On the Cover II

MXPX

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 24, 2009)
• Original Release Date: March 24, 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Tooth & Nail Records
• ASIN: B001R7IH7S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,431 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

2009 release from the established Punk Rock force. On The Cover II is an '80-themed covers album self-produced in frontman Mike Herrera's Monkey Trench Studios in Bremerton, WA. Fans can expect covers of the Go Go's, U2, Poison and Belinda Carlisle, among others.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Back on the Cover! And Better Than Ever!, March 25, 2009

By	Music Fan - See all my reviews

MxPx comes back after Secret Weapon with the sequel to their first covers album from 1994. On the Cover II is a blast from start to finish, and the guys from MxPx really get a chance to show off their phenomenal talents by covering these songs and completely making them their own. Produced completely by Mike Herrera, this album will certainly not disappoint and is a must have for old fans and new. Plus, it could also be a fun way to introduce people to this AMAZING band.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hit And Miss, But Good Overall, May 11, 2009

By	D.J. - See all my reviews

This is a good album for anyone whose been a long time fan of MxPx. Punk Rock Girl was done incredibly well and I'd put it up against the original version any day of the week. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) was well done, as was Suburban Home and Kids In America, the latter probably being the most covered song by punk rock bands ever.

But there were a few groaners on the album, in particular their cover of Should I Stay Or Should I Go. No band will ever be able to perform that song as well as The Clash. To try is an exercise in futility.

Anyway I liked this album and if you're already a fan of MxPx you should definitely get it. You'll be glad you did. If you're not a fan yet, go buy the albums Panic and Life In General first so you know what you've been missing out on all these years.

4.0 out of 5 stars More than a collection of sped-up 80s and 90s songs, September 3, 2009

By	George Dionne (Cape Cod, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Good
For their second covers album outing MxPx kicks things off with The Dead Milkmen's "Punk Rock Girl." Since both bands are from the same genre, there's not much of difference here, with the exception of more melodic vocals. Oh yeah, and the accordion solo. The group gives U2's "I Will Follow" a good kick in the pants with a faster tempo. MxPx takes a chance with the GoGo's "Vacation," but come out sounding great. In an odd pairing, the group tackles Belinda Carlisle's solo hit "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" right after the GoGo's track. Is that Belinda I hear on vocals? What a great concept and execution. They can't match the wild riffage of CC Deville on "Fallen Angel" (Poison), but the group injects a little more energy.

The Bad
No matter how many punk bands I hear cover "(I'm Gonna Be) 500 Miles," it never gets any better. Please stop! MxPx ends their version with a few lines from Cheap Trick's "Surrender" for no logical reason. "Kids in America" comes off fine, but a lot of other punk bands have covered it.

The Verdict
Punk cover albums are nothing new. It seems one band or another are putting them out. MxPx fortunately have the talent and ability to make their latest offering more than a collection of sped-up 80s and 90s songs. Mike Herrera can actually sing and hold a melody and that makes all the difference in the world. That is also the reason MxPx stands above other modern punk rock acts.