After releasing "Double Plaidinum" in 1997, SoCal punk heroes Lagwagon were inspired and damn-well determined to put out a gem of a punk-rock record. 1998 gave new light to the Lagwagon scene. They dropped their guitarist of two years Ken Stringfellow and recruited RKL alum Chris Rest. Now (with two guitarists named chris), Lagwagon eagerly entered the studio to record what was to be their shortest, but nevertheless, greatest album ever to be graced with the beautiful Lagwagon logo.
With the album cover graced with the mug of a pubecnet homey teenaged girl sporting glasses, braces, two hair-ties in her brilliantly curled red stringy hair, and the classic church-plaid top, this CD gives you the image of being a great joke. On the contrary, notice what that particular girl is suggesting. Yes...let's. I'm not rating the individual songs, cause theyre all seriously 6/5.
This CD doesn't screw around. "After You, My Friend", the fantastic/frantic opener, gives you the best first impression of a record I've ever heard. Passionate words, brilliant musicianship, and catchy...elevator music. Absolutely perfect. I guarentee you won't wanna hear this song alone, there's 11 more opuses on this CD.
"Gun In Your Hand" compliments track 1 like peas and carrots. I'm addicted to the drumming on this CD, for good reason. Dave busts out a wonderfully creative fill to start out this song. This song is the most powerful lyrically.
"Leave The Light On" is classic. I think this particular song inspired me to pick up some drum sticks of my own. Thanks Dave. You'll definitly appreciate the quickness of the emotion throughout this song and the next. My favorite part about this CD, by far, is the random movie clips you hear (See bottom for a guide to most of the clips and what movie they're from). There's two in this song, and I'm sure you'll get a chuckle out of the second one. "Change Despair" compliments track 3 alot as well. I love the pattern that this CD is forming.
In "Train", you won't hear the constant snare hits on the upbeats, but rather the elegent charging of a train throughout the song. Train stands out alot for its more eloquent and honest sound.
"Hurry Up and Wait" is 36 seconds of pure adreneline. Lagwagon is late again. This happens often, and yet Joey doesn't know why. I think he does, they lag.
"Everything Turns Grey" is a song by the 80's punk band Agent Orange, and Lagwagon puts their own emotional spin on it. The riff is unforgettable.
Awwww, "Love Story" is the love song on the CD, and it orchestrates beautifully. This song and "Messangers" intertwine greatly. Both have strong lyrics and a catchy melody that'll get ya singin'.
Let's slow it down a bit. "The Kids Are All Wrong" is an acoustic performance, clocking in at only 1:06. A short ditty that has great emotion, nothing short of what you'd expect from a Lagwagon CD.
Heeeeeey, remember this song? Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2....? It's "May 16th", and it's the song that most people know from the band. It's not the best on the CD, don't get confused. Every song on this CD is amazing, and nothing is better or worse than the track next to it.
"Owen Meaney" is a heartbreaking outro to the fantastic ride you've taken while listening to this musical gem. This song is uplifting and amazingly powerful. Kicks your arse so that you leave with the right impression: Lagwagon is king.
This CD is 25 and a half minutes of pure musical greatness. It's my all-time favorite CD. Go pick it up, you'll be hooked.
Standout Tracks: ALL OF THEM
Movie Clips:
Gun In Your Hand: "Swimming With Sharks" (Frank Whaley & Kevin Spacey, 1994)
Leave The Light On: "Jacob's Ladder" (Tim Robbins, 1990)
Leave The Light On ("Hey steve..."): "Welcome To The Dollhouse"
Hurry Up and Wait: unknown...if you know, leave a comment.
Perfect CD and then some. 5/5
