Customer Reviews

International War Criminal

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

ska died, but not before leaving us with some awesome albums, and a few bands remaining. most of these bands are and were from nyc, by the way. the slackers get better with every single album, and this new one, although only an ep, proves this from the opening track's first five seconds. second track is lovely. third and title track is one of the catchiest most relevant songs this year, easily. fourth track could be the weak one, still good. last track seals the deal perfectly. a slightly new sound from vic and company, plenty of old school as well. pick this up if you still like ska and for goshsakes, see these guys live when they come by you. they are a really fun show.

The Slackers have upstaged themselves with this release. International War Criminal contains a total of 5 songs that are fueled with less than subtle political lyrics (no doubt a response to the current polictical situation in the U.S.). Here's the song listing:
1. Propaganda (my new favourite Slacker song)
2. Rider (a slower reggae tune that features a duel piano/organ playing by Vic)
3. International War Criminal (somewhat "Age of Insects" sounding song)
4. Keep it Simple (swinging D. Hillyard tune)
5. Crazy (the most horn heavy song with vocals by Vic, QMaxx and Glen Pine)

The production on this EP is top notch and better than their latest release "Close my Eyes".

Definately recommended for any fan of the Slackers.