Not Economically Viable cover

Not Economically Viable

The Methadones · 2004

40 min · 12 tracks · punk rock

Energetic punk melodies collide with introspective lyrics, crafting a sound that is both raw and relatable.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bored of Television — This track opens the album with infectious energy and critiques media consumption, setting the tone for the rest of the record's introspective yet upbeat vibe.
  • →
    Mess We Made — With its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics about coping with mistakes, this song exemplifies The Methadones' ability to blend personal reflection with punk sensibilities.
  • →
    Annie — An emotional standout that balances vulnerability and melody, this track showcases the band’s range beyond typical punk themes and adds depth to the album.
  • →
    Straight Up Pop Song — The title itself is ironic as it combines pop sensibilities with punk rock roots; it cleverly comments on genre expectations while delivering an infectious hook.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic melodies with introspective lyrics, making it relatable yet conventional in its punk approach.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter part.
  • Lyrically, the songs often juxtapose humorous elements with serious social commentary, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • What Went Wrong

    The chorus shifts perspective to question personal accountability amidst broader societal issues, reflecting a sense of confusion and frustration.

    This moment deviates from individual blame by expanding to collective experiences, illustrating how personal struggles often mirror larger societal problems.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bored of Television 3:17
  • 2 Mess We Made 3:15
  • 3 Sorry to Keep You Waiting 4:07
  • 4 What Went Wrong 2:51
  • 5 Annie 3:08
  • 6 Million Miles 4:00
  • 7 Turning Inside Out 3:38
  • 8 Less Than Zero 2:04
  • 9 Hit a Nerve 3:14
  • 10 Transistor Radio 2:23
  • 11 Suddenly Cool 4:39
  • 12 Straight Up Pop Song 4:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata