Fifteen - Extra Medium Kick Ball Star

Jeff Ott and Co. were one of the most important and influential So Cal punk bands of the 90's. The socio-political lyrics coming through Ott's bittersweet voice and catchy songwriting helped make Fifteen one of the premier punk bands of their era. Extra Medium Kick Ball Star was originally released in 1998 on Cool Guy Records, but thankfully, Sub City has opted for a re-release. In addition to 14 classic Fifteen songs (take note of "Rainbow Connection", that song rules), Sub City has put the One Man Running EP by a band called Stress as a bonus on the album. I can't say that I know the relationship between the 2 bands, or if there even is one, but it doesn't hurt the disc. There are so many incredible bands that never gain the recognition they deserve; throw Fifteen into that bunch. But for the fans they have won, they'll never be seen as anything less than greatness. Oh, and I can't forget to mention that "a percentage of the sales of this record benefits Any Positive Change of Lake County, California, a street-based, harm reduction organization that works to prevent the needle born transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C". [www.subcity.net]