Against Me!

Against Me!: Reinventing Axl RoseReinventing Axl Rose (2002)
No Idea Records

Reviewer Rating: 5

User Rating:

Contributed by: ZakZak
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on May 6th 2003There's really no way to describe the sound of Against Me!. I suppose the best description would be political folk punk rock, but even that would be incorrect. This is a tough album to classify. One thing stands clear, however. Against Me! really pulls off a great album. Bringing together a hardcore.

There's really no way to describe the sound of Against Me!. I suppose the best description would be political folk punk rock, but even that would be incorrect. This is a tough album to classify. One thing stands clear, however. Against Me! really pulls off a great album. Bringing together a hardcore sound and putting it with acoustic instruments works out well for this group.

This album is easy to recommend to fans of Billy Bragg and the Dropkick Murphys. That Irish barroom sing along spirit is evident in songs like "Pints of Guiness Make You Strong" and "Baby, I'm an Anarchist," while the political lyrics are evident in the latter and "Those Anarcho Punks Are Mysterious...." These songs just have to be listened to to really understand how good this album actually is. Theres so many influences in here, its impossible to find them all. In "I Still Love You Julie (Dance Mix 2002)," you can almost notice a ska beat going through parts of the song. In "Jordan's First Choice," the beginning has shreds of hardcore coming through. While "Scream It Until You're Coughing Up Blood" has sort of a "desperado" country sound to it.

This album has to be heard to truly understand how awesome it is. The scrachy vocals mixed with the acoustics give the tracks so much passion, but the lyrics remind you that it's still hardcore punk rock. Trust me here. If your looking for looking for enjoyable music from an anarcho punk group, pick this up immediatly. But even if your not, Against Me! will still make you wanna grab a lighter and start swayin'.

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

eatdogs (April 5, 2011)

i picked this up on vinyl at a hot topic for seven bucks not too long ago. how times have changed...

arejaypunx (October 22, 2010)

one of the greatest albums I have ever heard. A serious masterpiece.

DIYorDONT (May 18, 2009)

Easily, my all time favorite record.

hhrules (December 18, 2008)

Great Folk Punk masterpiece.

aSoulLeftBehind (February 27, 2008)

My mom bought me this album and i LOVED it! it was the best album i have heard in a really long time. why does everybody like rise against... they are kinda over rated now.

blursblending (June 29, 2007)

Fuckin right!

tapemarks_and_brakelights (May 29, 2006)

one of my top 5 albums.

if you think against me! is overrated, then obviously you don't get them.

this album is perfection. holding the 12" in my hand makes me not want to ever own another piece of music.

Klonny (April 3, 2006)

I've heard these guys, a good amount. I bought Clarity. I downloaded this.

1 word:

OVERRATED. >_

PacePicante (March 25, 2006)

10/10

PacePicante (March 25, 2006)

and it doesnt sound like normal punk
and they have fucking awesome singer/guitarist and drummer
and bassist and guitarist

PacePicante (March 25, 2006)

Its not just the same shit played over and over again

PacePicante (March 25, 2006)

This is their best CD
Everysingle song is different, and good

MaxTheGreat11 (May 16, 2005)

this album is great, very interesting punk rock that isnt afraid to be different and do their own thing, and manage to do so without compromising their integrity and their great sound.

Anonymous (May 11, 2005)

so fucking good.

discharge (December 27, 2004)

"baby i'm an anarchist, you're a spineless liberal, we march together through the 8 hour days, held hands in the streets of seattle...."
enough said.

Anonymous (October 27, 2004)

mind blowing

Anonymous (July 20, 2004)

jep

baaadkitty666 (May 30, 2004)

Against Me! is most definitly the best band ever. They are undescrible, and amazing. This is my favorite album. Reinventing Axl Rose.

noreply (January 31, 2004)

this band would kick your ass in a fight.

Anonymous (January 3, 2004)

"well apparently they didn't get very well-received in LA, but what do you expect from nofx fans?"

I'm a NOFX fan and I also like Against Me. Obviously those people are retards

Analog_Boy (September 10, 2003)

Genius... I swear to god this alblum should please almost anybody. It is just so fucking amazing. A perfect 10.

