Rock Against Bush, Various Artists
It's very difficult to say anything new on Rock Against Bush because most things have already been said. Is this a smart marketing ploy by Fat Mike or a genuine plea to get more voters to participate in elections Stateside? I'd like to believe it's the latter, but the cynic in me can't help but think there's a small amount of business acumen gone into the process. Still, whether you're for or against the Bush regime (or you don't really care), this release is arguably more 'punk' than anything released in recent years. While many of the bands have sold shitloads of records, or feature on major labels, the idea of bringing bands together to unite against a cause is a punk ideal which seems to have been missing in recent years. If Fat Mike does indeed suceed in making a difference, his efforts with Punkvoter, and the resultant spin-offs such as this CD, should be applauded.
But moving away from the political stance, is the record itself any good? When you consider the vast majority of the tracks here are unreleased or rare, and there's efforts from Alakline Trio, New Found Glory, NOFX, Sum 41 and The Get Up Kids to sit alongside Denali, Ministry and Social Distortion, variety really is the word of the day. The honest truth is that this is a great compilation, loaded with new songs which clearly weren't destined for the cutting room floor. I guess the fact that it combines an important subject which intends to educate and inform, albeit in a form of propaganda, is even better.
It would be easier to tell you which songs don't cut the mustard rather than outline the efforts that do. Kris Roe's appalling Ataris effort is by far the worst song here, a poorly recorded track which really should never have been committed to tape. And that's coming straight from an Ataris fan. The Ministry track isn't my bag either, but it is indicative of the variety and unity that shines through during the disc. Everything else is pretty much spot on, with even Sum 41 contributing a song worthy of being spun more than once.
The extras, liner notes and videos are also a treat - if this is the way forward in informing people, especially of the younger generations, that your vote matters, then I guess Rock Against Bush will become a seminal release. For many the only way this record can be a success will be if it actually encourages more people to vote and Mr Kerry makes it into the White House. It's ok garnishing good reviews and positive comments, but that could all be worthless if the real result is never met...
www.fatwreck.com
www.punkvoter.com
Paul
