In the all time list of good ideas, Billy Milano's use of the phrases "fucking nigger charity" and "anally inflicted death sentence" in songs must rate somewhere near waterproof teabags and helicopter ejector seats. Not that Billy gives a shit. His motto? "It ain't easy being scum".
So here we have a 29 song best of album from a band who has never had a hit of any note in the mainstream. It's full of political incorrectness, vulgarity, childishness and stupidity. It's nigh on perfect.
Spawned as the bastard child of Stormtroopers Of Death, MOD has been Milano's outlet for a number of years. Lyrical mishaps aside, the band made hardly a false move. Huge grooves, massive guitars, piss taking fun, NYHC unity, what more could you want?
Beneath the silliness, there was sometimes a serious message. Sometimes. "No Glove No Love" touches on safe sex, "Irresponsible" deals with parenting, "US Dreams" is about crime and punishment, and any number of tracks, like "Rally (NYC)", True Colors", "Rhymestein" and "Get Up And Dance" are about friendship, loyalty and unity.
But what do people remember MOD for? Their political views? Nope, it's the silly, fun songs and to a lesser extent, the hardcore style covers. Tracks like the misogynistic 14 second blast of "Vents", the chant of "Bubble Butt" ("If your ass is wider than your shoulders then you've got one"), "Spandex Enormity", "Hate Tank", "Mr Oofus" and "Ode To Harry" have appeared on albums. A number of new tracks were recorded for this album. "Bonanza" takes the theme song from the famed Western TV show and twists its nipples. "Clubbin' Seals" is a redneck style ballad, like you've never heard before. "The Ballad Of Dio" and "Buckshot Blues" carry on the SOD "ballad" tradition. "Livin' In The City" and "He's Dead Jim" are raging covers of Fear and Functional Idiots' songs.
Ultimately, if you're not a fan of MOD, you won't understand this. If you are a fan, it's essential, even if you have all the other albums. The best tracks on show here: "Theme", "Clubbin' Seals" and "Bonanza", but really this is a high quality collection from start to finish.
Vim_Fuego, August 6th, 2004
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