Customer Reviews

Latest Craze

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this CD because the lead singer, Scott Silleta, is the former lead singer of Plankeye, a group that has encouraged me immensely in my spiritual life. Well, so much for this album. Despite neat cover art and a good first track, there's nothing really to brag about in this CD. It's what you would call "average" music; it's okay listening, but nothing original. I mean, this is from a FORMER PLANKEYE ARTIST! There's nothing in here that measures up to that band. I suppose if you like punk you'll have fun with this, but I'd rather listen to Starflyer 59 or a classic Plankeye song.

The problem with Fanmail is that they get old way too fast. Frankly put. When you first pop it in you think it is some great punk influenced alternative rock. You right off the get-go think "Rock And Roll Star" and "Superfan" are excellent songs....but then it hits you. Scott Silleta's voice get's extremely annoying after a few listens, the lyrics aren't very deep, so they don't really have much to talk about as far as songwriting. Those two flaws alone are enough to make an album a real bummer, unfortunately those two scuffs in their music style aren't the only things holding them back. However, I won't get into their other flaws right now. It deserves two stars instead of one because it probably shouldn't be dismissed as worthless junk, but just purchase with caution, give it a few listens before you decide if you want to buy it or not. One compliment I must give them though is that Shirley McClaine is a real good song, and the only one on the CD that holds high replay value.

This is just flat out an awesome band. They crank out some great alternative rock sounds. Ever since I saw their video "Rock and Roll Fan" I have wanted to get their CD. When I finally got it, I was not let down by them in any way. You won't be let down either...go buy it. For fans of Plankeye, MxPx, Puller, and any other alternative/punk band.

The first time I heard this album, I was hooked. Very talented band. Well produced and mixed. All the song's really ROCK. Everyone must get this album. Orange County Rock's!

when scott (the singer/songwriter) left plankeye i was completly bummed. when i heard that he was starting a new band, and that it would be more "rock" than the direction plankeye was headed (lamness really) i was excited. i was able to catch his new band Fanmail, on their first tour supporting....uh, crap, not mortal but that other band...anyway, fanmail stole the show. with thier matching black clothes, tattoos, and standard issue black converse chuck taylors, they were the very picture of fun pop punk.
i bought thier ep (3 of its 4 songs carry over to this album) and was a little disapointed. as with "the latest craze", the songs are more pop than punk. fast and catchy, the songs are fun little numbers that you can dance too, but are produced super slick and shiny.
after a few listens, i became a huge fan. ya, the songs are for the most part goofy, ya, they're just fun. but anyone who writes songs about rock n roll does so for a reason. they just like rock n roll.
get your crusty "grunge hangoner syndrome" out and your "so emo i could cry" glasses off (actually, emo and pop punk are friends so its ok) and this is a great cd. shining like a fresh cut so cal orange, "the latest craze" is just rock n roll fun. most songs are about, well, rock n roll, "rock and roll star" is about scott dreaming of rock n roll stardom and (much like the dire straights) poking fun at the notion of it being easy. "superfan" is about , well, super fans. then there are some others "wonderfull punches" is a great analogy of God's grace in hard and confusing times. "let down" is a picture of someone scared of being hurt. while none of the songs dig too deep, they're all fun.
"shirly maclaine" is a slower song, and one of the most catchy and memorable tracks, but to be honest, i have no idea what the lyrics are talking about. i honesty don't like "turn off that radio", to me it's corny. that said "true brand new" is one of the funnest love songs ever written ("boys, write your girls love songs, they love it" - advice from scott at a concert before launching into said song)
overall, "the latest craze" is a great album. its super fun, super catchy, and exemplify's pop punk. if youre gonna be picky, it's produced squeaky clean and it's a little sappy, but for anyone looking for a great record to toss in the car for a summer road trip, this is all you'll need.

Hey anyone who isn't sure of wether or not to buy this CD, get it!! Fanmail is a really good band and they have great songs, especially in this CD. It has good lyrics that realate to your life and you may even pull out something from it to apply in your everyday life. It has for me, and I'll hold my breath that it will for you, too. I know people say that the singer's voice gets old fast, but after buying the CD, I also downloaded all of the songs so I don't have to run and get it. It never gets old to me. One last note, all of the songs are great, not just the first one or a few like most CD's. Well, I hope you get it. Peace, Keep It Real, §§§§§¶¿æÆ Robbie

This albumn is really great, one of the best ive heard. The songs and tunes are catchy and the lyrics are great. Get it!

Tooth & Nail punk rock band Fanmail is one of the best new Christian artists of 1999! With former members of Plankeye, Slick Shoes, 90 Lb. Wuss, and the Cootees, the band rocks out on each and every song. Scott Siletta's distinctive voice belts out awesome tunes like "Messed Up", "Rock and Roll Star", "Superfan", and "Lame".

This is a band that's going to reach high skies. Stunning music and lyrics. A music style mix between bands like Plankeye and Slick Shoes ! Try it out, it is a CRAZE!!!!!

Not A Really Punk Sound.I was kinda mad cause it didn't have the song every step you take.But the songs are really good musical wise but also have thought provoking lyrics.I'm more of a ska punk guy but this cd really is fun to listen to and just is good.