|
Review Navigator   FeaturesContestsReviews
| Lars Frederiksen and the BastardsViking2004 Hellcat 
  Review by: klasticono See others by this writer Lars Frederiksen & The Bastards (link) Only registered users can post comments 
 
Published on July 16th 2004
With their second release, Viking, Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards return with twice the musical fury and creativity of their self-titled debut (2001) and about ten times the stupidity. While the new album, which was produced and co-written by Tim Armstrong, blasts out of your speakers with the unbridled intensity that was missing from Rancid's latest effort, it's completely devoid of the lyrical sophistication, conscience or charm that Frederiksen's other band can showcase. Instead, we get nearly 40 minutes of Lars bragging about rolling with his crews, fucking prostitutes and underage girls, getting in fights, drinking, doing dope and brandishing weapons. And unlike the 2001 release, there doesn't seem to be a point to it. This time around, rather than lamenting about his violent and wild youth in Campbell, he's singing like he never grew up at all. And there's not a shred of social commentary (not that anyone necessarily should be looking to the Bastards for that) or even gritty poetry to be found on this disc, like there was in some of the band's memorable songs from three years ago. Unless you count gems like, "I've done every hooker from here to Toledo," or "You broke my heart/I dug your ditch/Now I'm coming after you, you dirty bitch!/I'm gonna murder you!" (Sorry Lars, but GG did it much better). You may catch yourself singing along to tunes like Fight, 1% and Switchblade (which features Skinhead Rob from the Transplants rapping about his arsenal of firearms and Lars singing about his trusty knife), but you'll probably feel like a moron in the process. Even the album art is a little questionable. The insert booklet is filled with pictures of Lars posing with naked groupies in hotel rooms (plus one of S.R. with a gun in his hand and a buxom blonde stripper in his lap). And on top of it all, they had the nerve to censor it, so we don't even get a full view of Lars' orgy of misogyny. The shame! Still, shortcomings aside, Viking isn't a horrible album. Lars is a superb punk rock guitarist, Big Jay is a damned good bassist and the Bastards serve up some great "street punk rock and roll" and even try some new things. They slow it down for a folksy "My Life to Live" (reminiscent of the Dropkick Murphys when they're trying to sound Irish) and bring in everything from violin and piano to mandolin (played by Matt Freeman) for Frederiksen to talk over on the hilariously bad ending track "The Viking". Too bad the experimentation didn't work out. The cover of the Blasters' old-time sounding rockabilly song "Marie Marie" is well-executed but out of place, as is the recycled Rancid B-side "Little Rude Girl" (also known as "Do You Wanna Dance With Me?") and "The Viking" is downright laughable, from the starting acoustic guitar chords and Frederiksen's spoken-word intro ("Well, how do you do? My name's Lars and I'm from Campbell, Ca, but you might know that by now.") to the lame chorus ("And I know I'm married to the sea...."). Frankly, the Bastards are best this time around when they're playing so fast that you can't make out the words Lars is singing without turning to the porno mag/lyric booklet, and luckily, that's the case with about half the songs on the album. The best thing I can say about the Bastards' brand of gangsta punk is that its gratuitous sex and violence would probably offend Bill O'Reily more than any of the rhetoric on the many political albums released this year. But that can't save this disc.... All in all, it's an average release and worth a few listens, but it seems like it will grow old fast. People who liked this also liked:           Please login or register to post comments. What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
awesome album prolly one of the best iv ever heard. This album is great... if you take away the lyrics which are horrible. The music is good. Lyrics horrible. "Skinhead" Rob's lyrics are even more horrible than Lars'. Please drop that guy. Not much more to say. this is the best thing mr. frederiksen ever made. I think you should all give lars a break. He has been into punk for a long time and I think that he deserves respect. How can you judge the way somone lives their lives if you havent been through the shit they have? He was in the hells angels when he was a kid for god's sake! A lot of people say how he has turned his back on his roots and beliefs. He has 'SKUNX' tattoed on his forehead, a gang he was in a long time before rancid. And the