LOVE this album! If you do not, oh, well--that's YOU!

I love how people bash Tim's vocals yet slobber over Matt's like they get some sort of punx points for loving Matt. Matt deserves about 1 verse per album AT MOST. He has the worst voice I have ever heard, and yes - that includes Tim.

Finally got around to getting this. Read about 1/3 of the bickering and got bored. Love this album. That is all.

Still THEE most influential punk veterans of the 90s-00s! Love every track on Dominos!

Rancid's most godawful album to date. Since when does the best 90s punk act on Epitaph sing upbeat tunes about joy and acceptance? As an old man once put it, bullpucky. I seriously regret buying this album; Indestructible wasn't this bad.

Honestly the only Rancid album that I don't like. I know a lot of people shit on Indestructable, but I actually thought that was a great album. But we had to wait six years to get :Let the Dominoes Fall?? I'm more interested in the Transplants upcoming album at this point than I am about Rancid.

East Bay Night and Up to No Good are the only songs I enjoyed on this record.

imo their first flop. the rest of them are all pretty good

The "Boom shacka lackalackalackalackalackalacka Boom" in L.A. River is too much.

Wow. real original cover art. havnt seen that before. the single worst aspect of this band other than the slurring retard vocal style and the psuedo gay relationship between the members (how many times do we need to hear how much you love your bandmates and theyre like "your brothers"), is the fact that this band holds so much clout in the punk scene. why?

sorry but i just love this album, along with all their others

I think the review is a little harsh on the album. Its definitely their weakest attempt at an album, but the review makes it seem like it is unbearable. You can still get a few decent spins out of it, its just not one of those albums thats gonna be played on your turntable/cd player/ipod very often. And theres nothing wrong with that either, but at the same time, this album took 6 years to make, and within that time you would of thought it would of been WAY better. But then again, I guess you could say Indestructible was an omen of this. I definitely agree that Tim sounds extremely bored on many of the tracks and that it could of been a little better if we had some more Matt bass stuff.

Score is for the review and album.

dont know if i should give this a try

On the first few listens I thought that this was Rancid by numbers and the lyrics a little embarrassing ('boom, shack a lacka....' & 'no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no...') BUT after repeated listening it is clear that Rancid have not lost their knack of writing fantastically catchy tunes with soaring choruses. I understand that people get upset when a band makes it big as I missed out on a lot of good stuff when I was younger because I thought bands had 'sold out' by being popular. Get over it - this is without doubt one of 2009's highlights!

im sorry but u guys r 1 of my favorites but this is one of your worst albums its been almost 10 yearts since youve brought a complete punk rock album

Ignoring the poor quality of writing, this review doesn't do the album justice. I do not agree that Out Come the Wolves is the greatest representation of Rancid's catalog, or that "Up to No Good" is anything but a formulaic "ska-by-numbers"; its hardly "toe taping." This album isn't their strongest effort, or their most consistent but it goes back to their roots enough (fifteen years is a long time for a punk band) with punk tracks, blends in enough organ and "oozin' ahhs" to appease the radio crowd and really does step up lyrically once again. It could use more Matt Freeman, but that's besides the point.

Great album.

This is the first time, read a review about lyrics being poor because of where the album can be purchased... That's even more bizarro than homeboy speaking for me, saying people need to love america or leave it... You know what's worse, is how many folks download this stuff without paying for it. If people didn't do that there would be record stores around, and wal-mart wouldn't be the only place to shop. It's easy to steal when nobody can see it..

Fidel, I literally just got back from buying this at Wal-Mart, but I haven't listened to it yet.

I'm only familiar with Let's Go! and a little of Wolves. And the songs Indestructable and Fall Back Down from Indestructable.

Despite popular consensus, I enjoyed Indestructible. There are some good songs on that album. There are some weak tunes too but overall, not bad.

This album is great. A few of the songs remind me of LWW which is my favorite Rancid album.

Actually I think Lars is kind of a douche.

To follow up to my last comment on this review I have now listened to the album and have to say that while it doesn't quite grab me like their earlier material it's by no means worthy of 2 stars.

See now you've made some sense, Fidel.

Here is my final reason why this record is sub-par: the lyrics to "This Place" are as follows - "The land of liberty has been betrayed by the monster corporations, the monster won't stop till it lays waste to everything."

Good lyrics here in this song, but wait a minute doesn't Wal-Mart count as a monster corporation.......hmmmm........ they definitely are among the biggest corporations in the entire world. Wal-Mart and their business practices have been extensively written about and there are several good documentaries on Wal-Mart's atrocious business behavior. But let me see now......Wal-Mart is selling copies of the brand new Rancid album and Wal-Mart has never sold any other Rancid albums before. But I guess this is not lyrical hypocrisy at all. As long as the "monster" corporations are on your side then I guess it is all good to the wood.

Remember the propagandistic slogan: "Save money = Live Better."
Follow the link and see what happens

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1 1039208

This review is pretty mediocre and falls into that general reviewer's trap of lots of words and sentences that don't flow with each other. Vocabulary words are fine if you use them judiciously to make a point; but if you read it out loud and it sounds screwy it probably reads screwy in something like a record review. The whole thing could use to be more concise and conversational in general.

More importantly than that shit, though I find it pretty likely that this guy's right. I got nothing out of Indestructible and pretty much felt like I wasted my time and money buying and listening to it repeatedly looking for something to like before finally selling the thing back to the record store. Rancid blending all their old styles together with a bunch of weak songs wasn't only a bad album, it made me like their old stuff less for a while. I didn't even bother to follow the timeline of this coming out because I pretty much wrote this band's future off after that. Even people with generally respectable opinions who like this album are comparing a lot of it to Indestructible and honestly that makes me skeptical that it's worth it to give this band a second try.

I think every reviewer has done their share of arguing with a disgruntled commenter. But chill out.

To: Rue

Your assurances are worthless, so please be 100% accurate before you accuse me of doing something I did not do. I could not have posted any messages on Amazon.com because: 1. you have to actually purchase a single item from Amazon.com before you can review anything 2: I live in Canada and we have a different Amazon website that is separate from Amazon.com, 3. I have never purchased anything from Amazon.com in my life, and 4. I bought my vinyl album from a local independent record store owner, because I still believe in that. Thanks for the concern, and If I do have the chance to meet Lars I will not be some sniveling child that bows down and kisses his rings, he is only a musician. I will be an honest and forthright 30 year old self-respecting individual that asks him adult questions. Lars is not the boogey-man, he is a guitarist and one that I respect tremendously. I just happen to dislike this album.

This is a pretty damn awesome record in my book. I was going to list my favourite songs on this record, but then realised that I'd been listing almost all of them. The only track I tend to skip is "LA River" due to the cringeworthy "boom-shakalaka"-stuff that Matt burps out.

Fiidell Castro, I'm pretty sure you are the guy who ripped the new album on Amazon.com. When you meet Lars at the show, make sure you tell him this. I'm sure he'll love to hear it.

