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Rx Bandits

Halfway Between Here and There (1999)
Drive-Thru Records

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Mark Williams
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on August 2nd 2001

To me, Ska is like whisky. When used in moderation, you can get crazy, feel wonderful, and have a downright blast. But, if overdone, it can leave you pissed off, violent, and puking off the back porch of your girlfriend's house with a sprained ankle and a black eye.

This Rx Bandits release follows suit. There are some good songs, but there are some bad ones as well. "ten seconds never seemed so long" is a very cathcy up beat ska song with blissful horns and a cool guitar solo. "Gun in Your hand" is a good reggae-ish song that sound almost identical to every Sublime song ever. "This time", "Lost", and "Walk Away" are all good ska songs in their own right, but the bad part of Rx Bandits pokes through when they try place punk along side of their ska. They just don't do it very well. I will say that Chris Tsagakis is an excellent drummer, which is something most ska/punk bands lack.

So, if you listen (and drink) with the appropriate dosage, you can have a good time with this disk. Don't overdo it though, you'll regret it in the morning.

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Anonymous (October 27, 2002)

Fathead, dude, you sound like someone who doesn't really like ska-punk reviewing a ska-punk album. It should be used in moderation? What is that?? Anyway, if you want to know my opinions on this album, check out the other review -- I wrote it. Fathead, while I'm at it, I have to take umbrage at your remark on the Saves The Day review, when you say "Through Being Lame" is coming out next year with the single "I'm rich and going to the bank" or whatever you called it. Dude, do you realize that STD could've signed with MCA, but passed up the opportunity in order to sign with an indie label, Vagrant? I know Vagrant isn't that indie, but you cna bet they're not making shit compared to what they would be making if they were the next Blink over at MCA. Seriously, don't throw stones unless you're sure you have something to throw them at.

Anonymous (October 20, 2001)

He didn't mention Teen Idol because it's not on the CD, dumbass.

Anonymous (August 5, 2001)

I really like "Cornered" on this album, my personla fav on it.

pat41 (August 5, 2001)

You forgot to mention the 2 best songs on the album... Wrong with me and Teen Idol.

Bryne (August 5, 2001)

Whoops, here's the URL:
http://www.geocities.com/pathogen13
I hope nobody minds any shameless self promotion. :)

Bryne (August 4, 2001)

This album was pretty good. I paid 10 bucks for it mail order, so I'm not complaining. This album has some really good songs on it, but some are pretty mediocre. Anyway, I also wanted to say that the new Rx Bandits album "Progress" is AMAZING and is a lot better than this one. I have a review of it on my website if you'd like to read some about it. I suck at reviewing records but you might learn something. :)

Anonymous (August 4, 2001)

This album is totally average. AJB are still the best ska-punkers around.

coldjuly (August 4, 2001)

This album kinda dissapointed me...There are maybe 4 good songs and the rest just seem to be songs written at the last minute to fill up space.

Anonymous (August 4, 2001)

once again, another great album, rx bandits rock!!! even if u dont like ska