hookers thing? Come on, if you were on tour for AGES and had just been divorced, im sure you would be tempted! Lars does what he wants, and in my opinion he deserves that right. Rancid, LFB and Transplants are alllllll amazin bands and i think you guys should just respect them for being who they are. this record was effin awsom. and for everyone who keeps saying 'fuck lars, rancid sucks blaahhh' if you hate the band, why are you commenting, these comments are opinions about the record, not who you hate. if you said you didnt like the record, so be it, it rele doesnt affect me, and it probably wont affect lars or anyone who did anything to make this record. and if your gunna argue, find somewhere else to do it. this record was effin awsom. and for everyone who keeps saying 'fuck lars, rancid sucks blaahhh' if you hate the band, why are you commenting, these comments are opinions about the record, not who you hate. if you said you didnt like the record, so be it, it rele doesnt affect me, and it probably wont affect lars or anyone who did anything to make this record. and if your gunna argue, find somewhere else to do it. This album is Lars trying to overcompensate to regain some punk cred. He fails miserably and the music sucks besides. I doubt Tim has Cancer! The Transplants are gonna play the Warped Tour 2005. I dont think Tim would agree to play the Warped Tour if he had cancer oh yeh, also he didnt mention any bullshit about tim having cancer!!! haha, tims making the new transplants record at the moment! and rancid are making their new 1 in december.....surely he wud have sed sumin, also he talked about a lot of ppl that hes lost at the show and a lot of his friends, if u were there, im sure ud see how he wud have almost certainly mentioned that tim was ill if he was. i think that u all need 2 go fuck urselves, all of u that is who cant accept lars for who he is,m hes been thru shit, tims been thru shit, they bot hwrote the songs, theyre jst being a couple of lads writing bout hte shit theyve been thru and the fun times theyve had in their past......recent past or distant,....... and yes i can fuckin talk, i was at a lars show last nite and i did meet him and he is one of the most humble blokes u cud ever hope to possibly meet. hes been my hero in a long time and he took the piss outa the crowd, wound them up fuckin bad, talk bout shit far longer than he shud have, but he was fuckin inspiring , for those of u who cant accept him for who he is, dont fuckin listen 2 him u wankers!!!! oh yes, its so punk rock to be all anti stuff and all that mother fucking bullshit, PUN KROCK IS WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU WANT IT TO BE! THERES NO FUCKIN RULES! BE WHO YOU ARE, LET OTHERS BE WHO THEY ARE, LET LARS BE WHO HE IS, and if u dnt like it, dont listen 2 it , and dont waste ur time giving him shit. we called him a ledge and he sed fuck no im not, lemmy's a ledge......hes not a bad guy. a bit up his own ass, but only cuz he likes windin ppl up Tim having cancer is bullshit until their is an actuall annoncement so somebody better leave a link to it to get the truth! "...and ten times the stupidity" ha ha totally agree Awesome album, I'm glad you all love it. Lars frederiksen fucking rocks< and those who don"t agree suck you people are all fuckin lame. bangin hookers, killin people, and doin dope is the shit i want to listen to. thats the kinda shit that is punk as fuck. you people can listen to your fuckin political hippie bullshit cds. listen to the viking thats what punk is all about. and like any of you people are anything but fashion punks. get off the computer and go live in a squat ya fuckin losers. OK, Her'es my theory..Did you know Pink! ditched Lars from The music is good, and the reviewer is correct about being able to sing along and feeling dumb about it. Let's all take it for what it is, an attempt to tell Lars's ex-wife 'fuck you." (I think Tim is getting some fuck yous into Brody too.) Wouldn't you write an entire ablum about screwing women left and right, violence, and murdering an un-named woman who hurt ya if you were done "wrong." I guess I would, if I was a man with money to blow and the need to over compensate. OH MY GOD!!!! I just hear not only did tim get a lung removed he also had his left foot removed and his left thumb. Now he cant play guitar. What are you dumb fucks that believe this going to do. it just gets fucking worse.......... o my go i just heard today about tims cancer thats so tragic rancid changed my life he is so talented and i really hope he get better which i know he will because tim is a fighter....the seattle punx!!! Is this rumor true?? Because I have not seen it mentioned anywhere but here. I mean 2 or 3 people