Sell Out Records - A Music Review Blog

In the pantheon of punk rock, certain albums stand as monuments to the genre's dynamism and emotional rawness. Yellowcard's "Ocean Avenue," released in 2003, is one such landmark. Emerging during a time when punk rock was morphing and finding new avenues, Yellowcard brought a refreshing vigor and a distinctive sound to the table. "Ocean Avenue," with its vibrant energy, intricate lyricism, and innovative instrumentation, didn’t just encapsulate the zeitgeist of early 2000s punk rock; it helped define it. The Emblem of a Genre: "Ocean Avenue" in Punk Rock Pantheon "Ocean Avenue" arrives not just as an album but as a statement, a finely crafted blend of angst, youthful exuberance, and musical complexity. It stands as a testament to the era, representing not just a sonic evolution but also a narrative depth that resonates deeply with its audience. The album's sound, characterized by a harmonious blend of aggressive guitar riffs, fast...

P.O.D's Bold Leap to Mainstream In the arena of heavy music, the leap from niche corners to the glaring spotlight of mainstream success is a path fraught with challenges. Yet, P.O.D (Payable on Death) navigates this journey with unparalleled audacity and energy in their major label debut, "The Fundamental Elements of Southtown." This record is more than a mere collection of tracks; it's a profound statement marking a deft crossover from the band's Christian artistry roots to a broader mainstream rock audience. The Genre-Defying Sound of Southtown "The Fundamental Elements of Southtown" is a testament to P.O.D's mastery in blending diverse genres. The album is a rich tapestry woven with threads of nu-metal, reggae, and hip-hop. It opens with "Hollywood," a track that sets the tone for an album that oscillates between raw energy and deep introspection. Songs like "Southtown" and the anthemic "Rock the Party (Off the Hoo...

  Greenday, the band that needs no introduction in the punk rock world, has just spun out another record set to leave its mark. "Saviors," the latest from this iconic band, isn't just an album – it's a statement, a vinyl masterpiece that beckons the nostalgic and the new-age punk rockers alike. With its vibrant colors and rich, raw sound, "Saviors" promises an auditory journey like no other. As we gear up to dissect this latest offering, let’s remember – this isn’t just about the music; it’s about experiencing Greenday in the most authentic way possible: through the grooves of a vinyl record. "Saviors" Vinyl Experience When you hold a Greenday vinyl record , you're not just holding music; you're holding a piece of art. "Saviors" is no exception. This record radiates a charisma that's hard to ignore, with its visually striking cover and the tactile feel of the vinyl itself. Available in various colors, each edition of ...

  Today, we're diving into the gritty grooves of NOFX's paradoxically titled "They’ve Actually Gotten Worse Live." This isn't just another NOFX live record; it's an experience, a bootleg-style journey, and a testament to the band's enduring raw energy. A Bootleg Feel with Studio Quality – The Sound of NOFX Live Unpolished Gold : "They’ve Actually Gotten Worse Live" feels like stumbling upon the best NOFX bootleg you never knew existed. It's raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically NOFX. Sound Quality : While the title suggests a downgrade, the sound is anything but. It’s the perfect blend of audience energy and clear instrumentation, making you feel like you're part of the crowd. Setlist Surprises – A Mix of the Rare and the Classic Deep Cuts and Classics : Expect a mix of hidden gems and iconic tracks. This album isn't just a rehash of their greatest hits; it's a deep dive into ...

 Rank 5 out of 5  It’s hard to define the pace of Alkaline Trio, the 3 person band has found a way to sound like something so much more with their records. With the release of “This Addiction” the trio really puts their best foot forward with some amazing tracks, and even a trumpet here and there. The band really puts on a showcase of pop punk that you can’t deny. Alkaline Trio, comes swinging with “This Addiction” then continues forward with sing-a-long songs that are punk rock and emo at the same time. The sound design on the record is solid, moving forward with more than just the standard three chords and progressing with lyrical onslaught that just moves you. There are moments of dread on the record with Matt Skiba pushing his heart, and then there are moments where he seems to let a bit of bliss come through, but it’s really an emo record if you ask me. There are more moments of sadness than there are of joy, and that’s not a bad thing. The record comes together with so...

