this album was a real dissapointment to me. it lacks both attitude and the usually deep yet humoristic lyrics previous albums had. I understand what they want to make people feel with the song "we called it america" but the lack of attitude and bite really make me feel like "meh I might as well listen to War on errorism".

Posted by skankbook on 2009-06-11 11:23:45
My Score:

Without even listening, you pretty much know what the album's going to be. I'm just going to say it's their best stuff since "So Long..." I agree with what a bunch of others have said, it actually does flow like an album, compared to "Wolves." "My Orphan Year" took me by surprise how honest and serious it was, but that might have been because it's not the last track, where they usually put the "real" songs.

I actually think "Creeping Out Sara" is one of the funniest songs they've ever written. The part where Fat Mike mentions "If These Walls Could Talk" made Tegan cry gets me every time.

Posted by fattony on 2009-06-02 18:26:02
My Score:

Ok, I rescind my comment below. This really grew on me and is shaping up to be one of my favorites for the year. There's still a couple tracks I'm not crazy about, but otherwise a pretty sweet album.

Posted by TheGuwumpkis on 2009-05-31 03:24:17
My Score:

28 yrs old and i still almost shit when i heard this record.
and i really dug the bonus disc.
but still..... they ain't no Nickleback.
Emo Rules!!!

I enjoyed this record a lot. It's clear they don't care about how "punk" they are, what with the overblown guitar parts. I thought they'd lost their sense of humour on the last album with the mean-spirited "One Celled Creature". Welcome back!

Posted by balaka2 on 2009-05-20 03:12:07
My Score:

considering that their creative motivation for the past couple of albums (the conservative hegemony that looked to be taking over america) is on the ebb, the fact that this album isnt a complete and total piece of trash should be considered a success. is it great? no. is it alright? yeah. and its an album that actually flows, as a poster before me pointed out, as compared to the thrown together wolves, should also be a feather in their pinned n' patched cap. so not amazing, but certainly more palatable than pump up the valium. and it bashes religious types, which always is worth points in my book!

and i find lesbains and incest hilarious so im in luck

Posted by 120db on 2009-05-15 12:25:18
My Score:

The album is good. Not a big NOFX fan though.

Posted by paulrulzdood on 2009-05-15 09:34:21
My Score:

Apeman_On_The_Moon: that post just made you look like a giant toolbox. No one is looking for substance when they buy the 11th NOFX album. we're looking for entertainment. and we got it.

Fat Mike never said he had a problem with preaching beliefs. He's not a hypocrite. He just has a problem with religion.

no one is saying the ideas are fresh. we're not looking for fresh ideas. we're looking for new Nofx and entertainment. and we got it.

Funny how people have a problem with religious figures or factions constantly touting or preaching their beliefs.

And yet, NOFX has continued to whine about religion for more than 10 years, and people still seem to think it's fresh. How many different ways can you say and phrase the same damn thing?

Then again, if you want substance with your music, current day NOFX won't get the job done.

Posted by misterspike on 2009-05-14 23:03:51
My Score:

Wolves ... is to Metallica's Load as Coaster is to Metallica's Reload. Except Heaps Better.

Upon repeated listens, Coaster has definitely grown on me. And I can vouch that yes, The Loved Ones can drink some alcohol. Cheers!

Posted by jsin1981 on 2009-05-14 16:13:59
My Score:

NOFX ROCKS!!! Great album by a great band!

Posted by RondoMondo on 2009-05-14 16:09:10
My Score:

I want to stick my penis in this cd. It's so fucking AWESOME. Best since SLATFATS

Posted by paulrulzdood on 2009-05-14 13:01:41
My Score:

pretty spot on review overall, although i think you're selling it a bit short...

this is FAR better of an album than "wolves in wolves clothing", which was essentially a collection of random songs thrown together and called an album. this actually feels like an album from start to finish, with a logical track progression and a full album feel.

i like how they've toned down the political lyrics after 2 pretty political albums ("wolves" and "errorism") and instead focused on bashing religion, partying and other random fat mike topics.

