Sell Out Records - A Music Review Blog

Rating: 4 out 5 I grew up in a religious home and part of my journey involved not listening to a lot of secular music for a time. While I never really followed that, it meant that I was always digging through the proverbial crates looking for anything Christian alternative. That’s where I found Slick Shoes’ first EP with just a few songs they had me hooked. They would then release “Rusty” and blow me away with pop punk glory. The band would go on to put out some quality records, and continue to grow into a pop punk mega power, even though they seemed to lack that next level success that you’d get from bands like MXPX or New Found Glory. Regardless of all that, they still managed to put a staple on the pop punk world, crossing over from Christian music into the mainstream at times. With the 2019 release of “Broadcasting”, the band put together 21 tracks of live music, and it features something from every iteration of the band’s storied career. There is no wasted moment on the record...

Rating 4 out of 5 Live from Chain Reaction in Anaheim California, the band New Found Glory put on some great performances. The recording took place in 2013, and was released as a live record and wow, it’s a stellar example of how fun going to a NFG show truly is. The album features 17 tracks that were performed live, and 3 studio tracks that were brand new at the time of release. Overall, this album is stellar, with high production value for a live record and the all out onslaught of punk rock ethos and hardcore musical elements that come together for New Found Glory. From the opening lines of “Understatement”, to “My Friends Over You”, you get a good sense of what went down on the nights that the band played these tracks. Of all the live records that you can get your grubby hands on, you’re going to want to get yourself a taste of New Found Glory, and that’s what you get with “Kill It Live”. It’s by far one of the better live records that has been put out by a punk rock band, an...

It was last July that I first was introduced to Susto. If you didn’t read my review of their release from last year, then you need to go see it now. I’ll wait. Go HERE . I am a fan of music. I’m a fan of Susto, and now that I’m in the Midwest, I may be able to finally see them perform. But before I get to a show, I wanted to review their latest release. They have a live record out called “Live From The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame” and I love it. That’s right, this release came hitting hard, under the radar of most, but it’s such a powerful live performance. If you’re familiar with the songs from the previous record, then you already know some of these. However, there’s subtle touches, guest performers, and a live, living room feel to the record that makes you reminisce a little. You’re going to want to pour yourself a shot of whiskey, because this will put you in an introspective mood. When you hear the powerhouse of “Black Jesus featuring Johnny Delaware”, "County...

I remember driving from Palms Springs back to Culver City when my friend laughed at me for wanting the latest 311 record. At the time, “Sunset in July” was popular, and they had preorders for the new record that included vinyl pressings and lots of good stuff. I got laughed at. The notion that I would want to pick up a 311 record was beyond their frame. I didn’t order it. Fast forward to this morning, and I have found an incredible example of how great the band is. I don’t need to preach to the choir of fans that love 311. But if you haven’t really invested in the band’s catalog since they released “Down” in the 1990s, you need to really go back and check out some of their records. Case in point, “311 With the Unity Orchestra” from 2014 . This is a record that was recorded live on 311 Day in New Orleans. That’s a day when they go out and play to their massive fan base. The band has been doing that showcase since, well, since I can remember actually. On this record, you will get 9...