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 | Mad CaddiesDuck and Cover1998 Fat Wreck Chords 
 Review by: Jay Porter See others by this writer Only registered users can post comments 
 
Published on November 15th 2002 I was amazed to see that this album hadn't been reviewed yet. Duck and Cover is, by far, one of the most underrated albums in the ska-punk scene. It's catchy, it's goofy, it's really, really musical... overall, it's an extrodinary album. Duck and Cover was released in 1998, a great year for ska-punk. Why Do They Rock So Hard was released, and all of the other ska-punk bands out there uttered a collective "dammit" as they listened to probably the first ska-punk album ever that could truly be considered an epic work. Reel Big Fish raised the bar tenfold with the release of this masterful album, and perhaps this bold assertion of their own greatness halped to contribute to ska-punk's downfall. However, several months prior, the Mad Caddies released a quirky little 12-song album that would prove to be one of the best products of the ska-punk craze. It's not big and in-your-face like Why Do They Rock So Hard, it's not abrasive and beckoningly self-conscious like Goldfinger, it's not detached and reggae-ish like Halfway Between Here and There (and I mention these three because they're some of my favorite ska-punk albums, along with Duck and Cover). In terms of sound, I would compare this album to Turn The Radio Off, but Chuck's lyrics are nothing like Aaron's, and the horn riffs aren't as much catchy as they are infectious. In short, no good comparison can be made between this album and any other out there (with the exception of the other MC albums...the closest one to this, in terms of sound, is The Holiday Has Been Cancelled). The Caddies stay fairly true to their ska roots, with several traditional, skank-along ska tunes (like "No Hope," which includes a blistering trumpet solo -- trumpet players will find Keith Douglas to be one of the most remarkable and creative ska trumpet players out there). "One Shot," however, is purely reggae, and is an awesome change of pace. Apathetic is straight punk -- think Good Riddance or Sick of It All, or maybe Strung Out. "Medium Unwell" is the token scary song that every good ska-punk album must have (think "Skatanic)... and seriously, the horn riffs are pretty scary. "Macho Nachos" is an accessible punk-with-horns number that was featured in some snowboarding game for PlayStation or something. The Mad Caddies actually enjoy DixieLand music, too, and this comes through on "Monkeys," a goofy, banjo-laced song that will have you saying "are they serious?" when you first hear it. But listen to it a few times -- the trumpet actually really, really complex and awesome in this song...Keith obviously had some jazz training. I can't believe my ears, but the Caddies have actually made a DixieLand song rock. "Road Rash," the first song on the album, is perhaps the most difficult to describe. My emo-loving friends have scorned it as "circus music" and called it "simple" and "goofy." Maybe that's why I like it. Or maybe it's because the masterful transitions between three-chord pop-punk and goofy ska that compose this song, highlighted by an extremely catchy horn riff, make me want to listen to it again and again. "Econoline" is another one of those awesome ska-punk songs that integrates both standard punk power chords with ska chords and horn riffs, the way RBF does so well. It's one of the best songs on the album -- the chord progression is just soooo nice, especially in the horn part. "Betty" is just standard swing, with a ska twist. I'm glad the whole album isn't like this -- it's my least favorite song -- but it STILL has an awesome trumpet solo! Finally, "Popcorn" is a chill, mellow song with a kickin'-back horn riff that just makes you feel like you're sitting on a beach in the evening. Exposure is everything. If the Caddies were on MCA instead of Fat Wreck, I am sure that this album would've made them huge, like Sublime/No Doubt huge. Keith Douglass is the most ridiculous ska trumpeter I've ever heard. Chuck writes awesome lyrics and can definitely sing, too. The rest of the band is good; there are no weak spots, although Keith and Chuck tend to overshadow everyone else. The songwriting is awesome, soooo much better than most of the "punk" crap that the major labels are pumping out these days. If you haven't heard the Caddies yet, THIS is the album to get (Quality Softcore is fun but unpolished, The Holiday Has Been Cancelled is also excellent, but is mad short, and Rock The Plank, while a well-written album, doesn't have the goofy, ska-punk charm of this work). The Caddies have a new album coming out soon, and Keith was reported to have said that it sounds the most like this one. That's the best news I've heard since the first time I ever listened to this diamond in the dust. Duck and Cover is exactly the type of album that will make you wish that it was 1997 again. Ska-punk at it's finest.
