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V/A Compilation – “Protect 2” (GC Records) All proceeds of this Compilation go The National Association to Protect Children. I love the idea of charity compilations, but when it came to “Protect 2” I was highly disappointed by the song selection on the CD. Don’t get me wrong there are of course some nice songs, but has more duds then anything else. Out of the 27 songs on this compilation I would say I enjoy five, felt that eight others are OK, but nothing worth hearing again, and the remaining fourteen are songs I never want to hear again for various reasons.
The five songs I enjoyed on this compilation are;
The Dopamines – “Navigation Point” (Acoustic) – The sound of the acoustic guitar with the cadence of the vocals is a nice touch and brings out a nice emotional touch to the song.
Vlad and The Impalers – “Army Now” (live) – A very underestimated band that really brings the energy on every song, but really turns it up a notch live. Based upon this song alone you can tell this is one hell of a live band.
Mall’d To Death – “Blood for Gas Money” – Terrible band name; Yes! The song isn’t anything other than solid unadulterated punk rock. I like it and you should too.
Be My Doppelganger – “I need a ride” – Again a song that isn’t anything stand out, I just like the singers bratty voice in this song and the bass lines.
**I think the song by Bent Left – “Application For Federal Assistance” could be a pretty good song, the recording I heard was overly murky and bass heavy so it just annoyed me.
Other than that there isn’t really anything that stood out as worth listening to. There are a few bands that if a different song was chosen could have really improved this compilation, but overall there was too many “blah” for me to endure. Hey, it’s for a great cause, so don’t take my word for it. Buy it yourself and do your own review.
I have to say I agree that it could have been better. I will disagree on a few items though.
1) Vlad the Impalers song – not impressed. too rough, no melody, they’ve done better.
2) Friday Knights song – awesome, catchy pop punk. Certainly as good as the Be My Doppleganger track.
3) Mall’d to Death – agree the song is good, but think the name is also pretty funny considering they’re from the same city as the Mall of America.
4) Dopamines – way too emo. i normally like them but not here at all.
5) thought the Hotcakes song was really catchy. not great, but the chorus is excellent.
good review in all, though I found the comp to be more enjoyable plus being for a good cause.
I have to say I agree that it could have been better. I will disagree on a few items though.
1) Vlad the Impalers song – not impressed. too rough, no melody, they’ve done better.
2) Last Great Hope song – awesome, catchy pop punk. i don’t know anything about this band but it’s certainly as good as the Be My Doppleganger track.
3) Mall’d to Death – agree the song is good, but think the name is also pretty funny considering they’re from the same city as the Mall of America.
4) Dopamines – way too emo. i normally like them but not here at all.
5) thought the Hotcakes song was really catchy. not great, but the chorus is excellent.
good review in all, though I found the comp to be more enjoyable plus being for a good cause. also agree that the Bent Left recording was a little rough, though it’s nice to have some lower midwest punk in there.