Screeching Weasel

Anthem For A New Tomorrow (1993)

Since Screeching Weasel has been around so long and put out so many brilliant albums it's very hard to decide which one is the best. But I think that many Weasel fans would agree that this is the creme of the crop. This album is pure genius in every sense of the word. It was released in 1993 at a time when punk rock was slowing building up and getting some attention. Lookout! Records was building up its empire with bands like Mr. T Experience, Screeching Weasel, and The Queers putting out damn good releases. It was just an exciting time for punk rock music.

This album is just so great for so many reasons. It's poppy. It's fast. The lyrics are top notch, continuing right about where "Wiggle" left off. Ben covers everything from love songs, to dealing with parents and growing up, to politics and religion. There isn't really a bad track on it. Try listening to it and not skipping any songs. It's hard to do. Hell it even has a Fat Mike guest appearance which is a nice touch. It's also got Screeching Weasel's first use of keyboards which I think really adds a lot to the songs that use it. It's got pretty much everything you could ever want in a SW album and in a pop punk album. It's not the cheesy shit that is out there now…it's got substance and it's one of the best albums of the last 15 years in my book.

Some highlights are "Falling Apart" which is a pop punk masterpiece and also has a great keyboard part. It's pretty much classic Weasel. "Talk to Me Summer" is an instrumental that has a guitar playing one of those pattented Screeching Weasel high note leads. It's only a minute and a half long but it's really great and leaves you wanting more. "Peter Brady" is the track featuring Fat Mike and it would be a great song without him. It's upbeat, catchy and has keyboards. This tune can pretty much can do no wrong. "Every Night" is arguably one of the best pop punk tunes you'll ever hear. I get chills when I listen to it. There have been many car rides where I've listened to this song on repeat 10 or 15 times. It's got phenomenal lyrics, and I just really can't say enough good things about this song and this album. "Totally" is a SW classic that pretty much sums up the genius of Screeching Weasel. It's short and sweet, it's catchy and the lyrics are a touch goofy yet overall sincere and meaningful. The album closes with the title track and this song is a powerful commentary on the state of the world at the time. I think it stands the test of time though, and is very current even today. It basically says we don't need the government or religion to help us or tell us what to do. We can do it ourselves and we can make a new tomorrow right now if we try. It's a great last song.

Again, I can't stress again how great this album is. Do yourselves a favor and get your hands on it You'll thank me later. Tell your friends and support the genius that is "Anthem for a New Tomorrow".