Guy Smiley (not to be confused with the Epitaph Europe band), is one seriously prolific fella. The musical vehicle for his talents, Midget Fan Club, is more of a combination of 2 players and various help that lend drums etc. to 'How To Save the World'. And with perfect Propaghandi-like style, The Midget Fan Club succeed beautifully at displaying a wealth of talent, diversity and wit that rivals the best of the genre.
Similar to friends The Whyioughtas (who lend their vocal charms on a couple of tunes), the Midget Fan Club infuse their tremendously catchy skate punk with lyrical sarcasm and dry wit. But while the Midget Fan Club excel at their rapid-fire delivery, it is the depth of the songwriting that truly sets this outing apart. The group has a fantastic grasp on dynamics, and the variety of "How To Save the World" showcases a diverse range of tempos that work well whatever the speed. "Stupid Elephants" is a great example of mid-tempo punk done right, with a special touch of piano added to the mix. I am actually surprised that some label hasn't come drooling on Guy's door in the middle of the night looking for a valuable roster addition. While the first four tracks are similar in their tempo (yet different in their melody), it is the little things about this album that charmed the hell out of me, like the simplistic vocally driven "Introduction To Anthony 101*". "Summer Personified*" is the only point in which MFC appeared to stumble a wee bit; the lyrics and vocals are not up to par with the rest of the album. But for fuck sake...how many 18 track albums can you name where only one song is a little less stellar than the rest? Me neither. The band redeems themselves with "Soda", a song that bounces from a speedy skate rhythm to a short rock ending. It did, however, sound like it was cut a little short. Males all over the world can rejoice that we now have our own theme song courtesy of the Midget Fan Club. The johnson-themed rocker "Don't Cut Off My Peter (Cause I Like It) (A Lot)" goes without explanation as to its validity and importance in this world we call home. "A Pleasant Surprise" shreds like NOFX kicking the jams with Propaghandi. Great song. "Crash and Burn" is a nice departure from the speedy styling of earlier songs; still catchy as hell, straight-up lyrically, but just approached in a more straight forward melodic punk manner. I dig this song mucho. Though simplistic, the fucking hilarious "Your Sister Is A Hippie" hits like a Ramones track, with a bit of street punk flavor. The lyrics to this thing are a goddamn riot. "If You Knew Anything*" puts the breaks on, in a bit of pop-punk via emo goodness. The simplistic drums snap gets on me a bit in this one...I mean having the heads tight is good but this is crab-ass tight. "Mister Me" is the tune that introduced this band to me, another MP3 find of epic proportions. Still one of my favs by this band. "Walking In the Rain" will get you all fuckin' weepy inside, with its beautiful violin laced charm. But listener beware, as this may be the coolest track on "How To Save the World", and if you are busy wiping a tear as the first sweet verse comes to a close, you may just jam your fucking finger into your cornea as the song breaks. An ingenious bit of dynamic songwriting on this one, and a most valuable closer to this jam packed album.
Midget Fan Club are another one of those bands that makes you look at label line-ups and beg the question...What the fuck? ANOTHER Queers album? The diversity and talent of Guy and friends is undeniable; for 18 tracks, the Midget Fan Club are solid as a rock. In keeping with their humorous side, credits on the album include information as to the person behind each instrument: keyboards, accordion, trumpet, toothbrush, alarm clock, orchestral movement..hell even the crisp click of the pop can tab from "Soda" is credited. I can only kick my ass for having had this album almost two months and not writing about it sooner. I have listened to it often since day 1, and have come to the conclusion that it plays so much like a solid, well-established band, that I may have forgotten the urgency of letting our readers know what they're missing, under the impression that you all bought the damn thing when you picked up the new NOFX album. Now...consider yourselves informed, quit lollygagging, and get a move on over to the Midget Fan Club website to score yourself a copy. The resulting joy of your purchase will be inevitable. Stellar.
* Author of these songs has since left the group.
Originally printed at punkrocks.net. Reprinted with authors permission.