slow Motion- 7/10- Personally I think this is the low point of the album, I just don't like this song very much.
5. Drawing Board- 12/10- Simply an amazing song, everything just fits, the vocals, the lyrics...You can also find this track on their next album Destination Unknown.
6. Change- 9/10- good song, I really like the acoustic part at the beginning.
7. Forget You- 8/10- Once again the greatness of this album takes a dip with this track, the songs that Tony doesn't sing just aren't as good...
8. Electric Baby- 11/10- I love this song! It's cute and sounds like a love song from a couple of decades ago except there's a twist: "There's two loves that I have in this world, my electric guitar, my electric girl..." It's great!
9. Girl For Tonight- 10/10- A great song, especially for all of the groupies out there.
10. Lonely Days- 9/10- Good song, I like the lyrics, you can relate easily.
11. Richard Marxism- 8/10- I really don't understand this song, the music is pretty good
12. Random Arrival- 8/10- This is a good song with a really positive message.
13. The Last Time- 9/10- The simplicity of the lyrics and speedy music makes for a great track.
14. Wasting My Time- 11/10- Perfect way to end a great album.

Mest is..well, the best!
This CD is great :: Here's my comments on the songs..

1. Long Days Long Nights - Not much to say--it's pretty good. I can relate, so maybe you can do?
2. Hotel Room - This song is one of my favorites. It's extremely catchy, and the lyrics are great.
3. What's the Dillio? - Ohhh wow, this song made me love Mest! It's funny, catchy, addicting....
4. Slow Motion - This song fits it's title--it starts off slow, then goes into a more punk beat. Very good.
5. Drawing Board - Not only is the song on their 3rd album, it's on this one too! You might get sick of it if you have both though..
6. Change - I love this song, it's spiffy.
7. Forget You - It's not by the lead singer, but it still rocks!
8. Electric Baby - This is kind of a cute song, it's one of my favs.
9. Girl for Tonight - Aww, if you're a fangirl like me, this song is heald close...
10. Lonely Days - Another spiffy song
11. Richard Marxism - I really like this one, there's some REALLY good harmonizing.
12. Random Arrival - This one makes me laugh, though I'm sure that's not the point. It's another one of my favs.
13. Last Time - It's easy to relate to this one sometimes
14. Wasting My Time - This one is really good, PROBABLY why that's the album title, "Wasting Time". There's also a hiddeb track...which I shouldn't name because of the profanity. It's extremely funny, it's about Greyhound Buses.

FME
Mest is amazing and If you liked showoff check out chris from showoffs new band Farewell My Enemy at www.farewellmyenemy.com they are really f'n awesome.
Tom

obsessed with mest
wow. what is there to say about this cd? its just awesome. i listen to this thing every day. i love this so much and i am very, very confident that you will too! songs:

long days long nights 10/10: an awesome opener that makes you reaaaally wanna listen to the rest of the cd. great lyrics backed by great music. i love this one.

hotel room 8/10: really good song i love the sound and lyrics. great song.

what's the dillio 9/10: this is a really fun song that had a great sound and an extremely catchy chorus. awesome song.

slow motion 11/10: AMAZING song. I just love this song so much. it has great lyrics (i'm so bored with life/is it because i wanted you to be my wife/and now she's gona again/and i wonder if she'll ever be my girlfriend again/ i think what can i do now/ sit by my kitchen table wondering how/ one second life can be filled with so much emotion) and awesome music. it really is in slow motion at first, but quickly gets fast.

drawing board 11/10: soo soo sad. i love this song its one of my favorites definetly with a heart-wrenching chorus (i spend days and night/in my bedroom/trying to write the perfect song to sing to you/write a song a day/but she won't like it anyway/back to the drawing board/ with the words you've heard a million times before) i love this song so much. great guitar.

change 9/10: this song is so true. you can so relate to this. i love this song. good music.

forget you 10/10: just looking at the title, your prolly sure its a so-easy-to-relate to-song, and that it is. it's so good i love this song.

electric baby 7/10: this song is good. i don't really listen to it that much anymore though.

girl for tonight 9/10: a fun song. i love this one. catchy chorus+good music.

lonely days 7/10: just like electric baby, this song is good, but i don't really listen to it anymore.

richard marxism 10/10: a GREAT song with Tony's harmonising in the backround, this song is awesome. i looove this one.

random arrival 9/10: good song. this one is lotsa fun. good music ofcourse

last time 8/10: good song. great drums, pretty fast. i love this one.

wasting time 9/10: awesome closer. starts off slow, but ofcourse, gets faster. a very, very good song.

BONUS SONG 12/10: oooohh this song is the best, tony really does let loose on this one, and the result? an amazing song. great (funny) lyrics and GREAT music to go with it. i love this one VERY much.

by the way, for all you people out there looking into mest for the first time and innocently reading "Drew's" review, i would just like to say that yes, "F*** the greyhound bus" may be "one of the best written songs of all time", but however it was NOT written OR sung by "Tom Lovato"...where did THAT come from? as a matter of fact, the lead singer (and writter of the majority of mest's songs- the others by mest's other guitarist, Jerimiah) is TONY Lovato, NOT Tom. maybe before you give a mediocre review to an great cd and band, you should learn a thing or two about them, for example, this is NOT there first CD, it's there SECOND. get your facts strait.

anyways, mest is an awesome band, go buy there cds and such like i have and you will be a much happier person, im sure.

peace out, everybody, i hope you enjoy.

the chicago boys rock
Personally I love MEST and Wasting Time is an amazing follow up to 'Mo Money Mo 40z'!
If you like Goldfinger, you'll love MEST, and you'll love this CD.
This is one of my favourite CD's in my colection and frankly you can't go wrong with MEST! ... Read more

Reviews (51)

ONE OF THE BEST DARN SKA BANDS OUT THERE!
"proof that the youth are revolting" is a must have for any five iron fan! They play all the songs we know and love! Plus they add in a few new ones! hopefully we'll see those songs on their next studio album. The CD tries to capture the energy they bring and it does a good job! But still seeing them live is a must. They do a cover of "Its no Unusual" Something you would expect from them! This albums is defintely a must have for a die hard fan and a good starter for those you havent heard of them yet because they play their best songs! Also the outakes at the end of the album(hidden track) are so funny!

My mom's proud of me because of the way i dress
Maybe i'm crazy. Maybe i've gone completly insane,but i LOVE this album. FIF is my favorite band,and they always manage to impress me. I bought this CD last year,and i love it still. The songs are live,so the fun,the silliness,and the worshipful moments are all captured beautifully. I have seen FIF in concert only twice,and i hope to see them many,many times more. i am so impressed at them,because they aren't sell outs,and they haven't compromised their faith. They have made me laugh,smile,cry,and laugh some more. My favorite songs of this album are One Girl Army,Every New Day,Blue Comb '78,and A Flowery Song. i recommend this album to EVERYONE. it is simply the best.

The Quintessential Five Iron? Perhaps
Five Iron Frenzy makes a solid compilation of some of their best songs with the release of this live album, which will delight die-hard fans of the Denver ska-core ensemble and curious listeners alike. One of the things that has always set Five Iron Frenzy apart from other groups in their genre has been their unique stage presence and sense of humor, (which encludes dressing as the cast of Star Trek and crowd surfing a giant pinata filled with chili across their crowd) and these qualities are shown in this album. However, apart from the outrageously entertaining gimmicks of their live preformances, Five Iron Frenzy also offers fine musicianship and songwriting which is played out with even more energy than their studio records. These aspects distinguish the band from their contemporaries and make for an exillarating live experience. In short, Five Iron is a dish best experienced live, but this album is the next best thing (and is sadly the only thing available after the band announced their breakup in late November of 2003.)

