Posted by ak3punk on 2009-11-02 19:20:33
My Score:

2nd best album of 2009
Strung Out put out the best album of '09

Posted by hobbzoid on 2009-10-16 12:11:03
My Score:

This IS the best punk record of 2009. Hands down.

Posted by telegraphrocks on 2009-09-27 11:55:17
My Score:

Meh.

Definitely the worst full-length they've done. There's just something about this I can't stand, and then another something that rocks.

Half is stellar, half is crap.

Continues to be one of the most over-rated bands of the last 15 years.

everything on this record sounds clean and powerful, the production is great

Posted by PublicHousing on 2009-05-06 06:32:03
My Score:

Although every song on this album is good, some better than others, I feel like the production ruins how good this album could be. Todays Empires and Potemkin City Limits both had great production and recording which made those albums even stronger. I feel like the recording and production on this album is weaker and messier. I love this album of course but it doesnt match up to their past 2 albums as song-writing goes, but lyrically it is their best work. The lyrics are amazing, they almost tell a story in each one making alot of topics relateable and emotional. The lyrics to "Potemkin City Limits" are beautiful, stir up alot in me. Heaviest album as well by them. A Great album, not their best.

Posted by Mallpunk on 2009-04-03 01:44:01
My Score:

I'm 28 and they are still in my top few favourites...
Great band, bad ass album, and you don't like it whatever.
Just to end this debate, can we just say it's the "progressive thrash" album of the year? ;)

Posted by Scroat on 2009-04-02 23:24:19
My Score:

Sandor Katz, from what I understand, supports the "post-vegetarian" movement, i.e. vegetarians going back to eating meat. You can't really expect Propagandhi not to have a reaction to that. Fucking great song, anyway.

This is a really good album. I've been on the fence about Todd's vocals in the past, but this record has ended that debate! Solid all around!

Posted by Modern on 2009-03-27 16:08:29
My Score:

Amazing. That's what I continue to think of this album. I have been giving it a rest after having it on repeat for the first week or so I had it, I keep coming back and it's just a strong.

I can say, without hesitation, this will be in my top 10 for 2009. Yes, it's early in 2009 to say such a thing, but this is just too fucking solid of a record.

Album slays. Today Without Love is the song I am digging most... heavy stuff. But this is one of those records where just about any song can be the flavor of the day/ week/ month/ year.

Score is for Less Talk, More Rock.

I haven't liked anything I've heard from them since that album. I agree with the dude that misses John K.

The Weakerthans don't really do it for me either, though.
John sings on two and a half songs in Propagandhi's discography.

those songs rule, but what's to miss really?

This year's first perfect album, 10/10. Hoping PBC will be the second perfect album. '09 is shaping up to be a banner year.

The intro from The Banger's embrace is actually taken from the intro of the Sacrifice album called Torment In Fire. That track is called the Awakening

Posted by Alien on 2009-03-15 16:21:07
My Score:

Best Propagandhi yet.

Posted by polaris on 2009-03-14 02:41:36
My Score:

Score is for Less Talk, More Rock.

I haven't liked anything I've heard from them since that album. I agree with the dude that misses John K.

The Weakerthans don't really do it for me either, though.

Posted by Slacker on 2009-03-13 16:10:09
My Score:

This album rocks my socks of. It's better than Potemkin City Limits or TETA. I love the melodies, riffs and intricate guitar work. I guess adding the Beaver contributed to a musical expansion of the band.

It's about he and Todd going to a Sacrifice show.

Who's to say that isn't what they dream about?

Not bad, not my favorite Prop album. Consider The Meek's "Above The System" is better. Sounds like Propagandhi, but with better melodies.

Posted by batattack8 on 2009-03-12 21:51:53
My Score:

Banger's Embrace isn't about "things Chris Hannah dreams about." It's about he and Todd going to a Sacrifice show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siKYsyYFwyM

I was asking myself that same question. I hope it's not because they respect my opinion, that would be awesome.

why does everyone care whether mike thinks this is boring or not?

Mike:
The instrumentation on this album is VERY subtle, it's just that you have to get past the initial loudness and bombast. There are many, many more intricacies on this compared to their other work.
Also, the lyrical material is of a personal nature. A lot of this album is them coming to terms with the challenges they've set up for themselves in their own politics. Don't let the blurbs, or one or two listens fool you.

