Just about everyone is familiar with the now defunct ska-punk band Operation Ivy. I don't think you can go to a pop-punk or ska-punk show without seeing someone sporting their classic black and white Operation Ivy t-shirt. So what ever happened to Operation Ivy? I mean we all know that Tim Armstrong is in Rancid, and that he has his own label called Hellcat Records, but what about Operation Ivy's front-man Jesse Michaels? Well it seems as though Jesse disappeared for a little while, but no worry, he's been found. Jesse has a new band now called Common Rider, and they just released their first full length on Ben Weasels label Panic Button. Common Rider is actually a sort of all-star power trio. Not only is Jesse Michaels on guitar and vocals, but Mass Giorgini(Squirtgun, Screeching Weasel, etc) is on bass, and Dan Lumley(Screeching Weasel) is on drums.
I have to be honest, with the exception of the last Mustard Plug CD, I really have not enjoyed any of the new ska-based albums that have come out in the last few months. Not that Common Rider is straight up ska, they are far off from being your typical ska band. Hey they don't even have a horn section. Common Rider incorporates elements of ska, reggae, pop, punk, rap, and indie rock into a mix that makes for one awesome CD. Of course all the Operation Ivy fans are going to love this CD, but I also think there is something here for those punk rock fans who were never really down with the whole Operation Ivy thing. This release is much more produced than anything Operation Ivy has ever done, but I also think the songwriting is quite a bit better.
Jesse still seems to hold on to many of the same issues he dealt with in Operation Ivy. The opening track called "Classics of Love" is basically a tribute to many of the great love songs, and their composers. Other highlights include the ska-punk sounding, "Carry On" which talks about being young and taking on the world, and "Rough Redemption" with its cryout, "people come together demonstrate the sound this is unity music, so lay your burden down". So yes Jesse is still down with the Unity, that he emphasized so much during his days with Operation Ivy. His vocals are as smooth as ever, the songs are clever, and they definitely have something to say. The quote on the back of the CD emphasizes Jesse's feelings the best, "May All Beings Know Peace", and hey he's not even a hippie.
B+
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 1999Reviewed by TimSounds like a follow to Operation Ivy's 'energy' album, only ten years too late. Buy this because it should have been part 2 to a classic. In today's world, with this being a new record, a Bare Naked Ladies song comes to mind. It's all been done, but buy this because Jesse is one of the founders of the latest wave of ska and reggae. It's good. BDecapolis 1999Reviewed by ConradIt's okay. It's just not really my style. It's good for what it is. Nifty reggae, ska, whatever. C+Decapolis 1999Reviewed by dmkPeppy melodies and crisp vocals, if not entirely interesting lyrics. A casual, fun listen if you are into all things ska and ska-like. BSimilar sounding releases
1999The ChinkeesPeace Through Music
1999The O.C. SupertonesChase the Sun
2003The InsyderzSoundtrack to a Revolution
2002Mustard PlugYellow #5
2001The DingeesThe Crucial Conspiracy
1999GodrocketSaved!
