The Suicide Machines - A long time ago known as "Jack Kevorkian and the Suicide Machines have a new album out. It’s called "Destruction by Definition" - and it’s on a (oh no!!) major label.

It’s on Hollywood Records and you know what?, I don’t even care. Everyone said that they were such sellouts for going to the major. But the music is still good, and from what I’ve heard them say, they just get treated better all around. They deserve to get the recognition and production that they deserve. TSM have had a few great recordings in the past. These include "Green World", a split CD with the Rudiments, and some scattered 7"’s.

The production on Destruction by Definition is considerably better than previous efforts. Many of their older songs are redone here in a tuned up way. This lets you actually here what the lead singer is saying and sounds great. Sure it’s weird to here "Hey, Ska!" a little different, but you get used to it (plus it's got trombone courtesy of Bim Skala Bim's Vinnie Nobile). From what I understand, the guy who produced the album is the same guy who worked closely with Rancid on the "Out Come the Wolves" album.

There is some classics, some new, and a cover. The cover is of Minor Threat so check it out! (You’ll have to find out for yourself what classic if covered here). Clocking in with 16 songs in around 35 min, TSM kick the shit out the current punk/ska-core wanna-be fuckers flooding the scene and provide some furious, fast, skanking fun. If I had to pick my favorite ska release of the year - this would be right up at the top. As soon as I slapped it in for the first time, I was up and skanking around my room.

The Suicide Machines rock live too. I had the pleasure of seeing them a few months ago - and I defiantly recommend the show. If your looking for some good punk/ska on par with bands like Slapstick, or The Blue Meanies, you can’t go wrong. The CD even comes with a cool Suicide Machines sticker.

By the way, they scored a really nice looking Web Page with sound, video, and pic clips that you should check out. Some of the full size jpegs make great wallpaper.