By Ashley
Released: 2002
Label: Drive-Thru Records
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Lineup changes and time can't stop the Allister magic
I'm a huge Allister fan but I admit that I was critical when I picked up "Last Stop Suburbia." I have a hard time letting go, so when someone leaves from one of my favorite bands I usually get pissy and refer to them as "Not-Donnie" or "Not-Scott," or in this case "Not-Johnny." Only Tim and Scottie remain from the original Allister, drummer Eric left awhile ago and was replaced by Dave, which is cool because I like him better anyway. But when founding-member Johnny left a little while back, I was convinced it was the end. However, I was wrong as usual. Allister replaced him with Chris, a pretty sweet guitarist that brings a whole new aspect to the band. This album is better than their debut "Dead Ends and Girlfriends" both lyrically and musically, and believe it or not, the guys are growing up. Kinda.
While the subject matter rarely strays from the typical songs about girls and friendships, Allister has certain elements that are not present in the music of their contemporaries. Allister is always lumped in with New Found Glory, Sum 41, Blink 182, blah blah blech....but they have something that these bands don't have and that is a competant singer. Tim's voice is definitely one of the best in "punk" music today. If you don't believe me (you bastard!) listen to tracks like "Overrated", "Matchsticks," and my favorite "Don't Think Twice." Another element that makes Allister stand out is the fast-pace of songs like "Westbound" and "The One That Got Away." This album rocks from start of "Scratch" to the end of the trainwreck that is "None of My Friend's Are Punks" (oh but it is a funny trainwreck), with no wussy ballads in between. This, my friends, is pop-punk perfection.
Track Listing:
For More Information:
1. Scratch
2. Radio Player
3. Flypaper
4. Overrated
5. Better Late Than Forever
6. The One That Got Away
7. Racecars
8. Matchsticks
9. Camouflage
10. Don't Think Twice
11. Somewhere On Fullerton
12. Westbound
13. Know-It-All
14. Stuck
15. Waiting For You
16. None of My Friends Are Punks
• Official Site: www.allisterrock.com
• Label's Official Site: www.drivethrurecords.com