And while i'm at it... no one add any more bands to the imaginary 'saving punk rock' tour. I think its full.

Anonymous (May 30, 2003)

i dont know, theres somthing about Rise Against. Somthing i cant really explain to you. This cd by the way, is gold!

Anonymous (May 23, 2003)

The best band ever?
Maybe.
You need to own everything they put out, especially the new CD version of the acoustic ep (with two brand new tracks!).

And yo, can I ask why everyone likes Rise Against so much? They sound pretty by-the-numbers, color-in-the lines generic stuff to me.

Anonymous (May 11, 2003)

"And we can all tell you never went there... 'Anarchism', eh?"

Obviously neither did you...Anarchism is a word, and s/he used it correctly.

Anonymous (May 10, 2003)

"Anarchism for pampered college students."

And we can all tell you never went there... 'Anarchism', eh?

Anonymous (May 10, 2003)

More bucket drums!

Anonymous (May 9, 2003)

well apparently they didn't get very well-received in LA, but what do you expect from nofx fans?
seriously...they need to headline and come back here, and bring decent fat bands (few and far between) with them.

Anonymous (May 8, 2003)

Against me! is the most amazing band (and my favorite) You have to see them live though, I've never seen so much energy and emotion in one place. To have everyone else jumping around and screaming everyword is incredible, single best time I've ever had. And something about their music and their lyrics have a huge impact on me, when I sing along to certain songs, it'll bring tears to my eyes, it is that amazing.

-travis

Anonymous (May 8, 2003)

I really think that the song "Reinventing Axl Rose" is like the perfect song to represent the punk rock scene. Serously, if you dont have this cd, get it and if not, atleast look at the lyrics to that song.

Anonymous (May 8, 2003)

Anarchism for pampered college students.

Anonymous (May 8, 2003)

I just downloaded that Pints song and it's really really good--an immediate addition to my post-finals mix tape. Next time I go to the store I'm picking these guys up.

lieutenant (May 8, 2003)

Of course I will comment on how great this band is.

There, I just did.

Anonymous (May 8, 2003)

The songs on the new EP are excellent, awesome lyrics. The song disco before the breakdown is amazing. Download it and fall into a seizure of pure bliss.

REALPUNX4LIFE (May 8, 2003)

Actually, I think the title is pretty cool. If you're not aware, the idea behind the album/song title is that they're trying to "reinvent" the rock star's role, taking the idea of a person who canget behind the microphone and turning him from a misogynistic slob into a man who can actually contribute something positive. HIPPIES!

Anonymous (May 7, 2003)

What a stupid cover and album name.

Yeah, it has nothing to do with the music but I'd like to say this anyway.

Anonymous (May 7, 2003)

Best band ever

evildeadalive (May 7, 2003)

Absofuckinglutely fanfuckentastic.

Anonymous (May 7, 2003)

BEST BAND EVER!!

Do yourselves a favor and check out their S/T 7", Crime 7", and Vivada Vis ... I can't really say it is better then this, it is just different, bucket drums and 90% acoustic!

p.s. I can see a decent comparison to DKM if you are talking ORIGINAL DKM ... if you don't believe me listen to Boys On The Docks (pub version) ... def. different politics, but same musical direction

REALPUNX4LIFE (May 6, 2003)

Tha nu ep hes whorens bi membars uf lass then jak!!! thay r selots becuz les tham jek r sux0rz!!! agenst me@ suld ut!!! oi oi oi!!!

hapee? !? !

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

mmmm the new EP has horns it. How sweet is that? HORNS!

-feedmynightmare

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

I liked it so much I got it on vinyl!

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

to the person a couple posts down, i was refering to the spirit of the song not the title. so either i didnt make that clear enough for you, or maybe you are the jackass.