could just be spreading this rumor which may not be true. O my god i heard the about tims tumour and it is official, oh my god i really dont know how i will cope if tim doesnt survive, i have been a rancid fan since the beginning and have seen them many times, me and tim get on prettty well aswell, this is so saddening it is a sad time for us all love to all u rancid punx..... Crazy kev tim, if this new is true get better as soon as possible. you totally changed my life and ur music helped me out whenever i was down. thanks for all you've done, and i don't know what i'd do without you and rancid. and that goes for you too lars, and great job on viking that isn't true, tim doesn't have cancer, why would lars still be doing shows if his best friend was almost dead. and patricia and nekroman wouldn't leave their condolenses on some forum on a website. and if i'm wrong, which i hope to god i'm not, tim you better get fucking better how did you find out about tim having cancer, if its on some site can you leave a link to it or something thanks The lyrics suck, the music's average blah blah...it's been said before and it's true. I don't care if I don't agree with a band's lyrics (I listen to Skrewdriver, Brutal Attack, Midtown Bootboys etc and I'm part Jewish for god's sake) but as long as they are somewhat intelligent and the music's good I can stand them. Not in this case. This band should also change their name because they are a disgrace to the old Finnish band the Bastards. I think everyone in the universe will agree that "Skinhead Rob" needs to be exposed to a significant amount of Michael Jackson pornography and then launched far into space. But then if aliens ever came across him they would probably want to kill all humans due to his lame ass gayness. I do enjoy some of Rancid's material, well at least I did until that dickheaded loser started showing up-I still don't see what rap has to do with skinheads and punks in the first place. The reviewer of this album is a douche bag. It seems that people that review albums always criticize change and when you are that closed-minded from the beginning, your reviews are worthless. Although the content in the songs is somewhat lacking, the music is great punk rock. The last track, "The Viking" can be taken as a joke but seems to be of a more serious conotation. Lars seems to be speaking from the heart in a punk rock sort of way and whether you love it or hate, you gotta respect it. Yeah its true, tim has a bad tumor growing, it does not look good!!! i hope he doesnt pass away to it though, bye byee -caseyjxx you guys are all assholes. Tim/Cancer is bullshit until officially announced. Tim i hope u come through with everything man im a very big fan i saw u with operation ivy back in 88 in Sacramento.and of all ur work goin back to operation ivy through rancid to the stuff u do with lars and the bastards, all of your bands have made a large impact on my life and honestly to loose you to cancer would be to the same effect as loosing joe strummer to me. you are a great inspiration to alot of young punx and old ive seen alot of young punx come up on ur shit. just lettin ya know man it would be a devistating event if u were to leave, and u got the support of all the Rancid punx in this area thanx does anyone know where we can find actual news about Tim having cancer? this is the only place I've seen it mentioned. im suprised people still expect something from racnid and lars and any of their affiliates. thanx pat n nekroman...tim is doing all right he has has his right lung removed and is now on breathing aparatus...he'll pull through...respect to ya all LARS im so worried about tim i hope he pulls through with his cancer treatment...love u tim patricia and nekroman!xx Anyone who dont like this album deserves to get their fuckin guts ripped the fuck out and spewed up their own shitters, fuckin dumb cunts go to hell I just wish Lars and Tim would piss Skinhead Rob off once and for good. I mean everyone can argue about whats punk and whats not punk.... but at the least we know that shit gangsta rap "hoes, money, gunz" attitude is NOT punk and it will never be. EPITAPH ERASING FAN REVIEWS To the guy below your fucking right. hahahah since i got the album me and my friends laughed and luaghed at the ending track... its just so stupid! it sounds like nora jones. lol the rest of the CD is awesome tho, switchlade is a sweet song and the blasters cover is great love it. GG Allin... search interpunk.com what, or whom, is GG This is hardly offensive to anyone and like the reviewer said...GG did it alot better and it wasn't just an act for him. what the hell do you think rocknroll was? you can not like hip-hop influenced punk or rap but thats coz