The Same Three Chords by Sewing With Nancie: A Punk Rock Gem That Still Hits Hard
Alright, let’s talk about The Same Three Chords, the debut album from Canadian punk rockers Sewing With Nancie. Released in 2000 and self-dropped under their own label (y’know, DIY style), this record is raw, unfiltered, and packed with attitude. If you’re into punk rock that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers some killer hooks, then buckle up—this one’s for you.
First off, the tracklist reads like a mixtape of teenage rebellion and snarky commentary. Tracks like "My Car," "Big Shot," and "Fake Girl" jump out immediately because they’ve got that punchy energy that just screams “turn me up!” But if I had to pick two songs that stuck with me after spinning this album? Easy choice: "Bucks Sucks" and "High School Yearbook."
"Bucks Sucks" hits different, man. It’s short, sharp, and kinda hilarious—it feels like the band is calling out something or someone specific, but it’s vague enough that you can project your own grievances onto it. The guitar riffs are crunchy, the drums slap hard, and the vocals have this sneering quality that makes you wanna shout along even though you’re not entirely sure what “Bucks” refers to. Is it a person? A place? Who cares! It’s catchy as hell, and sometimes that’s all you need.
Then there’s "Hard School Yearbook," which is basically an anthem for anyone who ever felt invisible in high school. You know those yearbooks where half the pages are blank because no one signed them? Yeah, this song gets that feeling. The lyrics are brutally honest without being overly dramatic, and the melody has this bittersweet vibe that’ll hit you right in the nostalgia bone. It’s the kind of tune that reminds you how far you’ve come while also making you laugh at the awkwardness of your past self.
What stands out most about The Same Three Chords is its authenticity. There’s no overproduced nonsense here—just straight-up punk rock with heart. Sure, the recording quality isn’t perfect, but that adds to the charm. It’s like listening to a live show in your buddy’s garage, except way better because these guys actually know what they’re doing.
And honestly? This album feels ahead of its time in a weird way. Back in 2000, pop-punk was blowing up, but Sewing With Nancie didn’t try to fit into that mold. They did their own thing, blending punk grit with clever lyricism and zero apologies. Plus, shoutout to including covers like Madonna’s "Like A Prayer" and Cyndi Lauper’s "Time After Time"—because why not throw a curveball when everyone least expects it?
So yeah, give The Same Three Chords a spin if you’re looking for something real. And hey, fun fact: Dave Stieb—a former MLB pitcher—is immortalized in a track title. How many albums can say that? Not many. Props to Sewing With Nancie for keeping us on our toes.
