MxPx: Mike Herrera (vocals, bass); Tom (guitar); Yuri (drums).

Audio Remixer: Steve Kravac.

Photographer: Brandon Ebel.

Unknown Contributor Role: Yuri Ruley.

The rarities compilation Let It Happen gathers together a bunch of MxPx demos, B-sides, alternative versions, and spare tracks into one tidy little package. Since most of these are from the early days of the trio's career, the record is pretty raw sounding, taking listeners right back into the dirty garages the band initially cut its teeth in. And though the unpolished production leaves some songs to blend right into one another, this is hardly a point of contention since the resulting music is pure and desperate, embracing that sense of urgency young bands always seem to possess (or at least should). Like many roundup releases of this nature, Let It Happen can be hit or miss at points, but at 32 tracks, there are enough true gems in here -- the cover of Social D's "Sick Boy," "GSF," "Let It Happen," "Honest Answers," "Life in General," etc., pick your favorite -- to make up for any of the sporadic letdowns. Capturing two faces of MxPx -- catchy pop-punk numbers along with more revved-up hardcore-leaning blasts -- this is well worth the purchase for any fan. ~ Corey Apar

In the wake of Green Day, there emerged enough contestants in the power-pop- punk sweepstakes that standing out in the crowd required an excess of talent. As displayed on LET IT HAPPEN, MXPX has enough hook-heavy songwriting prowess, instrumental facility and street credibility to rise to the top of the aforementioned heap. Though the sound is defined by crashing power chords, jackhammer beats and purposefully snotty vocals, there's enough variety to the tunes here to keep things from ever getting too monochromatic. Despite any pop-star ambitions the band may harbor, though, they're apparently just grown- up skate-punks at heart, as made clear by the skateboarding squirt who adorns LET IT HAPPEN's front cover.