HOLY COW!!!!!
FIF is THE BEST band in the world. Ska, ska, ska. I love it. And I love FIF. This is one of their best cds. These are their greatest hits of all time, up to the point they made it at least. So sad they are breaking up this year. *Sob Sob Sob* But anywho, very good. The music is yummy and skankalious. The tight sweet sounds and smooth vocals make it great. Plus not only the music, but the preformance is great. Goofy jokes and yelling "To Hell with the Devil" in a high voice. Or the funny, random songs like Revieve Him, Kingdom of the Dinosaures, or one song Jeff sings. And if you are patient, at the end of the "last song" their is a hidden track, about 7 from when track 18 starts. The hidden track contains their mess ups throughout their tour. A great cd, even if you don't like ska. I really recommend it. If you like it, I also suggest FIF2: Electric Boogaloo. Very good music, and the in-between things between the songs are great too. I give two thumbs way way up!!

This CD ROCKS!
I'm not even the biggest punk/ska fan that there is, but I saw FIF in concert and thought, "Hey, they seem fun." I bought their cd, fell absolutely in love with in and now can not seem to take it out of my cd player. Every song is filled with fun lyrics and upbeat tunes. Another cool thing about this cd is that it's live and you sort of get to know the band members through the goofy things they say during the shows and stuff. All the songs are great! All the lyrics are wholesome and uplifting and fun! Buy this cd! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A member of the underrated hall of fame!
General Public broke up after this 1995 album do it being considered a 'let down' for people expecting a 'better' come back from the British dynamic duo of Dave Wakeling and "Rankin'" Roger. It is instances like these where I distruss the public as well as the critics. The only other person who loved this album besides me was a critic from Rolling Stone who also gave it five stars, which means a classic. Every song on this album certainly sounds like a classic and the entire album will resonate in your brain even after the first listen. With it's catchy synthesiser and guitar riffs and melodic hooks, this would make for a masterpiece for those of you who a)liked the English Beat, Genral Public's former incarnation or b)genrally love the fusion of Reggea and Pop. With Roger's Jamaican-style rapping and Wakeling's romantic lead vocals, 'Rub It Better' is a must-have in your record collection. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

this cd is ok
i was first introduced to rancid through their music on ...And Out Come The Wolves, and Life Wont Wait, so naturally i was expecting something relly impressive from this album. but to tell you the truth, i was slightly dissapointed. the lyrics were not nearly as creative as op ivy's or rancid's later stuff. the guitar and bass lines were also not as impressive as i expected. tim and matt are very talented musicians, but this was just to early in their career to show it. the addition of lars and brett, to the matt and tim duo makes for an impressive sound,but unless you are really into rough hardcore punk, i recomend you stay away from this album.

Where Rancid Began
This is raw stuff. Once legends Operation Ivy broke up back in (I believe) 1989, Tim Armstrong was barely making it. Living on the streets, alcohol all the time, not a good way to be. His good friend Matt Freeman pulled him out of his funk and got him away from alcohol by forming Rancid. They got Brett Reed to play drums and the best band in the history of punk rock was formed. They played all over the Bay, including Gilman(which they had to do some good 'ol toilet cleaning to play at). They finally got a break when they signed with Brett Gurewitz of Epitaph Records, back then a small label. They released this album in 1993. Donnel Cameron, a good producer of early 90s punk, produced this and did a good job. Tim and Matt had been through quite a lot and they played some angry stuff here. Political stuff here, plus some stuff about life. This is fast, and not as melodic as their newer stuff (...And Out Come The Wolves). No ska or harmonies here, just angry music. This is SoCal thrash, sorta like Bad Religion or Black Flag. Tim's voice is the same as it is now, scratchy and a great punk voice. He does some great guitar stuff, good solos and riffs. But the guitar is nothing to Matt's amazing basslines. Some of his best ever in here. He does sing lead a little bit, his voice very nasally(the word everyone describes his voice with). He is a very emotional singer, but I still like Tim and Lars' voices better. Brett hadn't been playing for very long. His drumming is fast and pretty straight-forward. Adina starts with a big "LET'S GO!!!" from Tim and the fast, tough punk rock ensues. Quite catchy, but again, similar to BR. Detriot has amazing bass, a good story in this song. Brett drums quite well in the song Whirlwind, which is a catchy song. Outta My Mind has a poetic style to its lyrics, like their recent album "Life Won't Wait." This one is very melodic and quite simple. The Bottle deals with drinking, and is fast and angry. Unwritten Rules is a song about music bringing a poor neighborhood together. They play a version of Harry Bridges here, which will be on their next album, called "Let's Go." They cover an Uptones song, called Get Outta My Way. The Uptones were an agressive ska band that Tim and Matt loved as members of Operation Ivy. Anyways, Get Outta My Way is defintely the most melodic song on the album, and one of my favorites. If you're already a Rancid fan, this should be interesting to hear where they began, since their sound has changed greatly since 1993. Again, it reminds you of Tim's struggles in the period between Operation Ivy and Rancid. We're lucky he made it. Again, the songs are very agressive and forceful, so if you like that stuff, definitely buy this. If you've never heard any Rancid(and you should have by now) then this probably isn't the greatest album to get first. But get it otherwise.

the first of a journey
it really is to bad the path rancid chose. Listening to this CD reminds me of how great they were at one time, that is before they sold out. Now adays, these guys are the perfect example of what money does to people, turns em into radio tools. Try the Adicts, or the dead kennedys for some serious punk, rock on!

The Beggining of a Legend...
Rancid is and always will be one of the best ska-punk bands ever! They aren't sellouts and have maintained their trademark sound through the years. They matured and play better now, but this, this is were it all began. This is by far one of their best, and is certainly a must buy. I mean from start to finish I was captivated. Think Ramones+The Clash+Operation Ivy=Rancid. Check this out and their later effort "...And Out Come the Wolves."

rancid's debut album
formed in the wake of the break up of operation ivy, rancid's first album displays a total departure from the aforementioned groups ska punk leanings. from minute tim amstrongs vocals kick in this is a fast and furious album and in my opinion far better than any of their later stuff. there are no slow tracks in this album, just really good songs played at a rapid pace. bret reed and matt friedman make for an awesome rhythm secton whilst tim amstrong provides guitar and vocals.....tho quite how anyone could play the guitar at such an amazing rate and sing at the same time defies logic. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nyahbinghi
This is a wonderful set, but I've tried two different copies and both of them had the same problem on tracks 11 & 12 of the 3rd cd: they stop playing about a minute and a half into the track. You can get past that problematic spot if you fast forward a little, but it's annoying nonetheless.

The set features the complete Ras Michael & the Sons of Negus "Nyahbinghi" album and the complete Dadawah "Peace & Love" set, plus an additional track. Both are pretty amazing. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A dizzying, enlightening array of music
Fishbone is one of those bands that refuses to be painted into a corner. Primus would be the other band that comes to my mind that fights categorization like a frightened cat. Fishbone's music spans the musical spectrum, tossing in funk, ska, punk, metal, rock, folk, blues, reggae... the list could go on and on. GAMABAHSHTCOTU is not only the longest album title I know, but also one of the finest representations of a band and what they're about, like Moving Pictures for Rush. It's also damn good. The opening track, "Swim," gets little press, but immediately tells you that you are in for an experience("The pool is now open!"). "Black Flowers," "They All Have Abandoned Their Hopes," and "End The Reign," are wonderful highlights. "Drunk Skitzo" is a paranoid, anxiety-ridden track that keeps the listener on edge, a true artistic venture. Another reviewer brought up the fact that most music today is easy to consume, served up hot on a plate for its customers. Sure, it's nice to be waited on like that sometimes, but most of the time, I find it far more rewarding to work a bit for your meal. Listening to an album like GAMABAHSHTCOTU is more like hunting for your food, processing it, preparing it, and eating it. It takes a little more effort, but it just seems to taste better due to the work you put into it. A great album.

