Social Distortion
“live at the Roxy”
Time Bomb Recordings

Its about time I got to hear Social D. play it live. I’ve never had the priviledge of seeing them live, but its always been something I wanted to experience. So now, finally, my wish has come true. And may I say that “live at the Roxy” was not a dissappointment.

Although the opening moments of the disc, documenting the sale of some tank-tops, gets tiresome; from the minute Mike Ness opens his mouth, things get better. The song list reads like a ‘best of” album, but its all live. The best of both worlds. The opening track “Story of My Life” has worked its way into my favorite song list. Other highlights include the “Bad Luck,” the cover of the Rolling Stones’ (I think) song “Under My Thumb,” the punk rock anthem “Telling Them,” and a cover of “Ring of Fire.” The only thing missing from this album is the classic “Sick Boy.”

You can’t call yourself a fan of old school punk without this album in your collection. Recorded over a three night span in April of 1998. This album is not for the sensitive listener though. Mike Ness is less than proper in his between-song-speeches. If that doesn’t bother you, be sure to pick Social Distortion’s “live at the Roxy.”

-jordan

Craig’s Brother
“Homecoming”
Tooth & Nail Records

Forget everything you ever thought about pop-punk! Tooth & Nail’s Craig’s Brother is everything pop-punk should be. This is a band that reallydeserves to be heard.

Musically, this band from Santa Cruz, California excels. Craig’s Brother’s potent formula for punk rock combines the energy and speed of a frantic little brother, aggressive three or four chord movements, and unique, emotional vocals enhanced by bang-on harmonies.

Challenging the stereotype, Craig’s Brother offers lyrics that are about far more than girls, and bad rhymes. “In Memory Of” is a tribute to a friend who died young, but left a legacy of Christ-likeness; “Going Bling” addresses the ever present, never discussed issue of lust, and staring at women who exploit themselves in magazines; one of the singles, “Dear Charlotte” tells the story of a man who wishes for the ‘good old days’ back, but wishes all the blessings he has now away.

So, once again forget what you’ve past thought of pop-punk. Let Craig’s Brother do the redefinig for you. If you were a fan of past pop-punk succusses like MxPx, Value Pac and Slick Shoes; put them behind you, and move on to Craig’s Brother. Who the heck is Craig anyway!

-jordan