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 round-up 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. [This 2006 deluxe reissue features a slightly changed album from the 1998 one, as six demos from the original are deleted in place of three brand new songs (starting the album off on a rather excellent foot, where were these songs for Let's Rock?) and three previously unreleased demos from early in MxPx's career. The record also comes with a DVD comprised solely of 12 music videos, which nicely includes songs from their time at Tooth & Nail, A&M and Side One Dummy. Several of the videos date back to when MxPx was barely out of high school and are pretty entertaining (especially the ridiculous one for "Chick Magnet.") Top everything off with new artwork and a bunch of new photos from over the years, and this reissue is certainly worthwhile for hardcore fans, but probably not the most essential for everyone else who already has the 1998 version.]