A CD that has great bands like Starflyer 59, Plankeye, Puller, Danielson, and Royal cannot go wrong, as demonstrated by this impressive compilation for the mellower tastes, put together as a counterpart to the Songs From the Penalty Box saga. It is not mellow in the sense that you would listen to this while falling asleep; it is more mellow in the sense that you can understand 98% of what they say (the 2% go to the ending of the track done by Royal.)
This album showcases good indie rock, emo, rockabilly/swing, punk, and whatever style it is that Danielson plays. I consider it to be the combination plate of modern Christian artists serving up their best, promoting their beliefs, and earning their money while doing so.
You can hear the new and improved Plankeye, and catch their old lead warbler Scott Silletta's new band Fanmail. They both seem to be doing well, which leads me to believe this is like the Zao/The Juliana Theory split -- two great bands that used to be one, free of charge. The Juliana Theory starts the album on an emotional side with the song "Music Box Superhero" and makes me grateful for the split. Quayle fans will probably do a double take since the tune at the beginning sounds a lot like something I heard on The Rocking Your World Tour.
The fight for the best track is a split decision between Starflyer 59 and Danielson. The track from SF59 is "I Drive a Lot," and the use of keyboards, a catchy melody, a great guitar riff, and Jason Martin's singing is a mix that will prevail every time. Danielson amazes with the humorous side of swearing and teeny-bop dating in "Potty Mouth." This song has a cheesy melody reminiscent of a 1970's BBC show that will stick in your cerebellum without annoying you.
Bands such as Puller and Royal also have great tracks on an album that does not have anything less than "pretty good." And the "pretty good" songs are what kept this album from getting five tocks. Tooth & Nail did a good job on this compilation and it is recommended for any fan of music that is too cool to be on the radio.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 1999Reviewed by Marco PovervestThere's nothing really new on this album, containing songs previously released only. But this is stuff worth checking out if you haven't heard them before. Bands featured here are The Juliana Theory, The Deluxtone Rockets, Fanmail, Royal, Pep Squad, Starflyer 59, Morella's Forest, Danielson, The Huntingtons, Puller, Bon Voyage and Plankeye. The songs were chosen by Tooth & Nail boss Brandon Ebel…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinYou don't need to be Forrest Gump to liken the Tooth & Nail Rock Sampler Volume 2 to a box of chocolates. Open it up and you have twelve of the freshest, sweetest modern rock tracks ready for immediate, satisfying consumption. My favorites are chewy caramels, the Turkish Delight of the chocolate box, and we have a few of those here. Songs so good, you could have more than one in a row, and when…
