When a TGEFM staffer just doesn’t have the time to write up a full review for an EP or LP, they can do a quick one for the Drive-by Reviews feature. Think of it like a Cliff’s Notes for reviews– You’ll get the gist of it without all of the verbiage.
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Beans on Toast – Survival of the Friendliest
Self-Released – 04 Dec 2021
In all my life I have never listened to anything from start to finish that made me want to hug a stranger as much as this record.
Why you want it: Ya know the end of Ghostbusters 2 when they play Jackie Wilson and it turns all the miserable New Yorkers into a happy loving bunch for 15 minutes? This record has the power to actually do that… and for at least 40 minutes.
Why you don’t: Do you hate happiness? Go fuck yourself then and let the rest of love this good time.
Top Tracks: “Not Everybody Thinks We’re Doomed” “A Beautiful Place”
Review by Bad Dad
Between You and Me – Armageddon
Hopeless Records – 19 Nov 2021
Aussie pop-punks get personal and political with one of the best records confronting the pandemic.
Why you want it: Didn’t read the description above? This record is among the best released to confront the personal effects of COVID-19 lockdowns, fear and solitude.
Why you don’t: You do.
Top Tracks: “Go To Hell (feat. Yours Truly)” “Deadbeat” “Change”
Review by Bad Dad
Half Past Two – Half Past Two
Slushtone Records – 29 Oct 2021
Flag-bearers of the next wave of So-Cal ska, ride the upbeat with consistent ear worms sure to get your ass shaking.
Why you want it: Toe-tapping good time for anyone willing to pick it up.
Why you don’t: This won’t go over with the “only good music is comes from dudes who sound like they might vomit any second” or “clowns weeping over an acoustic guitar” crowds, but for anyone who likes to smile while they listen, this is your shit here.
Top Tracks: “Top Gun” “Big Energy”
Review by Bad Dad
Jim Lindberg – Songs From The Elkhorn Trail
Epitaph Records – 19 Nov 2021
Pennywise frontman is more fuck anxiety than “Fuck Authority” on solo debut
Why you want it: Lindberg’s distinct voice and surprising ability to blend the somber and the optimism of adulting and parenting is quite impressive
Why you don’t: There’s a different set of teeth on this record, if you go in expecting acoustic Pennywise, you’ll be disappointed.
Top Tracks: “Not One of Them” “Hello Again”
Review by Bad Dad
Matt Nathanson – Achtung Matty
Acrobat Records – 18 Nov 2021
The singer-songwriter’s tribute to the U2 record Achtung Baby manages to be both faithful to and better than the original, all of the substance, none of the pretentiousness.
Why you want it: If, like me, you hate how much you love Bono et al’s songwriting ability, this is the best way to enjoy the music without the self-loathing.
Why you don’t: The original has remained mostly celebrated for 30 years, some may be of the if it’s not broke don’t fix it mindset.
Top Tracks: “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses” “Ultraviolet (Light My Way)”
Review by Bad Dad
New Found Glory – December’s Here
Hopeless Records – 04 December 2021
It’s not often we get an entire album of original Christmas music, it’s even less often that the songs are this well-done, and sincere… NFG are certainly on my nice list this year.
Why you want it: The world has been pretty fucking bleak lately, we deserve to believe in the idea of holiday magic.
Why you don’t: If you don’t enjoy xmas songs, there’s no good reason to try this, but if you it may make your heart grow three sizes this season.
Top Tracks: “December’s Here” “Christmas Card” “Santa Forgive Me”
Review by Bad Dad
One Sided – Smash Your TV
PoGo City Records – 9 Nov 2021
Pogo punx supergroup featuring members of Stolen Wheelchairs, Blanks 77, Mike Blanx and the SDABs will get you bouncing up and down with a blistering 3 track EP.
Why you want it: Even at less than 5 minutes long, this bouncy slice of punk rock cardio will get you sweating out the piss-warm beer from breakfast
Why you don’t: Pogo punk is always pogo punk and some people lack both the liver or the stamina to get it.
Top Tracks: “Crumble”
Review by Bad Dad
The Seafloor Cinema – In Cinemascope with Stereophonic Sound
Pure Noise Records – 12 Nov 2021
Grab your flux capacitors and travel back in time to the moment when music was still about being seen and heard, not scene and herd.
Why you want it: Indulge your nostalgia with a fantastic album brimming with early 00s vibes (right down to the absurdly long-winded song titles)
Why you don’t: This 40-year-old cant imagine a world where you wouldn’t love the piss out of these new-school throwbacks.
Top Tracks: “Can Someone Please Draw Me A Map to Serotonin” “1000 Ways to Say You’re OK Every Day”
Review by Bad Dad
Review by Bad Dad
Ye Banished Privateers – A Pirate Stole My Christmas
Napalm Records – 04 Dec 2021
When I think Christmas, I often think the only thing it could use more of is raping and pillaging, thank the gods for this cannon blast!
Why you want it: Argh-core at its absolute best, as the band of pirates turn your favorite carols to sea shanties and do a bang up god-damned job of it.
Why you don’t: If you don’t want to mix the 12 days of the Christmas with 15 men on a dead man’s chest, right your ship and avoid these sirens
Top Tracks: “Sulphur Ahoy” “12 Days of Christmas”
Review by Bad Dad