These comments are full of serious.

Serious LULZ.

No one can disagree with my personal taste!
-Dante

I love this shit, makes 8:30 at work so much more enjoyable. I can't see the drama that Mike doesn't really get into this. Each to their own eh? And to all those who downloaded the album you're a bunch of cheap bastards. Go spend some cash and support the scene. Go propagandhi! Good times.

Posted by Jeevz on 2009-03-12 15:07:13
My Score:

I've been listening to this album for the better part of a month now and still rock it constantly. Now that the commercial release is out, it's only gotten better with the artwork and liner notes. This IS a strong consideration for album of the year but we still do have 9 months left to go in 09. Great fucking album!!!

I don't find it "painfully" boring, that's just me loving to shut down overhyped records that I don't find amazing. I am pretty sure I explained it all better after my initial "joke" comment.

Yes, I'm old (32), but I still enjoy listening to 'How To Clean Everything' and 'Less Talk, More Rock' (and about half of 'Today's Empires'). Lyrically, they've "matured" (fuck, listen to any of their stuff off Recess Records, which is still good stuff) and they play a more technical/progressive guitar sound. But dammit, I do miss John K. Samson and his melodic contributions. Nothing against Todd (I liked I Spy, 'Appliances and Cars' is an awesome song), but the screaming/singing contrast with Chris/John was far superior to the almost bland difference between Todd and Chris. I like this album better than Potemkin City Limits, but that record really didn't do a whole lot for me either. Obviously, Propagandhi has been two bands; with John and without. I just prefer the one with.

As much as I dig this record, the album of the year comments are a bit far-fetched, but realistically because it's only March. I mean, come on now.

C'mon mikexdude, painfully boring is not how you should describe an album that you give 7/10.

Mike, I'll defend you 'till death, but Lino's right on this one.

Otherwise, I'm not sure how a band that's been around for 5 years can already be washed-up.

C'mon mikexdude, painfully boring is not how you should describe an album that you give 7/10.

Painfully boring leads me to believe you can't stand it at all.

Did they fire you yet?

Can someone explain to me why I fucking love the last two Wilhelm Scream albums but this and Potemkin sort of just blows by indiscernibly?

Perhaps because AWS are meant to be fun and a little cheesy in parts whereas propagandhi masquerade as serious music when actually they are fairly similar.

Posted by parishiltonisametaphor on 2009-03-12 08:31:05
My Score:

Man!!

If anyone here is going to any of their upcoming shows, I will paypal you money if you can pick me up one of the sweet Supporting Caste posters they have. They ran out by the time I got to the merch table once they were done playing, but it's a nice poster with the album art. I'm pretty sure they just set aside a certain amount for each show, so I doubt they're out of them for the rest of the tour Please let me know

heres my email:

aspeculativefiction@yahoo.com

"New Riverboat Gamblers came out today. It is better then this."

I heard it last night.. nope it's not, sorry...great live band though. loved them

Posted by thepuglife on 2009-03-12 03:33:24
My Score:

Hmm.

I was very disappointed with this album, and everyone seems to love it.

I'll keep listening, but I feel like it falls way short of their last 3-4 albums.

Some of you are calling "album of the year" too soon, Polar Bear Club hasn't even come out yet

Yes.

dan yemin sang fuck the border with them tonight. also this band is great, but the hyperbole here is a little out of hand.

"they aren't really doing anything that Small Brown Bike hadn't done years before them"

Just want to take the time to tell you how wrong and lazy of a statement that is.

I didn't intend to compare these two bands, but since you assumed I was, I'll just get it out of the way: PBC>Propaghandi

SAY WHAT!?

I stand by my 7/10 for this.

Wow, I appreciate all the attention, but it's not like I don't like this album. That first song totally rips. Unfortunately, for the same reason I can rarely get into metal, is it's instrumentally waaaayyyy too blunt and like I implied in a previous comment, I am a huge fan of subtle instrumentation. Also, I don't really get "connected" to political albums; they can be fun to listen to, but my all time favorites are all more into the personal struggle kind of deal.

So with all of that considered, I think a 7/10 is pretty good coming from me and what I like. I do like this album. It just gets boring.

