Customer Reviews

Stomping Ground

5 star:		(80)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this CD the day it came out and I am happy to say it is excellent. I am a 20 year old punk fan, so maybe I am not as wise as other customers, but my opinion rests: Goldfinger cannot go wrong, and this album is no exception. Maybe Courtney C Buck should realize that Goldfinger is growing up and growing out of the traditional generic punk sound, just like NOFX has been doing (THE DECLINE, etc.). So, if you want some totally original (and complex) music that falls somewhere between punk rock and pop, check this out. Their cover of 99 Red Balloons, like all of their other covers, is incredible. This is a must buy for the mature punk rocker like myself.

p.s. They do an awesome live show, too.

When most of you think of Goldfinger I would expect that the majority of you will instantly think "James Bond", this I can't blame you for as that's what I thought when I first heard of Goldfinger. In fact Goldfinger are a four piece ska-punk band from Los Angeles and I am going to write about their fourth studio album, called "Stomping Ground". Their major achievements apart from scoring a hit in America in 1996, was following this up with 382 live shows in that year! Wow!

** Live **

Talking of live shows, this is the best way to see Goldfinger and is actually how I came across them. They were on tour in the UK a couple of month's back, with 28 Days supporting (who I had gone to see). When Goldfinger came on they were playing the James Bond theme this got the gig off to a brilliant start. Getting into the show they were a very lively band with them jumping and running around the stage (helped by them having radio transmitters on their guitars and not cables!). Their antics included jumping into the crowd while still playing, throwing guitars about and smashing them. To top it off they got around ten people on stage to sing one of their songs with them.

Among their onstage antics they also did some really good cover versions of chart songs. When they did this the lead singer and the drummer swapped round and swapped roles.

** Stomping Ground **
The album has the following songs on the CD:

1 I'm Down (2.08)
2 Pick A Fight (3.25)
3 Carry On (3.20)
4 The End Of The Day (3.03)
5 Don't Say Goodbye (2.31)
6 Counting The Days (3.28)
7 Bro (2.55)
8 San Simeon (3.23)
9 You Think It's A Joke (3.12)
10 Forgiveness (3.24)
11 Margret Ann (2.34)
12 Get Away (3.51)
13 99 Red Balloons (3.49)
14 Donut Dan (0.40)

** My Thoughts **
Goldfinger are a very under-rated band who deserves to have had more success than they have had in the UK. To get the best experience go and see them live they are superb, but a CD is the next best thing. This CD has kept me entertained for ages now and I still haven't tired of the songs. The main problem is that if you want to buy their music in this country it is very expensive as is get an "Imported" label slapped on it.

With many different types of sounds, Goldfinger has put together one of their best CDs ever created, in fact, one of the best CDS period! Starting out with the slow, but effective I'm Down, to the fast paced Donut Dan, definatley shows Goldfinger's creativity including all the great tracks in between. The only exception of the greatness to this CD is Bro, the one track, besides Donut Dan, that stands out from the others. Goldfinger tried a little too hard on making that song sound punky. Otherwise, If you like the combination of punk, pop, and ska, any of Goldfinger's CDs are a must have to your collection.

As I read the different reviews of this CD, really the only reviewers that gave it less than 4 stars, I found out, didn't like it because it didn't remind them of "Hang-Ups". YA THINK??? That's kinda the point, people. There are no ska songs on the album, and so if you are expecting to hear mellow Goldfinger, maybe this album's not for you. But for the rest of us who appreciate Goldfinger's unique sound, whether hardcore punk or mellow ska, we know just how great this CD is. From the great sounding "I'm Down", to the catchy "99 Red Balloons", they rock all throughout the CD, and I don't think there is a song on here I don't like. They still keep their sense of humor on "Donut Dan". This is a MONUMENTAL CD. Usually I don't use big words like monumental, but this is a special CD! Buy it and you will enjoy it. That simple.

Goldfinger formed in 1994 and since then have released many succsefull albums. Stomping Ground is by far, in my opinion, a collection of Goldfingers greatest work. With great songs like, "I'm down" and "pick a fight", this is a must have for any punk fan.

Have we waited long enough or what. 3 years feals like such a long to to wait for some new material, but it's worth it. They're not singing the same songs we've heard a thousand times, either. This disk is packed with awesome new tracks to bounce around to at the stop light. "San Simeon" can give anyone a sence of hometown pride, even if it isn't there home town, and "Forgiveness" is a track for everyone who's ever screwed anything up. Any Goldfinger fan can tell that this disk doesn't need any ska hit's like "Here in YOUR Bedroom" because there's plenty of punk rawk to keep 'em happy.

Only buy if you liked their last albums. This one's basically the same (although considerably more angry and with less horns). I wouldn't call it high art or anything, but it's fun none-the-less.

Despite the really cheesy, stupid looking album cover, the music hidden within is of the highest standard. Pop/ska/punk, however you want to classify Goldfinger, there is no denying the sublime (no pun intended) genius of this album. From the opener "I'm Down" to the final jolt of "99 Red Balloons," there's enough substance here to satisfy many different kinds of listeners. There is enough power and raging riffs to satisfy the metalhead like myself, yet still the hooks and choruses to get the girls. The tracks themselves are quite diverse as well, from the heavy "Bro" to the mellow "Margaret Ann," or the addictingly catchy "Counting The Days," there is not a moment to be missed here. This is certainly one of my favorite non-metal albums, and has the kind of sound that will appeal to a great number of rock fans. Add this one to your collection today!

This album is simply amazing. Their cover of Nena's 99 Red Balloons is great and Counting The Days is one of my favorite songs. If you are going to buy a Goldfinger album, or any album, buy THIS one!

Theres no doubt about it Goldfinger's STOMPING GROUND is an awesome cd. its one of those cds that you'll never stop listening to in about 2 months. you'll never get sick of it. Its one of those cds that all you want to do is listen to it and do nothing else. It's a must have for any person that likes rock or punk or whatever. every song is a great one. well BRO isnt that good but the rest of them are. i just cant belive i got it so late. this cd is a must have and i dont think anyone could hate Goldfingers music. its just not a possiablity.... So for all you people that cant decide on to get it or not. take my word for it. its worth your money.