Atticus - Dragging The Lake Review

Posted by Tony Jaymz on 10.03.2002

I wouldn't mind a green beer right now...or a Glassjawbreaker...

Atticus, the clothing brand, and SideOneDummy came together to bring probably the definitive beginners guide to punk music. Why do I say that? Because 1) there are a lot of bands on the CD 2) while they have heavyweights like Blink 182, New Found Glory, Jimmy Eat World, and Boxcar Racer, they also have unknowns, to those not accustomed to punk, like the Alkaline Trio, Madcap, and Slick Shoes. While being a beginners guide, it also is a collectors item for punk enthusiasts because of the 24 tracks, there are 13 unreleased tracks and one live from London track. And at the price of 6 dollars, if you're even the least bit interested, you should go get it. I was going to do a track by track, band by band, but I wrote about 12 tracks worth in three days, so I thought I'd go the way of the buffalo (100 bucks to whoever can label that little inside tidbit) and just do a synopsis of the CD. Overall, there is nothing actively bad on this CD, and some stuff that actually reminds me of better times. Yeah, that's right: I'm talking to YOU Blink 182. And I have to say: These have to be some of the most original band names I've ever heard. Glassjaw, Alkaline Trio, Bad Astronaut all get a place in my heart as great band names. The titles of the songs are cool too, I mean, Jakked n Green beers? That's gold baby! Of course you can have great names but suck. Thankfully, most if not all, of the bands kick it, Rock Show style. And I'm talking about the kind of show at the back on an arcade, with 50 people crowded around the band. That's a rock show. And, while not my favorite band, Jimmy Eat World delivers on their live version of Praise Chorus. And while I'm on the subject of bands on this CD I got to get something off my chest: I miss Blink 182. I'm talking about Dude Ranch Blink 182, Buddha Blink 182, and even Enema of the States Blink 182. I will always enjoy them but…they used to be great…now they are just good. If your like me, pick up "Time to Break Up", as it harkens back to old school Blink 182 and delivers.
As a closing, if I had to pick the two best racks/bands/songs on this CD, it'd have to be Agent 51-"I Believe" and Name Taken-"The Safety of Routine". All in all, a pretty damn good CD full of great bands, great names, and diamonds in the rough. Oh and, having a dead bird as your cover art is just pimp.

Oh and if you love me so much, and need me to give my opinion on a band/song on this CD, just email me.