Omg, and LinoleumMagazine thinks I shouldn't be staff: Brian, I resign!

Mike:

I have never enjoyed Propagandhi's early stuff. I hold "Less Talk, More Rock" as one of the best skate-punk albums of the nineties. Everything since, save for one or two songs, has either bored me to tears or pissed me off.
So, please, I'm encouraging you, give this album another chance. It's one of the best albums of the year this early because I'd already put it in my top 50 of the decade. I have not been as obsessed with an album like this since "This Is Satire" or "The Greatest Story Ever Told". There is far, far more to this album than the review, its supporters or its detractors have mentioned here.

Punknews should remove you from being an official punknews STAFF memenber just for saying that.

What if the reviews editor sorta agrees? ZOMG Is a hole ripped in the space-time continuum?

"i don't get how you can listen to the most washed up, pathetic attempts at hardcore (have heart), and still have the balls to make such jeering comments about a band like propagandhi, who to my knowledge, don't sound like any other band I have ever heard. I am not trying to say you are wrong, i am just failing to see how you've come to such conclusions."

Have Heart's newest record is rythmically (in a subtle way) genius. Anyways, I gave this a 7, it's good; some of it feels watered down in the vocal and melody department. Sorry if anything less than "OMGOMGOMGOGM ALBUM OF THE YEAR" for such a "legendary" band is not good enough for you. "Boring"? How is that jeering?

Posted by evoke on 2009-03-11 19:40:37
My Score:

What a great record this is.

Posted by notfeelingcreative on 2009-03-11 19:19:34
My Score:

Not exactly sure why I waited until today to download this since it's been in my mailbox for four days. One listen and it's already my favorite prop album!

Posted by gloryhole100 on 2009-03-11 17:33:02
My Score:

Anybody see them recently? What songs have they been playing I'm seeing em in NYC tmrw and hoping for a refusing to be a man.

Posted by ashtraymonument on 2009-03-11 17:25:28
My Score:

this is a top contender for the album of the year.

its is up there with Today's Empires.

Posted by Trauma16 on 2009-03-11 17:18:43
My Score:

Already know this is going to be on my year end list. Phenomenal album that really shows how the band can continue to evolve over the years.

looks like i cocked that up

don't sound like any other band I have ever heard

That should never be used as an argument for why a band is good. For example brokencyde don't sound like any other band I have ever heard.

mikexdude:

i don't get how you can listen to the most washed up, pathetic attempts at hardcore (have heart), and still have the balls to make such jeering comments about a band like propagandhi, who to my knowledge, don't sound like any other band I have ever heard. I am not trying to say you are wrong, i am just failing to see how you've come to such conclusions.

Posted by iconoclast on 2009-03-11 14:53:42
My Score:

this band never fails to blow my fucking mind.

mikexdude: "This record is painfully boring as is most of their stuff."

That's really harsh man. You may now be dead to me.

It also seems a little hypocritical coming from you considering how boring PBC are.

OH SHIT I WENT THERE.

Posted by thatguyfromthatband on 2009-03-11 13:52:39
My Score:

great tunes from hockey loving Canadians.

Up tha Pucks!!!

Posted by scientistrock on 2009-03-11 13:34:18
My Score:

Some of you are calling "record of the year" too late. The Black Lips record already came out.

Seriously though, this is a good record and will be on my list, though probably not at the top. But who knows? It has time to grow.

Haven't listened the album yet, I like propagandhi and all, but sometimes they seem so self-righteous in the most arrogant way.

fu84--- kinda like you bash people who are straight edge and DON'T do drugs. Moron.

mikexdude,

"This record is painfully boring as is most of their stuff"

Punknews should remove you from being an official punknews STAFF memenber just for saying that.

Seriously. I usually agree with a lot of what you say, but painfully boring? What the fuck is wrong with your ears?

"Hannah is hands down the most intellectual (aside from graffin) lyricist in the game today"

Graffin is a fucking idiot tool. Listening to him speak is like hearing a quantum physics lecture from a retard.

i'm still confused as to how any of you think that

1. there is/should be a "most important band in punk rock" and that

2. propagandhi is that band.

i don't hate propagandhi, by the way. i'm just curious about all of this.

