Various Artists

Editor's Review:

True, both the sound and sense of punk rock have always been rather subjective; but even so, many must agree that the majority of Punk-O-Rama Vol 9 has dodged the true spirit of the genre. While almost-old-schoolers like Bad Religion and Pennywise offer just what the patron might expect (and nothing more), the comp sandwiches in an unfortunate surfeit of pop-y, choirboy-style crap. Among the most abysmal examples of these wieners are From First to Last, Matchbook Romance, Motion City Soundtrack and 1208, though several others might just as well qualify for the same title.
Just when ex-girlfriend melancholy seems to infiltrate this label’s potential letdown, Dropkick Murphys offers a happy medium between angsty rebellion and the notion of lost love. In “The Dirty Glass,” they righteously continue with their Irish folk-influenced roots and once again retain the listener’s need to simultaneously mosh and jig. There’s then a few more tracks of junk until the album thankfully gets progressively darker and dirtier with the Nekromantix’ “Stuck by a Wrecking Ball,” the HorrorPops’ “Miss Take (radio edit)” and Tiger Army’s “Temptation.”
The psychobilly carries over to the DVD component, where the audience can witness the full visual splendor of the HorrorPops and the attractiveness of a hot lead singer, made still hotter by her sexy acceptance of death.
For any Epitaph investor, look not on this compilation as a means toward discovering the new as much as a sad dichotomy between those who have helped steer the boat and those who have simply hopped along for the ride.
– David P. Brown

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Record Label Epitaph Released July 2004

Tracks CD Bad Religion - Social Suicide From First to Last - Ride the Wings of Pestilence The Matches - Sick Little Suicide Atmosphere - The Keys to Life vs. 15 Minutes of Fame Pennywise - Now I Know Motion City Soundtrack - Throw Down Rancid - Tropical London Dropkick Murphys - The Dirty Glass The Weakerthans - Plea from a Cat Named Virtute Matchbook Romance - Promise Scatter the Ashes - City in the Sea Refused - Liberation Frequency Nekromantix - Struck by a Wrecking Ball Pulley - Bad Reputation 1208 - Fall Apart The Bouncing Souls - Sing Along Forever Hot Water Music - Seein’ Diamonds The Special Goodness - Life Goes By HorrorPops - Miss Take (radio edit) Tiger Army - Temptation Division of Laura Lee - Dirty Love Error - Burn in Hell Eyedea & Abilities - Now Death by Stereo - The Plague (live) DVD The Bouncing Souls - Sing Along Forever HorrorPops - Miss Take Atmosphere - Trying to Find a Balance Pulley - Insects Destroy 1208 - The Next Big Thing Matchbook Romance - The Promise Motion City Soundtrack - The Future Freaks Me Out The Weakerthans - Psalm for the Elks Lodge Last Call Randy - X-Ray Eyes The Special Goodness - NFA Converge - Heartless

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