Happy Meals

(My)
by Scott Hefflon

Compilations within a genre (read: NOT soundtracks) are usually a great way to hear new bands and get unreleased tracks from some of your favorites. Household names include Lagwagon (duh, singer Joey Cape owns the label), Jughead’s Revenge, Bracket, and the late Popsicko. Great upcoming bands also contribute, like Hi-Standards, Nerf Herder, Armchair Martian, and Ridel High. As is often the case with compilations, the production quality varies from song to song, but on an up note, each band’s address is listed with info on what other releases they have. Aside from getting four good songs from the fab four, there are numerous other treats on this disc. Just make sure to shut off the CD immediately after Hi-Standard’s “Saturday Night.” Someone got the brilliant idea to bury a cover of “Billie Jean.” It’s supposed to be funny. It’s not. It’s painful. Not the after-dinner mint I’d’ve recommended.