NOFX / Rancid

NOFX/Rancid: BYO Split Series Volume 3BYO Split Series Volume 3 (2002)
BYO Records

Reviewer Rating: 4

User Rating:

Contributed by: adamAdam
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on February 17th 2002Enthusiastic comic book readers are called "fanboys" by that industry. These aren't just readers, they're they type of people who will have discussions about story scenarios that wouldn't happen within the bounds of the ongoing story lines. They have the most pointless arguments, along the lines of .

Enthusiastic comic book readers are called "fanboys" by that industry. These aren't just readers, they're they type of people who will have discussions about story scenarios that wouldn't happen within the bounds of the ongoing story lines. They have the most pointless arguments, along the lines of "Spiderman couldn't beat Batman" and so fourth.

When BYO Records announced that the third volume of their scene-documenting split series would feature NOFX and Rancid, the readers of this site had almost the same type of conversation. The arguments came from all angles, Fat Wreck fans backing their champion, Hellcat devotees with equal furor from their side of the ring, jaded punks who had long abandoned both Epitaph bands as "too-mainstream" grumbled their disapproval, and those of us who were fans of both simply held our tongues and waited.

Any good comic writer will know that there are two ways to write a crossover. On one hand, since the confines of the normal story have been dropped anyways, there could simply be a poorly set up fight to pander to the fanboy's speculations. On the other hand, a smart writer will pull off something clever, write a good story, and throw the readers for the loop. In the case of this split, Fat Mike and Tim Armstrong did throw their fans for a loop and decided to cover each other's songs. That silenced many of the premature critics, since every song features the musicianship of one band combined with the song-writing skills of the other. While I would have loved to see the bands put some original material on here, their covers are pretty fun. Taking the project from that angle also removes a lot of the pressure from the bands. On the downside it makes this disc more of a novelty, but it also means you don't go into this looking for anything prolific. Here's how it breaks down, track by track:

NOFX - "I'm The One"

NOFX opens up playing one of Rancid's oldest songs, written when Tim and Matt were in Downfall. The track was originally recorded for "Let's Go" and is a great opener for the split. It sets up the formula these covers for the most part follow, preserving the signature guitar riffs from the songs and peppering them with the personalities of the covering band. Eric Melvin lends his great backup screams and El Hefe adds some humor with a Fat Albert impression on the "Hey Hey Hey" lines.

NOFX - "Olympia, WA"

A faithful representation of the song from Rancid's platinum "…And Out Come The Wolves." Fat Mike pronounces his bass lines more then usual, following Rancid's bass-forward song structure.

NOFX - "Tenderloin"

I was surprised they chose this song from "Let's Go" instead of others, but make it their own with the chorus. This is a great representation of all the little NOFXisms that are thrown into Rancid's songs.

NOFX - "Antennas"

The irony of Californian bands singing about their state plummeting into the ocean is great, and Fat Mike embraces this on his cover from Rancid's second self titled album. Paying tribute to BYO, he throws in a line from Youth Brigade's "Sink with Kalifornija."

NOFX - "Corazon De Oro"

I'm glad NOFX didn't shy away from the ska-heavy songs of "Life Wont Wait." This is a great cover since it redefines the track as a straight-ahead rocker in NOFX's style. In the slower opening lines, Fat Mike slurs his vocals in homage to Tim Armstrong's famous voice.

NOFX - "Radio"

At some point Fat Mike was quoted with saying he never felt the need to play another ska song again. However NOFX has taken this anthem from "Let's Go" and slowed it down to a dub rhythm with El Hefe covering the vocals. Before each chorus there is a slight pause where you'd expect NOFX to stop messing around and kick into high gear, but as Fat Mike playfully chants "Radio Radio Radio" you can almost see the smirk across his face

Rancid - "The Moron Brothers"

With some Matt Freeman bass magic and one of Tim's most passionate screams of "Lets' Go!" Rancid opens their half of the album with this song from "Ribbed." Tim purposely lowers his voice in this song, which catches you off guard at first, but when he deeply slurs lyrics like "Microscopic Bugs" it's just too good…

Rancid - "Stickin' In My Eye"

NOFX's opening to this song is fantastic as is and Matt' bass line makes it all the better. Lars Frederiksen sings this song from "White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean" backed by classic Rancid buzz-saw guitars. You really get the strength of backing vocals that Rancid can pull off with three vocalists in the chorus.

Rancid - "Bob"

Tim sings (in his normal tone of voice) in this song from "White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean." The song structure isn't really changed, but Tim's singing really makes this a great cover.

Rancid - "Don't Call Me White"

Matt's voice always catches me off guard at first but I love how Rancid doesn't shy away from letting him sing on this cover from the gold "Punk In Drublic." It's a fun rendition with passionate vocals, great bass lines and a bit of playful distortion at parts.

Rancid - "The Brews"

This should have been the easiest song for Rancid to cover, since it's so close to their style anyways. Maybe knowing this, they chose to instead speed up the sing along from "Punk In Drublic" as much as they could. Lars, Tim and Matt all sing the chorus, racing each other so they can barely get the Oi's in before moving on. On its own the track is fine, but knowing what it could have been makes it seem weaker then it really is.

Rancid - "Vanilla Sex"

There's something funny about Lars' passionate rendition of the "pornography song" from S&M Airlines. It's not as humorous as NOFX's playful cover of "Radio," but it's a great closer for the album.

Too many people expected this to an epic masterpiece that plays out their fanboy fantasies, but and that's not what the bands set out to make here. This is one of the most fun records I've heard in a while and will please fans of both bands. With Fat Mike writing the liner notes and Tim Armstrong putting the art together, this is an amazing document of the current punk scene.

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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.

