Various Artists - Punk Goes Pop Volume 2

[Blake Solomon]

Various Artists - Punk Goes Pop Volume 2
Record Label: Fearless Records
Release Date: March 10, 2009

They always said I’d grow up, but in between Binge Drinking Mondays and SaturLAZYdays - nicknames were never my thing - I shrugged them off. Apart from my liver I’m still 16. I will always be 16. F**k, is it 10:30 already? One more Seinfeld episode and it’s bedtime.

Ok, fine, maybe I am old. Maybe I’m, ugh, mature. Cases in point: I set my alarm so I won’t be late. I buy Diet Pepsi. I owe the government income taxes.

I pee sitting down.

I can no longer feign youth after hearing “in the name of fun” compilations like Punk Goes Pop Vol. 2. Don’t cry for me, though; cry for Fearless Records. They’re killing music and they don’t care. These compilations make Yoko Ono’s treachery look laughable, even benign. Hearing Escape The Fate slather Carlos Santana’s “Smooth” with teenage screams is like watching your parents have sex with your dog. Listening to August Burns Red sing - excuse me, growl - classic Britney Spears is disrespectful, even if their inspiration is an umbrella wielding, hair shaving lunatic.

Some will say this is all a joke and we shouldn’t judge “harshly.” But you see, Fearless Records is asking people to pay for Vol.2. For that we should expect quality. Some band named The Cab even wrote a blog (http://symphonysoldier.com/post/83328515/me-rihanna-love-im-on-the-right-what-is) about the terrible recording circumstances behind their cover of Rihanna’s “Disturbia.” Apparently, anything done in the name of Fun™ is exempt from any and all standards. Their singer said he could barely sing that day, so if nothing else he’s proved the usefulness of pitch-correction technologies. But I’ll shut up in an attempt to dodge a blog bullet from these musical masterminds - and just to save him the time: I’m fat, I don’t have a girlfriend, and I’m very, very stupid.

Unaware of punk’s new definition, I was blindsided by high-pitched singing and super masculine growling: A Static Lullaby, Alesana, Silverstein, et al. These bands are so similar it seems like false advertising to say “Various Artists” created Vol. 2. The rare bands that do sound different (at least in terms of this compilation), Bayside and There for Tomorrow, wind up with the biggest successes. Omarion’s hit “Icebox” gets an electronic-filled treatment by TfT, and Sean Kingston’s “Beautiful” is wonderfully recreated as a solo-heavy Bayside treat. Gasp! these covers actually sound thoughtful.

A Day To Strong and Four Year Remember pick two completely different songs, yet somehow make them sound exactly alike. ADTR’s take on “Over My Head (Cable Car)” might also be on Homesick, but there’s no way to be sure. Four Year Strong use a bit too much clean singing on Sara Bareilles’ “Love Song”, and only some expected-yet-satisfying gang vocals save the song.

The most depressing thing about this whole debacle is the songs chosen. Regardless of who’s singing, I don’t want to hear “When I Grow Up.” These musicians are about my age, so we grew up with the same pop hits. The fact that few of those were chosen - props to Chiodos for at least trying to think outside the box with “Flagpole Sitta” - shows how transparent Fearless’ motives have become. 14 year-old girls, eat your hearts out. Everyone else, blow your heads off.


Recommended If You Like: pop and/or punk, hickeys


www.myspace.com/blakeisadouche

[hockeyguitar99]

Great review Blake. Very entertaining.

[acornwe2]

a few tracks were alright enough to hear once through (There For Tomorrow, Bayside and Four Year Strong), but most too horrible to even sit all the way through (See either Britney Spears cover)...great review though

[WhoSaidThat?]

I usually have a select favorite part of one of Blake's review, but I basically love this equally word-for -word, syllable-for-syllable.

Is it sad that I get enjoyment out of a good writer insulting other artists' work? :-|

[zubinmoosa]

Third paragraph, you called it "Punk Goes Crunk vol. 2"

[dumhed01]

You captured my feelings on the album almost exactly.

Nice job.

[newfoundmichael]

You tried too hard to trash this album I think.

I don't like FYS, but I enjoyed their cover. Bayside's was very good and I liked Chiodos'.

Rest of it? Pretty bad.

[newfoundmichael]

"A Day To Strong and Four Year Remember pick two completely different songs, yet somehow make them sound exactly alike."

This is exactly how I feel about these two bands outside of the FYS cover.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

so damn funny

[jco3]

"A Day To Strong and Four Year Remember pick two completely different songs, yet somehow make them sound exactly alike."

This is exactly how I feel about these two bands outside of the FYS cover.
this.

[blinkme]

amazing review.

"But I’ll shut up in an attempt to dodge a blog bullet from these musical masterminds - and just to save him the time: I’m fat, I don’t have a girlfriend, and I’m very, very stupid."

haha

[skyphoenix]

This is one of the worst reviews I've seen on here and that's not because I may or may not enjoy the album for what it's worth. It's because you make it seem like you never gave it a chance and judged it based on your notions of it before even hearing it. It was like I was reading Rolling Stone when they attempt to be clever.