Better Live
New York's Fishbone are one of the wildest, most energetic bands I've ever seen live. A shame that their sprawling array of musical styles (covering anything from hip-hop, ska, reggae, and soul, through to metal) doesn't quite translate in the studio. My main gripe with this album is that it lacks any real coherence, with its song structures going awry on frustrating tangents. There's also too much going on in the songs, resulting in the whole picture being cluttered up. Despite that, the positive message and subliminal melody of 'Black Flowers' and the twisted funk of 'Lemon Meringue' do them justice. But on the whole, this is a disappointment.

"Who do YOU Serve?"
...First of all, I am a huge fan of Fishbone...or at least I WAS until Kendall Jones and Chris Dowd left and the band started releasing sub-par material left and right ("Give a Monkey a Brain" was their last great album, in my opinion). If you are not familiar with Fishbone, you may want to first purchase "Truth and Soul" and/or "In Your Face" (which are both fantastic albums and more "commercial" sounding than this one) before you dive into the heavy-duty nuttmeg of "Give a Monkey..."
I think this album along with "Reality of My Surroundings" are Fishbone's greatest...This one is their heaviest, featuring a few "metal" songs ("Swim", "Servitude", and "End the Reign"). These songs are some of the greatest on the album but I think some fans couldn't hang with that..."Unyielding Conditioning" (ska) and "Lemon Meringue" (soul/funk) are two of the most well written songs ever by Fishbone. "Nutt Megalomaniac" is funky as hell. "They All Have Abandoned Their Hopes" is a hauntingly apocalyptic song...one of my favorites. "Warmth of Your Breath" is definitely NOT a love song. It's a funky little speed metal ditty directed at certain police officers...
The entire cd is awesome, no weak songs. The musicianship is outstanding...Norwood's bass lines are as funky as ever (especially on "Lemon Meringue")...Kendall Jones and John Bigham lay down some great guitar and Angelo Moore and Chris Dowd's vocals are some of their best work ever. This album sounds fresh to this day...Fishbone WAS one of the most underrated bands ever and they never got the success a group of this magnitude deserved. This was the last album they did with Kendall Jones and Chris Dowd and, for me at least, their departure marked the end of Fishbone as we knew it. I have the albums that followed and while they have some good songs here and there they don't come close to matching Fishbone when they were in their heyday. Kendall Jones' songwriting skills are sorely missed on all the albums that followed.
"Give A Monkey..." is a like an all-you-can-eat buffet for the ears but it will take most people several listens to uncover all the sonic nuggets that are hidden.

Unassailable...!!!!
My fave Fishbone album. This one has it all- a seamless, and I mean seamless, blend of styles. I'm not talking Mr. Bungle mix of styles (not that it's a bad thing- far from it, long live the cult of Patton) I'm talking each song sounds like the pinacle of whatever genre Fishbone happen to inhabitting/shredding at that given moment.

Take your pick- maelstrom-metal, funk, ska, reggae, psychedelia, and even a hint at Gospel (No Fear- stylisticaly- is a gospel song... well, the organ just makes it sound like Gospel, or in this case Gospel-funk rock without the odious 'oh-please-breathe-on-me-oh-God lyrics and afro-american yodeling that passes for gospel singing... militant atheist that I am...)

On ONE FREAKIN ALBUM!!!! They manage to summon the mothership, send out the best mosh-anthem I have EVER heard, Channel the ghosts of Eddie Hazel and Sid Vicious (in one song no less), crank out one of the few reggae tunes I can stomach, skank-their way to paradise in a way that most 3rd wave skasters can only drool at, Out Kool both Kool AND The Gang and invent a cure for sanity and the drab pabulum that chokes media of all species.

I mean, it's just impossible to take any of the 'hard' bands out there seriously after putting their albums next to this. They seem flat, monochromatic, lifeless, dull. Unfunky. Lyricallly Fishbone may not be the most original but they play to their strengths, are inventive and funny and certainly capable of stuff as poignant/eloquent as anything that 'Dear Charlotte' have ever penned.

And yet, this album kinda tanked (despite their prominent Lollapalooza placement... I don't get it- that was the first year that People bitched about Lollapalooza- year 3... but Primus? Dinosaur Jr? and Fishbone? It was one of the best shows I'd ever seen, ah but I digress...)

These guys couldn't fail even if they were drop-kicked into the studio with Avril, baby Spice, Nick carter, the result wold still leave you wondering what the hell assulted you and left you wanting more...

Oh, I'm 25 years old and have been to more concerts than I can recall and still will unhesitatingly state that Fishbone put on THE BEST live show I have ever seen- I don't care what your bag is, The Bone will stuff it for you. And they play for hours. You will leave the venue sore and deaf and maybe (as I have been known to do) you will drive a couple hours to see them again the next night in a different town or state.

FISHBONE finally rocks hard
Album sells have never been FISHBONE's forte. Because their albums are ahead of our time. This 1993 rockfest of 'GIVE A MONKEY A BRAIN AND HE'LL SWEAR HE'S THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE',whew, is the hardest FISHBONE has ever been. 'THE REALITY OF MY SURROUNDINGS', their best album, was close. If you just wanna rock hard there is "Swim","Servitude","Black Flowers","Warmth Of Your Breath","End The Reign","Drunk Skitzo" and "No Fear". The funk and reggae/ska songs are here but this is more of a rock album than a FISHBONE album, which is cool, but the fun out of FISHBONE albums, the humor,is not in this one. Too much of serious KENDALL? (the first member to leave the band). The album is good, but it's just NOT a FISHBONE album. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Great Material With A Very, Very Average Production
'Chim Chim's Badass Revenge' has created more reasons for arguement amoungst Fishbone fans than any other topic or album. Bitterly hated or adoringly loved, the balance of the two is undisputed as some say it is an amazing musical journey, and other say it is an angry shadow of the bands former self.
Around the time of it's release back in 1996, I have to say I was extremely disapointed. My thoughts as I went through the tracks for the first time were, that the departure of founding members and key song writters Kendall Jones (guitar) and Chris Dowd (Keyboard, Trombone, Lead Vocals) have left the band in ruins, all the catchy talent gone, as was the polished edge. The production was so muddy and lacking in definition, the songs weren't melodic and some were just far too agressive and thrash/punk to get my head around. I was in mourning for the band that I loved and adored over the previous few years. I did recognise magic moments such as the final track 'Fight For Nuttmeg' is one of the bands most intense grooves but with expectaions of another 'Reality Of My Surroundings' or 'Give A Monkey a Brain...', 'Chim Chim' Badass Revenge' left me disappointed.
None of my friends who loved Fishbone seemed to like it either, some have never purchased another Fishbone album since, as if this one album turned them away.

Lets just say time has worked for this album and I now have a new found appreciation for Chim Chim. Because I never listerned to it much, when I decided to give it another listern 5 years later, it was like a new album which I was unfamiliar with but without the expectation. The production, mix and sound is still poorer than an average demo, but it is a profound window into the emotional turbulance Fishbone were going through during the time. After two key members quit, losing a major record label and being black listed in the music industry, no wonder why it is so mad. These days must have really hurt the guys in Fishbone and it shows in 'Chim Chim's Badass Revenge'
Not for you average listerner!