Kirsten (November 6, 2012)

One of the best punk albums to ever come out! Rancid and NOFX kick ass! I was extremely happy hearing the way these songs turned out! Personally, one of my favorite albums of all time!

meitang (October 25, 2010)

JULIstone is a China Stone Manufacturer which supply Granite Tile,Paving Stone, Granite Paving, Polished Granite ,may be you can choose something.

dlangl4 (May 1, 2009)

Hear you loud and clear.

Aubin (January 16, 2009)

Test #3

123

Aubin (January 16, 2009)

test #2

abc

Aubin (January 16, 2009)

testrrrr

sprainedsoul (October 21, 2006)

I love this record ... dare I say I almost prefer NOFX's version of "Olympia, WA." Almost.

Hey_ska (August 1, 2006)

Matt Freeman should never sing any songs, that guys voice is fucking horrible. But at least they had him sing one of my least favorite NOFX songs so it wasnt a huge loss.

Anonymous (June 17, 2006)

Oh, my world. It is ok

Anonymous (May 26, 2006)

yeah rancid and NOFX are only "mainstream" beacuse they are so good that people just have to notice them. they arent on a major label. well. rancid ended up being on one. but NOFX is still on an independnt label. and as far as i know, epitaph is still an independent label. and even if it is amjaor label, so fucking wjat. its been around so long, and done somuch hard work, that they deserve a lil money. u cant be broke forever.

Anonymous (May 26, 2006)

Anonymous (January 31, 2005)

Rancid is PUNK!
NoFX is just fuckin awesome! like seriously fuckin good!

Anonymous (January 31, 2005)

ok ok.. who ever the fuck keeps going on about this being pop-punk is a faggot, rancid and nofx has nothing to do with pop...
This album is fuckin good!
and that moron who says rancid is gay should get thier head beat in! Rancid is fuckin PUNK!

future_matt (July 26, 2004)

It's pretty cool to hear these guys play each others songs. Some of the renditions aren't that great, but this album is still really good.

Anonymous (May 11, 2004)

This album sucks Rancid ruined a lot of good NOFX songs. Dont buy this album unless you get it for free. Oh and for the asshole dissing Sex Pistols, Never Mind The Bollocks is the best album ever.

Anonymous (April 17, 2004)

ok for the people who slag this album youre all fuckin cunts this album is no way near the bollocks that u probally listen to the only point is that its not longer what an original idea and i can honestly say that nofx are the nest rancid have started on a downfall nofx pull off every song gr8 but matt freeman trie to show off which i personally think ruins a couple of the somgs

Anonymous (February 25, 2004)

I hate all u people who are like rancid sux, sure they may not b the best cover band but all there originals are fuckin kik ass u cant hold a band accountable for messing up covers lets not forget that shitty ramones cover cd. I am not saying that nofx sux they def. Fuckin kik ass. Theese bands are by far one of the greatest punk bands of there time

Anonymous (October 27, 2003)

This was a great idea to do this kind of CD, so its great, YEAH!

Anonymous (July 5, 2003)

when you combine the two biggest badest punk bands in the history of punk is there is nothing left to the imagination.... it rocks

Anonymous (June 30, 2003)

i don't have this album but i'd just like to say that Rancid is gay.

Anonymous (May 8, 2003)

This album is mediocre - when I heard of it I was all pumped - once I listened I was dissapointed - It just doesnt do much for and the covers kinda suck dont really do much for me - I say just burn this one !

Anonymous (May 6, 2003)

I like this album... but thats just cause i downloaded it and burnt it. I would not pay full price for it, as much as i support and love Rancid. The problem here, is that Rancid is amazing, and NOFX, in my opinion, is kinda eh. I dont really like NOFX, so why do i wanna hear them ruin a rancid song, and why would i wanna hear rancid cover their songs, which werent that great to begin with. But all in all i was very surprised, in good and bad ways. I thought that the reggae cover of radio was brilliant. (mostly cause i cant stand fat mikes voice). I also thought rancid played stickin in my eye way better than NOFX ever could. On the other hand, NOFX ruined Olympia Wa, and I hated the Vanilla Sex cover (i dont like the original either.) But if you get it for free, hey thats fine.

Anonymous (April 18, 2003)

Was this album made to embarass Rancid???

Seriously, Rancid is not too great of a band, so they shouldn't cover the brews. It is meant to be an oi song, which means it should be about 130 bpm like the original.

NOFX's side of the album isn't too hot either. I sorta like the rancid songs they covered when rancid played them. But fat mike sounds way too whiny. (IIIII'MMM

dropkick (March 8, 2003)

the bnest split record ever!

evildeadalive (February 16, 2003)

I liked Liberal Animation better than So Long and Thanks For All the Shoes myself Olie the goalie.

kolzig39 (February 8, 2003)

kudos to F-Mike & BYO. The split/cross-covers is a great concept that I'm sure we'll see more of. nofx (not fatwreck) hasn't released sub-standard crap in over a decade (liberal animation?).

XXoo,

Anonymous (January 20, 2003)

this score is for Hellboy. You gotta love nazi-killin' demons.

Anonymous (January 9, 2003)

This album is ok for the NOFX parts. But scene points and everything aside, Tim Armstrong's voice makes me want to jam broken sporks into my ears.

Anonymous (December 31, 2002)

"was into?" adam says inquisitively as he buries his nose in a Hellboy trade.

adam

Anonymous (December 9, 2002)

haven't gotten it but want to. it sounds a lot like the reviewer knows a hell of a lot about comic books, i wonder what he was into before punk.

M4CH1N3 (December 3, 2002)

This split is pretty good. I like the NOFX part the best, but Rancid does a pretty good job (especially Freeman's improvement of Fat Mike's bass lines). The ska cover of "Radio" was unexpected, and quite fun to hear.

