Scream, Dracula, Scream

Meh. It’s like they want to be a Ska band but just can’t commit.

My name ain't Dracula - but I am screaming 'STOP" - did not enjoy at all - - nothing going on here. Move along...

For the first few tracks I was wondering why the average rating was so low. By the end, I kind of understand. It’s not that it’s bad (although I wasn’t massively keen on the vocals), and I enjoyed the general sound, but most songs were so similar that I’ve already largely forgotten which was which. It’s basically pretty standard punk, with a brass section and a few other fancy flourishes. Definitely one that’s more effective in small doses; this album should probably have been closer to 30 minutes than 45. However, I’ll be nice and give it 3 stars anyway.

bore city.....I was either bored or irritated throughout the album. Best thing for me was when the album ended.

You know what, I actually enjoyed this one. And just last week I got another punk album and I said this genre is not for me. Idk if it was because I was doing one of the most nonsensical things on this planet, or just my mood, but I’ve been appreciating what albums I get lately. Born in ‘69 and On A Rope were really good, and there were plenty nice ones to fill in like Used, Drop Out, Burnt Alive

I admit I was a bit resentful because Halloween is coming up and the title of this had me expecting a spooky scary thrill ride like Rob Zombie's "Hellbilly Deluxe" or something and instead got this. RFTC's song titling is on point and that's not nothing. But I'll tell ya, I had Coldplay yesterday and I was more bored listening to this.

not bad, but not my thing

Born in '69 On a Rope

Not as bad as some of the albums on this list but not goodie!

not for me, tolerable though

Han de style eigentlich huere gern, weiss nöd genau wie mer das nennt aber es erinneret mich chli a blink 182 oder the offspring, würs jez nöd umbedingt lose wills au zu chaotisch isch. Alli lieder sind chli ähnlich und es wird chli zu langwilig geges endi ane, aber sie vermittled def. De rockigi punk vibe wo sie versueched

Singin was irritating

Vill minnas att jag såg dom runt 96 eller 97 och att jag var sketfull, måste varit turnén för det här albumet. Tycker det låter väldigt mycket som ett mer sympatiskt The Hives med en bättre sångare eller Sator. bland drar det iväg åt nån hårdrock men det är rent soundmässigt inte musiksliskt. Dom ska också ha kredd för att det aldrig tippar över i skatepunk, vilket ligger i farans riktning här. Lite trevligt blås, som gärna hade fått vara ännu mer framträdande, och skamlöst popflörtande främjar dom från mycket annat. Här finns ett knippe riktigt bra spår "Misbeaten" är allra bäst oavsett om den är på allvar eller är ironisk (det är trots allt 90tal vi pratar om). Singlarna "Born in 69" och “On a rope" är också bra och det finns fler spår jag diggar. Det blir en svag trea härifrån och jag hoppas jag hade en bra kväll då 96/97.

Go riff-fest emellanåt. T ex i On the rope, Drop out och avslutande Burnt alive. Hör jag till och med ett blås där? Men sånginsatsen är på alldeles för låg nivå rakt igenom. Det hade behövts en Howlin’ Pelle eller motsvarande.

Betydligt mer tråkrock än rolig punk. Saknar finnessen. Det finns förstås band inom genren och eran som är ännu sämre, men det kan inte vara en förmildrande omständigt. Ett dåligt album slutar inte vara dåligt för att det finns usla album. Ettan är med andra ord oundviklig.

Vi första tonen anas amerikans låtsaspunk i samman anda som Green Day och Offspring. Men det är låter lite bättre. Sången är visserligen lika tillgjort tuff som i de nämnda banden, men det finns en annan tyngd och driv i låtarna. Mycket tack vare blåset. Rätt kul i tre, fyra låtar men över ett helt album blir det lite väl enformigt.

Ok for crunchy rock

2/4

The album is overall alright, nothing too exciting, but definitely quite a lot of noise at some point. I guess this is a typical band from the late 90s that has very solid drums and just instrumentals as a whole, but I feel like those might be a bit outdated nowadays. It was still alright leaving this in the background while I was doing other things, but it definitely sounded like a bunch of songs that you would have heard as soundtracks in the movie American Pie.