Goddamn man it's good fuckin punk music. Just because it isn't catered to your politics you bitch like a little school girl. RELAX.

No fallingupwards. You're wrong.
wrongwrongwoernononrognowronf
werong
wrongronpaulwrong

Nationalist believe that their country and culture is somehow superior to others. You can love your country and culture without believing that it is intrinsically superior to others; I'm pretty sure thats where Rancid is coming from here.

"I've listened to this a few times now and it's almost as forgettable as Indestructible. All the guys just sound bored, the lyrics are totally hollow, and Tim's drawl has become a parody of itself. There's maybe 3 songs here that I actually like and the rest is just throwaway. I'm amazed it took 6 years to put this out."

This should have been the review, besides calling Indestructible worse... that album is far better than this one, but still not amazing by any means. Nor is any of this band's work. I like Life Won't Wait...

You can love your country without being defined as the extreme, a nationalist. There's a huge difference between someone who loves their country and a nationalist. A nationalist has to love their country, but a country lover doesn't have to be a nationalist.

Really fun record. I ain't about to read all the comments below though. Fuck all that.

Anarchists are stupid.

We agree to disagree on the politics of this album, I have my stance and I am currently in a "grey" area about the album and its lyrical suggestions. I am going to see Rancid next Monday and if I can get a chance to meet the guys then I will ask them personally. I am a Rancid fan and this album is disappointing and there is no grey area to that reality. I will leave it at that.

"Example: a nationalist, i.e. a super-patriot, (which I agree is not politically helpful in 2009) comes from the "love it or leave it" school of political rhetoric.

That is CLEARLY not what's happening here. A super-patriot wouldn't admit to being disconnected or having major problems with the gov't spying, lying, torturing, manipulating media. If these were to advance the super-patriot's country at the expense of all other countries, in fact, the super-patriot would be IN FAVOR of these things.

Finally, the words of unity that Rancid has always included fly in the face of the true nationalist's "my country #1" attitude.

So yeah, you're an idiot. Or being intentionally shallow in your analysis. I hope for your intelligences sake it's the latter."

Fucking A. Well said and exactly what I was trying to express earlier. A nationalist would feel absolutely no disconnection from the country right now (especially in regards to the war), only certainty, arrogance and pride.

Stop referring to Nihilism as your point of contradiction. Nihilism is simply a song about Tim living at the bottom of a bottle and having no regard for his own well being - only walking a path of self destruction.

Reading all this bickering and arguing is as boring and aggravating as listening to the album itself.

Example: a nationalist, i.e. a super-patriot, (which I agree is not politically helpful in 2009) comes from the "love it or leave it" school of political rhetoric.

That is CLEARLY not what's happening here. A super-patriot wouldn't admit to being disconnected or having major problems with the gov't spying, lying, torturing, manipulating media. If these were to advance the super-patriot's country at the expense of all other countries, in fact, the super-patriot would be IN FAVOR of these things.

Finally, the words of unity that Rancid has always included fly in the face of the true nationalist's "my country #1" attitude.

So yeah, you're an idiot. Or being intentionally shallow in your analysis. I hope for your intelligences sake it's the latter.

Rabble rabble rabble America!
Rabble rabble rabble nationalism!
Rabble rabble rabble pick up change!

Ugh, you're an idiot.

Black or white, huh? No room for grey? Guess not.

My statement was not "dumb." You might not agree but that does not make it "dumb." My statement is both smart and true. Here is a quick overview of what "nationalism" means.

Nationalism is defined: national spirit, devotion and loyalty to one's own nation, ethnicity; patriotism and/or excessive patriotism; chauvinism. The desire for national advancement or independence. The policy or doctrine of asserting the interests of one's nation (not necessarily country or state) viewed as separate from the interests of other nations. Finding an identity within the nation, etc, etc, etc, blah , blah, blah.

Therefore making a clear statement such as "disconnected from the country (nation) I love" is another way of saying I am disappointed with the way my country/nation, whom I love, is heading. Thus, saying that "I love my country/nation" is a nationalist statement. This is a nationalistic sentiment because if you were nihilistic or anarchistic you would not care about the "nation" and where it was/is heading. If you were an anarchist or a nihilist you would be politically indifferent to save the nation from being destroyed.

Rancid is likely talking about the USA in the song "Disconnected", considering that they are an American band. "Disconnected from the country I love" - is this statement a nationalistic statement? In my mind it is, prove me wrong.

Agreed. I fucking love Indestructible.
"Red Hot Moon", "Tropical London", "Roadblock", "Indestructible", "Spirit of '87", "David Courtney", "The Other Side", "Travis Bickle", "Django".... all great fucking songs.
It's not as good as Let's Go, ...And Out Come The Wolves, or Life Won't Wait, but I definitely prefer it to both self-titled albums.

Indestructible gets WAY too much crap.

I back this 100%. Such a great album.

Agreed. I fucking love Indestructible.
"Red Hot Moon", "Tropical London", "Roadblock", "Indestructible", "Spirit of '87", "David Courtney", "The Other Side", "Travis Bickle", "Django".... all great fucking songs.
It's not as good as Let's Go, ...And Out Come The Wolves, or Life Won't Wait, but I definitely prefer it to both self-titled albums.

Indestructible gets WAY too much crap.

Not great, but enough with the Indestructible hate. That was a pretty decent album.

I love it, gets better and better with each listen, and with all the shit talkers, I'll just say I feel fortunate to understand the band and the way the do their music, and the things they say.

Some of you just don't seem to get it and argue over it too much.

i wish lars would beat the shit outta this reviewer...
FAG !!!

I hope Lars beats the shit out of you, you homophobic prick!!!! :o

I've listened to this a few times now and it's almost as forgettable as Indestructible. All the guys just sound bored, the lyrics are totally hollow, and Tim's drawl has become a parody of itself. There's maybe 3 songs here that I actually like and the rest is just throwaway. I'm amazed it took 6 years to put this out.

Sailornate- don't stop writing reviews. You could definitely cool out on the thesaurus and write shorter reviews, but look at these responses. That's success.

this review would have had a thousand responses no matter who wrote it. your suggestion is like telling Michael Jackson to not stop being weird--because look at all the press he gets! this review is terrible--only good if you consider sounding like an idiot is a success.

