Review Summary: In conclusion, I think this album is worth the purchase, even if you are just a casual punk rocker. Packed full of ups, downs, crabs, vegetarians and inhabiting cakes, there's bound to be something for everyone on this record. 4.5/5 Overall.
Liberal Animation, NoFX's first mainstream album, is what I'd call one of the less melodic but more interesting albums in their catalog. Released originally on Wassail Records, after a year of poor sales gave them to Ephitaph Records to sell the rest. The bands members responsible for creating this record are as follows:
Micheal "Fat Mike" Burkett - Vocals/Bass
Eric Melvin - Guitar
Dave Cassilas - Guitar
Erik Sandin - Drums
Alas, the song by song review is at hand:
Shut Up Already: A brilliant song about vegetarians that do nothing but complain about people eating animals which have been killed. Lyrically, it shows alot of promise and the chorus is very interesting indeed and musically I find it to be an awesome experience, especially with the riff taken from Led Zepplin's "Black Dog"
It's one of the better songs on this album. 4/5
Freedumb: A rapid-fire snapshot into the world of politics, specifically reflecting upon free speech. There are too few lyrics in this song for a song of this length, but the bass is what really brings this track to life musically. 3/5
Here Comes The Neighborhood: I'm not too fond of the acoustic intro and the thrashy chorus, and I find the lyrics to be quite absurd, really. Guitar Riffs sound off, and the vocals seem out of place with the music, however sloppy they may be. 2.5/10
A200 Club: This song is about a person who has crabs and buys A200 shampoo to get rid of them. It's my favorite track on the album, as the beat hooks you into the track and although the vocals may put you off a bit, a humorous and entertaining track bound to have you wanting more. 5/5
Sloppy English: Pure genius. The drunkard-sounding vocals and the guitar is just mesmerizing to say the least. The chorus seems a bit off, but still worth the listen. 4.5/5
Mr Jones: A song about, well.....Mr Jones. I personally find this song to be ludicrous and rather monotonous drum-wise. Vocals are also irritating in this track as it sounds like a high-pitched whine rather than singing. 1/5
Vegetarian Mumbo Jumbo: This is an appealing song. It's pretty much a counter-argument to vegetarians that say "Meat is murder" (You can't blame me/For eating chicken of the sea). While the guitar may be a bit off-key, the drumming on this track is spectacular, and the vocals are very catchy - A song for those that like a bit of spice. 4.5/5
Beer Bong: As if drinking anthems were enough, here's a song you can drink to in almost any situation. Musically, it's a bit patchy but shows alot of promise while the vocals never cease to amaze me. This song, lyrically, would have to please most alcohol lovers too. Worth the listen.3.5/5
Piece: This song seems like a wannabe version of "Shut Up Already." Seems a bit too reminiscent vocally, but musically shows promise, especially in regards to the bass. 2.5/5
I Live In A Cake: Well, let's just say if you live in this cake, you'll be rocking to a pretty sweet riff and drums which give me chills every time I hear them, but the lyrics could use some improvement. The way this was sung is rather amusing, mind you. 3.5/5
No Problems: This is the lowest point of this record. Musically, vocally and lyrically, this would make you want to vomit. I suggest you avoid this mix of annoyingly screechy vocals and all-over-the-place music which sounds like it could have come off of "Maximum Rock'n'Roll". 0.5/5
On The Rag: A spectacular song about a girl screaming at a boy whenever she has her period. Seems to pull through in the lyrics department, but you'll notice it truly shines when you hit the chorus as the heavy bass riff and quick-fire drums offer an experience you wouldn't want to miss. 4.5/5
Truck Stop Blues: The truck better stop, or I'll sure be getting the blues. Slow and monotonous, this whole song needs to be revamped into something a bit quicker and energetic. It almost seems as if they're trying to calm you down after a rollercoaster, and the only thing this song dampens in your entertainment. 1.5/5
