THE DICKIES “All This and Puppet Stew”
From virtually the inventors of pop-punk come thirteen new tracks, creating this band’s first full length in a long, long time. Does their legendary name and old-time mastery of the genre still live up to a top billing? You betcha! “All This and Puppet Stew,” is a refreshing opus of ingenious, hook soaked punk rock fit for any occassion. THE DICKIES are certainly a unique act, even with the generic Ryan Greene production (on most songs – this disc was recorded in spurts over a span of five years!),thus allowing the oddball lyrics and high pitched vocals to distinguish mood and style. As most of this band has either passed 40 years old, or is rapidly approaching, this has no bearing whatsoever on their ability to play it fast and loud, and with more precision than most of their contemporaries. The second track, “Keep Watching the Skies,” has a nice passive-aggressive charm to it featuring some sweet guitar work and a sticky chorus. The same goes for such tunes as, “Sobriety,” and my personal favorite, “Whack the Dalai Lama,” which is downright strange. Like most pop-punk, this can be filed under easy-listening as it doesn’t require much thought or focus to get into, kind of like a beach sandal. Nonetheless, THE DICKIES are a historical staple in punk rock and this is no doubt worthy of attention.
Fat Wreck
