Originally published in Verbicide issue #17

Do you like NOFX? How much?

“A lot”: You always have a minimum of 10 to 20 songs readily available on your iPod (or whatever slick trendy device you are using to listening to these days). You are the type who likes their “old stuff,” especially Ribbed and Liberal Animation, and although you think they jumped the shark with the release of Punk In Drublic, you need to go out and get this new 19-song NOFX CD right now. After all, you do own all of their CDs (and the vinyl, too).

“They’re good, but I’ve got to be in the mood”: You like NOFX, but mostly on a song-by-song basis. You think Punk In Drublic was by far the best thing they ever recorded, and everything since then hasn’t even come close. If you are in this category, congratulations, because you are the people I am reviewing the album for.

In a nutshell, the CD is all right. You will find a handful of songs that are catchy, fast, and damn funny. However, like most CDs these days, the song quality declines as it plays. In fact, I would be surprised if you got to track 19 in the first few listens without skipping ahead. I didn’t.

Another thing: this is just way too political for my tastes. The reason I first got into NOFX was because they weren’t political. Don’t get me wrong, though, we’re not talking Anti-Flag style, where in five years none if it will apply, but it’s still a bit too politically aware for this writer. I liked it when they would sing songs about Jeff Alberta’s shoes instead of all these social and politically inspired ramblings about the heartland, religion, and whatever else.

Overall, I suggest that you pick it up, but only if you can get it for under $10. You’ll appreciate about half of it.

Oh, also, for those who would say, “I don’t like them at all:” This album sucks — steer clear of it!

(Fat Wreck Chords, PO Box 193690, San Francisco, CA 94119)