Posted by friokir on 2009-03-11 08:48:54
My Score:

best propagandhi album, at last they've given thought to the vocals.

xshoutoutx,

This record is painfully boring as is most of their stuff.

Posted by wyzo on 2009-03-11 04:06:30
My Score:

It's bizarre to think how much I've changed as a person since my first listen to propagandhi. Like, how much internet nicknames like mine annoy me now. One of the few bands, Non-european at least, that seems comfortable dealing with subject matter that you actually care about without having to feel the need to remind you that this type of content is NORMAL. Having a sense of humor has never barred someone from articulately connecting with other people in a serious non-ironic fashion and one doesn't exclude the other. 99% of bands try too hard to be significant by detaching real engagement from the flow of normal life, as if only in the vacuum of their artistry should people speak of things that matter.

Chris H. is a guy who writes lyrics that stay with me, challenge me, and come halfway to me. Yet, I still feel like he's a normal guy who I could totally kill in a Quake deathmatch (you pick the map hannah!).

Potemkin was a huge record. It was their batter coming to bat clean-up. The hardest thing to do is follow-up a record like that. I think this record works best at its flaw: how understated it is compared to Potemkin. That is, the record lets itself breathe, and then while it gets going, it closes. If Potemkin was a meal's main course cooking, this record let's the meat rest (pardon the food type). Take that in as many ways as you can, politically, referentially to the records lyrical content, or sexually.

All they had to do with this record was basically show up and not screw up, and they win. Much harder to do than you think. Now they are over the hump, and can do whatever the fuck they want.

To the Beave - REPAIR THE DAM!

g.

Posted by hubitcherkokov on 2009-03-11 03:40:00
My Score:

Shreds.

Posted by tinner on 2009-03-11 03:12:14
My Score:

Loving this!! Too early to call it their best, gonna give it a month or so worth of listens!

To mikexdude:

To even propose pbc is on the same level (or even comparable) to propagandhi is laughable. PBC definitely puts out some great jams man, no questions asked, but when you take a step back and look at them, they aren't really doing anything that Small Brown Bike hadn't done years before them. Over the last decade, Propagandhi has consistently produced some of the most unfeigned punk rock and actually engaged in lifestyles that backed it. They are consistently dynamic, and are always finding new ways to communicate and interact their message. There is not a snowballs chance in hell that anything pbc puts out is going to surmount propagandhi. Hannah is hands down the most intellectual (aside from graffin) lyricist in the game today, and Supporting Caste is the embodiment of that.

... but, on a more positive note, PBC's new stuff should be enjoyable. I just really hope they move away from the slower parts of "Sometimes." Almost the entire first half of that cd bores me to death. I demand more "Most Miserable Life!"

this is without a doubt one of the best albums put out since the last Propagandhi album, although it is better than Potemkin.

most important band in punk rock? I think that's selling Propagandhi a bit short, especially considering whatever else is considered punk nowadays.

definitely one of the most important bands in (independent) music though. (most popular music doesn't matter as far as I'm concerned)

thought provoking lyrics? check

amazingly written music? check

this is one of the only bands I will say that if you don't like them or can't get into them, you are a dumbass. my opinion of them is that great

Posted by allon on 2009-03-11 01:04:18
My Score:

never was a big fan of this band, and was never really sure why, but i do enjoy this record a good deal. whether it deserves any "album of the year titles" might be going a bit too far though. especially if it's only march.

also polar bear club

Did anyone else not get their download link for pre-ordering their album?

check your junk mail. thats where my download was found.

apparently the guy below me, has no fucking clue who I am, so in essence is a retard.

apparently thornsoflife just heard propagandhi for the first time a few hours ago.

Posted by thornsoflife on 2009-03-10 23:25:44
My Score:

their best record they have ever put out, THAT'S RIGHT I SAID IT.

Did anyone else not get their download link for pre-ordering their album?

Posted by kevinh on 2009-03-10 22:20:09
My Score:

This album was a home run. No doubt about it. Excellent.

Polar Bear Club is good times, is a bit hard to compare to this though isn't it?

Posted by iconoclast on 2009-03-10 21:34:04
My Score:

Some of you are calling "album of the year" too soon, Polar Bear Club hasn't even come out yet

that's just funny. its never too early to call it when you got a new prop album.

