Jon Cougar Concentration Camp

Hot Shit (BYO)
by Scott Hefflon

Perhaps one of the most loved new punk bands in a world filled with reasonably decent punk bands, Jon Cougar Concentration Camp never fail to entertain. While Melon was a good record with some memorable moments (“My Favorite Show is 90210” and “You Either Got it or You Don’t”), it just can’t compare to Hot Shit. While none of the songs have worked their way into permanent consciousness, it’s probably only a matter of a few more spins. With Chris’ gruff voice and singable melodies, JCCC’s appeal has always been their “anyone can do this” attitude. While no more technical, and no more talented songwriters than the better half of the lot, JCCC conquer cuz they latch onto something more important than your respect, they win you over by being just like you. While, again, there ain’t no fuckin’ lyric sheets, probably every punk dork interested can find transcriptions on the Net. And you get the feeling the lyrics make a lot of sense. Probably. For older punks, y’all might remember when Screeching Weasel had that same simple appeal – straight-forward, pretty wild punk sneering and snarling about just about any topic – JCCC is a fine modern-day version on the same theme. They’re really no better or worse than anyone else, I just like these guys better. All this shit’s subjective, so sometimes ya like what ya like cuz it strikes a chord in ya. And with covers of The Vindictives’ “Invisible Man” and Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades,” not only do they do an admirable job cranking the fuckers out, ya kinda get a gist for what the boys are about. They make it all look so easy. And that’s how ya know they’re damn good.
(PO Box 67A64 Los Angeles, CA 90067)