Billie Joe Armstrong No Fun Mondays LP

TAS Rated 3.5/5 Music, 4/5 Sonics in the April 2021 Issue of The Absolute Sound!

With touring paused, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day got to work. "While we've all been in quarantine I've been reflecting on the things that matter the most in my life," said Billie. "Family, friends and of course music. I figure if we have to spend this time in isolation at least we can be alone together."

No Fun Mondays started by releasing a new cover every Monday on YouTube; now all 14 covers will be available in one place on vinyl! The track list includes "I Think We're Alone Now", "That Thing You Do" and more.

The touching, lighter-waving take on Johnny Thunders' 1978 signature song, 'You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory,' is the litmus example of how Armstrong's inherent ability to distill punk-leaning tendencies into a catchier melodic filter ultimately transformed Green Day into a stadium act. 'Manic Monday' chugs along with a genial, doubled lead vocal - but wisely eschews adding the counter vocals that helped carry the choruses on the Bangles' sultry-trippy 1986 hit version of this Prince-penned classic. Armstrong blends all the harmonies just right on the pure pop confection of 'That Thing You Do!' while 'Gimme Some Truth' barrels along in breakneck fashion to suitably capture the gist of John Lennon's no-BS 1971 mainfesto. Bottom line: Armstrong's earnest yet fiery nature makes these 40 minutes of Mondays worth the awakening.