When I was younger and the boring 3-chord simplicity of 90s punk still excited me, many of my favorite bands recorded covers of classic cheesy pop songs. This was my first taste of irony. It was funny to hear Screeching Weasel play “I think we’re alone now” or Down By Law cover the Proclaimers.

A few years ago, Ted Leo covered “Since You Been Gone” and it was a reminder of how fun these songs can be. Indie rockers tend to take them more seriously, but Guilt By Association vol. 2 challenges that notion. And unlike when punk bands cover pop songs, the bands on GBA v.2 don’t just play the songs faster, they recreate them and give them new life. Nothing you’ll find here is as brilliant as some of these bands’ normal material, but it’s all worth hearing, especially Robbers on High Street’s “Cool It Now”, Matt Pond PA’s lullaby version of My Chemical Romance’s “I’m Not Okay”, and The Forms’ total restructuring of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”

To celebrate the record release, Takka Takka, Robbers on High Street, Lowry, and some special secret special guests will be performing tonight at Music Hall of Williamsburg. And then on February 5th at Bowery Ballroom Francis & the Lights and Savoir Adore will keep the celebration going.

Frightened Rabbit: “Set You Free”