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This is one of the first ska albums that i have liked all the songs on it is really musical with some insane trumpet and just makes you want to sing along over all duck and cover is an excellent album Best mad caddies cd. Best ska-punk cd. Wow this Album rocks!!! One of the best Fat-Wreck releases!!! cult record and a must have! ska punk as it best! i thought the fury of the aquabats was the best ska record out there until i picked this up. best of the best so pick it up The Mad Caddies' best album. Quality music filled with energy and horns. If you don't mind some good ska mixed with rockin riffs, you won't be disappointed by this. slapstick... now there's a band that makes me wish i could be older so i could've seem live I have this Cd and the Mad Caddies sound nothing like Reel Big Fish and shouldn't be compared to them either, why not try to compare them to more ska-core band, that like the Bosstones or Voodoo Glow Skulls. However "The Holiday has Been Canceled" comparsion was right on. Also Slapstick is the best ska-punk band of all time i wish i was a pirate... Yeah, I was talking about the Canadian band. Kamloops, BC I believe. "I am a pirate, and a pirate's what I am. Hey!" um homey, maybe you should actually listen to the impossibles. They arent exactly the most goofy band out there. The hippos were more light hearted and fun than goofy id say as well (their first album at least, their second was shit) "Thee Pirates actually kick a lotta ass. If you can find anything of theirs check it out." good band, good record, but nothing spectacular in my opinion. the bosstones do it much better. what about voodoo glow skulls? i also like aaa. Mad Caddies rock. The review sucks tho. Do you compare every ska-related cd to Reel Big Fish? This is to the very first post "best ska cd ever created",your standards are very low,cause this not the best ever-oldpunker- Thee Pirates actually kick a lotta ass. If you can find anything of theirs check it out. also, id like to add that "pirate core" would be a sick ass genre. Anyone wanna recommend some "pirate core" bands??? ive never heard this cd before so im giving it a 7 to be fair or some shit. ANYWAYS, nobody has mentioned Slow Gherkin, Mu330, Impossibles (their earlier stuff was skanktastic), the hippos, or the aquabats. C'mon people whats ska without these bands no one said ska needs horns so id say the best ska-punk band (besides op ivy of course) would be leftover crack (or the now defucnt choking victim). i was sad when cv broke up but good thing they lived on in loc long live hardcore ska-punk! "I have the highest of regard for trailblazing bands like Op Iv and the Suicide Machines." Dude, go check the release date on Destruction by Definition and compare it to Op Ivy's record. There's almost ten years between the two. slapstick owns your whack ska ass...mad caddies are good, but slapstick was the best Oh, and Turn the Radio Off is much more listenable now than WDTRSH is. (to the guy who posted below me), I agree. Don't Know How to Party. I like turn the radio off more than why do they rock so hard....maybe that's just me??? yo -- this is Jay, the reviewer, commenting on some of what's written below. This is a great album, a great band, and a very good review. A bit of friendly advice though...Try not to jizz all over another band when comparing their sound. Especially when that band has as many detractors as Reel Big Fish. The only reason I say that is because someone who hates RBF may be turned off to this album now when in reality the two don't sound all that alike. Good job though. Shit, that's tough... Blue Meanies' horn section vs. Mad Caddies' horn section... I'll get back to you on that one. This album is great, but I always skip 'Betty' which sucks in my book. and that was one hell of a long fucking run on. sorry. yes, this along with all their releases (excluding rock the plank, "pirate core?" wtf is that shit.) rock this shit out of me, i mean, classics like "polyester khakis" "goleta" and "preppie girl" are still some of the best shit i've heard, but what about Catch 22? kevin gunther is also a fucking noteworthy (ha ha ha) trumpet player. the thing that makes this album soooooo good is that while all these songs are good, theres never 1 song that i always skip to or anything, its like the entire album in itself is just a work of art. If this album were missing just 1 song, itd sound incomplete. going from dixieland punk, to reggae, to swing to punk to hardcore and back to ska, its like the whole album to me is just one incredible tune, its seriously just an adventure to listen to, i couldn't quiiiiiite say that any 1 song is like the greatest song in the world, but i would seriously argue that this is one of the best ALBUMS ever released by any band ever I absolutely LOVE this album, it is so damn good! I really enjoyed this album as it just plain ol ska punk craziness. "Rock The Plank" had more punk than ska. The new song on "Uncontrollable Fatulence" is ok and sounds like a reject song from the "Rock The Plank" sessions. You kids forgot Link 80. Another great ska/punk band. i don't listen to ska very much, but i'd have to say that the mad caddies definately put on one of the best shows i've ever seen. their songs sounded incredibly together, everything was just beautiful. if you ever get a chance to see them, go. Great review.. this album does have some wicked ska-punk on it but I too loved the slow ska as well. I hope the new cd DOES sound like this RIGHT ON! this cd is badass. Losing Streak by Less Than Jake anyone??? That CD shoulda been mentioned along with Destruction by Definition by The Suicide Machines. Big D and the Kids Table too. Anyways the Caddies kick some ass and this cd is the best I've heard from em. Quality Softcore is great too and so is the EP. Haven't heard all of Rock The Plank. Great live show too by the way. I don't think much of the fact that they are one of the best ska punk bands out right now, but they do have the most impressive brass section I've ever heard. operation ivy are the best skapunk band hands down. but as for new(or relatively) newer bands, the rx bandits are really good, common rider, animal chin (rip), falling sickness, ... I would have to say that Operation Ivy, The Suicide Machines and Slapstick all deserved to be recognized as the holy trilogy of ska-punk. "Why Do They Rock so Hard" was good...but I don't think it raised the bar. Fishbone, Bosstones, the aforementioned holy trilogy, all put out equally good/ better albums. I gotta go with Quality Soft Core as their best album. More good songs I think. This is the band's best work, by far. "Road Rage," "Monkeys," "Macho Nachos"... It's all so good! This is one of the best ska-punk bands at the moment, but take it easy with 10/10 scorings... yes, this is by far the best ska cd ever created. duck and cover showcases some of the best trombones and trumpeters ever assembled to make a kick ass ska cd. definitly their best cd. i did a horrible job of praising this album, but mere words can't possibly describe its greatness. |
