At the moment, the Ataris can certainly do no wrong. In the UK, they have managed to gather quite a following, with UK tours selling out, and CDs flying off the shelves. And signing to Columbia Records is only going to help them shift even more copies.
Their 2000 release on Kung Fu Records, 'Let It Burn,' is a 17-track split CD with Israeli punks Useless ID. And quite simply, this is an absolute must buy. Fans of either band will love it, and if you're not a emo-punk lover, you most certainly will be at the end of your first listen.
There are drawbacks though, and I shall deal with these first. It is short at just over 30 minutes long, and there are 5 songs that weigh in at just 30 seconds, 4 of which are by the Ataris. Secondly, a fan of the Ataris is already likely to have heard nearly all of the songs on this CD, albeit in different forms. Anyway, warning over, let the music commence.
The Ataris are perhaps the most vital band out there in punk land at the moment. Yep, it is lovelorn, and every punk band seems to be going down the emo route these days, but lets get this straight - the Ataris do it better than all of them. 'The Radio Still Sucks' is a thirty-second anthem, and 'Song For A Mix Tape' is sublime. This thirty-second version is far superior to the most excellent full length version featured on 'End Is Forever.'
'PS The Scene Is Dead' is superb, as is the emo(y) 'Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits.' But 'Let It Burn,' and it's super aggressive drumming is just amazing. 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation' is a raw version of the song that graced 'End Is Forever,' and 'On With The Show' rocks like a bastard.
But it is the accoustic version of the anthemic 'San Dimas High School Football Rules' which really steals the show. This song alone is worth the £13 price tag. Utterly stunning, and perhaps the greatest song ever written. Period. To top this would be very difficult, but the hidden track, and accoustic version of 'Bad Case of Broken Heart' (which incidentally was sung down a payphone) is unbelievable. If you think the 'End Is Forever' version is good, then wait until you hear this...
In comparison, Useless ID are generic pop-punk. But they are better than the average Joe, withouts standing out. Coming across like No Use For A Name in a scarp with Lagwagon, they bang out a very Americanised foreign sound. If that doesn't sound too stupid. It all sounds very much the same, but is likeable nevertheless. It just doesn't compare at all to Kris Roe's brokenhearted crew.
'Too Bad You Don't Get It,' also featured on 'Short Music For Short People,' is snappy and melodic, and this is a pretty fair snapshot of all eight Useless ID songs. But to be honest, the first eight songs are just so damn good, I doubt you'll ever want to stop listening to them.
Paul Savage
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