IN REVIEW: Teenage Time Killers - "Greatest Hits Vol. 1"

The growing trend of supergroup releases continues with Teenage Time Killers, the brainchild of Mick Murphy and Reed Mullin (members of Birds of Satan and Corrosion of Conformity, respectively). Having been recorded at Dave Grohl's studio, it's not surprising that he would lend a hand musically but, while he does technically appear on over half of the twenty tracks, it's only in the capacity of bass player. While it would have been nice to hear him belt out a vocal or give one of his world-class drum performances, there are plenty of other guests to distract us: Neil Fallon (Clutch), Randy Blythe (Lamb of God), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio), Corey Taylor (Slipknot/Stone Sour), Mike IX Williams (Eyehategod), Tommy Victor (Prong), Lee Ving (Fear) and many others get turns at the mic over the course of the album. Then, there's the guests playing instruments, including Nick Oliveri (formerly of Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age), Pat Smear (The Germs/Foo Fighters), Greg Anderson (co-founder of Southern Lord Records) and Brian Baker (Minor Threat).

The revolving door approach makes for an inevitably inconsistent listen, given the feeling of a punk compilation rather than a proper record; that said, the relatively quick runtime (its twenty songs zip by in just over 42 minutes, with nary a track reaching the three minute mark) lessens the fatigue that would have undoubtedly accompanied a release with longer songs. Plus, with a cheeky title like Greatest Hits Vol. 1, it's not like they don't know what they're presenting. Fun, fast and loose with a handful of great performances, Greatest Hits Vol. 1 isn't so much a supergroup effort as it is a love letter to punk and hardcore; as such, it's sincere and respectful, and I certainly can't fault it for its spirit.

July 31, 2015 • Rise Records

Highlights Crowned By the Light of the Sun • Hung Out to Dry • Egobomb

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