They’ve been called “The Anti-BARNEY,” “THE WIGGLES’ worst nightmare,” and “The World’s Most Dangerous Kids Band.” Quite simply, the BOOGERS are a Chicago-based trio that cranks out high-energy punk rock for kids (and their grownups) that rules. Having previously written reviews of their 2008 debut, ROAD TO ROCK, and it’s 2010 follow-up, LET’S GO!, the release of EXTRACTUM VICTORIS marks the first time that I’ve been able to review a BOOGERS record upon street date. Out this week on Spire Records, how does album number three stack-up against it’s predecessors?
From the opening notes of “It’s a Sunny Day,” the BOOGERS emerge as a band that has really come into their own. While still a part of the BOOGERS signature, the RAMONES influence is less prevalent here than on their first two albums, despite the inclusion of one reworked RAMONES tune in the mix, as “Psycho Therapy” is reborn as “Psychobaby” (also the name of a Chicago boutique that sells children’s clothing, including BOOGERS merch). It’s the shortest of the three albums, but EXTRACTUM VICTORIS is definitely the heaviest BOOGERS record to-date. And the heaviest of them all? “Boogers on the Wall” marks the first time that the BOOGERS have really offered a true celebration of their namesake, and in doing so, they provide the heaviest cut of the bunch.
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There’s a couple of traditional classics that get punked-up, with “John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt” checking in along with the Woody Guthrie-penned “This Land is Your Land.” Of the covers, it’s “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” that rocks hardest. The song, originally performed by PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS and later made famous by THE MONKEES, gets a kid-centric update complete with mentions of temper tantrums, Highlights Magazine, and Blue’s Clues.
Of the new BOOGERS originals, it’s “Gimme Some Pancakes” that scores big here at Rock Father HQ. In fact, it could’ve been written for my daughter, Addie. She demands pancakes daily, and the microwave kind aren’t preferred, and it’s Mommy that makes the better ones “out of batter.”
So how does the new album stack up against it’s predecessors? EXTRACTUM VICTORIS is another win for the BOOGERS. While it’ll be hard for the band to replicate the perfection of that first album, the new record is highly recommended for all families that rock.
The Rock Father Rating: 4/5 Stars
FTC Disclosure: A CD copy of this album was provided to The Rock Father for the purpose of review consideration. All opinions are that of James Zahn with input from his children.
