The Smugglers Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
The Smugglers' brand of fun, hooky punk-pop is geared for dancefloors, hoping to get listeners out in a sweaty crowd with big, dumb grins plastered across their faces. There isn't a single weighty moment on Mutiny in Stereo; there's no anger, no angst, nothing but summer fun and pop music. From the beginning blast of "Pirate Ships," a rousing ode to British pirate radio, the Smugglers blast through the simple and melodic tunes like the offspring of the Undertones and a Mick Jones-led Clash with a bit of the laddishness of Mott the Hoople and a touch of Peter Perrett of the Only Ones in Grant Lawrence's vocals thrown in for good measure. This might be the strongest record of the band's career, with no weak moments and a bucketload of great songs, like the sensitive "Larry," the garage soul of "Don't Mess With Beez," the ripping AC/DC homage "Shock the Shanker," and the anthemic "Suntans." Lawrence's vocals are strong and nuanced, the guitars loud and tough, the arrangements interesting. Mutiny in Stereo shows a degree of skill and craft that is lacking in much of the day's punk-pop. Sum 41, Good Charlotte, and the rest could learn a thing or two from the Smugglers. For the rest of us, let's just hit the floor and get ready to have a good time. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
First listen: Generic, somewhat boring pop-punk that all the little kiddies will go crazy for on the account that they're on Lookout Records. One would think that a ten plus year career of a band could either improve them musically or are too stubborn to realize that their hey day was a long time ago. Second listen: Man, if this isn't the perfect party record for any occasion -- birthday, social get together, Hanukkah, whatever -- then put Dick Clark back in his cryogenics chamber and cancel New Year's cause this rocks. The Smugglers know how to have a good time in that classic oldies, "doo-whoop, " pop-punk influence without the squeeky clean image. It's almost as if they could have been the perfect house band for "Arnolds" while showing The Fonze a thing or two. And a note to all the vegans in the house: the grease soaked hambergers wont slide off of the cover, remember it's only harmless artwork. ~ Mike DaRonco, All Music Guide
'Atlanta Whiskey Flats'
Release Date 9/17/1993
Tracks 12
Label Pop Llama
See Album Tracklist and Review