[Chris Fallon]

That second paragraph is so money -- probably the greatest compilation of written English word since the Declaration of Independence.

This review is golden, Blake. Please have sex with my girlfriend so our children are like you.

[LongDistanceDrunk]

The only bands songs I want to hear are FYS, Bayside, and Chiodos even though I've never heard Flagpole Sitta

[Kbm600]

This is an incredible review.

There are no good points of this CD. None. Silverstein is passable, that's it.

The rest is complete, utter, shit.

[denissuxx]

Glad that someone else feels the same as me about these shit compilations.

Thank you Mr. Solomon

[awakeohsleeper]

You pee sitting down?
Either way, I agree with this review. Great stuff as usual.

[LivingTheLyrics]

This was hilarious, great review and I agree for about 99% of it.

But I do not get how you could possibly say that FYS and ADTR's covers sound exactly the same. They're two completely different beasts.

[jcmartin86]

The only bands songs I want to hear are FYS, Bayside, and Chiodos even though I've never heard Flagpole Sitta

WTF?! GTFO!

[LOLhahaDEADx]

I only really liked Bayside's and Four Year Strong's. I would much rather listen to the original versions of the other songs, which I can't really stand in the first place.

[MorningStar10]

''14 year-old girls, eat your hearts out. Everyone else, blow your heads off. ''

The best ending to a review i've read all year.

[ActionActionFan]

I like the Silverstein cover but the rest is shit.

[trappedintime]

I loved that last line.

[sparkle7]

haha this was all so true. These compilations really need to stop.

[ikikwe]

This review is fucking amazing. Props, Blake.

[sictransit22]

I like the Silverstein cover but the rest is shit.
agreed. I wanted to love this cd but it's just so bad. Good reveiw!

[patpratt]

great fucking review. oh man

[Uwe Blab]

Review > Album

[Broclee]

This is one of the worst reviews I've seen on here and that's not because I may or may not enjoy the album for what it's worth. It's because you make it seem like you never gave it a chance and judged it based on your notions of it before even hearing it. It was like I was reading Rolling Stone when they attempt to be clever.
Lord, you apparently didn't read past the first paragraph.



Anyways, good review. This...it's just a farce. How in the world can this be the descendant of Punk Goes Acoustic, or even Punk Goes 80's or 90's?

[Blaise&Panthia.]

"Hearing Escape The Fate slather Carlos Santana’s “Smooth” with teenage screams is like watching your parents have sex with your dog."

This is hilarious, and my new Facebook quote.

[live.]

This is so...Simon Cowell, haha. Awesome review, but I do enjoy the Bayside, ADTR, ABR, FYS and even the Chiodos covers to some extent.

[the daniel]

As much as I admire and love August Burns Red's work, I just felt that their cover had no "heart" put to it. It was just like..."ehhh". August Burns Red's cover didn't feel like it was "their song". The whole thing felt like a whole joke pretty much. But the stand out tracks for me have to be Chiodos' "Flagpole Sitta". Great review, it was pretty much perfect lol

[circatbs]

Review > Album
QFT

[knowthisx]

"A Day To Strong and Four Year Remember pick two completely different songs, yet somehow make them sound exactly alike."

This is exactly how I feel about these two bands outside of the FYS cover.

Not quite. Shitty generalization.

[SamGrrrr]

review - awesome.
album - awful.
last line - amazing.

[Snails]

Haha, awazing review.

[more heart]

I must say Blake, your reviews are always interesting. Personally, I take this compilation with little seriousness that I'm able to find it enjoyable. Sure some of the covers were terrible(Alesana, Escape the Fate) but it's all in the name of fun.

[Blake Solomon]

just wanted to clear one thing up, I lied about the taxes thing for effect. I don't actually have a job.

[Blake Solomon]

I must say Blake, your reviews are always interesting. Personally, I take this compilation with little seriousness that I'm able to find it enjoyable. Sure some of the covers were terrible(Alesana, Escape the Fate) but it's all in the name of fun.
fun should be fun, not terrible

[more heart]

fun should be fun, not terrible
Believe me I understand that, I just don't hold this comp that high. I think Fearless would do better to have more interesting bands on the comp.

[fran.182]

This is really crap! I was expecting something enjoyable.

I only like 2 or 3 covers on this.

Punk Goes Pop vol. 1 was way better especially because there were far better choices in terms of the pop artist/band covered and more diversity in the bands that covered it.

[TellYourFriends]

This is defiantly my least favorite of the Punk Goes series. I'm typically quick to defend these things, but the song choices and bands really make this one hard to get through. It makes me feel old for knowing the older songs and wishing it was the original instead of a cover.

At least since I bought from Smartpunk it came with Punk Goes Pop 1 and I can listen The Starting Line's cover of I'm Real whenever I want.

[blimpcityhero11]

Hahaha Good review... I'd agree that the TFT and Bayside covers are the only worthwhile songs.

