Ska punk (or self described Carnival Punk) band The Blue Meanies were a surprise when I heard this album. I ordered 2 albums by King Apparatus from Asian Man records and they included this album and another album along with it.
Its the craziest ska punk band you will hear. Im not sure if it is a japanese band, but i wouldnt be surprised if it was because other bands that could be compareable are the Polysics and Melt Banana.
Whether or not they are still together I can't be sure. I can't find an official website for the band. This was originally realeased on Fuse and later released by Asian Man which is my favorite label.
1.
Acceleration 5000
Listen. A lot of these songs are going to have little explanation. This one is more punk with horns than ska.
2.
It Doesn't Matter
Quick ska punk song. Great skapunk song. Less crazy than most.
3.
Vote No
Starts with someone singing into a megaphone (maybe). Again, no ska found here. Just a sound that drives supported by horns.
4.
Grandma Shampoo
I think this is where they get the carnival punk. If you can imagine Carnivalskapunk, this is what it would sound like. My favorite song on the album. Starts out slow and just keeps getting faster.
5.
Tread
Slower ska song (for them). Perfect for dancing along. Its actually a very good song. I love the lyrics.
6.
Polka In The Eye
Thankfully no polka in this song. Typical skapunk song
7.
An Average American Superhero
Feels almost like a continuation of Polka. Its not though. Its almost a social commentary at first. Then it gets strange. Thats a good thing with these guys.
8.
Aquarium Bong
If you aren't paying attention tracks 6, 7 and 8 all run together. Another strange track. The horns are all over the place on this one.
9.
The Shit Fuck Man
Typical ska punk with punk breakdowns. Gets carnivalish at the end.
10.
Dilate
Slower ska song. Distorted ska at points, but maintains the best throughout. Don't really care for this one too much.
11.
Johnny Mortgage
And ends on a song with a clean ska intro. Speeds up almost immediatly though. Heavy use of an organ. I like this song quite a bit.
This album is seriously held back by the fact that it is only 30-35 minutes long. If it were longer I would give it a better rating, but as it is.
3/5
If you like skapunk, you will love this. If you like the Polysics or Melt Banana, you might like this. But if you dont like one or the other, you won't like this.