its rocknroll. HA HAH HAHAHA !!!! Now that Ska is passe... most of us agree about the skinhead rob guy... are we just too closed minded to not see what tim wants us to see about him ? "theres a psychobilly fad? damn where have I been the only fad going around is the kids wearing minor threat shirts and the screamo shit." I've yet to hear the new album, so I can't comment yet. I think a lot of erratic (in my opinion) behavior from Tim and Lars recently is due to their divorces. It's kind of like they're overcompensating or some shit. I remember reading a Rollingstone article that quoted Tim as saying that he was going to "Make out with as many girls as possible" while at some celebrity party, in an effort to give Brody the finger. Just doesn't seem typical of the guy. I digress..... Yo Adam its Tuesday where are the new reviews? the kid bsd is not smarter than anyone he just pisses at everything in sight trying to get attention theres a psychobilly fad? damn where have I been the only fad going around is the kids wearing minor threat shirts and the screamo shit. "Get a fucking grip. Take this album for what it is" Best Rancid Album= Life Won't Wait The music's okay, the strippers are pretty childish, but the photo of Skinhead Rob with a "bitch" in his lap and a "piece" in his hand is fuckling moronic. What a tool. Go back to the ghetto and stay there, loser. Holy fuck, are you people saying that your mood and emotions never change? Just look at 2Pac (considered the greatest rap lyricist to many) - He contradicted himself so many times - He had many different sides to him. He had his hustling-ho-pimp-drugs-gangsta type songs (the exact same as this Viking album), then he had his peace-unity-respect to women postive type songs (which is shown in most of Rancid's music) BSD wins, simply because he is obviously much more intelligent (at 16, no less) than this fucktard who says he just graduated last month. Music is music is music, and there are only two types: Good music, and bad music. Of course, this is all opinion, so why don't we all just put on our headphones or turn on our stereos and shut the fuck up. This whole thread is kind of a shame. I was just thinking back to when I first got into punk. For whatever reason, I was at a school that was pretty well divided into two camps, musically: Deadheads and punks. I had moved there from a backwoods town in the south, and being introduced to all the different bands (we're talking 80's DC) from that era was totally eye-opening. At the time, I didn't even have any notion of poseurs or fashion punks, but I definitely didn't get along with everyone, either. But when it came right down to it, we could all agree on liking more or less the same music, and we went to a lot of shows and had a blast at every one. Back then, the fact that you were into anything other than Genesis or Bon Jovi was enough to bond on. Maybe punk's become too splintered. Or maybe the internet has given so much access to everything that it's easier to talk shit to one another over petty things like Lars vs Tiger Army. I don't dress like "a punk's supposed to dress" and never have, I don't particularly agree with the whole uniform aspect of it. But given the choice of hanging out with some Casualties-loving "fashion punks" or going to a Clay Aiken concert, I'm going to go with the poseurs every time. You guys might just have it too good. Any sense of unity's gone out the window in recent years. "Minor Threat did suck though." hahaha, lamest lyrics ever. even for "offensive material" the lyrics are written by a drunk blind retard. speaking of drunk blind retards, this band sucks. lame ass. I think the difference between a song like Start Now and Switchblade or Romper Stomper, for example, is that is dealing with international politics and warfare, which is a completely different topic from street fighting and the like. Also, I imagine Tim wrote the lyrics to Start Now while Lars wrote most of Switchblade and Skinhead Rob probably wrote a lot of the Transplants material and so on. You aren't really contradicting yourself if you write something from an opposing point of view as one of your band members. To everyone saying Rancid and their side projects have always sung songs like this and contradict themselves and this and that, i have this to say... If it wasnt ten times blatantly more overboard, foolish, assnine, etc. this time round, I doubt a thousand people woulda all noticed and commented about it. THE LYRICS SUCK. GET OVER IT. "Loving woman is a wonderful thing "Why would Lars endorse violence while Rancid writes songs like "Start Now" that portray an anti-violence message? Tim would certainly stop that from happening." Lars was actually married?? To whom or