Bouncing Souls The Good, the Bad, and the Argyle (1994) Chunksaah/BYO

The Good, the Bad, and the Argyle is the first full length album recorded by the Bouncing Souls. After playing around the New Brunswick, NJ area, and gaining a large fanbase, the Souls decided to get their music out to the masses, and recorded this album and released it on their own label in 1994. Supported by a national tour, this is the album that made the Bouncing Souls nationally known.

This album brings to the recorded medium the energy and soul that the Souls' stage show had shown for years. The album opens with "I Like Your Mom", which shows the Bouncing Souls sense of humor, which they became known for over their career. Soon after, they give us "These Are the Quotes From Our Favorite 80's Movies", which I always found amusing, because I was a child of the 80's and knew all the quotes. This is followed-up by my personal all-time favorite Souls song "Joe Lies (When He Cries)", which is heartfelt and well-written. The observant ones out there will notice that that title comes from an 80's movie, too (Say Anything). The fans begin to see the Bouncing Souls obsession with the eighties. Another live show favorite is found on this album ("Neurotic"), along with two covers, "Candy" and "I Know What Boys Like", which are both well-done and entertaining. The rest of the songs, although not as outstanding, hold this album together tightly, making it a solid debut release.

Although this album does not entertain me as much as their self-titled release or "Maniacal Laughter", it's worth a listen to see where the Souls' legacy all started. Or at least to have "Joe Lies" in your record collection.

(lolaq)