(Pop) Punk's Not Dead, Part 4

THE LEFTOVERS - On The Move (RallyRecords.com) They’re one of Ben Weasel’s favorite new bands but don’t take his word for it, you need to check these kids out yourself. The Leftovers’ dynamic take on classic pop/punk triumphs thanks to Kurt Baker’s irresistibly earnest vocals, Andrew Rice’s powerful and ear-catching riffing, Adam Woronoff’s propulsive drums, and a bottomless catalog of clever and catchy songs about girls. "Dance With Me," "She She She," "Pick And Choose," "Nothing To Do," and the irresistible "Camel" - the hits just keep on coming track after track. Pump your fist, sing along, and get happy. - Jim Testa


THE RETARDED - Goes Louder (www.insubordinationrecords.com) Like most Italian punk bands, The Retarded used to be straight-up Ramonescore. But on Goes Louder, the band’s added a new dimension, apparently inspired by pop/metal bands like Poison and Crue. Although there are still plenty of chunky chugga-chugga riffs and dumb songs about girls, there’s a Hollywood ‘n’ Vine swagger now along with the band’s classic Bowery pose (as well as a lot of what the geeks at Guitar World would call "technical" guitar solos.) There’s even one track that totally rips off a Guns N Roses riff. Aggro, loud and fun without ever really getting cheesy about it, the Retarded do indeed get louder here, but they’re still pop-punk mooks looking for a good time at heart. - Jim Testa


THE COPYRIGHTS - Make Sound (www.redscare.net) Wow. For a band that writes song in a very narrow genre (Weasel/Vapid pop-punk, heavy on the multi-tracked vocals and singalong choruses,) The Copyrights never disappoint and, amazingly, never seem to repeat themselves. Not only do they mine an inexhaustible vein of super-catchy head-bobbing melodies, but the songwriting here (much in the tradition of Screeching Weasel) stretches pop-punk far beyond the usual universe of dorky lovesick songs about girls. With "Headcount," like the classic "Cashiers" from 2006’s must-have Mutiny Pop, The Copyrights have created a timeless anthem for their sub-culture ("how many of us are there?") Actually, the Copyrights ONLY write anthems - working-class anthems like "Kids Of The Black Hole," growing up anthems like "Planet Earth Nineteen Ninety-Four,") and loser-at-love anthems ("Caveat Emptor.") They even have the balls to write a song called "Unsatisfied" and come damn close to matching the teenage angst and fury of the Replacements’ tune of the same name. In a year when bands like the Ergs, Steinways, Leftovers and others are reclaiming pop/punk’s lost glory, the Copyrights may just have the album of the year here. - Jim Testa


FAIRMONT - Wait & Hope (www.fairmontmusic.com) Fairmont makes some wickedly rock & roll noise! Studied and intense, they sometimes pretend to be Dramarama (and that's a good thing), using their evident talent to make a very enjoyable record. Catchy, anthemic songs like "Wait & Hope," or "At the End of the Movie," are written with tireless exuberance, and come from a batch of songs that are full of excess passion. Energetic dance-rockers with catchy melodies, period. That alone should be enough to get you buy this album. Fairmont have the musical finesse to pull off the fine balance between old school rock & roll and a more modern sound. There are no half-cocked ideas, or stabs at any type of techno-glam, or polishing up of the music. What you hear is what you get. Twelve really good songs with blue-collar wisdom ("Year Book" is a fine example), amidst a barrage of janglely, heartfelt pop rock. This is a band that seems to want global domination with these hits and near-hits. Plus they have enough mojo to make you want to check oit their live show too. Fairmont is a damn good rock and roll band, that will throw you a few curves and surprise the hell out of you at times. They have my vote for one of the Top Ten Albums of the year! - Phil Rainone

THE MEASURE [SA] - Historical Fiction (Team Science Records) - Gritty pop-punk with a few nods and handshakes to ‘90s indie rock from New Brunswick, New Jersey. The gruffer songs with Mike’s vocals and the sweeter songs with Lauren’s vocals blend nicely to present a record that is inventive and original while staying true to their influences. While this took a few listens to grow on me, it eventually crept into my subconscious and hasn’t left yet. As the press sheet states, The Measure [SA] are aware that releasing this on cd (the LP was released on Don Giovani last year) takes the significance out of the part of the name that stands for "strictly analog." However, they suggest a few alternatives such as Semi-Aquatic, Seldom Appropriate, and Somewhat Attractive. All in all, Historical Fiction is a fun and creative record to keep on the lookout for. - All Ages Dave Dillon


SHORT ATTENTION - "Clever, Maddening & Annoying" EP (coldfeetrecords.com) Dear Guiness Book of World Records - I think I have an entry for you. Short Attention have crammed 29 songs onto a 7-inch EP. Composed of familiar NYC/NJ pop/punk scene veterans (Mikey Erg, Grath Madden, Dirtbike Dan Paquin, Slaughterhouse 4’s Chadd Derkins, and Chelsea Lacatena,) everybody takes turns writing and singing lead, on infectious, often silly tunes that run from about 10 seconds to half a minute long. From toilet paper to "Lost" to cell phones to the usual boy/girl nonsense, Short Attention supershort pop songs becomesmaddening and annoying when someone latches onto a riff or melody that you know could have made an awesome song, if only it lasted a little longer than the time it takes to sneeze. So yeah, there’s a lot of gimmick to get past and not every idea on here is a gem, but given that bands like the Ergs and Steinways do really short songs anyway, this is something you’ll probably want to have in your collection (it’s already sold out on vinyl but it should be available online and on CD-R.) - Jim Testa

THE IMPULSE - EP (myspace.com/theimpulsenyc) This NYC/Jersey City trio (with Adam of Dirt Bike Annie fame on vocals/guitar) reinvigorates classic power-pop on this 7-song EP, recycling riffs from the Real Kids and Sixties pop hits. Chunky guitars, a light touch on the bass and drums, and Adam’s snotty and sexy tomcat vocals will pull you in and not let go. Great pop music always sounds like you already know it and yet stays fresh and exciting, and the Impulse’s definitely got the (K)nack. - Jim Testa


J CHURCH - The Horror of Life (www.noidearecords.com) I apologize for my ignorance in this matter, for I know that J Church is a significant act, and has been for quite a while, but I truly had never really listened to these guys prior to this release. To that end, I was more than pleased with the fourteen speedy punk-pop nuggets that define The Horror of Life. For the first time in three years, the band has emerged from a self-generated absence and has produced a punk record that is a return to the roots of pop rock, emphasizing the rock element. The playing is tight, the lyrics are both poignant and funny, and Lance Hahn’s guitar work is stellar. All of this from a man (Hahn) who has suffered prolonged heart and kidney problems, including a year on dialysis. Tracks such as "Now and Forever," the bouncy and surprisingly upbeat "Vampire Girl Wants Me Alive" and the adrenaline rush of the title track make this a stand out record from a band that may have been gone for a while, but has announced a riotous return. Despite the disheartening title, The Horror of Life is not looking to disturb or distress anyone; instead, it reaffirms the fact that people can create incredible works despite seemingly overwhelming struggles. A great story and a better record. - Rich Quinlan