what exactly? This new layout sucks. I can't print these reviews at work and read 'em. Go back to the orig. Format. Minor Threat has never been big with the black eyeliner crowd... Cut the crap... GO TO HELL! Im going to head out BSD, being on the internet too long is not healthy, i have a life outside this shit. If you want to keep bitching at me I might be back 2maro. see ya kid * i meant to say not the bands themselves I agree that alot of kids(by kids i mean 13 year olds) like Rancid but more of them like Minor Threat and NOFX, Im saying the kids are fashion punx the bands themselves. Look at any high school pop music is the struggling underdog 20% of the kids music is pop 35%"punx" and I don't know, random internet message board fools piss me off. So you claim to be a "fashion punx" you're welcome for that so called assumption and I'm sure you should clean up if that made you wet. You called me dumb for not catching on to what? wearing Minor Threat shirts and trying to act "cool" Also, I'm interested in finding this highschool that's filled with Black Flag fans, so much that people who like pop music are struggling underdogs. Really, I think you probably tried to talk to them and they laughed at you for your music taste, which is mean, but no reason to hold a grudge or slander me or the old bands I like. Well if you want to STOP an argument, the last thing you do is claim "Rancid and Tiger Army are better than Minor Threat and Black Flag". BSD you're doing the same shit, just calm the fuck down besides , Tiger Army and Rancid are better than Minor Threat and Black Flag. When i was in High School,graduated last June I'm 19 not 20(i messed up there) and all the kids there like the same bands you like everyone dressed and acted the same way you did,fashion punx,how sad. I was trying to move one and you're still with the bashing , again calm down.Im moving on so you can call me whatever the fuck you want, its a free country........well not really. You don't like arguing or grudges, yet you say such stupid things about my family. On a message board, no less. "The_Detective" not a bad title.I dont know what the fuck metalcore is and i don't listen to Radiohead. Guess what I'm nowhere near going bald. Im not against youth or whatever you were trying to say but I'm going to stop because arguing is lame and i do not like to hold grudges. Wow I'm so glad you looked into my personal life. You should register as "the_detective" or something. "What can I say? Stop typing like my little sister and I wouldn't be under that impression. Age doesn't impress me, either. I don't care if you're 20. Wow. 4 year's older. Hopefully when I'm your age I'll have such great writing skills under my belt." This new layout sucks. I can't print these reviews at work and read 'em. Go back to the orig. Format. Lars, Sie saugen mehr Dick als die Prostituierten auf der Albumdecke., wie viele Titte und hat viel Hahn. stellt es in meinen Esel Sie Kopf verkoken What it all comes down to is some people can sing about shit like this and make it funny and cool or whatever, but in this attempt it just comes off sounding stupid and contrived... Wow....total spammage. whoa! Tim has cancer? where did this come from? Holy Shit... some people here take music a little to serious. Some music is supposed to be fun to listen to. Get a grip. This is basically Lars telling about his life. He has sex with hookers, who cares? - he doesn't disrespect them - If you read the lyrics, you would see he has all the respect in the world for them. He likes to fight... how is he promoting violence. All he is saying is that if you fuck with him, he's not gonna back down. This is a very good album for what it is Lars, bro call me sometime we'll get hookers and snort coke off their tits, maybe they'll shoot up some heroin and lick each other while you give me a reach around. Kudos on the whole werewolf meets drunken salior look, I'm going to start calling you Teenwolf. Have fun getting STD's, call me though we'll shoot guns and shit like that, maybe we can hang with Ted Nugent and hunt hookers with him. Rock and Roll Fantasy Lars, Rock and Roll Fantasy Promoting sexism and violence can be cool.... But only when it's done by guys like GG. Then it's funny too. What'd I awake all of Europe with that comment... Anyone who thinks promoting nonsense violence and sexism is cool is a fuckin loser. This music is for dirtbag white trash who wanna think their tough. I dont rate it much above the insane clown posse. Go fuck yourselves euro trash YO, LARS? FROM ALL THE SOUTH LONDON CREW.. lars ur shit at bike ridin everyone says so.... .. lars and the bartards new lp is the dogs bollox matey, remember when u gave my eggy gina a right crackin lars it