"creeping out sara" is hilarious. "best god in show" and "blasphemy" are not only outstanding lyrically (if you're a fellow atheist) but are sweet musically as well. "we called it america' and "the quitter' are CLASSIC NOFx, i mean, those songs could be from 10 years ago.

"first call" and " i am an alchoholic" are also hilarious

sure, it's no "punk in drublic" or "so long and thansk" even...but it is better than their last album, and for an 11th NOFX album 25 years into their career...that's all i was hoping for.

it exceeds my expectations. arguably the best thing they've done since the Decline. i'm just stoked their live show is still killer and they're still even doing this NOFX thing and turning out new music.

Posted by TahoeJeff on 2009-05-14 10:23:55
My Score:

This score is for the record.

Posted by TahoeJeff on 2009-05-14 10:23:08
My Score:

It took a few listens to really grab me, but I like this album a lot, The reviewer is certainly entitled to their own opinion, but how can you call Best God in Show” and “I Am an Alcoholic” tasty ska-punk concoctions? Best God is reggae and Alcoholic is jazz up until the end.

Man, I just can't listen to NOFX anymore. It's not the albums fault; I actually like it. But I've just lost interest in this band.

Posted by Rawls_with_Balls on 2009-05-13 23:28:30
My Score:

Forgot to rate the album, so I'll take this opportunity to chime in on the "NOFX vs. organized religion" debate.

For those who are put off by Mike's scathing railings against all things religious: I hear ya. But you know what? I just can't help but agree with most of what Mike says on the topic. I think what riles him the most is misplaced religious rhetoric in political and public discourse. Religious faith is an intensely personal thing. If you sat Mike down, I suspect you'd find that he doesn't fault someone for holding those views, he just doesn't want to hear about it. That's my interpretation of one of my favorite NOFX songs: "Happy Guy." Pray, fine, but don't preach.

Does he assert those black and white beliefs with snotty, unapologetic venom? Sure. But what's the alternative? Political correctness? If that's what you're seeking, you came to the wrong place.

Couple things:

First, for those below expressing admiration for Weasel's "The Science of Myth," let me say FUCK YEAH! That song still gives me chills.

Now about the album, I gotta say, I dig it. I actually tried to not like this disc. "12 songs?", I thought, "come on NOFX, you can try harder." But then I popped it in my player and not a day has gone by in the past two weeks where it has gone unplayed.

Faves: Suits and Ladders, Agony of Victory, Orphan Year

Conclusion: These guys get me every time. I'm a NOFX mark -- they never let me down.

Posted by Cheesetits on 2009-05-13 20:52:56
My Score:

I mean, it's alright, it just didn't grab me at all.

"Science of Myth" is one of the best SW song because it reaches a new, nasally level. "Sommanamanamana wooorllddd keeeps turrrninggg"

Posted by GlassPipeMurder on 2009-05-13 20:22:49
My Score:

1) posting in an epic thread!
2) i like most of what i've heard ("Creeping," "America," "Suits," "Orphan," "Alcoholic")
3) i don't care for the close-minded anti-God rehashes they've been trying to beat into their listeners since Never Trust a Hippy ("Blasphemy," "Best God in Show"). By Fat Mike's standards, activists like Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Caesar Chavez are all "wrong" and his black-and-white, I'm right/you're wrong attitude has kept me from buying any of the last three NOFX records. If I want to listen to a song about questioning faith, it will be Screeching Weasel's "Science of Myth," which does it about 1000 times more gracefully.
4) Still, pretty good album, though I do like the short, fast, political songs on Wolves more in general.

Never realized NoFX was so cryptic. Spooky...

I know, right? All these songs about getting wasted and high, lesbians, S&M...then WHAM: The Inner Layer. Whoa.

Posted by jacknife737 on 2009-05-13 18:52:50
My Score:

Cant say that I agree with the review; solid album though.

Red - I know you're just effin' around, but you're giving me way more hipster cred than I deserve. Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta meet up with my foreign girlfriend for some sushi. We might watch a Hal Hartley movie later. Maybe something Korean. Not sure.

Also, for the record, I live outside of Philadelphia, PA. Don't bring NYC into this. That's just ig'nant.

I do that just to PiSS you off.

