the Slanderin

Rancid / Danny Diablo / the Slanderin: live in New Yorklive in New York (2006)
Hellcat Records

Reviewer Rating: 4

User Rating:

Contributed by: TorgoTorgo
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on September 1st 2006Rancid are one of the most popular punk bands today, but you know that. ...And Out Come the Wolves has gone platinum, Let's Go gold, etc. I figured I'd review this show since there are no reviews of this tour on this site, which has extensively noted the updates regarding this lengthy U.S. trek. The.

Rancid are one of the most popular punk bands today, but you know that. ...And Out Come the Wolves has gone platinum, Let's Go gold, etc. I figured I'd review this show since there are no reviews of this tour on this site, which has extensively noted the updates regarding this lengthy U.S. trek. They're not as popular with the average punknews.org user as, for example Dillinger Four, but a lot of you do like them, right? Good.

In the heart of Times Square, Rancid's fourth and last show of its stay at B.B. King's Blues Club starts an hour after doors open. The Slanderin starts things off with energetic psychobilly. This is where I commit the biggest and most common concert review sin, one that is a pet peeve of -- inconveniently enough -- myself: The author not knowing the opening bands. The Slanderin played competently, and their schtick was above average, but what else can I say about a band that I've never seen before? Sorry hoards of Slanderin fans reading this review.

The Slackers were supposed to play next. Probably the best band on Hellcat Records, they're great musicians and well respected. They cancelled a few days in advance. Well ,the opening bands for the other shows in NYC were H2O and Big D & the Kids Table...they'll be able to find a good band in area willing to play the last minute, right? Wrong. We got Danny Diablo. What? Who? A rap/metal/hardcore/bad band. The epitome of "Fuck you, I'm tough" hardcore with some rapping and generic riffs that would even appeal to Hatebreed fans. Oddly enough, towards the end of the set they played a solid, faithful version of the Bad Brains classic "Attitude." They were animated, so I can't say they were boring, but I will say that I heard a lot more people yelling "The Slackers!" than there were people digging Danny Diablo.

After a forty-minute set change, the lights dimmed, the movie clip / slideshow started to played on the screens and lo and behold, the four members of Rancid came out in all their glory. They didn't waste any time talking, which would be a theme for the rest of the night. They charged into "Roots Radicals," and drove into "Time Bomb" right after. Songs would stop and start in a constant fluid motion, rarely done in such a fashion since bands seem to shit out after playing 2 or 3 songs in a row. The band would keep the AOCTW pace too, playing more than half the album.

Contrary to popular belief, Tim Armstrong actually does have his guitar plugged in and was able to play his leads successfully. A surprise was in store for the crowd relatively early, as they stopped playing just so Lars could introduce guitar slinger Vinnie Stigma, and they jumped right into Agnostic Front's "Crucified." For "Maxwell Murder," Matt Freeman played an impressive extended solo, rendering the kids unable to decide whether they should mosh or stand in awe. The air was almost steamy since every person on the floor was soaking wet with sweat. That seemed to fuel Rancid more, whose energy and vigor was more akin to the first show of a tour. Well, Matt Freeman came late to some vocal cues, but that was never really his thing. Tim made up for his concentrating bassist by taking the mic on top of speakers, running the length of the stage, and greeting crowd surfers with high fives as they fell into security guards' burly arms. This is where I say "Brett Reed was in the pocket the whole show." He's not one for flair, but no one cares about the drummer anyway.

And how about that Lars Frederiksen? As the news they posted repeatedly promised, they did play a Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards song, and tonight was "Skunx." It's a good thing they played this song, because I wouldn't be able to tell he was in the Skunx just by looking at his face or listening to every other song on his solo records. Apparently he's from Campbell, California also. Bet you didn't know that. They also played two Operation Ivy songs: "Knowledge" and "Sound System." Many people are calling this sacrilegious, but compared to Green Day whoring it every show, or the current existence of the Misfits, it doesn't seem too bad, does it? The twang of the guitars seemed right at home in a Rancid set, and I guarantee even the snobbiest Operation Ivy fan was dancing. They had fun playing it too; Matt had a gleaming smile during both tracks.

