Never have I been so excited to get a record in my mitts for review. After seeing Cock Sparrer live in Montreal last November, something occurred to me: they might be the greatest band in whole still playing. They’re still so incredible, it’s barely fathomable. Without seeing them in the flesh, one can’t really grasp what an experience it is to catch them. It makes you ask yourself questions, like: “Shit, do I love street punk this much? Should I reassess the last twenty years of my life musically?” I’ve dug this band for a really, really long time. There’s a copy of the live album Running Riot across the USA in my collection and I recall buying it (more or less) the week it came out, back in 2000. They’re—quite simply put—a perfect band. If anything, they’re better now than ever. In case you’re wondering, the new LP won’t disappoint you. A lot of vintage bands still kicking will, but not this one. “Every Step of the Way” is as classic as you’d expect, even with the acoustic guitar. A simple taste of England’s glory. –Steve Adamyk (Pirates Press, piratespressrecords.com)