Schleprock: (America's) Dirty Little Secret

Early on in Schleprock's major-label debut, we learn that the current twentysomething generation needs an anthem, and that these alienated youngsters "ain't got no heroes." This Schleprock band clearly speaks for a disaffected generation, but that doesn't mean everyone: As the sticker on the front cover of (America's) Dirty Little Secret clearly states, "If you're a bigot or a punk phony, you will hate this album." It's bold statements like these—Schleprock doesn't care whose toes it steps on!—that set this band apart. Without such daring proclamations, (America's) Dirty Little Secret might just sound like the work of any predictably angry SoCal punk-rock band: The songs are tight, slick, speedy and bombastic, and mixed to create fist-pumping, chant-along anthems ready for suburban radios everywhere. You could even imagine bigots and punk phonies enjoying it; good thing there's a warning label.