Punk Goes Classic Rock Review
By @mattganzak
Fearless records released their 9th installment of their “Punk Goes” collection today. Being the big Classic Rock fan that I am and also being a fan of the other Punk Goes albums, I must say that I have been excited to hear these covers. Thanks to Fearless and Stuff Scene Kids Like, I was able to get a copy of the album a few weeks ago to have a listen.
The first track on the album is More Than A Feeling covered by Hit The Lights and was originally recorded by Boston. This cover was a huge disappointment and not a good way to start off the album. First of all, the song starts with the verse instead of the intro guitar riff and the song is sped up too much. This track is supposed to have rocking guitar riffs, killer harmonies and a wide lead vocal range. What happened to the high vocal notes and the rocking dual guitars? The track is too fast and a headache to listen to. If the lead singer of Hit The Lights cannot hit the notes, maybe they should have picked a different track. Boston rocks this song more.
The second track on the album is Paint It Black performed by VersaEmerge and originally recorded by The Rolling Stones. From the first 15 seconds of the song, I knew that I would love it. Though I was reminded, of Vanessa Carlton’s version of Paint It Black from a few years back, but upon listening to Vanessa again, VersaEmerge is spot on with the emotion of this track that bleeds through the lyrics. VersaEmerge nailed it.
The next track is Free Fallin’ performed by The Almost which was originally recorded by Tom Petty. The Almost took this track on straightforward and simply recreated it to sound quite similar to the original. The song is perfect and The Almost did a great job with it. This is one track that I will listen to a few more times over.
The next cut on the album is Mayday Parade’s rendition of We Are The Champions by Queen. They did an awesome job with this track, but when they get to the second verse they sing “Challenge” awkward and the same with the next “Champions.” Not that big of a deal, but it is annoying how they pronounce it. I don’t remember The Mighty Ducks singing it like that; maybe they should watch it again before they sing it live so they can get the awkwardness out. Or maybe I am the only D2 fan out there.
Next up, The Summer Set butchers Kiss’ Rock n’ Roll All Nite. I don’t think they learned how to even play the song. Ok, it’s not that bad, but the intro isn’t even the right song. I have to be honest, I have tried to make it through to the end of the track, but I have been unable to so far. I made it to the solo once and then turned it to the next track.
After skipping the last song I needed We The Kings help me out with 38 Special’s Caught Up In You, and they delivered. Quite possibly the best track on the album, though the song wasn’t a huge hit and most of the We The Kings fans won’t know it. And 99% of Classic Rock fans will never hear it, well you get the point. It is not a rock anthem, but they did well with it.
A Skylit Drive takes on Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey next. I can listen to it, but I don’t like it. Journey would be disappointed.
The next track I am going to skip totally because Midtown already recorded Your Love by The Outfield on the Punk Goes 80’s album. Sorry I See Stars, but Midtown did it better 5 years ago.
Pierce The Veil destroyed [Don’t Fear] The Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult. I was certain that they were going to be over the top with the cowbell, thanks to Will Farrell and SNL, but the song is well balanced and Jimmy Fallon isn’t ruining it by laughing. Give this track a listen for sure! And I hope this is added to their Warped Tour live set because it is a great track.
At this point I am getting bored with the album. Forever the Sickest Kids covered Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne. The Maine covered Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard. Envy on the Coast ruined All Along the Watchtower by Bob Dylan (Covered by Jimi Hendrix). The tracks each had some redeeming value, but as a whole I skipped it, much like I skip though these bands’ full length albums. Don’t get me wrong, these bands are good, just poorly executed these covers.
Thank goodness the last 3 tracks redeem the whole album. Every Avenue was on it for Eddie Money’s Take Me Home Tonight. Never Shout Never killed Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. And to finish off the album, Blessthefall covered Dream On by Aerosmith. However, Dream On was definitely overshadowed by Bohemian Rhapsody.
Overall my favorite track on Punk Goes Classic Rock was Bohemian Rhapsody covered by Never Shout Never. I look forward to next year, when Fearless Records is going to choose another set of bands with the hopes of not completely destroying an album full of Beatles covers.
Leave your thoughts and comments as well and you will be entered to win a copy of the CD!
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Joey
said:
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You sir! You sir, a great album reviewer. It was fun to listen to each of the tracks on youtube while reading the review. Once I save up enough, I will probably actually pick up this album. It was pretty good. I agreed with almost everything you said except for the NSN thing. I am a fan of some of his new stuff but I think he kind of killed Bohemian Rhapsody, it wasn't his fault, Freddy Mercury is the only human being that could ever sing that song and have it sound amazing. I give props to Chris for trying though. The album was alright though, good job Punk Goes! |
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Derek Batsel
said:
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... Great review Matt. I agree with it as a whole. Not a huge fan of the NSN cover either. I think this punk goes is one of the better ones, even though I have never heard of some of the bands. I am still stuck on music from 5-10 years ago as well as classic rock. I like to see reviews like this, as afformentioned, it is tough keeping up with new bands with all the bullshit out there. Keep it up brotha. |
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