Screeching Weasel
Major Label Debut (Panic Button/Lookout!)
by Scott Hefflon
The first release by Panic Button (run by Ben Weasel and John [Jughead]) is a six-song Screeching Weasel record sure to cause some controversy. In just under ten and a half minutes, SW vents their collective spleen on a variety of topics, offering common sense perspective on problems that’ve plagued us, seemingly, forever, and adds a few classic, riff-filled punk ditties to their already impressive collection.
Right off the bat, Major Label Debut comes out swingin’ fast and furious. I don’t think SW has ever been this venomous and quick-tempoed. And that’s saying a lot. “The Last Janelle” rags on punks and riot girls posting anti-Ben messages on AOL. “D.I.Y.” rags on the losers who mistake inability and unoriginality with ethics. I think the words that ring so true are “D.I.Y is simply your only excuse for why you always fail/ Initials on the flag you wave when your shitty records won’t sell anywhere.” It’s been said before, it’ll be said again, and nothing’ll ever change ’cause the people he’s talkin’ about don’t realize they’re the ones being talked about. Yeah, yeah, nods you’re heads, ya fuckin’ chumps. “Compact Disc” is a catchy, singable song that tells a paranoiac tale of the CD scam, the lyrics lining up with the rhythm in such a way that the words are pronounced accenting unaccustomed syllables. Disconcerting and enjoyable. “Hey Asshole” opens with a drums and vocal rant, before crankin’ it up and swearing a whole bunch. “Racist Society” is a snappy bubblegum tune filled with uplifting themes and “look dipshits, arguing amongst ourselves is why we’re all getting fucked” sentiments. Again, it’s been said before, it’ll be said again, and human nature will stubbornly refuse to evolve. “Nightbreed” clocks in at over two minutes, repeats a chorus or two (Formula! Sell-out! Pander to the masses’ expectation, you greedy capitalist swine!) and, while I’m really not sure what the song’s about, I like mindlessly repeating the lyrics and pretending I do.
