This is an obvious attempt for The Ataris to make a furious leap into the mainstream. As I sat at the Phillies game a week ago and heard three songs from this CD get played at different times during the game I realized the inevitable, this CD is going to be huge. It's catchy every song is the perfect length and radio friendly. I think the problem that the Ataris faced with their previous albums was song length, song topics, and language. Usually punk bands that curse a lot don't generally get on the radio (which is kind of hypocritical the way rappers are, but it is just how it is), The Ataris defiantly cleaned up their act for the effort it is very clean in terms of language and lyrics. In terms of topics most of these songs are about things in life people can relate to as opposed to some of the strange offbeat songs they've had in the past. The Ataris somehow found a way to become more mainstream but not alienate their fans and I commend them greatly for that.

My Advice to you: If you liked the Ataris in the past or you are a fan of pop punk I'd highly recommend picking up this album

My Advice to the band: Goodluck with your mainstream success and don't let the fame get to your heads. When you begin recording your next CD try and keep your artistic integrity and don't just re-record the whole So Long Astoria album with different lyrics because you had mainstream success. Currently you are an excellent band do not become a stereotype. As you say in The Hero Dies in this One "Stay who you are".

As always these are just my opinions and music isn't an exact science so you are entitled to yours. If you disagree with me or want to comment on this in any way please e-mail me at

Ms1730@ship.edu