Artist Spotlight - Supertones
In 1996, a ska-core band called the OC Supertones burst onto the music scene with their debut release, The Adventures of the OC Supertones. Since that time, the boys from Orange County have come quite a ways. Despite a several changes in the makeup of the band, including the loss of nearly all of the band’s original members, The Supertones have learned what it means to survive and have just released their sixth album, Revenge Of The O.C. Supertones.
Revenge Of The O.C. Supertones successfully takes what you have come to know and love about the Supertones through the years and combines it onto one fantastic CD. The opening track, “Wake Me Up On Time,” and “We Shall Overcome” are some of the strongest anthems put out by the Supertones in years. While their previous record Hi-Fi Revival aimed for a post-ska direction and explored funk-fused rock n’ roll, many fans just didn’t embrace it. For those who did prefer that approach, there is still some hints of the sound in songs like “Where I Find You”, but ultimately Revenge is more of a return to the good ol’ glory days. The ballads on this release aren’t much to write home about, but the upbeat tunes more than make up for them. Look for all the fun-loving grooves that have found their place on previous releases while offering a throwback to their earlier sound of upbeats and swinging choruses, right in time for summer! There’s nothing like pumping up the Supertones while cruising down the road.
But don’t expect their message to be drowned out in the music. In a time when many Christian bands are seeking to go mainsteam and their lyrics and message are getting “wishy-washy,” the Supertones have stayed strong with their faith and positive message. Not only are they not afraid to mention God or Jesus in their lyrics, but nearly every track is a testimony of the band’s relationship to their Savior and experiences that they’ve had in their walk with God.
Loud and Clear is still my favorite album, but the Supertones’ newest release comes in as a strong second, bumping Hi-Fi Revival down a notch and earning a place in my road trip music collection.
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Jun 23rd, 2004 at 11:44:10
The Revenge of the OC Supertones is a good one indeed. I personally think chase the sun is their best with loud and clear a close second, but this newest album is right up there with both of them. Anyway you slice it the supertones have continued to bring their best. 6 albums, 6 wonderful ways to praise God. Keep striking back supertones.
Jun 23rd, 2004 at 14:38:34
Never heard of the OC Supertones. What kind of music are they?
Jun 23rd, 2004 at 16:06:16
The CD is in my car stereo right now. Pretty good stuff! I haven’t been a big fan of theirs in the past but do enjoy some of their music.
It’s rock with brass instruments, Jeff. I guess that’s some form of a definition of ska.
Jun 23rd, 2004 at 16:18:36
As they say in one of their songs, “Rhyme in the front, beat in the back.”
It’s ska music, with a twinge of rock and and a smattering of R and B.
Jun 23rd, 2004 at 17:44:51
You guys and your Christian music. lol
–Bryan “Elwood Blues” R.
Jun 23rd, 2004 at 19:28:05
Never listened to Ska, so no idea. Is it that loud boom boom music that drives me crazy at the traffic lights?
Jun 23rd, 2004 at 22:31:59
Oh, by the way, The Super Tour with the O.C. Supertones and Superchic[k] is coming to town (Cincinnati area) on September 17th. Woohoo! I’m getting tickets, so if anyone wants me to get them one, let me know.
Jun 24th, 2004 at 00:31:05
I’ll pass.
Jun 24th, 2004 at 10:51:51
Why don’t you ever tell your brother about these concerts? I’m the one that introduced you to the supertones and those other ska bands. But yeah I’ll go if it is on a weekend and I dont’ have an exam. And Bryan, Steven has a disc or two of the supertones, you should check them out. Or ask Chris or I to borrow some cd’s, we have a pretty good collection to allow you to listen to.
Jun 24th, 2004 at 11:53:47
I remember seeing them once but I’m just not real into the ska stuff.. But glad to know you’re still enjoying them!
Jun 24th, 2004 at 16:24:55
Ashlee, are you a little bored over there at the BSU? If so I can stop by sometime while at work if you need to be rescued, cause this number thing…yeah. Glad you had a good lunch with the students.
Jun 26th, 2004 at 19:22:44
I swear I will get to 100 posts before the rest of you!
–Bryan “Elwood Blues” R.
Jun 30th, 2004 at 19:36:39
I guess I can give these guys a chance and see if they don’t have some talent…