Posted by mattramone on 2009-03-10 21:30:29
My Score:

It's SABBAT, not SABOT.

COME TO THE SABBAT means Satan's there

COME TO THE SABOT means Jordan Kleeman is there

Score is for the hidden track

Some of you are calling "album of the year" too soon, Polar Bear Club hasn't even come out yet

Posted by hayman on 2009-03-10 21:17:43
My Score:

Oh yeah, check out the Death In the Family album which is flashing at the top of the screen. Good Aussie band and a really strong album. Good times.

Posted by hayman on 2009-03-10 20:33:44
My Score:

I've listened to this about 10 times now. Best album they've released hands down. Lovin' it, good times.

Fat Mike said Propagandhi were the most important punk band .. that is where the reviewer got that from...

Supporting Caste shouldn't of been reviewed yet.. it actually shouldn't of even been reviewed at all... the album speaks for itself

New Riverboat Gamblers came out today. It is better then this.

Posted by baseball on 2009-03-10 20:04:11
My Score:

Easily the best record I've heard all year, easily. I can't even think of an album that's even worth putting in the same conversation (sorry BTMI!, your best days are a couple albums behind you).

Huge improvement over Potemkin. The songs on here just seem more focused and they definitely rock harder. Lyrics are phenomenal as they've always been. Propagandhi hasn't really been all that preachy since Less Talk, don't really get that criticism. Their writing style has evolved a lot since those days.

Bash away, but the fact that Propagandhi is still making interesting music and continually evolving lyrically this far into their 'career' is damn impressive. I'd say the same thing about Bad Religion and take the flak for that too. While there's plenty of enjoyable punk still out there, Propagandhi is one of just a handful of punk bands that still matter. That's my opinion!

Posted by MikeMoak on 2009-03-10 19:57:35
My Score:

great record. still doesn't top Today's Empires. However it is the heaviest thing they've ever recorded.

I've thought about it and they pretty much ARE currently the best band in punk rock! Who else would be? Gaslight Anthem? HAH! Fuckin' goofs!

Posted by bikeage on 2009-03-10 19:45:34
My Score:

its good. best band in punk rock? give me a break

Posted by damo on 2009-03-10 19:44:31
My Score:

better than potemkin

most important band in punk today? no. maybe if you're vegan. enjoyed this record though. Prop cd's are worth geeting for liner notes alone.

also: to the people saying Propagandhi are acting like "punk purists" and blah blah blah, they have spent a lot of time attacking the narrow minded assholes who, unfortunately, make up the vast majority of "punk."

"Fuck off. Who cares about your stupid scenes, your shitty zines, the straw-men you build up to burn"

are they a little overzealous at points, of course, but that is how Propagandhi ALWAYS is. i do not like this record, i did not like the last one too much either, but i love the idea of a punk band calling out "punks." it is why i will always respect this band.

and why did no one call bullshit on Latterman for doing the same?

Posted by Hey_Asshole on 2009-03-10 19:19:06
My Score:

ehhhh
i would have been stoked on this record 7 years ago, but now it just does not appeal to me.

but then, i listen to way to much Kind Of Like Spitting to really get stoked on crossover thrash/metal stuff i suppose

Posted by cheesetits on 2009-03-10 19:01:13
My Score:

I may not agree with their stance on meat, like at all, but I'm really liking this cd.

so i was baked in my car with a few people and we let the cd play out and forgot it was playing till the hidden track came on... scared the shit outa me.

"Meh. This is okay. To me they have always sounded like a way to preachy NOFX but with better musicians. Also I bet they would be the type of dudes to bitch at you for an hour if they saw you eating some ribs. Score is for ribs."

That's an ill-informed assumption, seeing as Propagandhi has called out bands like Earth Crisis in the past (Firestorm, my ass) for being too militant and idealistic about animal rights, etc.

"Does Chris make enough off of Propagandhi to not have to work? I doubt it. I wonder what his job is."

Spalmer, they work with non-profit organizations like Welcome Place, Sage House, etc and before that worked the g7 label. Most of their time goes into activism

Posted by cely on 2009-03-10 18:30:36
My Score:

Vegancore

If they're not the most important band in punk rock, they are certainly towards the top of the list. Propagandhi has accomplished so much with their genre, starting out with fairly juvenile political sneering and then becoming a mature, incredibly effective juggernaut churning out flawless jams. Few bands can claim the intelligence and weight their music carries.

