MxPx "On the Cover II" (Tooth and Nail Records) Sounds like: Feeble versions of your favorite songs Grade: C-
While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, pop-punk is often a bad Xerox of punk, at best. And when a pop-punk band takes on the best songs of some of the best punk bands, the degree of separation between the original and the resulting album makes for a fuzzy, somewhat painful listen.
Pop-punk is fun in its own right; MxPx in particular sparkles with songs like "Punk Rawk Show" and "Responsibility." But singer Mike Herrera is no Joey Ramone and, by God, guitarist Tom Wisniewski is no Mick Jones. On "On the Cover II," the two think they're both and the punk rock gods certainly strike them down for their hubris.
While the accompanying press release says that the band's version of the Ramone's "My Brain is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes to Bitburg)" is better than the original, punk rock fans might find the trite vocalization and strange choice to heavily feature what seem to be sleigh bells rather disappointing. And after hearing the infamous guitar riff at the beginning of MxPx's version of The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go" epically botched, listeners may decide to go immediately.
The only time the guitar on the album could even pass for something remotely punk is when The Descendents' Stephen Eggerton takes over on Poison's "Fallen Angel" and shows the kids how it's done. In fact, Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly's all-too-brief accordion cameo on the Dead Milkmen's "Punk Rock Girl" is more punk rock than the rest of the album as a whole.
Not to worry if you thought MxPx's latest album would botch only the greatest of the genre they regularly buffoon; they thoroughly mangle Belinda Carlisle, Queen and U2 as well. As a whole, "On the Cover II" is a bitter failure. If only MxPx would return to the tunes of their rollicking, mall-punk youth, then they might produce a worthwhile album once more.
-KRISTEN POWELL
Wild Light "Adult Nights" (StarTime International) Sounds Like: High school's electronic rock scene Grade: B-
Wild Light's "Adult Nights" provides thirteen tracks that are the best of pleasantly forgettable pop rock tunes. Falling somewhere between Augustana and Snow Patrol on the Top 40 Radio spectrum, their music is fun and light, yet possesses no true grit or sticking power.
"California On My Mind," hailed by Rolling Stone as a "Top Single," features vocalist Jordan Alexander wailing about the cities he hates. The band proudly note their home state in track two, "New Hampshire." With a harmonica riffing alongside his thin, though not unappealing, voice, the song's bounce comes from its steady beats and effervescent tambourine. This song is one of the few that shies away from the electronic edge that runs through most of the other tracks like "Lawless River," a buzz that provides a texture that moves a step above the average rock band in originality. Wild Light manipulates their electronic sound to their advantage, emphasizing a steady hum underneath driving guitars and others, a light twinkling to compliment a piano solo.
The band's chemistry is solid throughout the entire album, which the band credits to growing up together. They effectively present their ideas in a cohesive package in which instruments rarely compete with each other. They swing casually from Brit rock stylings to a more retro sound, while remaining consistent in quality.
The only element lacking in this musical unity is the lyrics. Most of the songs are indistinguishable from each other in lyrical content, and thoughtful, introspective lyrics could have created a stronger connection to the songs, which eventually sound alike.
According to Wild Light, this album examines the problems of adolescence and how those issues don't disappear just because one matures. Though an enjoyable album, "Adult Nights" doesn't exude a sense of maturity, Wild Light deals with their childhood in bouncy, fresh way that makes adolescence almost appealing.
-TRACI J. BROOKS
