Punk-O-Rama 4
The latest in a series of punk compilations courtesy of Epitaph Records,Straight Outta the Pitis a snarling, high-energy affair featuring 24 acts. With fervent music from the likes ofRancid, theNew Bomb Turks, andBad Religion, this collection showcases several top-notch punk ensembles. While all of the selections have been previously released, except for "Fight It" by L.A.'sPennywise, there are some neglected classics to savor, including "Don't Panic" by Seattle'sGas Huffer, and "It's My Life" by the infamousAgnostic Front. The only performance that doesn't complement the raucous nature ofPunk-O-Rama 4isTom Waitssinging "Big In Japan," but it's a slice of skewed weirdness all the same. With a slew of superlative punk rock bands rounding out the lineup, this compilation consistently delivers.--Mitch Myers