 US
Bombs
"Lost In America / Live in 2001" CD
Disaster
Records
Genres: punk, street punk, punk rock
Disaster
POB 7112
Burbank CA 91510
USA
April 13 - 20 2002 |
The
liner notes on this album end with the words "so let the masses
have their Blink 182 - we know better." Boy are they
right. While mainstream groups like Blink 182 and The
Offspring have been mass-producing their own brand of
"mock-punk," the U.S. Bombs have been working quietly (well,
not quite quietly) in the underground, making a name for themselves in
the true punk community. After a respectable number of albums, they've
decided to release this, a live collection of their best songs.
Well that's all fine and dandy, but how good is it? Well, it's got
its problems. First of all, the recording quality leaves a lot to be
desired. I mean, sure, this is a live release, but that doesn't excuse
the fact that the vocals are basically unintelligible. As well, there
aren't any printed out lyrics to read along to, so it's next to
impossible to comprehend what they are trying to say. Nonetheless,
some of the stuff here is enjoyable. They do a fantastic live version
of their "War Birth" tune, for example. And there's no
doubting that "Ballad Of Sid," their tribute to Joey
Ramone, is a great track. All around, though, you may be
disappointed.
It seems more logical to buy one of the Bombs' studio releases than
to pick this album up. And if you really want the live feel, it may be
more worth your while to wait for them to actually come to you town.
But still, if you're a diehard fan, this may be a good choice -
assuming you've already tired the rest of their catalogue.
70%
Matt Shimmer |
