As a promotional device,
Punk-O-Rama is above reproach. Cramming over 20 songs from over 20 different artists on Epitaph's roster onto one disc, and then offering it for under five dollars -- well, there's no denying that it's a bargain, even if you're not fond of the music itself. And there's no better way to determine whether you like this aggro, latter-day punk than any of the
Punk-O-Rama discs. Volume three offers cuts from almost everyone on Epitaph, including
NOFX,
All,
Voodoo Glow Skulls,
the New Bomb Turks,
the Cramps,
Rancid,
the Humpers,
Wayne Kramer,
Gas Huffer,
Red Aunts,
Down by Law,
Bad Religion,
I Against I and
Pennywise, among many others. Some songs sound a little similar, and it won't make new converts of anyone who wasn't already enamored the Epitaph sound, but it's an excellent way for the curious to become acquainted with this third- and fourth-generation punk.