Nobodys

Generation XXX (Hopeless)
by Scott Hefflon

Nobodys are back with their first new full-length (and with 25 songs in 45 minutes, 10 of which is merely the recording of a near fight at a party and some kinda porno heavy breathing, this is a full full-length) in well over a year (not counting Greatasstits, a best-of/rarities/leftovers/whatever). Generation XXX is the perfect title for this revved-into-the-red, foul-mouthed punk offering. Like Short Songs for Short Attention Spans and The Smell of Victory before it, Generation XXX has many, many 30-60 second rants set to a couple chords as well as a few songs that actually clear two minutes. Few surprises, but when you like what you’ve come to expect from a band, who the fuck needs surprises? Extensive lyric sheets are included so you can memorize the words to such touching, soon-to-be-classics as “Best Damn Tits (I’ve Ever Seen),” “Fat Hookers,” “Dead-End Job,” “I Love to Fuck,” “Mother I’d Like to Fuck,” “Tania got a Tit-Job,” and “Rock N Roll Bitch.” Strangely, I don’t seem to recall “so many” (for that matter, any) “love” songs on previous albums. WAIT! Before y’all riot in the streets, I’m not talkin’ Backstreet Boys crap, I’m talkin’ real-life “I saw this girl at the mall with nice eyes and a great smile (not to mention an ass to die for), and I kinda wanna meet her but she’ll probably think I’m a dirtbag” love songs. Add them songs to the usual litany of chicks that snub them at clubs, mean chicks that stomp their guts once they get them hooked on the ‘tang, not to mention the assorted pro-porn, anti-work, I’m-a-jerk, anti-pretty-much-everyone songs and you’ve got Generation XXX.

While pretty rude to sensitive ears, sensitive ears really oughtn’t be the yardstick for punk rock, right? Nobodys are the music of youth aggression – filled with wet dreams, occasional lays, arguments with friends, enemies, not to mention pretty much anyone else that ya cross paths with. Added bonuses (Nobodys are always good for a cover or two, as well as simply ripping off a good riff) include a continuation of Jon Cougar Concentration Camp’s “Monster” which they’ve titled “Ain’t Too Cool (Monster Part II),” the sensitive story of being dumped for cheating, “The Jerk,” which is kinda loosely based on Screeching Weasel’s “Hey Suburbia,” and the closing much pepped-up cover of Thouroughgood’s (sic) “I Really Like Girls,” complete with sax and guitar solos (but no piano bangin’). Reminds me of a horrid cover of “Tear it Up” by The Cramps a bunch of us did, beating on a RadioShack keyboard, clapping all over the place, and layering sloppy group shouts so deep it sounded like a stadium of drunks shouting random lyrics. (OK, so “I Really Like Girls” is executed much, much better, but that ain’t really sayin’ a whole helluva lot.)

Nobodys are (and have been, get with it!) a part of the “new” rude punk movement, and Generation XXX is a solid addition, deserving recognition. Recommended to anyone sick of well-scrubbed, well-adjusted pussies being called punks.
(PO Box 7495 Van Nuys, CA 91409)