It was apparent to anyone listening that, as they balanced some stock smart-assed songs with some more singer/songwriter-ly and personal fare on Coaster, a change was in the air for NoFX. No longer content to just play court jesters in the punk arena, “Fat” Mike Burkett, Eric Melvin, El Jefe and Erik Sandin were making a vested effort to grow up in songs like “My Orphan Year” and “I AM An Alcoholic.” They didn't go all the way or totally...

Does anyone else see the hilarity in the idea of first-wave punk bands reforming and performing greatest hits sets? On one hand, yes, it's a testament to the longevity of the music and proof positive that, as much as youth culture may have changed in the last thirty-five years, themes of discontent, ennui and frustration at a world that seems to keep many people that are different on the outside looking in (usually because of social or economic standing) still...

It sounds silly to say it but, when Between The Buried And Me released their covers album, The Anatomy Of, three years ago, it had a profound effect on the band and its sound. While BTBAM had always boasted a certain noticeable dosage of prog in their metal, The Anatomy Of inadvertently betrayed a love of pop (in a metal context of course, best exemplified by the covers of Smashing Pumpkins, Motley Crue and Queen) that had gone here-to-fore unseen...

As any former addict can tell you, the twelve steps of any drug or alcohol rehab program are only the gateway to recovery; the real treatment starts when one learns to move forward productively and not be perpetually compelled to look back and see how they're doing. Eventually, the hope is that the patient will be able to start over, wise enough not to repeat past mistakes and educated enough to not have to make sure they're on the straight...