Hey there music lovers. If your band or someone's band you know has a record and would like some exposure, contact me for mailing information. I review records for Prawker's Punk Page, Thought is a Crime Webzine, Meep Magazine, Pipe Dream Magazine, Agree To Disagree Magazine and who knows where else! Any and everything sent is guaranteed a review.
NOTE: I WILL NOT SUCK UP OR GIVE FAKE REVIEWS FOR FREE RECORDS. ALL OF THE REVIEWS BELOW ARE MY HONEST OPINION AND WILL NEVER BE PERSUADED BY $$$.
Raised Fist Fuel CD
Fervent swedish hardcore band RAISED FIST strike out this speedy hardcore album with a melodic taste to it. Good hardcore if I've ever
heard it… and I've heard it! When I first popped this baby into my cd player I couldn’t help but jump around my room. I was pretending to
scream the lyrics even though I couldn’t understand what they where saying., their lyrics slurred by thick swedish accents. Or maybe they
have no accents and just like to scream a lot? Well anyway, not too much else to say except GET THIS! (Prawker)
[Burning Heart Records, Box 441, 701 48 Orebro, SWEDEN][http://www.burningheart.com]
Real Estate Fraud Tough Guy 7"
I bought this 7” after reading a review of it in Punk Planet. To say I am surprised would be the years biggest understatement. This 7”
record has 4 songs with brutally offbeat, offtone, out of place vocals. I have mixed feelings about it. Mostly the vocals that turn me off, but
even with a new vocalist and new lyrics, I don’t know if I’d like it. Buy this if you feel like taking a risk and can afford to blow $3, but I
don't recommend it. Who’s word are you going to trust... Prawker or Punk Planet? (Prawker)
[C City Records, 6066 Shingle Creek Parkway #127, Mineapolis MN 55430 USA]
Real Estate Fraud It's Funny Cause It's True 7"
Well, let's just say I liked the Tough Guy 7" better. Get a new singer and maybe we'll talk. (Prawker)
[Nice & Neat Records, PO Box 14177, Mineapolis MN 55414 USA]
SNFU FYULABA CD
This is a good album. I got this awile ago and back then I didn't appreciate it. I disliked Mr. Chi Pig's vocals so didn't listen to it much. Just recently I brought it along on a very long car trip, and found it very enjoyable to listen to. If you buy this (which I think you should) give it a chance, and let it grow on you! SNFU will "Fuck You Up Like A Bad Accident"! (Prawker)
[Epitaph Records, 2798 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90026 USA][http://www.epitaph.com]
Standard Issue From The Streets EP CD
Just before I start this review I'd like to point out the fact I was sent this cd for free from a very small independent label won't influence my review. This band rules! They sound a bit like MxPx (mostly because of the vocals), or maybe it's just because I was just listening to MxPx before reviewing this…? Well there are only 6 songs on here but they all kick ass. My favourite song is Lost Minds and the lyrics are good on it too. Don't be frightened by the do-it-yourself cd copying and booklet printing. That's what makes this album cheap and all the sweeter. Tell your friends! (Prawker)
[Simple Things Records, 1508 Laughlin Ave., McLean VA 22101 USA][http://members.aol.com/SimpleDC]
Straight Faced Conditioned CD
I got this cd at a local Straight Faced show, when I went to see them for the second time. They were amazing live. It was a really small
venue, and despite the extreme heat (and smell), Straight Faced played loud, emotional, energetic hardcore punk Straight Faced style. Straight Faced are one of the best Fearless Records bands on this planet, I think as I approach the merch booth after the show. I ask the guy behind the table, if I can have some stickers as I purchase the new Straight Faced cd. He proceeds to hand me an Epitaph Records sticker. I almost correct him, telling him Straight Faced was a Fearless band not Epitaph… but I turned the cd over and saw Epitaph Records scrawled on the bottom of the cd case. Fearless!! What's happened? Despite the new record label, Straight Faced's music obviously hasn't changed. A lot of slower hardcore stuff, but always in the Straight Faced vein. As you may be guessing I'm leading up to, this album is really good. For the crew, for all my boys, pick this up, LET'S MAKE SOME NOISE!! (Prawker)
[Epitaph Records, 2798 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90026 USA][http://www.epitaph.com]
Strung Out Teenage Suburban Wasteland Blues CD
Somebody get down on their hands and knees and check my underwear. I think I might have accidentally released all of the meals I've ever eaten while listening to this awesome record. There is definitely not one bad song I can find on here… and that is the only thing I can complain about!! I absolutely can't get enough of it! This is California punk at it's best. (Prawker)
[Fat Wreck Chords, PO BOX 193690, San Francisco CA 94119-3690 USA][http://www.fatwreck.com]
Strung Out Twisted By Design CD
This band plays the fastest most melodic punk I've ever heard. No matter what I'm doing or what mood I'm in I can't help but bob my head and tap my foot to these 14 tantalizing tracks. Guitar riffs that stop on a dime, lusty vocals, pounding bass and drums and powerful lyrics prove to everyone that STRUNG OUT is the best punk band outta California… maybe even the world! (Prawker)
