Our Newest Album Ever! is the second full-length studio album released by the band Five Iron Frenzy. Its street date was November 11, 1997 on Five Minute Walk, under the SaraBellum imprint, with distribution from Warner Bros. Records. Overview Musically, the band set out to differentiate itself from other third wave ska groups, an effort that was met with mixed results. An AllMusic reviewer found that the band's approach was "status quo", pointing out that the sound of "Handbook for the Sellout" was similar to Reel Big Fish's "Sell Out." Another reviewer found that the artwork (which was produced by Douglas TenNapel) and production were superior to the masses of ska bands that had begun to flood the market. In any event, the music is an evolution from the sound found on the group's debut, moving toward a less-punkish feel and incorporating more intricate horn arrangements. While the album contains a number of references to pop culture items, it uses them to make serious points about society and Christianity. One reviewer compares the effect to the lyrics of Steve Taylor, commenting that Five Iron Frenzy should be known as "the thinking person's ska outfit." Even when used to comic effect, several reviewers indicated that the band's lyrics contain serious messages underneath. Despite the band's religious label, however, Five Iron's approach to issues was perceived as relevant and non-preachy. Five Iron Frenzy also set itself apart visually by avoiding the checker motif associated with ska. Lyrical content The content of Our Newest Album Ever! continues several topical threads that the band had begun to explore on their debut album. "Banner Year" takes on the thread of historical mistreatment of Native Americans. Specifically, it references the Sand Creek massacre of 1864, which was an attack led by Colonel John Chivington against an encampment under chief Black Kettle. According to Reese Roper, the song contains a hidden meaning—Black Kettle waved the American Flag which couldn't save him, Christians fall under God's banner, and in Him they find salvation. Other songs take on a more personal tone. "Blue Comb '78" relays an early memory of the vocalist, about how he lost a prized possession, as an allegory for loss of innocence. The band received thousands of blue combs from fans throughout their career. At their final show, released as The End Is Here, the band lamented "You don't know how many times we wished