Thursday, July 28, 2011

Punching the Emo Right out of You

Screeching Weasel
Emo
1999, Panic Button Records
produced by Brendan Burke


Ben Weasel - guitar, vocals
Jughead - guitar
Mass Giorgini - bass
Dan Lumley - drums

Speaking of punk bands with odd sounds, Screeching Weasle's sound is simple (as punk ought to be) but Ben Weasel's lazy scratchy voice makes this band a little special. This band is worth a listen if for nothing else than a variety of better groups have cited them as an influence. These groups include Chicago's own Alkaline Trio, Blink 182, the All American Rejects, Rise Against, and Less Than Jake. That's a pretty impressive list.  

In addition, the title of the album is meant to make fun of a blossoming emo scene (I used the word blossom on purpose). Any excuse to make fun of sobbing dudes with too much eyeliner is worth it. Although much of the lyrical quality of these songs leans on the emotional and personal side of things.  Also, they cover Linger by the Cranberries. This may make the album an even bigger insult to the emo scene, as Ben Weasel does emo better than actual emo bands.  

Plus, in his liner notes for this album, Weasel states that this may be his favorite album. The band also wrote and recorded it during a blizzard in 1999, which dumped over 21 inches of snow on Chicago. Weather can't stop punk rock!  In true Punk fashion, I didn't pay for this album either. Take that, Establishment!

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