But of course I was wrong. Not wrong in the sense that the music doesn't have some ClassicPunkTM elements...wrong in the notion that the players behind the music were somehow inauthentic. Yes, bands like Rancid do wear their influences proudly on their sleeves. But...they also really care about this stuff. Check out the liner notes to Indestructible's title track:
- The human spirit is indestructible. Music has been our savior from day one. If shaken or rattled the only solution is the musicians and the grooves on the record that provide the message. When The Ramones put out "too tough to die" we thought fuck yea the Ramones are too tough to die. Our title Indestructible pays homage to that. This ones for Joey, Dee Dee, and Joe because through music you can live forever.
These thoughts alone are enough to make me like the rest of this record. And like it I do. It's not exactly the world's greatest punk record (which is either Ramones or Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols...depending on which day you ask me (today it's The Ramones)), but it'll make you remember the noise, the mohawks and the broken beer bottles that were a big part of Friday nights at college.
And in these more than weird times, that's enough for me.
(First posted on Mark Is Cranky)
Article comments
1 - ParticleMan
...And Out Come The Wolves was a fantastic album. But how does Indestructible compare? Wolves ran the gamut of Rancid style: full speed punk to skankin punk to poppy punk, and all kinds of variations in between. Were they able to capitalize on their past successes?
2 - Mark Saleski
i'd say it's about the same...maybe with a little less speed punk.
definitely a fun album. i've been driving to work with it recently and i've had to watch my speed a lot, always a good sign.
3 - lestro
i just read this today, but i recommend giving 'Wolves' another spin. it is not just one of the best punk albums of the 90s, it is one of the best punk albums ever.