I recommend the First Release to EVERY diehard Goo fan. If you've never heard it, you are definitely missing out. It doesn't suck! Really! It's reeeeeaaaally good. Ok, yes, it sounds like a bunch of wild, juvinile party hounds but they were really into what they were doing! And the two covers they do are awesome! This isn't something you can sit around and do soul searching with or anything, but this is awesome party music. Or maybe if you need motivation to get up and clean your house or something, or just have something to jam on the old air guitar. The lyrics and some of the "sound effects" will make you laugh too. You'll slap your forehead and go "oh my gawd!" and shake your head, but you'll love every minute of it. You might even have flashbacks from your partying days, whether it be last weekend, or 20 years ago. Heck, it might even inspire a party! Give Grandma earplugs before you pop this one in. Beware, this is not for the faint-hearted, elderly, or the timid!

First of all, if you like the "Iris" type of Goo Goo Dolls music this album may not be for you. I got into the Goos around the time that Hold Me Up came out. In fact, they would play in bars around Atlanta and you could walk up and stand right in front of the stage. Seriously. Many times, these guys were so ripped that they'd only "play half of every song they knew". They were great! When they got finished playing they would walk into the crowd or go to the bar. Johnny came up to my group of friends after a show at the Pointe and talked to everyone for about 10 minutes. I'd never had more fun at any shows during that period of time.

That being said, the first three GOO GOO Dolls records were pretty much punk-edged rock with a lot of tongue in cheek humor. Robbie was the primary singer/song writer for these (Johnny started writing on the Hold Me Up record, I believe). This is a totally different sound than you're used to hearing on anything from Super Star Car Wash through the new release. They have gotten softer and tuned their sound and grown into the makings of a super group that always seems to be on the cusp of something bigger. What is most amazing is that in both formats this band has been incredible.

This record is rough and raw and shows the Goos at their early beginnings, but that's it's charm. Think of a cross between the Ataris, Rancid, and add the humor of Barenaked Ladies and you have this record.

I've been looking for this cd for a few years now at a reasonable price. Most times you see it range from $50-$80..... which is ridiculous. I managed to score it in a 10 cd junk lot on ebay for $10. What a treat that was and it was well worth the wait. This album is completely different that what one might expect coming from the Goo Goo Dolls. Most notably, the bassist (Robby Takac) is the main singer on this album, as well as many of their earlier efforts. If you don't like his vocals on the few songs he sings on newer material, then this is definately not for you. Not to mention, all of the songs have a fast-tempo punk/rock/thrash feel...... yes I said thrash. Thrash and punk are highly influential to eachother. To me, this album is well worth the buy. I wouldn't pay $50 for it, but it's a defininate for your collection. Give it a listen on YouTube if you can... I recommend Torn Apart, Beat Me and Scream.

I became a Goo Goo Dolls fan through an old-fashioned sort of channel. I bought tickets for a concert, knowing only a few tracks from the radio, and bought Dizzy Up The Girl. While the singles I knew (and ostensibly, loved) were there, so was an undercurrent of genuine, unrelenting music with the capacity to kick your ass.

So I started tracing the Goos' collective career backwards. I still don't have "Hold Me Up," but I've got the rest of the albums, from Live at Buffalo all the way back to (just now) this one. It is not *ahem* refined. It is not polite. It is thoroughly fun, unrelenting rock and roll. I will confess to a fondness for "Don't Beat My Ass (With a Baseball Bat)" that was derived, initially, from the title, but it's clever, both musically and lyrically.

Their propensity for including covers has lasted, now their big single is "Give a Little Bit." However, that trend reaches all the way back to a fairly distorted, punishing "Don't Fear the Reaper," found here.

If you like Jed (which you should check out first, for pricing reasons), grab this. If you are a passing GGD fan, consider less-pricey albums first. If you're serious enough to own most of the rest of their music, and to like it all (or at least most...) This gives a great glimpse into what they once were. I dropped $40 on this, and am pleased with the exchange.

I payed 2.00 dollars for this album at a pawn shop back in 2001, and then I come on here and see it selling for 62 dollars! There must be high demand for it. Anyway, it's fairly decent, considering it's their first album. It lacks what latter albums bring out, but it has the grunge feel they lost somewhere around Hold Me Up. I haven't really cared much for the Goo Goo Dolls as of recently, but every now and again I'll get an urge to listen to them, or buy their new CD. I was disappointed with Gutterflower though.
Anyway, a fan of modern Goo Goo Dolls should know that Rzeznik does not sing at all on this album. They did not incorporate his vocals until JED. Tobby Takac is the only singer, so if you like his songs then you'll probably like this album. If you're a fan of their modern style, I'd steer away, unless you really are curious. I doubt you'll find it for 2.00 dollars in a pawn shop though, and I wouldn't pay 62.