Good to see this album available after the original label that released it went under. I'm into Duvall more than the Popes, but both have Josh singing, playing, and writing songs, so that's enough for me. This one will share a lot of time with the new Weezer album on my iPod.
Actually, this isn't so bad. Nevertheless, I think it's really funny that this album came out after years of ballyhoo about the "highly-anticipated" return of this band, and, with the exception of the Popes' dedicated horde of fat fans in Chicago, NOBODY CARED. I only saw one review of this album anywhere. (The Pope's Chicago fans are a clique of balding, bearded dorks in sweaters who married the only girlfriend they ever had and proceeded to breed ugly children: Such people gravitate to Josh Caterer and his brothers because they find it refreshing to see ugly people like themselves as "rock stars.") Yeah, this band was OK in their time, a time which is, like the Caterer brothers' hair, LONG GONE. Again, this music isn't so bad. But these guys, like all Christians, are dumb jackasses.
Is it at all possible not to love the Popes? Of course it isn't. One more gem in a string of consistently perfect records.
Possibly the world's best pop-punk band, the Smoking Popes are relatively unknown outside of Chicago, though probably not for much longer. The vocal work and instrumentation here are unique and impressive, and radio-ready tracks like 'If You Don't Care' provide a strong incentive for nationwide airplay. If you like these songs, I would recommend the band's entire discography.
Brand new Smoking Popes? Are you kidding me? Brand new Smoking Popes? Although I like Duvall, it's about time Josh Caterer got back to what he does best. Didn't even know this was coming, and after the first listen, they sound as good as ever! Viva El Popes
