Customer Reviews

Operation Ivy

5 star:		(251)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Some albums are a nexus and a microcosm all their own. This is one of them. This little collection of tunes will still be kicked around speakers and radio stations fifty years from now. I have no doubt of it. This album never fails to animate and invigorate the souls of those who hear it, it's a virus in the classic Burroughsian sense, but a virus that fortifies and awakens those who are lucky enough to catch it: This music is passion in its rawest and most vitriolic form.

I'm sure you remember where you were when you first heard Op Ivy. I'm sure that, like me, you got it then and still get it now, you felt like you had discovered something so unbelievable and exceptional- you wanted to share it with everyone important to you.

I put this on and remember for a second what it was to be young and venomous, what it was like to believe that music could change the course of human destiny... For so many of us, coming of age in the early 90's- Op Ivy was our Clash, or perhaps one of those bands that caught their torch and ran with it.

All of which is to say, my affectations and bellicose meanderings aside: this is not a CD. This is the file in the cupcake. They had the balls to sneak it into your cell. The rest is up to you.

I'm not a "punk", and guess that my life is actuially made up of some of the things Operation Ivy rails against most fervently, but I wanted to testify on behalf of this album, which is one of the best, most vital, and inspiring records I own. I listen to it probably two or three times a day at work while poring over financial data, after work at the gym, and at home on headphones.

The music itself is much more sophisticated than most of the stuff that passes for punk, but what really blows me away are the lyrics, which are poetic and insightful--especially mind-blowing considering the band members, and Jesse Michaels, were like nineteen years old when they wrote the album--and tackle real life issues and choices at street level, such as the phoniness of the 9 to 5, the phoniness of a macho, "tough guy" attitude, the inhumanity of violence and insensitivity, the crassness of overconsumption, and the need to break through destructive, self-imposed, conformist patterns in your life.
All of this, plus an obvious joy and reverence for music-making and music-listening as paths to freedom, and identifiable, skeptical, well-formed politics. And sung in such a way that it's all intelligible, so you don't have to read the lyrics to know what the songs are driving at.

To me, it's one of few, rare albums that mix politics, catchiness, and the positivity that people need to feed off of to change their lives, live ethically, honestly, and thoughtfully. Not a lot of other bands/groups spring to mind when I say that: the Clash, Blackalicious, Anti-Flag, Bright Eyes, Minor Threat, Neil Young, Nas (Illmatic) a few others. Anyway...

Have also heard a few Common Rider songs on some the Plea for Peace compilations, and am anxious to check them out more in-depth. Now's the time, at least in my life, that I want conscience, consciousness, and positivity in the music I pump into my head twelve hours a day, and Operation Ivy delivers all of that and more.

After listening to Rancid, I decided that Lint (AKA Tim Armstrong) has no talent as a song writer whatsoever. Then I discovered Operation Ivy and found out just how wrong I was.

Energy Ranks alongside fresh fruit for rotting vegetables, The clash's debut and other great punk rock albums as simply one of the greatest albums ever. Even if you dont like ska, you'll probably like this, it's not all ska anyway, there are several straight up punk rock songs.

Every song on this album is good, there is not one average song on here. Lint is a good guitarist, Matt McCall is a brilliant bassist, Dave Mello's drumming is a little more creative than the usual generic drum beat and Jesse Micheals is quite simply one of the best vocalists ever and is even better at writing lyrics than he is at singing. Just look at the lyrics to Jaded, Big City or most of the songs on here. The highlights of this album are Jaded, Sound system, Big city, Knowledge and caution, but every song on here is so brilliant, you'd almost think it was a greatest hits collection. You cant really call yourself either a punk, a ska fan, or just someone who enjoys good music untill you have this CD. The only criticisms I have are that a few songs sound a little similar to one another and that Operation Ivy never released anything other than this.

And what the hell are all these people complaining about regarding the sound quality. It's not bad at all. It's far better than some other recordings I have heard. Maybe those reviewers never listen to any other underground music, because the quality here isnt worse than your average punk album.

