Towards the end of the classic episode of "The Simpsons" where Lisa decides to become a vegetarian, Homer desperately seeks out his missing daughter, yearning to apologize for his insensitive reaction to her new way of life. When he finds her, she apologizes to him for trying to impose her beliefs on other people. Homer shows a new awareness at this point by responding, "I understand, honey. I used to believe in things when I was a kid." Homer's bittersweet comment-- sweet in its attempt at consolation, and bitter in that it captures an all- too- familiar pattern in human nature-- seems especially fitting when listening to Civ's latest release, Thirteen Day Getaway.

A few years ago, Civ were responsible for some of the best and most meaningful hardcore music that ever existed. But they've since rescinded the sincerity of earlier efforts, and are now cutting insubstantial, ultra- commercial tripe. Just look at some of the song titles to get a sense of the changes that have occurred: "Secondhand Superstar," "Big Girl," "Itchycoo Park," etc. Is this some sort of sick joke?

This mind- blowing disappointment was foreshadowed by the group's contribution to the X Games Soundtrack, a song by the name of "Shout It" that made fellow soundtrack buddies, Bush, sound like the heaviest band that ever walked the planet. Sadly, "Shout It" is one of the stronger tracks on Thirteen Day Getaway.

Many of the album's songs make a sorry attempt at British style bubble-gum pop, in the vein of Big Audio Dynamite, Black Grape, and Elastica. I guess extended tours with the likes of No Doubt really "broadened" Civ's musical scope. The band briefly (a whopping 34 seconds!) recognizes its roots with "Owner's Manual," but it's a case of too little, too late. Interestingly, the acoustic closer, "Little Men," is mildly engaging-- it's proof that "mellow" is not synonymous with "fluff."

A look at the liner notes reveals that Walter Schriefels, Anthony Civarelli's bandmate in Gorilla Biscuits who later went on to form Quicksand, helped compose the song, which seems to support the prevalent theory that Walter was singularly responsible for Civ's impressive first album, Set Your Goals.

I never imagined Civarelli would be hurt by his own words, but to him I say: "Hats off to bands that change/ Good luck, go your own way/ Don't play for us if your heart's not in it." Sit back, collect the royalty checks from the easy listening stations playing your songs, drive expensive cars, and have sex with supermodels. But just remember that once upon a time when you were a kid, you used to believe in things, too.

-Kevin Ruggeri