They saved two songs for an encore prelude acoustic set after 23 songs that went by without letting the crowd breathe. The songs were "Fall Back Down" and Billy Bragg's "To Have and to Have Not." I was flabbergasted. I scoffed at Rancid being competent acoustically, but both songs brought a special poignancy missing from their corresponding album cuts. "Fall Back Down" was more uplifting, and the "To Have and to Have Not" protagonist seemed like he was never going to give up, a trait missing from both Bragg and LFATB versions.

After that was over with, Lars gave a little speech about how much he loves New York City and how it's his "home away from home," which I'm sure he doesn't say often (::cough:: New Jersey Warped, 2003 ::cough:: probably every show of the tour). They proceeded to launch back into band mode with three songs that were written while he was barely old enough to buy liquor legally: "St. Mary," "Adina," and "Radio." And that was it. Playing a little longer than most punk bands do (80 minutes) they were out of town, the stage still hot. While I am a Rancid fan, I'm critical too, so if it was a disastrous performance like some that have been well documented on tape, I'd tell you unlike most people who just review their favorite band and give it five stars. There was something special tonight, and like the Bouncing Souls, their songs have personal connections with fans that songs by say, NOFX don't, which translate to moving concerts.

Set list:

Roots Radicals
Time Bomb
Tenderloin
Dead Bodies
Crucified (w/ Vinnie Stigma)
Maxwell Murder
Olympia, WA
Journey to the End of the East Bay
Side Kick
Knowledge
Sound System
Rats in the Hallway
Old Friend
Black and Blue
The War's End
She's Automatic
Skunx
Black Derby Jacket
The 11th Hour
Something in the World Today
Antennas
Hoover Street
Ruby Soho
Fall Back Down
To Have and to Have Not
St. Mary
Adina
Radio (a few might be out of order, so shoot me)

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

joeg (September 4, 2006)

they may not have gone deep into the life won't wait and indestructible (fortunately) records but i was stoked they pulled out a bunch of songs from both self titled records. well mainly matt getting a chance at the mic. i doubt you'll ever see another show from them for as long as they're a band where aoctw and lets go don't dominate the majority of their setlist.

chrisfabulous (September 4, 2006)

To GlassPipeMurder, I feel exactly the same way, but they did play Whirlwind in Philly, and several of the songs listed on the setlist above were not played when I saw them. I really wanted Antennas and 11th Hour. Oh well. Still a good show.

GlassPipeMurder (September 3, 2006)

The thing that bothers me is that I kept reading Rancid was going to uniquely choose songs from a pool of their 150 catalog, yet aside from the Op Ivy and Bastards, this looks much like all their other setlists. Where is Hooligans, Ghetto Box, Memphis, Brad Logan, Whirlwind, or any of the other great songs they never play live? It seems like they neglect far too much of their best stuff, especially from Life Won't Wait.

Adam_K (September 3, 2006)

Well he was also in Skarhead

Skarhead sucks/sucked though. COT on the other hand, do not/didn't.

mashole (September 3, 2006)

this show was amazing i got there after the slanderin tho which sucks. danny diablo were so amazingly bad it was hysterical. there comment on what only matters is whose muscles are bigger was so stupid i almost laughed. but then rancid came out and just played song after song it seemed to me the crowd was so exhausted by the end but whatev rancid definitly still brought it.

Torgo (September 3, 2006)

Well I'll keep listening to jazz instead of Danny Diablo, thank you.

Anonymous (September 3, 2006)

It's not that you compare Danny Diablo to Hatebreed thats a problem it's that you think that this is some kind of insult, if you read what I wrote you would have realized this, but obviously you are too busy listening to jazz....

and Rancid.

Torgo (September 3, 2006)

Also, my sentence was "riffs that would appal even hatebreed" but whoever edited my review must have thought appal wasn't a word and changed the sentence around.

