To my mind's eye, punk bands have always been driving, almost simple rock music - inspiring countless imitators, none nearly as successful as the original - while offering different views on well-known songs. The Ramones defined it for a generation, and now 1000 Mona Lisas are attempting to do the same for the 1990's crowd.
If the first experience with 1000 Mona Lisas was through their harder, punk version of Alanis Morrissette's "You Oughtta Know", this full length release should keep you coming back for more. Who else would cover Paul McCartney & Wings' "Jet", without sounding incredibly dated and stupid? Instead, they breathe new life into this track, sounding like a live band that got this half-hearted request at a concert.
Now, 1000 Mona Lisas don't always do the punk "thing" - some might not call it hard enough to be punk, in the same way that Guns N Roses may not define the true meaning of metal - but their hearts are in the right place. The band shines when the tracks are at their shortest - get the point, riff and hook home, and leave. None of this endless nonsense that drains on and on - check out "Maybe It's All Forgotten", "In The Red" and "I'd Rather Die Than Have To Touch You" - all of which are less than two minutes long, grab the listener's attention and don't let go.
Check them out at the local listening booth - and fasten your seat belts for a punk ride with 1000 Mona Lisas.
