It is true that the sole purpose of the movie's plot was to fit in as many of the band's songs as possible. However, they are done so well that it becomes entirely forgivable. I was amazed to learn that all the songs were recorded live during the filming, as the vocals sound so good.

It is true that this album only shows one side of the band, but what is done is done well. The single "Tarantula" is catchy and upbeat, although my favorite song on the album is the title track, "Zeitgeist" (which, unfortunately, makes its appearance as a bonus track only available on the version of the cd sold at Target).

I won't argue that the songs could have been better if they had spent more time in the studio, but the songs are still good, and more of what listeners have come to expect from Reel Big Fish. This album strips away all pretense, and shows the core of the band without any glossiness - a funloving ska band.

This loose concept album pretty much tells the story of her life. I am glad that this album seems to be less overproduced than her previous album, Lucky, however she does seem to still lean toward the mainstream, which works somehow. She's just about the only person I can think of who could write a song assuming it will be played on the radio and make it work.

It's true that I never really have been much of a Beastie Boys fan, or a fan of hip hop music in general. However, when I randomly read about this album on popmatters.com, I thought I'd give it a try. It is fun and funky, although not an album I listen to every day. I guess I just wanted something different to listen to that I could put on as background music, for which it works quite well.