No comments about You Just Cant Beat It: Best of Beat.

3 comments about Stomping Ground.

1. of the two goldfinger albums i used to have, this is the worse of the two....their first self titled album sucked pretty bad, but this one is definately ten times worse. even worse, these guys have contributed to the rise nu-emo/screamo by stamping their ugly seal of approval on horrible groups like story of the year and bands of the likeness...picture a less mtv-drugged version of blink 182 and throw in some random ska influences along with some over preaching and you have this band.



2. Quite possibly one of the strongest albums in the pop/rock section of your local music store. Track after track of catchy solid rock genious. If i had my last 15 bucks and was poised with the question of sandwich or music, not only would i go music i might even consider this album as the one to buy. Up there with Hysteria (Def Leppard), Joshua Tree (U2), Boston (Boston), Extreme II Pornograffitti (Extreme), Dead Man's Party (Oingo Boingo), (the list goes on and on), as one of the most listenable albums i have. I would have no problem putting this album in the ol' CD/Record player and giving it a listen front to back without a moments though of switching tracks. They scored big, way big. The weakest tracl in my opinion is that last track..... simply because you know that its the last one. Fork over the cash and buy it..... NOW



3. Despite the really cheesy, stupid looking album cover, the music hidden within is of the highest standard. Pop/ska/punk, however you want to classify Goldfinger, there is no denying the sublime (no pun intended) genius of this album. From the opener "I'm Down" to the final jolt of "99 Red Balloons," there's enough substance here to satisfy many different kinds of listeners. There is enough power and raging riffs to satisfy the metalhead like myself, yet still the hooks and choruses to get the girls. The tracks themselves are quite diverse as well, from the heavy "Bro" to the mellow "Margaret Ann," or the addictingly catchy "Counting The Days," there is not a moment to be missed here. This is certainly one of my favorite non-metal albums, and has the kind of sound that will appeal to a great number of rock fans. Add this one to your collection today!

5 comments about Purr.

1. I didn't like it when I first listened, but that's not uncommon with CDs I eventually find really interesting. Plan to take some time to read the lyrics -- they are different, fun, and clever. The harmonies are similarly appealing. I would especially recommend "Cat Fight" to all feminists.



2. Generally, there are three elements that I look for in ska music. They are:
   1. Happy tune/vibe
   2. Horns section
   3. Good Lyrics
   Since ska is by nature always happy, this lives up to that expectation, but it pretty much ends there. They eliminated their horns section after making "The Old Album", and so far their lyrics have not made much of an impact on me. Just buy this if you are a DHC fan and already have some of their other stuff. If you're a DHC virgin, I recomend "Honey, I'm Homely!" perticularly tracks 1, 11, & 12.



3. This is my first DHC album, and by golly it won't be my last! Filled with catchy upbeat riffs and tight harmonizing from the two lead vox. I'm amazed (but immensely grateful) that we haven't seen DHC on mainstream radio.



4. everyone has given this cd 5 stars and its well deserved. on a car ride home from vacation once i listened to this cd 5 times in a row. a lot of times when i first start listening to a song on purr it doesnt sound too good but then by the end of the song im blown away by how unbelievably good it is. it all just comes together to make songs that are so catchy words cant even describe it. cricket is such a great and different song. it sounds kinda like jewels "you were meant for me" i wonder how many other people think that. though i do like cricket a lot better. by other favorites are beverly kills, setting sun, everything to lose, nothing to lose, cat fight and cricket this cd is just sooo good you have to buy it



5. While DHC has never brought out a disappointing CD, "Purr" is definitely better than the rest. Their incredible mixture of pop and punk music has created a CD that is impossible to put down. "Purr" is a must have!

5 comments about Peculiar.

1. I don't know why everybody complains about this album, to me, it's their best album to date. I love the diversity of this album, and every song is catchy and memorable. I know that the main gripe is that most of the songs were on prevous releases, but for those of us that don't have Slack in Japan or the Int. Nat. War Criminal EP, that complaint is irrelevent, and even if you do, the songs have been reworked, so it's still not the same songs exactly. Anything the Slackers put out is 5 star worthy, and this is definately my favorite out of all of them, including the newly released "Self Medication". Buy it if you haven't yet.



