Jesusfreakhideout.com celebrates 30 Years online in 2026... Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!
Jesusfreakhideout.com celebrates 30 Years online in 2026... Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

Worth Taking

Worth Taking
Punker Than Thou

Album length: 6 tracks: 17 minutes, 33 seconds
Style: Punk / Rock
Street Date: May 27, 2014
Official Site: Facebook


 
PunkerThanThou
READER RATING: 
/ 5.0 (0 votes)

Where did punk music go? At one point, it seemed to flood the market until one day it just disappeared. Refusing to let punk vanish is San Francisco-based indie band Worth Taking bringing a collection of covers with their latest EP, Punker Than Thou. The six-song EP embraces three legendary bands: The Ramones, Green Day, and MxPx - covering two tracks from each band.

"Maria" and "2000 Light Years Away" showcase their love for Green Day. The songs are thankfully not over-the-top interpretations, but Worth Taking makes each track very approachable. Instead of trying to alter the songs, they honor it with a faithful sound. Fans of MxPx will find some great versions with "The Empire" and "My Life Story." Lead vocalist Jerod McBrayer sings with a clearer tone and cleaner production, which isn't normally found in the punk scene. Finishing up the band's punk ventures are The Ramones, "I Wanna Live" and "I Just Want to Have Something to Do." If there are any newcomers to the punk scene, this kind of sound is foundational. It's that self-expressive sound of a counter-culture.

Overall, Worth Taking has done an excellent job of interpreting and translating these tracks for a contemporary audience. The beauty of these covers is that they are songs that are relatively unknown - unless by die-hard fans. In addition, the quality of each track is evident and impressive. The only downside with the clear production is that it loses some of that rawness that the original recordings had. Regardless, if you're looking for good music to kick off the summer, Worth Taking can help you with that.

- Review date: 5/22/14, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com




(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get a FREE month of VidAngel on us when you sign up!

 

. Record Label: M Perfect Records
. Album length: 6 tracks: 17 minutes, 33 seconds
. Street Date: May 27, 2014

  1. Maria
  2. The Empire (featuring Mike Herrera)
  3. I Wanna Live
  4. 2000 Light Years Away
  5. My Life Story
  6. I Just Want to Have Something to Do
spacer     Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics

 

 


 



  • Jesus freak Hideout (Ryan Barbee): Why did you all decide to do a covers project and why those three bands [Green Day, MxPx, and The Ramones]?

    Jerod: We've been in a really interesting place while trying to put out our upcoming full-length. We wanted to show our fans that we are alive and well. Because covers are written by someone else, they force you to stretch yourself in order to put your stamp on them. Chris, Tim, and I each picked one band. I'll leave the "who picked who" a mystery.

  • JFH (Ryan): Why cover the unfamiliar songs?

    Jerod: We love a challenge, and unfamiliar songs always present the most exciting challenges. If something is well known (and well covered), you tend to find yourself mimicking things that other bands have done. We also saw it as an opportunity to give new life to some songs that we felt deserved just as much longevity as "the singles."

  • JFH (Ryan): How would you explain "punk music" to the average Joe who listens to nothing but contemporary radio?

    Jerod: While everyone has their own opinion on punk, I believe it's a genre as well as a lifestyle. Punk is about supporting the community. Punk is about knowing no bounds and just going for it. Consequently, you will find that, from a sonic perspective, many punk bands sound very raw. It's more about passion than perfection. It's Rock and Roll without all the glamor.

  • JFH (Ryan): What song was the most challenging to record?

    Jerod: I'll say "I Wanna Live." We probably took the most artistic license with that song. We wanted to be respectful of the original, but really saw a lot of room to make it our own. Walking that line is never easy.

  • JFH (Ryan): What artists/bands are you currently listening to?

    Jerod: Now that Copeland is getting back together, I'm spinning their whole catalog on repeat. I'm really liking the most recent releases by Bayside and Switchfoot as well.

  • JFH (Ryan): What do you hope to accomplish with your music?

    Jerod: The goal will always be to spread a message of hope and love. No matter how dark or light your story, someone can relate and it's important to share that.

  • JFH (Ryan): If you could sit down and have afternoon tea [I don't know why it has to be afternoon or tea but… that's the hand you were dealt] with anyone… who would it be and why?

    Jerod: At the moment, it would have to be Truett Cathy. I bet he has some stories to tell. You can read all the books in the world about him, but nothing would beat a conversation. Because of the scrutiny that comes along with his status, I think a candid visit with him would be rare and exciting. Warren Buffett is a close second, but I imagine the tea wouldn't be as good.

