Chris Owen Said It, We Believe It, That Settles It – The TouchMeNots’ Raw Rock Riot
Alright, let’s get one thing straight: this album? It’s not here to hold your hand or whisper sweet nothings in your ear. Nope. Chris Owen Said It, We Believe It, That Settles It by The TouchMeNots is a full-on punk and garage rock gut punch that’ll leave you either grinning like an idiot or scratching your head (in the best way possible). Released back in 2007 on Roach And Squirrel Records, it’s got that raw, unfiltered vibe only bands from the US underground scene can pull off.
Now, I gotta say, there are some real gems buried in this tracklist. Take “Loser Friendly,” for instance. This tune kicks things off with a snarling guitar riff and drums so punchy they feel like they’re smacking you upside the head. Lyrically, it’s dripping with sarcasm—like someone took all their frustrations about life, love, and being misunderstood and shoved ‘em into three minutes of pure chaos. You know those days when you just wanna scream at the world but don’t have the energy? Yeah, this song does it for you. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded why punk rock still matters—it’s messy, loud, and completely unapologetic.
Then there’s “Food, Sex, And Television.” Holy crap, what a closer! If you thought the rest of the album was wild, this track cranks everything up to eleven. It’s fast, dirty, and feels like it could fall apart at any second—which, honestly, makes it even better. There’s something oddly hypnotic about how the vocals spit out lines faster than you can process them, while the guitars churn away like they’ve got something to prove. By the end, my brain feels scrambled, but in the most satisfying way. Like eating junk food after a breakup—it’s bad for you, but damn if it doesn’t hit the spot.
The other tracks aren’t slouches either. Songs like “Shame, Shame, Shame” bring the attitude with swagger-heavy hooks, while “We’ll Never Stop” gives off major anthemic vibes perfect for screaming along to in a sweaty dive bar. Even slower moments like “A Quiet Place” manage to keep things interesting, showing that these guys weren’t afraid to mix things up a bit.
But here’s the kicker: listening to this album feels like hanging out with old friends who tell terrible jokes but somehow always make you laugh anyway. Sure, it’s rough around the edges, and yeah, maybe a few tracks blur together after a while. But isn’t that kinda the point? This isn’t polished stadium rock; it’s music made by people who clearly didn’t give two hoots about fitting into anyone else’s mold.
So, would I recommend giving Chris Owen Said It, We Believe It, That Settles It a spin? Absolutely. Just be ready for a ride that’s equal parts thrilling and slightly unhinged. Oh, and if you ever meet someone who says punk and garage rock are dead, slap ‘em with this album. Or just play them “Food, Sex, And Television.” Either works.
Final thought: Listening to this record makes me wonder… did The TouchMeNots name themselves after those signs outside fancy stores? Because if so, I respect the heck outta that move.
