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Mike TV

Mike TV (2008)
Europe

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

Published on October 14th 2008

Ah…Mike TV. The band formerly known as Pickled Dick return with a new album: Their second full-length and third official release overall. However, with the addition of a second guitar player, new fancy suits and ties and an increased studio budget, one can’t help wondering what more has changed with the band.

Maturity is the answer, I guess. Pickled Dick was known for their infectious Lookout-style pop-punk. Often compared to Dookie-era Green Day, Pickled Dick may not have been the most original band of the last few years but they compensated that wholly with catchiness and hook-filled melodies. On their second full-length we hear a band that has matured. The production of this album is crisp clear, which makes it possible for the harmonies, and I do mean harmonies, to really shine. Although a bit more mid-tempo than their previous albums, Mike TV sounds confident with their new selves. I won't compare this to Dookie anymore, but a mix between Nimrod and Warning: seems pretty spot on.

Granted, not all songs are winners, here. Luckily the meager songs are greatly outnumbered on this disc and aren’t even that bad. I find the second song, “Hang Ups,” lacking in energy while the chorus isn’t half as catchy as I want it to be. Their attempt at an `80s pop song with “The Routine” is not a success, leaving us with a rather boring and unconvincing song. The good songs on here are really good, however, with the punchy “Count In,” the rather roots rock ‘n' roll-ish “When Push Comes to Shove” and the huge chorus in “Lie Low, Lilo” being highlights. The rest of the songs are far from filler material, though, and when you dig Mike TV’s style you’ll be enjoying all of them.

When you dig your pop-punk well-produced but real, Mike TV is a band you should definitely check out. Granted, they do borrow a lot from Green Day, but that doesn’t make this record less fun or catchy. In a world where pop-punk these days is being made strictly for airtime on MTV and to have a good excuse to wear tight pants and dance questionably on stage, Mike TV stand out from the pack with this quality fun release. Good times guaranteed.

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half_empty (October 21, 2008)

I loved Pickled Dick, when they changed thier name i hoped they wouldn't change, when they added a new member i hoped they wouldn't change, but this album just isn't my sort of thing.

Panda-moanium and the EP was fast melodic pop punk, now they have suddenly gone mid-paced rock pop, fair enough if thats what they want to do... but i just found it boring. I think Dombs vocals work much better in the fast songs, in this album it mostly seems drawn out.

The new member seems cool, and he fits in with the band well, but i just don't think he's needed, maybe i just prefere three peice bands.

I miss old Pickled Dick, because they were probably my favourite band in uk pop punk. Whereas now, i'd still see them on tours, but i doubt i'll buy new albums.

I think it's funny this album has the song 'American Idols' on it, about when thier favourite pop punk band changed and they miss the old fast fun version... i know how they feel...

RT (October 18, 2008)

Saw these guys live last week and bought the album. It's extremely well put together and the production is fantastic. The songs are well written and well structured. My only criticism really is that it's too poppy for me.

lostandclowned (October 16, 2008)

Brent's TV

ryanrockwell (October 16, 2008)

the band that sung the miketv song is sicko, and sicko is really good.

Slazey (October 16, 2008)

Good record from what i've heard so far, and a decent review.

And the guy wondering what the band was that had a song called 'Mike TV'? My guess would be Sicko.

almostpunkenough (October 16, 2008)

such a great album.

HumanUnkind (October 15, 2008)

I saw these guys with Random Hand last week, and I loved it. They write brilliant pop punk tunes. There are better bands out there but they are far more fun live than most so I don't care; they are too fun to make me care. I've got the last album, and compared to the tracks on that, the songs they play live are much better than the older stuff. I can't wait to get a copy of this! :-)

joemomma420666 (October 15, 2008)

what was the band that sung that song Mike TV? arrrrghjhhh such a good band, cant think of their name. score's for them.

dktr (October 15, 2008)

Rich's other band - Mr Kamikaze - is better! Still, Pickled Dick/MikeTV may have the worst names in punk, but they're lovely people and produce some great grating songs (anybody see what I did there? No? ...)

thirtyseconds (October 15, 2008)

Saw these fuckers with Useless ID. The guitarist got off stage mid song and snogged me. Unfortunately that was the most interesting part of their set.

CCSummers (October 15, 2008)

I'm pretty sure "look out pop punk" just means they sound like green day

pricey123 (October 15, 2008)

an awesome album for the summer. my favourite track is 27.

mikexdude (October 15, 2008)

mikextv

NoSpace (October 15, 2008)

although id probably never buy anything by them, theyre fun live

good review!