     

     

    go to main Indie review page
    go to Indie Review Index

     

  •                  
    Get a FREE month of VidAngel on us when you sign up!

    Search JFH



    This Wednesday, March 18, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Pipe Bomb Hell Hole [Resuscitation]

    This Friday, March 20, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Brinson How To Kill a Demon [GodChaserz]
    The Caballerials Waxed Curbs & Suburbs - EP [Small Step]
    Les and Joyce Carlsen Free Will (independent)
    Dex the nerd who loves Jesus Repent and Believe - EP [Syntax]
    Fine China I Felt Called - The Complete Sessions [Velvet Blue]
    God Behind Bars Music God Behind Bars | Angola Prison - EP [Provident]
    Lakewood Music House of Worship (independent)
    Tae Lamar For Your Commute II [Polished Arrow]
    Tommy Royale ChurchBoy [Capitol CMG]
    Seventh Day Slumber Thy Kingdom Come [RockFest]
    Bella Taylor Smith for the home - EP [Universal]
    Various Artists Jesus Be the Name: Worship Songs for Easter [Provident]

    SINGLES
    AustinThaNoble Free Indeed - Single [Syntax]
    Elan Brio Attitudes - Single [Fly Dog]
    DJ Noble Queued Up - Single (independent)
    Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Never - Single [Syntax]
    Freedom Church The Church - Single [DREAM Worship]
    goodwill. World So Cold (ft. Xay Hill) - Single [Syntax]
    Griffin Dirty Hands - Single [Polished Arrow]
    Josh Grove Rain or Shine - Single (independent)
    Hillside Recording A Savior Who Cares - Single [Ocean House]
    Tiffany Hudson Jesus The Only (feat. Davide Mutendji) - Single [Elevation]
    Hulvey DAVE - Single [Reach]
    Jus'Rzd Hol'On - Single [Syntax]
    Kelo & DreBeeze Da Godson VULNERABLE - Single [Syntax]
    Vic Lucas By Your Side - Single [Syntax]
    Amber Lynn Bathroom Floor - Single [Sonlite]
    Jeannie Ortega Outside - Single [Syntax]
    David Pataconi You Don't Waste a Tear - Single (independent)
    Tommee Profitt Blessed Assurance" (feat. Mara Justine) - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Josiah Queen judas - Single [Syntax]
    Michael W. Smith Hymn for Communion - Single [The Fuel]
    tonyxtrotter WE GOT EACHOTHER - Single [Syntax]
    tylerhateslife lose your kryptonite (remix) - Single [Syntax]
    MAYIA WARREN Jesus Loves Me - Single [Syntax]
    Bethany Wohrle That's How I Know - Single [Bethel]

    VINYL
    Seph Schlueter Counting My Blessings Vinyl [Provident/Sony]

    Next Thursday, March 26, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Limoblaze Solid Ground - EP [Reach]

    Next Friday, March 27, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Romy Fay The Chosen Adventures (Vol. 1) [feat. Romy Fay] [Capitol CMG]
    Gaither I Go To The Rock [Gaither]
    NEEDTOBREATHE The Long Surrender [UMG]
    Point of Grace Lady Wisdom [Curb]
    Tommee Profitt The Resurrection of the King [Capitol CMG]
    Various Artists We Shall Behold Him Tribute to Dottie Rambo [Daywind]

    SINGLES
    29:11 Worship The King and The Lamb - Single [Dream Worship]
    Evelyn Cormier Leaning on Jesus - Single [BEC]
    ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band The First Time I Heard About Heaven - Single [Daywind]
    Freedom Church Is He Not Worthy - Single [Dream Worship]
    J. Suthern Hicks You Are Loved - Single (independent)
    Tasha Layton x Claire Leslie Whispers - Single [BEC]
    Patrick Mayberry Three Days Later - Single [Provident/Sony]
    Matthew Plante Love You Have - Single [Dream]
    River Valley AGES Anxious for Nothing - Single [BEC]
    The Sagehens Dumb & Drummer - Single [Velvet Blue]
    Angelina Saathoff Butterflies & Goodbyes (Feat. PAIGE) - Single (independent)
    SEU Worship A Forgiving God (Moment) - Single [Provident/Sony]
    Switchfoot Wake Up, Mr. Crow - Single [By Design/BMG]


    For all release dates, click here!
     

    Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
    Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
    Check out depositphotos for royalty free images