Anonymous (October 17, 2002)

i heard this was goin to be a covers cd before i actually listened to it. i usually like covers, so i was expecting to enjoy this cd...as i did. Rancid is my fave band and that might have helped.
Now, i wonder how old's the guy who post the seventh comment. He probably won't read this, but if he does...

adam (October 8, 2002)

Adam's update from a few months later:

Meh.

This was neat but it loses it's appeal after one or two listens. The more I think about it the more I wish they wrote original material.

Oh... and the only reason this was broken down song-by-song was because I had a REALLY early advance copy and not many people had heard anything from it when I reviewed this. I don't think it's too necessary at now...

adam

ripperwalk (September 6, 2002)

Hey, both bands did great. It wasn't meant to be a historic and epic album. I think too many people took this album way too seriously. Two great bands covering each other. It was original and it was a the right time seeing as how Rancid hasnt released a new song it seems forever.

I loved it. Too bad they only toured California though. Pricks.

Anonymous (September 5, 2002)

It's a great album. I like NOFX more on this album than Rancid. But that's because I like the style of NOFX more than Rancid...but if you are a big fan of both bands--> I'm sure you'll like it!

Anonymous (September 1, 2002)

ok, i gave this cd a 7 because some of the rancid songs were brutally hideous when sang by nofx. AND THE NEXT MOTHER FUCKER THAT SAYS THIS IS POP-PUNK I WILL BEAT THEIR FUCKING HEAD IN! stupid bastards.

Anonymous (August 7, 2002)

They both did good jobs....
Rancid is better though...ha ha!

Anonymous (July 22, 2002)

Alright, All you people that say nofx is so great and the only reason this cd was good and that rancid sucks dont know what the fuck you are talking about. I agree that nofx did a better job covering rancid than rancid did nofx but come on, nofx is just another one of those bands that sounds like all the rest, they have one sound, making it easy to cover all other bands, Rancid on the other hand is talented, they arent the kind of lame ass band that covers songs by just playing 3 fucking power chords over and over again. I like both these band but theres only so much nofx you can listen to at one time. Now rancid, they have real talent and i can listen to them all day long. If anyone reads this (ill be suprised) and wants to tell me how im wrong and there right:
AIM= MxPx1141
imaposer2@hotmail

Anonymous (July 19, 2002)

the only reason this album gets a 10 is b/c NOFX is on it they make rancid songs good....Rancid makes NOFX songs sound like shit...RANCID SUX

Anonymous (July 17, 2002)

This is just a rad record. All you purists can bitch all you want. Nobody's listenin'.

SixteenBlue (July 6, 2002)

There is just no reason for this to exist. I guess if you are a super huge fan it's cool, but... agh. Words fucking fail me.

Anonymous (June 27, 2002)

I did enjoy this cd but nofx did the better job. there just the better band i guess. I would have like this cd better if it was what they were going to do in the first place it was going to be a nofx/lagwagon split and that would have been the shit could you imagian lagwagon falling in love or nofx tackling island of shame or razorburn

CallingLondon (April 11, 2002)

whoever wrote that spiderman/batman fight story is a genius. it was quite entertaining.

CallingLondon (April 11, 2002)

well i ordered this cd and vinyl the day it came out, and it arrived yesterday. a lot of you have problems with Rancid's songs, saying that they just sped through them, not putting much effort into them. well i can see how you'd say that, but i think it was just the style they were going for, since it's so different from how NoFX plays their stuff. I didn't love We're The Brews though. that one DID sound like there was no effort put into it. also, they really should have OYed the fuck out of that song. it would have been both funny and cool. I think Bob was my favorite Rancid track. NoFX's stuff i have no complaints with. they did a great job. great song selection, great performance, and the band sounded sooo tight. overall i think the cd is worth it if you like the bands. it's not just a novel disk, i think it's kind of a trailmarker in punk rock history. 7 points for this split. 10 points for both bands.

Anonymous (March 30, 2002)

this is a good album, but im looking foward to the next BIO split cd....

Anti Flag/Bouncing souls !!

choachmonkey (March 27, 2002)

this album fucking kicks ass. I thought NOFX did an especially good job. I just saw NOFX in Winnipeg (that's in Canada for you dumb fuck Americans) and they opened with Olympia, WA. It was fucking great, they whole place whent nuts. I've been listening to this album constantly for the last 3 weeks now and I can't see getting tired of it soon.

threesumpunk (March 24, 2002)

i thought the album was alright, nothing really all that special. my favorite track was radio. i expected it to be better, but oh well what can ya do?!

CallingLondon (March 22, 2002)

what the hell is skinnyhead talking about?

Anonymous (March 22, 2002)

This is a great album... really fun to listen to. I've heard people say it gets old fast, but I've been listening it for the past couple weeks and I'm still really enjoying it.

Haha, skinnyhead is a fucking moron.

Anonymous (March 19, 2002)

No matter what anyone says this is the best album in the history of music. This is not because of the music of the album, but simply because it is the foundation for the greatest tour in history. And thank God they are touring in CA. I can not wait to go to the NOFX/RANCID TOUR. And to all u who do not live in So. Cal or didn't buy tickets. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Anonymous (March 18, 2002)

It is what it is.

If you don't like it, or thought that not enough feeling was put into it...then don't buy it. It was just a stupid little CD put out for fun. It's not like it's a new release or anything. I liked em both okay. It was interesting. I will agree that Rancid wasn't as strong as NOFX which is interesting because it was Tim's idea to cover the songs. It's a fan release

Anonymous (March 16, 2002)

I think both bands didn't really take this cd too seriously, especiall Rancid. NOFX sounded like they tried to make the songs a bit different, but Rancid basically played the exact covers except for some minor changes. The only Rancid track I liked was Don't Call Me White and Vanilla Sex. I think they dropped the ball big time with the brews. Sounds like they just when in for a few days, played it a few times and were done. All in all, this is a fun cd to listen too but it gets old fast. Especially the Rancid songs.
Now that is just my opinion so don't reply that I am some 13 year old hoser because I didn't give this album 10 stars. I like both bands, but this cd could have been much better.