Stating that you "love your country" is probably the highest nationalistic statement that a citizen can make

Dumbest statement I've read on this site

I think a lot of you guys are taking this nationalism thing way too fucking far.
In my mind, being nationalistic falls along the lines of blindly supporting your country no matter what the circumstances and not having the ability to objectively view your country as rigtht or wrong. It's undying support.
Rancid is not doing this. Simply stating that this is a great country or that this is a country you love does not equal support for the government. Much of the lyrics, I believe, are referring to physical beauty of the countryside that is experienced on tour and the spirit of the common man. The spirit and ideals of our country are romanced, not our country's current state. If that was the case, this wouldn't be an ablum that is clearly anti-war.
As far as "Bravest Kids" go, again, it's being scrutinized to death. They're not calling anyone not participating in the war a coward. I think their simply saying that some poor bastard who enlisted at 18 (either for love of country, not having a better option in life or because he/she didn't know better) is exhibiting a level of bravery being over there with their life on the line everyday. Just my take, and for it's worth, I'm anti-war.
Lastly, the more I listen to this album, the more I fucking love it. I remember listening to AOCTW and wondering "What the fuck is this?", due to the fact that I was expecting more of a "Let's Go" effort. That album quickly became a favorite and so has this one. I respect the fact that Rancid keeps me on my toes vs. mailing it in like Pennywise or NOFX, which never seem to surprise. At least they don't generate albums that people are indifferent about. There's debate and that's a good thing.
Mr. Kenzington

crackpotdemagogue, those statements in regards to the middle class are actually exactly in keeping with my statement. They're the embodiment of the false republican projected image of the "working class" (see Joe the plumber, or Sara Palin), where a group of people pretend not only to be middle class but extremely middle class to the point of competition. All the while they have no idea what the working class needs.

Additionally, letting the bombs fall and having no control is in reference to the violence that existed in the middle east before America ever got there. It's not our job to police the world and in turn we should let them sort it out. The sense of powerlessness is more a statement of how the government would like the common man to feel. If you feel jaded and cynical you relinquish your right to choose and when you do so, the power becomes concentrated in a smaller group of special interest people, something that occurred with the election of both Nixon and Bush II (Tying the themes together again).
-Dante

Are we listening to the same album, everyone?!? I dont know what you haters are on about. Another great release from a great band. And the review was fine.

This album is as terrible as the review itself.

I'm on my third listen and it's definitely growing on me.

The acoustic cd is almost better...

I haven't watched the DVD yet because (like most if us I think) I can't stand that stupid fucking grainy black and white shit (get over yourself Tim, you're pretty shitty when it comes to the visual arts).

This is the worse review I've ever read. Seriously!

"Dominoes Falling" is abut loss of control and I agree with that statement, it does make sense when actually reading the lyrics. But what about nationalism, someone said that there is no nationalism in the lyrics. 'Disconnected' clearly states that "I am disconnected from the country I love." Stating that you "love your country" is probably the highest nationalistic statement that a citizen can make, what else is there to say. Rancid makes this statement very clear. Again on "L.A. River" the writer chooses to call the USA - "this great old nation." These are nationalist sentiments, are they not? I am not saying that Rancid is die-hard nationalist writers but these are statements that have never appeared on any previous Rancid records. But here they are.

One last thing, back to the "Bravest Kids", which also has strong nationalistic statements. The song is clearly about the War in Iraq and Afghanistan (check the lyrics). Rancid states that "the bravest kids I know, are the ones that got to go, fighting over there (Iraq and Afghanistan)." Are the bravest kids in North America really the ones that are fighting in the war? This would mean that all other kids are not as brave by default, or are cowards. I have to strongly disagree with this lyric. Bravery is the wrong word to use in the song. Many people are directly opposed to the war and they are consciously opposed to leaders that send them to war for no good reason, this does not make them lesser citizens or cowards.

Dante--you just blew my mind grapes.

Dante, your interpretation of the album's title is incredible... mainly because is so ridiculously far fetched!

The content of the album spends more time dealing with self-congratulation and condescending references to "working class culture" ("we're the kings of a lower-class block" on 'I Aint Worried'...says it all) than any overt commentary on America's consistently idiotic foreign policy.

I think what is implied by 'Let The Dominoes Fall' is a fatalistic acceptance of being (feeling) powerless. I think he's saying "fuck it, what can I do? ... let the dominoes fall...". Look at the lyrics on the track 'Dominoes Fall' and you'll see what I mean: "Hey ho, let the bombs blow, let the dominoes fall I aint got control / I don't control my destiny, wake me up to reality," and again on "Damnation" when he pessimistically and resolutley sings that "the whole worlds gone to hell".

i wish lars would beat the shit outta this reviewer...
FAG !!!

3 days in and this album is definitely growing on me. I'm actually embarassed how much I like Last One To Die - I hated the song at first and although I still think the lyrics are dumb, that song is fucking catchy!

Sailornate- don't stop writing reviews. You could definitely cool out on the thesaurus and write shorter reviews, but look at these responses. That's success.

I think you can pick up the political sentiment by the name of the album. It clearly relates to the theory that surrounded much of the Vietnam war (the Domino Theory), that if we let Vietnam fall to the communists the rest of Asia and Europe would fall as well.
Currently, we are in a similar war in the Middle East, where the prevailing sentiment is that if we let Iraq or Afghanistan fall then the rest of the area will follow. Rancid is saying, "it didn't happen then, it won't happen now, we're spending billions of dollars and killing thousands of people for a belief that was disproved 30 years ago."

Likewise it calls into question the idea of how far we have actually progressed as a nation and our very ideas of "the enemy" and what it means to be "safe".
Bam, I just blew your mind.
-Dante

Never really liked this band except for the self titled 2000 album which rips.
Don't want to hear this album, don't want to be associated with mindless retards like eazy2d who seem to think that any opinion other than one which matches their own is wrong. Narrow minded spastic - you can keep Rancid all for your 'I'm so punk' self.
(eazy2d:"reviewer should go fuck himself back to the indie emo faggot shit and fuck off of rancid CUNt!")

I am stunned by this review!

This album is spectacular. Half way through it I thought it was alright but around song 12, 13 they really hit their stride and then ride it home right through the finish!

I was listening to it in the car with my dad and we were scoring all the songs and I think we each gave the last five or six songs 10's!

Let me be clear- I don't care if you don't like the record, but to suggest that their lyrics are "nationalistic" and not political, that's just frickin' weird.

If you want them to be Propagandhi, well, that's never gonna happen. "Lady Liberty" one of their best songs, IS super political, but it was unique. Usually they use metaphor (see "New Dress" about eastern Europe).

Wow, do I really have to do this? Have you never interpreted lyrics before?

"Disconnected"- Disconnected and it ain't black and white/disconnected there's a sword through the dove/disconnected from the country I love

war/violence is killing chances for peace & unity
I am alienated from my country, from my government

"Liberty & Justice"- Police state upon us/prepare to collide/they're gonna keep you down/step on your neck/can't move no more/the weapon of their choosing is censorship and war...
If your ideas are suspect/ now you're in contempt/report to the committee / no one is exempt/and the zealots and crusaders/ they can't justify/with threats and intimidation designed to terrify

Police brutality, government surveillance (hint: gov't wiretaps have been HUGE news for the past 5 years dude)
Implementation of censorship & manipulation of the press (see: runup to Iraq war, Colin Powell's presentation to the U.N., bald lies from Cheney's office about aluminum tubes, weapons of mass destruction, smoking gun = mushroom cloud. The use of fear to push partisan politics- see attempts to link Iraq w/ Al Queda.