was creamy.....archie o tim sweetie im so sorry to hear ur ill, remember hows good u were at breathing underwater so sorry....Katrina sarinoker oh no, sadam smelly..? i saw him on tha telly... thats so horrible tim havin cancer after all he has been through i saw rancid play a few years back and met tim an he was such a nice guy, real kind hearted...i hope he gets well soon...Gemmaxxx WHAT? tims got cancer?......??? yeah i heard, tim armstrong got diagnosed with lung cancer late yesterday monring, its such a sad time for me right now, i need to play g/c new cd young and hopeless,and millionaires" lars go's to me once "ay yo kev piss pants,..?, i got a new record commin out, wanna help me fuck these bitches with your pissed up joggers left on, for photos in the booklet" has anyone got news on tim armstrongs lung cancer? klasticono u r such a sick reviewer u got somethin wrong with ur head lars is tougher than u greg so shut the feck up before i switch blade ur ear, u r so inferior to me good charlotte likin cunts most of lars's tattoos are the ones from 2p bubble gum gums.. there completley fake, even the one that says sand cracker on his eyelids, over n out .. fuck social commentry this album is perfect lars has a talent an this is such a fuckin good cd anyone that doesent think so is a cracker Jesus h christ allin, whacked off her whacker she was, freeking mashed off her ectasy pipes on chemtrails.. New world fucking order!!!! let lars be a rebelious punk rocker, we gotta be fuckin against this global one world state bitch!!! get active muthafucka's mate u hate the pictures ur such a ladder shiftin uphill gardenin creep whats wrong mate this album is lush go n cut ur head off an put it up ur shite box has anyone seen lars huge anchor on hi face covers nearly all of it....nice one lars!!! how can you say its crap lyrics and the porno photos are lame, are you a fucking boring peadophile that only listens to freekin jello biafra or some shit, fucking shit review, crap opinions , ide love to meet him and kill the cunt! mate ur whacked off ur whacker this album is well good whats wrong are u gay or something, anti flag likin perv Jesus, I fucking hate Rancid. This is almost as bad as when Lars tried to justify how punk he was by his tattoos after they released 'Indestructible'. kev an bruiser really thought this was top notch, u r a shit reviewer an im gonna run ur head over with my push bike why dont you go get a good knife, whack on switchblade and go kill freemasons??????????? fucking peado's u are the shittest reviewer an ur taste is shite, this album is fuckin great go burrie yourself KUNT Scudders really enjoyed this, thank you mr. Larz stiv stivvy scudders bators would of bought this craig? you are a sick peadofile if you cant say this is one of the best fucking albums just released...!! fuck off and die THIS ALBUM FUCKING KICKS ARSE... DONT LISTEN TO IT RELIGIOUSLY YOU STUPID CUNTS, ITS JUST MUSIC, LARS'S LIFE STORIES AND "HIS" BANDS... STOP WHINING AND FOCUS ON KILLING FREEMASONS!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! KILLUMINATI ' I love the music, hate the lyrics. I completely agree with complaints about the lyrics. I prefer punk rock containing witty social commentary, praising equality, free speech, whatever... but not sounding like an ignorant idiot trying to be a tough guy. Sorry, but i just cant drive around in my car singing "i dont go anywhere without my switchblade". What happened to the working class struggle and whatnot.. now its all how many bitches he fucked... I think LA went to his head "Damn BSD your're fucking talking to me like im some 13 yr old dumbass " In my opinion, this is a pretty good record, with some clunky tracks on it. I don't care one way or another about the artwork. The photography is good, and the subject matter is unusual for punk but pretty commonplace everywhere else. I don't really give a shit. Damn BSD your're fucking talking to me like im some 13 yr old dumbass It's a taste acquired by a basic liking for the music. As opposed to a hundred bands with the same time signatures, same breakdowns, etc. If I'm going to listen to bands that sound a lot alike, I don't want it to be metally another story 'bout another dumb american... Some tracks are decent I sure fucking hope more punk bands don't start following this trend of retarded lyrics. Go get involved in rap or something where talking about bitches, dope & guns is the thing to do. If this was an un-PC joke album, he made it at the wrong time since the rest of his band really IS trying to make some bullshit gangsta-punk mothershit sell... Skinhead Rob takes himself seriously. He really does believe that it's really all about wreckin' some cracka bitchez' partz. |
