Search - Good Riddance :: Operation Phoenix

Operation KICK ASS

david j | hacienda hts., ca | 07/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To all the folks who wrote saying that this album is too hard-core for them, I say, "What's the problem? You listen to PUNK!! It's supposed to be fast!!! Maybe you should listen to something mellower, you cheese-balls". This is G.R.'s BEST album. It's all about GO from start to finish.



I just came from seeing them and all I gotta say is do they ever rock, something for everybody!! Funnest pit I've been in in years!! And I've been doin' this stuff since "back in the day".



Anyways, buy this record, listen to it alot 'cause it definitly will stand the test of time. It's a great 'sing along' album!! And definitly see G.R. live. That's mandatory or else I'll come to your house and kick yer sorry a**!!!!!



Who loves ya baby?,

Halfhed"

Woo hoo! Smart punks make smart-core!

JRM | Corvallis, OR USA | 12/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First a comment that I hope doesn't overshadow what else I have to say: Comparing older or newer releases to whatever particular release is being reviewed is pointless. It seems like what most punk fans shoot for is more of the same... Honestly, if you like the sound of a bands one particular album so much, go start your own band and cover that album if you like it so much.Good Riddance makes punk music that increases my vocabulary, get's my noodle going, and keeps my head banging/foot tapping. I've never heard a release by GR that wasn't thought provoking, unpretentious, honest and fun punk n' rock ride. While I'm not sure if Operation Phoenix is Good Riddance's first release being produced by the guys from ALL(also Black Flag, Dag Nasty) but it definately sounds like the boys hopped into the Blasting Room wanting this one to be angry, socio-politically charged and a raging slab of hardcore punk. From shotgun-to-screaming riffs, incredible mosh-worthy breakdowns, spot-on drumming and who'da thunk it but I'd say Op-Phoenix has some of the loudest and heaviest basslines from Chuck thus far. Not to mention the samples Good Riddances is known for slipping in, although this time around they stand out more than Russ' lyrics in some spots.Only a couple shortcomings here. It gets annoying. They don't explain what the title of the album means(and you'd be smarter for finding out for yourself), and my other complaint is I sent in a thing with payment to join the fanclub around this time and never got any sort of reply or anything.It seems like a lot of people like Good Riddance for the wrong reasons.Because they're hot, they're on Fat Wreck Chords, they had that one song on the radio that one time ("Steps"), they tour with a million other good bands... Okay, those aren't all the wrong reasons to like Good Riddance, my point is that the band has substance and style, a lot to say and happen to be good at what they do. Go buy all thier CD's and roll around naked in a bed of loose change while you read Russ' lyrics out loud... Okay, don't do that, that might cross the line. But do go out and but all of thier CD's. Even if you don't like this kind of music, it will grow on you, I promise.Oh and another Woo Hoo! or two for the Black Flag and Battalion Of Saints covers."

Punk Rock

JRM | 10/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another one from the boys in GR. Great cd. Tons of great songs. Every cd from GR is based on how the band is feeling and they must have been angry when they recorded this one. I love Op. Phoenix. Buy this cd. Listen to it and even if you don't initially like it, you will. Trust me."