FISHBONE IS SLAMMIN"!!!!!!
I love Chim Chim's Bada** Revenge. This is Fishbone at their creative peak. On this album they have seem to have perfected their sound and style. the album sounds smoother, more organized, and put together. Fishbone are the P-Funk of the 90s. Just like George Clinton and Bootsy Collins before them, Angelo Moore (whom I've met and he's a really cool and down to earth dude), Norwood Fisher (also a down to earth fellow), and the rest of the band take funk into another super cosmic level. So, they add white boy music, who cares? They are still slammin'! (Who's says a funk band can't play rock). Fishbone, in my opinion, are the saviours of Black music. I'm glad Busta Rhymes and Blackstreet have worked with these guys, giving Fishbone a chance to be exposed to a generation of youth who have grown up on weak-a** samples , loops, and drum-machines. I hope they're next up coming album "Fishbone And Friends" on Hollywood records will finally give the band the success that's long over due to them. PEACE!!!!!!!

crazy ass maelstrom of funk/ska/metal/soul
blows up in your face like enlightenment in a box. buy a used copy and feel the temple pillars shake!

Still Fighting for the Nutmeg
I've been a Fishbone fan since the early 90s and throughout the years I would've selected Truth and Soul and The Reality of My Surrounding as the flagship works of this legendary uncategorizeable ska band. However, as much of their music has done to the general public, Chim Chim's Baddass Revenge flew past me initially and I prematurely dismissed it as the early demise of a rightfully resentful rock group underappreciated for their creative genius. But I've recently rediscovered this album and I've found myself indulging in what has now become a full-blown guilty pleasure.

This album is an amazing feat since it was produced after the loss of two of their gifted songwriters where many fans at first winced at the prospect of the band losing it's cerebral edge. And to a great extent it did but that's why this album works so well. The band's sound is stripped down to its primal essence that would make Rousseau feel proud. The amalgamation of rage, bitterness and angst with their ability to compress layer upon layer of sonic energy into every note is what makes this album so unbelievably rich.

This album is not for the faint of heart, as it took this dedicated fan several years to digest. This album was never meant for the general public although the song 'Psychologically Overcast' with its Busta Rhymes cameo suspiciously appears as though the band made a half-hearted attempt at it. This is Fishbone full of rage and as a general rule, rage is difficult to market, but it makes beautiful art.

The quality of the production is surprisingly poor for inexcusable reasons and the lyrics can get challengingly scatological but as the band's lead singer, Angelo Moore, says, 'the smell is only a bluff'. The album's genius comes with the band's uncanny ability to be experimental without trying to be. With the fusion of flaring horns; drums that refuse to die; a bass you're convinced has six feet long strings; and an Olympian singer whose doesn't seem to care if his vocal cords fly out of his mouth, this album is a high octane cathartic sweat fest. Plus the album does carry an important theme. With lyrics such as, "Listen to the message if you want to release, the time is now for you to be the beast", Fishbone reminds us that no matter how highbrow we become we're all naked underneath our clothes and by acknowledging this truth we can set ourselves free.

This a great album from the greatest band the world will never know. Fishbone's legacy teaches us that no matter what's being shoved in our face as art, we should trust the judgment of our own minds and always keep your ears close to the basement because you never know what goodies are brewing underground.

Spridle Say Knock You Out!
This has to be one of Fishbone's weakest releases! if you enjoyed stuff like "Party At Ground Zero","Ugly",or "Skankin' To The Beat",avoid this album! The Chim-Chim concept/idea is a great idea,sadly it's just the artwork on the sleeve,and not followed up by the material. The Ska sound is mostly gone by this release....with the exception of "Beergut",but even then only briefly. The other change on this album is the overly obvious racist statements,that basically revert Fishbone into just another rap band.( And no,that's not a good thing.).Fishbone have always had a lot of intelligent things to say,especially around race issues,but they just lose touch on the material here,and dumb themselves down in the process.Fishbone remain a favourite,but this album does not. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Birth of a Legend
Trenchtown Days is a rich and rewarding assembly of Marley's older material with the Wailers. I bought this cd after I got the Songs of Freedom box set (which I highly recommend as well) for Christmas. I really liked the first disc of the set, which was all older Bob Marley material like on this cd. The quality of sound produced on this album is subpar, but tolerable. However, the lo-fi sound will soon become disregarded as the music begins to shine through your heart. The tunes on here are all absolutely beautiful- soulful, ska/reggae songs sung from the depths of Bob's heart.

One caveat: people who like very diverse, eclectic cds should probably avoid this outing. Generally, most of the songs have very similar structures and rhythms. Most fans of reggae or Bob Marley probably won't mind though. The semirepetitive song structures are very enjoyable, and for me, they don't grow tiresome or monotonous at all. Favorite tracks: Simmer Down, Donna, It Hurts to be Alone, and I Don't Need Your Love.

not what i expected
i got this cd, thinking it would be more like his newer (old) reggae, and to me, it totally wasn't. I don't like this cd at all, and i'm going to re-sell it.

LO-FI MARLEY GENIUS
EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS ATTRACTIVE REISSUE IS 5 STAR. BEAUTIFUL BOOKLET, ATTRACTIVE CD ART, CRISP REMASTERING, AND IT'S IN A JEWEL CASE {THANK JAH}. 20 EARLY TRACKS FROM THE WAILERS DATING BACK TO '63 AND FEATURING MARLEY'S MENTOR AND GUITAR TEACHER: PETER TOSH. THIS CD JUST CAME OUT TODAY (8/7/01) AND I HAVE A STRONG FEELING THAT IT WONT LEAVE MY CAR UNTIL THE SNOW FALLS. THE FIRST HALF IS PRETTY LO-FI SO FINALLY A MARLEY THAT THE INDIE-ROCK HIPSTERS CAN TOLERATE (LOL). ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Pomona Lisa
This CD has a lot of very upbeat songs that are about surfing.This is good because for the people my age this is all we listen to, upbeat songs.Another good thing is that it is not parental advisery so my parents and other parents will let me and kids get it.

Good Times
The Ziggens have created their very own genre of music. This disc is made up of smooth riffs and a little steel guitar. For any one in the midwest they are similar in style to the Gear Daddies. That those lighthearted lyrics,and are a good party favorate.

alien music for the alien music connoiseur
The Ziggens are four wierdly exotic transposed kooks. Forcibly banished from their home in the Centauri Sector they grace us here with their orchestral stew of 60's surfer music, 40's swing, the Doors, a splash of Country, a Dash of Nuke Rock and all held together with Centaurian Chaos. this is the only msic that is also a conversation piece. the Leaders uncontrolled manic guitar abuse has brought him raised eyebrows from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Musical Instruments. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not all ska, but still great
As my title implies, the Pietasters took another different direction here, continuing their streak of completely unique albums. This is neither the pure neo-trad ska of Oolooloo (an even better album-- get that too), nor the mainstream late 90s sounds of Willis. It has a great 70s R&B/soul feel with some definite reggae influences (Mellow Mood, Drunken Master, How We Were Before). The best songs are Malmo, Rachel (possibly my favorite Pietasters song ever), Set Me Up, and Nothing Good to Eat (although the Give em the Boot III version sounds much better.)

In short, highly recommended for fans of all music from soul and old-school R&B to reggae and ska. But for the best Pietasters records, get Oolooloo and Strapped Live.