[xconcretenwater]

valid.

[Brandao]

awesome review

[taylerx0]

A+ review.

[sean-reid]

I agree with this review. It's just not a good album.
I reviewed it too HERE (http://www.alterthepress.com/2009/03/album-review-various-artists-punk-goes.html)

[ship of fools]

Win.

[zombie!pirate!]

This is one of the worst reviews I've seen on here and that's not because I may or may not enjoy the album for what it's worth. It's because you make it seem like you never gave it a chance and judged it based on your notions of it before even hearing it. It was like I was reading Rolling Stone when they attempt to be clever.
you're stupid

[romantic rights]

There is nothing Punk about these bands.

[-ben]

it's a terrible album. great review. i pee sitting down as well occasionally.

[NateFoundGlory]

I know you're all going to hate me, but I find this cd enjoyable. I don't know, I love a good cover (granted, a few really do suck) and it's just fun to me.

Nothing special, but I definitely would have given it somewhere in the 60's%.

[zFrog]

Great review, Hated this album

[Pigs_Fly]

well i thought Mayday Parade did a good job..

[BulleTheory]

i dont like this album at all, most of it is crap electronic stuff. Silverstein, A Day to Remember, and A Static Lullaby are the only bands with good covers.

[CarryOn09]

cracking good review. glad to hear Bayside was a highlight.

[BulleTheory]

There is nothing Punk about these bands.
there has never been anything punk about any of the "Punk Goes..."

[schaft]

Excellent review and dead on. Besides the fact that the leaked version is a shitty webrip, this album should never have been released. Bayside's cover is the main savior on the album. Fearless is just running the Punk Goes... albums into the ground lately.

And to the kid who said he's never heard "Flagpole Sitta" before - GTFO, Commie.

[schaft]

well i thought Mayday Parade did a good job..
FAIL.

[SteveD]

As much as I hated every cover (including Bayside, and Chiodos 2 bands I really love) I thought the most surprisingly enjoyable song was Silverstiens.

I want to punch every member of Escape the Fate in the the uterus for butchering Smooth.

Edit:

I forgot to mention awesome Review.

[CyberInferno]

Couple of decent songs but very appropriate review. I didn't have high expectations for this one, and I still managed to be disappointed. It's a shame to consider that this is the sequel to the "Punk Goes Pop" which had Yellowcard, Rufio, The Starting Line, etc.

Excellent review :-)

[Brett3]

Great review. I like a few songs on this, but the majority of it is terrible.

[cory-182]

I really love Silverstein's cover, but other than that they only ones that don't get under my skin are ADTR's and Bayside's.

[npmshah]

i absolutely LOVE this review...
the opinion i couldnt disagree with more however...

[Who's Chris?]

great review. i agree with you completely.

[Kgod]

I really love Silverstein's cover, but other than that they only ones that don't get under my skin are ADTR's and Bayside's.
This.

[The Summer Ends]

The Breathe Carolina, Alesana, Escape The Fate, and August Burns Red covers took this from "lol this a bad album" to "holy shit what the fuck this is the worst thing ever oh god."

[RetardedInLove]

I just listened to the August Burns Red song on the Punk Goes Pop myspace..... yeah, that thing is laughable. Terrible, just terrible.

[chiefeasy750]

bayside's contribution is mooooney, but the rest is trash.

[fly_guy]

I completely agree with the Escape The Fate cover sounding like "your parents fucking a dog". It was horrible completely disrespectful

[flow2345]

One of the worst compilations ever. This is Pop goes Screamo

[cscwell107]

Great Review!! You forgot to trash Breath Carolina's cover though. That was easily the worst one on there.

[Brandon Allin]

The only tracks on this I'll likely ever listen to again are Bayside and A Static Lullaby's contributions. I'm a huge fan of the former, and a moderate fan of the latter, but those two put forth the best efforts here, in my humble opinion.

The rest? Not the worst thing I've ever heard, but a few come close, particularly the electronic-pop-dance-crap some of these bands are spewing out. I applaud them all for trying, but I wish the majority of this compilation never saw the light of day, and this is coming from someone who is a heavy listener of some of the bands found here (namely FYS and ADTR).

With that said, this compilation is on my iPod, and if I can muster the strength, I will attempt to come back to it some day, but I'm not setting my hopes very high.

Good review, Blake. The first Pop Goes Punk comp puts this one to shame.

[iTransylvanian]

"A Day To Strong and Four Year Remember pick two completely different songs, yet somehow make them sound exactly alike."

Wrong.

but still, good review.

[Formatfun]

I love Flagpole Sitta.. might be because I love the original and I love Chiodos, though. Some other songs on the compilation I like, too.

[friskycurtain]

I found 4 of the songs to be good but basically everything else was utter shit

[donwagenblast]

hilarious, entertaining, and most of all, correct.

[poppunknerd182]

this might be the best review to have ever been on this website

well done

[what_ever]

Bayside's cover was the only one that didn't sound significantly worse than the original. The rest were just awful.