Goddamnit Mike! How many times do I have to tell you that it's NOFX not NoFX????? You fail at punk rock.

Never realized NoFX was so cryptic. Spooky...

And while I'm being an outrageous internet pud, I actually want to throw something out there to discuss about the record. No offense to Greendase and Jelune of course, who are probably at a Dresden Dolls show or busy with a Brooklyn scarf convention (kidding!).

Now I am warning you, this shit is definitely over-reaching and silly, so take it with a grain of salt. It's along the lines of people who say that if you listen to The Wall backwards while watching Wizard of Oz on acid you'll see the End Times or some shit. Anyhow, check it...

So ya know the first song, "We Called It America" which is about the decline of our nation and loss of our hegemont status, yada yada? Well in the opening lead it finishes with that melody that is synonomous with Chinese culture. I don't know what it's called, but it's also used in the song "Turning Japanese" as well. So (and I warned you, this is stupid) I think that is Fat Mike's way of making reference to the rise of China and it signals our new status as "#2".

Fuckin' DEEP, huh?

Toby, if you want to bring in musical discussion and mention the actual music on the record than feel free. It seems you're letting the review limit your choice in discussion.
I get that you disagree with the review and that you think it's one sided but feel free to put why you think this record is better than that. It seems like you're focusing more on the review and the reviewer than the album and you can always open it up if you have differing opinions about the music. It may not change the review but it may change a few posters minds.
-Dante

Posted by HumanUnkind on 2009-05-13 16:25:34
My Score:

I've been cranking this for like 2 weeks and I'm really stoked on it. I like how fun the entire album is. Also everyone's complaining about Creeping Out Sara like it's the dumbest thing NOFX have ever done yet they'll bash on about their "glory" days when they wrote songs like Buggley eyes or my heart is yearning or My Vagina or whatver; all rather dumb, and yes funny songs, but this isn't any worse in the maturity stakes, i reckon.

redscare has to be the best poster on here. passionate, thoughtful and always strikes a balance and seems to be the voice of reason.

dante - come on fella, you can read, you just don't understand it

gunner - it's a shitter when a band you love produce an album you hate. happened to me with Carter USM and NUFAN. there's still hope for nofx though :)

I do agree with Toby in that I was not expecting to see a rave review on here. Not like that's a problem though.

I think we should have some kind of star converter thing on here for staff, say for example:

1 Brian star=1.2 Jelone.

No. Stupid. Fuck it I'll post it.

In regards to Jelone: I'm not sure if your continued references to Mitch Clem are sarcastic or not, but it bears mentioning that neither Fat Mike, his label, or D4 had anything to do with that reviewer losing his position, it was the zine that punished him for leaking the record. Maybe someone can do a HILARIOUS 12-part comic strip about whatever webzine that was. Just imagine the hijinx?!?! In any case, the guy does a comic and wants Fat Mike's attention. So do thousands of other people in the punk scene, so at the end of the day he's just another random dude with an opinion pulled out of the air. From what I can tell, he seems like just another kid waiting outside the bus for an autograph. So...next.

I guess I just wanted to read someone else's thoughts on the album because I myself thought there was some really cool stuff on the record that could be discussed. But instead it read like a guy trying to be dismissive and look cool for his buddies at the Gainesville Fest. I guess there's nothing "wrong" with it, as Brian says, just nothing thought-provoking or insightful and an overall wasted opportunity to discuss music. Which is why I read reviews and discuss music in forums.

But then again, it's just one person's opinion on a website, so fuck it, right? Carry on!

I have listened to this album so much. I actually don't think there are any bland songs on here, at all.

Although I hated "The Quitter" for ages.

I love NOFX more now than I ever have, and that's mostly down to this album.

Like Rich pointed out are you really unhappy with the quality of the review or the score on the side? I think it is a shame when a high profile release recieves a poorly written review but this isn't the case here. If you look at say Gaslight Anthem's '59 Sound which had lyrics included that were wrong and it was obvious the person reviewed it without owning an actual copy of the album.

