Punk Rock Jukebox
Volume II (Blackout!)
by Tim Den
I’m such a sucker for good old-school punk rock. No, not “good ol’ punk rock,” but the stuff that was actually good from the slew of bands in the two previous decades that played mohawk-raisin’, spike-adorning, circle pit frenzy rock’n’roll. I mean Minor Threat, Circle Jerks, Black Flag, and D.R.I., amongst others. With two of the bands mentioned being covered here, I knew this was going to be good. In the footsteps of the first volume (in which just as reputable ground-breakers were covered), Punk Rock Jukebox Volume II is a damn fine collection of timeless tunes being done by great bands. Whether it’s the balls-out stuff (“I Don’t Care About You/New York’s Alright” by Fear, covered by Indecision), the new wave-ish stuff (“White Wedding” by Billy Idol, covered by The Enkindels), or the pre-emo soul exercises (“Not a Day” by Leatherface, covered meticulously by Super Hi-Five – the highlight of the comp, I might add), everything you dig about old school is here. Almost every single track is well-chosen and well-covered. Although some songs are done well and by-the-book (“Deny Everything” by Circle Jerks, covered by Kid Dynamite and “Yes Ma’am” by D.R.I., covered by Tears of Frustration), a few actually manage to capture the adrenalin of the early days as well (“Search and Destroy” by Iggy And The Stooges, covered by Samiam). Now that’s an accomplishment (and what a cover should be!). Also, there are a few surprises icing the cake: Dropkick Murphys doing “Vengeance” by The Nips (written by a pre-Pogues Shane McGowan), Purpose doing “For Want Of” by Rites Of Spring, and Yuppicide doing “Concrete Jungle” by The Specials. Who says old-school isn’t as diverse a genre as any other?
Bottom line: There’s no way you can lose with this baby. Doesn’t matter if you’ve never heard of the original artists or you just want great renditions of your old favorites, Punk Rock Jukebox Volume II is worth every sing-along. Others appearing: Violent Society, Blood For Blood, Kill Your Idols, The Ducky Boys, The Boils, Anti-Flag, and Special Duties.
(PO Box 1575 New York, NY 10009)