"If you're not with us you're against us." Intimidation of dissenters, enforcement of conformity at the government and/or official level (police, committee).

Also- these are just the 2 songs I heard political lyrics to, I haven't gone through the entire record.

Of an half vocabulary having to extensive when it knowing is.

Half of having an extensive vocabulary is knowing when to use it.

Dude, I am just talking about Rancid and where they are now and where they came from - politically speaking; which is one of the biggest reasons I listen to Rancid to this day. Just check out the lyrics from their past albums over 20 years and read them carefully (especially 'Life Won't Wait') because the Rancid writers are quite intelligent and are often insightful, socially and politically speaking. But this "Dominoes" record is too vague and purposefully nationalistic.

The 'War on Terror' and Iraq takes the central stage (Due to Greg Armstrong's 1 year duty in Iraq - Tim's brother) and that is fine, in fact it is a great topic to write a record about, but my question is this - what the fuck is Rancid saying on this record? My answer from reading the lyrics is this - nothing relevant about the War. Rancid makes no great insights about the war, civilians going to war, casualties, politics, etc, even though the War is the biggest lyrical item on the album (if you do not believe me then read the lyrics carefully). Rancid takes no stand other than being "disconnected from the country I love" whatever that means, Tim only knows. One last thing "The Bravest Kids" contains a very questionable message in the lines - "the bravest kids I know, are the ones that got to go, fighting over there (Iraq and Afghanistan)." Bravery is an Interesting word to use, do you not think so?

Also, not to pick a part your about me, but being a political science major, you must have high expectations. But that's it -- not everyone has the knowledge to put together their views in such an articulate way.

The song "Nihilism" wasn't a political song...

Hope this is the first and last review from you. Almost every other music site have this album at least 3 stars, so...you're an idiot.

Nihilism is a rejection of all political/social/religious belief.

You really oversimplified there.

"Fidel Castro"---who gives a shit, man. It's good music. If you want more politics, go watch cable news.

I love Dominoes more with each listen.

I's worth noting that the average user rating of this album is 4 stars out of five. You'll be able to see those scores on the beta site (http://beta.punknews.org/review/8

Aubin totally jinxed it. Shade over 3 now...

"The main theme of the album is the failed 'War on Terror' and the 'War in Iraq' but still Rancid somehow manages to make no actual political stances on a single war issue. Nationalistic sentiments are ripe throughout this album and this is new for Rancid... There are so many relevant social and political issues to write about but Rancid falls short."

Wait, you say you've been listening this record for how long? Here's some lyrics from 2 of the songs:

In response:

I have been listening to this album for 2 weeks now and the song is actually called "Liberty and Freedom." Again, what are the actual issues that Rancid is rallying against in these songs, I can't find any. Name the issues Rancid is speaking about, if you can?

The nationalistic sentiments are overt in this record and "Disconnected " is a perfect example of this. What happened to nihilism? Nihilism and nationalism are two separate political stances. For instance, a person cannot say they "love their country" and believe in its dominant values and still be called a nihilist. Nihilism is a rejection of all political/social/religious belief. Last time I checked Rancid had a song called "Nihilism."

"The main theme of the album is the failed 'War on Terror' and the 'War in Iraq' but still Rancid somehow manages to make no actual political stances on a single war issue. Nationalistic sentiments are ripe throughout this album and this is new for Rancid... There are so many relevant social and political issues to write about but Rancid falls short."

Wait, you say you've been listening this record for how long? Here's some lyrics from 2 of the songs:

"Disconnected"- Disconnected and it ain't black and white/disconnected there's a sword through the dove/disconnected from the country I love

"Liberty & Justice"- Police state upon us/prepare to collide/they're gonna keep you down/step on your neck/can't move no more/the weapon of their choosing is censorship and war...
If your ideas are suspect/ now you're in contempt/report to the committee / no one is exempt/and the zealots and crusaders/ they can't justify/with threats and intimidation designed to terrify

Shit, meant to give that an 8.

This is a good summer album. Not their best, of course, but still an enjoyable listen. So far I enjoy it more than Indestructible, which I enjoy. If I could change one thing though, I'd add more Lars.

Acoustic album is awesome, too.

Score is for the overwrought & verbose review. Half of having an extensive vocabulary is knowing when to use it.

The record is really really good. Even the song that some of you guys hate, "I Ain't Worried," sounds good to me. The song writing is much more consistent than "Indestructible" & the production is extremely good even when jumping from genre to genre.

I am still ASTONISHED that muthafuckin' BOOKER T is on "Up To No Good!" That beats out the Jim Carroll guest spot from AOCTW for sure.

Haven't gotten to the acoustic record yet.

Score is for the album. I give the review a 2 cause it has words and opinion in it. Good God that was a tough read.

Maybe if Tim sang in an octave that was higher and louder than his fucking speaking voice, this stuff would sound better.

"...puttered into parody...
genuine musical progression...
artistically-weakened lyrics...
conscientious self-appraisal...
lack the creative energy and fervor...
narcissistic appraisal of the band’s longevity...
ego-filled boisterousness...
enervated...
put forth more effort into sounding like a punk rock group as opposed to doing it naturally...
unintended parody...
diminished musical significance...
musical zeal was palpable...
stagnate in seemingly continual prosaicness...

For the hardened fan, this is all rather disquieting."

Translation: Rancid ain't keeping it real! No self-respecting Rancid fan should like this!

What a load of sound and fury.

Hey! Ho! This album blows, Let the Dominoes Fall, Matt Freeman's voice is a shower of gold.

That is the original lyric that was recorded on that song. Little known factoid.

They are entitled to speak their minds in any way the want to---at the same time, just as they are entitled to bash the album, I'm entitled to bash their arrogant review.

So in your opinion, any review that isn't positive must be "arrogant"?

i have heard only a few songs from this record thus far, i must say that what i've heard, i have enjoyed. With that said, I am in no position to review this record. However, the review i just read comes off like a bitter ex girlfriend with a thesaurus and an empty bottle of wine. Did Tim Armstrong not throw you a pick after a show or something? Take your own advice and get over yourself dude. In the words of the great Ralph Barbieri :“Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.”

Sure, this isn't their best, but its still Rancid & its pretty fucking good! Its all I have been listening to for the past several days & gets better with each spin. For the rookie reviewer "Sailornate" to remark that Rancid has to put forth more effort to sound like a punk band is ludicrous & just plain bullshit!!

I'm not drunk and I'm 28, so I guess I'll take the "bit silly" option.

I just don't like cynical review critics passing off their opinion as fact. They are entitled to speak their minds in any way the want to---at the same time, just as they are entitled to bash the album, I'm entitled to bash their arrogant review.

I really like this Rancid CD. It'll be the soundtrack of the summer for me and my brother.

