Go Ahead Punk, Make My Day (Look What I Almost Stepped In - The Vandals)

Member Name: gemma_toots

Product:	Look What I Almost Stepped In - The Vandals
Date:	07/03/02 (90 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Upbeat Songs

Disadvantages: none too serious

The Vandals. I hadn't heard very much of this american band. I knew they were pretty punk. When I saw them support Pearl Jam in concert, I thought that their energy on stage was brilliant. Covering a song such as 'Summer Lovin', and changing the lyrics to a much more comic effect, is always a live favourite.

A few weeks later, after browsing through a record shop, I noticed 'Look At What I Almost Stepped In'. I bought it purely on their live performance. After one listening I was hooked. Opening song 'Behind the Music', with its fast and furious lyrics, just spilling out of Dave Quackenbush's voicebox. But this isn't your run-of-the-mill shouty attitude punk. There are some great melodies in the songs. Of course, the Vandals would never abandon their punk roots, and the guitar riffage, bass slapping, and manic drumming is all in there. One thing that rises above everything else, are the comical lyrics. Only the Vandals could make a joke of a cancerous tumour, 'so don't worry if it is a tumour, all this will be over sooner'.

Of course there are a couple of stinkers on this album, 'Crippled and Blind' just sounds like a collage of white noise on times.

This album isn't for everyone. If you like 'A' and Offspring, then this will be for you.

Behind The Music
A great opener, superb lyrics - not much else to say about it.

Sorry Mom and Dad
Again, hilarious lyrics, and a fine tune to match

Go
A big bassline on this one. Not the strongest, but definitely an adreniline pumper.

The New You
A great song, superbly sung and with some great music. Possibly one of the best

Flowers Are Pretty
Some cynical lyrics, well sung. Great song

Jackass
Dextor Holland of Offspring guests on vocals here. A pretty good song

What About Me
Some more comedy lyrics, fast paced song. Good stuff

Do You Want
To Kick It
A cheesy synthesiser background to this one. Possibly one of the worst, but its bearable.

You're Not the Boss Of Me
A huge punky song, think of 'Ace of Spades', with a punky edge. Great song

Thats My Girl
More goofy lyrics about a girlfriend who has had a bit too much to drink at a party.

Get A Room
A big riff that continues throughout the song, followed by some wah-wah. A little tedious

San Berdu
A great catchy song

Crippled And Blind
Possibly the worst on the album. Despite this, there are still some great lyrics.

Fourteen
A comical song - have you ever wondered what it would be like to go out with a fourteen year old? Listen to this and laugh.

Overall its worth a listen. I think its a better album than their previous effort 'Hitler Bad, Vandals Good'. If you like punky melodies - buy it.

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