The Chipmunks are back with more of their wacky arena rock covers, and even some original material. Apparently a few years of laying low allowed the trouble-making rodents to discover a strange phenomenon often referred to as pop-punk, and kicking Dave to the curb, Scott Silletta was brought in to raise the rascally trio. Not quite the same magic as "Uptown Girl" and "All I want for Christmas," but their treatment of "Living on a Prayer" does maintain the spirit of Chipmunks-lore. "Never Let You Go" is likable…somehow…don't push your luck, buddy. Alvin croons, Simon and Theodore harmonize, and one gets the impression that someone somewhere is crying. Don't worry, they'll "wipe away your tears," and then they will finish their song anti-climatically, if there was a climax to rebel against. "If You Only Knew" is a nice rock spiritual. "In My Boat" rocks the boat, and stands as the most unique track, gently whispering into a rock drive. Hmmmm…that was a pretty cool song, wonder if there's anymore like that one on here…yeah, this "Fishy" song is nice, too, oh wait, danggit, what the crap is this noise??? Oh well, let's move on…I wonder if they are doing these songs for some new episodes of their TV show. I hope so.
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Karin M.Warning, punk love songs ahead! Personally, I have a hard time meshing straight-up punk with lyrics worthy of love ballads. The two styles just don't logically mix. But for Philmore it seems to work. This three-man band from Iowa blends solid instrumentation with clear vocal harmonies. In the true flavor of punk music, only one song on the CD exceeds four minutes in length, and only one of those…
