The Veterans - Self-titled Album (2008) RESTORED

In the late 70's & 80's it wasn't hard to find punk bands that were enamored by 50's & 60's Rock 'N Roll. Although The Veterans weren't formed in these days their work is retrospective to when punk bands showed their affection for early Rock 'N Roll by adapting the sound and adding their own flair to it. This self titled album is filled to the rim with The Beach Boys influenced Surf Rock, like numerous bands before them, but with one major difference; The Veterans do it much better than most who are trying to get this poppy surf sound. The album is drenched with catchy hooks, combining electric keyboard effects , laser sharp harmonies and even an occasional Ukulele sound for authenticity. Classic novelty songs such as 'Hula Girl' & 'Charlie & The Surfboard Factory' exude Beach Boys flavor without boundaries, putting the expectations for an attempt at Surf Rock by any other punk band to a much higher level. This album seems to transcend Rock & Roll genre and generation by creating a bridge from old time early 60's surfers to today's Punk Rockers by creating something that they could all musically relate to.

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The Veterans - Self-titled Album (2008) RESTORED

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Andrea Carreda, front man for Italy's best Ramones inspired punk rock band The Manges, has put together a classic summertime album of beach inspired tunes for all the pogo pop fanatics the world over. For the mission he enlisted the help of friends from all over the world from bands including Supermarket from Spain & The Popsters from Italy, Surfin' Lungs from England, and The Leftovers from the USA. Sure, this style of pop has been around for years, but it's not often it is done this well. The ten tracks on this debut album from The Veterans are as catchy and infectious as they come - this is the perfect soundtrack for some summer fun!

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The Veterans - Self-titled Album (2008) RESTORED

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Most of the Italian pop/punk I've heard sticks to a steady diet of Ramonescore power chords, and the Veterans (featuring the Manges lead singer Andrea Manges) certainly show that chunky chugga chugga Ramones influence on some of their tunes. But the fun here comes from the Veterans' unabashed love of American surf rock. Geography really doesn't matter to these paisanos; from Rockaway Beach to the Jersey shore to the California surf to the beaches of Waikiki, no matter what ocean you're in, it's all just Rock'n'Roll to these guys. Infused with twangy guitars and bubblicious four-part harmonies, the Veterans' surf party a go go will have you twistin' again all summer long.

~ Jim Testa, jerseybeat.com

Tracklist:

01. I Think It's So Cool
02. Charlie And The Surfboard Factory
03. Be True To Your School
04. Easter Island UFO
05. Oceanside Park
06. Dance, Darling, Dance
07. Hula Girl
08. Sick Vibrations
09. Surfer's Holiday
10. The Tiki Art Show

all songs written by Andrea Caredda except "3" by Brian Wilson/Mike Love,
"5" by Chris Pearce (Surfin' Lungs), and "9" by Roger Christian/Gary Usher/Brian Wilson.



All songs arranged by The Veterans. Produced by Andrea & Alex
Recorded in 2007 and 2008 in Italy. Additional recordings was made in Italy and U.K.
Mixed & Mastered by Alex Bounty.

• Andrea Manges - lead vocals
• Alex Bounty - guitar
• Lele - bass
• Toro - drums & percussion

additional musicians:
- Chris Pearce - organ & backing vocals on "3,5,7", ukulele on "7"
- Clive Gilling - backing vocals on "3,5,7"
- Steve Dean - backing vocals on "3,5,7"
- Stefanino - lead guitar on "1,3,4,6,9", backing vocals on "1 & 10"
- Mr. Gabry - lead guitar on "4 & 10"
- Django Deadman - slide steel guitar on "7"
- The Leftovers & Matt Anderson - backing vocals on "1,2,4,8,9"
- Linda - backing vocals on "3 & 9", keyboads on "5 & 8"
- Camilla - backing vocals on "3 & 9"

Release Date: July 8, 2008
Label: It's Alive Records
Catalog No.: IAR-24