On the Cover II [PA]

Performer: MxPx
Engineer: Deedle Lacour; MxPx; Deedle LaCour
Producer: MxPx
Distributor: EMI Christian Music Group

Notes: MxPx: Mike Herrera (vocals, bass guitar); Tom Wisniewski (guitar, background vocals); Yuri Ruley (drums, background vocals). Personnel: Cupholders, Craig Owens (vocals); Stephen Egerton, Ethan Luck (guitar); Matt Hensley (accordion); Bryce Avary (keyboards, background vocals); Tommy Monette (keyboards). Audio Mixers: J.R. McNeely; Stephen Egerton; Casey Bates. Recording information: Monkey Trench Studios; The Clubhouse. Ever since MxPx released their first covers album in 1995, fans have been chomping at the bit for another one. On the Cover II finds the guys finally relenting almost 15 years later, and those who have waited it out will like what they find here. The record's 12 songs are mostly all pulled from the '80s, gleaned off a list of the trio's influences and personal favorites -- both the expected (the Clash), and the more random (the jangly pop-punk of "Linda Linda" from Japanese punkers the Blue Hearts). For the most part, MxPx handle the cover album as any other punk band would -- they speed things the hell up. This works great more times than not, as with U2's "I Will Follow," but especially enjoyable are their faithful renditions of no-brainer punk songs, like the Dead Milkmen's most excellent "Punk Rock Girl" and the Descendents' "Suburban Home." And while their version of the Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go" sticks out as rather standard issue -- and really you'd be better off just listening to the original -- it's at least nice to hear guitarist Tom Wisniewski handling vocals for a change. Overall, it's the few moments when MxPx step a bit further out of their comfort zone that they really shine and sidestep complete predictability. Poison's "Fallen Angel" comes out surprisingly well given the pop-punk treatment, and the help of friends allows MxPx to successfully tackle some songs that on paper seem like they would only be disasters -- the Rocket Summer's precious Bryce Avary lends colorful vocals to Queen's "Somebody to Love" (hitting the high notes Mike Herrera no doubt wouldn't even attempt) and ex-Tsunami Bomb's Agent M leads the charge on Belinda Carlisle's giddy "Heaven Is a Place on Earth." So while fans will definitely be satisfied with all of the songs on this album, at the end of the day, it's really those unanticipated tracks that will make On the Cover II worth the listen for everyone else. ~ Corey Apar

Alternative Press (p.110) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Inspired takes of the Go-Go's 'Vacation,' Kim Wilde's 'Kids In America' and U2's 'I Will Follow' will once again have you believing the Reagan years were much cooler than they actually were."

MxPx were a spunky trio of Pacific Northwest teenagers with discreetly Christian lyrics and a crisp, tight attack when they were signed to Tooth & Nail Records in 1994. They released three albums for the label and then defected to A&M Records, where bigger budgets afforded them grander production and a busy touring schedule. Being exposed to enthusiastic crowds during the late-'90s heyday of pop/punk paid off, and by 2005, the band had built up such a loyal following that they decided to leave A&M and record independently, pursuing a leaner punk sound. MxPx also helped pave the way for a bundle of emotionally driven pop/punk acts with lyrics that, while not expressly religious, dealt openly with matters of faith.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.5