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Horray! it's the grand opening for this blog.  I'm real excited about this post because here I have the entire discography of one of my all time favourite ska-infused streetpunk bands, Beans.  Originating from the Netherlands, Beans is a band for those who appreciate playful and political streetpunk.  Since I have an un-used review for their latest album, "Sundown" (I write CD reviews for my University's student newspaper), I think I'll put it to use for the rest of this post:

Streetpunk band “Beans” has always released their albums through Western European label I-Scream Records. But in 2006 the band turned east, releasing “Sundown” through Russian label “Space Rebel Records.” With the label’s practically non-existent distribution, the band left those outside of Russia puzzled as to how to obtain their new album. Thankfully, a few months ago the band suddenly announced that they would internationally release “Sundown” through their website... as a free download.

Heavily influenced by bands like “Operation Ivy,” “Rancid,” and “The Clash,” “Beans” produces fast, upbeat political punk-rock, admirably melding gruff streetpunk vocals with traces of ska guitar. With “Sundown” the band refines their song writing and musicianship without sacrificing streetpunk’s raw energy. In undoubtedly their most polished song ever written, “Radio Silence,” the band opens the album with a monstrous introduction. In only twenty seconds the band’s two lead guitarists build up layers upon layers of instrumentation while a thunderous bass and some particularly well placed drum solos launch into an all out musical assault. “Sundown” is easily Beans’ strongest album to date.

But don’t take my word for it, if you enjoy streetpunk, head over to the band’s myspace (myspace.com/beans) and get the record for yourself."

Beans - Sundown (2007) 128 KB/s

1. Radio Silence

2. Tomorrow

3. Halos

4. Circular Reasoning

5. When Governments Clash

6. Hey Now What Now

7. My Reaction

8. Answers

9. Bad Plans

10. Only Natural

11. Set Sail

12. Down The Line

13. Sundown

The album can be found at www.myspace.com/beans, and their other 3 albums (and one split) can be found at the following links, also hosted on the band's personal servers:

Beans - So It Goes 128 KB/s

Beans - C'mon Get It On! 192 KB/s

Beans - Weapons of the Weak 192 KB/s

Be sure to thank them :)