Dedicated is a full-length album by the New York City hardcore punk band Murphy's Law. It was released by Another Planet in 1996.
Contents
Production and background
The album was produced by Daniel Rey. He also wrote "Green Bud".
The personnel differed from previous recordings, but Jimmy G Drescher's vocals still provided the sound's basis.
The label had already picked up the rights to their previous material from Profile Records and in 1994 had released a split CD with the self-titled and Back with a Bong!albums on the same disc. Dedicated was produced by Daniel Rey, who also wrote "Greenbud" on the album. It follows 1993's Good for Now EP and the 1991 studio album The Best of Times. Dedicated was dedicated to former bass player, Chuck Valle, who was killed in a knife related incident in 1994. His picture appears on the back page of the CD inlay and a picture of a tattoo inscribed with the words "In Memory of Chuck" appears on the jewel case inlay.
The group toured in the US and Europe in support of the album.
Critical reception
The Washington Post wrote, "There's no evidence that the Law's energy is flagging; Todd Youth's guitar churns as fast as ever, and Jimmy G's vocals are just as raw and urgent. Still, the concept is a little tired."
AllMusic stated, "Dedicated is another collection of Murphy's Law's weed-obsessed, couch potato punk anthems like 'Greenbud' and 'Bag of Snacks'. The catchier selections, like 'Dysfunctional Family', make the album worthwhile, and longtime fans should be pleased."
Track listing
All songs written by Murphy's Law, unless stated
"Don't Bother Me" – 1:39
"Sarasota" – 2:32
"Dysfunctional Family" – 1:46
"Shut Up" – 1:59
"The Plan" – 1:35
"Bitter" – 1:40
"Greenbud" (Daniel Rey) – 2:26
"What Will the Neighbors Think?" – 2:49
"Bag of Snacks" – 2:06
"Still Smokin'" – 2:42
"Stay Gold" – 2:27
Personnel
Jimmy "G" Drescher – vocals
Todd "Youth" Schofield – guitar, backing vocals
Dean Rispler – bass guitar
Eric "Goat" Arce – drums
Seaton "Raven" Handcock – saxophone
Jesse Malin – background vocals on "What Will the Neighbors Think?"
Recorded at Spa Studio, New York City
Produced by Daniel Rey
Engineered by Hillary Johnson
Assistant engineered by Patrick Shroads
Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music