Potemkin City Limits might still be my favorite of all, but this one sure rules hard.

I've never really gotten into Propagandhi even though I don't dislike what I've heard. I think it has something to do with the die-hard Propagandhi fans that I know - you know how if you really don't like someone you by extension dislike the things they're really, really into? I know my fair share of the so-called punk purists, holier-than-thou types that seem to trip over each other trying to be more radical than the other. The one thing they all have in common is a devotion to this band. The question is: it is obviously wrong to dismiss a band on the basis of their fanbase, but how much truth is there to this prejudice? Because I've always thought the band would reflect the undesirable aspects of their fans: radical, rigid and ultimately off-putting. Tell me how I'm wrong...

"... and also for the bozo's fucking complaining about a song like human(e) meat written by a band like PROPAGANDHI,......"

Relax buddy. It's not so much the message that bothers me (I don't eat meat), but the tone that accompanies it. With all due respect to the man, Chris's singing voice irritates me. Even when they aren't being preachy, he sounds like he's complaining and shoving something down our throats.

meh.

Posted by holy_hack_ben on 2009-03-10 17:53:03
My Score:

Meh. This is okay. To me they have always sounded like a way to preachy NOFX but with better musicians. Also I bet they would be the type of dudes to bitch at you for an hour if they saw you eating some ribs. Score is for ribs.

... and also for the bozo's fucking complaining about a song like human(e) meat written by a band like PROPAGANDHI, it's not just about animal rights or them just complaining about the living conditions of animals, it's the way human being are able to justify exploitative and tyrannical treatment of all animals (including other human beings). While there maybe more immediate issues going on with the world, it's the ethical basis and sadistic practices man is capable of conducting against sentient creatures when commodified.

Posted by returnofdebs on 2009-03-10 17:02:21
My Score:

only band that matters.

If you want watered down, safe, "punk-voter" political punk or punk love songs you know where to find those kind of bands

It seems like the criticisms in this thread are coming less from "they're preachy" than they are "this is musically boring."

Posted by xshoutoutx on 2009-03-10 16:55:04
My Score:

"Without Love" is the best track on this album... SO good, just like the rest of this release!

O-VER-RATED

This reminds me of everyone circle jerking over the new D4 album

Does Chris make enough off of Propagandhi to not have to work? I doubt it. I wonder what his job is.

Posted by the_problem_with_fire on 2009-03-10 16:19:24
My Score:

Fantastic album. A little bit of everything on here. This album just keeps growing on me and will probably end up somewhere around my top three favorite Prop albums.

There's ONE song about animals, everything else is pretty par for the course lyrically for Propagandhi. I think some people here are getting more hung up on the Sandor Katz thing than Chris Hannah probably is.

If you want watered down, safe, "punk-voter" political punk or punk love songs you know where to find those kind of bands.

Just like how people bash NOFX for doing drugs

never heard anyone do that, but whoever does needs to get a life

I was referencing a Punknews post a while back about NOFX and all people did was give them shit for doing so much drugs while doing the backstage passport series, thus leading to the fact that they do too many drugs and that affects their music.

exhibit A: Wolves in Wolves Clothing

I get sick of this because I thought it was a good album and NOFX have always done drugs, it isn't new news.

Posted by Deeker on 2009-03-10 15:31:57
My Score:

This album is fucking incredible. This will be the best album you hear all year.

If ye don't like Propagandhi, there's a good chance we won't be friends.

Up the Scuts!

Posted by seth_uber_alles on 2009-03-10 15:31:26
My Score:

Album of the year! The review was a bit long winded, but oh well. I love these guys because they play original punk rock that fucking shreds, and they are honest. No one is safe from their attack!

Just like how people bash NOFX for doing drugs

never heard anyone do that, but whoever does needs to get a life

Posted by onegirlarmy on 2009-03-10 14:58:11
My Score:

Way better than Potemkin City Limits. Great record but Today's Empires is still my favorite.

Nooooo waaaaaay. This is way borin; the instruments are incredible, but it just feels really watered down to me.