This album collects a good amount of the music put out by Operation Ivy in the short time they were together. This band is one of the most amazing you will ever hear. They mix fast punk rock, high-energy uptempo ska, and searingly insightful lyrics. The songs are short and memorable. Every one is a classic.

The album has one of the best opening songs of all-time and one of my favorite Op Ivy songs: "Knowledge". An explosion of fast punk and howling vocals, with Jesse offering "all I know is that I don't know nothing" on the chorus. From then on, every song is great, from the brilliant ska of "Sound Sytem" to the reggae-styled "Take Warning" to the massively influential musically and lyrically "Unity".

To close, there is NO reason why anyone should be without this CD.

So I know that anyone who has listened to any amount of punk or ska music knows of operation ivy. It is hard to find bands that have not at one point covered an operation ivy song or even just mentioned them as an influence. That said, this cd is simply amazing. People always talk about their desert island cds, and I think I would be content being on an island with only this cd. No matter which song, op ivy finds a way to combine hardcore three chord punk stuff with some truly amazing two tone ska and the most thoughtful and intelligent lyrics out of any band, punk-ska or not, to create something truly special. Each song has something important to say. Normally here I would reccomend some key songs, but the thing is that every single song on here is essentially amazing. Please buy this cd, I swear to God that you will not be disappointed. If you listen to punk rock, ska, or anything, this should be in your position. Unfortunately Op Ivy is no longer a band, but this marks Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman's begining of the legendary musical careers they have had bringing us to the present with the amazing Rancid. Do yourself a favor, by this cd, learn how to skank, and dance dance dance! By the way, Jesse has a new band now, check them out too...

This is an essential album for anyone even thinking of listening to punk or ska.
It should be required listening.

Catchy simple guitars, songs about life on the East Bay streets, violence, and unity.

Too bad they broke up before they could reap the benefits of this succesful album. Tim Armstrong (OP Ivy) later goes on to form Rancid and the Transplants.

I highly recommend this album. It deserves to be in everyones cd collection. When I bought it, I really didnt know too much about OpIvy aside from a few songs. Now I have owned the album for a while and every song is good including some songs I consider to be great. Whether you consider yourself a "punk" or not, give these guys a listen before adding your opinion. I guarantee you will fall in love with this record, unless you are one of those people that won't buy it because it is not a certain, trendy genre of music. I for example am open to all kinds of music as long as it has something to say. OpIvy speaks about real issues and problems that plague society. This stuff is essential music to helping make change. You so called Punks need to realize what this movement is all about...its not about the attire, piercings, mohawks, etc...its about social change, end to injustice, unity-all topics on which OpIvy sings. In conclusion, do yourself a favor and buy this album. Hope this helps anyone. peace.

This is one of the best CD's I own. Here's a 1-10 scale for all of the songs.

1.Knowledge- 9/10- Great punk song. Green Day did a cover of this song that's pretty cool too. No ska though.

2.Sound System- 9.5/10- The first ska song on the CD, and it's great. Good lyrics.

3.Jaded- 9.5/10- This is a really great song. Great speed, great lyrics, and great ENERGY!

4.Take Warning- 10/10- The only reggae song on the album and it's AWESOME

5.The Crowd- 10/10- best "no ska" song on the album.

6.Bombshell- 9.5/10- This is a really fast energetic punk songs. It clocks in at an amazing 1:03!!!

7.Unity- 9/10- Very catchy. Awesome lyrics, and Jesse sounds like he's rappin' old skool. This is most people's favorite, but I think it's way overrated.

8.Vulnerability- 8.5/10- I think this song is underated. It's fast and catchy.

9.Bankshot- 10/10- best instrumental EVER

10.One Of These Days- 9/10- this is a great, short cover song

11.Gonna Find You- 10/10- Great song, great lyrics, it's what Op Ivy's all about.

12.Bad Town- 6.5/10- Only song with horns, and it's good. It's a bit too long for it's own good though. Lint sings.

13.Smiling-10/10- very catchy chorus. VERY true lyrics.

14.Caution-8.5/10- The sound qualities poor, but I think that actually makes the song better.

15.Freeze Up-10/10- Probably the best lyrics on the CD, and it's a great ska song.