[Handraa]

Horrible.

[romantic rights]

there has never been anything punk about any of the "Punk Goes..."
wrong actually, I direct you to take a look at punk goes metal as there happen to be some punk bands there.

[Nick Le]

I liked the ABR one; they are one of my favorite bands and I may be a bit biased, but they stuck to their own sound, which I loved. Anddd I love the A Day to Remember cover. As a whole, I probably wouldn't want to pay for this, but it's a fun cd. Good review though.

[nicoteen]

This is one of the worst reviews I've seen on here and that's not because I may or may not enjoy the album for what it's worth. It's because you make it seem like you never gave it a chance and judged it based on your notions of it before even hearing it. It was like I was reading Rolling Stone when they attempt to be clever.
This.

But I was truly disappointed in the Chiodos cover. I like Chiodos and I love Flagpole Sitta but this just didn't work for me.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

this is the best review i have ever read from you blake. seriously. and the funniest. i was going to quote a line, but then kept reading and there were to many i want to quote - so i will just say well done my friend.

[baton]

i was really disappointed by this too, a few songs were good, but whole compilation is really shitty - the choices of the songs were really terrible, and a few songs that i even like in original were so much worse that i was confused how can a rock remake make me sick...

[victoriasdf]

Amazing.

[YouSmellExcited]

cd is good, lighten the fuck up

[LongDistanceDrunk]

Excellent review and dead on. Besides the fact that the leaked version is a shitty webrip, this album should never have been released. Bayside's cover is the main savior on the album. Fearless is just running the Punk Goes... albums into the ground lately.

And to the kid who said he's never heard "Flagpole Sitta" before - GTFO, Commie.
Why am I expected to know that song you elitist turd burglar? I have never even heard of that band before and I'm sure many people my age haven't as well

[AcidZero]

The only track I enjoyed is Bayside's. Great review, Blake.

[tm24x]

amazing review! i love it.

[EchoPark]

fuck you Fearless Records for contributing to the downfall of punk music

[scmaley]

RIYL... hahaha

[eversoinviting]

Awesome review.

[poppunknerd182]

Why am I expected to know that song you elitist turd burglar? I have never even heard of that band before and I'm sure many people my age haven't as well
I'd be willing to bet you have, I don't know your age, but I'm 23 and know the song extremely well, it's been in countless movies and got to number 3 on the modern rock billboard tracks in 1998, the title has absolutely nothing to do with the song, maybe that's why you THINK you haven't heard it, just go give it a listen and see. If you haven't, it's a semi-decent song for the late 90's.

[Blake Solomon]

Why am I expected to know that song you elitist turd burglar? I have never even heard of that band before and I'm sure many people my age haven't as well
knowing that song doesn't make one elitist, it makes one 18-24. It was a huge radio song.

but nevertheless, turd burglar is awesome.

[Nick_K99]

haha good review. This compilation is pretty terrible, it would be nice if they put a couple of actual punk bands on it. If i had my own label i'd start my own compilation cd: Actual Punk Goes Pop and it would include real punk bands like the Lawrence Arms, Smoke or Fire, Broadway Calls, etc...

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Great review

[Operator!]

"Recommended if you like pop and/or punk, hickeys"

Ah, Blake, you never cease to entertain me.

Also, lol at "turd burglar" hahaha.

[dylanluthier]

ok this review has some great points, i must admit. this album is FARRRRRR from perfect. bayside's cover of "beautiful girls" is definitely not leaving my music collection anytime soon. i disagree with your point that FYS and ADTR's covers sounding the same... they are completely different songs. people will disagree with me, i'm sure, but i do think that you were wrong with saying that.

i do agree that chiodos did think outside of the box. they get the award for most original cover song on this album from me. i really like what they did with flagpole sitta.

[poppunknerd182]

haha good review. This compilation is pretty terrible, it would be nice if they put a couple of actual punk bands on it. If i had my own label i'd start my own compilation cd: Actual Punk Goes Pop and it would include real punk bands like the Lawrence Arms, Smoke or Fire, Broadway Calls, etc...
yeah....THAT would be nice :]

[Tyler Vagyler]

Yeah this was a terrible CD.

Reading this review was more interesting than the CD itself.

[Blake Solomon]

so what i'm getting from this whole thing is...

Blake is an old douchebag and...

Fearless is a new douchebag.


Confirm/Deny?

[bladerdude360]

I was actually thinking about buying this until I heard the song previews a few days ago. I definitely agree, this album turned out pretty shitty. I wanted to like it, but I just can't stomach a lot of what they put on there. Good review

[KingJohn_654]

real men pee sitting down.

[Broclee]

so what i'm getting from this whole thing is...

Blake is an old douchebag and...

Fearless is a new douchebag.


Confirm/Deny?
I think that's about right.
;-)

[imirish06]

best
review
ever

[alexiamaria]

I think this whole album was basically crap. You can tell it was obviously produced on a minimum budget and almost every song is painful to listen to(especially ABR and Breathe Carolina).The Silverstein one is pretty good,as is Four Year Strong.but thats about it. these compilations are getting worse every time.