Watch a pop-adjacent punk band show an inoffensive first step forward, before inexplicably losing all steam for the entire back half.

на самом деле когда я услышал медные под рок, испугался что мне не понравится все что пойдет дальше, однако, они трубы мне не пихали прямо в уши, их было достаточно инструментал плотный, вокал быстро надоел по композиции треки тоже будто все одинаковые хит понравился 2.9

Wasn’t bad just wasn’t too good

fine

2/5

Extremely fun and catchy. High energy.

I never heard of these guys and expected some Prodigy rip-off. But no, it's a punk record. I liked it, but probably not enough to listen to it again.

Decent enough, and it’s nice to hear some punk/ska from the 90s, which doesn’t get a ton of representation on here. It’s fun, and it’s a welcome break from the near constant stream of British mediocrity, but still nothing groundbreaking for me. 7/10

Individually, the tracks are just fine punk/alternative rock songs with some catchy elements, loud instruments packed with distortion and some trumpets to add personality. Conversely, they also suffer a lot from incredibly repetitive elements, such as riffs, choruses or melodies. As a whole, the album is very tedious and formulaic. The both times I listened to it, I always think that it starts fine, but ends up dragging a lot, making me feel very tired of the monotony of the song writing, the voice without any range or change, and the incredibly similar riffs. If it was half the length, I think it would be way more tolerable and even a great record, but unfortunately it isn't. Just to add something more, the singer reminds me a lot to Elvis Costello, but that's neither a positive nor a negative aspect.

schlimmste vocals aller zeiten was ist das??? klingt wie karaoke

One of those bands I remember hearing about in the 90s but I wasn't cool enough to listen to. I like this. Reminds me a bit of Iggy and the Stooges but in a 1995 way. Solid.

They sound like a movie highschool band but way better.

2.9

No wonder this generation is retarded.

I struggled to find kind things to say about this album, I'm afraid. If nothing else, everyone seemed to be having fun making Scream, Dracula, Scream!, and it got a lot of radio play. The contemporary critics loved it. That's worth something. Musically, the most pleasant bit was the stolen riff of "Pretty Woman" that the gentlemen bit for the intro to "Used." There were some unique choices determining the elements of this soundscape, but their union is incoherent, perhaps even schizophrenic. The lyrics are charmlessly dimwitted, so forgettable that I cannot even think of any to quote. The songwriting is aimless and insipid and does not coalesce into any meaningful whole or constitute any musical identity. And the vocal performances are, frankly, bad.

it was getting good after the first part but u can't just use the same riff for the entire song and change instruments for it even if it was good

I actually liked this more than I thought I would. Yeah it’s typical 90’s punk rock so it sounds repetitive but glad I got to listen to something totally brand new to me.

Noise

Thia is exactly the type of music i love. I grew up with it and its never left me. Besides that point though there is something here that I cant stand. There are too many bands I can think of that do what's done here better. Give me dome aspect of thier sound and ive got a couple better bands in that lane. They have horns hidden in the background and if you want horns listen to some catch 22 or streetlight manifesto or even reel big fish if ur feelin goofy. They do a kinda skate punk thing and just listen to any nofx record. Im sure even the late ones do this better. And they do this kinda blues twang thing nit that well. Social distortion or maybe the gun club. Thats my whole issue. They do semi cool things just jot as well as a ton of other bands in this lane. It makes me want to listen to lots of things that are not this. They do alot of things but im much more of a quality vs quantity guy. I just want a style done as well as possible. And that is not this

Influenced by the Replacements or a ‘Mats ripoff? Either way that’s not a bad thing…

Please no more punk

The rhythm guitar plays the same 3-4 licks and rhythms throughout, while the lead sometimes makes some interesting sounds sometimes. The singer needs to stop trying to make his voice gritty and gravelly, its not working, it sounds terrible, please. The drummer and bassist are tight, slick, and pretty unremarkable throughout. Same goes for the songs themselves. Slick production, some interesting twists in some of the songs, but overall very samey overall. Except for the second half of 'Misbeaten', when the band briefly breaks out of their hard rock box and temporarily become the Beach Boys. Choice cuts - 'Misbeaten', 'Young Livers', 'Used'