Anonymous (March 13, 2002)

To the little kid whose comment posted below is something a/b Rancid being a terrible band, and a/b how great NOFX is. How old are you, 11? I bet you've been a "punk" for a really long time; hmmm...like 2 weeks! If you don't like Rancid, then shut-the-hell-up and don't comment! Nobody cares if you like Rancid or Nofx or whatever! You senselessly ramble on for paragraphs, lamely attempting to make Rancid sound like amateurs. Unfortunately, you're wasting your time, b/c the only person that gives a fuck is you! You're argument is so weak, it's not even worth commently on, but thanks for all the laughs I had when I read it...
Your freedom of speech is only valid when you're not a fuckin' prick a/b it!
-NOFX/Rancid fan

Anonymous (March 12, 2002)

This album was pretty good. I liked both bands and i think that if you hate RANCId or NOFX don't fuckin buy it. and stop the bitchin about one band bein better or who is more punk. Love the music and enjoy. I like NoFX and Rancid equally but i am a big Fat Wreck fan

and fuck the guy who wrote about spidermna and batman for a fuckin page in the beginning.

Anonymous (March 12, 2002)

Quite good but felt Rancid didn't really try and hated Matts vocals on DCMW. thought NoFX took full advantage of the opportunity to mess about with the others stuff, realised they couldn't top Radio so just crazied it up. Agree that Rancid should have punked up 'the Brews' a lot more. Vanilla sex rules though. Matt Freeman is not a showoff, just fantastic. really don't understand how anyone could hate ...and out come the Wolves

to the guy below; the cd with the green cover starts with NoFX, the orange one with Rancid.

sickboi (March 12, 2002)

How old is the person before me, 13?

Anonymous (March 11, 2002)

I got to say that.. the person who wrote this review is obviously a big rancid fan.. I am big NOFX Fan :)... I only have one RANcid CD To my name.. and out come the wolves.. and I don't like it.. I think this cd clearly shows who the best band is.. NOFX Play teh songs so awesome.. and I love RAdio the reggae tune with HEFE.. singing like a jamaican or something.. ANYway NOFX Make it kick ass..and thats why i give it a 10 but... then I get to the RANCID Part of the cd .. and GEEEEEEe it sux ass I can't believe anyone would sing that shit and put it on a record.. what the hell I've never liked their voices.. but I've never heard anything worse than this.. they sound like they've just had 900 beers.. chucked up in a toilet.. and started singing with their head down the fucking toilet bowl.. AND THE BASSLINES FUCKING SUCK.. yes they are technical and harder to play.. but it's just like that guy is just trying to show off all through the fucking songs.. and it gets soo anoying.. honestly.. You don't hear HEFE trying to crank out solos while fat mike is trying to sing now do u?!?!? I thinnk that guy had got to stop trying to be a show off.. WHo cares if he can put a few extra notes in between the root notes in?!?! And then You get to the Track of Don't call me white " DO NOT CALL ME WHITE" thats right kids.. listen to those vocals.. that is the funniest thing I have ever heard.. HOW COULD ANYONE PUT THAT ON A FUCKING CD>> that is ridiculous .. sure I play it all the time.. to laugh my fucking face off at it..

So the CD is awesome
Thanks to NOFX>..

just don't listen to the last 6 tracks

RANCID U SUCK A BIG PENIS

Anonymous (March 11, 2002)

This disc is so bad, it makes me uncomfortable to listeb to it. I didn't buy, won't waste my time buying it, and won't waste a fifty cent cd to burn a copy. These bands should be ashamed of this.

Anonymous (March 11, 2002)

god! you 'punks' never change
this is a great CD by a great label with bands that i dont even like a lot but you guys/gals bitch bitch bitch.. give it a rest! you should appreciate what these bands are doing... how often to 2 'big' bands get together and work on 1 project? and, just for the record...
series 4 will have the Bouncing Souls and anti-flag

xStreetPunkx (March 9, 2002)