Yeah...Mitch Clem (of all people). Who's comments regarding NOFX were actually as complementary as they were critical.
I feel this review covers exactly what the reviewer feels about the album, it's good but there are still too many songs that seem like throw aways.
As for the review being one of the worst, check out the review for Dillinger four - Civil War.
-Dante

This album isn't too bad, the only two songs I don't really like are creeping out sara and the agony of victory, the rest range from good to pretty good...definitely not a bad record

Who knew giving an album an OK/average rating could fuck up so many people's days? A few thoughts...

-I'm sorry I only kinda liked the record and didn't love/loathe it more per your specifications.
-What's wrong with referencing Mitch Clem?
-You're right; I am kind of a dick for linking it like that. I'm sorry.
-To the people saying "but the musicianship is tight," remember that Britney Spears has a tight backing band, but that in no way makes her music any more interesting.
-Ax to grind? Really? 3 stars and I'm trying to take 'em down a peg? What're ya gonna do, fire me from punk rock?

Toby, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this review. Where exactly does Jelone seem misinformed or unjustly critical? If he has an axe to grind with the band, he must have buried the blade first to say he likes their new album.

Posted by eazyd2 on 2009-05-13 10:55:32
My Score:

this album is fuckin sick. reviewer is a dick sucka!!

Posted by gunner on 2009-05-13 10:52:15
My Score:

Hey, I LOVE NOFX, they have been tied with No Use For A Name for my favorite band for many years. I've only listened to Wolves a handful of times from sheer disappointment, but Coaster makes me appreciate it more because this new record didn't make it past 2 plays.

I'll admit I'm one of those guys that likes the serious side of NOFX, and like it enough to sit through all the goofy stuff, but only if there's a balance. These days the guys seem to have lost all interest in writing good songs, just dialing it in now.

I'll never be able to avoid checking out every new NOFX record in hopes that they get back on track, but with 2 crappy albums in a row I'm losing hope.

If all this album comes down to is whether or not you like NOFX, I don't think this is worth more than 3 stars at least from an attempt at objectivity.

basically it comes down to whether you like NOFX, or you don't/

i like NOFX

Posted by LeightonESmith on 2009-05-13 07:12:48
My Score:

I know what you mean about hearing the same songs every album. I could hear Bleeding heart disease, Clams have feelings too, Lisa and louise and then some Declinelike shredding in Eddie Bruce and Paul alone. I'd have to say the first couple of songs are great plus the aforementioned song and Suits and Ladders. NOFX is a hit and miss band and pretty much have always been - its rare to like absolutely every song on an album. .
We call it america reminds me of the lead Rise Against song off their last album.
Either way, Nofx is pretty predictable and if you like em there is definitely something to like on here. I definitely think they peaked in 99 though.

Posted by hayman on 2009-05-13 01:41:44
My Score:

Meh, an average NOFX album is still better than 99% of the shit I hear today. It's going to be a sad day when these guys finally throw in the towel. But good times for now.

ehn it is no Black President thats for sure.

I've got an archive of reviews that proves otherwise.

Maybe so. But for a fairly relevant release, you would expect there to be some informed thoughts on the actual content. I actually don't understand how he came to give it 3/5. Oh well, not the first time for this sorta thing.

One of the poorest album reviews I have seen on the Org, to be honest.

I've got an archive of reviews that proves otherwise.

The fact that this guy references Mitch Clem (of all people?) proves that he has an axe to grind with this review. One of the poorest album reviews I have seen on the Org, to be honest.

It's unfortunate that this guy spends the whole review assessing the comedic value of the songs (to no surprise, he's quite critical), when there's plenty of cool stuff to discuss in regards to the actual MUSIC on this record. The more I think about it, it's surprising that PNO actually ran this.

I thought it was a really good album and much better than their last. One of my favorites of 2009, that's for sure.

Cheers to Dio!

where's the dio review?

Posted by drewxfishy on 2009-05-12 21:46:14
My Score:

love it

p.s. It's Fat Mike, not "Fat" Mike. It just looks silly when you write it like that.