I mostly enjoyed this. It's a bit rough around the edges, but they make some nice creative choices with the vocal arrangements and extra instruments. I think the lead guy has a good voice for punk music. On a Rope and Used were my favorites.

there's something a little dead average about the sound. but it has the capacity to be very fun, very catchy. feels like a bit of connective tissue between ra ra punk and upbeat ska? favorite song is On A Rope or Used. solid 3

Rating: 3/10 Who? One of those albums that makes you think the criteria for the original book was "CD's this guy had" Felt never-ending and obnoxious

Trash.

Dogshit

Frustrating listen for me. Felt like watching a stand up comedian who isn’t really that funny, just loud. Inscrutable and difficult lead vocal performance, arrangements that only gesture at complexity by throwing in some orchestra, and underwhelming writing. Songs are too similar to create a larger whole. The repetition really tanks this thing; even the drums were doing largely the same damn thing across the record. Made me feel weirdly mad at punk as a genre, and then confused that this is considered a “hardcore” punk album. Tedious. Glad to move on from this one. Single-handedly revived my hater gene.

Quizás porque fue un gran día y estoy de buen humor este disco no será tan hateado. Estuvo divertido, nada especial, pero un día sin paciencia o ganas lo hubiera masacrado.

This was nothing special. All started to sound the same after three or four songs. I was familiar with On A Rope previously but nothing more. Hasn’t affected my life in the slightest.

Bel punk rock con delle note ska punk

Crazy that this is the guitarist from Drive Like Jehu. Two very different bands. I like having horns in punk rock that was a nice touch.

Stake through the heart, already.

Fun, haven’t heard this, will definitely listen again. 3.6

This was an enjoyable listen. Mid-90s rock/punk with horns, no ska but the singer reminded me of Chris from Less Than Jake at times. Really fun, and something I'd be happy to listen to again, but probably not an album I'll be intentionally picking out to listen to. I would have LOVED it when I was in my late teens, which is not intended as an insult! I still love punk music and seek out new stuff, but at this point in my life, I am probably leaning a little more toward new and new-to-me hardcore than this. A good record, though.

Nice solid punk sound. Also, 14 songs in 43 minutes, punk does not mess around

whyyyy

y tho

Didn’t really like it. Felt like basic radio alt rock pop.

2.5

If nothing else, the high energy, and unique category of a concept album make this a worthwhile experience. I really enjoyed some of these headbangers as well. Favorite Track: "Ball Lightning".

It is a scientific fact that the inclusion of brass instruments to punk music, makes that music worse by several orders of magnitude, in the same way that it is a fact that evolution essentially, scientifically disproves the mythology of christianity. It's difficult to call this album Punk though, such is the level of humour in the lyrics, the stronger technical and musical ability of the group, and the fact that they sound more Soul Asylum than Ramones. I remember On A Rope from back in the day. I didn't delve any further. If I had, I would have liked this. Decades later, turns out I do like it. It's a low 4, and it's completely inessential and undeserving of a spot on this list. It would of course be better without the brass. But it's good.

Remever thise shitty teen movies in the 90’s that always ended at the school dance or whatever and they would have a live band and the band would play some song that wasn’t a real song just something the writers came up with and had some generic ban-looking people on stage pretending to play it, and the song was specifically designed to sound like something that might be at a highschool or college dance thing but it was never the sort of music that would prompt you to ask “i wonder who this band is?” because the movie makers want you to remember the movie, not the music. Well, it was probably this band. There was nothing on this album that made me think it deserves to be on any list. It’s to 90’s pop-rock what scritti politti was to 80’s synth pop - completely unremarkable and taking up a space on this list that could have been filled by 100 better bands.

2.5

Saw this band touring the album that came out after this one. Great live band! This was successful at the time despite not being on trend, which speaks to the quality of the tunes.

