Rancid

Rancid (1993) (1993)
Epitaph Records

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Contributed by: fathead
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Published on October 12th 2001

Emerging from the dust of a fallen Operation Ivy, Rancid proceded to take the term 'street-punk' to a whole new level with their self-titled, debut album.

Originally a three piece, Rancid disgarded the ska they were accustom to in OpIv and began to play some of the fastest, rawest, most energetic punk rock in history. Needless to say, it didn't take long for punkers to notice.

This album, probably their least recognizable, is filled to the brim with punk goodness. Perfect scream along choruses (The Bottle), fist-pounding "Hey's" (Adina), and bad-ass basslines the whole way through. 'The 'best song' award is a toss-up between the classic 'Rats in the Hallway' or the furious 'Trenches'. However, there are no slouches on this album. It is one of the few gems you can actually press play and disregard the 'skip' button on your stereo. The only downside is the abcense of Lars. Tim's voice is classic, but often undeciferable and slurred. Matt Freeman (bass-player extrodinaire) lends his vocals to a couple tunes to add variety.

In the years to come, Rancid would follow with a few of the most popular, most respected albums in the brief history of punk music. But if one traces the tracks back far enough, they released a killer album before 'Rancid' was a household name. No matter what they do with their music, there is no mistaking their hardcore punk-rock roots. In a day when 'punk' has ties to major corporations, radio airwaves, and teenie-bopper magazines, Rancid still thrives as a refuge for the old-school.

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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.

TEARS (March 25, 2009)

you guys freakin rock bad ass!!

Bastardzach (August 6, 2005)

Fuck "And Out Come the Wolves.....", This is the definitive Rancid alblum.

Anonymous (March 31, 2004)

The only Rancid album I'll probably ever listen to again, just 'cause I'm sick of Rancid. But this was one of my first punk albums, a hust-have of 90's punk rock.

OedipusWrecks (November 11, 2001)

I would never call Rancid street punk. Street punk sucks. Street punk can blow me. Rancid is clearly a very talented ska band and deserves to be classified with other great ska bands such as mustard plug and No Doubt. No Doubt is quite clearly a very talented group and none of you on here give them the respect they deserve. I think it's because Assorted Jellybeans has been spreading evil rumors about Gwen Stefani. Fuck Assorted Jellybeans.

-Eddie W.

Anonymous (November 9, 2001)

yeah, street punk is a pretty good definition of Rancid, being that they're kind of Oi! sounding, but they're also a little too poppy for Street Punk.

Anonymous (October 21, 2001)

I'll go out on a limb here and say this is the band's best album, for a number of reasons:

1. No one compared them to the Clash when this was released, because there was no comparison. This is much more of a meld of British Oi! and American hardcore (a la Sick of It All).

2. It also has the best combination of hard punk and catchy-ness to it. "Adina" screams, "Rejected" is a grand sing-along, "Detriot" has some wonderful bass melody.

3. A complete absence of Lars. His guitar playing is good, but his vocals add nothing to the band. They were perfect with Matt and Tim's vocal exchange.

4. The best of Tim's songwriting with some of Matt's best playing and singing with Brett's speed gives this album a perfect, kick-ass feel.

The fact that no one, not even Rancid, has come close to the feeling and/or sound of this album is a testament to its greatness. Each successive album has its moments--and some great moments--but this is the total package.

--Cos

CONsumer (October 21, 2001)

rancid are good. very good. they have been an identity for many years now and will continue in this tradition for quite some time. influential band.

seek (October 21, 2001)

I like rancid a lot, but when i think of the term 'street punk', i dont think of rancid.

Anonymous (October 20, 2001)

Good shit -SaYnE Guy

Anonymous (October 20, 2001)

i knew when i saw a review of this album on punknews that no one could say anything bad about it...but that's because it's good i guess

YellowTrash (October 19, 2001)

This is a good album, but I like Let's Go better. I also think that this album and Let's Go are the only closest sounding albums.

coldjuly (October 19, 2001)

Hey I loved "Life Won't Wait". the song "Coppers" even though it's a reggae type song is the best on the album.

But this is still the best Rancid record...Much more angry and fast than the others...I dunno the new S/T album is bordering hardcore, but just does not do it for me.

Anonymous (October 19, 2001)

Life won't wait is their best fucking album, just most punk fans are too closed minded to give it the chance it deserves, and a great many other fans dismiss it simply because Rancid are punk, which kinda sucks.

Anonymous (October 19, 2001)

Let's Go is much better, but I love all of Rancids work (Even Life Won't wait).

Anonymous (October 18, 2001)

rancid is my all time favorite and this album just rules .my favorite track is get out of my way. but for some reason i like their debut 7" on lookout records! better. for those who don't have a record player go out and buy one so you can listen to the 7"!!

pat41 (October 18, 2001)

I have to agree with the guy 2 comments down in that "Lets Go" is the best rancid album to date.

Anonymous (October 18, 2001)

Rancid - Self Titled = Best Rancid album ever.(period)

Matt's vocals were the best part of the first 7" and this release.

As much as I like Lars. He marked the begining of the end for Rancid.

The albums to fallow were good, but had a distinct decline in quality of songs.
They seemed to loose the integrity that this album carries.

The Clash were good, but we didn't need a new one...

I'll probably get a roasting for this, but o' well.

Anonymous (October 18, 2001)

not their best. they are all extremely good. pick up "Let's Go" and be blown away

The_stick (October 17, 2001)

i love this album. everynow and again i put it on, and remind myself that it is good.
detroit..matt rocks the bass and his singing is good in this one
another night..awsome
hyena..rocks, and there is nothing you can say thats gonna change my mind,, fuck you!

cracker of a debut album.

Anonymous (October 17, 2001)

"Rancid proceded to take the term 'street-punk' to a whole new level with their self-titled, debut album."

Please let this be sarcasm....

Anonymous (October 17, 2001)

good album, by a great band. Part of the reason that the songs on this one are angrier than the other rancid albums and why tims voice is so slurred is that it was written while he was living in a slavation army homeless shelter and battling alcohol abuse.

booker_pee (October 17, 2001)

Yeah, punk sure has had a short history...

Anonymous (October 17, 2001)

Hyena is the best song ever !!!!!

coldjuly (October 17, 2001)

Holy fuck this kicks ass!! no more can be said...rancids best by far.