Originally published in Verbicide issue #6

I listened to this CD once the whole way through, and I doubt I’d be able to do that again. Against Me! are a “political” punk band, so, of course, they’re immediately likened to The Clash and Billy Bragg. Hm.

The vocalist for this band has a voice that’s extremely tough to listen to, and even more difficult when he’s screaming about anarchy and “real world politics.” Musically, the album peaks in tracks seven and nine — and this is also roughly where the album bottoms out in terms of lyrics. “Baby, I’m An Anarchist!” is the title of track nine. Here is a sampling: “We’re all hypocrites, but you’re a patriot. You thought I was only joking when I was screaming, ‘kill whitey!’ at the top of my lungs at the cops in their cars and the men in their suits. No I won’t take your hand and marry the state.” I still think this guy is joking. Please be joking.

(No Idea Records, PO Box 14636, Gainesville, FL 32604-4636)