[Ryzenfall]

Amazing. The review.

[DI Pistola]

just wanted to clear one thing up, I lied about the taxes thing for effect. I don't actually have a job.
Your mastery of self-deprecation is inspiring.

Great review :suave:

[John JD Dorian]

This is an incredible review.

There are no good points of this CD. None. Silverstein is passable, that's it.

The rest is complete, utter, shit.
i thought silverstein's was really boring.

[chordsforacure]

I'd be willing to bet you have, I don't know your age, but I'm 23 and know the song extremely well, it's been in countless movies and got to number 3 on the modern rock billboard tracks in 1998, the title has absolutely nothing to do with the song, maybe that's why you THINK you haven't heard it, just go give it a listen and see. If you haven't, it's a semi-decent song for the late 90's.
The only way the title is related is when he says "I'd ride it up a flagpole to see who salutes (but no one ever does)"

anyway, WHY IS FLAGPOLE SITTA EVEN ON THIS!?

I'm just gonna assume it was a leftover from Punk Goes 90's and they just threw it on here.

[Shrillex]

Terrible compilation

[Kbm600]

i thought silverstein's was really boring.
I liked the guitar. *Shrug*

[newfoundmichael]

Not quite. Shitty generalization.
It's just my opinion. I think they sound extremely similar. To the point where it is just annoying.

[piglet]

This album is the musical equivalent of Spiderman 3.

[SwedishHeat]

These bands are so similar it seems like false advertising to say “Various Artists” created Vol. 2.

What a completely accurate statement that was. Kudos to you, sir.

[HereItGoes182]

Hearing Escape The Fate slather Carlos Santana’s “Smooth” with teenage screams is like watching your parents have sex with your dog.

That is by far the greatest simile ever composed in any sort of review. WIN. :celebrate:

[Gumbyjag]

mhm

[Yellowcard2006]

lulz. I might buy the Bayside cover

[HometownHero]

Best review ever. Worst album ever

[Yellowcard2006]

Why am I expected to know that song you elitist turd burglar? I have never even heard of that band before and I'm sure many people my age haven't as well
I haven't heard it either, atleast I don't think I have :shrug:

[Im Felling this]

I was really looking forward on a Breathe Carolina bash lol but this was fare enough

[onthefringe]

good for one listen. and thats all.

[Akissforher]

ohhh, i preordered this, i have been really excited for this....

it appears i have made a foolish purchase in many's eyes.

epic fail.

[StartAngry&Mad]

maybe Fearless should go out and sign some new, quality bands instead of peddling shitty cover comps twice a year

[knowthisx]

It's just my opinion. I think they sound extremely similar. To the point where it is just annoying.
Set Your Goals and FYS would have been a much stronger comparison.

[newfoundmichael]

Set Your Goals and FYS would have been a much stronger comparison.
I find Set Your Goals a lot more original and really just better in every aspect than both of the previously mentioned bands. I personally feel like ADTR and FYS are like Fisher Price Hardcore bands for kids just getting into the genre. That's just my opinion, and you are entitled to yours too though, so don't crucify me for that.

[Beej 347]

silverstein, adtr, fys, there for tomorrow, chiodos and BC. all the rest equals shit.

[Clark]

I hate people that don't "get" Blake's reviews. They're brilliant.

[fadedmemories]

I can no longer feign youth after hearing “in the name of fun” compilations like Punk Goes Pop Vol. 2. Don’t cry for me, though; cry for Fearless Records. They’re killing music and they don’t care. These compilations make Yoko Ono’s treachery look laughable, even benign. Hearing Escape The Fate slather Carlos Santana’s “Smooth” with teenage screams is like watching your parents have sex with your dog. Listening to August Burns Red sing - excuse me, growl - classic Britney Spears is disrespectful, even if their inspiration is an umbrella wielding, hair shaving lunatic.

Some will say this is all a joke and we shouldn’t judge “harshly.” But you see, Fearless Records is asking people to pay for Vol.2. For that we should expect quality. Some band named The Cab even wrote a blog (http://symphonysoldier.com/post/83328515/me-rihanna-love-im-on-the-right-what-is) about the terrible recording circumstances behind their cover of Rihanna’s “Disturbia.” Apparently, anything done in the name of Fun™ is exempt from any and all standards. Their singer said he could barely sing that day, so if nothing else he’s proved the usefulness of pitch-correction technologies. But I’ll shut up in an attempt to dodge a blog bullet from these musical masterminds - and just to save him the time: I’m fat, I don’t have a girlfriend, and I’m very, very stupid.

:appl:

[johnnylcd]

I hate people that don't "get" Blake's reviews. They're brilliant.
you're right, there's not much to get. almost every blake review reminds of the guy sitting behind you in the theatre who won't shut up about everything wrong with the movie and won't even attempt to enjoy it. i agree with this review more than most of his, but i've come to the conclusion that i'm happy i'm able to enjoy music for how it makes me feel, not how other people will feel about me.

