Bite Me! CD Reviews S - Z

Sir Mix-A-Lot – Daddy’s Home (iMusic)  ¾

Seven years after his last studio release, a more mature Sir Mix-A-Lot is represented on Daddy’s Home than that of the big butts.  Flowing about love, life, great big johnson’s…ok, so he hasn’t completely matured.  The rhymes are much slower than they used to be back in the day, but the complexity hasn’t disappeared.  Pieces of Daddy’s Home sound very dated (like the title song), some are trademark Sir Mix-A-Lot (“Big Ho”) but others sound very contemporary and actually say something in the vein of Black Eyed Peas (“Game Don’t Get Old”).  I don’t see Sir’s past success, but that doesn’t seem to be what he’s going for.  -J

SlickShoes (Sideonedummy Records) ½

This band from Southern California makes the kind of melodic skate punk with 80mph drums and thrashy guitars in the vein of Pennywise, MxPx, and a whole slew of other Orange County style punk rock.  This is the band’s fifth album, but their first for Sideonedummy - home to The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Flogging Molly amongst others.  On first and repeated listens I would suggest that "Now's the Time" would be my favorite here.  I like that it has a few peaks and troughs and so it keeps my MTV generation attention span interested.  I also like the song "Once Again".  I could imagine hearing this on rock radio as it is about that old chestnut love and missing the one you love.  Musically, some of the album reminds me of Sum 41, albeit without the humor.  Currently, the band is busting ass on stages on the Warped tour.  No doubt they have a loyal following.  After all, they have been around for years now; in fact, the singer was only 14 years old when they first got signed, so props to him, when I was 14 all I had was a paper route!  My only misgiving is that it has taken the band five albums to reach this stage, and I feel they still need to write the brawny hooked sing along smash to appeal to the masses if, of course, that's what they want.  –Glen

Smash Mouth – Get The Picture? (Interscope) 1/2

I remember the time when my sister and I were cruising in my ’66 mustang.  I had a mix tape in the deck and Smash Mouth came on.  She made fun of me and then said, “It’s okay.  I guess you can like Smash Mouth.  You’re allowed.”  I’m not sure what she meant by that statement, but she’s right—it is okay to like Smash Mouth.  After all, they are a novelty rock act and that I what a dig about the band.  The mood is bright on Get The Picture? and there’s lots of tunefully appealing material to be found, such as the fun lovin’ reggae-tinged “Whole Lotta Love”.  “You Are My Number One” (featuring Ranking Roger of the English Beat) is pumped full of vintage undertones.  “New Planet” is an earnest tune that derives its appeal from a solid hook and irresistible chorus.  Let’s be honest, it’s hard to resist Smash Mouth’s sunny tunes.  Get The Picture? may not change your life but it will make you smile.  -NIN

Society 1 - Exit Through Fear (Earache) 3/4

Ahh, Matt Zane, King of all that is bologna flung hatefully upon groupie's hindquarters.  Here, he and his gang of misfits have created Exit Through Fear.  Matt & Co. sound almost gothic-metal, but didn't their last CD sound more like Korn?  Guess they realized that bandwagon has left...  I hope Matt is making enough off the porn not to make music his day job (which I'm sure he is, and could give a shit less what this reviewer thinks, so I'll just move along.)  What's truly frightening to me is if his new genre wasn't any less played out than his last, Exit Through Fear is not totally awful.  It's actually almost decent enough for 14 year old boys to get their rocks off to, along with the lunchmeat.  -J

Something Hollow (Victory) 1/2

Somebody did this before.

They're called The Ataris.  And Lagwagon.  And they did it better.  Well, The Ataris suck now, but that's a moot point.

Derivative does not suit you.  Now go away.  Quickly.  -J

SpineShank – Self-Destructive Pattern (RoadRunner) 3/4

SpineShank have come a long way since the ‘Strictly Diesel’ days and, quite frankly, I’m very proud of their progress.  The L.A. based unit rises to the occasion in their latest CD.  Self-Destructive Pattern is a fine piece of work that displays the band’s natural progression as a unit.  The band hones their explosive rock edge to the sharpest point on this impressive offering.  Upon first listen, it’s clearly obvious that Jonny, Mike, Rob, and Tommy have blossomed as musicians and songwriters.  On their third release, SpineShank have challenged themselves to go the extra mile and have thus added more variety and complexity to the overall structure of their material. The samples have been toned down and the heaviness has been increased.  The result is an album that is an angst ridden blend of vicious riffs, techno-charged drums, rumbling bass, and impassioned screams.  Grinding tracks like “Violent Mood Swings” and “Slavery’ hit hard like a double-decker freight train.  There’s also plenty of radio ready choruses to be found, especially on “Smothered” and “Beginning Of The End”.  “Tear Me Down” and “Fallback” are melodically friendly tunes that will appeal to the airwaves.  However, any sappiness factor is wiped out by the lethal “Consumed (Obsessive Compulsive),” the seething “Falls Apart,” and the dark grooves of “Forgotten”.  This potent disc comes to a crushing end with “Dead To Me”.  I think it’s safe to say that Self-Destructive Pattern is a very pivotal release that will expose SpineShank to a wider audience and give them the recognition they deserve.  -NIN