Rating: 3 out of 5 Hardcore music is definitely an acquire taste. If you’re not a fan, then you’re not a fan. But if you are a fan, then you are a diehard fan of the type of music that hits hard. With the release of “Refresh Renew” Point of Recognition stepped into a new arena, without their second singer, they put on a simplified version of the hardcore sound that will drill you in the head. The sound is heavy, with a lot of break downs, and focus on the hardcore sound that you would come to expect from the Inland Empire’s hardcore scene. “Refresh Renew” is not a long album, and it features a great deal of sing-a-long vocals that are aimed to be amazing in live performances. The frenetic pace is good, the sound quality is grand, and you get a sense of belonging if you’re a hardcore fan. The band really plays on the notion of hardcore, and it doesn’t hold back. That may be something that you may not enjoy, as it can be repetitive, but if you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll understand...

The opening lines from the track “Aces Up” reverberates for me a great deal . “If you push yourself away from everyone you know, how do you expect relationships to grow” , and it’s very true. I think about that right now as I type this because I’m going to get a divorce. There’s no happy ever after, there’s just a disaster that I’m facing off against. The song continues to remind us that life doesn’t just deal aces, and that we have to play the cards we are dealt. Mxpx released this song as part of their record, “Plans Within Plans” which was put out in 2012, and it’s one of the better tracks from that release. The band’s frenetic punk rock style comes through with melody, and the positivity that comes through is quite good, making your toes tap. As soon as I heard this track, I was hooked. Mxpx has a way of getting to the core of your punk rock ethos, and truly delivers with melody. The opening line, I kid you not, is often playing in my head as I battle depression and attempt...

 

 

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They've Actually Gotten Worse Live!  

2016 has been quite the year for music, and it’s just beginning. The Holstered is a band that I spoke about on this blog in the past . Well, they are back in action for 2016, and they have released their first rocking single from their upcoming album. The song “Outer Space” takes the psychedelic 1970s punk rock, garage sound and turns it to 11. It’s a catch song that brings about themes that are straight out of the garage punk era of the past. Fans of Iggy Pop, The Cramps, and Buzzcocks are going to be absolutely delighted with “Outer Space” as it has a definitive punk rock, retro feel. You’re going to be lost in the easy going guitar riffs, the soothing guitar solo elements, and of course the lyrical subject matter that will transport you back to a simpler time. This is a rocking track that continues The Holstered’s sound and yet improves on it in many ways. The band truly knows how to push that retro, punk, button, and it’s definitely something that you have to listen to right ...

K9 Kev is an interesting musician that brings about a whole new balance of hip hop and production with his latest record. “The Dear Diary EP” is a collection of 5 tracks coming straight out of the coastal town of Oban, Scotland. This unassuming EP is quite strong, and you'll get hit hard if you pay attention, as there's some great honesty in the songs, and excellent timing with the rhythm that is set forth in this release. The lyrical measurements that K9 Kev has on this record are nothing short of epic. The rhymes are good, but it’s the story telling that really takes center stage. I love when emcees focus on telling you more than just how great they are, and that’s something nice about this record. This is a story book that is quite personal, and while it’s deeply rooted in hip hop, there’s so much more to it. The character of the music speaks volumes about the artist, and the ear he has to production. The production is spot on here, with vocals soaring over the melodie...

