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MU330

Ultra Panic
2002
Asian Man

MU330 - Ultra Panic (Cover Artwork)

Review by: Moldy
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Asian Man Records (link)

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Published on July 15th 2002

One of the hardest working bands out there are back with their 7th full length release "Ultra Panic". On this release MU330 drops their signature rock dominated ska in favor of a more traditional ska sound. To accomplish this they enlist the talents of Blue Meanies(RIP) organist Chaz Boyd and saxophonist John Paul Camp III. When I first heard that they were recording together I thought it was just for one or two tracks, but instead they appear on the entire album helping the band achive a more fuller sound and giving them that more traditional ska sound. They also give some reminders of their old band with solos on "Lied To" and "Let Go Again" that sound very similar to Blue Meanies' songs.

That is not the only changed that has occurred, most of the songs seem a lot mellower than on the previous releases, I think this comes from the dropping of the rock influence, while some may not enjoy this change, I think it comes together for one of the best ska albums that have been released in a long time. All of the songs are very catchy and had me singing along after only a few listens.

In a couple of the song's lyrics we find Dan breaking away from songs about relationships (or lack of) and life, for more a more serious tone in "Tell Another One" were he confronts a racists "friend" that he had to share a ride with, "Raw Fish" where he makes fun of the close minded people that don't care to learn about other cultures and think that theirs is automatically be the best and one everyone should follow, and "KKK Hiway" a song making fun of the KKK's adoption of a section of I-55 in Mo. (I have actually driven on it and I think it was one of the more littered sections of 55).

Overall the cd is great, this is one of the best ska releases in a long time, and I think one of MU330's best albums overall. If you're a fan of MU330 or ska you should already have this, if you're not well you should be, everyone should listen to a band that is this positive and fun it would make the world a better place.

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 7, 2006 at 8:03 PM (EST)

Love this album,, totally great

From
]
3d scream Bass man

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 22, 2002 at 7:26 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Sure - the speed punk signiture guitars are gone, but very few of the songs clock much longer then 2min30sec, so i dunno about that "lack of rock".. It's just a new approach, one I commend them for. Everyone should give this CD a chance.

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 21, 2002 at 9:57 AM (EDT)
My Score:

damn, this cd is really really really good. i like it a shit load. its most likely there best. plus i say word to still playing ska. jeez fuck these so called once ska bands that dont even want to play it anymore. its such a let down. mu330 keeps the genre alive and well. buy it. support asian man records too.

Posted by cawknocker on 2002-07-19 17:09:56
My Score:

hmmmm dork ska. but ska still rules. i miss it. so many ska bands have disapointed me w/ their most recent releases (ltj,rbf) or broken up (hepcat,pilfers). where did it go. get the new bosstones though, its amzing. Hoosier love, hoosier love, south side city!

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at 6:47 PM (EDT)
My Score:

asian man records fucking rocks. mu330 fucking rocks. everyone should the new short round cd on asian man records. it fucking rocks.

Posted by eyeball_kid on 2002-07-17 17:48:13
My Score:

I do love this CD.

Best tracks 'Raw Fish' and 'These Rocks Have Energy'. That's some mean 'bone playin'.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at 3:45 AM (EDT)
My Score:

This cd is truely fantastic.. I had the song "Deeper" going on in my head when I did my driver's examination today and I actually passed this time. I hope these guys come to Ottawa

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at 1:10 AM (EDT)
My Score:

I bought this cd 2 or 3 months ago and it caused many brain explosions and I thought the album was skatacular. I wouldnt say the rock influence is gone because the later tracks were some good ol' time rock n' roll. St. Louis rulz and so does this album. 3 thumbs up! WAY UP!!!!

Posted by SOYBOMB on 2002-07-15 22:28:06
My Score:

I concur

Peace,
-SOYBOMB-

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 15, 2002 at 1:45 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Best ska band period. It's a great cd. I love all their cds equally except for Chumps on parade which I put number 1. Love the energy on that cd. crazy shit.

-ejaculine

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 15, 2002 at 12:51 PM (EDT)
My Score:

The cover art comes from some ceremony in Japan. I don't really know what they do but hit has to do something with becoming a man.

Posted by SOYBOMB on 2002-07-14 23:36:51
My Score:

MU330.. I can't say enough good about this band.

They kick ass plain and simple..
They are among one of my favorite bands (along side Big D and The Kids Table, Lawrence Arms, Nekromantix and Less Than Jake).

Peace,
-SOYBOMB-

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 14, 2002 at 11:30 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Great review, I too thought the cd was great.. does anyone know where the crazy cover art originated?