Posted by stabs on 2009-03-10 14:48:46
My Score:

This album keeps on getting better and better with each new listen. Every song is solid, the lyrics are amazing and the artwork is stunning.

Posted by mike_killroad on 2009-03-10 14:43:15
My Score:

Someone should explain to skaboom down there that the rest of album deals with the problems he states, Human(e) Meat is one song.

As for the album, I love it. It's something that will take some time getting totally used to (I mean, I have my research cut out for me). The return of the "more in depth" songwriting really makes me more secure with where Chris and Todd are heading. It seemed like Potemkin was a bit lost in meaning, but it's back. Supporting Caste, Night Letters, Human(e) Meat, and Potemkin City Limits are my favorite so far.

The album is a little preachy, but honestly, it's fucking Propagandhi. Just like how people bash NOFX for doing drugs, and how they bash Against Me! for selling out, it's old news. You are going to get what you expect so stop acting like they are some Ziggy Stardust shit you never saw coming.

I'm glad they did more research for this album. I also think the Beave is a good addition because they can venture a little more in the melodic sense (however, I did notice some of the songs were in the same key, but it's something that doesn't bother me too much).

I always loved Propagandhi because they are brutally honest. They don't bullshit and they back their claims. It's sad because so many people refuse to accept that they do this, they write it off as radicalism. Even though it's far left, they are a great band. This album rules and I could give less of a damn about preachy or not preachy, they fucking rule.

The only problem with this album: Todd needs more songs. If he had 2-4 more tracks I'd be giving it the 10.

So yeah, I dig.

Someone should explain to skaboom down there that the rest of album deals with the problems he states, Human(e) Meat is one song.

As for the album, I love it. It's something that will take some time getting totally used to (I mean, I have my research cut out for me). The return of the "more in depth" songwriting really makes me more secure with where Chris and Todd are heading. It seemed like Potemkin was a bit lost in meaning, but it's back. Supporting Caste, Night Letters, Human(e) Meat, and Potemkin City Limits are my favorite so far.

The album is a little preachy, but honestly, it's fucking Propagandhi. Just like how people bash NOFX for doing drugs, and how they bash Against Me! for selling out, it's old news. You are going to get what you expect so stop acting like they are some Ziggy Stardust shit you never saw coming.

I'm glad they did more research for this album. I also think the Beave is a good addition because they can venture a little more in the melodic sense (however, I did notice some of the songs were in the same key, but it's something that doesn't bother me too much).

I always loved Propagandhi because they are brutally honest. They don't bullshit and they back their claims. It's sad because so many people refuse to accept that they do this, they write it off as radicalism. Even though it's far left, they are a great band. This album rules and I could give less of a damn about preachy or not preachy, they fucking rule.

The only problem with this album: Todd needs more songs. If he had 2-4 more tracks I'd be giving it the 10.

So yeah, I dig.

Good.

Posted by TheMike on 2009-03-10 14:20:46
My Score:

I would say bands like Bad Religion and NOFX are more important than Propagandhi. This isn't a matter of taste, but of influence, which is something that can be proven empirically.

If you want to say most talented, than by all means go ahead. But lets not confuse two very different concepts here.

As for the album, I think it's ok. I like the prog flavours, if you can call them that. Some nice melodies, but too preachy (see others' remarks about "Human(e) meat", etc) and nothing that really holds my attention for too long.

After Today's Empires, I can't decide if Supporting Caste is their second best album, or if it's Less Talk More Rock. I might have to reluctantly give 2nd best to Less Talk More Rock for the amount it goes out on a limb for its day. But Supporting Caste is so effing good.

Posted by ddb43 on 2009-03-10 14:19:31
My Score:

Gets better w/ every listen. Great stuff.

Posted by whoostin on 2009-03-10 14:09:22
My Score:

Album of the year! The artwork is fucking awesome too!

"I'm going to respectfully disagree that a band has to tour 300 days as a requirement to be (arguably) the most important band in punk rock. I'm just thankful it didn't take 8 years since PCL for this to come out. These guys are obviously busy with a lot of different ideas/projects/etc."

