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Jackass - Plastic Jesus
Jackass are a band that mix street punk with country, producing a sound that although not original (country music on speed, not hard to imagine I'm sure) is certainly different from the current scene, blowing a breath of fresh air through it.
Technically this is a great release with fast hooks, speedy melodies, and good rhythm's, but to me there's something that just doesn't sound right. At times reminiscent of the Vandals 'Play Really Bad Original Country Tunes' record, and at times the folk influences remind me of Against Me! (never a bad thing) but in general this record just doesn't quite reach the standards of either. Its a shame, because although the idea is a great one, and has the potential to produce some great results, the band don't seem to have the songs to back it up. The cover versions of 'Music' by Madonna and 'I Want It That Way' by the Backstreet Boys provide a comedy element to the record, but you do wonder if the whole thing is meant to be a tongue-in-cheek wind up.
I would say this band are worth checking out if you like the sound of Billy Ray Cyrus doing punk, but don't expect too much, because this band just simply don't have the material to carry a whole album through. But who knows, with a little more time they may turn into something worth keeping an eye on. After all, with the experience each band member has (including Pete Finestone, founding member of Bad Religion) there is certainly a wealth of talent here, I just don't think this record shows it off enough
5 out of 10