Search - The 99ers :: Stand Up And Surf

Seen 'em live and they rock

Tamara | Chicago | 12/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've seen the 99ers play live and they are indeed a blast. Original tunes with funky lyrics, energetic, danceable, and a solid back beat. You won't get bored. In fact you'll be up on your feet before you know it."

What rock and roll is supposed to be about - FUN and ENERGY!

Jennie Pearce | Manhattan, NYC | 12/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I absolutely LOVE this album - it sums up everything that's great about rock and roll as it should be played and it reminded me of how I felt when I first heard really great, aggressive, tuneful records on the radio. I've not seen these guys (and gal) live but if they're anything like they are on here they must be a blast!



Why do I like/luv it so much? Well, I bought it on a whim because of the Spinout Records website description which said The 99ers sounded like Joe Strummer was writing songs with Brian Wilson that were played by the Ramones or Sex Pistols. That description suckered me into buying this sucker. (BTW if you don't know Spinout Records, check 'em out - they put out consistently great garage/primitive rock and roll stuff). And I have to say that description is right on - they're a great blend of punk energy and surf melody. There's a Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone style to the guitars and a Brian Wilson touch to the melody.



Then add to all that the thing that marks them out from other garage/punk bands - the fact that they have a s**t hot girl singer - Molly Holley - a sort of early Debbie Harry sound. In a way this band reminds me of what Blondie would have been like if they'd stayed true to their CBGB roots instead of farting around in disco-land. From the liner notes it looks like there's a big age difference between band members, which is probably why they draw on so many different influences.



The songs are short, melodic, punchy and fast - no let up of energy anywhere. I started to make a list of the best tracks and ended up listing pretty well every one! The majority of the cuts are original songs and I thought they were as strong as the covers (which were well chosen - The Honeys, The Trashmen, Freddy Cannon, and a great version of a song by the Angels (of 'My Boyfriend's Back' fame). Being a New Yorker it was good to hear a song about my boys from Forest Hills - "Our Ramones" is even catchier (and longer) than Motorhead's R.A.M.O.N.E.S.



I remember reading an interview with Joey Ramone somewhere in which he said that the Beach Boys "Little Honda" was the best pop record ever. I think that's the groove the 99ers aim for. They remind me of the beach/surf songs the Ramones did - "Rockaway Beach", "Sheena is a Punk Rocker", "California Sun", "Surfing Bird".



So ... if you like the Ramones first 3 albums, the Beach Boys, the Clash's first album, Jan and Dean, Junior Varsity, Shonen Knife, the Neanderthals, or any bands in that garage/energetic/melodic punk/surf and hot rod genre, you will absolutely LUV this album!! Buy it, turn it up loud, annoy the neighbors, and as you listen remember what rock and roll is supposed to be all about - FUN and ENERGY!!"

Rock and Roll!

Molly | 01/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A wicked concoction of punk, surf, and old school rock and roll, The 99ers deliver at every turn with this CD. Their energetic delivery is infectious and they provide a great mix of originals and punked up rock and roll covers. A really great sound that is sure to have you tapping your toes (or hanging ten?). Let's have some more, 99ers!"