The absolute best yet
I assure all unfamiliar listeners that this CD is absolutely worth every penny you pay for it. Stunning sounds, strong brass, penetrating drum beats...it unbeatable. Keep reggae ska alive and pass this little known secret on: everyone should taste the pie. These guys are great musicians and great guys. They deserve to earn some cash.

movin on up
I have been a fan of the Pietasters for sometime and think it is great to see them evolve musically. This album picks up where Awesome Mix left off very well. Steve "I Feel Good" Jackson is soulfully heard through most of these jams. The rest of the band is at their best and man, can you hear the basslines flow! IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED THE PIE, THAN IT'S TIME TO TASTE A PIECE!

But to see them live is to really experience the full Pietaster madness! Don't be afraid - just buy it!

If the Pietasters come to your town, be there. . .you will have a blast.

They did it again!
Every true Pietasters fan expected it, with every album their amazing sound evolves significantly as of the last album, THIS IS NOT A BAD THING! I knew it would happen. They are still the most talented, soulful, swinging ska band around! I admit I am horribly biast with this album. I loved all their other albums so much that they could fart in a microphone and I would buy the single. But this album holds its own! It seems to be a look back at the roots of the pietasters yet with a fresh perspective that will rock you. Don't expect any songs on the album similar to crazy monkey woman on willis (which was awsome), but look forward to an oldschool ska feel that does well to keep a solid theme. My favorite songs are malmo, nothing good to eat, rachel, and drunken master. A must for all true pietasters fans. If you are new to the pietasters, give them a try!!! You can't go wrong with any album, I would start with Awesome Mix Tape #6 or willis if you are into more mainstrem rock/ska, if you want something a little bit more smooth then go for Ooolooloo or Piestomp (sorry they are hard to come by but good luck) Also Strapped live kicks!!! If you dig the pietasters check out the slackers, toasters, or the specials. Skank forever! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Part three of a series of records that benefits the Special Olympics, A Very Special Christmas 3 from 1997 is as excitingly eclectic as its predecessors. Though it features the likes of R&B chart toppers and hip-hoppers Mase, Puff Daddy, and Snoop Doggy Dogg and alt-rockers No Doubt, Smashing Pumpkins, , Blues Traveler, and others, the real standout performances belong to Jonny Lang, with his bawdy, barroom version of "Santa Claus Is Back in Town" and Sting, who delivers a proper reading of that old English carol "I Saw Three Ships." The showstopper, though, is Natalie Merchant's "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" in an arrangement so rich and compelling it may top even the many five-star versions of this African-American hymn that have come before it. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Memorable Modern Classics
The feel of this third collection of Christmas songs for the "Very Special Christmas" series is a lot less pop, and a bit more alternative. I think this collection is my favorite of the first three. Although I had some strong individual favorites on the first two albums, there were more unique stand-outs on this version.

Sting opens the CD with a very traditional version of "I Saw Three Ships", followed by a very off-beat rendering of "Christmas Time" by the Smashing Pumpkins. Natalie Merchant does a fantastic job with the gospel standard, "Children Go Where I Send Thee." Perhaps my favorite song on the album is "Christmas" by Blues Traveller, an original and very honest song of Christmas hopes and cultural differences.

Hootie and the Blowfish bring a modern flair to the traditional "Christmas Song", and I absolutely adore Chris Cornell's earthy version of "Ave Maria." Steve Winwood sounds a bit like Cat Stevens on the beautiful "Christmas Is Now Drawing Near at Hand", and Tracy Chapman's version of "Oh Holy Night" is very simple and less showy than other renditions.

All in all, I find this the best album in the series, as far as being unique and listenable, and with rock singers focusing more on the spirit of the songs, with a few glaring exceptions.

A Very Worthy Addition to your Christmas Collection
The third album in this series is mostly a winner and well worth adding to your Christmas collection (as well as the first two volumes). As with any compilation that attempts to cover multiple genres, it is bound to be a hit or miss affair for most, but I think the producers of this series have done a pretty good job of it so far. Like the first volume, this record has very few clunkers and is overall worthy of five stars (I gave Volume 2 only four stars on account of it having a higher number of unworthy tracks).

The collection leads off with Sting's short and sweet rendering of the traditional "I Saw Three Ships." Does such a good job with it that you wish the tune went on longer. One of these days, Sting will produce his own Christmas album. Next up is the now defunct alternative band Smashing Pumpkins with their original composition "Christmastime" which you most likely have heard on the radio a number of times. This is one of the top songs on this album. But the best song on this record could very well be Natalie Merchant's "Children Go Where I Send Thee" which is an old gospel song. So the first three songs are already worth the price of this CD alone.

Unfortunately, the mood is spoiled by the next track featuring a whole mess of rap artists doing an ugly version of "Santa Baby." I don't know why the producers of this series feel compelled to stick a rap track on every volume but I don't appreciate it. Next is No Doubt doing "Oi To The World" which is a very annoying song that grates on your nerves after repeated listens. This song would no doubt (pardon the pun) drive Noriega out of his compound. Then we have Sheryl Crow doing a version of the overrecorded "Blue Christmas" that doesn't do anything for me but at least it gets the album sounding like a Christmas record again.

Now we have Blues Traveler doing an original John Popper composition ("Christmas") that is one of the top tracks on this album and this also gets a lot of radio airplay around the holidays. Following that is Enya's Gaillic version of "Silent Night" ("Oiche Chiun"). This is just superb and very hypnotizing. I like playing this late at night on Christmas Eve by the fireplace once the gifts are under the blinking lights of the tree and the champagne is uncorked. If you are not familiar with the music of Enya, I highly recommend getting some of her albums. Then we have Hootie & The Blowfish (who were one of the hottest bands in music when this collection came out in 1997) doing a version of "The Christmas Song." While the performance is okay, I do not like this song at all as it is recorded by so many other artists and it's getting sort of old. Whatever happened to Hootie & The Blowfish anyway? They sort of disappeared after this.

Next is my personal favorite song on this CD, Chris Cornell (of the alternative rock band Soundgarden) doing a spine-tingling version of "Ave Maria." This is another song I like to hear late at night on Christmas Eve. It sets quite an atmosphere. Next is "Christmas In The City" by Mary J. Blige. This soulful track doesn't sound very Christmasy at all and it sort of spoils the mood that was created by Chris Cornell's song. After that is Jonny Lang's version of "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" which is a bluesy rocker which is quite good but it just doesn't flow right here. The producers of this album don't do a very good job ordering the songs. They are all over the place.

Next track is probably the one that gets the most radio airplay, that would be the Dave Matthews Band doing a live version of "Christmas Song" which was written by Dave Matthews himself. This is definitely a highlight of this CD. Next is Steve Winwood doing a version of an obscure ancient song called "Christmas Is Now Drawing Near At Hand." I like it but you need to give it a few spins before it starts growing on you. Tracy Chapman then follows with her version of "O Holy Night." This is a very atypical and sparse interpretation of this song and quite interesting to listen to. Like the Steve Winwood track, you have to give it time to grow on you.

Finally, the set concludes with Patti Smith doing an eclectic version of "We Three Kings." I've seen some negative comments about this song on other reviews but I like it a lot and consider it one of this album's highpoints.

There are enough great songs on this record to make this an essential part of your Christmas collection.

This is "Christmas music"?
I was always a fan of this series even though I wasn't always a fan of some of the artists included in each compilation. But when I heard #3 for the first time I couldn't believe my ears. Is this the best combination of pop and Christmas music they could come up with? I was actually laughing out loud in my car the first time I listened to this disc because it was so horribly wrong. As some other reviews have mentioned, this isn't a very Christmasy-sounding offering, which, in my opinion, is a big mistake for anything offered as a Christmas Album.