S.T.U.N. – Evolution of Energy (Geffen) 1/2

Delivering politically minded punk for the new millennium, S.T.U.N. is the current buzz band.  Influenced by the likes of The Clash, Pixies, and Jane’s Addiction, this LA. foursome delivers overheated rock ‘n’ roll that is hot and smoldering.  This collection of well-executed aggro-pop tunes is full of super-charged riffs and squeals.  The music has a vintage glam vibe (more NY Dolls than Poison) mixed with a snarling don’t give a fuck attitude.  There’s also a little bit of Rage Against the Machine’s angst mixed in as well.  S.T.U.N. stands for Scream Toward the Uprising of Non-Conformity and the government is the main focus of the band’s protests.  Musically, S.T.U.N. calls for unity and awareness, but not in a shove it down your throat sort of way.  The group’s spurring debut features plenty of loud pissed off anthems that prompt you to question, challenge, and think for yourself.  “Annihilation of the Generators” is a classic fist-pounding rocker.  The quirky time changes of “Here Comes The Underground” are very inventive.  It’s hard to resist those down ‘n’ dirty riffs of “Reuters” or the catchy hooks of “Boredom”.  In fact, I almost feel guilty for liking this band.  These boys are not afraid to be grimy and gritty.  Their songs aren’t polished or pretty.  In fact they’re raw and harsh.  However, it’s their youthful angst and hunger that will gain S.T.U.N. a loyal cult following.  -NIN

Third Grade Teacher (Pinch Hit Records)

If you're a guy and into rock and roll you will certainly go gaga over any girl in a Catholic Girl School uniform.  Oddly enough, singer Sabrina Stevenson actually teaches in LA public schools, but I won't fault her for looking so sassy in her tartan.  More importantly, I will forever bow down to her because she just rocks with an unbridled energy that most bands today have missed out on for many years now.  This garage-rock powerhouse is somewhere in the mashed-up world of the Stooges, Queens of the Stone Age, or Jon Spencer.  The main difference is a singer whose passions rival the feelings I got when I heard Hole for the first time nearly 15 years ago.  The production on this disc sucks, but it doesn't hold back some great songs and amazing energy.  Wait until they get some money for a good studio.  Sabrina and Third Grade Teacher would be unstoppable.  -Repojay

Thrice – The Artist in the Ambulance (Island) 3/4

You’ve got to hand it to Thrice.  The band made the transition from an indie to a major with their integrity intact.  The SoCal quartet’s major label debut, The Artist in the Ambulance delivers hardcore inspired tunes, which are supported by poignant lyrics that drip with literary allusion.  Thrice go beyond the restraining punk-pop formula as the tracks on The Artist in the Ambulance blend emotion, dynamics, and the intensity of hardcore with the melody and harmony of pop-punk.  Surprisingly, the end results are more aggressive than poppy.  Thrice have a knack for mixing thrashing guitars into soaring tunes as exhibited in “Blood Clots and Black Holes” and “All That’s Left”.  The group’s blinding guitar interplay comes alive in “Hood on Peregrine”.  Melting Point of Wax” is a mesmerizing tune that emanates an emotional depth, which bridges a gap between metalcore and emo.  A thrash metal verse collides with radio-friendly chorus in “Under a Killing Moon.”  However, the title track is the most poppy radio friendly tune on here.  It’s the appropriate single because the remainder of this disc packs a powerful punch.  “Paper Tigers” is the album’s masterpiece, which pretty much sums up the band’s varied abilities, and “Don’t Tell and We Won’t Ask” is an epic closer that explains why Thrice will have a stable future.  Aside from the music, three other reasons to buy this disc are: 1. The variations don’t disrupt the flow.  They add actually add character.  2. The album comes with a picture card for every track - complete with lyrics and a background story.  And, you can use these cards to change the cover of the album.  3.  The band has stayed true to their indie roots by continuing with the tradition of donating a percentage of their record sales to charity.  A portion of the album’s sales will go to benefit Syrentha Savio Endowment, an organization that provides chemotherapy and other medications for individuals with breast cancer who can’t afford the treatment.  Now what are you waiting for?  Get your ass to your local record store and pick this disc up!  -NIN