2. Vic, Dave and the boys have done it again! Yes, it has songs from the "War criminal" EP- but guess what, you NEED this album anyway. This album quickly became one of favorites from these kings of modern ska. Where did they get this Glen Pine guy? "What went wrong" proves him not only a great trombone player but also a truly great singer. GREAT record!!



3. surprised to see them cover a song of the legendary Bob Dylan....but how isnt influenced one way or the other by the best ever.



4. While this album is really good, it is not their best work, but it is still heads and shoulders above what most bands are able to produce. My only real gripe is that fact that about half the album is material they already released on an ep. It is not a unique tactic to put out an album quickly, but it is still disappointing.
   Aaron.



5. Next to Redlight, this is probably the best album the Slackers have released. There are simply no bad songs on the album. The album is slightly more political, including the songs "Propaganda" and "International War Criminal" that both reflect opinions about the "war on terror." The album's diversity is amazing, however. The traditional Slackers ska sound we all know and love is apparant in "Crazy" and "Peculiar". However, one of my favorites on the album, "Set the Girl Free" has a doo-wop feel to it. Overall, this album nothing short of spectacular.

5 comments about Warped Tour: 2006 Compilation.

1. ... I'm wondering why some of the bands that were there are not on this cd. I'm typing this up because I saw my favorite band there for the first time that summer. I'm talking about The Living End. These boys are extremely talented and (in my personal opinion) were one of the best bands there. Straight-up rock music with a lot of influences from the 50's and so on. Check for videos on Youtube (look for Tribute to Rock n Roll to see how good they can be). You'll see what I'm talking about.
   Just getting word out for an under-appreciated band that definitely rocked one of the main stages on the 2006 Warped Tour



2. the 2006 edition of the warped tour compilation is totally cool, you have great bands like Moneen and Anti-Flag, 51 bands for $8 totally rocks.



3. I will confess, this is not traditional punk... but if you're like me, I wasn't that big of a punk fan... I didn't like the warped tour until last years cd. It's a very diverse cd.... it has music such as Relient K that are much less hardcore than normal punk bands, and Underoath, who stomp the [...] out of the punk bands. I like the first cd more than the second cd in the set.
   
   My recommended songs:
   Underoath- "Moving For The Sake of Motion"
   Moneen- "If Tragedy's Appealing, Disaster's an Addiction"
   Chiodos- "The Words 'Best Friend' Become Redefined"
   All Time Low- "Coffee Shop Soundtrack"
   So They Say- "Over Exposed Photo"



4. I was reading through these reveiws trying to see which songs I should listen to first ( I can't ever just dive into a cd, I need someone to tell me where to start) and I started to get really ticked off. People are complaining about bands not being "punk" enough and the tour having lost its credibility. Well, news flash people. Its about the MUSIC not the LABLES WE PUT ON IT!
   
   If you want to hear some music that is rock, punk, gypsy, screamo, emo...just about any type of rock, you've got it here. I bought the '05 comp. and I loved it. It even led me to some great bands and I went out and bought their cd's so that I could hear more of them.
   
   If you want to taste a little of everything, for dirt cheap, 8 bucks..51 bands..come on, even I-tunes can't beat that. This is def a CD for those who get in the pool at the shallow end and slowly walk deeper. Heck! Its for those who dive right in!
   
   Its about the MUSIC, not LABLES!
   
   BUY IT! You won't regret it



5. it has nofx and anti-flag on it which are some of the only good bands on here. damn i wish they had anti-flags press corpse instead of no future. oh well just dowload nofx and anti-flag dont buy this.

5 comments about Photographs.

1. Ok, so a lot of other reviewers complained about this being a big let down. I'll admit that this album is not as good as their past ones, and if this is the first time I had heard the band I wouldn't like them near as much. But the album is catchy pop punk. There are some songs that beg to be sung along to in the car and some fun songs that had me bobbing my head.
   Yes the album is dark, but MEST has always had dark issues with their songs...(think Drawigng Board, f*** up kid, mother's prayer, etc...) That hasn't changed on this album, it just seems like they are trying to take the "dark" more seriously instead of making jokes out of it.
   Like I said this isn't as good as the last 3 Mest Albums in my opinion. But if these songs had been intermixed with songs off of those albums, you'd never know the difference.



