International War Criminal [EP]

The Slackers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 10, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: EP
• Label: Thought Squad
• ASIN: B000294S16
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #457,657 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nearly Perfect, January 10, 2005

By 

Ben R. Deschaine (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: International War Criminal (Audio CD)

Could the Slackers be the most talented band recording today? Perhaps. This politically charged CD contains 5 songs, 4 of which are exceptional and one is simply average (although average for the Slackers is still probably better than 95% of the rest of the music being made out there). The title track, International War Criminal, somehow finds its way to miss the mark. The song (reminiscent of Age of the Insects) has rather bland lyrics by Vic's usual standards---international war criminal, information is minimal--- They seem to trying to make a point rather than just good music. The Slackers have a way infusing politics into their music in the most subtle of ways; they seemed to have lost their way on this one track. The politics came first and the music came second, which is their right (being the artist and all).

Rider would have to be my favorite of the disc, the organ/piano is beautiful.
Propaganda is chunky ska song that is very catchy
Crazy is smooth Rock Steady type song featuring Glen Pine and Q-Maxx on vocals with Vic
Keep it Simple is my second favorite song will playing over and over in your head a soon as you are finished listening to it.

Regardless of your political stance this album is worth a listen. In my opinion the Slackers are have a balanced political view (although this album is clearly anti Bush). On the album Red Light (released during the Clinton administration) they had song called "I Still Love You" which again questioned the direction the country is headed.

Anyway this album stands on its own outside the politics and you would de doing yourself a disservice if you didn't pick up a copy today.

4.0 out of 5 stars Another winner, October 19, 2004

By 

Adam Jardine (Univeristy of New Hampshire, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: International War Criminal (Audio CD)

What boggles my mind is the Slackers' apparent inability to write a bad song, and this EP continues in that tradition.
The low song count is a bummer, but if you are a huge Slackers fan, get this. A response to the despicable politics of recent times, these songs are tighter and catchier than most of Close My Eyes. Vic continues to prove himself as a brilliant songwriter (after buying this, go buy Alive at the Ladybug House) and the rest of the guys prove themselves the best damn ska band in recent history. 'Rider' is the unexpected highlight of the EP, with haunting lyrics half-whispered over the most infectious rhythm this side of 'Run Away'.
If you are new to the Slackers, go buy the Question. It's a lengthier, better introduction to their music. But when the full length that features these songs comes out, buy that too. If these songs are any indication, the next Slackers album is going to be astounding.

5.0 out of 5 stars Question the politics all you want..., October 10, 2004

By 

The Greatest (Nowhere Land) - See all my reviews

This review is from: International War Criminal (Audio CD)

But you can't deny this is one band whose music keeps getting better with every release. Vic's vocals sound better than ever, lyrics are better-written than ever (though some might disagree with their sentiment), and everyone else plays the hell out of their instruments on every song. You have your swing (Keep It Simple), slower rocksteady/reggae (the first two), and even one with a more rock-ish vibe (the title track). My only complaint is Marq doesn't get to take the lead on vocals much at all, but hell, it's only a 5-song EP.

As a Slackers completist like myself, this is essential. If you're new to the band, there's no better place to start. Oh yeah, and go see them live as soon as possible.