For any lover of Folk Punk, This Bike is a Pipe Bomb is a must have for every collection. Dance Party With… was their second release, and it blew my mind back in 1999 as much as it blows my mind these days. The album itself only has elements of Folk Punk, but if it weren’t for bands like TBiaPB, so many other great artists would not have had the influence that they would require to later release great albums about Cannibals being Lucky or Jesus doing his own dishes.

The band started with the mindset that they would be a country band, of sorts. An alternative country band if you will, but as they began playing together the punk bled through their guitars, vocals, melodies, and even their live shows. I recall watching them open for Propaghandi, Avail, Hot Water Music, and a few others, and quite frankly (save Propagandhi) TBiaBP stole the show. I’ll admit, it wasn’t until that year (either 2000 or 2001) that I even became a fan, but that fandom would become a lifelong burden.

This album is definitely on the short side, coming in at 22 minutes, and released as only a CD and a 10 inch, but they manage to pack punch after punch into that 22 minutes. Song after song belts out a slightly country inspired punk rock that gets your head bobbing, and your feet tapping, but unlike any of the cowpunk bands that lean so heavily on the country side of things, these guys actually ROCKED!

12 tunes, 22 minutes, and not a single song leaves you wanting more of that song because the next track is just as good, if not better. My favorite track Johnny is sandwiched between two slammers “Murderbike” and “It Matters”, both of which, at various times, have held the reigns of my favorite track on the record. The unique vocals on “Tommy” though, showcase Rymodee’s ability to adapt his singing to any song style the band decided to play, and Tommy has this tone that just overtakes me every time I hear it. Definitely one of their slower, more country/folk tracks, but it still gets me everytime.

For those not into the folk punk scene, don’t worry: this is a pure punk album, it just inspired a coming scene through its unique use of instrumentation and bluegrass inspired guitars. Had I been voting on a top ten of 1999 in 1999, this would not have been anywhere near my number one, but today, 20 years later, it sits at number two, behind only the great The Decline.