Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Music Review




MxPx
At the Show



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 23 tracks
Street Date: July 27, 1999


MxPx, love them or hate them, they certainly have a following of both Christian and non-Christian fans. Their lyrics, written by bassist/lead vocalist Mike Herrera reflect many inner struggles as well as the hard long path that Christians walk each day. Struggles that non-Christians seem to relate to as well.

However, at a glance you wouldn't know that each band member beleives in Jesus as their Savior. Both of Mike's arms are covered in tattoos, guitarist Tom has his right arm similarily stylized. But if you look deeply into the lyrics you can really relate to where they're coming from. Growing up, being rejected, trying to get God's message through the ignorant minds of the world around us. And yet they never blame others for their mistakes or problems. Some songs deal with anger, but in a far more mature way than some pop/punk bands such as Blink 182.

The music style is aggressive, punk rock that will take a lot of getting used to if you're not a fan of punk music. This was the first punk CD I ever bought and let me tell you it took me a good month or two to fully appreciate the skill and addictively fast rhythm of this disc. As a warning this is a live album and doesn't come with lyrics, so if you want lyrics (which you really need to understand some of the words and songs until you can keep up on your own) you'll have to go online or buy some of their older CD's. Be prepared for a gritty fast sound that will really get you going crazy once you finally learn to appreciate (and keep up with) these guys. It's pure adrenaline.

The third track "Under Lock and Key" is a perfect example of the adrenaline I'm talking about. As with most of the songs it will take time to understand and appreciate but once you do, let me tell you, it will be in your CD player for a long long time. The next song "Chick Magnet" is one of their all time hits and features a rocking catchy tune that will keep you singing "chick magnet... da da da da da chick magnet... da da da da da da" again and again in your head. The fifth track, entitled "G.S.F." (thats "girls schmirls foundation" by the way) is the softest song you'll find on here and is basically a soft ballad about giving up on girls and love, with lyrics such as "She said can't we just be friends, it's just not working out, another broken heart, that i can do without...." Other highlights include "Walking Bye" which is the ultimate punk adrenaline rush, "Invitation to Understanding" a meaningful song about wanting understanding to come, and "Punk Rawk Show" which is yet another adrenaline packed punk song that finishes off the album perfectly.

MxPx has grown to be my favorite band, and I stress the word "grown." It will take time to appreciate this type of music but once done, nothing compares to the uplifting and crazy energy you'll get from this cd. Just listen to the little bass solos in "Under Lock and Key" or in the instrumental "The Theme Fiasco" or the warp-speed drumming in "Walking Bye" and you'll constantly notice more and more little touches that just add to the lasting energy. The only thing that holds this score back from the 5 star score is a lack of openness about their faith. It would be nice not to have to look so deeply to understand what it is Mike is trying to say but I suppose that only adds to the longetivity.

- Review date: 9/25/01, written by invin



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Try Pop Culture Coffee!

 


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: A&M Records
. Album length: 23 tracks
. Street Date: July 27, 1999
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Tomorrow's Another Day
  2. Sometimes You Have To Ask Yourself
  3. Under Lock And Key
  4. Chick Magnet
  5. G.S.F.
  6. Cold And All Alone
  7. Party, My House, Be There
  8. The Downfall Of Western Civilization
  9. Time Brings Change
  10. Fist Vs Tact
  11. Small Town Minds
  12. Walking Bye
  13. KKK Took My Baby Away
  14. Andrea
  15. Want ad
  16. Lifetime Enlightenment
  17. Forgive And Forget
  18. Invitation To Understanding
  19. Dolores
  20. Middlename
  21. I'm Ok, You're Ok
  22. The Theme From Fiasco
  23. Punk Rawk Show

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Try Pop Culture Coffee!

Search JFH



This Tuesday, June 3, 2025
SINGLES
Sixpence None The Richer The Needle and the Damage Done - Single [Flatiron]

This Friday, June 6, 2025
ALBUMS
CCV Hollow (Deluxe) (independent)
Ben Fuller Walk Through Fire [Provident]
Hopeful. The Wild One - EP (independent)
Christy Nockels King Who Never Sleeps; Anthems for Rest [The Fuel]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down My Will - Single [BEC]
Bill B. & Cyrus Sonata Kevlar - Single [Syntax]
Elan Brio I'm Satisfied (ft. Henry Israel) - Single (independent)
Aaron Cole NOBODY BUT GOD - Single [Provident]
Equippers Worship Living in Freedom (Live) - Single [DREAM]
Good Weather Forecast Pray - Single [DREAM]
Ic3rd & EJ Swavv Woke Up (ft. CJ Emulous & George.Rose) - Single [Syntax]
King David tha Vessel Consistant - Single (independent)
Brandon Lake Daddy's DNA [Provident]
Myles Maestro Flood (ft. Ace Savage & Shruumi) - Single [Syntax]
Mell Omii Wave - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Mr. Pilot - Single [Syntax]
River Valley Worship Time For Revival - Single [BEC]
Roy Tosh Everything's Gonna Be Alright (feat. PEABOD) - Single [RMG Amplify]
Solachi Voz All I Need - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Genesis (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]
Ayiesha Woods I Have Hope - Single [Backsider]

VINYL
Ironwrath Master Storyteller Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, June 13, 2025
ALBUMS
Coqui Death to Your Ego [DREAM]
King's Hammer To Speak In Tongues - EP [Rottweiler]
Brandon Lake King Of Hearts [Provident]
Joel Vaughn Feel It - EP [DREAM]
War of Ages Eternal (15th Anniversary Edition) [Facedown]

SINGLES
CalledOut Music Worthy of It All - Single [Integrity]
Equippers Worship Garment of Praise - Single [DREAM]
Mainstream Worship Near - Single [DREAM Worship]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images