The Jerks are back with their 3rd realese.
Lineup at the time:
Vocals- Keith Morris
Guitar- Greg Hetson
Bass- Roger Rogerson
Drums- John Ingram
Band information
The band the Circle Jerks started up in 1979. When former Black Flag vocalist Keith Morris and Red Kross guitarist Greg Hetson started up the band with bassist Roger Rogerson, and drummer Lucky Lehrer. Lucky Lehrer was not on "Golden Shower of Hits". Drummer John Ingram took his spot as Circle Jerks drummer.
The album was released on
Rhino Records.
Personal Favorite Songs:
Parade of the Horribles
Product of My Environment
In Your Eyes
Rats of Reality
When the *** Hits the Fan.
Review:
This album is unfortunately the last great Circle Jerks album. Their first album "Group Sex" is unbelievable, an essential punk album. Their 2nd album "Wild in the Streets" didn't live up to Group Sex, but this 3rd album was pretty **** close. It was a bit more mainstream you could say, but none the less it is great.
The musical talent is boosted a bit on this album I think. Great riffs, drum fills and lyrics. The lyrics are defiantly more intense than earlier albums, and some are pretty funny, and interesting. They have grown up a bit lyric wise also. It has a bit more genre variety. Sort of. It's not all fast hardcore. It starts off with In Your Eyes.. but that is not what the rest of the album is like. That's the only song under 1 minute on it. It's a great song, but that is not how the rest of the album is. Songs like Rats of Reality start off so awesome. Musically I think it's my favorite album of theirs.
Pretty much every song on here could be considered a great song. Some are more catchier than others. Parade of the Horribles is probley worth the money alone. Under the Gun is another want that should be highlighted.
Positives:
Great musicianship
Better than "Wild in the Streets"
Every song is so catchy
Parade of the Horribles
Their covers of some Pop classics (Jerks on 45)
Negative:
Last Great Circle Jerks album
Not as much humor
More mainstream
Compared to their previous albums, it is almost as good as Group Sex. I don't think it is as influential, but musically speaking it is better. And it is better than Wild In The Streets. Compared to their future albums, this is the last really good one. They were still an amazing band, live especially. Just their newer stuff didn't live up to the old albums.
Conclusion:
Overall, this is a must have album. Not even limited in the Punk genre, unlike their "Group Sex" album this has a more mainstream appeal. It's all good, it can get boring if you really hate punk music. But other than that is great. I suggest buying the album. If you don't like the Jerks from what you have heard from other albums.. download some tracks off this album. It will give you a feel on how it is. Any tracks, except "In Your Eyes". That's more punk/hardcore which may not appeal to alot of people. The album is for fans of punk music, or music in genre. Or anyone who wants to listen basically. I suggest it, take a listen.
Overall Rating- 4/5. When I first got it, I could not stop listening to. I still can't. Every time I play it it still has that feel. A MUST have for any punk fan.
Thanks for reading, and I do appreciate comments.
-Keep on Rocking.
