|
Review Navigator   FeaturesContestsReviews
| Throw RagDesert Shores2003 BYO 
  Review by: Jonathan See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
Only registered users can post comments 
 
Published on June 3rd 2003 I was ready to write this band off as another imitator, another same-old, same-old, been there, done that before album. In some ways, Throw Rag is that type of band, and Desert Shores is that type of album. And in some ways, these self-described “sailor-rock” boys from the Salton Sea push it a bit and offer something new. Sadly, it's not enough pushing; it's not enough new. After more unique sonic keyboard intro, “Space Hump Me,” the album’s opener, lapses into a very tried-and-true late 70s, early 80s old school punk sound. A few chords, a driving beat, chanting, choppy vocals. Nothing you haven’t heard before, but it’s a cool track. On, “Hang Up,” the second track, you’ll start to hear the washboard and cow bell—Throw Rag’s much ballyhooed innovation. To me, it’s mostly novelty—this band throws some folkish influence, but remains mostly rooted in this simplistic punk style. There’s some energetic offerings—but “Rule Maker” and “Mission’s Message” are really the only two I found worth mentioning. To me, Throw Rag just seems kind of bland. There’s a broad sound present here from cowbells and mid-tempo roots-folk to an early punk sound—but really nothing catchy, no real standout track. It kind of all blends together, making the album kind of forgettable.
Apparently Throw Rag is notorious for a great live show (how often is this an excuse for a half-ass album?), but here, on their sophomore effort, Desert Shores, I really didn’t find anything to write home about. There’s definitely some talent—it shines through at times—but I wish Throw Rag had exploited their taste for diverse musicality to make something that didn’t sound so utterly familiar.
Please login or register to post comments. What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
This album is great I'm surprised it was such a mixed review I've read some really great reviews of the album. I've seen them play with both The Explosion & Flogging Molly and they kicked ass both times. It's the type of thing you either get or you don't. They are really great guys to hang out with as well. throw rag does have an A-MAZING live show haha, damn that Sammy. He was all our cubies had! At first I didn't know what Throw Rag was doing on this page. Then I bought the album, listened to it and it hit me, people think this is punk. Well guess what? It isn't. If you knew anything about Throw Rag before this album you would know that their first album was rockabilly to the max. Don't get me wrong this album is great. My favorite track was Beware of the Dog, but I just think they're turning punk thats all. I would recommend Tee-Tot, their first album. this band has so much going for it . . .pirate rock is such a sweet idea, yet these guys seems to fall flat. my suggestion: add an accordion and sea chanteys. Fuck. I was taking a lunch break in Red Robin today, and of course espn was on the tv. The entire hour I was there, was nothing but the baseball bat incident. Like I want to watch the same 10 minute long schpeal going on for an hour... If you like good rockabilly music, don't avoid this band. The bands first album (Tee-Tot) was awsome. Some people on this page wouldn't know good music if it hit 'em in the face with Sammy Sosa's corked baseball bat. I liked Throw Rag's live show. I thought they rocked the house when they opend for Flogging Molly. I really like Lady Boo, great song. The gimick's in the band are a little dorky, but at least they arnt taking themselves too seriously. i saw this band open for flogging molly too. they were just horrible. the washboard was annoying and the washboard player was digusting, he kept touching my friends, and he really needed to keep his shirt on. avoid this band at all costs. I also saw this band open for Flogging Molly,and i really question anyone saying they put on a great live show,to me Throw Rag is HORRIBLE.The drunken overweight washboard player and the "captin" frontman have no tallent at all,and tell horrible jokes. I saw them open for Flogging Molly and they kicked ass! Not sure about how it translates to CD but live they were great. Check out Dirty Water.....its got some guys from the Ducky Boys and the old RCR vocalist on guitar...they SLAY. Am I the only one who absolutely loves this great, albeit clichè, cover? FAMILY GUY SHOULD MAKE A MOVIE I actually like this album a whole lot...On a side note, what is with people needing every band they listen to to be earth shattering and completely original. What ever happened to listening to CDs just to have a good time? Awesome. That's how I like it to be...my take on the music is mine... you might enjoy it. I try to convey the plus and the minus. Check em out... the washboard and cowbell shit is pretty nuts. wow, even though your review said it was lame or boring, i still kind of want to hear em. |
