Project 1950
Patriotism may be the last refuge of scoundrels, but nostalgia traditionally puts bread on the table for succeeding generations of rock musicians long after the hits stop coming. If 25th anniversary celebrations--the excuse for this Misfits "roots" covers collection--seem the very antithesis of punk, they're but another golden marketing opportunity for Jerry Only, the sole original band member still standing and arguably the Energizer Bunny of ghoul-punk. Teamed here with Marky Ramone and ex-Black Flagguitarist Dez Cadena, Only turns his band's beloved PG-13 thrash-horror shtick loose on an oddball collection of his '50s and '60s musical inspirations. And just when you thought irony was passé, Only croon-howls it undead with fervent renditions of "This Magic Moment" byJay & the Americans,Paul Anka's frothy "Diana," andConway Twitty's "Only Make Believe." Still it's hardto like an album with this much DYI missionary zeal: Only includes a written tribute to each song--as well as a six-page illustrated musical tutorial--that bolsters his claim that this album is nothing less than "Rock and Roll 101."