Tokyo Rose - Reinventing a Lost Art (Sidecho Records) ½

So first things first, yes this band’s name sounds like a mid 80's glam spandex nightmare-- thank goodness they don't sound that way though.  I think it’s safe to say, that's the last thing we all need right now.  Tokyo Rose has a feel good poppy punky sound in the Ataris/ Jimmy Eat World vein with songs of loss, love, and loathing.  The band hails from New Jersey and the singer/guitarist Ryan Dominguez writes all the words and music and it sounds like he has been dumped one too many times, in addition to doing his share of the dumping.  Standouts: Track one "Saturday Everyday" is a groovy little ditty about the kids taking over and electing to have more fun in life.  In "Right Through You" Ryan shares his feelings for a bittersweet love as he sings, "I count all the times you come back, I count all the days until you pack, I’m sick and tired of being sick of you".  I like this album, but it does get kinda samey.  A bit one paced, things slow down on "You Ruined Everything;" a love ballad/plea with an underlying white reggae/Police feel.  My fave though is perhaps track 8, "Phonecards and Postcards," which seems to be about a doomed long distance relationship that just isn't gonna work!  All in all, this is a noble effort but, in all fairness, could do with some more variety.  Now then, where's my new Jane's CD?  -Glen

Treephort  - Buy This Album Or The Terrorists Win (Brand Name Records) 1/2 

My guess is that the terrorists have already won, for who in their right mind would buy this piece of dung?  I give them an extra half a star only because I give anyone props for an original gimmick, and Treephort's gimmick is that they are "nerdcore". (Oh, like that band we saw at Santa Anita – NIN)  This means they play goofy punk music, but dress like nerds.  It also means they sing typical offensive drivel that punks would write ("Sausage Party", for example).  But, then they also write in the persona of a nerd ("Good Things Still Come To Those Who Sleep With Me").  Of course, the painful reality is that they are neither punky nor nerdy.  They are just largely untalented.  The song "This Next Year" might have potential in the hands of another band that you might care about.  -Repojay

Various - Bigg Massive Records Presents: Salute This Vol 1 (Slash / Bigg Massive)

Slash founder Bob Biggs—the man responsible for such groundbreaking acts as X, The Violent Femmes, and Faith No More—is back.  Together with partner Will Fulton, Biggs has formed Bigg Massive, a label dedicated to carrying the torch passed on by Slash.  Salute This Vol. 1 celebrates Slash’s greatest accomplishments.  The album features a dozen tracks that span the career of a label with a tremendous history.  This comp starts with a new track by Shiner Massive, which was the last band signed to Slash and the first to be signed to Bigg Massive.  Old classics by the likes of X, Faith No More, the Germs, and the Violent Femmes also make this disc worth owning.  With a dedication to focus on quality not quantity, I’m sure future Bigg Massive releases will also be worthy additions to your music collection. -NIN 

Various – Freddy vs. Jason Soundtrack (RoadRunner) 1/2

For those of you who grew up on ‘80s slasher flicks, ”Freddy vs. Jason” was to be the most anticipated movie of the summer.  And, now that I’ve finally seen the movie I can say it kicks as much ass as the soundtrack.  The twenty pulverizing tracks presented here will definitely inflict pain of a pleasurable sort. The Freddy vs Jason soundtrack is a seething fireball of raw energy that kicks off with Ill Nino’s crushing “How Can I Live” and continues with SpineShank’s “Beginning of the End”.  The Murderdolls add to the bashing with “Welcome to the Strange”.  There’s lots more brutality to be found as the Freddy vs. Jason Soundtrack features just about every frightening, menacing, balls-out heavy band that you can imagine.  Pick this disc up, if you dare, and be sure to check out “The Waste” by Sepultura (featuring Mike Patton). -NIN

Various - MTV Road Rules - Don't Make Me Pull This Thing Over (Roadrunner) 3/4

While 90% or more of the songs on this comp have been released already. this is a nice CD to have.  The odds are that it would take a good 20 hours to download and burn all these songs for your collection and that you don't have all of them in your massive MP3 collection already.  So buy it, even though it supports a totally crappy show.  This RR comp includes songs from AFI, Thursday, Unwritten Law, Jimmy Eat World, the Deftones, Dashboard Confessional, and about 15 more.  Get this for your next road trip  -J

Yeah Yeah Yeah's - Fever to Tell (Interscope)

You remember those o-so-cool kids in high school who wouldn't talk to you in the smoking section because they were o so much cooler than you?  They are the Yeah Yeah Yeah's, and they still don't want to talk to you.  YYY's are at 14:55 of their 15 minutes and counting because the "music" does not live up to the hype.   -J