Rough Edge: NOFX CD Reviews

NOFX

"Backstage Passport Soundtrack" (Fat Wreck Chords; 2014)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

I've heard NOFX over the years but I probably couldn't tell you one track they are famous for, and, the only thing I remember about them is the album cover for "Heavy Petting Zoo" -- it still gives me a brain hurt. So, when I picked up this disc I did so knowing they are punk and R. Scott Bolton's review of "Wolves in Wolves' Clothing" is right on: NOFX flip their snotty lyrics at you with some metal flavor to make this one interesting spin. This disc has a DVD that goes along with it. This is considered a compilation album which probably doesn't mean too much to anybody but a lot of these songs were from the 7"-of-the-month club back in 2005, if you used to follow them during that time.

The lyrics on "Backstage Passport Soundtrack" are some of the most vile I've heard in a long time; they don't sugar coat anything and, as a matter of fact, they go out of their way to shock you. Every now and then you'll hear something that makes you laugh but it's a nervous laugh at best. The CD includes the lyrics so if you want to get dirty with them then, by all means, read along. The music is really good and it's pure punk with short blasts of guitar and a quick bass to keep the jolt moving along.

NOFX: "Fat" Mike Burkett - lead vocals, bass guitar, keyboards; Eric Melvin - rhythm guitar, accordion, keyboards, backing vocals; Aaron "El Hefe" Abeyta - lead guitar, trumpet, backing vocals; Erik Sandin - drums.

For more info on the band - http://www.nofx.org.

"Wolves in Wolves' Clothing" (Fat Wreck Chords; 2006)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

NOFX angrily hits the road running with "Wolves in Wolves' Clothing," an 18 track collection of tunes that run the gamut from Ramones-style punk, The Clash-style new wave and Judas Priest-style metal riffs(!). Add to that lethal combo some truly brilliant and scathing lyrics and you wind up with a record that's as intelligent and as lively as you're likely to find.

"Wolves in Wolves' Clothing" begins with the subtle bitterness of "60%" and then is quickly followed by the sad, resigned and hard rocking "USA-Holes" which is one of the most simple yet brilliantly lyricked anti-Bush songs yet recorded. The CD's zenith comes next: "Seeing Double at the Triple Rock," with its blistering lead riff and addictively fast rhythm. Although "Seeing Double" might be the CD's best track, there's plenty of great stuff to follow. The aforementioned Clash beat of "The Marxist Brothers," the anti-hate anthem "Leaving Jesusland," and the caustic "You Will Lose Faith" are all solid rockers, both musically and lyrically.

Perhaps it wouldn't surprise longtime fans of NOFX but "Wolves in Wolves' Clothing" surprised me. The record is tighter, more energetic and more intelligent than I would have expected from the band. After this CD, however, I know what I've been missing and I look forward to hearing more.

For more information, check out http://www.nofx.org.

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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