Description
Tony All – New Girl, Old Story – Cassette
SST/CRZ 016
Released in 1991 through Cruz Records, New Girl, Old Story is a unique and often overlooked album in the punk rock world. It is the result of a collaboration between Tony Lombardo, the original bassist of Descendents, and the band All, which itself was formed by the remaining members of the Descendents after Milo Aukerman left to pursue a career in biochemistry. This project, credited to “TonyAll,” brings together Lombardo’s songwriting from the late ‘70s through the ‘80s with All’s signature polished yet energetic punk style.
What makes New Girl, Old Story particularly special is that the songs were all written by Lombardo between 1979 and 1989, providing a unique bridge between the early Descendents era and the evolution of All. It serves as a snapshot of Lombardo’s musical ideas, which were deeply rooted in the fast, melodic punk rock that defined the early Descendents, but with a more refined and matured approach as played by All. The collaboration gives the songs a second life, bringing Lombardo’s work to a new audience with the help of Bill Stevenson (drums), Karl Alvarez (bass), and Stephen Egerton (guitar)—the core members of All and later the reformed Descendents.
While deeply rooted in punk rock, New Girl, Old Story is not just a straightforward hardcore album. The melodic sensibilities and intricate bass lines that made Lombardo’s contributions to early Descendents records so distinctive are present here, but the execution is much more polished and dynamic, thanks to All’s refined musicianship.
One of the most noticeable elements of the album is the presence of multiple vocalists. Unlike the usual All albums where Chad Price, Scott Reynolds, or Dave Smalley would take lead, New Girl, Old Story features Tony Lombardo himself on vocals for a few tracks, alongside Scott Reynolds, who was All’s frontman at the time. This creates a blend of raw, almost spoken-word storytelling from Lombardo and the more traditional punk singing style of Reynolds, making for a varied and engaging listening experience.
The production is clean and well-balanced, characteristic of All’s work on Cruz Records. While the album is not as aggressively raw as early Descendents albums like Milo Goes to College, it retains a DIY punk ethos while incorporating better recording techniques, tighter musicianship, and layered guitar tones that add depth to the arrangements.
Track Highlights & Breakdown
“Educated Idiot” – A fast and sharp opening track that leans heavily into Lombardo’s signature sarcastic and socially critical lyricism. The song is both humorous and biting, reflecting his knack for observational storytelling.
“Son-O-Theme” – A more playful, upbeat track that feels reminiscent of the quirky, catchy punk that Descendents were known for, with a singalong quality that makes it an instant standout.
“Telltale Signs” – This song brings in more introspective and emotional depth, showing that Lombardo’s songwriting wasn’t just limited to humor and satire.
“This Is Not a Dream” – A slower, moodier song that offers a break from the more fast-paced material, giving the album a sense of dynamics and variety.
“U R Super” – One of the catchiest tracks on the album, featuring melodic bass runs and a bouncy rhythm, showcasing Lombardo’s knack for infectious songwriting.
“Keep It” – A song that leans into punchy, rapid-fire punk energy, reminiscent of early Descendents tracks.
“Casual Girl” – A song that captures the awkwardness and humor of relationships, much like early Descendents classics such as “Good Good Things” or “Silly Girl”.
“New Girl, Old Story” – The title track and one of the most emotionally resonant songs on the album, reflecting on themes of love, loss, and nostalgia.
“Face 2 Face” – A high-energy track that showcases All’s signature complex guitar riffs layered with Lombardo’s melodic bass lines.
“Last Refuge” – A track that carries an almost proto-emo quality, with heartfelt lyrics and a slower tempo that allows the vocals to take center stage.
“At the Party” – A humorous, sarcastic track that brings some lighthearted energy back to the record.
“Guitar Case” – A fitting closer that wraps up the album on a reflective note, carrying a sense of both resolution and open-ended storytelling.
Throughout the album, there’s a strong sense of storytelling and character, making it feel almost like a concept album centered around Lombardo’s experiences, thoughts, and emotions throughout the decade he wrote these songs. Lombardo’s songwriting has always stood out for its sharp wit, self-awareness, and deeply personal storytelling. There’s a balance between lighthearted fun and serious reflection, giving the album a multi-dimensional personality that shifts between punk’s rebellious energy and introspective, emotional depth.
While New Girl, Old Story didn’t receive the same level of mainstream recognition as Descendents or All’s more well-known albums, it remains a hidden gem for fans of both bands. It provides a missing link between early Descendents and All, showing what Lombardo’s songwriting might have sounded like had he remained more involved in the scene.
The album also serves as a tribute to Lombardo’s influence on punk rock songwriting, proving that his bass work and melodies were integral to the foundational sound of Descendents. Although Milo Aukerman is often seen as the defining voice of the band, New Girl, Old Story reminds listeners that Lombardo’s contributions were just as significant in shaping the band’s identity.
In later years, All and Descendents would go on to greater recognition, and Lombardo’s influence is still acknowledged by longtime fans. While he may not have had the commercial visibility of his former bandmates, this album cements his lasting legacy as a songwriter and punk pioneer.
New Girl, Old Story is a fascinating album that bridges generations of punk rock, offering an intimate glimpse into Tony Lombardo’s songwriting across a decade. It blends the best aspects of early Descendents’ charm and humor with the refined musical precision of All, creating a record that is both nostalgic and fresh.
For fans of Descendents, All, and melodic punk in general, this album is an essential listen. It may not have the immediate notoriety of Milo Goes to College or Allroy’s Revenge, but it carries a unique historical and musical significance that makes it a worthy addition to any punk collection.