For some reason, I always thought that this band was like scuzzy garage rock or something? Certainly I wasn't expecting to get Social Distortion without even a single song on par with "Ball and Chain"!

I don't remember this band from the 90s at all. I listened to this twice through, and though there were glimmers of greatness in songs like Used and Misbeaten, there were some pretty significant flaws that hold it back. First is the drumming. For some reason the drummer relies WAY too heavily on the crash cymbal. It's overbearing, takes away any nuance in the sound and adds to the repetitiveness that is already pervading the music here. More use of ride and hi-hat would better support the music rather than overpowering it. Second, the mixing seems really off. It wasn't until my second listen that I noticed that some tracks have strings and horns. But they're mixed so low beneath the guitar and drums that they're often lost. This could have been awesome, but is pretty mid as it stands.

While there are plenty of explosive, enjoyable moments across the first few tracks, this lose steam as it goes and doesn’t build on what it started as well as I was hoping. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: On A Rope, Young Livers, Fat Lip, Drop Out

I could get used to this. But I'd probably rather not. 2-3 range.

I don't know what's happening here, is it pop? is it ska? The songs, while occasionally catchy, are incredibly cheesy. It was well produced and there are a things to like but it feels like it's trying to hard and is directionless. I didn't like this one.

A bit repetitive, but a few moments of fun. Nothing special.

not for me

Невозбранно кайфанул.

Nothing original. It’s like I just played a claw game with random 90s bands and this is what I won. Enjoyed playing with it a little bit but will ultimately leave it laying around the house and forget about it.

Definitely a switch after having just finished a two hour long drum and bass album, although they were only released a couple years apart. I’ve never heard of this band before but I really enjoyed it. Lots of energy. I do think they could’ve cut this album slightly shorter as even with all that energy it gets a bit repetitive and would ride its high better if shorter.

