Before You Were Punk 2 — Various Artists
Before You Were Punk 2 - Various Artists (1999)
A high-energy compilation of punk and emo bands covering classic pop and rock songs, turning familiar hits into fast, edgy reinterpretations.
- Artist: Various Artists
- Album: Before You Were Punk 2
- Year: 1999
- Label: Vagrant Records
- Format: CD, Compilation (Retail)
- Country: United States
- Genre: Rock
- Style: Punk
Before You Were Punk 2 is pure musical mischief in the best possible way. The idea is simple and irresistible: take bands from the late-’90s/early-2000s punk and emo scenes, hand them well-known songs from earlier eras, and let them tear into them with distortion, speed, and a wink. The results are equal parts tribute and reinvention, as melodies you already know suddenly show up wearing leather jackets and jumping off monitors.
Released by Vagrant Records, the compilation features label favorites who were shaping the alternative scene at the time. Instead of parodying the originals, most bands play them with real affection, adding crunchy guitars, punchy drums, and big gang vocals that make old radio staples feel surprisingly fresh.
One of the fun things here is hearing how versatile some of these songs really are. Strip away the original production and they still hold up, revealing hooks that thrive in a louder, faster setting. Fans loved discovering how seamlessly pop craftsmanship could collide with punk urgency.
Collectors enjoy Before You Were Punk 2 because it captures a snapshot of a scene on the rise, having fun while tipping its hat to the music that came before. It’s nostalgic, noisy, and totally infectious. 🤘