[Paulb-182]

awesome, awesome review

[Blake Solomon]

you're right, there's not much to get. almost every blake review reminds of the guy sitting behind you in the theatre who won't shut up about everything wrong with the movie and won't even attempt to enjoy it. i agree with this review more than most of his, but i've come to the conclusion that i'm happy i'm able to enjoy music for how it makes me feel, not how other people will feel about me.
he complimented, you bashed. Where's the agreement between you two?

I like a ton of records, a ton, but this one sucks. Not because he hated it or you hated it, but because I hated it. I don't write them to appease an audience, and that insinuation is probably the most frustrating I come upon after writing a piece. It says my name at the top because it's my opinion.

[Max_123]

I haven't heard it either, atleast I don't think I have :shrug:
you've never seen American Pie?

[dhelmick]

in a way i cant agree with this review. but at the same time i kind of do. considering i only listen to bayside and silverstein and bayside i cant really say anything bad about the cd it just isnt my type of music. i didnt like these songs when they first came out and i still dont care about them much. silversteins cover was really good in my opinion and i did like bayside so i cant say the cd is complete crap but like slick shoes and four year stron ( two bands i like) sounded horrible. i dont know im kind of just rambling. but i can agree with you when you say 14 year old girls eat your hearts out. what the fuck happened to punk/hardcore music? why are 15 year old girls at punk shows now? fuck

[applesandcyanid]

Reviewers need to learn that you don't have to hate or love an album, there can be an "in between". It seems most reviews on this website are very one sided. This one included. The Santana cover was good. The ADTR cover was good. The FYS cover was dissapointing. The Mayday Parade cover was good. It's not a good CD but definitely isn't this bad.

[johnnylcd]

he complimented, you bashed. Where's the agreement between you two?

I like a ton of records, a ton, but this one sucks. Not because he hated it or you hated it, but because I hated it. I don't write them to appease an audience, and that insinuation is probably the most frustrating I come upon after writing a piece. It says my name at the top because it's my opinion.
the agreement was sarcasm. i always read your reviews, because they're funnyashell. everything is completely subjective of course, and i have nothinggg against you, but i'll still stick with what i said; your safety net is always to tear down, not find much positive in it, and every review seems like you tried to hate it, ya know?

[MusicTalks]

I usually have a select favorite part of one of Blake's review, but I basically love this equally word-for -word, syllable-for-syllable.

Is it sad that I get enjoyment out of a good writer insulting other artists' work? :-|

Not when the artist(s) work include the shit on this album. I agree with your agreement of the review, man.

That second paragraph is so money -- probably the greatest compilation of written English word since the Declaration of Independence.

This review is golden, Blake. Please have sex with my girlfriend so our children are like you.

First, I love reading Blake's review, if only for the comic relief found within them. Second, I love finding Fallon's responses to great reviews like this. Chris, that last line is killer. Third, for what it's worth, nothing is better than reading both of your reviews.

This is one of the worst reviews I've seen on here and that's not because I may or may not enjoy the album for what it's worth. It's because you make it seem like you never gave it a chance and judged it based on your notions of it before even hearing it. It was like I was reading Rolling Stone when they attempt to be clever.

People need to stop saying "take it for what it's worth" or "it doesn't have to be good or serious if it's fun." That's the problem with bands like The Maine, 3OH!3 and Metro Station. Somehow we're supposed to throw artistic integrity out the window because a record is full of fun, shudder-shades, skinny jeans, vocoders and lots and lots of neon? It's shit like these bands that are ruining music.

[Yellowcard2006]

you've never seen American Pie?
no actually

[tommy's ghost]

Best review I've read in a while. Hahahaha.

[QuarterToThree]

i was going to give it a member rating but i forgot that .25 is the lowest it goes rather than 0. Most of the categories i was willing to bend, but on lasting value there is NO WAY that it deserves more than 0. I simply could not submit my member ratings and sleep well tonight.

[Blake Solomon]

Reviewers need to learn that you don't have to hate or love an album, there can be an "in between". It seems most reviews on this website are very one sided. This one included. The Santana cover was good. The ADTR cover was good. The FYS cover was dissapointing. The Mayday Parade cover was good. It's not a good CD but definitely isn't this bad.
I mentioned 3 songs I liked, but for the most part i hated it, so why should I write the review in a way that doesn't reflect that?

[Blake Solomon]

the agreement was sarcasm. i always read your reviews, because they're funnyashell. everything is completely subjective of course, and i have nothinggg against you, but i'll still stick with what i said; your safety net is always to tear down, not find much positive in it, and every review seems like you tried to hate it, ya know?
i'd say i have plenty of positive reviews posted, including the cursive one from yesterday, which is, for lack of a better word, a "big" band. If I liked everything I wouldn't be that good of a reviewer. Not saying i'm great at it, but the point is that if my opinion was always going to be the same, why bother putting anything down?