# Rocket From The Crypt - Scream, Dracula, Scream!: An In-Depth Review Released in October 1995, *Scream, Dracula, Scream!* was San Diego's Rocket From The Crypt's fourth studio album and their first for a major label (Interscope Records). It represents the band at their creative and commercial peak—a raucous, horn-powered assault that critics hailed as a vital shot in the arm for guitar music in the mid-90s. ## Music and Production The album's sound is the result of an ambitious production process that set it apart from the band's earlier, more lo-fi work. With the budget afforded by Interscope, the band aimed for a cohesive, cinematic body of work. Originally conceived as a continuous piece of music with string and brass passages bridging tracks, label demands meant the album was edited into standard-length songs. However, the band's ambition still seeps through. **Musical Highlights:** - **The Horn Section:** A defining feature of RFTC's sound, the two-man horn section (Apollo 9 on saxophone and JC2000 on trumpet) is more prominent than ever. They don't play ska offbeats but function as a classic rock 'n' roll embellishment, adding flair and power to the garage-punk core. - **The Rhythm:** The band is anchored by the tight, groove-heavy rhythm section—the "JB-like tightness o' groove" that keeps the chaos grounded. - **Influences:** The album wears its influences proudly. Critics heard echoes of the Ramones, the Clash, the Stooges, Led Zeppelin, and 1950s rockers, filtered through a punk sensibility. The result is a sound that's both classic and fresh. - **Recording:** Basic tracks were recorded live, giving the album a vital, energetic feel. The band supplemented their sound with a string section, additional vocals, and other instrumentation like accordion and Hammond B-3 organ. **Production Credits:** The album was produced by frontman John "Speedo" Reis, recorded at the legendary Gold Star Studios, and mixed by Andy Wallace and Mark Trombino—names synonymous with polished yet potent alternative rock. ## Lyrics and Themes Frontman John Reis, a "shouter in the finest Joe Strummer tradition," isn't a profound lyricist in the traditional sense. He builds his songs on attitude and imagery rather than complex narratives. *NME* noted the band "inter the rotten basterard and then rewire it," implying lyrics as a punk declaration rather than storytelling. - **Themes:** The songs are anthemic and rebellious, often focusing on desire, desperation, and a defiant "all-or-nothin'" attitude. The chorus of "Born In '69" embodies this: "I want it / I need it / I steal it / ALL RIGHT!!!". - **Cohesion vs. Confusion:** While some critics, like the *Miami New Times*, noted Reis had started to build songs on more than random images, the meaning often remains elusive. The coherence comes more from the album's relentless energy than a linear lyrical theme. ## Influence and Critical Reception *Scream, Dracula, Scream!* arrived at a time when punk was becoming commercialized. While Green Day and The Offspring had made punk massive, RFTC offered a rawer, less pasteurized alternative. The album was a critical darling: - **Accolades:** It was ranked #39 on *Melody Maker*'s 1996 Albums of the Year list and #9 on *NME*'s critics' poll. It has also been included in the book *1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die*. - **Commercial Impact:** The album was a hit in the UK, where the single "On a Rope" entered the charts at #12 and the band appeared on *Top of the Pops*. In the US, it was an alternative radio hit, earning videos on MTV. - **Legacy:** The album's legacy is its demonstration that punk could be more than just three-chord nostalgia. By blending Stax-style horns with hardcore guitars, RFTC "freed up the sonic palette available to garage acts," proving that even a trumpet could sound punk in the right hands. It remains a high-water mark for the band and a classic of 90s garage-punk. --- ## Pros and Cons Based on contemporary reviews and analysis, here is a balanced assessment of the album's strengths and weaknesses: ### The Pros * **Sonic Vitality:** A "roaring din" of jumbo power riffs and dense horn charts that is often described as a runaway train of energy and ferocity. * **Catchy and Anthemic:** Songs are built around gigantic, unforgettable hooks like the choruses of "On a Rope" and "Young Livers". * **Musical Variety and Ambition:** Despite its punk core, the album is musically varied, incorporating touches of blues, surf, Spectorian production, and even gospel elements. * **Tight Musicianship:** The band is celebrated for its tightness, with a rhythm section that grooves as hard as it pounds. * **Enduring Influence:** It's been acknowledged as a key album that expanded the sound of punk and garage rock in the 90s. ### The Cons * **Lack of "Soul" and Cohesion:** Some contemporary critics felt the album was "uninspired" and lacked the soul of its lo-fi counterparts, specifically the earlier album *Hot Charity*. One review called it "fourteen songs of pure clunker". * **Production Gloss:** The high-fidelity production was seen by some as a step away from the raw, organic power that defined the band's best work. * **Abandoned Concept:** The original concept—a continuous, cohesive album—was cut by the label. While this may have made it more marketable, it also potentially sacrificed a unique artistic vision. * **Patchy Filler:** Some reviews noted that while the singles are masterful, the album as a whole has moments that feel like filler.

2/4

ai, chato. álbum de rock de cachorro latindo.

Really dug this. Tried getting into them as a teen, about 25 years ago, and it didn't quite click with me. As an aging ex punk kid, it finally hit for me. Just enough horns and great energy.

Very solid start, but for a 43-minute album, it sure seems to sag in the middle. Maybe that's because the songs are hard to distinguish. All in all, just fine, but I don't think I was missing much.

Who wrote this overview, the band members themselves? “Though it was a bigger hit in the U.K. than the United States, 1995’s Scream, Dracula, Scream! remains a pivotal work of '90s rock 'n' roll.” [false] “With the exception of Nirvana’s In Utero, no other album succeeded more in translating the sounds of late-'80s American indie rock to a modern radio rock setting in the '90s.” [completely false] “And despite John Reis’ cheekiness, “Used” and “Come See, Come Saw” are as rousing and inclusive as any songs by Springsteen.” [absolutely false]

This is like punk Elvis Costello. And I don't much care for Elvis Costello. I find myself checking which track is next to find out how many songs I have left to get through. And the longer it went on, the more bored I became. There's something big missing from this album, but I don't think I'll ever know what it is...or care either, I guess. Is it missing salt? Saffron? Should they have put an egg in there? Maybe it's soul that's missing. ⭐⭐

I rather enjoyed playing this again after many years: I bought this around the time of its release, but I haven't played it in years. It's a rousing and quite enjoyable album, but not, I think, a truly great record.

