Artist Info:Discography Album length: 23 tracks Street Date: July 27, 1999
MxPx, love them or hate them, they certainly have a
following of both Christian and
non-Christian fans. Their lyrics, written by
bassist/lead vocalist Mike Herrera reflect
many inner struggles as well as the hard long path
that Christians walk each day.
Struggles that non-Christians seem to relate to as
well.
However, at a glance you wouldn't know that each band
member beleives in Jesus as
their Savior. Both of Mike's arms are covered in
tattoos, guitarist Tom has his right arm
similarily stylized. But if you look deeply into the
lyrics you can really relate to where
they're coming from. Growing up, being rejected,
trying to get God's message through the
ignorant minds of the world around us. And yet they
never blame others for their
mistakes or problems. Some songs deal with anger, but
in a far more mature way than
some pop/punk bands such as Blink 182.
The music style is aggressive, punk rock that will
take a lot of getting used to if you're not
a fan of punk music. This was the first punk CD I ever
bought and let me tell you it took
me a good month or two to fully appreciate the skill
and addictively fast rhythm of this
disc. As a warning this is a live album and doesn't come
with lyrics, so if you want lyrics
(which you really need to understand some of the words
and songs until you can keep up
on your own) you'll have to go online or buy some of
their older CD's. Be prepared for a
gritty fast sound that will really get you going crazy
once you finally learn to appreciate
(and keep up with) these guys. It's pure adrenaline.
The third track "Under Lock and Key" is a perfect
example of the adrenaline I'm talking
about. As with most of the songs it will take time to
understand and appreciate but once
you do, let me tell you, it will be in your CD player
for a long long time. The next song
"Chick Magnet" is one of their all time hits and
features a rocking catchy tune that will
keep you singing "chick magnet... da da da da da chick
magnet... da da da da da da" again
and again in your head. The fifth track, entitled
"G.S.F." (thats "girls schmirls foundation"
by the way) is the softest song you'll find on here
and is basically a soft ballad about
giving up on girls and love, with lyrics such as "She
said can't we just be friends, it's just
not working out, another broken heart, that i can do
without...." Other highlights include
"Walking Bye" which is the ultimate punk adrenaline
rush, "Invitation to Understanding"
a meaningful song about wanting understanding to come,
and "Punk Rawk Show" which
is yet another adrenaline packed punk song that
finishes off the album perfectly.
MxPx has grown to be my favorite band, and I stress
the word "grown." It will take time
to appreciate this type of music but once done,
nothing compares to the uplifting and
crazy energy you'll get from this cd. Just listen to
the little bass solos in "Under Lock and
Key" or in the instrumental "The Theme Fiasco" or the
warp-speed drumming in
"Walking Bye" and you'll constantly notice more and
more little touches that just add to
the lasting energy. The only thing that holds this
score back from the 5 star score is a lack
of openness about their faith. It would be nice not to
have to look so deeply to understand
what it is Mike is trying to say but I suppose that
only adds to the longetivity.
- Review date: 9/25/01, written by invin
Artist Info:Discography Record Label: A&M Records
Album length: 23 tracks
Street Date: July 27, 1999
Artist Info: 