And the musicianship on this disc is completely laughable. Many of these songs sound as if the "musicians" performing them tried to pick out the tunes and harmonies by ear without ever referring to the readily available printed music. I mean, couldn't they have even taken the time to consult a chord chart before destroying these classic Christmas songs? I'm all for reharmonizing a song to make it fresh, but this is ridiculous.

If you're a fan of the individual artists, this might be a good disc to pick up. But if you're looking for musicto put you in the holiday spirit, stick with something more classic (like "Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas") or something by a newer artist that has respect for the traditions of these songs.

A review from an italian boy
I bought this CD last year and I didn't find it so beautiful but there is a song that's INCREDIBLE... this is the Tracy Chapman's "oh holy night"... simply amazing... buy it only for this song... I love it

Many fabulous surprises
I was familiar with (and enjoyed) the first release in this series. I hesitated from the 2nd and, initially, the 3rd because the artist groups weren't striking my facuty. But when I learned that track seven involved Popper putting lyrics to the incredibly swift and complex guitar lead of the Phish composition "Divided Sky", I knew it was going to be either the most horrific mistake I'd ever heard or a complete stroke of musical genius. And, oh! What genius it is!

And, I found, the rest of the disc was more than up to snuff as well. Contrary to some other reviews here, I found Chris Cornell's "Ave Maria" quite moving and Patti Smith's "We Three Kings" really *real*. Even Sting's opener, while a bit pop-y, is plenty pleasant as well.

All around, this is more than seasonal background music. There are some real gems here to hook your interest. Bravo!! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

The perfect mix that I love!!!
4 out of 5 stars from me is really good! i don't like many kinds of music but this is it. CPD is the band! My favorite is We'll always have Paris. They make this mix of ska and punk into the best songs. From numbers 1-15, i will never be pushing the forward button. Cherry Poppin' Daddies have the best taste in music and ill be listening to it as long as i know. One more thing, when you buy it make sure you know its ska and punk and not all swing.

Rockin
Well, if you are gonna buy this album you shouldn't expect what you hear on CPD's Zoot Suit Riot. This album is mix of a bunch of different stlyes and it hits great hights with Irish Whiskey, Don Quijote, Millionare, We'll always have Paris, and Kids on the Street. This CD didnt let me down at all, and will lead you into the CPD world of a band that is not resricted to play one style of music. Definitly add it to your CPD section to your CD colection.

Wow
I bought Soul Cadillac about 2 years ago listened to it once and then forgot about it until this year. I needed to hear more. Kids on the Street rocks. There are no bad tracks. this band is so versatile, the songs are clever. This is ska, so if you are expecting swing you may be disappointed or pleasantly surprised. You can't find this kind of stuff on the radio. I anxiously await Rapid City Muscle Car.

Amazing.
I've had this CD for several years, and after hearing it again recently, I feel I owe Cherry Poppin' Daddies a good review. This CD is out of this world. As you grow, your taste in music grows, and this CD has a favorite song for every genre of music that anyone can grow through. I honestly did not think it was possible for a band to write the best song of a genre, and then do it for a different genre, and again for a different one.. it doesn't end. Honestly, you owe it to yourself to buy this CD. While they may be more "swingy" now, this CD only shows a hint of swing. The lyrics are truly breathtaking.. so much further above and beyond anything that you've ever heard. Each band member is absolutely terrific at what they play. The CD is put together well, it's not like one of those CDs where, if you have some friends over, you want to get up and skip over some not so good tracks to impress them. This is one where you can let it play on, and each track they're guaranteed to like. Some say that this CD is a little poppy, as if they were trying to get on the radio. I guarantee they weren't trying to get on the radio, they were trying to show you that they could even go into that area of music strongly enough as all the other areas that they've conquered.

Hope this helps... bottom line is, buy this CD, you won't regret it. Honestly, the only better thing you could do with 15 bucks is donate it to charity.

if i hadnt read the reviews i would have hated this cd
this is not swing... more like punk-ska. luckily i was expecting this after i got zoot suit riot. but if you're like me and love punk and ska as much as swing it will be all good ... Read more

Amazon.com

Punk rock has long been known for its short, loud, and snotty anthems, but this is taking things to extremes. None of the songs found here reaches the one-minute mark. Some are among punk's most esteemed anthems, while others are casual additions to the canon. In either case, even if you don't like one tune, well, there's another one coming in just a few seconds. This isn't the best introduction to these bands. The Descendents, for example, are punk-pop titans who and not at their best when aping the hardcore set. However, where else can you find Less Than Jake, Nerf Herder, Blink 182, Green Day, the Mr. T. Experience, Gwar, the Circle Jerks,D.O.A., Agnostic Front, and the Muffs all on one CD? There's no shortage of top-shelf names here, and more than a few surprises will keep you hopping. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (71)

a few bad songs, more then 90 good ones
It's the newest project from one of punk rock's most innovative minds today, Fat Mike... 101 bands on one album playing 30 seconds-and-under songs. The album taps the scenes of over ten countries, and leave it to Fat Mike to collect the most varied lineup of punk, old-school, hardcore, emo, ska, and radio bands of any compilation. So unplug your phone, remove all distractions, and lock yourself in your room before listening or else you might miss half of the bands. Don't plan on doing anything afterwards either, because your attention span will be completely shot.

There are a lot of cool tracks on the comp, mostly from bands that have mastered the art of the short song, such as the Descendents. The lineup features everything from legends like Bad Religion, Black Flag, and the Subhumans to today's popular punk bands like NOFX, Pennywise, and the Bouncing Souls. But with such a screwy setup, you're bound to get plenty of bands that don't really take the project seriously, and there are some disappointments. Out of 101 bands, though, what did you expect? There's enough good stuff that you can skip over the crap and still get your fix. Plus, the full-color booklet features a little something from each band, including as pictures, contact information, lyrics, or random band jokes. It's hard to take this CD seriously, but it's a good opportunity to hear a wide mix of punk bands or just sit around with some friends and see who can name the most bands (or count which bands can swear the most in under 30 seconds).

The funniest CD on the face of the earth
I was surfing around the net one day and somehow I came across Short Music For Short People. 101 bands doing 30 second songs?... This had to be one of the best ideas for a CD that I'd heard in a long time. Plus it was out on Fat Wreck Chords so I knew it couldn't be horendously bad. So, without really thinking about what I was doing, I bought it. I was not dissapointed by my purchase. For a CD that costs [$$$], this CD is a work of freaking art. But it's also much more than that. It's a compilation of some of the best ska, hardcore, and pop punk bands out there. Some on Honest Don's, some on Lookout!, some on Epitaph, some sell outs, and some on the almighty Fat Wreck Chords. Its got hilarious stuff by Fizzy Bangers, Blink 182, Nerf Herder, The Mr. T Experience, Gwar, Descendents, The Vandals, NOFX, Wizo, Bouncing Souls, H2O, and a bunch of other bands. Its got those amazing guys of The Living End doing an amazing song. Its got The Queers doing a song about hate. Its got Less Than Jake thanking a bunch of people. Its got those Chicago boys 88 Fingers Louie. Its got those funny guys from Honest Don's who call themselves Chixdiggit! Its got Good Riddance. Its got The Bouncing Souls. Its got Lagwagon. Its got Green Day. Its got the Offspring. And lets not forget Bad Religion. So basically its got more bands then I can remember. And its only 50 minutes. Cramming 101 bands into 50 minutes? Genius.

