"Max the Dork takes punk back to its roots. We would really love this band if the lyrics were more appropriate. What kind of dad would make his children sing a song entitled "Buddy the Crack-Smokin' [Kitty]"? How do you say something nice after that? By no means are we judging his parental skills. We just don't agree with that. But purely on a musical standpoint, Max the Dork is a talented band. And let's just leave it at that."

As a New Jersey native, I feel I owe an apology to music lovers everywhere. Sure, we
gave you Bruce... but that was well over twenty years ago. In the mean time, we have
unleashed the likes of Bon Jovi and Cinderella upon you. I am sorry... I was not
responsible... yet I still feel really bad about it.

As part of our commitment to making reparations, the Garden State proudly presents Max
the Dork's debut album, "I Feel Like Shit". This album is a return to good old guitar
driven rock and roll, something sorely lacking in today's music scene. The whole album
is wonderfully listen able... even more so at full volume with the headphones on.

There are three cover songs on the disc, all from distinctly different genres... Paul
Simon’s "Kodachrome", The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby", and The Dixie Chicks' (yes, you are
reading correctly!) "Goodbye Earl". Sure, it was a risk doing punk covers of these tunes,
but I assure you it paid off! It's great to hear new life breathed into older songs.

A few songs have a great comical tone, like "Billy Boy" (a tribute to everybody's
FAVORITE dork!), 42 (which can only truly be appreciated by those who have met New
Jersey's North-South Freeway), "Reality Check", and the short but sweet "PO Boxes", one
of my personal favorites. There are plenty of other great tracks... "Yawn Effect",
"D.W.I", "Solitary Confinement", "East to Left" (an emotional tribute that does not get
bogged down or syrupy sweet), the awesomely instrumental "Lasher", and what I consider
to be the album's centerpiece, "Gestapo", a biting commentary on the sensationalized
state of American media.

So... if you're looking for an album that's smart, innovative, musical, and just plain
rocks, order Max the Dork's "I Feel Like Shit"... if not, put your Brittany Spears CD
back on and leave me the hell alone.