Customer Reviews

Dead American Radio

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

 

 

Elvis Cortez proves once again that he is one of this generation's finer singer/songwriters. While wearing his influences on his sleeve, he shows that the best way do be different is to be better. So yes, Left Alone will remind you of Social Distortion and Rancid, they will show that they can improve on the old formula as well. Although they are an all Latino band, they don't try to market themselves on their ethnicity or makethemselves into cultural charicairtures either (like many celt-punk bands do). They're not sell-outs either. They may not address specific culturals issues in their songs like P-K-Dores or Los Crudos, but their sound definitely comes from a Chicano heart. What may sound like a ska influence to a Caucasian fan reminds me of old cumbias my mom made me listen to. The CD only has one song in Spanish (La Pregunta) and it is a golden oldie from their underground days. This does lead one to wonder how Patricia Day got co-writing credit when it was recorded and released years ago on their own label before they even came into the Hellcat family. Noe sounds better than ever with the higher production quality and Ramrod keeps all of the songs moving. This is highly recommended for anyone who likes passionate, spirited, and fun music.

Song #2 features my numero uno, Tim Armstrong (of Rancid). This album has a lot of punk, a lil ska and a bit of rockabilly. This is a great CD. They're even better live.

This is the first and only mediocre hellcat release I've purchased, and I own all of the record label's albums. The music just seems undeveloped and tired. The vocals are lackluster, and the lyrics are sub par. Even the song Tim Amrstrong guest stars on is short and weak. His lines are short and he hardly adds to the song. Just go to youtube and watch the video for "I hate emo" and you'll not want to buy this album. Not because hating emo is lame, but because it's just a poor undeveloped song by amatuers. C'mon Hellcat, sign some talent so I don't lose faith.