I haven't actually bought this album yet; I'm sorry! Anyway, I was reading the many mindless comments below, and decided that only one was worth commenting on. So here it is:
Batman could beat Spiderman to a fuckin' pulp. Even though Batman doesn't have any "super-powers," he doesn't need them. While Spiderman would swing around in circles, making kindergarten taunts and using recycled jokes, Batman would wait for just the right moment, when "Spider-fuck" had several seconds to reach the low-point of his swing. With the patience of a saint, Batman would crouch, waiting for the idiot to swing right toward him. When he did, Batman would leap just slightly to the side of "Spidey," who would not have time to change direction. Batman would then kick his [Batman's] legs out to his side and Spider-dick would slam right into them--with his ribs! With Spiderman slowed for just a second, Batman would do a forward flip, landing behind Spiderman just as he leaped up. When he did, Batman would donkey kick him in spine, before he had time to react. Again, Spiderman would land on his face; this time he'd be pretty pissed. Knowing he'd actually have to fight the Dark Knight, or be ridiculed forever, he'd lie on the alley floor, attempting to fool the Batman, but only fooling himself, instead. Obviously, since Batman can only be fooled by Catwoman (sheesh!), the Dark Knight would go along w/ Spiderman's little game, pretending to be fooled, and actually fooling the fool (Spiderman). When he got to Spidey's side, Spiderman would use his wrist-shooters and lamely attempt to catch Batman in his webbing. Of course, Spiderman's webbing would catch something, but not Batman! Then, Spidey would leap up, and yank (what he thought was the Batman) toward him, only to be hit in the face with a trash can! How, you wonder? Well, Batman, always being ready to bash bozos like Spidey, would have picked up a trash can and held it in front him, for Spiderman to catch in his webbing. (The Batman is pure genius, ladies and gentlemen!) Current Score: Batman 3, Spiderman 0.
Well, seeing as spider-ass can no longer make any stupid jokes w/ his teeth being knocked out, Batman can really concentrate on pulverizing the dinkus! Spiderman gets up, spitting out a mix of blood, teeth, and gravel. (Wait! He can't do that! Spiderman's mask doesn't have a mouth-hole! Well, kiddies, thanks to Batman, he finally does! Don't worry; everyone knows he’s that loser, Peter Parker, anyway.) Realizing that Batman's speed and mental processes are far superior to his own, little Spider-man would, for some ludicrous reason, assume he could actually compete w/ Batman's strength! Leaping up and pivoting, he stares Batman, the essence of night itself, in the face. The only sound heard is the rustling of newspaper, and the deep-throated growl of a very angry Dark Knight. Spider-man would have made the same growl, but it would probably sound more like a cat purring. You see, Spidey's voice isn't nearly as deep as Batman's, b/c he's only half the man the Dark Knight is! Spider-man, obviously never having read a Batman comic book, would do what so many mindless thugs had done before. He would rush at Batman in a blind rage yelling something stupid like, "I ain't afraid. I'll stick you!" The Dark Knight would stand defiantly in his present position, waiting for the precise moment to strike, and also try desperately to keep from laughing at the little idiot! When the douche-bag was nearly on top of him, Batman would non-chalantly side step the attack, and lock Spidey's wrist in his iron grip. As Spiderman passed, the Batman would yank his [Spiderman's] arm up behind his back, snapping it like a piece of fresh celery. Spiderman, a bull-headed idiot who would not accept defeat, would again leap up defiantly, hoping that he could beat the Batman's wicked climbing ability (and he's only human!) With the ability to only use three limbs, the idiot would shoot his web-rope high into the air, latching on to the middle of the apartment building beside the two combatants, and then use it to hoist himself to the top. Batman, admiring the bozo for his courage, softly chuckles to himself, almost feeling sorry for Spidey until he remembers that Spiderman was the crowd favorite! Determined not to let the over-rated little freak get away, Batman uses a piece of rope he finds lying near by. (He doesn't he bring any to the fight; what confidence!) Expertly tossing the lassoed (if that's a word) rope high into the night sky, it catches on an abutment on the top of the building. With the speed of a crazed tarantula (and remember, he's not the one w/ "spider powers") the Dark Knight leaps and bounds toward the full moon above, rapidly gaining on Spiderman with every vertical lunge. Seeing that he can't escape, Spiderman nearly reaches the top only to swing off the building and high into the air, right towards the greatest hero ever! Batman is caught unawares, b/c he's daydreaming a/b all the women that want him, and laughing b/c he knows that Spiderman probably gets refused for cyber-sex! Well, Batman quickly scolds himself for his Spiderman-like overconfidence, and takes his only chance to win: to desperately leap into the same suicidal swing as his foe! As the two swing toward each other at ever-increasing speeds, the camera pulls back to get a look at New York City. (Spidey even has the "home-field advantage!")
The air is clear, not a sound is heard for many miles. Everyone sleeps peacefully, w/ nothing to fear! What, this New York, how is that possible? Well, it's possible b/c every NY criminal agreed to stop their under-handed activities for 5 minutes, until Batman was done beating Spider-girl, I mean "man", into fish paste! That reminds me, aren't we forgetting something? Oh yeah, ya good-for-nothing cameraman, get back to action!
When we left our heroes they were gridlocked in a suicidal swing of death, heading straight toward each other, neither backing down! As Spider-man stared at Batman w/ his over-grown bug eyes, Batman knew he was distracted! And, with a speed and agility unequaled by man or beast, the Dark Knight choked-up on the rope, and spread his legs (ahhh, dude...) just as the Spider-freak was about to nail him in the stomach w/ his noodle legs. (Not that it would have mattered, but...) Spider-man swings right through his legs and, unable to believe what just happened, he continues to swing--right into the side of the warehouse! As the over-rated jackass is scraped off the wall w/ the Bat-spatula, Batman is officially declared the winner, gaining an incredible shutout against Spiderman, 5 to 0. And all this, without the help of the Bat-mobile, Robin, or even his utility belt! Utilizing only the resources around, and within, himself, the Dark Knight dazzled all the doubters. Also, being the good sport, Batman rushes Spider-man back to the Bat-cave to have his skeleton re-constructed! What bravado, what sportsmanship, what a guy, what a hero!
A short time later... the silhouette of a bat-like creature is projected across Gotham City, letting evil know that it's never safe from him, and letting the good know that they've got someone better than Spiderman on their side!

trolley (March 8, 2002)

What the hell's with the width of this page?

Anyway, fucking brilliant album....Vanilla Sex is unbelievable. Definitely check this out.

sickboi (March 7, 2002)

Just curious, my album starts with Rancid, was it just the promo copies sent that start with NOFX?

Anonymous (March 6, 2002)

I must say that the concept behind this album was rather poor. I am a huge fan of both bands featured, and I like the music on this disc, but the fact that it is an album full of covers really takes away from its goodness. This is a very dissapointing 3rd installment of the BYO split series. I hope the 4th installment of the BYO splits (if there is one!) is a disc of original songs.

The album is decent though, and its just for fun, if you enjoy NOFX or Rancid you won't be disappointed.