It was a reference to the fact that he's not really fat anymore.

ive been so excited to see this reviewed and this is just an AWFUL review. Not cuz i think its alot better than the reviewer said, it just was not a good one. I think coaster rocks. The lyrics for the most part tell good stories that are straight forward and you dont have to work too hard to figure out, the melodies are solid, the changes of pace are great. I think this is a really really good nofx record. Best songs for me are "my orphan year" "eddie bruce and paul" and "first call"....hey, theres even a reference to toby jeg!

This reviewer calls a reggae song and a punk song with jazz parts "ska-punk". Really? I mean... really?

here's waiting for NZ"i run my own business you tool"09 to slate on this review just like always. am convinced his Dad gave Mike a rusty trombone followed up by an AIDS spit. can be no other reason for that hostility

was that English?
-Dante

here's waiting for NZ"i run my own business you tool"09 to slate on this review just like always. am convinced his Dad gave Mike a rusty trombone followed up by an AIDS spit. can be no other reason for that hostility

Posted by damo on 2009-05-12 18:57:02
My Score:

i think the production doesn't do a lot of the songs justice. it's a solid album and a lot of the songs do sound great live. unlike wolves i haven't deleted a single song off coaster off my ipod yet so all is good

Posted by m1tch on 2009-05-12 18:51:19
My Score:

I finally got it in the mail yesterday, and although not the first time hearing it, I liked it. It's nofx and I'm a big fan of nofx. I like wolves' too.

This record is great fun.

So stop being boring and enjoy it.

Posted by GiantBaby on 2009-05-12 18:39:07
My Score:

fuck off

Posted by mike_killroad on 2009-05-12 18:33:52
My Score:

More "My orphan year" less "Creeping out Sarah"

Seriously, it's not that great and I'm bummed, I've already stopped listening to it because it got old too quick.

What the fuck NOFX?

Posted by kylewagoner on 2009-05-12 17:31:15
My Score:

It'd be a better album if they hadn't released 10 other ones before it, ya know?

Posted by wentz_equals_death on 2009-05-12 17:12:28
My Score:

i enjoy it but agree that something is lacking... i think best god in show is pretty great, as is my orphan year

Posted by misterspike on 2009-05-12 17:01:50
My Score:

Typical NOFX album ... Alcohol = Good. Street Drugs = Really Really Good. Lesbians and/or Canadians = Mulleted. Religion = Bad.

"My Orphan Year" is the closest to a departure for the band, at least lyrically. Great song and clearly heartfelt. Very touching.

i thought this album was really underwhelming. i'm always really excited for a new nofx record; there is always the possibility of few great songs mixed in with the filler. none of the songs here (with the possible exception of "we called it america") would make my nofx top 40. not a terrible record, the nofx formula just doesn't allow for that IMO, but very medio-core. On a side note: the LP has "creeping out sara" listed as "creeping out tegan" are the lyrics the same or do they actually change it on the LP???

Posted by XCARLUPANDDIEX on 2009-05-12 15:28:27
My Score:

three letters: BAD

Posted by TheMarc on 2009-05-12 15:22:03
My Score:

"My Orphan Year" is absolutely spectacular. Solid record!

Posted by Bryanmatic on 2009-05-12 15:21:23
My Score:

Score is for the album.

The only thing that could save NOFX from the perils of mediocrity or break up is another Surfer or Fuck the Kids 7".

Technically proficient playing is definitely NOT the reason why NOFX is my favorite band.

I stopped listening to Weird Al and NOFX at the same age. Draw whatever conclusions you want from that.

Posted by oldpunkerforever on 2009-05-12 15:18:39
My Score:

boring. these guys have not put out anything worthwhile in years-oldpunker-

To the guy below: I don't think it's any question that these guys are incredibly tight musicians.... I always thought it was assumed.

Posted by deadelectromix on 2009-05-12 15:15:41
My Score:

This was a really bad record.

Posted by bdn on 2009-05-12 15:14:49
My Score:

Fat Mike spends most of this album telling people to dismiss NOFX (we’re drunks, we immature 40 year olds, we don’t’ have jobs) and with every review, that’s exactly what is done. Who is the joke on? Who’s being lazy? Is it “punk” to be a rich 40 year old that’s a master musician? No, so Fat Mike simply says “Hey, look that way” and everyone looks. Here’s something I have yet to read: The technicality of playing is amazing on this album. Smelly’s playing on ‘Orphan Year’ alone is a 10 . These guys are at the top of their game, they just don’t want you to notice.

