The music of Ben Weasel has never fallen upon deaf ears. Since his first seminal albums with Screeching Weasel, his songs have informed and inspired an entire independent music scene. Pop-punk bands from around the world emulate Weasel's style and songwriting; it's hard to flip through a punk zine's reviews section and not find at least one reference to the influence of the driving, rough-edged melodies and snotty, ragged, heartfelt lyrics that are Weasel's trademark. Screeching Weasel LPs like My Brain Hurts, Anthem for a New Tomorrow, and BoogadaBoogadaBoogada remain classics among devotees.

Members of the All-American Rejects have always counted themselves as part of this loyal following. Guitarist Mike Kennerty and drummer Chris Gaylor were, in fact, previously in a band called Mr. Crispy—who themselves unabashedly mined the Ben Weasel sound. Years later, Kennerty (complete with Screeching Weasel tattoo) interviewed his musical idol for a feature in Alternative Press. Out of this meeting was born a collaboration: Kennerty recently produced These Ones Are Bitter, Weasel's first new album in four years.

Recorded under the name Ben Weasel and His Iron String Quartet, These Ones Are Bitter is a rebirth of sorts for the songwriter. Energized by Mike Kennerty's enthusiasm, Weasel has written a dynamic 14-song album that addresses familiar themes with both the passion of youth and the sure-handedness of a skilled veteran. Kennerty also played guitar on the album, while Chris Gaylor handled drums.

The new album also marks the first time in his 21-year career that Ben Weasel is making his music truly independently. He has long desired the freedom to entirely own and manage his own material, but the economic realities of releasing records had always made this seemingly impossible. But with the advent and rapid growth of digital downloads Weasel realized the time was ripe for founding a digital-only label to release his own music as well as that of his favorite young bands. Though under contract with Asian Man Records for These Ones Are Bitter, Weasel negotiated his release in order to kick-start the label with the new album; Asian Man owner Mike Park even helped him secure a distribution deal. In May, 2007, Weasel's newly formed Mendota Recording Co. will release These Ones Are Bitter exclusively via digital download.