A Sonic Documentation of Exhibition and Banter

Blue Meanies' studio records have always been adventurous explorations of the typical '90s ska-punk, incorporating everything from Gang of Four-style guitar workouts to jazzy interludes. Though the band never quite broke the mold, they did succeed in expanding it and exposing their audiences to new sounds. Consequently, the band's power as a live band is sometimes forgotten except to those fortunate enough to have caught the act during their lifetime. This is vibrant and menacing ska-punk as few could deliver it; songs like the underground favorite "Smash the Magnavox" are rough but tightly executed, while mid-tempo tunes like "Tread" resonate fully and powerfully. As the band themselves says between a blistering version of "Polka in the Eye" and the Jesus Lizard-esque "Devil Came to the Ninth Ward": "We're not your usual ska-punk, so I hope you didn't come to see it." ~ Ari Wiznitzer, All Music Guide