Is On the Cover II a good place to start with MxPx?

Yes, On the Cover II is recommended as a starting point for new MxPx listeners. A spirited collection of punk rock covers that channels nostalgia through energetic performances and infectious melodies. On the Cover II is MxPx's fifth studio album and their second collection of cover songs, released in 2009. At this juncture, the band had established themselves as stalwarts of the punk rock scene since their breakthrough with Life in General in 1996, and were exploring their influences with a fresh perspective. This release came after their album Secret Weapon, showcasing the band's ability to reinterpret classics while maintaining their signature sound.

Who is On the Cover II for?

On the Cover II works well if you're into spirited sing-along moments, steady energy for gatherings and playful reinterpretations of classics.

How many songs are on On the Cover II?

On the Cover II has 12 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

On the Cover II

MxPx · 2009

35 min · 12 tracks · punk rock

A spirited collection of punk rock covers that channels nostalgia through energetic performances and infectious melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Punk Rock Girl Start here — This cover captures the essence of youthful rebellion, retaining the original's charm while infusing it with MxPx's distinct punk energy.
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(I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles — MxPx transforms this pop classic into a punk anthem, showcasing how they can reinterpret familiar melodies with a faster tempo and rawer instrumentation.
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Should I Stay or Should I Go — The band's version of this Clash staple breathes new life into an iconic track, balancing respect for the original with their signature upbeat style.

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

Energetic covers showcase MxPx's punk roots but lack significant originality in composition.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent mid-tempo pace across most tracks, with only a few moments of tempo variation.
The last three tracks shift slightly in mood, with 'Should I Stay or Should I Go' providing a more reflective tone before concluding with 'Somebody to Love'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

spirited sing-along moments
steady energy for gatherings
playful reinterpretations of classics
short bursts of nostalgia

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, introspective tracks
seek deep lyrical exploration

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid collection of covers that showcases MxPx's roots but isn't a primary entry point.
Career context: On the Cover II is MxPx's fifth studio album and their second collection of cover songs, released in 2009. At this juncture, the band had established themselves as stalwarts of the punk rock scene since their breakthrough with Life in General in 1996, and were exploring their influences with a fresh perspective. This release came after their album Secret Weapon, showcasing the band's ability to reinterpret classics while maintaining their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Lagwagon· No Use for a Name· Pennywise