Anonymous (March 6, 2002)

I just got the album and i would just like to say that it is one of the best things i have ever heard nofx does a great covers of some of rancids classics and rancid well words cant describe how great they are on the album. I would just advise all of you who dont have it to buy it now!!!!

sickboi (March 6, 2002)

What a lot of you don't realize is that these bands are doing "their" version of the songs. For example, Rancid wouldn't normally sing "shoobity-boo" in "Bob". NOFX covers Rancid's track with their trademark brand of musical comedy. The begining of "Corazon de Oro" is fucking hilarious.

Anonymous (March 5, 2002)

Rancid seems like they didnt really try on this CD. Musically, they delivered. Especially Matt (Sticken' in my Eye is friggin' excellent). But they forget the essence of songs like "Bob" (the "shoobitty boo" part at the end is what makes the song so cool, and Rancid cut that part out) and they cut the end out of Sticken in My Eye as well. On the other hand, Tenderloin doesn't sound as good with bass chords instead of how Matt plays it.

Anonymous (March 5, 2002)

This record is completely unoriginal. It is almost worthless. Don't get me wrong, I am a very big fan of both NOFX and Rancid; this record just lacks energy, enthusiasm, originality, and all the other attributes typically associated with good "punk rock." A cover needs to be DRASTICALLY differentf from the original in order to be worthy of putting on a record. While all the songs were changed to a degree, none of them (with the exception of "Radio") is differnt enough from the original to qaulify as a worthy cover. I will acknowledge that all the songs were changed. Nofx definitely put a "nofx" twist on Rancid's songs, and the converse is also true. However this does not suffice. The standard for re-recording a piece of music should be set higher than it would be otherwise. This is particularly true when there is no inconsistency of genre between the origanal and the cover (yes, nofx and rancid are part of the same genre of music).IT is my opinion that this record falls short. I'd rather, for the most part, just listen to the original songs.

Justin

Anonymous (March 5, 2002)

I have one good question for everybody!!
Who´s the best covers??Nofx or rancid??
I prefer Nofx
Buzz And drugs for all!!

Anonymous (March 5, 2002)

Radio radio radio when I got the Nofx/rancid split cd i got a place to go!!

Anonymous (March 4, 2002)

whee!

No matter what I write, someone will bitch about it, so....

I LISTEN TO BLINK 182!! - AAAAAARGH! ...um what does that have to do with the cd being reviewed??
Almost as much as half the comments on this page. I suppose.

seek (March 4, 2002)

Well, to the person 2 comments below me. First, the site is called "punknews.org", not "punkreviews.org". Reviews are supplementary to the news, it isn't a reviews site. Secondly, you are telling people to bite their opinions whilst calling it a reviews site? Hmm... reviews without opinions--an interesting idea. Now, "what ever happened to not caring about anything?". Well, "punk" was never a-political. Most every band cares about something, whether it is themselves, the whales, or their broken hearts. "Or keeping what you care about to yourself?". Telling people to keep to themselves under the banner of punk, I'm not touching that one with Dave Thomas's dick.

Anonymous (March 4, 2002)

who ever said that rancid where crap was a fucking ass bandit coz rancid is the way punk should be

the CD is fucking rad

Anonymous (March 3, 2002)

every single one of you are the reason i'm no longer in the scene. liberals, right wingers, black pride, white pride, holier than thou pc-ers. all of you losers with an opinion thinking that you are the first to ever think of it. racisim is bad, wow what a concept.what ever happened to not caring about anything, or keeping what you care about to yourself. for the love of god, this is a review site!

Anonymous (March 2, 2002)

You guys are just a bunch of whining little bitchs. Stop trying to pick out every little things thats wrong and just fuckin enjoy the music

punky (March 2, 2002)

Firstly, I don't even wanna comment on your lame ass discussion below.Just terrible.(Well I guess I've just commented on it).
The split is ok, but not that good.
Rancid seemed to rush thru the album, like they had a plane to catch or something.NOFX is surprisingly good in covering rancid.

savesthedaypunk (February 28, 2002)

I dont understand a frikin word goose said. lol.

punksetsfire (February 28, 2002)

nicely written wyzo. couldn't have said it better.

Anonymous (February 28, 2002)

Ok, i think reviewers on this site are too friendly when it comes to rating albums. The idea of having nofx and rancid do each others songs on the same album is ill so i was looking forward to it. Then i heard the album, and i must say, it kinda sucks. Fat mike's voice is annoying as hell when he tries to do the tim impression. Its cool that they picked some of the rancid songs people really don't care about, such as corazon de oro and i am the one. Best nofx rancid cover: corozon de oro. Now on to rancid. Yo, it sounds like they rushed this shit. Moron brothers with tim singin it is funny. Bob kinda sucks, stickin in my eye: could've been the best song but where the hell is the end of the song that was in the original?? Thats the best part. Don't call me white: no comment. The brews: holy shit! they definitely droped the ball on this one! they could've made this the best fuckin cover on the album with all the oi's, gang vox, etc. But they didn't. It sounded half assed and rushed. Now onto the last rancid nofx cover: vanilla sex. Rancid did this one really good. Lars singin it is good and throwing in some dope sick girl solos in there for good measure is ill. Definitely the best one. Anyway, don't be afraid to say if something sucks shit when you feel it sucks shit. Don't go along with the crowd and say its good when you know it blows just in order to be accepted. - goose

Anonymous (February 28, 2002)

I have only one thing to say to that white power moron.....your race don't matter when you're a freakin moron.

Anonymous (February 28, 2002)

the only reson nofx does better then rancid on this c.d is cause rancid dont no how to play complete and just horible crap

Anonymous (February 27, 2002)

Is Mexican pride okay?