[flks511]

This is an incredible review.

There are no good points of this CD. None. Silverstein is passable, that's it.

The rest is complete, utter, shit.
You're right, they need to stop making these albums (and yes, the Silverstein cover is the best of them.

[johnnylcd]

i'd say i have plenty of positive reviews posted, including the cursive one from yesterday, which is, for lack of a better word, a "big" band. If I liked everything I wouldn't be that good of a reviewer. Not saying i'm great at it, but the point is that if my opinion was always going to be the same, why bother putting anything down?
i agree, it would definitely be lame, and would make any positive reviews less credible if you liked everything. it's not that and like i said your reviews are funny, witty, and entertaining , i just get annoyed when people focus on what's wrong with a band or a record based upon how they feel about a label or the market/fanbase they're placed in. i know your probably not doing that, it just came off that way, and seems to be the latest trend on apnet, users and reviewers. this thread is a terrible place for discussing this as i really didn't enjoy this release very much either, hah. and i'm admittedly hypocritical as my bitching and moaning is probably stemming from the search the city review (i spin that album atleast twice a day and everyone was telling me i'd forget about it in a week). we just don't like the same records sometimes and thats cool. this review just happen to align with a lot of band bashing lately that's really unnecessary.

[Blake Solomon]

i agree, it would definitely be lame, and would make any positive reviews less credible if you liked everything. it's not that and like i said your reviews are funny, witty, and entertaining , i just get annoyed when people focus on what's wrong with a band or a record based upon how they feel about a label or the market/fanbase they're placed in. i know your probably not doing that, it just came off that way, and seems to be the latest trend on apnet, users and reviewers. this thread is a terrible place for discussing this as i really didn't enjoy this release very much either, hah. and i'm admittedly hypocritical as my bitching and moaning is probably stemming from the search the city review (i spin that album atleast twice a day and everyone was telling me i'd forget about it in a week). we just don't like the same records sometimes and thats cool. this review just happen to align with a lot of band bashing lately that's really unnecessary.

See this I underdtand. It bothers me too that people write bands off for dumb reasons. I mean, I didn't like anything TFT did before this cover. If I already had an opinion, I wouldn't have posted this review. You can trust that, I don't write opinions for cool points. I do it because I think its a service to those who align with my tastes. That's not everyone obviously, so I expect people to disagree. That's not to say that I don't try to get people to read or enjoy my writing, I try to write in a way that people want to read it regardless of the band. That way if its a band they haven't heard that I think is great, they may be more likely to check it out.

While I do write negative reviews, I don't like to. Id love to love everything, but you know that's not how life works.

And about search the city: still a boring record haha :-)

[johnnylcd]

See this I underdtand. It bothers me too that people write bands off for dumb reasons. I mean, I didn't like anything TFT did before this cover. If I already had an opinion, I wouldn't have posted this review. You can trust that, I don't write opinions for cool points. I do it because I think its a service to those who align with my tastes. That's not everyone obviously, so I expect people to disagree. That's not to say that I don't try to get people to read or enjoy my writing, I try to write in a way that people want to read it regardless of the band. That way if its a band they haven't heard that I think is great, they may be more likely to check it out.

While I do write negative reviews, I don't like to. Id love to love everything, but you know that's not how life works.

And about search the city: still a boring record haha :-)
Hokayy fair enough sir :)

[StacyAnberlin]

hahaha great review.
bayside made me love a song I've always found extrmely annoying.
I found this album mildly entertaining but then again I'm 14...So.

[CH!MP]

"...A Static Lullaby, Alesana, Silverstein, et al. These bands are so similar it seems like false advertising to say “Various Artists” created Vol. 2."

in the context of that album i guess you can get away with saying this, but in general that's not true at all. "Rattlesnake!" (rules!), "Where Myth Fades To Legend" (horrible), and "Arrivals & Departures" are all very different albums.

nice review though. brought the lulz

[hornerlas]

The Chiodos track is favorable. I quite liked it.

[WFUJerseyJon]

Awesome review.

[vicrattlehead56]

i saw thereef ro tommorow perform there icebx cover live and it was amazing. i dont even like the original song but htey pulled it off beutifully

[NateFoundGlory]

i saw thereef ro tommorow perform there icebx cover live and it was amazing. i dont even like the original song but htey pulled it off beutifully
That was a grammatical mindfuck...

[Broclee]

That was a grammatical mindfuck...
:lol:

[punkrockmedic]

FYS's cover was shit, but I really enjoy ADTR's cover. I liked Chiodos, and A Static Lullaby's too. The rest I could care less about and I really wish Breathe Carolina would jump off a bridge.

[punkrockmedic]

the funny thing about all the bashing of this punk goes pop 2. Is that you can't turn shit to gold in the first place. The pop scene sucks worse than ever and you can't hate because they're doing it for fun or whatever.

