Search - Common Rider :: Last Wave Rockers

'course I had to buy it; never expected to like it this much

Milton Abrams | 04/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Operation Ivy" is the best American lp of theeighties, but up until now I chalked that up to Tim Armstrong and MattFreeman, because Rancid was the best American band of the 90's. Out of curiosity, I picked up "Common Rider," just to see how/what Jesse was doing (I heard he was a buddhist monk or something). Well, I was shocked by just how catchy, hooky, intelligent, powerful and downright fantastic this cd is. It's funny that everyone is saying that this isn't like "Operation Ivy." The sound is exactly what I was expecting/hoping for. I mean, yeah, the bloke isn't 19 anymore, he's not going to blast out 2 minute desperate, nihilistic diatribes condemning society and calling for an end to violence. Now, like most of us, he is inspired and affected most by his interpersonal relationships. And I love hearing every word of it. The pace of the songs is slower, not surprisingly, and the music is even more stripped down than "Operation Ivy's" believe it or not. The bass is much more raggaeish than Matt Freeman's and the guitar parts are simpler. In conclusion, AMAZING album. It surpassed my wildest expectations."

Common Rider: Jesse Is Back!

Craig | St. Louis Area | 09/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even though I have yet to buy any of their CD's, I consider myself a fan of Common Rider. I saw these guys live on the Plea For Peace Tour in St. Louis on Friday, September 27, 2002. They simply rocked the place. I even got Jesse Michaels (former lyricist/lead vocals of Operation Ivy) to sign my Operation Ivy shirt after their set. After seeing them live, I would highly reccomend any of their stuff to anyone; especially to those of you who are just getting into punk/ska/raggae. They have all influences in them. My rating is based on their live performance."

Exceeds expectations

Craig | 10/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The true test of any band when they release a record is the replay value. Sure, a band might release two, maybe three singles on the radio, but when you get the record home and pop it in, blatently, the rest sucks. Common Rider conquers this obstacle, despite having no air play, and constructs an album that can be listened to strait through, over and over.Most people who pick this record up will probably hope to hear the political sneer of Jesse Michaels, formerly of Operation Ivy. This isn't so, and maybe two of the songs off Last Wave Rockers contain the angst of Operation Ivy. Instead, Common Rider creates a more melodic, simplistic, Reggae sound, dealing with simple, common issues about love.Does this mean Operation Ivy fans will be turned off by this record? Not unless you havn't got taste in music. The albums great, and hopefully they'll record a new album soon."