Simple Plan — No Helmets, No Pads... Just Balls

I always hate reviewing these kinds of CDs — the music is technically sound, but the band has delved into the previously explored-and-pillaged genre of pop-punk (Sumeveblink), but lack the catchy hooks that some of these other mall punk guys have sunk their teeth into. Simple Plan are missing the sweet earnestness of Jimmy Eat World or the pimply metal rawk that Sum 41 have been toying with. So where’s the hook? Fucked if I know. On the other hand, this sickly emo punk will be gorged on by thousands of kids and set against high school romance comedies. So yes, the album is pretty lame — and it’ll likely be one of Canadian music’s next big exports. And I can’t totally hate them since they thanked Chart Magazine in their liner notes. Sneaky little bastards.

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