[Sikbeat37]

I really enjoy A Static Lullaby's "Toxic" cover. I also liked Bayside's, which surprised me considering my deep-seeded hatred for anything Sean Kingston has ever done. I really didn't mind the Silverstein or FYS covers either, but definitely not their best work by a long shot. That "Smooth" cover is really unforgivable.

Funny review, well done.

[stonecoldfox]

hahahahaha that last line so perfectly sums up the most recent punk goes... compilations (and ironically enough, the music scene)

props to you Blake..can we make a baby together?

[daygreen89]

the bayside cover is awesome.

[WisteriaCory]

This review was incredible . . . . you should review a record for us? I wouldn't even mind you hammering the albums . . . as long as you did it as clever as you wrote this piece.

[disco.tetris]

LOVED this review. So funny and it captured my feelings for this album so perfectly.

[Blake Solomon]

This review was incredible . . . . you should review a record for us? I wouldn't even mind you hammering the albums . . . as long as you did it as clever as you wrote this piece.
hahah, well that's something i don't ever hear.

[LongDistanceDrunk]

Only good songs were Bayside, Silverstein, and maybe Chiodos. I say maybe because I haven't heard the original version of Flagpole Sitta

[RelientMayday]

So, I take it you dislike the album. Even so, some of the ratings were kind of ridiculous. Even though you hated the song selection and a lot of it sounded the same, a 2.5 for vocals and a 4 for musicianship? I mean come on, these guys can sing and can play their instruments, and do it well. I understand disliking the song selection, but that's not a reason to imply that the bands don't know how to carry a tune or play an instrument. Give them a little credit, anyway.

[RelientMayday]

the funny thing about all the bashing of this punk goes pop 2. Is that you can't turn shit to gold in the first place. The pop scene sucks worse than ever and you can't hate because they're doing it for fun or whatever.
& good point

[ericsounds41]

This album was terrible.

[tipoftheiceberg]

Hearing Escape The Fate slather Carlos Santana’s “Smooth” with teenage screams is like watching your parents have sex with your dog.

right on

[yayitsjoe]

as much as i know this album is shit, it's probably my guilty pleasure of '09.

[Chris Fallon]

So, I take it you dislike the album. Even so, some of the ratings were kind of ridiculous. Even though you hated the song selection and a lot of it sounded the same, a 2.5 for vocals and a 4 for musicianship? I mean come on, these guys can sing and can play their instruments, and do it well. I understand disliking the song selection, but that's not a reason to imply that the bands don't know how to carry a tune or play an instrument. Give them a little credit, anyway.
Sadly, many of the band cannot carry a tune and are so overproduced, the artificial qualities water it down.

Example: The Cab, for one. The rest deserve little to no merit for their covers, which are tepid recreations that have absolutely no unique qualities. Bayside and Four Year Strong are perhaps the only worthwhile candidates here, and even then, they aren't doing anything incredible. Pretty basic stuff if you ask me.

[alltimecam]

This album is the musical equivalent of Spiderman 3.
Spiderman 3 was the worst fucking movie I have ever seen.

[piglet]

That's the whole point..

[applesandcyanid]

I mentioned 3 songs I liked, but for the most part i hated it, so why should I write the review in a way that doesn't reflect that?
Thanks for not being a cockbag in your reply. I see where you're coming from and after a day of owning the leak, it sucks donkey balls and holds no playability.

[TotalCollapse]

Most of it was awful. I did like the Cab's cover and Silverstein's.

[sammyboy516]

i liked chiodos, ADTR, FYS, bayside, escape the fate, and silverstein

[nickthehick2]

Lol. I liked Bayside, FYS, and Silverstein covers but that's about it. I think they should just make Punk Goes Acoustics. Or wait, how about Punk Goes Punk? Your favorite Punk band playing songs by other punk bands?!

[nickthehick2]

Spiderman 3 was the worst fucking movie I have ever seen.

You know you loved the bar scene.

[altemose09]

amen

[Dearbhla]

I actually really like Mayday Parade's cover of when I grow up...

There is a lot of shit on this album though.

[xapplexpiex]

I want this only for the ADTR cover of Cable Car. But I'm not to fond of the other songs.

[MBIIdollaBill]

LOL @ the review. I'm pretty sure this album wasn't mean to be the next Nevermind or anything... I could be wrong, but that was my feeling.

[Sleepwitsirens]

FYS cover is one of the worst songs i have ever heard. ADTR is sweet, i like Chiodos, the Alesana one is dirty, Attack Attack is just a fun one, and There for Tomorrow is sick as hell

[SingMeInsomnia]

Toxic was the only highlight for me.

[SingMeInsomnia]

Sadly, many of the band cannot carry a tune and are so overproduced, the artificial qualities water it down.

Example: The Cab, for one. The rest deserve little to no merit for their covers, which are tepid recreations that have absolutely no unique qualities. Bayside and Four Year Strong are perhaps the only worthwhile candidates here, and even then, they aren't doing anything incredible. Pretty basic stuff if you ask me.
Lol, my thoughts exactly. And I'm guessing you can't wait for the "Punk" Goes Classic Rock album?