I've now had the chance to listen to this a few times now, and it kinda sucks. I think it has it's place up north at the cottage or something but it really is lacking that proverbial punch. Boom shakalakalaka Boom!

I tried to like it but I couldn't. The record completely lacks the energy. I would even say that Indestructible was better, because it had at least one kick-ass song (Out of Control). This album has none. Sad.

2/5

i havent even heard this album yet so i read the review first..but the reviewer is a fuckwit.

Rue, I can't work out if you are a drunk, a naive teenager, or just a bit silly.

You acknowledge that punk rock is "about thinking for yourself" yet you are having a go at someone for doing exactly that. The purpose of a review is to maintain a critical distance -- It would be boring just reading sycophantic praise, wouldn't it?

The guy is hardly "bashing bands for kicks" he is making valid criticisms that totally stand up to scrutiny.

If you don't like it I would suggest that you a) write your own worship-esque review or that you b) direct your confused anger elsewhere.

reviewer should go fuck himself back to the indie emo faggot shit and fuck off of rancid CUNt!

Nice album cover, brah.

i threw up a little bit... but i've never been able to stand tim armstrong, lars fredrickson, and they're "look how punk we are" style.

Maybe I just genuinely don't care that much for Rancid overall. Granted, I love the shit out of certain songs they do. Corazon de Oro is probably one of my all-time favorites. And there are others, whatever. But I don't know, what I heard from this album seemed like they were just taking stereotypical Rancid hooks and recycling them. I know we should be bitching about bands like A Day to Remember and All Time Low at times like these, but I think that our leaders should be putting a little more effort into giving the shitty scene something to fight against. We're like giving music to Brokencyde and that's wrong... Supporting Caste still kicks ass. I also didn't dislike C I V A L W A R or 21st Century Breakdown, for that matter. Some parts of Coaster could have been better, but Best God in Show is fucking classic.

It's a fun record. It's not the best Rancid album, but it's a great soundtrack for the summer. This album shows how much punk can be fun.

damn straight, this record is killing it. polished, whatever, i can just hear the lisp and drawl in tim's voice that much better. i love it!

"It is about thinking for yourself, but the music and people come together because of one reason: PUNK MUSIC."

I worded this wrong. . more like the artists and the fans.

It is about thinking for yourself, but the music and people come together because of one reason: PUNK MUSIC...the artists, the fans, the music----.come together as one and are a family. (not in the truest sense, obviously.) I don't consider cynical little pricks who bash bands on the internet for kicks part of that unity and family.

That's my opinion. I don't have a crew. So that little argument you were trying a hot minute ago ain't workin either.

thanks.

Goddamn... I love garlic.

Meets or exceeds previous expectations. Very happy with the ska-stuff on here. Sounds great.

The review was pretty "meh".

It's a solid album all the way through. Some of the catchiest stuff the band has ever written.

Despite all the negativity I've heard about this album (especially on this site), I have to say I really really like this album on first listen. It's more like Life Won't Wait than anything.

I have been a Rancid fan for the past 14 years and I am now 30, I was eagerly awaiting this record and I was lucky to get an advanced vinyl copy (which I paid 30$ for) from a local record store owner. I have to say that this record is sub-par in all its sonic and lyrical qualities. I have never given Rancid (or their solo records) a bad review in my entire life because I personally feel that they have never released bad music but this new record is very weak, in my opinion. First off, I love Lars' voice and he only sings 1 full song and Matt Freeman gets way too much time to sing. Matt cannot sing at all but on this record he sings for what seems like an eternity of time. Tim carries the whole record but still his lyrics are weak and they feel rushed, which is odd since he had 5 years to write this album. The main theme of the album is the failed 'War on Terror' and the 'War in Iraq' but still Rancid somehow manages to make no actual political stances on a single war issue. Nationalistic sentiments are ripe throughout this album and this is new for Rancid since they have released songs in the past that have advocated for nihilism mixed in with modern American disillusionment ('Lady Liberty', 'Nihilism,' etc...). What happened is my question? There are so many relevant social and political issues to write about but Rancid falls short. Most of the album revolves around Greg Armstrong's (Tim's brother) 1 year stint in Iraq. I have no problems with being worried about your brother's safety but writing nearly an entire record based on his experience is disappointing. Rancid needs to rebound from this record and it better not take another 5 fucking years. They could have written, recorded, and released this record in 5 weeks. I'm out.

God help me, I like it.

saying punk rock is a "family" is pretty much the antithesis of everything punk is. As somebody below said- punk is about thinking for yourself and doing what you think is right based on your own observations, not what somebody else says. And for those of you who think "punk" is about being a dick and causing problems with your "crew"...guess what? You're about as "punk rock" as the LAPD.

This motherfucker didn't even buy the album !!!!!

This is a solid album and like all Rancid albums ... takes time to get used to before you begin to appreciate it.

The review is horrible and very subjective at the least. The website should have waited for more to come in and then picked the best one.

To the person who made this comment:

"Of course it won't ever be as good as their 90s material. That's just how music works; once a band is past their prime, its very difficult to recapture the rawness and originality of their first few as a band. As a fan of the band, you just have to accept that fact and enjoy the newer music for what it is."

This is probably the most intelligent thing I've ever read on this site. If more people realized this there would be 90% fewer arguments here. Although, now that I think about it, how much fun would that be?

I don't have a problem with this review, even though I don't agree with it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But the reviewer is comparing this album to Rancid's prime, and there's just no way the band will ever be that good again.

I'm enjoying the album so far after a few listens, and I'm guessing I'll spin it more than just about anything else this year. I really like the trifecta of LA River, Lulu and Dominoes Fall; there's a playful Ramones influence there that I've never heard in Rancid before. I also like the two acoustic songs, especially The Highway, even though thought the lyrics are kind of clunky. It's a great melody. I could see You Want it You Got It becoming a live staple. "Punk rock is my religion." Yeah!

So it's no Out Come the Wolves or 2000, but there's plenty to like here.

And after that keyboard diarrhea, Pdog went back to telling people that if they didn't like America they could just leave and if they didn't like how much the power company charged they could just buy candles.