~Zäk

p.s.- i'm not from illinois, nor do i have a registered screenname that is Zak. i could care less, i just wanted to let everyone know.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

Excellent album.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

yeah, the song pints is about how the singer's granfather was an alcoholic, or somthing real serious like that. By the way, this is the cd ever. If any cd deserves the score of 10 (5 stars) then it would be this cd.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

just beacasue a band has a song about guiness doesnt make them like the dropkick murphys thats the dumbest comparison that i have ever read on this site. you sir are a jackass.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

This is the best album I own. It hasn't left my CD player for 3 months now, when I got it. It's really different from just about anything, but it has hints of traditional punk rock styles as well. The guitarists play anything but power chords, and the drums are intricate and interesting. The acoustic/electric mix is awesome. And the pure passion in the singing from all members of the group is just plain incredible. If you like this, be sure to check out their "Crime" EP...even though it's 6 songs, it may well be even better.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

I think the Lawrence Arms should be added to the "saving punk rock" tour

REALPUNX4LIFE (May 6, 2003)

Also, attention all suckers in the southern area of these United States: Grabass Charlestons will be touring out to LA and back with the Tim Version next month. Unfortunately, those dicks won't be anywhere near me, but if they're close to you, you will be required to attend. A test will be given afterwards. Make the Tim Version do their Replacements cover. Or their Merle Haggard cover. Against Me! still rocks.

ThisMachineKF (May 6, 2003)

Wow. Grabass Charlestons, Strike Anywhere, Dillinger 4, and Against Me! (in that order). Talk about best show ever.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

Actually wasn't too impressed with these guys, but I've never heard the album before so I can't actually score it. The real reason I'm posting is I was wondering if anyone knew if Race Car Riot has a full length out, coming our, or if they are even a band anymore. I can't get enough of their three songs on the Planes/Appleseed Cast split. The one on emo diaries is good, but not great.
Thanks

Bing Crosby

BostonMusicGuy (May 6, 2003)

Yes, it is so very good.-BostonMusicGuy

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

Excellent record.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

i'd have to agree with you

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

i didnt think my review was that good at all. oh well, it got my point across that this album rules and it wasted some time.

~Zäk

fakesmile (May 6, 2003)

Amazing record...

REALPUNX4LIFE (May 6, 2003)

Grabass Charlestons will destroy everything you hold dear. But this reviewer = bad. Quit telling us how hard it is to describe the record. You shouldn't be saying that at all if you're reviewing the dang thing and if you must bring it up, just say it once. We get the point. Also, Against Me! could beat the shit out of the Dropkick Murphys. Don't compare the two because it's degrading to Against Me!.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

that's kinda funny, my friend's band played damnit back in our HS talent show too.

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

Seriously, every single song on this album is good. This kind of shit makes me keep hope alive. One of my favorite albums, but my girlfriend has it in her car! dammit! ooh, nah nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah nah.....(Dammit intro by Blink 182!!!)

Stamos

Why does every kid in high school try to play 'dammit' at talent shows. I hate that song and those kids. Sigh...i guess this is grwoing up....

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

This album kicks major ass. Definitely recommend it.

pope_schlomo (May 6, 2003)

Another band to add to that damn "save punk rock" tour: grabass charlestons. "Beer Exile" fuckin rips. Can't wait for that album.

Ramo
(bomberman is addicting)

hubitcherkokov (May 6, 2003)

Hilarious...I bought the Cro(w)s album and Against Me!'s "Reinventing Axl Rose" at the same time a few months ago. Both bands kickass.

sickboi (May 6, 2003)

Do the Crows tour? And not the Killing Tree?????

pope_schlomo (May 6, 2003)

add Cro(w)s and rise against to that tour.

Ramo
(Buckethead!!)

sickboi (May 6, 2003)

I don't like the "reinvented Axl Rose", he's fat, refuses to play with the real GNR, wears BAGGY leather pants, has braids and appears to have had a facelift.

On the other hand, this band, D4 (the real fucking deal) and Strike Anywhere need to start the "Saving Punkrock" tour.

moldy (May 6, 2003)

one of my favorite albums of all time

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

this is one rad record

pope_schlomo (May 6, 2003)

One of the best albums in 2002. I can't help but start singing in "we laugh at danger(and break all the rules)."--->Ramo