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Comedy music has a short shelf life with me.
Whether it's Weird Al, Ray Stevens or a typical punk band, once I pick up on the joke I've probably heard enough of the song. Although they are good musicians and a very clever bunch of guys, Manic Hispanic is no different.
Basically, these guys take a bunch of punk songs and record parodies that tie in with their Latino heritage. Think Carlos Mencia meets Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.
On a Menudo Incident the band has a good laugh at the expense of several punk classics from both sides of the globe.
Wasted doesn't sound much different to this non-fan of Rollins era Black Flag, while their ransacking of Los Angeles is a more obvious attempt at being clever.
12XU is a catchy tune no matter who is playing it, and it is easily the best song on the whole album.
Barrio Land is a decent Clash parody, and musically it is on par with the original if you can get past the stereotype saturated lyrics.
A bad cover of God Save the Queen makes my mixed opinions of this group turn sour fast.
Their take on New Rose starts out sounding like a tape for someone who is trying to learn Spanish as a second language, because there is an awkward, forced conversation that introduces the song. The cover itself is decent as the band avoids too many quirky cultural references.
American Society is rechristened Mexican Society in a song that has good lyrics even though the music plods along slowly.
Hyperactive novelty hits have been around for a while, and Manic Hispanic pays tribute to Captain Sensible in Jet Muchacho, a take on Jet Boy, Jet Girl.
Following another song and a medley is the obnoxious Before the Next Teardrop Falls. This song is okay once it takes off, but it doesn't really get off the ground until past the one-minute mark.
Once that one is mercifully over, Orgasm Addict becomes the surprisingly catchy and fun Manic Hispanic.
An over four minute long snore fest called Poem caps off the album, and seems very out of place.
All in all, this is a fun album, but like I said from the get-go, this music has a short shelf life.
The band is very talented, but then again who isn't? The days of bands not knowing how to play and having to get someone to tune their guitars for them on stage are over. Everyone from the worst street punk band on up can be called proficient, so a punk bands worth should be based on their lyrics.
These lyrics are a good laugh the first time around. After that, I suggest listening to the original versions of these songs.
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