Mooorree Than Just Another Comp is a 33-track double LP compilation from Sell The Heart Records and Lavasocks Records, covering the entire Operation Ivy catalog, with new takes from the likes of The Raging Nathans, The Chinkees, Eichlers, Flying Raccoon Suit, even We Are The Union w/ Eve 6.
Very broadly speaking, the entire comp is pretty true to the original but varies the backing vocals and instrumentation from time to time, along with a few total genre flips to keep you paying attention. Op Ivy balanced punk and ska with grit and melody in a way few bands have achieved. So it’s always curious to hear other bands take it on, to see what new character shines through.
I’ll also say that I think “Knowledge” is one of the best openers, ever, so changing the style on that one was an early wakeup, courtesy of Danger INC. But nobody wants to read a track-by-track breakdown so I’m sharing broader observations and highlights here. As a whole this compilation feels a little more ska-punk, with some hyper beats and more horns. It’s maybe a little brighter than the original, whether that’s from differently tuned guitars, modern production, the artists involved, or just an incorrect personal take. It also feels really long. I get the desire to cover it all here, seeing that the band has such a small catalog, but even the Lookout/Hellcat collection feels kind of pushing it at 27 tracks.
What did I like the most? I think “Jaded” (Sweet Gloom) highlights that song’s lyrics in a really nice way. “Freeze Up” has always fascinated me as “just one more political song” that’s extremely dated in its refrain, yet holds up in spite of the timestamp. Omnigone do a good job of maintaining that tone, ironically already sounding dated themselves by referencing 2022 (when I imagine this was recorded). I think Bumsy and the Moochers’ addition of horns in “Artificial Life” is a nice bright spot, and “Hoboken,” a song I find kind of middling on the original release, has new life courtesy of Startle. Bad Idols’ take on “Bad Town” is a nice, rough-around-the-edges rendition that nicely retains the band’s DIY vibes and I think hearing “Smiling” from a female voice adds a nice touch (Foxx Bodies). The bass drum intensity of “Sleep Well” really comes through in a cover by Middle-Aged Queers. Neckscars give “Vulnerability” something of a Dropkick Murphys twist. “Hedgecore…” Well, I just find that song silly, but I guess it highlights the youth of the original band. This time, Allweather, covers it.
I think the biggest standout on this compilation is the jazzed up take of “Missionary,” which maintains the brutal political truths of the song while making it their own. I also find it curious that some of the better-known bands on here made more traditional cover songs that moved me a little less than some of their newer contemporaries. A couple tracks feel like a swing-and-a-miss, even borderline parody in at least one spot. But I’m trying to talk tone and positives, and the big takeaway to me is just how much Op Ivy influenced third wave ska, as many of these covers recall the late ‘90s to me more than they do Op Ivy’s era or even the present. And, really, even the worst takes on here hold up okay.
Ultimately, as far as tribute albums go this one does a nice job. The first listen didn’t move me a lot, but it’s grown on me quite a bit on repeat as I’ve come to appreciate the new flourishes from many of the bands. Plus, it benefits 924 Gilman in Berkeley, CA, which seems perfect, given the concept. (Lavasocks + Sell The Heart released a similar Rancid tribute last year.)