Essential Punk Comp.
It might not be the best punk compilation (check out the Peace/War double album or the Dischord box-set or the Punk-O-rama series for some alternatives) but its definitely an essentaial one. And not just for minutemen fans either, anyone who likes fast, loud punk should take a look at this.
Obviously, its good for anyone with a short attention span, but some of the songs are good enough for you to put them on 'repeat' and listen to them 14 times. It's got huge variety (blink and Black Flag, GWAR and The Descendents, AFI and Wizo....) so theres gotta be something you'll like. Even if you hate some of it ( I still don't know what to think about the Real McKenzies's track) it'll be over in 24 seconds.
Obviously the huge variety is an incentive to check this out, but theres also a whole lot more quality than you'd expect of an album with 101 songs (99 tracks, ... punk fans......). How many albums do you own that can claim to have 74 great tracks?

best compilation of all time
Jesus christ, this is amazing(except for that ballsuckingly bad spazz song). Fat Mike is a genius for thinking this up!
However, it is Missing a few key contributions (in order of importance):

dropkick murphys
millencolin
propagandhi
mighty mighty bosstones
face to face
mxpx
distillers
hot water music

great idea and great music
This cd has tons of essential bands (the famous ones) and tons that have music just as good. If not for the music, then buy this CD because it makes for excellent drinking games. Just take a swig every time a new song comes on and you'll be smashed within the hour. ... Read more

Album Description

First time on CD for this legendary ska album from 1980.Includes the singles 'On My Radio', 'Three Minute Hero' &'Missing Words'. Deluxe booklet includes original albumartwork & liner notes by ska expert George Marshall. 2001release. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The archetypal 2 tone sound.
The Selecter more than any other band encapsulated the 2tone sound.Three Minute Hero is my favourite but the whole record is high quality.This album is more enjoyable than say any Madness or even The Beat (English Beat in the USA) albums that I have heard but having said that those two bands reached slightly higher peaks in terms of memorable songs.If youre into skinhead/rudeboy/mod stuff you really should have this already, but there you go,4 stars good stuff.

A lost classic - one of the best albums I own!
The Selecter's "Too Much Pressure" is the single most overlooked album of the U.K. ska revival, and in my opinion, the most overlooked album of the late-70s/early-80s.

Fans of the short-lived U.K. ska revival are probably familiar with The Selecter, but unfortunately most don't own "Too Much Pressure". It was out of print until 2002, and then only released on a small indie label in the U.K.

The album was originally released in 1980, following a few key singles, on the then fledgling 2-Tone label. Those early singles - "The Selecter", "On My Radio" and "Too Much Pressure" - are included as bonus tracks on this reissue.

Like other 2-Tone bands, The Selecter is indebted to early Jamaican ska, specifically Duke Reid and Prince Buster productions, as well as late seventies U.K. punk. The Selecter is rooted in rock steady and reggae rhythms as well, which aligns them more closely with The English Beat than The Specials or Madness (all label-mates.)

What makes The Selecter completely unique is lead vocalist Pauline Black. Black was born to belt out infectious, punk-inspired ska tunes. Without her, The Selecter would sound too much like The English Beat - not a bad thing, just that Black really makes the band something special. She can back a social statement like "Danger" with fierce intensity and then bounce along playfully to some of the most infectious songs in existence. (Is "On My Radio" pure bliss or what?)

This is truly one of the best albums that I own, and I highly recommend it to fans of this type of music. Even if you already own a Selecter compilation, you shouldn't hesitate to pick this up. Seriously, no slapdash compilation can ever replace the original album, especially when every track is a killer. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Mad caddies return with a better album.
Just one more is a pretty impressive album theres a few slow reggae/ska songs which really stand out like popcorn did at the end of duck and cover and the punk/ska songs still maintain high quality (10 west in particular). It's an instant improvement on rock the plank as the horns make more of an appearance which really make up the mad caddies unique sound. 'Just one more' is not quite up to the standard of 'quality softcore' and 'duck and cover' but it's taken a different direction to those albums as the albums horns sound more jazz orientated at times like monkeys with the trad-jazz sound you hear this on last breath and leavin mainly. The song just one more is one of the best on the cd it has a bit of a spanish feel to it, spare change, 10 west and day by day are also stand out tracks on the album. If you are looking for any ska album though get any album by the mad caddies as they are the most innovative ska band around at the moment.

A Return To Glory
With this CD, the Caddies are back on top of their game. I'm a big fan of all their CD's, but after Rock the Plank, I was afraid that like many other ska bands, they were giving up the horns and going punk. Not so. This CD brings back many of the awesome, blaring horns that defined Duck and Cover. There are still some hornless songs, but I don't really care, since those rock too. These dudes mix in so many different styles and do it so well. That whole Dixieland ska sound may seem weird to some, but I think it fits in really nicely. The best songs on this CD are Riot, Last Breath, Just One More, Leavin', Wet Dog, and 10 West. Buy it now, you won't be sorry. Long live the Caddies.

Best Mad Caddies Album...best Album...Period
This is by far the best album I own. From the opener Drinking For Eleven to Just One More to Track 15 every song seems to flow together. This is one of the only CDs I can listen to without skipping through a single track. Mad Caddies musical genius is shown through how they can mix ska, punk, reggae, and Latin music into one album and make it sound like a brand new musical genre. Buy this album and you will bring it everywhere with you...you won't be without it.

I'll Drink To 11!!!!!!!!!!
(I Love That Song Obviously) I only had to hear one of their songs and I was already hooked!! Theyre like a regge version of Pennywise or Authority Zero. I Would SO reccomend Mad Caddies Just One More!! All of the songs have their own individual sound and feling. I Love It!!! Their all so different and unique yet all noticably a Mad Caddie Song. BUY IT!! IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!

good
my favorite song is drinking for 11, the whole album is good another good release from the caddies ... Read more

Album Description

Road tested punk rock with horns and just a touch of ska for good measure make up this 2000 release and fifth full length release for Gainesville, Florida natives, Less Than Jake. 15 tracks including 'Suburban Myth' and 'Hell Looks A Lot Like L.A.'. Special Digi-pack. ... Read more

Reviews (132)

My personal favorite LTJ album
I've never been a fan of ska and probably never will be. As a result I didn't find Losing Streak or Pezcore nearly as good as other people. I throughly enjoyed Hello Rockview though because it was much more punk than ska. Likewise, Borders and Boundaries is mostly a rock album with splashes of horns, (which, on this cd, do add to the overall sound). I also think that on this album, the song structure is excellent and dwarfs that of album efforts. The songs are catchy, as always, but the overall vocals and harmonies are vastly improved. Also, the track's subject matter is more diverse, although almost all of the songs are energetic mid-tempo rock. This album shows off the band's maturity through songs like "Magnetic North" and "Kehoe". However, LTJ shows that they can goof around on funny tracks like "Hell Looks a lot like L.A" and "Malt Liquor Tastes Better" If your a fan of a less ska influenced LTJ, you'll love Borders and Boundries.

LTJ - More than Ska, Pez
Less Than Jake has definitely evolved... and for the better. Even though there is a large lack of ska (only 2 songs: Suburban Myth, Faction) it is still great. Catchy guitar riffs (check out Gainsville Rock City, Is this thing on?), powerful horns lead this cd into a power-packed anthem-filled punk with horns statement. Some of the lyrics are sad (Vinnie, the band's writer, had a friend who died just a couple weeks before recording), but you can't seem to dodge the ever-lovely humurous lyrics (Check out Mr. Chevy Celebrity, Pete Jackson is Getting Married). Overall... it may be different, but it's frickin awesome. A must buy for old and new LTJ fans.

