The QueersBack to the Basement
Asian Man Records, Released November 16, 2010
This isn't really a bad release. Really--it sounds pretty much the same as most previous Queers albums. However, for a full length that is only 22 minutes long, Back to the Basement seems to be unnecessarily bogged down by filler. Had the Queers stripped it down to the most essential songs, this would have been a stellar six or seven song EP. "Don't Touch My Hat," "Keep it Punk," "I Knew GG when he was a Wimp," and the title track are all quality tunes, though they are certainly not breaking any new ground here. (When have the Queers ever changed their sound, though? Everything from 1990's Grow Up forward has been based on a pretty simply formula that has always worked for Joe Queer.) However, this album as a whole is flawed by lazy lyrics and a total lack of production quality. Again, the Queers have never had great production, but this sounds so raw that you have to wonder if there was anything done to these tracks following recording. With just a little more attention to the drumming and a tiny bit of extra effort put into the backing vocals, Back to the Basement would be a little less embarrassing. Basically, if you already love the Queers, this record is probably going to appeal to you. If this is your first experience with these grandfathers of pop punk, you should disregard this one and start with one of their classic albums--Love Songs for the Retarded or Beat Off would be my suggestions. These guys are making their annual appearance at the Barbary in January, so be sure to catch that. Show up early and shake your ass to NJ's own the Sheckies and the Apers (all the way from Holland!), both guaranteed to please if you are into that sort of thing.
the Queers
the Apers
the Sheckies
Asian Man Records
R5 Productions (for tix to the Barbary!)
2 comments:
Hey man, just got a hold of this one from a friend. I love it, the whole Ramones style punk. Almost seemed like it was picking up right after the style of LSFTR. Really strong album and certainly a testament to how important and good these guys really are. Completely agree though, wouldn't be what I'd give someone listening to them for the first time, but still great. Just pure/raw punk at its finest.
Mr. Wallace! Good to hear from you. Glad that you are enjoying this little album. Not my favorite ever, but I'm glad that it has its place on our CD shelf next to the rest of the albums. I guess I just wish there was a little more of the Beach Boys influence. Oh well! Certainly after a million albums, your newest one can't always be the best. Keep it gully!
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