Vinyl LP pressing of the punk/ska band’s 1997 sophomore album. Hang Ups takes a tight, cohesive sound and adds a drop more ska to the ska-punk-metal-pop mix that won them interest and acclaim after the release of their self-titled 1996 debut. Amid crashing guitars and occasionally cacophonous vocals by John Feldmann, Hang-Ups offers wonderfully engaging surprises like a sweetly unexpected sense of melody, an unshakable twisted wit, and a newly expanded horn section which contributes to the album's full, vivid sound. 'If Only' stands out both for its typical Goldfinger humor ('If only I was eighteen/And had the courage of the A-Team/Maybe then you'd be with me') and it's gentle, melancholy lyrics and vocals. Feldmann's ability to let his voice go from punk-sinister to soft and pretty is one of the many strengths of this engaging band.
|