I've been lucky enough to have heard this record, in april all the way through, and now been listening to it at home for a week... alot of what isn't liked now, is the same shit I heard about Wolves when it was out for a week or so... it's not like the old stuff... on and on... CRAP!!!
For an album most have had for less than 24 hours, you're comparing it to something 9 or even 15 years old? You gotta be kidding me. do you even like music? If you don't like Rancid, fine. It's a matter of taste. If you don't like this record, fine it's a matter of taste. If you don't like music b/c it's cool to not like it or only like stuff to because it is cool and acceptable, then take your fake ass self in for a reality check.
Rancid is a rock and roll band, who believe in punk rock. Which is limitless, and has no boundries. None.
Some bands make the same music over and over like Ramones did and other artists constantly evolved like Joe Strummer and The Clash. I like both. I remeber when Sandinista came out... OMG! People freaked, good and bad. Every song was a different style, and it was not all what punk rockers called punk. Now it is regarded as one of the greatest things ever made. Even the record company freaked, it was 3 records and the band wanted it sold for the price of one. I just got two CD's, a tee shirt, a DVD, a few poster and guitar picks, plus the roots radicals single for $25. This band likes its fans...
I'm grateful musicians are willing to branch out and try new stuff and do some fast minute and a half one to three chord screaming stuff too... With rancid, I'm getting it all. Can you imagine, for a minute all the ass kissing and slagging these guys get? And they are just musicians making some music. Some of you folks need to get over yourselfs, it's only rock n' roll. This much I know, I'm 100% correct in knowing what I like, and I like this album and the acoustic CD too. I love it when a band strips shit down, makes it even more powerful. I bet you wish you had a band that sucked as hard as Rancid!!! and had a Motown legend like booker T on your album.... it's been cool to talk crap about Rancid for a long time. As you can see, it hasn't stopped them. I know this for a fact, having seen this album progress from demos to what you have now, they made the best record they could make, for better or worse. They go out and tour, leave family at home, put everything they have into the band and music... and nothing you can say bad about them, can stop that... But it must make you feel good, knowing you're way more punk rock, because you slag on Rancid... If you don't like Rancid, may i suggest you listen to the first three Who singles. I can't explain, anyhow, anyway, anywhere and my generation, then listen to quadrophenia, and do some research on what was said about the who ect...and again, do you even like rock and roll?
punk rock isn't just the music I love, it is how I raise my kids too...

Punk is NOT a family. Maybe your "crew" is, but that isn't punk either.

Punk is about thinking for yourself. If you think the new Rancid is great, fine. But to try to push people out for not falling in line is just some jock, cop bullshit.

By the same token, you guys expend all this energy writing elaborate thoughts on a band (rancid) and a CD that you could care less about??? That...... THAT is real ignorance. Why would you waste your time bitching about something you don't even like in the first place? At least the people defending it feel positive passion for Rancid. Not just endless ripping like some armchair quarterback who writes for the media. That just makes me sick. It also makes me happy to know that people like that do not enjoy the same music that I do. So there is some justification and satisfaction in that.

Some people get off on ripping other peoples hardwork and passing off their opinion as fact. I'm not a fan of that shit.

"Because punk is a family. and if it isn't for you--then fuck off" (Rue)

"I'd love to see the throats of pretentious, know-it-all art-students sliced ear-to-ear" (telegraphrocks)

...hmm... what a strange conception of "family" -- where did you get your set of family values? The Mansons?

I didn't find the review "elitist" at all; just assured. It seems fairly obvious that people here seek merely to punish those who dissent from the church of Rancid. The content of the review is solid, and the criticisms are completley justified. If you want to read your own opinions, write your own review. And don't criticise people for using "college" (?!) words either, because all you do is project your own ignorance into pixel form.

it is a rancid record. i have not heard it, but, the smart money says that it would sound like any other rancid record.

there is probably some ok ska songs, some ok punk songs, some mediocre pop influence, and a fuck load of chest beating about being "punx" (and/or being super tough guy bros)

i do not see this being worth getting so goddamn worked up about. it probably sucks, but then, so has everything since "Life Won't Wait" and i certainly will not be buying it

I'm missing out on the true hating by not having an account on this site. This review was enough to make me join in.

I like the record. I think Rancid still has life left in them. TIm Armstrong has been a hero of mine since I was 12. This album is creative, but sounds like Rancid. THe one thing I did like about Indestructable over this record(and the 2000 self title) is that neither record sounds like Rancid has something to prove.

Seeing Rancid in 2003 for some time during their touring for Indestructable, they were back on top, and both the album and live show sounded like it. Bouncing back from a shitty marriage, the last album wasn't a commercial success, and maybe that sort of thing mattered to your young bride(Brody Dalle), so she runs off with what's his fuck from QOTSA. What does Rancid do, make a Rocking, pollished, sheen(but still had some kind of "x" factor that didn't sound like those Madden brothers) record. It's pretty Punk to say fuck you to your ex wife like that. "I'm still the best at what I do and I can barely speak audibly" You know?

This record sounds great, the songs are great, but it doesn't sound like something needed to be proven.

Of all the new stuff I've gotten in the past 2 months, it kind of amazes me that Eminem and Rancid's are the 2 new albums that I'm the most addicted to. For a few years now, I kinda thought both were starting to fall off their game a little. Too bad 311 proved they actually have with their new one.

Anti-Flag's and NOFX's are both good spins, but not as pleasantly surprising as this one and Relapse.

@telegraphrocks: I just really don't like his blog.

also,

Anyone wonder how many Greyhound buses Tim has taken?

That beta version of punknews looks pretty rad.

who the hell are Good Luck?

http://lmgtfy.com/?q="Good Luck" band
-Dante

I would condone it. winkwink.

who the hell are Good Luck?

gotta admit i do like the acoustic cd. the overall album, while i still maintain seems energyless, is growing on me. prob would make a good background summer album if mixed with some Copyrights

I'm glad these discussions are always intelligent and open. And yet, they're rarely over albums I care about. We need this sort of fire on a Good Luck review or something.
-Dante

Some things:

1- I like that dude below, rue.
2- I'm glad both JayTee and oldpunker like this album ... e-respect from previous years or something... I don't know.
3- This quote by rsplatpc: "after reading the reviewers blog for a minute I really glad I he wrote the review he did, I dont like to think that I have a lot in common with a boring douche" .... wow. Someone was abusive to their brain, huh?
4- Back to rue, I love this: "It's Fun. It's not meant to be picked over with a fine tooth comb by some college kid with his nose stuck in the air."... haha!!! Word.
I'm sure you wouldn't condone violence, but I'd love to see the throats of pretentious, know-it-all art-students sliced ear-to-ear.
5- And finally, I thoroughly enjoy the entire album and bonus acoustic CD (what a great bonus to the album!), except for "I Am Worried". I do agree with the negative comments below slamming that song... and pretty much only that song.

This record is weak.

A four? Seriously?

So no beards, no Springsteen rip-offs, no Yemin = no good, aye?

boy, if comments were restricted only to those who've been in punk bands for the last 20 years, this would be a pretty damn boring place.

Fuck. Supposed to be 4 out of 5.

Mr. Kenzington

Shit. Here's my score.

