Names like No Use For A Name and All The Best Song do not sound attractive. They sound snobbish until you play the record. One of the most prolific punk bands of the 90s and 00s got an epitaph it deserves. This is a Greatest Hits in the purest sense.
I am pretty sure you have never heard of No Use For A Name because they do not bring anything special to the table. With that being said, they had the X factor in Tony Sly, the guy who wrote all of their lyrics. Formed in the late 80s, they were one of the first bands under Fat Wreck Chors label. They have struggled until they found Tony Sly. I never thought the day would come when I Would be the poison in the pen I use to write. Shortly after that, they also found their sound. Even MTV was playing their song Soulmate, even though I am not sure that is a good thing.
Contrary to hardcore tracks from the beginning of their career, they have managed to bring melody in the first plan. Choruses became more catchy. Everything was congruent with emotional vocal and heat-shaped lyrics. The emphasis of the band is on the raw narrative that has the incredible power of inducing empathy. It was never about booze and whores. Tony wrote about himself, about his wife and his daughters. Some people might find themselves in songs, but that’s not you. It’s like you’re reading a letter dedicated to someone else. Tony was writing and singing about things that people don’t even want to think about. She writes a book in her head that nobody will read.
On the other hand, fast drums and fat guitars supported digestion of poetic expression. No tears, no suicide thought. There is no time for that. Short 2-minute punk songs streams emotions like water is streaming electricity. You won’t get killed. Your eyes will be wide open. This is not a depressive record. It’s a real record.
The focus is on interpersonal relationships intertwined with human mistakes, weaknesses, dilemmas and problems. The only exception is Biggest Lie, a song reflecting on society and politics. I think it is very brave to write about selfishness, loss of control, addiction or depression. I would rather listen to the songs about insecurity than hear about fake self-confidence. While listening to Justified Black Eye, I was even contemplating about violence in the family. In songs like I’m Not Your Savoir and Coming Too Close, Tony is letting you know he is not someone you can count on. You’re coming too close and I can’t pretend That I’ll pick you up or let you come again, We’ve been through this before, so please understand, If you pick up the phone please don’t call me.
To conclude: Music might be average, but the lyrics touch the sky. In punk anthologies, No Use For A Name is written in bold letters.