2. When I think of Mest, I think of fun pop/punk with a little reggae influence. This sums up their first three major label releases (all of which were phemonenal albums). This album is emo. Bad emo. Their style has changed so much in one album that it's mindblowing. You can tell just by looking at some of the song titles ("Kiss Me, Kill Me", "As His Black Heart Dies (My Mistake)", "Graveyard", "Nightmare", etc.) that this is a darker album. The problem is that darker doesn't necessarily mean more mature. In fact, with this album Mest is regressing.
   
   The lyrics are littered with words like "blood", "dark" and a lot of them allude to suicide. The lyrics aren't good, nor are they original. In fact, it seems as though Tony and Jeremiah went through a bout of a writer's block, so instead of writing lyrics they broke into the house of some random angsty 14-year-old who hates his parents and stole the kid's crappy poetry.
   
   This album also includes Mest's worst song of all-time: "Last Kiss". The lyrics are so childish and angsty that it's nothing short of utter rediculousness. Here's a little sample: "Stare at you as you slit my wrist, and as we share our last kiss, hold me as we die". These are lyrics I might be able to appreciate if I was 14-years-old. As I'm 21, I see how silly and overly dramatic they are. And since Tony, who wrote the song, is quite a few years older than I am, he has no excuse. This is just terrible.
   
   There are only three songs on this album that I like. None of the three hold a candle to any song off Mest's last three albums, but here goes: "Take Me Away (Cried Out To Heaven)", "Photographs" and "This Time". All three are decent, and almost reminiscent of Mest's previous sound.
   
   After putting out this album, I'm glad Mest broke up.



3. This CD is, for the most part, classic MEST. I don't know why many people seem to disagree. "Take Me Away" is one of the best rock songs of the year, not some screamo garbage or standard pop-punk. It is such a cool song. "Graveyard" is another standout. All that's missing is the FUN MEST - I love cruising in my RX and listening to "Destination Unknown" and I hope MEST does another album like that one. But their sound is unique, a gorgeous, beautiful sound. "This Time" is an emotional ballad better than anything Coldplay could ever write. As a band, the performances are the best on this CD, but the songs are not ALL good (most are.) MEST has the potential to break the sound barrier with their next CD if they combine the rocking fun of "Destination" with the musical sophistication of this album. Tony if you read this don't ever give this up. You guys will have your time on top of the world, and it will all have been worth the wait.



4. I simply can't believe that the band who wrote "drawing board", "cadillac" and the entire s/t punk masterpiece of 2003 could be behind this crap, but they are. "photographs" is a complete 180 from past mest releases, and I for one plan to never buy a mest record or go to a mest show again. Bands who change so much shouldn't even continue under their old name. Change the sound? Change the name. Simple as that.



5. What the hell!!! My friend bought me this album for my birthday and it looked to be a darker and more mature Mest. I put it in my stereo and this is not Mest they have turned pop as hell! Mest is the band that wrote "Drawing Board" "Cadillac" and "Breaking Down", this is a new Mest trying to make it to the MTV mainstream, if you thought the old Mest were too punk then you will definitely like this album, but if you're a big Mest fan then i suggest you make your way across the cd shop and go check out Cauterize or Saves The Day

5 comments about Chase the Sun.

1. The Supertones Strike BackProof That the Youth Are RevoltingThe Insyderz Present Skalleluia!



2. this band amazes me over and over. their message is so blatent, powerful, and perfectly measured, i wish more christian artists could manage it. the supertones manage to give us a thelogy lesson and make it sound sooooo good in the process. if anyone is reading this who hasn't seen them live, i really recommend it...their live show is amazing and shows off their talent.
   this is an amazingly committed band; to God, to their fans, and to their music and i think is shows in every release.
   to those who are talking smack and accusing the supertones of selling out because they're 'not ska enough', just listen to FIF's 'cool enough for you' to find out exactly what i have to say about that.



3. Well, them Supertones are growin' up nicely. Though not as totally addicting as their debut Adventures, but much more mature. Still just as fun to see live, this band spans a few gaps and shows their versatility in this release. A cut or two approach hip-hop rap and yet there's another cut that goes the other direction...all of the songs that fill the gap between Away From You and Grounded are worth every penny I spent on this CD.



4. Supertones dropped a bomb that permanently caused me to enjoy ska music. With plenty of trumpets, trombones, drums, bass, guitars and awesome messages, who wouldn't like to hear a lot from these guys?

