7 Seconds
Good to Go
Side 1/Dummy
There was a time when 7 Seconds (along with Minor Threat) provided the soundtrack to my life. When I received this disc, it was with no small amount of hope and trepidation. I was hopeful this disc would be good as I remember the band; I was fearful that it would sound like a bunch of has-beens reaching for their salad days. After a few listens, I can assert that all my fears were unfounded.
There are fifteen tracks on this disc, and nearly all of them smoke. The music is hard, melodic, circa 1985 punk music. Of course, what would a 7 Seconds album be without the anthems and sing-a-longs? However, the lyrics retain their social consciousness (after all, this is a band who penned a song called “Satyagraha” after Gandhi’s term for non-violent, civil disobedience). One of the better tracks, “I See You Found Another Trophy,” takes aim at misogyny and domestic abuse by stating: “Another trophy, tough guy!/ Someone to bully, tough guy!/ Now won’t you hurry up and die soon?” This is a great disc from these stalwart rockers. If you get a chance, buy this or see them live.
Side 1 Recordings, 6201 Sunset Blvd., Suite 211, Hollywood, CA 90028; http://www.side1.com
