Quite possibly one of the most impressive comedic, punk rock acts ever, NoFX, have released their second live album They've Actually Gotten Worse Live. These MTV hating anti-radio punkers have been ripping it up their own way since 1983 and nothing can stop them. They hate the government, have no faith in religion, and refuse to act their age. The funny thing is that these guys are successful, are family oriented, have toured the world many times, and have even sold well over 6 million CDs.
NoFX never wanted corporate success as they wanted to do it on their own. After finally creating an EP the band received support from Mystic records and Epitaph records. The band got the start they needed and soon after lead singer / bassist Fat Mike created Fat Wreck Chords in 1990, one of the largest punk-affiliated record labels in the United States. Who needs a high class record label contract when you can just do it yourself? The coolest thing about Fat Wreck Chords is that they only sign bands for one record deal meaning the signing band has the non-forceful choice when they want to put the album out.
They are outspoken matured degenerates that have created a fan base like none other. Whether it be politics, attacking censorship, or meeting a fan missing arms and legs, the band always has something to sing about. Their mixture of punk, ska, and even reggae with never forgetting lyrics keeps their music amusing no matter how many times you have heard it before.
The title They've Actually Gotten Worse Live calls upon their 1995 release of I Heard They Suck Live, a now classic (to me) album full of fun drunken live punk rock songs by NoFX. Anyone who ever listened to that album can remember how hilarious the band was. They are of almost a comedy punk rock act as they crack jokes in between songs and interact with the crowd.
Fast forward to 12 years later – NoFX are still alive and kicking. Now older and appearing none the wiser they decided it would be fun to pay tribute to their first live album but recording a live sequel and ensuring they were drunker and on more drugs. Some people never grow up, and for NoFX I am glad they have not.
So for three days they made sure much more alcohol was in their blood stream and more red and blue pills were taken prior, during, and after the shows that were mixed together for this release. The CD may sound like it was one performance but it was actually recorded over three nights. If you listen closely it sounds like much of the material was taken from the second and third nights. Fat Mike, El Hefe, Melvin, and Smelly all got loaded, ate foods, and then tried to play as many songs as possible to the cheering fans on each night.
Article comments
1 - M.M.
I fully agree with this review. I have been listening to NOFX since the age of 10 (23 now) and I have always been pleasantly surprised when I hear their new records. This live recording made me laugh...lots. It's the same situation everytime I see them live or listen to one of their records. But damn, that tease of The Decline killed me! I cranked the volume until my ears started to hurt only to have the volume drop down slowly. That was a huge downer, as I have never seen or heard them play The Decline live, and I have always wanted to...but other than that, the record is great, and I would recommend it to anyone that has an interest in original, fun, funny punk rock music. It would be a great introduction to NOFX for a new listener! 5 Stars all the way!
2 - urbn
If you liked 'They've Actually Gotten Worse Live'
then you will love 'COASTER' the new NOFX album. Same humor and still just as fast and entertaining as pretty much all their albums.