Torgo (September 3, 2006)

ADAM K: Obviously you don't know much about who he is, or you'd know that he is known very well and was in a little band called Crown of Thornz....
Well he was also in Skarhead, but I was referring to his solo act, and you can't immediately assume all COT fans are DD fans, that's like saying all Descendents fans are All fans.

Vinhoff: score is for rancid being only a halfway decent band who is well past their prime and danny diablo, solo rap albums aside, being better. I love when people compare New York Hardcore to Hatebreed, it shows how much they know about music. And while morons may listen to hatebreed their lyrical content is not the beat you up dribble that most people portray it to be. Most of it has a positve message. I wish hardcore hating punks didn't like Agnostic Front because they ruin my mosh pits.
I don't know much about music because I'm comparing hardcore to hardcore? I think there's a problem when you have to dissect every exact nuance of a band and gave it another genre name. I hope for yoursake you pay this much attention to jazz and stuff that is actually melodically different. Also, I wouldn't call my self hardcore hating since Minor Threat is probably my favorite band. Wait, "omgz there r harcore punxx not hardkore! poser!!"

vinhoff (September 3, 2006)

score is for rancid being only a halfway decent band who is well past their prime and danny diablo, solo rap albums aside, being better. I love when people compare New York Hardcore to Hatebreed, it shows how much they know about music. And while morons may listen to hatebreed their lyrical content is not the beat you up dribble that most people portray it to be. Most of it has a positve message. I wish hardcore hating punks didn't like Agnostic Front because they ruin my mosh pits.

Adam_K (September 2, 2006)

I’ve seen Danny Diablo before, I know who he/they are, but they’re not really known outside of the NYC and frankly, they suck.

Obviously you don't know much about who he is, or you'd know that he is known very well and was in a little band called Crown of Thornz....

sarcasm101 (September 2, 2006)

that show sounded like it kicked ass. i wish they would come to LA soon.

but i have to disagree, i think NOFX has a personal connection with their fans.

sxenester (September 2, 2006)

They played "Unity" in Boston.

For the first time.

EVER.

FuckYouOiOiOi (September 1, 2006)

what the FUCK is that NOFX comment supposed to mean? i like both bands and feel a personal connection at nofx shows as well.

Torgo (September 1, 2006)

"john_stone:" well, Crucified is actually an Iron Cross song that Agnostic Front covers.
Yeah, I blew it, I read what he said as "IS an agnostic Front song."

"nikko:" Whoa whoa whoa. I like the Bouncing Souls comment, but the Nofx dont have personal connection to their fans thing was dumb. Only problem I'd say about them live is talking but they kicked ass at warped!
I'm actually a fan of the talking, I think Fat Mike is funny. But if Idiot Son Of An Asshole affects you personally, you're weird.

nikko (September 1, 2006)

Whoa whoa whoa. I like the Bouncing Souls comment, but the Nofx dont have personal connection to their fans thing was dumb. Only problem I'd say about them live is talking but they kicked ass at warped!

john_stone (September 1, 2006)

well, Crucified is actually an Iron Cross song that Agnostic Front covers.

Torgo (September 1, 2006)

They're not really on Hellcat anymore...

Anonymous (September 1, 2006)

the mescaleros r mad better than the slackers...you fuck. rip joe strummer

Torgo (September 1, 2006)

I’m not sure why the reviews don’t have the reply comment, but I’ll try to do it accordingly...

“Anonymous:” review is garbage. what kind of moron doesn't know who danny diablo is? probably the same type of moron who doesn't realise that "crucified" isn't an agnostic front song...
I’ve seen Danny Diablo before, I know who he/they are, but they’re not really known outside of the NYC and frankly, they suck. And I’m not sure if you missed the part where I said “Agnostic Front's Crucified” but if you’re going to compare those two bands musically, then you’re an idiot.

