Customer Reviews

On the Cover II

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

 

 

MxPx comes back after Secret Weapon with the sequel to their first covers album from 1994. On the Cover II is a blast from start to finish, and the guys from MxPx really get a chance to show off their phenomenal talents by covering these songs and completely making them their own. Produced completely by Mike Herrera, this album will certainly not disappoint and is a must have for old fans and new. Plus, it could also be a fun way to introduce people to this AMAZING band.

The Good
For their second covers album outing MxPx kicks things off with The Dead Milkmen's "Punk Rock Girl." Since both bands are from the same genre, there's not much of difference here, with the exception of more melodic vocals. Oh yeah, and the accordion solo. The group gives U2's "I Will Follow" a good kick in the pants with a faster tempo. MxPx takes a chance with the GoGo's "Vacation," but come out sounding great. In an odd pairing, the group tackles Belinda Carlisle's solo hit "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" right after the GoGo's track. Is that Belinda I hear on vocals? What a great concept and execution. They can't match the wild riffage of CC Deville on "Fallen Angel" (Poison), but the group injects a little more energy.

The Bad
No matter how many punk bands I hear cover "(I'm Gonna Be) 500 Miles," it never gets any better. Please stop! MxPx ends their version with a few lines from Cheap Trick's "Surrender" for no logical reason. "Kids in America" comes off fine, but a lot of other punk bands have covered it.

The Verdict
Punk cover albums are nothing new. It seems one band or another are putting them out. MxPx fortunately have the talent and ability to make their latest offering more than a collection of sped-up 80s and 90s songs. Mike Herrera can actually sing and hold a melody and that makes all the difference in the world. That is also the reason MxPx stands above other modern punk rock acts.

This is a good album for anyone whose been a long time fan of MxPx. Punk Rock Girl was done incredibly well and I'd put it up against the original version any day of the week. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) was well done, as was Suburban Home and Kids In America, the latter probably being the most covered song by punk rock bands ever.

But there were a few groaners on the album, in particular their cover of Should I Stay Or Should I Go. No band will ever be able to perform that song as well as The Clash. To try is an exercise in futility.

Anyway I liked this album and if you're already a fan of MxPx you should definitely get it. You'll be glad you did. If you're not a fan yet, go buy the albums Panic and Life In General first so you know what you've been missing out on all these years.

I have been an MxPx fan since 1995. This is a classic cover album. The production is awesome and the song selection is fun and good overall. This is a must for any MxPx fan!

If you are a fan of Pop Pumk music and 80's songs, you will like this!

if you've listened to mxpx for like 10 years or whatever like me, you'll like this cd - you should get it. even if you haven't listened to them much before, IT STILL MIGHT BE FOR YOU!!....