Matches - The Show Must Go Off! Live at the House of Blues DVD

Matches - The Show Must Go Off! Live at the House of Blues DVD for sale E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals was originally self-released and wildly promoted by the Matches themselves, who already had cred in their native Oakland from their days as the Locals. (Hence the copyright-infringement-avoidance name change.) The Epitaph version has been remixed by veteran engineer Joe Barresi, who's handled mixing duties for such Cali combos as Fu Manchu and Powerman 5000. This spiffed edition also includes two additional songs: "More Than Local Boys" and "Borderline Creep." Musically, Epitaph seems to have something pretty solid on its hands. The Matches are young enough not to raise eyebrows at the punk-pop kiddie park. But they have a better grasp of dynamics than much of their peer group, and vocalist Shawn Harris doesn't sound like a boy-band kid suddenly trying to fleece the rock game. There's a flair for chunky heavy metal drop-ins ("The Restless"), and the Matches exude the same quirky exuberance as outfits like Reel Big Fish and Zebrahead. "Eryn Smith" begins with a beat box before accelerating to pogo speed, and the chorus line "I've got my fingers crossed/She'll say 18" is a cheekiness indicator for E. Von Dahl overall. Highlights include the rousing bassline to "Jack Slap Cheer," which suggests the Matches' home-turf heroes Operation Ivy, the power pop-ish "Dog Eared Page," and "Chain Me Free" ("She calls me during 'Love Line' and gets the machine..."), which name-checks Kelly Slater and grooves on an irresistible vocal hook. Listen all the way to the 12th track, too, where "Track 11" lies. The album's strangest cut, it gives each Match a vocal chance over wind-noise effects, a pretty girl humming basslines, Springsteen references, and a ragged acoustic lead. The Matches probably need another album to really ignite, but E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals definitely lights a fire under their asses. ~ Johnny Loftus

Matches - The Show Must Go Off! Live at the House of Blues movie The Oakland punk-rock group enlisted nine producers for its second major-label album, leading to an eclectic variety of approaches to its signature high-energy sound; the result includes the snappily commercial "Papercut Skin," which poaches its arrangement from the Knack's 1970s hit "My Sharona" and "Lazier Than Furniture," which recalls a hopped-up Robert Smith. It's a testament to the band's dynamism that its essential creative energy survives intact throughout, even thriving on the artistic variations. Audio Mixers: John Feldmann; Matt Radosevich. Recording information: Barefoot Studios, Hollywood, CA; Foxy Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Hive, North Hollywood, CA; Opra Music, Los Angeles, CA; Skyline Studios, Oakland; Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, CA; Studio 880, Oakland; Tim's House, Los Angeles, CA; Treefort, Los Angeles, CA. Authors: George Sanders ; Stevie Smith. The Matches: Shawn Harris , Jon Devoto (guitars); Justin San Souci (electric bass); Matt Whahen (drums, percussion). Personnel: Jon Devoto (vocals, guitar, vibraphone); Shawn Harris (vocals, guitar); Tim Armstrong (vocals, percussion); Justin San Souci (vocals); Anton Patzner (violin, viola); Lewis Patzner (cello); Ben Kramer (trumpet); Josie Shafer (Fender Rhodes piano); Matt Radosevich (organ, timpani); Ben Richards (keyboards); Matt Whalen (drums, percussion); John Feldmann, Mark Hoppus (percussion, drum programming); Brett Gurewitz (percussion, background vocals); Johnny Genius, Dean Butterworth (percussion); Mike Green (programming); Chris Holmes (drum programming).