16.Artificial Life-9/10- Not the greatest ska song on the CD, but it's catchy, and the lyrics are humorous.

17.Room Without a Window-10/10- really grows on you. Awesome reggae bridge too.

18.Big City-10/10- One of the best choruses on the album. You can tell that Jesse put a lot of thought in these lyrics. Great metaphors

19.Missionary-8.5/10- It definently grows on you, but the first few listens it's not that great. Begginning sounds like Blitzkrieg Bop by the Ramones.

20.Junkie's Runnin' Dry-9.5/10-Etremely awesome chorus. ENERGY!

21.Here We Go Again-10/10- The line "If that's what they call normal, than I'd rather be insane" is yet more proof of how great Jesse is at writing lyrics.

22.Hoboken-9.5/10- PURE hardcore punk.

23.Yelling in my ear-9.5/10- Great chorus

24.Sleep Long-9/10- you can't really understand a word said, but hey, you got the lyrics book, right? The chorus is really good.

25.Healthy Body/Sick Mind-10/10- PURE ska. I don't hear much punk, but it's awesome.

26.Officer-9.5/10- Easy, but great bass line, and awesome lyrics. It swears a lot but it's still meaningful.

27.I Got No-9.5/10- The poor sound quality turns some people off, but it's really a great song.

So that's it, all 27 songs that you'll never stop listening to. Even the worst songs still make me want to go skankin' across my room.

Note: I update my reviews sometimes because I change my mind a lot.

When the right people come together at the right time in any context, wonderful things can be achieved. Operation Ivy's first and last album, Energy is an example of this. Jesse Michaels, Matt McCall, Lint and Dave Mello's only album as a band is one of the purest, most passionate(this will come up throughout this review) displays of youthful anger, rebellion and energy(so will this) I have ever heard. Sorry for the long song by song review, but I felt like doing it. Skip to the last paragraph if you want.

Knowledge: The perfect album opener: It's short, sweet and ferocious. Jesse Michaels proudly exclaims "All I Know is that I Don't Know nothing" in this invigorating display of youthful exuberance and angst. No wonder it's one of the most covered punk rock songs of all time. 9.5/10

Sound System: This song is crazy. With a memorable(though IMO kinda annoying) chorus and fluid, great verses. The band just oozes a ska vibe here. Bouncy, catchy and uplifting. 8.5/10

Jaded: Jaded is a raging punk rocker with positive, intelligent lyrics. The chorus is catchy like a virus and the verses are pretty melodic. 9.5/10

Take Warning: Op Ivy back off from the punk rock for a moment to bring Take Warning, a mid tempo reggaeish ska track. A catchy anthem against violence and intimidation in the punk scene. 9/10

The Crowd: The Crowd is an attack on conformity and herd mentality. It's musically/structurally in the vein of Jaded. But it's even catchier, more energetic and better. 10/10

Bombshell: Short, fast and furious. Quite a bombshell of a track. Not the best track, but it packs quite a wallop.
8.5/10

Unity: Op Ivy's famous call for peace and understanding between punks. Falls somewhere in between Take Warning and the next track Vulnerability. Another song that's catchy as hell with a great message to boot. The unified band chant at the end of song is a highlight. 10/10

Vulnerability: IMO, this is criminally underrated. You can hear the passion dripping from Jesse Michaels every word. A warning against the indifference that is so prevalent in our society. The rapid rhythmic changes at the end of the song are great. 10/10

Bankshot: Great Ska instrumental! If you ever wanted to know what ska music is about, check this out. 9/10

One of These Days: Cool rendition of a traditiona song. Better than Nancy Sinatra's version for sure.
8.5/10

Gonna Find You: Gonna Find You is another rip roaring punk rocker dealing with authority in general but particularly in education. 9/10

Bad Town: Bad Town is another song about the punk scene with some cool horn lines. The best part of the song is near the end when the horns and guitars play a series of great lines. Interesting, but not one of the best. Plus, Jesse Michaels seldom fails to sing the chorus out of tune. But it's all good. 8.5/10

Smiling: Another good but not amazing song. The pounding snare really sets the tone for the song and the chorus. ______does a good job here. 8/10

