The Queers are one of the most consistent, seminal bands in the punk rock stable. Utilizing styles as different as night and day, the band delivers a brand of punk that is as provocative as it is poignant. While The Sex Pistols may be better known, The Queers are more important.

That's because while The Sex Pistols were the poster boys for the discord that punk rock brought to the table, The Queers bring the workhorse DIY ethic in the form of their huge musical output. It's that DIY ethic that is the true saving grace of the punk rock style.

The Queers were making melodic, listenable punk rock long before it came to be the background music for shoppers in suburban malls. One of the band's fansites points out that the group has been influenced by "bands as diverse as The Ramones and The Beach Boys," and said the band's music is as appropriate for the beach as it is for the mosh pit.

It's that kind of universal appeal that makes Munki Brain such a great record. Even if you don't particularly like punk rock, I dare you to not find at least one good song on Munki Brain. It's still early in the year but Munki Brain has a good chance of being one of the top ten releases of the year.