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I haven't bought a CD in so long.

So long in fact, I almost called it an album sweatdrop

Against Me! - "New Wave"
Genre: Punk Rock
Released: July '07
Music Page
Tracks: 10

Florida's Against Me! just put out their 3rd major CD and its slightly surprising. They are about as punk rock as you can get in this day and age, rebellion, anti-government and musically stripped... but this time, they deliver a softer/lighter/happier edge from their previous releases "Searching for a Former Clarity" "As the Eternal Cowboy" and "Reinventing Axel Rose."
It doesn't make them any less of what they were known for. Classic blazzing rythm guitars in "White People for Peace" and "American Abroad" bring back the great feel of old AM! but fit right in with the almost dancy feeling tunes "Stop!" and others. They even step towards what many consider "emo" territory with "Borne on the FM Waves" (featuring Tegan from Tegan and Sarah) but it doesnt come off as whiney as one would think.
Tom's growling voice brings the simple and catchy messages across, making the listener feel if they are right at their live show (which is amazing to watch.)
It doesn't bring anything particularly new to the table from what they are known for but that doesnt make it any less of an enjoyable effort. I prefer this over their previous releases actually.

Final Score: 8.5 out of 10
Reviewers Favorite Tracks: "New Wave" . "Stop!" . "Thrash Unreal" . "White People for Peace"



Reel Big Fish - "Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for FREE!"
Genre: Ska/Punk
Released: July '07
music page
Tracks: 17 (even comes with DVD for "Making Of Monkeys!")

It's been several years since the OC, California Reel Big Fish had released anything since the glory days of the Baseketball movie and the heyday of the Backstreet Boys (which both bands were part of the same label oddly enough).
But since being dropped from that label you would think they would be angry....its quite different actually. Most of the material on "Chimps!" is oddly upbeat and about having fun or getting incredibly blitzed at a party.
They trade mark sense of humor and writing is still prevalent with songs like "My Imaginary Friend" and "Please Don't Tell Her I Have a Girlfriend"
Personally the first 2 songs on the CD bring the biggest change in the cd musically. "Party Down" runs the gammet from Punk to Dub to country and even old school hip hop and screamo/metal during the chorus, showing off the bands skill as musicians so they arent labeled off so quickly as another "ska band". "Another F.U. Song" is a quick ditty that allows you to scream it out at the top of your lung and barely stop laughing as well (when the opening song starts 'HEY KIDS! It's time to use the F-word!' you know you are in for fun.)
Past that they fall into the same good ole vibe that made them such a underground favorite in the first place, which isnt a bad thing. in fact its a breath of fresh air in all the more serious and experimental sounds going on right now.
Besides.....where else can you wonder "Why Do All Girls Think They Are Fat?"

Rating: 8.0 of 10
Reviewers Favorite Tracks: "Party Down" . "Another F.U. Song" . "Slow Down" . "Hate You" . "Why Do All Girls Think They Are Fat?"

Yeah, I *cough*illegally*cough* download whatever music I want... with the intention of buying it if I like it >>;

But then I have the song, so what's the point?

Does anyone remember OPM?
They sang Heaven in a Half pipe.
Im on the guest list for their gig tomorrow.

They brought out a new album last year.
Download
Born Again Virgin it's an amazing song.

If you want to be cooler than pawntakesknight then you'll need to follow my instructions very closely!

Step 1: Purchase or download the Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare, the A.K.A.s - White Doves & Smoking Guns, and Interpol - Turn On the Bright Lights.

Step 2: Read my review posted just below this step.

Review: Although my band-list isn't quite as long as pawn's, nor are my reviews as indepth; can you just do me a huge favor - and do what I suggest (for just this once)?

I promise you'll enjoy sounds that are much more eclectic, intelligently driven, and -to be honest- I'm not going to market another selling point, I'm just going to let the music speak for itself.

Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my !a**!, my list will trump teh taker-of-the-knight's compilation, rewarding you with a rad soundtrack just for your summer enjoyment.

Step 3: Rock out.

Now Start Wearing Purple is stuck in my head, thanks Pawn. *shake fist*

*contemplates reviewing Spice World*

Too bad I'm so lazy >>;