Sorry if this review seems terribly short and to the point, but I wrote it in a rush. Bear with me!
Chris - Vocals/Guitar
Roger - Bass/Vocals
Vinnie - Drums/Lyrics
Pete - Trombone
Derron - Bari Sax
Buddy - Trombone
The Songs
Last One Out Of Liberty City kicks off the record with a high-pitched squeak, and from there on the song kicks it into full gear. As one of the faster paced songs, Last One Out Of Liberty City definitely starts Hello Rockview on a good note. The bass line is off the chart in this one. The opener alone sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Which then leads us into Help Save The Youth Of America. An almost acoustic sounding guitar introduces the vocals; this song has a really good melody and rhythm. However, it's the electric is what makes this song really enjoyable. The chorus is also quite awesome and well penned. This is one of the better arranged tracks on Hello Rockview.
The best known song on Hello Rockview, All My Best Friends Are Metalheads, is the main reason why I purchased the CD from the beginning. I immediately recognized the song from a videogame (I believe it was a Tony Hawk's Pro Skater game) and made a promise to myself to go out and buy the album that it was on. Low and behold, this is a great song. On the other hand, it is slightly overrated and gets a bit repetitive and tiring after dozens of listens.
Five State Drive is up next, and I love the horn section in it. More than anything it sounds like it belongs on a much earlier LTJ album, but only because it sounds a lot less hard rock and a lot more ska. As with most of the songs, I again like the chorus, which is catchy and stands out.
Nervous In The Alley has always been my personal favorite song by Less Than Jake, if only because of the awesome intro than anything. With heavy bass stomps throughout, awesome lyrics, an even more awesome chorus, and just an overall ska feel, this is your best bet for a good time. Definitely the number one LTJ anthem ever.
Song numero seis, Motto, is one of the only songs I don't really like. It sounds and feels like filler material, and much too pop-punk perceptible. The lyrics are the only thing that I find to be worthy of praise, but this really deserves to be on a "MTV Best Of" compilation, not a Less Than Jake album.
But back into the game is LTJ after History of a Boring Town comes swinging through. A lot of people have complained that this song is far too poppy, and while I do actually agree, I think it's a good change. Unlike Motto, this song actually has a good pace and beat, and the chorus is untouchable. There's also an interesting story to add to it all.
"Where's the politics?" I felt like asking aloud that question as The Great American Sharpshooter blasts from my earphones. But regardless of the oddball title, this song is pretty rockin'. Quicker than anything you've heard so far on Hello Rockview, TGAS is a minute and twenty-eight seconds of excellence.
Danny Says is yet another filler song, but I give it the edge over Motto by just a little. While it has no good bass or guitar lines, the drums more than make up for it. But again, quite a lackluster and skippable number.
Before the thirty second mark in Big Crash, I loved it. It begins to slow down, but then picks up again with an extraordinary chorus and continues on in a stylish fashion until the end. Another great song, regardless of the minor pause in excellence for the twenty or so seconds.
Theme Song For H Street is another song that seems to belong on another album, not this one. Three fillers now...
Richard Allen George... No, It's Just Cheez is a short but sweet affair, and I love how it's poundingly speedy. I would've loved it even more if it last a minute or two longer, though! The vocalist, Chris, sounds awesome in this one. The drunken chant to end the song is a waste of time, but hey, LTJ can have fun with their songs sometimes :]
Scott Farcas Takes It On The Chin is the coolest. The beginning drum pedaling is a great way to start, and the best of the whole record!
And what is there to say about Al's War, the ending to an epic record? Three words: What a bang!
So what are you waiting for? Go buy yourself a copy of one of the best ska CD's out there!
