Rough Edge: Bowling for Soup CD Reviews

BOWLING FOR SOUP

"Fishin' For Woos" (Brando Records; 2011)

I realize there's a place for serious music. I acknowledge that bands like U2, Prong and Rage Against the Machine make music that's '"important." But when I buy a CD, I'm just looking to have fun. I prefer music that is positive, upbeat and still manages to kick my ass.

And that's why I love the new album by the legendary Bowling For Soup.

"Fishin' For Woos" is bright, fun, poppy punk that sparkles from beginning to end. You can't possibly listen to this album without tapping your toes, singing along with the choruses, breaking out in a big smile or often laughing out loud. The lyrics to each and every song are often funny (or at least fun) and the band's many years of songwriting experience is apparent.

I fell in love with this album the first time through, getting a kick out of energetic tracks like "S-S-S-Saturday" and "Here's Your Freakin' Song," and it still entertains me throughout its umpteenth play.

Unlike too many other pop punk bands, those that make one track sound too much like the next, Bowling for Soup keeps it varied enough from beginning to end. This again speaks to the band's considerable songwriting talent and musical ability.

Is it for everybody? Definitely not. Those who prefer the more depressing forms of rock'n'roll need not bother. However, those who are looking for the musical equivalent of your morning cup of coffee -- or perhaps a Jolt! cola -- will find plenty to like on "Fishin' for Woos."

For more information, check out http://www.facebook.com/bowlingforsoup.

"A Hangover You Don't Deserve" (Jive; 2004)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Bowling For Soup is one of the goofiest outfits to play rock'n'roll that I’ve heard. This CD has the song “1985” and that track pulls all of us thirty years and older back to a fun time in our lives. Gen-X wouldn’t get the lyrics, so trust someone over 30 ... we had more fun back then.

The lyrics are a humorous blend of relationship woes and relationships where we should have said “Whoa! Stop!” The guitars are punchy and a punk vibe is always present. They do rock though; like Sum 41, the testosterone crowd loves to let loose and ham it up. Every now and then you can hear a country sound emerge, mainly on the slower tracks, but Jaret’s voice is too high to sing about the trailer park, unless the band is harmonizing in a double wide.

The guitar is catchy and mirrors a lot of 80s riffs, the drums keep perfect time and the bass can be heard a lot more than some CDs I have by similar artists. Jaret’s voice may get a little annoying after a while but the lyrics are funny enough that you start to try and match his nasal sound.

The strikes are “1985,” “ Ohio (Come Back To Texas),” “Next Ex-Girlfriend,” and “My Hometown.”

The 7-10 splits are “Almost,” “Get Happy,” and “Down For The Count.”

Bowling For Soup: Jaret – sings, attempts to play guitar and spends way too much money on haircuts; Eric – play bass, sings and spends hours telling a five minute story; Chris – plays guitar, sleeps, attempts to sing and will pay you $8 to clip his toenails; Gary – plays drums and really only speaks when he has had a few, and then…WATCH OUT!

For more information, check out http://www.bowlingforsoup.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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