“telegraphrocks:”Sure, "And Out Come The Wolves" is a wonderful punk record, but what the hell? You do NOT need to play that many songs off of that album, even 11 years after the fact. They've released three full-lengths since then, and how many songs on that set were from those? Five? Six?
Less. Two from LWW, three from 2000 and one from Indestructible. Frankly I would have liked to hear a lot more shit from both LWW and 2000, but I guess they’re still in the mode they were at Warped in 2003: Play all shit from Let’s Go and AOCTW.

“punx_in_oz:” score is for the comment on the drummer... i laughed my ass off.... but im a drummer.... do you know how much it sux getting NO recognition... meh
Ha, Brett knows what he’s doing but I couldn’t think of anything specific to say about him. The other three members are such huge members of the punk scene (for good and bad reasons, although Matt’s are all good). Brett is kind of second rate compared to the rest. Eh. I guess that sounds pretty shitty, oh well.

skaboom (September 1, 2006)

Score is for the Rancidnews.org logo.

I guess the tour sounds pretty good too.

kirbypuckett (September 1, 2006)

Nice review.

I'm still on the fence about going in Pittsburgh or not.

The Explosion are opening, that's good.

- Kirby

Anonymous (September 1, 2006)

Score is for rancid-oldpunker-

lookmommyididit (September 1, 2006)

atleast danny diablo always end up playing a couple of skarhead songs. all the other stuff they play is hilariously bad though.

Anonymous (September 1, 2006)

review is garbage. what kind of moron doesn't know who danny diablo is? probably the same type of moron who doesn't realise that "crucified" isn't an agnostic front song...

SalsaShark (September 1, 2006)

Fuckin' shit. The Columbus date is sold out and I never bothered to look into tickets early enough. Well damn.

theonetruebill (September 1, 2006)

That set list looks pretty cool. I'm very excited for the two Chicago dates.

telegraphrocks (September 1, 2006)

"However the bouncing souls remain the worst band in punk today."

Yeah, dude. And The Offspring are so much better, huh?

jacknife737 (September 1, 2006)

Looks like a decent setlist, i'm fuckin kicking myself that i'm missing the Toronto date.

However the bouncing souls remain the worst band in punk today.

telegraphrocks (September 1, 2006)

I hate Tim and Lars, but I still dig Rancid's music.

However, their setlists piss the fucking shit out of me.

Sure, "And Out Come The Wolves" is a wonderful punk record, but what the hell? You do NOT need to play that many songs off of that album, even 11 years after the fact. They've released three full-lengths since then, and how many songs on that set were from those? Five? Six?

Meh. Precisely why I'm not going to the Chicago show.

I have no clue why I'm giving this a "5".

punx_in_oz (September 1, 2006)

score is for the comment on the drummer... i laughed my ass off.... but im a drummer.... do you know how much it sux getting NO recognition... meh

joeg (September 1, 2006)

that set looks like the 2nd dc show except for the op ivy songs. and yes, they did play maxwell murder.

fistchode (September 1, 2006)

I thought this review was well written, and it made me want to relive those old Rancid days.

Wolves is goin' in.

Mute98 (September 1, 2006)

i love the slanderin, rancid is good as well

TrueBeliever (September 1, 2006)

Well written, I'm seeing them with Youth Brigade in LA, can't wait, I too like the Bouncing Souls comment as I am a huge fan of both The Bouncing Souls (hence the username) and Rancid

Anonymous (September 1, 2006)

this writer is a dumbass

american_666_jesus (September 1, 2006)

Each of the DC shows i saw they played Fall Back Down acousticly and i was getting bored with it. Not their best song. I wish they had played Maxwell Murder. I missed day two, maybe they played it then. I would have been so happy to hear to Have and Have Not too. either way, im sad that its over, but even more glad it came and i saw.

Candypatrol (September 1, 2006)

pretty decent review....having said that i'm seeing them the 12th at the house of mouse and i must say that i'm looking forward to it more than i think i should be.

Anonymous (September 1, 2006)

i like the bouncing souls comment at the end

Dante3000 (September 1, 2006)

Mmm...Danny Diablo...super awesome.
-Dante