Chris has said the reason of low activity for Propagandhi was due to him being busy with G7. Now that G7 is closed he has more time to focuso on the band, and he mentioned they'll probably have another new record out within 2 years

Posted by Modern on 2009-03-10 14:00:51
My Score:

I'm going to respectfully disagree that a band has to tour 300 days as a requirement to be (arguably) the most important band in punk rock. I'm just thankful it didn't take 8 years since PCL for this to come out. These guys are obviously busy with a lot of different ideas/projects/etc.

Oh, and there is a national tour in the works, it's just not announced yet. West coasters (me) will get our love soon.

kylewagoner: I may have someone in need of that D4/BS ticket if you've still got it

Posted by hellxblazer on 2009-03-10 13:48:02
My Score:

Goes great with a champagne blunt and a pack of Parliaments.

Posted by badbrain on 2009-03-10 13:47:52
My Score:

"this band was better when they didn't take themselves so seriously"

They end the album with a cover of Come To The Sabbot...

They've still got senses of humor

I had to call John Travolta and Nicholas Cage when I first listened to this album cause it it fucking RIPPED MY FACE OFF

Posted by red_eye_inc on 2009-03-10 13:43:50
My Score:

Yawn

[i]hey are still on Fat, Smallman handled the Canadian release.[/i]

No, they're not. Go look at Fat's site.

Posted by kylewagoner on 2009-03-10 13:43:27
My Score:

Amen, goddammit. Most important band in punk definitely. I'm going to see them in Balitmore tomorrow! I have an extra ticket! Anyone wanna go?! Oh, and I have an extra ticket to D4 and The Bouncing Souls in Baltimore for Thursday. Someone let me know!

They are still on Fat, Smallman handled the Canadian release.

First Propagandhi record I've really gotten into. This shit riiiiiiiiiips. 2009 is looking to be a great year for melodicore.

Brian, Wilhelm are actually good songwriters. That's why.

"a band that have proven, yet again, that they are still the most important band in punk rock."

hahahahahahahahahahahahaha

dude from Bomb the Music Industry is gonna be pissed.

in all seriousness though, if you're going to be the most important band in punk rock (which, really there can't and shouldn't be) maybe you should tour 300 days a year and get off of your high horse.

Posted by Problematiclogic on 2009-03-10 12:53:32
My Score:

This is a really, really good record.

The last one took a long time to grow on me, and I still just think it's kinda good. They sound a lot less preachy on this one and sound like they're actually having fun. They're still delivering messages but they're not shoving them down people's throats.

Oh, and the riffs. Shit!

Posted by darbystrummer77 on 2009-03-10 12:25:02
My Score:

I really enjoyed that review. the use of imagery was well done.

Still haven't heard the album. I got the download in my email this morning and am waiting to get home from work to turn it up.

There's enough problems in the world with wars, corporate greed, etc, that they don't need to write a song about killing a guy for believing that livestock can be raised responsibly.

Welcome to the world of Propagandhi.

I feel as the bands music becomes more serious they become more ridiculous in all things not music. Really excited to see what they do over the next couple of years with G7 on hold for the minute.
-Dante

Posted by jetsto on 2009-03-10 12:09:47
My Score:

love this record. they were great at harvest of hope

this band was better when they didn't take themselves so seriously

first track is a snoozer, the next few songs are pretty good

Posted by FrankReich on 2009-03-10 12:07:35
My Score:

Improvement over the last, still not better than Less Talk, More Rock or Todays Empires...but great nonetheless.

Posted by LinoleumMagazine on 2009-03-10 12:06:11
My Score:

Totally worth the hype. Simply amazing!

I still miss the lslower Todd songs though. They were some of my favorites on PCL.

Posted by oldpunkerforever on 2009-03-10 12:02:30
My Score:

"the most important band in punk rock"..get real..-oldpunker-

Stupidity?

Can someone explain to me who Sandor Katz is? I googled him, and all I found is that he's a chef who uses lots of fermented foods. He's written a couple books, one of which has a chapter titled "Humane Meat", so I assume that's what it's about, but it all seems a bit...petty?

There's enough problems in the world with wars, corporate greed, etc, that they don't need to write a song about killing a guy for believing that livestock can be raised responsibly.

Can someone explain to me why I fucking love the last two Wilhelm Scream albums but this and Potemkin sort of just blows by indiscernibly?

Two hundred comments.