As the first band ever signed to Fat Wreck Chords, LAGWAGON displayed a uniquely melodic brand of technical speedy pop punk that eventually established the band as a bellwether of the modern pop punk movement. With more than 20 years worth of material at their disposal, the idea of honoring the band's vast influence by compiling a 'best of' album came about. Joey (singer, songwriter, and driving force behind LAGWAGON) had a decidedly different take on the functionality of a greatest hits collection, believing that there is so much more to a band's legacy than their hits. Instead of limiting the scope of, and essentially artistically neutering, their original material for future generations, the band agreed to go the opposite direction and expose the evolution of LAGWAGON.
Recognizing the sacramental status of their first five albums (Duh, Trashed, Hoss, Double Plaidinum, and Let's Talk About Feelings) within the punk world, the band set to work, culling the archives in order to create one of the most comprehensive audio narratives ever compiled. The resulting 5 re-releases are nothing short of spectacular. Each album boasts the original track list alongside demos, outtakes, ep's, b-sides, and unstructured jams from the accompanying era (including tons of previously unreleased material), all remastered from the original analog tapes. All 5 albums are also repackaged with expanded artwork including never before seen photos and an oral history provided by the band members. Not only are these stunning re-releases available individually, but, much to the delight of devoted fans, they will be available combined together as a box set. Titled Putting Music In Its Place, the box set includes all five re-releases and a bonus live DVD (the vinyl box set also includes a copy of the previously out of print Angry Days 7' and a full size poster). All told, these re-releases feature 72 (l!!) bonus tracks and gobs of interesting new material. They serve as both a thank you to the legions of long time fans and an amazing welcome to newcomers.