What makes Smash the Windows by Mischief Brew notable?

This album became a pivotal work in the folk punk scene, earning acclaim for its politically charged lyrics and energetic performances. It helped to establish Mischief Brew as essential figures in the underground music community, influencing subsequent artists within the genre. In 2005, Mischief Brew was in a period of significant artistic development following their debut album. 'Smash the Windows' marked their second full-length release, showcasing their evolution in sound and lyrical depth, solidifying their place within the folk punk genre.

How many songs are on Smash the Windows?

Smash the Windows has 13 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Smash the Windows

Mischief Brew · 2005

48 min · 13 tracks · punk rock

Raw, anthemic folk punk intertwines with sharp social commentary and spirited melodies, embodying a rebellious yet introspective ethos.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Citizens Drive — This track exemplifies the album's blend of urgency and social critique, using driving rhythms to propel a narrative about societal apathy and resistance.
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Swing Against the Nazis — An anthemic call to action, this song combines infectious melodies with a direct challenge to fascism, making it a rallying cry within both punk and activist circles.
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The Gypsy, the Punk, and the Fool (A Tale) — This longer narrative piece weaves together themes of identity and struggle, showcasing Mischief Brew's storytelling prowess while maintaining their characteristic energy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic punk with introspective lyrics, showcasing a distinct sound within the folk punk genre.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature fast tempos and aggressive instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
Many songs incorporate call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that engages listeners.
The album includes several tracks with abrupt endings, which contributes to a sense of urgency and spontaneity throughout.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 The Reinvention of the Printing Press 2:40
2 Citizens Drive 4:28
3 Lightning Knock the Power Out 3:43
4 Nomads Revolt 4:03
5 The Lowly Carpenter 3:04
6 Ten Thousand Fleas 3:52
7 Swing Against the Nazis 3:03
8 From the Rooftops 4:36
9 The Gypsy, the Punk, and the Fool (A Tale) 6:21
10 Roll Me Through the Gates of Hell 3:35
11 Ain't It the Life? 3:20
12 A Liquor Never Brewed 3:20
13 Departure Arrival 2:38

What to play next

Listen next

Loved But Unexcepted

2006

Go back to

Don't Spoil Yer Supper!

2003

Full Mischief Brew discography Artists like Mischief Brew

folk punk

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