R.I.P Schleprock, a band who never quite made it
Almost three years after their last release 'A Long Time Ago', the infamous ''I used to fuck people like you in prison'' records, have happily released a collection of Schleprock's 'Greatest Hits' which spans from the bands very first 7 inch release in 1994, to their most recent recordings and some rarities previously unreleased.
'Learning to Fall' is not only a 'Greatest Hits' collection from a now defunct band, it also presents the listener the history and life-story of the band. With over 15 years of punk to cover, this CD of 'homage' to the pioneers of Nu-wave punk is bound to draw attention to those younger punks unaware of those successful; bands around in the 90's and the older punks who cherish the days of their adolescents through CD's like this. The CD was also released as an 'honour' towards the life of guitarist Jeff Graham who recently passed away.
'Learning To Fall' is possibly one of the last ever releases from Schleprock due to the recent passing of their guitarist and the fact the band simply don't play together anymore. Packed with 21 songs of So-Cal punk and their 'Greatest Hits' this CD is sure to offer the best stuff from California's most under-appreciated bands.
Opening track 'Can't Hold Me Down' is a perfect example of the Southern Californian spirit Schleprock held during their time with their typical sing-a-long choruses and unimaginative lyrics. Track 6 'Waiting' holds a similar spirit, it's anthem chorus feels like you've stepped on to a football pitch of 100,000 people all chanting in unison.
The bass lines provided by Dean Wilson are also quite spectacular and sound like something you'd hear more from Rancid's bassist Matt Freeman. In fact, the band do sound a little like early Rancid with their gravely vocalist, catchy-choruses and simplistic chord structure.
Being a Greatest Hits compilation and not a full-length release, the CD seems to change quite frequently in tone. For example 'Surburbia' has that classical American 'punx unite' sound but then there are songs like 'Wrong Way Out' which sound a little more poppy and 'Smog' has a dirt-rock texture to it. So don't expect 21 tracks of pure punk because this album includes a little experimentation from the band as well.
So for Schleprock’s final release, 'I used to fuck people like you in prison' records have compiled a hand-full of the best songs from the 15 year old So-Cal band and produced a worthy tribute album. Certainly die-hard fans will be a little disappointed as always for no apparent reason, but for those general punk listeners it's an essential.