Customer Reviews

Avoid One Thing

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm a big fan of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and keep reasonably up to date on what's going on with the band, but as far as this side project from their bassist Joe Gittleman goes, it was completely off my radar. When this showed up on my doorstep, I didn't know what to expect. What it delivers has shades of Hüsker Dü, Jawbreaker, The Replacements and The Pixies. In other words, we have a damn fine rock and roll record.

The Boston four-piece was founded by bassist / vocalist / songwriter Joe Gittleman, best known from The Bosstones and Gang Green. Gittleman is joined by guitarists Paul Delano (Darkbuster, Mung), Amy Griffin (The Raging Teens) and drummer Dave Karcich (Pilfers, Spring Heeled Jack). The band has an interesting pedigree, with the rhythm section from ska bands, and guitarists from both the rockabilly and drum `n bass scenes.

The band delivers a refreshing album of well-written punk rock. The personal lyrics about hometown life, populated with specific characters and situations, are not unlike the lyrics written by Vinnie of Less Than Jake fame. Gittleman's music is poppy at times, but his voice is too deep to be mistaken for the latest batch of whiney emo-influenced pop-punk vocalists. However while deeper, his vocals are honest (if that can describe a sound), there is no macho street punk posturing here. Gittleman is instantly recognizable from his backups on the Bosstone's tracks, and there are definably shades of Bosstone-lead Dickey Barrett's style.

The mixing favors Gittleman's driving bass lines and the song writing is excellent. Stand out tracks are "Rip It Up It's There" and "Next Stop Batteries," both with catchy chorus' and urgent playing. The best song is "Lean On Sheena," which starts out with some creative picking on Gittleman's part and a great build up and an instantly classic sounding chorus. Avoid One Thing is a completely unpretentious and instantly enjoyable rock record.

HEY GUYS, I WENT TO SEE THESE GUYS WITH LAGWAGON, YELLOWCARD, AND RUFIO AND LET ME TELL YOU, THESE GUYS ROCK. NORMALLY THE FIRST OF FOUR BANDS IS AWFUL BUT THESE GUYS TOTALLY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION. THEY ARE A TRULY GREAT PUNK BAND AND IF THEY DECIDED TO WRITE MORE ALBUMS TOGETHER I KNOW THEY'LL BECOME THE NEXT GREAT UNDERGROUND BAND ON THE PUNK SCENE.

this is one of the best finds I've had in a long time. Fantastic album, I cannot wait to see "Avoid" live.

The album is incredibly tight and solid for a first effort (although each band-member has a long history in the punk world). From hard-hitting punk tunes like "every second of every day" and "yakisoba" to the incredibly soulful "take a good look around," this album will not ever come out of my player. The best song is destined to be a punk-ballad classic - "next stop batteries" which shows the band's versatility and incredible song writing - a rarity in these times.

Pick this one up and consider yourself lucky.

I saw these guys last night (april 26, 2002) with flogging molly and the slackers, and all i have to say is wow!! i normally listen to hardcore and heavy metal bands but these guys are keeping the punk additude real, Check it out!

I saw these guys (and girl) live in Boston in March when they opened for Drop Kick Murphys at the Avalon. They were good I enjoyed listening to them and they put on a good show. Their songs were catchy and when their set was done i didn't want them to stop. Anyway, if you like good punk music then buy this CD.

AVOID ONE THING is the newst band signed to Side One Dummy records.They are a 4 piece band made up of 4 BRILLIANT & WELL-KNOWN musicans:JOE GITTLEMAN, DAVE KARCICH, AMY GRIFFIN, PAUL DELANO. What can't I say about this band? Great Lyrics, Upbeat Rock N Roll vibe staying away from that played out hiphop style of rap & rock style, songs are catchy & fun & though definitely punk rock n roll-beats are sure to make your feet stomping & body moving!!!
Band recently finished recording & cd came out on April 9th. Avoid One thing went on a 10-DAY TOUR Opening for H20, BIGWIG, & MEST! They got Rave Reviews and were immediately signed to tour with Flogging Molly and The Slackers for a 5 week tour around the USA.
Recently some painful news was received of Dynamic & PRaised DRUMMER, DAVE KARCICH. ON APRIL 3RD, HE SUFFERED A BRAIN ANYUERISM AND QUIETLY PASSED AWAY ON APRIL 5TH. Dave was & is loved by many including family, friends, and soooo many fans. Members of the band AOT were shocked when they heard the news and after much contemplation and talking with the family They decided to continue the tour with Flogging Molly and dedicate the entire tour to Dave Karcich in Memory. Drummer, Joe Sirous from The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, one of Dave's idols, agreed to fill in for the tour. Currently there are many tribute and memorial sites for friends, family, fans can go to see pictures, read articles, send messages online to show their love and sympathy for this wonderful and amazing person. Dave was a former member and helped create Spring Heeled Jack USA, drummer for The Pilfers, Cenzo, and currently Avoid One Thing. Fans, friends, family are urged to view these TRIBUTE SIGHTS AND WRITE A THING OR TWO IN REMEMBERANCE OF DAVE.
BUT, I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THIS BAND........DEFINITLY GIVE THEM A CHANCE..........
EVERYONE SHOULD CHECK AVOID ONE THING OUT! GREAT NEW BAND WITH A FUTURE........

I bought this and listened to it once and kind of forgot about it. A friend also got it and encouraged me to listen to it again. I am glad I did. This CD is great. They have a familiar sound, but still come across as original. They are kind of like Alkaline Trio, not in sound, but rather in the sense that their sound is definitly "pop-punk" but somehow they break the mold of the crappy pop punk that is dominating the airwaves. I guess I would descirbe it as a more mature sound, probably because all of the members have been in other bands.