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POP PUNK’S NOT DEAD (Go Kart Records) The title pretty much says it all: 31 bands from all over the world, all playing the same basic formula of pop/punk popularized by Lookout Records back in the Nineties (catchy, fast-paced power-pop with trebley guitars and stinging one-string solos.) The bands range from the well-known (at least inside this genre, like the Queers, Manges, Teenage Bottlerocket, Travoltas, Squirtgun, and Parasites) to young up-and-comers that you really need to check out (Leftovers, Delay, and of course local favorites like the Ergs, Steinways, and Unlovables.) Although more than half of the CD is previously available, a lot of the material is original and much of the rest appeared on limited-issue 7-inches or self-released CD’s that are hard to find, so this is definitely worth the price. Highlights for me included tracks from Backseat Virgins, Belgium’s Janez Detd, an unreleased track from Boris The Sprinkler, and the remastered version of the Queers’ “Definitely,” which sounds great. – Jim Testa, Jersey Beat

Various Artists - Pop Punks Not Dead: This Pop Punk compilation has been put together by Dave Parasiste of the Parasites fame. Freatured are thirty bands with a track each and I have to say this isn't a bad release at all. There's not many compilations that I pretty much enjoyed from start to finish. OK not every song on here is brilliant but I can safely say there's not one bad number on here either. Some of the finer moments come from 'The Unknown', 'The Queers', and 'Bambix' but some of the up and coming bands are just as tight. Just have a listen to offerings from 'The Copyrights', 'The Dazes', 'River City High' and the 'Travoltas'. Yeah this kicks ass s so go on and pick this up if Pop Punk is your thing. 8/10 - Street Voice Magazine UK

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If you live in Europe please order copies of Pop Punk's Not Dead from Go-kart Europe here