One of the first bands I saw 25+ years ago, but I'd never really listened to more than 'On a Rope' I enjoyed this. It was good fun

cool stuff. never heard of this band. dunno if the album is so special that it needs to be on this list, but i guess there are a lot of albums where i would say that about.

Okay, weirdly sounds at many points like Jeff Rosenstock but also not as good as Jeff Rosenstock for me

Not good, unimpressive vocals and subpar music overall

Weird choice. But that's like complaining you put your bread in the toaster and now it's toast, I guess... given where we are... 🙄 Listen to The Reverend Horton Heat instead!

this album sounds like it was made in 1979 by the most cynical record producer ever.  an almost constant energy level with zero contrast until the *sixth track*, which then sounds like 70s bruce springsteen and billy joel did a project together (this is not complimentary).  in my opinion, if you're going to go for this kind of guitar-heavy music that wants to sound nostalgic and somehow current also, you must have an interesting lead singer.  this album does *not* have that, and in fact i think they know it, because the singer is almost always buried deep in the mix.  i have never heard of this band, who was american but apparently had some success in the uk and europe?  is this one of those things where they seem super-american and cool if you aren't american?  yawn, 2/5

wasn't familiar with this group before. way more variety in the songs as you get into it, though the vocals seem to stay in their lane. some of the songs really jump out - "Born in '69" through "Young Livers" ; "Suit City" ; the couple closing tracks. dynamic, visceral, at times surprising. there's still a few songs here that just don't reach those heights or fall flat. overall I appreciated the listen, tho I wasn't really motivated to keep digging into their catalog.

This was a lot of fun. “Used” kinda sounds like a punk rock Elvis Costello. 3.5

Never even heard of these guys before but man this is a fun album

Fun but not great. Sounds like a fictional 90’s band from a teen angst movie.

Really cool to see a post-hardcore album on the list. I was familiar with Drive Like Jehu, but I had never heard of this John Reis's other band for some reason. Part of what I enjoy about their sound, at least on this album, is their ability to slowly evolve the aggressive and busy songs into interesting directions, adding new melodies or sounds or nuances when they keep returning to the chorus or when they get close to finishing the song. This level of repetition is very rewarding over multiple listens. I would say that their biggest flaw is their inability to be consistent with the songwriting - it's hard to tell if they wanted to be in-your-face and experimental or poppy and structured. I guess the answer is both - but it sounds often like throwaway ska or skate punk at its worst, and snotty 90s punk at its best. Highlights include the opening blasting track, the warm, fun "Young Livers", the rollicking "Fat Lip", the technical "Suit City", and the tragic, tribalistic "Burnt Alive". In the end, lots of great ideas and fun execution but horribly off the mark at times. Not sure what it's doing here, but I'm glad I could listen to something new. Feeling generous (and LOVE that the album's title comes from a Wesley Willis song), so 3 stars for the effort.

It’s all just the same - pretty uninteresting

why does he sing like that man

Not as bad as I was expecting

Not really my thing, but they seem to have a sense of humour. Also got closure on the 'On A Rope' earworm I've had on and off since I was about nine when my neighbour would sing the chorus during an afternoon of playing Sensible Soccer on the Amiga, forcing the tune to re-enter my mind intermittently over the past 30 years. Never actually bothered to find out what the actual song is in all that time. My mind is now at peace. I'll never listen to it again.

Very fun! Cover looks like a noughties indie band, music is like Reel Big Fish / Hives ska infused punk rock! I like the voice, I like the instrumentation. This would have been fun to see live!

哒哒哒，哒哒哒，哒哒哒哒哒哒哒

As the poet Jake Peralta once said "Ska defines who I am as a person and I will never turn my back on ska" This wouldnt have been mu choice for the token Ska Punk album for the list, but it's still bloody good. I dropped my fifth star, so I'm gonna give this 4* before I pick it up, pick it up, pick it up.