   This is my first Supertones and from the sound of it, definitely this wouldn't be the last. Their type of music circles in ska, rock and reggae category. What makes Supertones a unique band aside from some obvious L-E-T-T-E-R singing and making long tripping introduction is their God-centered songs. I urged them to continue chasing the qualities of the S-O-N' which we also as Christians should always bound to follow.

   Here's a small info for each tracks. If you got favorites, well here's mine (11 favs out of 14):

   1. One Voice - Opens the album with a loud bang. Convincing message about Christian unity. (7th*)

   2. Hallelujah - Most fun song to sing, praise-like. Will enjoy the L-E-T-T-E-R singing with the group. (4th*)

   3. In Between - A real in-between. Intro is a bit loud, but will surprise you with tidbits of ska-reggae tunes especially in the chorus. Message focused on decisions. (8th*)

   4. Away From You - Radio-friendly with a lot of ska feeling, a wonderful combination. Duet with Crystal Lewis makes it perfect. Hear how the song was sincerely executed, with humble words 'There's no life away from You'. A blessing! (my 1st favorite*)

   5. Dedication - Nice to listen when you are having a long trip. Song is dedicated to the warm memories of old friends with Christ. (6th*)

   6. Grounded - This is like a kung-fu fighting song. Hoo, hah ' let's stand and fight for Christ. (10th*)

   7. Sure Shot - 'I Wanna Be' or 'Wanna Be' is much a better title. 'I Wanna Be Like Jesus' is the best wannabes mentioned. Very cool song. (5th*)

   8. Old Friend - A soft song with suave acoustic guitars. A simple song that raises questions on why choosing us as humble servants. But still at the end, we can say 'It's good to be with You, old friend' ' none other than Jesus. (2nd*)

   9. Chase The Sun - Fast and loud - this became the carrier song of the album probably because the song highlights the OC Supertones ministry but lyrics are a little too weak.

   10. Fade Away - Super upbeat, dominates the bass guitar. A plea to let doubts 'fade away'.

   11. Hanani - 'Hanani, here am I' ' Hanani is a name in the Bible that means my grace and my mercy. Chorus soars with continuous proclamation. (9th*)

   12. Revolution - A playful instrumental with a tune that's like a chase scene in a movie. Hear some shouts of 'Revolution!'. (11th*)

   13. Health And Wealth - Another fast and loud track that says chasing 'health and wealth' should only be in moderation. Prioritized Christ above all.

   14. Refuge - A touching acoustic song that tells us to 'Take refuge in His heart'. A nice song to hear at the end of the concert. Matt's clear voice and guitar smoothes the ear. (3rd*)

   Never afraid to try other types of music. OC Supertones expertise is ska music - with powerful and great messages, this is a good try. You won't regret. 4 stars ' highly recommended.
   * Check the criteria on how I decide to select stars for albums at my profile. I hope my review helps you a lot. Thanks.




5. Oh yeah. It's good. Very good. Excellent musicianship coupled with uncompromising lyrics. Very upbeat, fun music with substance.

5 comments about Pietasters: 1992-1996.

1. damn your a racist mofo to say that about one of the best bands to ever play, they played with all the best universal bands back in the early 90s sublime, slightly stoopid, the ziggens, so there posers too because they play a certain style of music, and so anyone who dosnt live up to there skin color is a tool.....sorry my ignorant child you are the tool, go play in traffic if you havnt already, no one likes a biggit



2. As one of the seminal bands of the 90's ska movement still doing it (only the Slackers and Toasters come immediately to mind as producing contemporaries), the Pietasters are deserving of the ska/alternative music fan's respect. While their biggest hit ("Out All Night" from 1996's Willis on Hell-Cat Records) is not included in this collection, some of their best-loved song are, including "Maggie Mae," "Girl, Take it Easy," "Drinking and Driving," and "Dollar Bill."
   
   Comprising all of the recorded material by the Pietasters between the formative years of 1992 and 1996, this collection shows the maturation and development of a band and its unique style. We see a bridge between their early ska style into their more-celebrate ska/soul hybrid that has made them worthy of being James Brown's backup band.
   
   While the negatives are few, it is especially distressing to see that some of the between-song chatter from the Strapped Live album is missing. Lead singer Steve Jackson's rapport with the crowd was one of the crown jewels of the live record, and it's said to see that some of that was stripped away for this collection.
   