Mr. Kenzington

Ahh, such a popular band for the kids to hate. I've only listened to the album through several streams, but I think it's solid. Yep, it's somewhat in the vain of Indestructible. The songs are polished pretty nicely and the sense of urgency isn't what it used to be. But that's o.k. The guys are older and I don't think it's fair to expect the same emotions or agressiveness that was found in earlier albums. Bands progress. The Self Titled (93) through Life Won't Wait Era is over. What remains is solid songwriting, fun punk rock songs and an uncompromising spirit to play whatever the fuck they feel like laying down. I love "Hyena," "The Bottle" and "Seven Years Down." But you know what? I also love "Arrested in Shanghai" and "Civillian Ways." All very different songs, but all RANCID songs. Someone on here made a comment about the fact that maybe whether you're a Rancid fan has to do something with the fact as to what period in your life you started listening. Self titled 93 entered my life around 18 or so, it's importance and my loyalty/appreciation to the band probably runs deeper thans someone who was 3 or so when their firts album came out. Doesn't make them any less qualified to review the album, just means our perspectives may be different. What I will say to all the Tim haters on the site is this: When you've been a member of two very influential punk/ska bands for 20 plus years, feel free to bless us with your commentary and worldly experience in regards to good music and what you define as punk. Until then, shut the fuck up.

Mr. Kenzington
( I lost my fucking password, hence the Dr. title. It's been a long time since I've posted)

I's worth noting that the average user rating of this album is 4 stars out of five. You'll be able to see those scores on the beta site (http://beta.punknews.org/review/8350)

"First off, I have a BA in Communications and Television Production. So spare me the "redneck" comment.

The fact of the matter is I found the reviewer to be condescending and arrogant. It is not that we do not understand his words or we are "illiterate", but punk rock, by design, is informal. It's Fun. It's not meant to be picked over with a fine tooth comb by some college kid with his nose stuck in the air. The use of such "BIG" words is irrelevant. I wouldnt sit here and talk like an elitist prick to my family members. Because punk is a family. and if it isn't for you--then fuck off. And don't listen to Rancid.

There's an Emo band in the corner that's got your name written all over it, Sally.

Rancid Forever."

That actually addressed my concerns pretty well. Thanks!

"and if it isn't for you--then fuck off."

if you dont like america then you can geeeeet out

*their haha

That last (and only) Rancid album I ever liked was 2000- 'Rwanda' and 'Let Me Go' are fantastic songs with just enough venom to make them potent but still catchy. There last two releases were just boring radio-rock...but don't take my word for it, since I don't really care for their 90's radio stuff either. Don't get me wrong, I like catchy beats and hooks, but some if it is just too candy-coated.

hows the drumming on this album?

First off, I have a BA in Communications and Television Production. So spare me the "redneck" comment.

The fact of the matter is I found the reviewer to be condescending and arrogant. It is not that we do not understand his words or we are "illiterate", but punk rock, by design, is informal. It's Fun. It's not meant to be picked over with a fine tooth comb by some college kid with his nose stuck in the air. The use of such "BIG" words is irrelevant. I wouldnt sit here and talk like an elitist prick to my family members. Because punk is a family. and if it isn't for you--then fuck off. And don't listen to Rancid.

There's an Emo band in the corner that's got your name written all over it, Sally.

Rancid Forever.

I really dig the acoustic versions of these songs.

The albums was a little too clean sounding and it sucked the life out of any decent hook on the album.

I read the comment below me in a slow, redneck drawl. It made it even funnier.

I seriously can't believe some people. "College" words? Fair enough if you think something's badly written, or if the words are used poorly, but because they're.... what, longer than two syllables?

I still don't understand how the style of music you listen to dictates how good your vocabulary is. Are fans of punk supposed to be dumb? Illiterate? What is the target demographic here?

We don't need your college words. Not that I don't understand, but you come off as sounding elitist and snotty. Just stating them for the sake of sounding smart. Do not review a Rancid CD with verbage that sounds like you belong on the Young and the Restless or some shit.

Fuck you, this album is the soundtrack of the summer!!! I love it!! LET EM FALL

rancid fans generally make me ashamed to like rancid

"This was written by someone who has never commented on or contributed a story to Punknews. I'm sorry but for such a big band, we need a more experienced member of the "community."

biggest load of bollocks i've ever seen anyone write on this site

The review is a little verbose, but right on.

Tim lyrics are boring, the drummer is boring, the band has little left to say other than "We're still here and we're still punx."

Sorry, just because a band has changed, doesn't mean I have to go along with it. I'll go listen to "Rejected" or "Motorcycle Ride" and feel old. Thanks guys.

Sentences. Learn how to write them.

fuck you and this review. the record rules

This album wasn't that full of energy like Rancid's stuff in the 90s, but hey, these guys are really old. Have you seen the video for 'last one to die'? they look like they're in their 70s.

after reading the reviewers blog for a minute I really glad I he wrote the review he did, I dont like to think that I have a lot in common with a boring douche

REALLY good album.

The more I listen to it the more I like it (and accept it). But like everyone else said - no cool bass solos, no cool Matt Songs, no cool Lars songs, and I Ain't Worried should've gotten cut.

Score is for the person that said this is better than 2000.

A second album in weeks that has a review on PN that's totally against the consensus of all other reviews I've seen (the other being Fantasies by Metric).

I haven't heard this yet, so I can't comment, but the Fantasies review was WAY off.

This was written by someone who has never commented on or contributed a story to Punknews. I'm sorry but for such a big band, we need a more experienced member of the "community."

I love it, after the 4th listen it's now one of my favorites, disagree with the reviewer on many levels, I think the song writing on this one is terrific, agree with some below in that I treasure albums that are no skippers, and this has grown into it for me.

"I wonder why people even bother writing reviews for this site sometimes, because it's pretty apparent that literacy ain't punx, if some of the responses to this review are anything to go by.

I'm not trying to be too patronising, but if you honestly feel this review is too wordy, or worse still, if you feel this review is too wordy for punk rock, then you blatantly don't read enough, and that's your problem, not the reviewer's."

It's not that the review is too wordy, it's that it's poorly written. It reads like it was written by a precocious 15 year old (and if the reviewer is in high school, then I actually think he did a pretty good job).

And, yes, I think a review of a punk album (particularly a new Rancid album) should be written differently than, for example, a review of the new Grizzly Bear. But this would still be a poorly written review, even if it were about a more substantial record.

I agree with JayTee, awesome album

I disagree with the reviewer on every level.

Listening to these guys for the first time I wonder, "Why don't they ever get compared to Operation Ivy?"
-Dante

No skippers? “I Ain’t Worried” may be the worst song Rancid has ever released.

the comment below says it all, not one skipper, dam this is good-oldpunker

Not reading it. This thing exceeded expectations. There's barely a skipper in 19 straight songs.

I wonder why people even bother writing reviews for this site sometimes, because it's pretty apparent that literacy ain't punx, if some of the responses to this review are anything to go by.

I'm not trying to be too patronising, but if you honestly feel this review is too wordy, or worse still, if you feel this review is too wordy for punk rock, then you blatantly don't read enough, and that's your problem, not the reviewer's.

Great record.

Of course it won't ever be as good as their 90s material. That's just how music works; once a band is past their prime, its very difficult to recapture the rawness and originality of their first few as a band. As a fan of the band, you just have to accept that fact and enjoy the newer music for what it is.

I'll agree that it's difficult, but its not impossible. I was trying to think of good examples of bands returning to form after subpar releases, and Bad Religion's "Process of Belief" immediately came to mind.