Kickass Riffs and Meaningful Lyrics
I have been into Less Than Jake ever since I heard 'Gainesville Rock City' (and I have to say that this is still my favorite LTJ song), and as soon as I heard it I busted my ass down to the nearest CD shop to get anything of theirs. I decided to get Hello Rockview and Losing Streak because... Well because I'm cheap and it was 2 cds for the price of 1. After listening to these I fell in love with LTJ and set out to get Borders and Boundaries so I could listen to Gainesville.

After listening to it once all the way through, I was almost disappointed, I felt it didn't even compare to HR. But then after a few listens, I started to get into it, and I realised just how good some of the individual songs are. I find that most LTJ cds have one stand-out track, but Borders and Boundaries has several; the riff from 'Last Hour Of The Last Day At Work' is amazing, 'Gainesville Rock City' is incredible, 'Mark Cruce' is really fun... I could go on, but I really think you ought to experience this for yourself. GO BUY NOW! its possibly my favorite LTJ album.

Yet to be topped
When Chris says, "I swear it's the last time." in Track 4, he's not kidding, well as far as making an awesome album goes. This album is Less Than Jake at its most tolerable (which I consider its best). The guys sound like they really have talent, and the lyrics are a bit deeper than previous releases. While the strange lack of "whoa-oh-oh's" in the songs may turn away the hard core Less Than Jake fan, this is definitely the one album that's just so good you'll never want to listen to another Less Than Jake album again...seriously.

Not as many horns, but just as good if not better
Less Than Jake is an awesome ska/punk band. Some fans might not like this CD because of the abscence of horns, but dont listen to those idiots, this CD kicks ass. Gainsville Rock City, and Look What happened are a few standouts. This whole CD is great, maybe not the best LTJ, but clearly 5 star potential, LTJ are clearly the kings of ska,(Reel Big Fish Rock too) but this album takes a more punk- approach, which is why i like it. I dont think LTJ can make a bad CD. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After six studio albums under their skinny leather belts, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones have found themselves back at an indie label. The perplexing part of this equation is these once and future rude boys from Boston have never sounded better or more ready for prime time; their metal-ska punk has been honed to a fine, serrated edge, with much of the furious posturing of years past gone. Always a tight and flashy band, this time out the Bosstones have spent considerable time crafting a set of dynamic lyrics that are cinematic in scope, with a barely hidden moral center that shines brightly. Most of the tunes are small narrative slices of life that might have been "ripped from the headlines," like the gritty, ska-infused "Mr. Moran," based on the life of Mafia turncoat Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Bravano, who testified against mob boss John Gotti. The dark subject matter is skillfully integrated in the almost childlike sing-song delivery, with the occasional explosive expletive as reality check and a nod to subtle irony. Others tunes are cautionary tales, like the hard-charging "You Can't Win," which warns that there are different rules for normal folks and rich types: "They're wide awake while you're still in bed / They count the money while you count the sheep." They return again to this theme of the eternal war of "us versus them" on the acerbic "Punch Line," finally settling all questions of personal inequity on the poetic and uplifting "Everybody's Better." This standout song could have ambled off a Jamaican beach, with its casual rhythms and breezy horn section, but once again behind the deceptively simple melody lies profundity: "To be king, you don't need a castle… A true king rules without a crown." On this album, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones truly earn their second modifier and show themselves more than able rule all that they survey. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (36)

a jacknife upwards for MMB
yes indeed the bosstones are back and they return w/great success after their previous effort, "pay attention"

"a jacknife to a swan" is a return to the harder-edged bosstones sound of old...miss their old ska-core sound from earlier albums? you find it in songs like "sh!t outta luck", "sugar free", "i want my city back" and "go big"...dicky barrett brings a triumphant return to his growling delivery, pumping up the energy in each song

still, the bosstones can play soft, and they do it well, with the reggae-influenced "everybodys better" and "chasing the sun away" and barrett sounds just as good here, along with the great horn section..."go big" features guest trumpeter rolf langsjoen...roman fleysher and tim burton lead the horn section w/their soulful sax playing, and on this album chris rhodes replaces bosstone staple dennis brockenborough on trombone

the bosstones are in my opinion the best ska/punk, ska-core band out there and can play with so much energy...while this is a great album, their old stuff is truly their best, but all MMB fans need this album, and if youre new to the bosstones its a nice intro of just what they can do

Best of the Bosstones
This new album is the best Mighty Mighty Bosstones album to date. It combines the energy and punky wrecklessness of 'Devil's Night Out' with the elegance, the catchy rhythm, and the punchy horn section of 'Let's Face it.' Unfortunately, the Bosstones produced this album on a small record label- the great songs from this album probobly won't be heard on the radio, or MTV... Nonetheless, I highly recommend this album- it is appropriate for most ages, but more importantly it is simply GOOD music, unlike most of the junk that people are listening to nowadays. If you're not familiar with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, you should definately buy this album first, it eliminates all the bad aspects of Let's Face It and Pay Attention (as the review below said) but it isn't as sloppy or hardcore-punk-ish as their earlier albums. (I personally love their earlier albums, but some would probably find them a little bit too... uh... loud?)

Great CD from MMB
This is a great CD. The Bosstones go back to a mix of Ska and Skacore leaning more towards upbeat Ska instead of mostly distorted hardcore guitar stuff. I have been a Bosstones fan since I heard Don't know how to party in 94' and have all of their CDs now and I really think that this is the best of them all. If you like the bosstones but didn't like Pay Attention, try them out again, if your not a Bosstones fan check them out I think most Ska and punk/hardcore fans will enjoy it.

Can't stop whistling it!
I can't take this cd out of my stereo! Unlike a lot of albums, with one or two good songs, this is one of the few cds that you can play all the through...and then play it over again.

Energetic and danceable, yet still spotlights their musical talents and credibility. You will find its also a bit of a theme album, for all you "Sopranos" fans out there...

I especially like "Mr Moran" and "Sh*t Out of Luck."

This is one cd you won't regret buying.

BORING...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZz
C'mon people, how could you all rate this cd so high?? This is a pile of [junk]. I have been a huge fan of the band since the beginning. I saw trouble coming w/the disappointing 'pay attention'. That cd had 2 of the best songs the band has ever written, namely 'Let Me Be' and 'Riot down on broad street'. The rest of that cd was boring. This cd promised a 'return' to their roots. What a complete lie!!! If it was supposed to be a return to their roots then where are the heavy/thrashy skacore parts?????? There are none. 'Mr. Moran' is the only good song on the cd. I have given up on this once great band. They are more interested in appealing to the masses and forgot how to write good/memorable songs. This cd is a snooze fest. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great Party CD
This cd is totally fun to listen to. My favorite song is "Garota Nacional." Skank is one of the coolest bands.

Beleza!
A must album for anybody who likes to dance. The whole CD is just full of great songs like "É Uma Partida de Futebol," "Garota Nacional," "Tão Seu," and "Samba Paconé." They just keep outdoing themselves with every album.

Awesome CD!
I was amazed to see this CD at such a low price. Itis WELL worth it! The CD cover might look a little risque but it has nothing to do with the content........love these guys!

The greastest album of all time!
This album rocks. I didn't think that they could outdo themselves from Calango but they did. This is the perfect mix of reggae, ska and the Brasilian mix.

Skank's songs will get stuck in your head.
This album has several great songs. "Futebol" (Track 1) is very exciting. It'll get anyone psyched up and ready to GO! FIGHT! WIN! The other big song off the album is "Garota Nacional" which makes you want to dance. The songs have a good beat and nice tunes. It's great fun to sing along if you know the words. I saw Skank in concert with Cidade Negra and Daniela Mercury (two other groups you might want to check out if your looking for Brazilian 90's music). ... Read more