I must admit, o my brothers, that I have been amiss in my prior manner of assessing label samplers. In the past, I have treated the sampler as a whole, grossly ignorant to the obvious fact that the form isn't based upon any central goal but to showcase individual acts particular to that label. The sampler is one case where the estimation of parts fits rather nicely, so I will adjust my gauge accordingly.

What follows is both an identification of the featured artists and estimation of the artists' contributions to the sampler:

"Fight It" by Pennywise: A previously unreleased track from the So-Cal skate- punk champions, and well worth the measly cost of the sampler in and of itself. Let's face it-- I like Pennywise.

"Second Best" by Pulley: You know that Scott guy that plays professional baseball and plays in a punk band? This is his band, and they offer up a concise and effective slice of self- loathing.

"Faster Than the World" by H20: Yeah, the lyrics are silly and the song sounds a bit too much like a lot of other big time punk bands, but it's catchy as hell.

"1998" by Rancid: One of the less experimental tracks from their latest offering, but a solid continuation of their earlier work.

"The Will the Message" by Bombshell Rocks: I'm getting a bit of a Swingin' Utters feel here, and I guess I like it.

"Hopeless Romantic" by the Bouncing Souls: This is the title cut from the new Bouncing Souls record, which is in itself a return to form for the band. This song boasts their catchiest chorus since "I Like Your Mom."

"The Getaway" by Ten Foot Pole: What can I say? I just can't get past the vocals.

"Think the World" by All: Is it possible to pack more chewy goodness into one minute and twenty seconds? I think not.

"Snap Decision" by the New Bomb Turks: Lo-fi punkabilly. Not my bag.

"Generator" by Bad Religion: What would an Epitaph compilation be with the obligatory Bad Religion track? If you don't know this classic song already, go back to sleep.

"I Will Deny" by the Dwarves: Rambunctious attack, good sense of melody. These guys have been around longer than sand, but this track gives it up.

"Let's Do This" by Straight Faced: Another band whose vocalist, in a nutshell, sucks. Who listens to this?

"It's My Life" by Agnostic Front: Doesn't say "unreleased," but I'll be darned if this is on their latest record. Possibly from an earlier album I'm not familiar with, or an obscure EP. Another incentive to purchase.

"Weakend Revolution" by 59 Times the Pain: A promising new force in the Burning Heart Records camp. Gotta wait for the full- length before we make any cruicial judgments, though.

"Summerholiday vs. Punkroutine" by Refused: Damn socialism for inspiring these brilliant Swedish lads to break up! Christ, this shit is noisy.

"They Always Come Back" by Voodoo Glow Skulls: Quite possibly, the most bothersome band on the planet. One of those bands you long to see in the same headline with the words "lone gunman."

"Twisted" by Zeke: Is there time to reapply my previous statement? The lack of talent is shocking and, to put it as nicely as honesty allows, nauseating.

"Don't Panic" by Gas Huffer: Old time rock n' roll. Are they always like this?

"Big in Japan" by Tom Waits: Art for art's sake. No pleasure necessary.

"Someone to Love?" by Gentleman Jack Grisham: Imagine the Byrds rocking out. And without lyrics like, "Happening so graciously/ Together in natural harmony."

"A Life's Story" by Union 13: I remember not really caring for this particular album, but there's a sad quality to this song that I rather enjoy. They aren't usually this good.

"Picture This" by 98 Mute: A raw, convincing performance-– one of the toughest acts the Epitaph crew has put out in recent times.

"Lucky" by Osker: The vocals are bit heavy on the snot, y'know? Get some o' that snot outta there, y'snotty ass! This shit is fucking irritating.

"Mr. Clean" by Millencolin: Not actually a cover of the commercial jingle. Instead, it's like Bad Religion meets Helloween-– a winning combination in my book. ...What, don'tcha like Helloween?

"Kids of the K Hole" by NOFX: The Sultans of Slack provide a glossy finish with the strongest track from their latest full- length.

Er... thank you for bearing with this new format. In retrospect, I can see why I've never used it before. Eh, fuck it. The bottom line is, Punk-O-Rama 4's a fitting overview of what Epitaph's offering these days. Plus, it's ass cheap so it's a good bargain even if you're just buying it for the unreleased material. Bada bing, bada boom.

-Kevin Ruggeri