I'd like to assume that the majority of users on this site are familair with pop-punk royalty Smoking Popes. I would make such an assumption on the basis of one argument alone: that they are one of the most influential and important "punk" bands of the past 20 years. Sure, it's been said before about dozens of bands, some worthy, some not, and I'm sure the aforementioned statement will seem a tired cliché to some. But when it comes to the Popes, I feel such a desription is honest and necessary. [more]