The return and H2O "California" (2011)

Well, it's been a hell of a long time since I've written anything for this blog, and I figured it was about time for me to make a (not-so) triumphant return. I've been listening to a shit ton of music recently, but haven't had much of an urge to write anything. I'm not sure if that's because of laziness or because I've just been in one of those weird places that it's hard to dig myself out of. Either way, I'm back and I'm going to try and go back to letting this be an outlet/distraction/worth while hobby. With all of that out of the way, let's get on with it......

Part of my motivation for finally writing something is that H2O released a new 7 inch two weeks ago, and Skarhead just released a new record. These are both two bands I thoroughly enjoy listening to, so I've been pretty amped for both of these releases. However, they're cover records, which I've been hard pressed to find one that I've enjoyed listening to. Today I'm going to focus on the H2O 7 inch, "California", and tomorrow I'll tackle the Skarhead record, "Dreams Don't Die".

A little background on this record, for those of you who don't know. Along with this 7 inch, H2O is releasing two more (Washington, DC & New York City) as pre-cursors to their upcoming full length cover record, "Don't Forget Your Roots" (release date: 11/15). Each 7 inch has a track that won't be on the full length.

As I said not that long ago, more often than not, I'm not a fan of cover records. They always seem like too much effort was put into doing someone else's songs that could have been put into doing your own tracks. Since I'm not a musician, that's probably ultra-judgmental and me talking out of my ass, but generally they seem like a waste to me. That being said, I've already listened to this 3 track 7 inch about 8 times, and have enjoyed it more and more every time. It kicks off with a the Circle Jerks "Beverly Hills" (this track will not be on DFYR) and it's phenomenal. They're take on one of my favorite Rancid songs, "Journey to the End of the East Bay", is on point. Don't get me wrong, Tim Armstrong is an amazing vocalist, but it's a whole lot easier to understand what Toby is saying. They wrap it up with Social D's "Sick Boy", and once again it's another tight track. In both of the last two tracks they change up the lyrics a little bit, so on the first couple of listen it sounded strange and caught me off guard. However, they work. The new lyrics fit H2O and in the case of "Sick Boy" update the song. I'd definitely recommend trying to get your hands on this 7 inch if you can, but from what I gathered from their Facebook page, there are virtually none left. You might just have to wait for "Don't Forget Your Roots"

1. Beverly Hills (Circle Jerks)
2. Journey to the End of the East Bay (Rancid)
3. Sick Boy (Social Distortion)