The Pietasters

The Pietasters: TurboTurbo (2002)
Fueled By Ramen Records

Reviewer Rating: 4

User Rating:

Contributed by: sickboiChris
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on August 20th 2002Ska, soul, rock.... Just what the hell are the Pietasters these days? It seems that every album, dating back to the incredible "Oolooloo", "Willis", and most recently "Awesome Mix Tape#6", have demonstrated completely different styles. The band's most recent release, "Turbo", seems to finally show w.

Ska, soul, rock.... Just what the hell are the Pietasters these days? It seems that every album, dating back to the incredible "Oolooloo", "Willis", and most recently "Awesome Mix Tape#6", have demonstrated completely different styles. The band's most recent release, "Turbo", seems to finally show what these differences have been building up to.

"Turbo" is an incredible blend of soul, ska, and punk that is nothing short of pure pleasure to listen to. Tracks like "Told You The First Time", "Set Me Up", and "Rachel" are strongly reminiscent of the recent sound introduced on "Awesome Mix Tape #6"; whereas "Wrong With You" seems that it could have very well been from the "Willis" sessions, very classic-punk influenced with a hint of soul.

"Step Right Up" is a purely instrumental number that although sounding familiar to something that would be pre-recorded on a Casio keyboard, is actually a very lounge-ish sorta number. Classy.

Additionally, I am completely stoked to see the return of the classic Pietasters style in several of the album's tracks. The trad-ska/reggae influenced "Trust Yourself", "Drunken-Master" and "Mellow Mood" (with the late, great Todd Eckhardt on bass) are sure to please any fan of the group's earlier material.

This is truly a spectacular album. The only complaint I can really think of is the packaging, which has a real lack of any sufficient liner notes. But putting trivial matters such as that aside, top notch album, from one of the most creative and innovative bands in the business today.

Login to rate this album

People who liked this also liked:

Please login or register to post comments.What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?

Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Anonymous (August 27, 2002)

the pietasters are rad! i saw them back in the day at soma in san diego with cherry poppin daddies and hepcat. fuck that was a good show. too bad hepcat isn't around anymore...they kicked ass

maverick (August 23, 2002)

Best live album ever?

Dude, have you never heard Cheap Trick's "Live At Budokan?"

Shit, man.

-Scott

PrestoneB (August 23, 2002)

I haven't heard this album yet, so I can't say much about it. But, their live album, "Strapped Live!" is possible the best Live album ever.
It's recorded perfectly, the songs are great. I'm pretty sure it's out of print though. It's on Moon Ska records...if you get a chance pick it up. It's definately worth the money.
I'm stoked to see The Pietasters on 9/27/02 at The Edge in Augusta, Maine.

Anonymous (August 23, 2002)

We got thrown out of the nation show before we got in for pissing in an alley behind the club. Fuckin' bouncers. "i think you guys are causing trouble and get the hell out of here. " bastards!

OwStopkiCkinMe (August 21, 2002)

I haven't heard the albums entirety yet, but god...The Pietasters are an amazaing band. I saw them recently with Less Than Jake, and they blew me away. Great music.

maverick (August 20, 2002)

Dear Mr. Corradini:
We get a ton of review submissions. I publish 10 on Monday night and 10 on Thursday night. Out of those, I run 2 or 3 live show reviews in each update. Yours was submitted later than the ones that I posted in this update. Be patient. Your review is no more special than anyone else's.

-Scott

Anonymous (August 20, 2002)

You're being punished for reviewing all of those horrible Drive-Thru bands at San Diego's Warped Tour.

Anonymous (August 20, 2002)

mr. scott, where is my less than jake show review?? you added a ton of reviews but not mine.

chris corradini

AdamVMS (August 20, 2002)

Anyone in the DC area should go see them play with the Shakedowns @ the 930 club on Sept 14th

Anonymous (August 20, 2002)

Fucking brilliant!!!!!

Anonymous (August 20, 2002)

ummm...probably.

seek (August 20, 2002)

the album art gives me a boner. is that wrong?