This is the debut release on the new Cosa Nostra label started by the GC5 and Mark from the Hudson Falcons. Those of you unfamiliar with the GC5, they are a young band from Mansfield, Ohio who play solid, unpretentious street punk with a touch of hardcore. Reminiscent of the Dropkick Murphys before they went “Riverdance” (just joking Ken). “Singles Collection (1997-2000)” is a compilation of the bands early, now very out of print singles on Michigan’s Transparent Records, a couple of re-records of some real early stuff plus some previously compilation only tracks and a ripping cover of Billy Bragg’s “There is a Power in a Union”. The songs are loud, fast and short; 16 songs in 33 minutes. Yet as loud and as fast as the GC5 play the band never forgets the importance of the song and the hook. “Singles Collection (1997-2000)” is a good introduction to a great band and a good way to pick up those songs you won’t find anywhere else now and a great way to follow the bands growth and progression through to just before the release of the brilliant first CD “Kisses from Hanoi”.

February 2002