Posted by Chadreligion on 2009-05-12 15:14:41
My Score:

I like this album... better than wolves too.
The Quitter, , Orphan Year, and Best God In Show have the best lyrics I've heard from them in awhile.
Needs better ska though, if any.
Score is for the album on a whole

Posted by fattony on 2009-05-12 15:13:33
My Score:

There's a few ok songs on here, but more than anything, it suffers from being just another NOFX album. I love them, they totally phoned it in on this album.

Side note: Linking directly to an image is a dick move. It sucks up NN2S's bandwidth without the benefit of ad views. Link straight to the comic page: http://www.mitchclem.com/nothingnice/92/

Great review. The rating was a little too high for my tastes, but I found this album to be terribly mediocre.

Posted by FuckYouOiOiOi on 2009-05-12 14:58:13
My Score:

This album is great. Way better than Wolves. I've probably listened to it close to 20 times by now and it doesn't get old. Favourite songs:

First Call
Orphan Year
Blasphemy (It sounds like a Bad Religion song)
Eddie, Bruce and Paul
I AM an Alcoholic
The Agony of Victory
Best God in Show

Posted by LinoleumMagazine on 2009-05-12 14:57:50
My Score:

I like it a lot.

Rates about even with their last couple records, but below their 90's stuff.

I love this band no matter what. All I really care about now whether I will see them play "She's Gone" again.
I've seen em about 25 times and they've only played it once.

p.s. It's Fat Mike, not "Fat" Mike. It just looks silly when you write it like that.

Posted by BarleyPat on 2009-05-12 14:43:34
My Score:

I liked it. Best songs:

Eddie, Bruce, and Paul
Suites and Ladders
The Quitter
My Orphan Year

Posted by Jeevz on 2009-05-12 14:43:13
My Score:

It's a good listen, but nowhere near any of their earlier classics. No surprises here.

I've heard it all before, and I'll hear it all a thousand times more...

Creeping Out Sara is probably the dumbest thing I've ever heard, ever. It did sort of result in me actually getting into T&S, though, so I guess it wasn't completely useless.

oh and yes creeping out sara is funny but it's definately their poppiest song to date... i thought franco was bad.. damnn. hard to imagine they started as a hardcore punk band if you hear that one haha. eh no complaints though its cool

Posted by scandelicious on 2009-05-12 13:52:23
My Score:

score is for the album

i guess im alone but i can't stop listening to this album, but then again nofx has been my favorite band for many many years. and when wolves came out it was instantly my favorite. this isnt my absolute favorite, especially cuz it has the weakest begining for a nofx album in my opinion.. but i like it a lot

Posted by ddb43 on 2009-05-12 13:49:11
My Score:

I actually find this to be quite enjoyable. It is much better than their last one. "Creeping Out Sara" is hilarious.

Posted by whoostin on 2009-05-12 13:34:09
My Score:

Good Review. I really hoped that with only 12 tracks, Nofx would cut out the mediocre filler but I guess not. I think the rest of the band needs to start writing songs. And who is Fat Mike to call out Bruce Dickinson?
Kudos to Bruce and Fuck you Mike. He can fly a plane and your drunk ass can hardly ride a bike!

There are some decent songs on here but I'll say it again, as a band who claims to be gay positive "Creeping out Sara" can be quite confusing.
-Dante

Posted by joeg on 2009-05-12 13:00:19
My Score:

review is right on point, as i find most of jelone's.

Posted by punkerpages on 2009-05-12 12:55:22
My Score:

So disappointing :(

Posted by BluthCo on 2009-05-12 12:54:14
My Score:

Half the songs are good and half are decent but forgettable. About all of them have bland lyrics.

Posted by mikexdude on 2009-05-12 12:49:25
My Score:

My Orphan Years is incredible but "Blasphemy" is unlistenable. A step up from the last one. My favorites will always be Errorism and So Long... but, not bad, not bad.