Selling The Sizzle

First listen: Generic, somewhat boring pop-punk that all the little kiddies will go crazy for on the account that they're on Lookout Records. One would think that a ten plus year career of a band could either improve them musically or are too stubborn to realize that their hey day was a long time ago. Second listen: Man, if this isn't the perfect party record for any occasion -- birthday, social get together, Hanukkah, whatever -- then put Dick Clark back in his cryogenics chamber and cancel New Year's cause this rocks. The Smugglers know how to have a good time in that classic oldies, doo-whoop, pop-punk influence without the squeeky clean image. It's almost as if they could have been the perfect house band for Arnolds while showing The Fonze a thing or two. And a note to all the vegans in the house: the grease soaked hambergers wont slide off of the cover, remember it's only harmless artwork. ~ Mike DaRonco, All Music Guide