Published on May 30, 2002
I remember the day I picked up the initial release version of
this CD in 1997. I was writing for the now-extinct ICON in Iowa
City. My editor had put a tiny sticky note on the CD that tainted
my initial impression of this release. That tainting has pursued me
as this band has gone on to release other CDs. Therefore, I’m
reviewing this release, but not giving you my opinion.
The story of the Ataris is a kid in Anderson, Indiana, wants to
make it big. He gets a demo in the hands of a Vandals’ roadie, who
passes it on the band. The band is invited out to California to
record this release in less than a week. The original version
showcased an emotional lyricist in Kris Roe, who also sings and
plays guitar.
“Bite My Tongue” was my first introduction to the band. Guitar
riff catches my attention and this release is off to a good start.
Drummer Derrick Plourde and bassist Marko 72 lock in for a solid
foundation while 2nd guitarist/vocalist Jasin Thomason chimes in
appropriately
There are many good moments on this release, but as much as I
want to tell you about them, I’d rot in hell for ruining your first
impression of this band.
I will say that, per the liner notes, the songs on the re-issue
are closer to the way the band thought they should be. “Four Chord
Wonder” is now followed by “Hey Kid.” The lyrics of “Four Chord
Wonder” have stuck with me over the years. I appreciate it when a
band realizes, “You know what? This song I just wrote . . . other
bands have played similar songs. I’m not all that original.” Roe
sings, “How many bands have wrote this song before/ I can name at
least fifty, I bet you could name a hundred more.” And granted,
even as a drummer, I recognize the chords as being very familiar to
my ears.
“Angry Nerd Rock” is probably my favorite Ataris song of all
time. I like the lyrics and the laid-back approach to the song,
even though the lyrics are very confrontational: “I’m sick of being
caught up in yesterday/ Everyday it’s still the same/ Different
faces, different names/ But I’m still stuck here playing these
stupid games.”
In all, this re-release is a good excuse to go out and update
your copy of the original or if you never bought this release, you
should.