Search - Dag Nasty :: Field Day

Understated pop-punk classic

Worgelm | United States | 11/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Legends of the DC Hardcore scene slow down a little and make an album for everyone. Brian Baker was a personal inspiration to me as a guitar player - save that godawful side trip into Junkyard, his riffs and solos, even on _Out Of Step_ by Minor Threat, were always above average and exploratory - always seeking but never pretending. This album and "Wig Out At Denko's" are their best, mostly because of clever lyrics and great musicianship - but of the two, this album takes the cake because of its ecclectecism and just flat-out great songwriting. Graced with Peter Courtner's smoky vocals, the whole first side of the album is almost pop-punk, its surprising, hook-y and constantly clever and engaging. The lyrics really stand out on "The Ambulance Song" ( but the blues-y Baker solo is a nice touch) and the hard-hitting "Dear Mrs. Touma". "Staring At The Rude Boys" is a raging cover tune, as well as "12XU" (Baker also covered this tune with Minor Threat) and a jaunty cover of "Under Your Influence" with original Dag Nasty vocalist Dave Smalley. "La Penita" is a brutally honest song, sad and lilting (again - complete with some nice flamenco touches from Mr. Baker), almost an anthem for a barfly. Another bonus - the CD includes some additional bonus tracks that the original casette release lacked - the sarcastic "Never Green Lane" and the incredible "Your Mine", which evokes the same kind of lyrical ambiguity that the Police do with "Every Breath You Take". If you're into "forgotten masterpieces" then you had best pull out your credit card and discover this great band."

I'll take Field Day over Green Day any day......

Worgelm | 02/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Field Day is an outstanding pop/punk record that set the bar high for the countless imitators who came in Dag Nasty's wake. For one, the level of musicianship is remarkable for guys barely in their twenties in a genre not noted for the musical chops of its players. Brian Baker practically invents the pop/punk guitar vocabulary on this one--his changes/solos/accents are executed with real originality and panache. The rhythm section is also outstanding with tight drumming and bass playing. And the vocals are raggedly endearing without pretension or bs; they capture a real sense of what's it's like to be teetering in that odd place between teenager and adult. If this classic had been released in the early '90s, it would have sold millions. Forget Green Day, Field Day is your ticket."

One of the greatest albums ever!

Willy Killigan | Chicago, Illinois | 05/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record is incredible. Dag Nasty's best record ever. I've had this since it came out & I still listen to it. This is "Emo-core" at its finest. Forget PROMISE RING & GET UP KIDS, this is what I think about when somebody mentions EMO. Great music, great vocals, real emotion..."