[Fat Wreck Chords, PO BOX 193690, San Francisco CA 94119-3690 USA][http://www.fatwreck.com]
Swingin Utters Five Lessons Learned CD
I've certainly learned my lesson. Never buy a cd of a band who you have never heard any music by before. I can honestly say that there are only about 3 songs on here that I really like. It's just not my kind of music. I've heard lots of other people talk about how much Swingin Utters rule and how they have changed their life. I guess that's a contrast of opinions then because this album really doesn't do anything for me. It's a relaxing listen, with older style punk sound but I can't see this being one of those cds I leave in my cd player for days on end. It will likely be the one gathering dust. (Prawker)
[Fat Wreck Chords, PO BOX 193690, San Francisco CA 94119-3690 USA][http://www.fatwreck.com]
Tirekickers Smedication CD
I don't know how to describe this Toronto band… I'm racking my music drowned brain for words and the only thing that keeps regurgitating itself back to my conscious mind are the words "really friggin good". I guess that's about how all I can sum them up as being, but I don't know what I like better, this cd or the label I got it from. Raw Energy's service is definitely the best service of a punk label I've ever experienced. They email you to letcha know your order is in the mail and in the package is a nice note thanking you and saying "Thanx for buying from us. We hope you love your stuff." I even got a Happy Holidays card from the during the holidays! Ok back to the TIREKICKERS. These good ol boys sing a lot about getting drunk and their shitty girlfriends in a fast melodic DIY style sound. Get this through mailorder! (Prawker)
[Raw Energy Records, 65 Front Street West, Suite #0116-42, Toronto ON M5J 1E6 CANADA][http://rawenergy.passport.ca]
T-Model Ford You Better Keep Still CD
I really don't know how to review something like this! T-MODEL FORD plays the blues and I can say I don't mind it. I'm not exactly a blues person myself but if you like the blues I'm sure you will like this. I'm sorry if this is an unfair review but this is a punk/ska/hardcore zine and even though I'm very open to all types of music, I don't know much about blues nor do I own any blues albums (other than this). I can sit back and chill to this music but I don't know if I will give it much play. (Prawker)
[Fat Possum Records, P.O. BOX 1923, Oxford MS 38655 USA][http://fatpossum.com]
Unemployed Opportunity CD
One of my favorite local (Ottawa) bands. This is the first recorded material I’ve heard from Unemployed and it certainly resembles their live show. Energetic, very fast, melodic and with impressive lyrics about life and it’s various complications. Quite good punk rock I must say with vocals that tend to be monotone at times and other times even more so. But that isn’t such a bad thing, because it definitely gives them a different edge. The singer works at my favorite local punk record shop, I'd definately recommend checking this out. (Prawker)
[No Record Label][http://fatpossum.com]
Voodoo Glow Skulls The Band Geek Mafia CD
THE VOODOO GLOW SKULLS have hit me by surprise. I was certainly not expecting such a good speedy punk style ska album from them! I am honestly listening to this album with my jaw dropping to the floor and drool is dribbling down my chin. As I continue to listen to this album, and wipe off my face, I can hear a very consistent sound throughout the cd and good quality songs and lyrics (unlike a lot of new ska bands out there). Hardcore sounding vocals round out this tight ska-punk sound. Sounds much like you're average Epitaph band but with a horn section. I guess you can say they are a bunch of horny punks. I can really dig this style of music, I'm sure if you are into California punk you will much enjoy this as well. Very good and original stuff! (Prawker)
[Epitaph Records, 2798 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90026 USA][http://www.epitaph.com]
V/A Dig The New Breed Of Ska CD
Skaaarifffiicc! Upbeat, groovy, kick ass ska from England and Germany. When this cd went into my player I had a very sad look on my face but by the time it was taken out, my face was covered with one big happy grin. This is how awesome this Triple X Compilation is! The rest of the day I was humming these tunes and clicking my heels as I walked. I even almost went out a bought a derby hat… whoa!! Either I’ve completely lost it or this is awesome. Somebody, please tell me! (Prawker)
[Triple X Records, PO Box 852529, Los Angeles CA 900886-2529 USA]
V/A Flaming Cow Disease CD
If this is an example of what bands sound like from Vancouver, I'd say the scene there would be comparable to that of the scene in California. All tight, fast, melodic bands and the theme throughout the cd is definitely energy! (Prawker)
[Spawner Records, PO Box 93046, 19705 Fraser Highway, Langley BC V3A 8H2 CANADA][http://www.spawnerrecords.com]
V/A Flush Sampler CD
This is an excellent sampler put out by Fearless. 24 songs (10 unreleased) by 11 different bands and here is the best part... it's only 5 dollars! Rush outta your homes or cardboard boxes and get this album now! If the Fearless Flush Sampler were a turd in the toilet bowl, you wouldn't be able to flush this big ass sucker with one flush! You'd be in the bathroom all day with a big stick trying to break it into small enough pieces to flush... sorry I've gotten off topic. Get this!! (Prawker)