Anonymous (February 26, 2002)

Ah man, wizo i had exactly the same arguement on alt.white_pride or something last summer. I lost the arguement because i couldn't articulate my point (which was exactly the same point) as well as you. Kudos sir.

legaltoxic (February 25, 2002)

amen wyzo.

Anonymous (February 24, 2002)

fuck the white pride guy.

Anonymous (February 23, 2002)

that was sweet wyzo...nice job

Anonymous (February 23, 2002)

While one likes to thumb ones nose with an air of exclusivity and matter of fact paternality like a grandfather talking down to children, there is a certain amount of insecurity exhibited in every stubborn willed sucking thumb in mouth whiny retort of a quasi-intillectual.

The simple fact that anyone who wishes to 'contradict' you is not right but simply has been bludgeoned over the head with 'slavery guilt' (where you came up with that loaded term I dont know, pamphlet somewhere). So you have effectively admitted you have one opinion which will never change. You are clinically brain dead, as no mental activity is wished or desired in your noggin.

Now it is obvious from s sociological and historical point of view that slavery taking place in Africa is far different in both cultural context and method of how it is carried out. Its also a far cry to say that since Group A is doing something wrong and immoral that Group B can do the same because hey they did it first. However, whether or not the world is A-okay with slavery, the practice of slavery in the south was immoral in and of itself, not in comparison to popular ethics at the time.

As for conveniant liberals, convenience is neither something I have nor want. It is simply a matter of fact that the 'white man' if such a conveniant grouping exists created very little with a unified idea of being the white man. Even European culture is split into dozens and dozens of nationalities and mixed ethnicities. What you consider the white man is not the white man but simply the European world not including turkey and other countries sometimes included. As for their accomplishments, it is widely held that history is not as linear as we see, that things go from primitive to advance, and in fact there are cases where civilization has gone down. The white man created nothing in that he inherently as a representative of a white culture created something imbued with the value of orginating in a white culture. The creation of anything over time is chalked up to the individual, and each individual would hardly say that it was due to some background foundation like there ethnicity.

What is your definition of 'civilization' because the popular concept of democracy was made in Greece, and olive skinned folks like that. But more so, the African Kingdoms of the day were highly more organized and advanced back when we were still playing with fire. Even when the Western Europeans sailed to North America they were greeted with a more egalitarian culture than we could ever hope for.

It is not that the white man has created this world, but that the white man has simply been more attentive to itself as being this overarching group, but even the most deranged and psychotic mental asylum will show you rooms of people who believe they are the world, and whose minds are so focused on there 'self' that the outside worls and its goings ons cease to exist. So if you wish to think the same, then may I ask that you put your bedpan under your bed when your done, take your meds, and be polite to the nurse when she comes around despite the fact that you are jesus reborn.

And by the way, I lived in the south and let me tell you something, its nothing to be proud of. Hand made elvis blankets and overwieght men with no jobs eating butter out of tubs is no amazing achievement.

And since the arab world gave us the concept of zero, thank them the next time you count up the number of white achievements on your five fingers, before you listen to your rock and roll which originated in the blues and long down the lines, the songs of slave ships.

wyzo the white devil

Anonymous (February 23, 2002)

I smell a strong presence of Wesley Willis around here.
So on that note: "Suck a caribou's ass"

Anonymous (February 23, 2002)

I hate to break it to all of you convenient liberals, but the white man created the world you live in; virtually everything you are afforded and take for granted was/is created by the 'white devils'. The white race essentially created cilvilazation--both good and bad aspects. I'm sure now a half-wit will interject with "the first open-heart surgery was done by a black man; the air conditioner was invented by the black man..." That's fine. But the fact is that the white race provided the potentialities of old and contemporary. My race--your race--is something to be proud of (like every race exudes their pride). Black pride is hopeful and expressive, whereas white pride is demonic and horrid, right? Spare me you illinformed, punk rock conjecture and learn the facts. Whomsoever responds to this trying to contradict what I've declared has obviously been bludgeoned over the head one too many times with 'slavery guilt' (by the way, how many of you are privy to the current slave trade in Africa underway as we speak; blacks enslaving blacks, might I add) via the media and all of its wonderful facets. Uh-oh...I guess I broke a punk rock taboo: I like punk rock and I'm proud to be white.

seek (February 23, 2002)

How fucking stupid is it to blame the world's problems on white people. That is like blaming crime on black people. The world's problems are caused by corrupt and greedy people. Crime is caused by criminals. Get it right. Not all white people are bad, not all white people are good. The same goes for all races, and blaming a race for something or generalizing a race is retarded.

Anonymous (February 22, 2002)

kill da white man! (lol i am white)

Anonymous (February 22, 2002)

dont mind st. potpourri, he listens to rush limbaugh (really). im white, and i have no problem saying fuck the white man. our people are responsible for the majority of the problems in the world past and present.

Anonymous (February 22, 2002)

Where the hell did that comment come from Sr Potpouri?-pat41

zim_nation (February 21, 2002)

Just for the record, Spiderman could definitely kick Batman's ass.

Anonymous (February 21, 2002)

Why is it only okay to hate white people? EQUALITY does NOT mean to hate the majority and love the minority. It means EVERYONE being EQUAL.

-Sr. Potpourri

seek (February 21, 2002)

My eyes don't blink because I just sit around and watch TV all day. DeRrrR

Anonymous (February 21, 2002)

it would be great if every one just left their "punk egos" @ the door when coming in here. Are we here to give praise / criticism or here to argue about shit you wouldn't usually blink an eye at???

