9. "No Thanks! The 70's Rock Rebellion" - Various Artists As evidenced by this four-disc, old-school punk box, Rhino continues to sit alone and unchallenged atop the re-issue heap. Although buying into what Rhino is selling here may mean re-assessing your definition of what "punk" was/is, the packaging and track selection is simply genius and delivered with a mission.
Admittedly, John Lydon's refusal to allow the inclusion of any Sex Pistols' tracks hamstrung Rhino's efforts at making this thing definitive, but it's a heart-warming stroll through the record collection of any greying punk worth his weight in safety pins and the perfect primer for any kid who thinks Green Day is punk rock ground zero. Oi!
10. "Special One" - Cheap Trick Taken at face value, Cheap Trick appear to have all the brains of a bag of hammers, but what a concept - pairing two pretty boys with two uh, not-so-pretty boys and letting the critics sort it out. These guys have been delivering the goods for what seems like forever (nigh on 30 years now - gulp!) and calling this a comeback is misleading in that they've never been away, flying quietly under the radar and churning out wedges of smartly crafted pop with a heart full of soul.
What's lost in the shuffle is that all four members can play, drummer Bun E. Carlos (now shilling for Target) in particular making a pretty big racket for a guy with such a small uh, drum kit. Raise a pint to the Tricksters and put down that Strokes album!
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