Music Reviews! 11/08/06

Various Artists - We'll Inherit the Earth... a Tribute to the Replacements - 1-2-3-4... GO! Records
In the history of modern rock music, specifically that which is punk and indie rock, one of the most prolific and all around seminal bands of said genres most definitely was the Replacements. Forming in the early 80's Twin Cities hardcore scene, they put out a handful of incredible punk records before switching gears to allow Paul Westerberg to grow as a songwriter.
As far as tribute records go, this one is pretty much top notch. The bands are clearly all fans and do these songs justice. The stand out tracks on here come from the Ergs, Off With Their Heads, Modern Machines, Tiltwheel, Against Me!, Drag the River and probably the biggest shocker, the true to form version of "Unsatisfied," done by the Queers. Joe Queer doesn't sound like Joe Queer, but instead more like Paul Westerberg. I was expecting a classic Queers style track out of them, but they really show their fandom on this one.
This is worth the money, so if you're a fan of the Replacements, or if you're not, but instead a fan of any of these bands, you should grab this. This would be an excellent doorway into one of the greatest indie rock bands of all time.
http://www.1234gorecords.com

Report Suspicious Activity - Dreamland - Underground Communique Records
Featuring ex-members of bands like Articles of Faith, Jawbox, Government Issue and Kerosene 454, you can only imagine that this band is going to be somewhat intense. This four song EP rips through a post hardcore work of art. The guitars are angular, the basslines are melodic and the drums are huge. The vocals are intense and accusatory, while making you believe everything that's being said.
When hearing their debut album, I dubbed it the angriest album ever recorded. This isn't nearly as angry, but it's definitely a damn near perfect release that leaves you wanting more.
Pick this up. I not kidding and neither are they.
http://www.undercomm.org

Various Artists - Mal De Ojo, 4 Way Split - S/R
Four bands, fifteen songs, all destroy. This sounds like a collection of demos or 7"s, but instead of putting out individual releases, these bands got together and put out one solid release.
No Slogan starts this off with some great mid tempo hardcore in the tradition of their debut Southkore Records release, followed by a speedy song and a cover the Bhopal Stiffs classic, Too Many Things.
After that is Tropiezo who bring a late 80's hardcore flavor, not unlike Articles of Faith.
Following Tropiezo is Intifada, who play hardcore along the lines of Los Crudos, Charles Bronson and Non Fiktion Noise. All good stuff.
Closing out the record is Juventud Crasa, who are much more street punk than they are hardcore. Still, their songs hold up really well next to the more aggressive bands on this comp.
If you can track this record down, it's worth the few bucks it'll cost you.