Tim just sounds bored on this record.

Of course it won't ever be as good as their 90s material. That's just how music works; once a band is past their prime, its very difficult to recapture the rawness and originality of their first few as a band. As a fan of the band, you just have to accept that fact and enjoy the newer music for what it is.

the and out come the wolves and life won't wait times won't ever come back .

be sorry. be very very sorry.

This album is a letdown. There were tracks off Indestructible that were great, despite the album being mostly filler. This record, though, just feels half-baked. Standard blueprint Rancid with almost no moments of greatness. Say what you want, but LWW was amazing. 2000, while not my personal favorite, had its songs - same with Indestructible. This one just sounds like they didn't give a shit and phoned it in.

This is pretty good, don't think it's worth the time they spent working on it though.

It is bordering on pop music most of the time though, which is pretty funny when I think about the guys walking around in Rancid leather jackets I see in town.

"words like "enervated" "prosaicness" "ruminates" and a whole bunch of others do not belong in a rancid review or any review of a punk band for that matter."

Hurr durr PUNX!

Seriously, those are not really fancy words.

I'll reserve judgement on the record because I haven't heard it. Your review just makes it sound like a typical Rancid record; if you like Rancid you'll like. And let's be honest, Rancid were always narcissistic.

Eric

yes, this cd is not, nor will it touch AOCTW or Lets go, however it is right up their with LWW, Im not hearing any "lack of energy" at all and it flows real nice. A good combination of ska ( which Rancid does effortlessly) and more punk stuff, you have Vic from the slackers on most if not all of the tracks, hensley is on here as well as booker T??, are you kidding me, I stand by my score, fuckin brilliant-oldpunker-

Oldpunker, are you fucking serious?

Love it, thank you Rancid, you have just given me my summertime cd ( along with the new Aggrolites). Wow, so many songs that just get stuck in your head, and to all the people that hate on this, give it a rest, this CD is THAT good-oldpunker-

couldn't agree more with the review. too much parody. tim armstrong can write brilliant music that is inspiring and thoughtful... that music is distinctly lacking here. I wish he would push himself a bit more... too many of these songs just sound like he is going through the motions.

quit bitching. if you dont like it, stop reading.

youre harsh man... so what if the musics changed a bit? if you havent noticed, every band changes their style during their career. well, except RFTC... whoops. anyways, my point is theyre still putting out good music, even if it isnt AOCTW material.

quit bitching. if you dont like it, stop listening

Rancid has lost their punk sensibilities.

*crosses fingers*

it's seriously lacking energy. no fast songs, no stand out bass solos or riffs either. at least when Lars sung thesongs seemed angrier

at least it;s not terrible. it's just given us a quick peek at what i fear the street dogs may sound like in 2 years

If you think this review is cathing wait till you see my 311 Uplifter review which will hopefully go up Friday. I tried to get it in in time for today but I was slacking.

oh yeah, 1993 is an 8. hmm, but that is better than this. ok, this is a 7

i like tired, old tim's vocals and lots of these songs are so purely rancid that you might just have to admit that you only like the old records because of a time and a place (there's nothing wrong with that -- i won't be buying this even though i quite enjoy it for what it is).

2000 is a 10
Let's Go / Wolves / Life Won't Wait are 9s
Indestructible is a 5.5/6

this is a 7.5/8

------

this is as enjoyable as the new nofx, i mean that in a good way

First spin: Atrocious. Next few: Much better.

The problem with this and Indestructible is that unlike their first 5 albums, these have no personality. Just bullshit "Oh a culmination of everything they have done!!" I feel like they could/should have put out a better record since they were working on it for years and years. Also, one Matt song, one Lars and two or three 3 way spolit vocals? Need more Matt plz. Who has the record, are all/most the songs written by Tim? I remember LWW and 2000 both were 2/3 Tim only written songs.

Anyway, that being said, some great songs, and I think everyone agrees that they are Up To No Good, New Orleans and Civilian Ways. LA River is sweet too.

(but I still kinda like it)

Overall, good album... better than the last two full lengths by far.

Bwah??

Rancid 2000 destroys this decidedly vanilla offering. I like some of these songs, but for the most part I definitely noticed a lack of energy behind Tim's vocals.

Rancid 2000 is one of the very best straight up "punk" albums of this decade. This is nowhere even close to that.

my score.

definitely drop the thesaurus next time. words like "enervated" "prosaicness" "ruminates" and a whole bunch of others do not belong in a rancid review or any review of a punk band for that matter. that is unless you were originally writing this for pitchfork, than by all means, have at it.

too harsh of a review. i might've agreed with you on my first listen but on the 5th spin, this record just sounds like classic Rancid with some added surprises, mostly good (Civilian Ways, New Orleans) and some bad (I Aint Worried). nothing really spectacular but at this point in Rancid's career, i'm looking for something solid and dependable which i get here. i guess that means uninspired on the other side of the fence.

Score is for the album. This is a way too harsh review.

Man, why are we also so hostile towards reviews on this site? I mostly agree with this one, and I don't think you did such a bad job with the writing. Thanks for taking some time to do it.

This record sounds pretty much interchangeable with "Indestructible" to me: overproduced, lazy vocals, no energy, lack of awesome bass, really poor lyrics on the lion's share of the tracks, etc. This record feels about as bored as Greg looks when you go to a souls show.

A few of the songs are alright, but a whole bunch are just embarrassing coming from folks who have been writing music for this long.

Easy on the thesaurus, kid. I understand that you know some big words, but shoving them in where they don't belong doesn't automatically make your writing better. You're writing a review of a Rancid record, not an essay on To Kill a Mockingbird for 9th grade English class.

I thought this was a decent album. There were no truly great moments, but there was nothing as embarrassing as "Arrested in Shanghai" or "Out of Control," or the entire Viking album. It's catchy and fun almost the whole way through, but it does feel like they're just going through the motions.

I've only listened to the first few tracks so far, but I can already tell it's better than Indestructible was.

holy crap i hope by "student" you mean you're in middle school.

garbage review. excellent album.

This sounds like Good Charlotte teamed up the Kids of Widney High to make a Bosstones record.

it sounds like tim armstrong crapped in my stereo.
this album is poopy.

Some of the best songs Rancid has ever written are on here. A good chunk of standout tracks: Up to No Good, The Highway, Last One To Die, East Bay Night. Although it sparkles on some, it lacks in others, or just seems bland, or too made up.
Good production quality; Tim's voice and guitar sound awesome. Needs a little more Lars, both on backups and leads. Don't hear too much of Matts awesome bass parts though.
Could have better drum arrangements though. The kid, Branden, is good, and can keep up with the guys quite well, but is still lacking something. Maybe the experience with congas and super tight snares.

Overall, good album... better than the last two full lengths by far.
Score is for album on a whole

oops

much worse than indestructible

Too many paragraphs; too low score. This is a very solid album.