Before the band hit the charts, got MTV airplay, and the rest of the things that come with a mainstream release, The Ataris were playing pop-punk tunes for anyone who would pay attention. With their 1999 release, the band hits its stride, putting on a classic showcase of pop sensibility and punk edge, without compromise. “Blue Skies, Broken Hearts…Next 12 Exits” is 14 tracks and 35-some odd minutes of music that really focuses on the angst of teenage heartache, and everyday life. Take them to be much like Mxpx and “Life In General” in terms of content. The band’s smooth sound really worked well and just leaned more toward pop than punk at times.
The pop hooks start with “Losing Streak”, move into “San Dimas High School Football Rules”, and, of course, a variety of melodies that make up a solid release from the Indiana group. Production-wise, this isn’t half bad on Kung Fu Records, and I’m surprised by the sound overall, with a heavy bass section, good guitar work, and drums that flow quite nicely. Overall, the record sounds as good as it did when it first came out in 1999. It’s a classic example of pop punk and holds up well even in today’s crowded marketplace. The Ataris really did a good job in putting together tracks for “Blue Skies, Broken Hearts…Next 12 Exits”, and they are still catchy as hell today.
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