[Fearless Records, 13772 Goldenwest St. #545, Westminster CA 92683 USA][http://www.fearlessrecords.com]
V/A Generations: A Punk Look At Human Rights CD
Snore... when I first turned on this cd and sat through a shitty 5 1/2 minute song by ELECTRIC DOG HOUSE, I fell asleep face down on the floor. Suddenly I was awoken by a little taste of THE ASSORTED JELLY BEANS. After that followed 5 pritty good songs, by 5 pritty good bands. I was beginning to wonder if I HAD made a good decision in buying this cd. Then of the remaining 10 songs, I'd have to say I only liked one of them by the X-MEMBERS with a punk song in another language. I know this cd was made for a good cause, but I would definately frown upon anyone purchasing this compilation with their own, hard earned dollars. Although if you get the chance you might want to tape the songs by PENNYWISE, LAGWAGON, GOOD RIDDANCE, and X-MEMBERS. (Prawker)
[Ark 21
V/A Homeless In BC 2 CD
5 amazing Vancouver bands with 6 abnormally energetic, melodic, catchy songs each. With music like this I highly doubt they are homeless! TIM, THE LIVIDS, THE FRANCOPHOBES, FUZZ 58, and HI-TEST are the bands and $12 is the price. Prawker likes is the review. (Prawker)
[Spawner Records, PO Box 93046, 19705 Fraser Highway, Langley BC V3A 8H2 CANADA][http://www.spawnerrecords.com]
V/A Honest Don's Welcome Wagon CD
Honestly Don, this isn't such a good sampler. Things aren't working out like I thought. You've got some good bands like Chixdiggit, Me First And The Gimme Gimmes,
Diesel Boy, Limp, and the Mad Caddies, but you just don't do anything for me. I'm sorry, I still hope we can be friends… maybe I'll give you another chance with your
Greatest Shits sampler. I hope we can work out our differences, and even though our relationship is through, I still have feelings for you. I pray you won't hate me and
will understand my frustration.
Sincerely, (Prawker)
[Honest Don Records, PO Box 192027, San Francisco CA 94119-2027 USA][http://www.honestdons.com]
V/A Serial Killer CD
My luck. I went out and bought this the day before I was sent it for free as a promo in the mail. So I gave a copy to my friend (what a nice
guy I am). Anyway if I feel it worthy enough to buy, you’ve gotta give it credit. My hunches in buying this comp where correct (as usual) and this does indeed rock. Well it only rocks if you like THE QUEERS, PULLEY, BEEFCAKE, NO USE FOR A NAME, BLINK 182,
GOB, STRUNG OUT, BIGWIG, 88 FINGERS LOUIE, JUGHEAD’S REVENGE, 30 FOOT FALL and so many others. (Prawker)
[Fearless Records, 13772 Goldenwest St. #545, Westminster CA 92683 USA][http://www.fearlessrecords.com]
V/A Still Screaming CD
Definitely the best hardcore compilation I've heard in a long time! With Swedish hardcore acts 59 Times The Pain, Raised Fist, The Products and many more super Swedish hardcore, this makes for a great hour of hard hitting hyper hardcore. Interested in hearing a Swedish hardcore band, or just like hardcore and are looking for a raging compilation? Go out and get this! (Prawker)
[Burning Heart Records, Box 441, 701 48 Orebro, SWEDEN][http://www.burningheart.com]
V/A This Is Bad Taste Volume 2 CD
An amazing compilation put out by Bad Taste Records with the likes of TRIGGER HAPPY, MISCONDUCT, ASTREAM, INTENSITY, PRIDEBOWL, SATANIC SURFERS, 88 FINGERS LOUIE, I SPY as well as many more excellent bands. Great style variation with tracks ranging from speedy pop punk to slow hardcore to melodic hardcore to punk rock n roll. I can easily see anyone playing this so many times that it earns a permanent spot in their cd player. I believe this because I have given it a lot of play and am madly in love with these bands, not to mention Bad Taste Records. This is also the best computer enhanced music cd I’ve ever seen. You can use it on the cd rom drive of your computer to get info on all the bands including neat facts and tracks from their previous albums. All the factors
mentioned are all prime reasons to go get this. Despite popular belief Bad Taste tastes good! (Prawker)
[Bad Taste Records, Stora Sodergatan 38, S-222 23 Lund, SWEDEN][http://www.badtasterecords.se]
V/A United We Stand 2 CD
My understanding is every so often United Records releases a compilation CD of their bands from all around the world. These bands each have their own sound making United Records a rather diverse label. This compilation is an excellent example of that. 14 bands from CANADA, 4 from the USA, 1 from ENGLAND, 1 from BRAZIL, 1 from FINLAND, and 1 from the NETHERLANDS unite their
strengths to stand united on “UNITED WE STAND 2”. This is certainly a step above their previous compilation with much better quality and cleaner, smoother sounding tracks. This comp based out of London, Ontario Canada won’t engulf you, but it just might temporarily satisfy your punk rock craving. Feed the need! (Prawker)
[United Records, 11 Belmont Dr. Unit 401, London ON N6J 4X9 CANADA][http://www.members.home.net/unitedrecords/index.htm]
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