There’s always an interesting band name lurking in the annals of history. I personally loved “Vaginasore Jr.” which my friend No Sleep thought I had made up. It’s a great one, but hey, that’s where all greatness starts, in the absurd, right? Or maybe I’m just reaching for something that isn’t really there. Whatever the case is, today I was in the middle of burning out with writing, and heard another classic track from Diarrhea Planet. I see that they are getting booked to more summer shows, and decided to review their record, “I’m Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams” . You see, there are a lot of bands that have funny names, and have no talent. That’s not the case with this band. These guys can rip, and their 2013 record is testament to the low fi punk rock ethos that they are subscribing to right now. If you hear the record, you are going to get treated to a muffled bass sound, vocals that are right outside of Fat Wreck Chords from their early years, and a raw sound that is hard to ge...

Labeled as an experimental, meta-rock record, Herman Martinez takes on the tropes of what alternative, rock, heavy music, and shatters definitions. From the first track that opens “Solopsi Radio”, you are treated to an eclectic arrangement of instruments that are very much heavy, and very much in the same framework that Tool’s debut started with. However, the comparisons to the past slowly lift as the song’s structure begins to reveal an all different approach to the rock genre. There’s a staggering bass line, a triumphant guitar lead, and vocals that create a haunting experience. As you progress through the record, you are given a mix of heavy, soft, mellow, and contemplative lyrical elements. Tracking on this record is diverse, unique, and bring about a lot of comparisons. You are not going to be able to pinpoint “one” genre here, but it’s definitely rock heavy. This is a strength of Martinez’s composition, layering plenty of rock sounds into a larger portrait. Tracks like “Fic...

There’s something really cool about the latest single from Figures of Light. With their latest single, “You Better Wise Up” (Instrumental Version), they certainly put on a classic showing of gritty rock music. From the moment you turn it on, you are going to be banging your head, as the garage punk really comes through the speakers. Turn it up and there’s a tinge of California surf guitar in the mix, but it’s the steady pace, and the outstanding production that really grabs you. Unlike other bands, Figures of Light throw down a lot of music, and each time they do something new, cool, and all their own. They keep pushing the limits, and are not isolated to just one genre. While they can do it all, on this track, they stick to the garage rock, punk sound, and do so with such precision it’s absolutely stunning. You owe yourself a listen to this track. If you are looking for some good tunes, a throwback to that punk, garage noise that came through college radio and the likes from the p...

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The Vandals "Oi To The World" LP - Available Here “Dude, how old are the goddamn Vandals? Are they in wheel chairs yet?”, now that’s a way to talk about punk rock. My friend Mike totally had me dying after he said that recently. While sipping the last of Dewar’s Honey Whiskey here in Indianapolis, we discussed this fine record, one of the classics from the old timers, The Vandals. “Oi To The World” is the premier punk rock record that you will have to no doubt talk about at one point or another. This originally came out in 1996 and it received a TON of negative reviews. In fact, All Music said it was completely stupid, and it was terrible. Well, a big middle finger to Stephen Thomas Erlewine, and All Music. You bunch of hacks. Then again, here I am writing to an audience of one, since no one seems to read this diatribe of mine. But that’s not what I write, right? No, I do need fans, come back, please, please…we’re talking Christmas.

Richard Cheese Silent Nightclub - Available Here Here we go, perhaps one of the coolest alternative Christmas records that you can play right now. You can play this with the whole family in place, and not scare your mom or dad. This is a lounge act from the past, but modernized. Richard Cheese is a singer that plays the hits kind of like Weird Al, but all lounge style. That being said, you can get an idea as to what you’re in for in this record. This is one of those records that has reworked classics, and then some personal touches on songs that you wouldn’t expect around Christmas. 15 tracks, and some incredible covers, and new renditions.

The Almost "No Gift To Bring" EP - Available Here The year was 2008, and The Almost was splintered from the Underoath camp. This is a band that took a piece of Underoath and made a whole new rock and roll band. Now, with the release of this record, “No Gift To Bring” The Almost put on a showcase of holiday music that is nothing short of fascinating. The songs to me are sincere, and just beautiful. “No Gift To Bring” is a wonderful little record that features a whole heart of the Christmas season, especially if you’re of a religious inclination.