Ann Beretta: New Union, Old Glory

Ann Beretta: New Union, Old Glory

2001

Lookout Records

Format I Own it On: Compact Disc

Track Listing: 1. Straight Shooter (Election Day)  2. Latchkey World  3. Nowhere Generation  4. Better Days  5. Russ' Song  6. New Union  7. Glory Bound  8. Locked, Ready & Loaded  9. No Rest For The Wicked  10. Upstarts & Runaways II  11. New Day  12. Jump Start (Revolution)

Ann Beretta is a punk band that sounds quite similar to the American Steel records I just finished listening to, except they have a rootsier, more old school rock n roll sound. Actually, the band these guys most resemble is One Man Army. Ann Beretta also had/have (?)  an acoustic side project called Foundation that I recall was quite popular with the punk crowd around this time, and was also a good listen.

I discovered Ann Beretta from the old Lookout Records catalogs, and fell in love with this album right away. I loved the slashing punk riffs combined with the jangly acoustic strumming and the political lyrics.  Everything is big and anthemic, just the way I like it...

My picks for best tracks have got to be the stop and start of "Nowhere Generation," and the awesomely defiant "Glory Bound," which has an unforgettably great chorus. Really, the only song I'd skip during my Friday Night Record Party would be the final track, "Jump Start (Revolution)" which just comes off as empty sloganeering. Nothing too terrible, though...

And to make sure your Ann Beretta LP's last a lifetime, I have included a few tips on how to properly take care of your record collection:

1. When handling your album, it is advisable to hold the record by the hole in the center or by holding the edges between your palms while wearing lint-free, white cotton gloves. Your disgusting heathen hands secrete all manners of  natural oils and bodily gravy, which may permanently damage the vinyl. The only time it is acceptable to hold a record with your bare hands is when you have washed them long enough to erase the crushing failures of adulthood.

2. Always make sure you put your LP back in its original dust jacket and album cover. Putting it in the wrong cover is scientifically proven to disturb your sleeping patterns.  It's always best to store your records in a harsh, sweltering climate, such as next to your furnace or Phoenix, Az. This causes the LP to warp, making them sound different and exciting every time! Score!


3. It is very important to clean your needle.  First fill the dirty needle with bleach. Leave in for 30 seconds, before emptying the plunger. then repeat this process several more times.  Now, it is totally safe to shoot up. Yay!

Alright, enough with the silliness...Let's listen to Ann Beretta's "Straight Shooter (Election Day"). Why did the letters suddenly turn blue? I don't know...