First off, let's get one thing straight: We're not going to fault up-and-coming bands for their adoration for the rock 'n roll gods of the past. After all, we've got just as much love for 'em. That's why we're not going to completely trash THE ROCKET JOCKS just because they're a blatant RAMONES rip-off. Sure, "Crazy for You" has the exact same sort of gang chanting we've heard countless times from Joey and the gang, but to be fair there are moments when the JOCKS put their own spin on things. "What Can I Do?" is far bouncier than anything THE RAMONES ever did, not to mention that the proud proclamations of nerd-dom in songs like "The Nazgul Hop" and "Judy Jetson, I Love You So" show the band's unique personality.

What we can fault these guys for is their approach. THE ROCKET JOCKS consists of only two guys and a drum machine. Reread that last sentence and let it sink in for a few minutes… these guys use a fucking drum machine. Granted, there have been a few instances where programmed drums were either necessary (MORTICIAN comes to mind) or intentional (the whole industrial movement), but a band that emulates another band whose lowest priority was musical skill? They miss the whole point! Just get any Joe off the street to sit behind a drum kit. No excuses! And while we're at it, why does "Next Stop; Moon!" have a semicolon? My brain hurts…

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/therocketjocks

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