17 Reasons - Link 80
By Haley

Released: 1996
Label:Asian Man Records
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*Okay, for those of you who don't know me, I never say anything bad about Link 80 (well, Link 80 when they had, the wonderful, Nick Traina), it's not fair for me to do this review because I love this band so fucking much, and it may seem pointless because it's an "I love Link 80" review, but fuck that, they deserve it.*

When I first bought "17 Reasons...", because I was an idiot, I didn't listen to it very much, I would listen to 3 or 4 songs, and then put in something else. Finally, when I did sit down and say, "Haley, you bought this CD, you're going to listen to ALL of it", I was completely blown away, the CD rocked my socks so fucking hard. If you love ska, and love punk, "17 Reasons..." gives you best of both worlds. It has just enough horns, mixed with just enough electric guitar. Not to mention front man Nick Traina, I'd have to say he is one of my favorite song writers and vocalists, he had an amazing voice, and holy fuck could he write!!! For example, 'Nothing Left', "Coming undone/Nothings done/I watch the world pass while I waste away/Take it as it comes, but it's all gone/I've got nowhere to go/I've got nothing to say/Everything you thought, none of it was true/You only cared about yourself, you walked in no one else’s shoes/Now I've seen too much of life/My heart has turned to stone/But I still have my friends, I will never be alone." His lyrics are sad, but I was once told, the best music comes from tragedy, and with "17 Reasons..." that is certainly true. These songs, despite their sad lyrics, are fun, complete with a horn section, and the vocals to match. Link 80 is an extremely energetic band, and I can't even imagine how amazing they were to see live. One thing that will set Link 80 apart from a lot of other ska and punk rock bands is the fact that their songs don't all sound the same! "17 Reasons..." will keep your attention from start to finish, telling a story with each song. There is even a cover of the Misfits song, "Who killed Marilyn?", and uncommon cover for the punk rock legends, and don't worry, Link 80 cover it well. These Californian ska punkers sure know how to rock, I recommend this CD to everyone, fuck what label you're suppose to be, and check out Link 80.