Kid Dynamite - Cheap Shots, Youth Anthems

I don't know whether I'm the first to say this or not, but I believe that Kid Dynamite will follow in the footsteps of Operation Ivy and Minor Threat - bands that had an enormous impact on the hardcore-punk scene, despite breaking up before they reached their apex. Just to preface this review, here's a quick rundown of Kid Dynamite: Ex-Lifetime members David Wagenschutz and Dan Yemin recruited bassist Steve Ferrel and singer Jason Schevchuk for a new project in 1997; Kid Dynamite was born. The band released two records on Jade Tree, before breaking up in early 2000. Wagenshutz went on to play in Good Riddance, and reunited with Yemin for Paint It Black. As for Schevchuk, he's now singing in None More Black. Cheap Shots, Youth Anthems is a superb effort at showcasing Kid Dynamite’s short-lived career, without just making a “hits” album. The first four tracks are listed as “the classics”, with “Heart a Tact” being the standout and equally one of the band’s best songs overall. Tracks 5-10 are all covers; Kid Dynamite was quite courageous to take on songs by Black Flag, The Clash, The Circle Jerks, Minor Threat, and the Dead Kennedys, but, to give it to them, they pull of the covers in a manner all their own. 10-15 relive more of the old Dynamite cuts - “Showoff”, “Never Met the Gooch”, etc. Then come the demos. “Bookworm”, a personal favorite, leads the pack as the demo version might actually be better than the version that appeared on their self-titled album. To complete the set, we're offered seven live, radio tracks, which, aside from the sub-standard quality, are still a nice addition to this collection. In no way should you consider Cheap Shots, Youth Anthems a “best of” Kid Dynamite album, but merely as an addition to their existing catalogue. It’s a good introduction for those new to the band, but doesn’t compare to the greatness of either of their albums. Kid Dynamite will always be remembered as one of the best modern hardcore-punk bands of their era, and, thankfully, this album can truly capture their essence. Jade Tree even threw in a bonus DVD to boot! [www.jadetree.com]