Album Review: Sold Out Heavy Mental by The Fools
Alright, buckle up because we’re diving into Sold Out Heavy Mental, the 2009 gem from The Fools. This US-based band brought their A-game with a mix of rock and pop vibes, leaning heavily into power pop and new wave styles. Released via American Beat Records, this album is like that quirky friend who always has something surprising to say—sometimes fun, sometimes weird, but never boring.
Let’s talk lineup real quick: you’ve got Michael Girard on vocals (the guy with pipes smoother than butter), Richard Bartlett and Stacey Pedrick shredding guitars like it’s nobody’s business, Doug Forman laying down basslines that glue everything together, and Chris Pedrick keeping the beat tight behind the drums. These guys weren’t just phoning it in—they sound like they had an absolute blast making this record.
Now, onto the tracks. There are some bangers here, no doubt about it, but two songs stuck out for me personally. First up? “It’s a Night for Beautiful Girls.” Man, this one hits different. It’s upbeat, catchy as hell, and feels like cruising down a neon-lit street at midnight with your windows down. The energy is infectious, and Girard’s vocals have this swagger that makes you wanna grab someone by the hand and dance—even if you don’t know how. Plus, those guitar riffs? Pure ear candy. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded why power pop will never die.
Then there’s “Mutual of Omaha,” which is just… wild. Like, what even is this song? Is it satire? A love letter to insurance companies? Or maybe both? Either way, it’s got this quirky charm that keeps you guessing. The rhythm bounces around like a caffeinated rabbit, and the lyrics stick in your head long after the track ends. Honestly, I think I started humming it in the shower last week, much to my own confusion. But hey, isn’t that the mark of a good tune?
The rest of the album doesn’t disappoint either. Tracks like “Dressed In White” bring a dreamy vibe, while “Running Scared” cranks up the intensity. And let’s not forget “Last Cadillac On Earth,” which sounds like the soundtrack to a road trip through a desert wasteland—or maybe just my imagination running wild again. Oh, and did I mention they threw in repeats of certain songs? Yeah, seeing titles like “Spent The Rent” twice made me double-check my sanity, but honestly, it adds to the chaotic charm of the whole thing.
What strikes me most about Sold Out Heavy Mental is its unpredictability. You can tell The Fools didn’t set out to make a cookie-cutter album; instead, they went full throttle with whatever ideas popped into their heads. Some tracks work better than others, sure, but the overall experience feels genuine. It’s messy, fun, and unapologetically itself—and honestly, isn’t that kinda refreshing?
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album feels like finding a dusty vinyl in a thrift shop. At first glance, you’re not sure what to expect—but once you give it a spin, you realize it’s got character oozing out of every groove. So yeah, if you’re into music that doesn’t take itself too seriously and leaves room for spontaneity, do yourself a favor and check out Sold Out Heavy Mental. Just don’t blame me when you start randomly quoting lines about insurance companies.
