Around the time Five Iron Frenzy released their third studio album, Quantity Is Job #1 EP, they also threw out a little (limited) surprise for their fans. They got three songs together (one new and two previously-released), teamed up with Asian Man Records and put them on what we know to be vinyl. They called the tasty little tidbit Miniature Golf Courses of America Present Five Iron Frenzy, a reference to a Gee Gee Shinn album with almost the same title.
The two previously-released songs used on this record are from their first two albums. One of them is on side one, and it's the Diff'rent Strokes tribute song "Arnold & Willis & Mr. Drummond" from Upbeats & Beatdowns. Side two contains the other, and it's fan favorite "Handbook For The Sellout" from their sophomore album Our Newest Album Ever. But the very first song on the tracklist is a sweet cover of ABBA's "Mama Mia." Reese Roper has shown that he and his bands can do a good job covering songs from many genres, from oldies like "It's Not Unusual" to country songs like "You're Still The One" from his later band Roper. Five Iron managed to translate "Mama Mia" very well from somewhat of a disco song to an outright ska song. They did a great job with it, keeping the same vibe but making it their own. It's a real treat for Five Iron fans and a definite highlight from the many cover songs you can hear throughout all of Reese Roper's projects.
Miniature Golf Courses of America Present Five Iron Frenzy may be short, may only contain one new song, and may not be available anywhere anymore, but the three songs available are classic Five Iron tracks and I'm jealous of anyone who owns a copy. I know I don't have a record player, but one can dream, right? If you find this somewhere, be it eBay or someone's garage sale, don't hesitate. Get your wallet out and take ownership of this collectible.
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