The Queers: Today : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

A five-song EP from one of the most prolific punk bands of the last ten years and what is it comprised of? Two rave-ups, one entitled "Yeah, Well, Whatever" that is one of their better efforts ever, with two prominent choruses and standard chug-a-lug rhythm, and two ballads, the better of which is a semi-melancholic ode to a daydream called "I Don't Want to Go to the Moon." Fifth track is a Beach Boys cover. In other words, your typical Queers disc, just shorter. Needless to say, anyone under eighteen might find this to be appropriately rousing in its chipper, minimal way, the rest of the (interested) world is wondering why these guys (well, "guy" actually, as the only permanent band member is the leader, Joe "Queer" King) haven't added anything else or new to their arsenal since they were a Boston club band eighteen years ago. The Queers are as consistent as AC/DC, say, putting out reliable rock discs that are interchangeable, but unlike AC/DC, are entirely unoriginal, having never evolved away from their slavish devotion to the Ramones. Therefore, if you like the Ramones, why not? If you don't, don't bother. (JOHNNY ANGEL)