   Overall however, this is a worthy purchase, if only because so much of the material isn't available anywhere else. Certainly, Moon Ska Records will not be producing anymore copies of Oolooloo or Strapped Live anytime soon, and while Comply and Piestomp were repressed a few years ago, there is no guarantee they will be released again.



3. OK, first of all, let me tell you that E. Stanchfield (see first review written) is an idiot. Ska isn't about being angry---ska is about having fun. I started listening to music like this several years ago and have not listened to any other genre since. I do not actually own this product, (I'm purchasing it soon) but know that the Pietasters are awesome, and anyone who insults them deserves to be deported to Guam. Now, of those of you looking to buy 1992-1996, let me tell you that it is a great buy. The Pietasters have great beats and melodies, and even if you like faster, ska/punk stuff, at least listen to this record. I guarantee that you'll like it.



4. These guys dont even play ska. These guys play bad reggae and they call it ska because they're white. These guys came to my college and were total tools. They showed up like 7 hours early and walked around campus looking for weed. Shouldn't a bad reggae band have their own bud? These guys are nerds. I got on stage when they were playing and they just stood there and looked at me. I even tried to give them high 5's and they didnt do anything. This was at a college field festival! I was wasted and had no shirt on and was covered in mud and beer. They should really lighten up if they're going to just play bad reggae that students kind of like when they're wasted. Come on now.



5. I've been a Pietasters fan since I picked up their first CD at the recommendation of a friend of mine 11 years ago. I have everything they've released since (except for the 7" vinyl between Piestomp and Oolooloo - I feel shame). So the previously unreleased material on this collection was the reason it made its way into my shopping cart, and I was not disappointed with my purchase. (The inclusion of "Shiela" was a nice touch.) In my opinion. long time fans should definitely grab this, even if it is only for the unreleased stuff.

   Newer fans are no exception, and as far as I'm concerned, should be even more encouraged to listen. The sound of the band has morphed quite a bit since that first album was originally released, and the later albums can sound like distant descendants when played back to back with these (except for Comply, which kinda bridges the gap). However, the fact that they still play a good chunk of these tunes live to tremendous crowd response is a testament to how good the material contained on these discs is.

   If you like anything by the Pietasters, especially if you don't already own all of these albums, you should grab this set without hesitation.

1 comments about Let's Do Rocksteady: The Story of Rocksteady.

1. This volume is essential to any collection of Jamaican music.
   From the illustrative liner notes to the gorgeous harmonies & arrangements. I have heard no better example of the Rocksteady period of indiginous Jamaican pop music.

5 comments about Nothing to Prove.

1. Don't get me wrong - I like JFC a lot - but the lyrics to their songs just aren't that original. The songs are catchy (especially One More Time and Something Good)... and the music is upbeat... but I can't listen to it more than once a week, you know? Give it a try, but I wouldn't by any means classify it as one of the greatest ska albums of all time.



2. Don't get me wrong - I like JFC a lot - but the lyrics to their songs just aren't that original. The songs are catchy (especially One More Time and Something Good)... and the music is upbeat... but I can't listen to it more than once a week, you know? Give it a try, but I wouldn't by any means classify it as one of the greatest ska albums of all time.



3. When I first listened to JFC I thought the music was kind of boring, but that time I listened to a tape. Now that I have the CD I really am surprised. JFC plays really good, catchy ska, hmmm, maybe ska-punk. The only reason I didn't put down 5 stars is, that I don't like the voice too much, but the music is great. If you don't have this CD yet I would recommend you to buy it - at least if you are somewhat into ska or ska-punk.



4. I bought this cd over Amazon about three weeks ago. I never heard of the group before, but I previewed it, and thought they sounded kind of good. So I bought it. And after putting in in my car and just driving, the band really grew on me. They are catchy and a happy ska band. Basically, like driving no where special, JFC is a fun band to listen to



5. Jeffries Fan Club is my favorite ska band, period. Their music is catchy and talented, and their lyrics are intelligent, amusing, and uplifting. This CD makes me feel good no matter what mood I am in when I put it on. At first I thought all the songs on this CD sounded the same, but after a few listens I realized each song had a unique feel and message, and every song I could identify with personally (because I am also a loser when it comes to love, like the guys in JFC :) The hidden rap track is cool too, because it doesn't take itself seriously. The only CD that could possibly be better than this is the re-release of their first album, coming in September!!!