Anonymous (February 20, 2002)

Like --AtomicGarden-- I believe (to the surprise of absolutely no one) that NOFX did the Rancid songs better than Rancid and Rancid didn't to the NOFX tracks as well as NOFX. IT's still a semi-solid album. At least it deserves to be downloaded. www.audiogalaxy.com

seek (February 20, 2002)

Normal ones... not genital warts... right?

seek (February 20, 2002)

My penis has all these bumps on them, but I am sure they are just warts... right?

Anonymous (February 19, 2002)

Hey I like this. Surely i'm not the only person who heard FM taking the piss out of Matt Freeman's bass playing on the end of tenderloin? Funny.

Anonymous (February 19, 2002)

I agree-oldpunker-

Anonymous (February 19, 2002)

I actually wasn't referring in any way to your post oldpunker. I was merely commenting on those elitists in this scene that feel the need to express a "punker than thou" persona. If someone truly hates Rancid and NOFX, then fine. But if someone chooses to dislike them to add to their punk credibility, then they're nothing but a fucking poser and discredit to the music.

Anonymous (February 19, 2002)

I am not talking to you sickboi,the penis below you-oldpunker-sorry

Anonymous (February 19, 2002)

As you can see below me,there is always
one dick in the bunch-oldpunker-
ps-and you would know about hot topic
wouldnt you. Oh,and does mommy pay for your pants too?

sickboi (February 19, 2002)

Shindo, I'm hurt that I wasn't mentioned. Let me think of something to say, ummm.... Spawn could kick Batman's ass? (Actually, the DC version of the crossover Batman wins, but the Image version Batman has to use toys, Spawn whips ass with devil magic, anyone else notice how much they have Batman calling people "punks" in the image version?)

Anonymous (February 19, 2002)

Hmmmm....I just don't feel quite punk enough today. I know! I'll trash two punk bands that I deem to be way too mainstream for my tastes. Then, I'll throw out a list of obscure punk bands that people should be listening to. But not too many, cause then I'd have to stop listening to them as well. Damn, I feel much better! Hey mom, have you seen my bondage pants from Hot Topic?

seek (February 19, 2002)

Actually, I was sticking up for wyzo, not that he needed it. Some idiot criticized wyzo's use of an analogy to skrewdriver, and then said how he (the idiot) was improving all of our writing skills, while making several fundamental writing errors.

adam (February 19, 2002)

Ooh Ohh! I wanna argue too!

Ok, answering a few comments here...
- Yes, "Radio" is more dub reggae then ska.

- Oops, Fat Mike is singing a line from Youth Bridade.

- to Wyzo: When I said documenting the punk scene, I didn't mean to say it generalized the punk scene. I was saying that these are two bands that in the last ten years have been very successful punk bands. Since they are covering each other’s songs from that ten-year period, since Fat Mike is doing the writing and since Tim Armstrong is doing the art, I saw it as a 'document'. That is not to summarize the whole punk scene; it just paints a picture of this one small aspect of it.

- To Moldy: Batman could whip Spiderman's ass with one arm broken (not the George Clooney Batman however, he and his nipples would loose.. I'm thinking more like Frank Miller's Batman).

- To Wyzo: Independent comics are better, but no one would get my analogy if I compared Cerebus and the Filler Bunny.

- To Seek/Wyzo: Relax, you and Wyzo are two of the most vocal and articulate readers around here, don't petty argue with each other...

Anonymous (February 19, 2002)

This album is great. Most fun CD I've heard in a long time. - bigjerk

seek (February 19, 2002)

Hmm... that was to the anonymous shithead who wrote: "Why not just say written for the fans and leave the rest off it would have made alot more sense. Now it looks like your are trying to save face and be pc by distancing yourself from racists.

just helping out all our writting skills around here "

seek (February 19, 2002)

So you want to help out all our "writting skills" around here? Well, you can start by polishing up yours. For example, you may want to say "you are" or "you're" instead of "your are". You might want to capitalize the acronym "PC". You may want to put "written for the fans" in quotes. You may want to put a comma after "leave the rest off". You may want to realize that "alot" is not a word. Finally, it is spelled "writing", not "writting". OK, now that your writing skills are polished up, how about that old intelligence factor? Well, you could start by realizing that wyzo made the most intelligent comment I've seen around here in a while, and he had no reason to "save face". He did nothing that was PC. He took a shitty record from a shitty band and said that the band made the record "for the fans", so "it must be good". Taking an obviously shitty album like that simply strengthens his argument that something made "for the fans" doesn't render it good. Now, please continue with your pitiful existence.

wyzo (February 19, 2002)

"Why not just say written for the fans and leave the rest off it would have made alot more sense. Now it looks like your are trying to save face and be pc by distancing yourself from racists. "

In particular, I just really really hate skrewdriver. So it was way past distancing from there stupid views, but the whole band. There just so very very bad.

And Spiderman would not be beaten by batman, except if its the new movie spiderman thats coming out. Hes fucking weak. And I have a spiderman tattoo, so really, Im a little pissed off they got tobey maguire.

The scarlet spiders the best though so what difference does it make. And independent comics are so much better ( walkie talkie, cerebus, etc.)

wyzo

AtomicGarden (February 19, 2002)

Well I've always thought that Rancid has vocals that sound like a suffering mule or other farm animal... so excuse me score. I like the first half though, NOFX really did turn some Rancid songs into really interesting musical adventures! har!

moldy (February 19, 2002)

i think batman could whip spiderman's ass with a belt

Anonymous (February 19, 2002)

to wyzo
"Am I going to say the new skrewdriver disc 'fuck the jews' is a good record just because it was written for the fans of which im a part of(which realistically of course im not)?"

Why not just say written for the fans and leave the rest off it would have made alot more sense. Now it looks like your are trying to save face and be pc by distancing yourself from racists.

just helping out all our writting skills around here