Caution: Back to the really good stuff. This is another punk rocker with a memorable chorus. Invigorating and energetic. C-A-U-T-I-O-N 9.5/10

Freeze Up: A political punk rocker with good lyrics and another great chorus. The hip hopish part here is really cool as well. Great bass work from Matt McCall. 9.5/10

Artificial Life: An angry semi skaish rant against the shallow commericialism of our society. Another really good song. 9/10

Room Without a Window: Room Without a Window is a political rocker that stretches Op Ivy's vocab a bit. It also forgoes typical song structure. The chorus isn't great but it's no big deal. 9.5/10

Big City: More punk rock with intelligent lyrics, Lint's clean to fuzzed out guitar tone and a catchy chorus. The lyrics are of particular note. Some cool extended metaphors. 9/10

Missionary: The only real anti religion song here. More pure punk anger. The lyrics are passionate and articulate their point well. 8.5/10

Junkie's Running Dry: This song is an all out punk rock indictment of those who forgoe their beliefs to join the rat race. Uncompromising, raw and awesome. 9/10

Here We Go Again: This isn't one of the best songs here, but I listen to it quite a bit. It has one of the best(and fun to play) basslines on the album. I've failed to give Matt McCall his due thus far, but he is one of the best punk bassists I've heard. He consistently churns out throbbing basslines on every track here. For his best work, I would have to point to Maxwell Murder by Rancid. 9/10

Hoboken: Not a standout, but its more of punk rock ferocity that makes this album great. 8/10

Yellin In My Ear: Yellin In My Ear is one catchy ska anthem. Who can't help singing/shouting along to the chorus once in a while. The production isn't the best(some of the shout outs are obscured) here but it can be forgiven. 9/10

Sleep Long, Sleep Well: Another great chorus and lyrics about our society make this one more great song on this album. Jesse Michaels are particularly passionate on the verses here. 9/10

Healthy Body, Sick Mind: An interesting attack on our health and competition crazy society that Op Ivy feel is so fundamentally flawed. Cool song and lyrical theme. 8.75/10

Officer: More rebellious punk rock dealing with the perceived abuse of power by police officers. Not a really good song, but again, there is no real crap here. 8/10

I Got No: Op Ivy made sure this album ended on a high note. Energy ends the same way it started, a concise, yet exciting punk rock song. 9.5/10

Many band have tried to emulate the verve, intensity and creativity of Operation Ivy, but none have come close. If you are asking yourself whether to buy Energy, I would heed the advice of Operation Ivy and Pick it Up, Pick it Up!.

Operation Ivy achieved what few punks bands have ever done. Many bands come and go, but several continue to live on. After their last show, the stage was rushed by fans who sang "Unity" to show their support for the band. There is also a tribute album out to honour their memory.

The lyrics of their songs are powerful, to say the least. Emotion and thought went into every song they wrote. From the pressures an average young adult feels growing up in a society of so many norms and intolerance for those outside, to the moraless entertainment-driven violent-obsessed culture that we live in, Op Ivy seems to have hit the nail on the head on every issue.

Punk is dead. Its just another cheap product for the consumer's head.(to quote Crass) Thankfully, however, Op Ivy still exists to remind people when the punk scene was true. Real punk is not about anarchy, violence, chaos (you mindless f* jerk) thats the way the system works. (to quote Crass again) Punk was about looking out for your piers, opposing the employing class, and other forms of social reform.

True, they won't sing a song about not knowing their age, nookies, times of their lives, spider-webs, being an all-star, or any other shallow, mindless crap that is floating around today. Op Ivy is genuine. Op Ivy is real. Op Ivy is life. Op Ivy is punk.

My only regret is that I cannot give this band a higher honour with my words. Also, if you like this CD, try "Seedy" it may be hard to find, but it has some songs that this CD lacks.

If you like real punk, try: Propagandhi, Crass, Subhumans, Zounds (may be hard to find), The Damned, ect, there are lots of great punk bands out there, trying to keep the scene real.

Squatty shoutin' to the Bollocks,

The Crassling