Is there anything better than using foul language, committing murder, smoking weed, scoring 8 balls, and swinging your dick around in a loving misogynistic fashion? Nope.
When I was 17, Straight Outta Compton spoke to me. As well as Eazy-E’s Eazy-Duz-It and everything released by the 2 Live Crew. Something about the “strength of street knowledge” really struck a chord in my white suburban upbringing.
Since I put this album in my latest MP3 player, about six years ago, I have only listened to “Straight Outta Compton,” and “Fuck The Police," but quite a bit.
This 1988 debut is definitely starting to get a little crusty around the edges, but its core is still nice and moist. Back in the day, I’d listen to this disc over and over, but now it sounds a bit like a dated novelty. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy listening to the whole thing, but I’m probably not going to do that again anytime soon.
“I Ain’t Tha 1,” is timeless and “Gangsta Gangsta” is still pretty fucking cool. Plus, it supplies the line on the album that has somehow stuck in my mind the most and entered my permanent lexicon. A young lady is informing Ice Cube that she has a boyfriend and he retorts with “Bitch, stop lying!”
I still don't understand how and why I was there while N.W.A. was giving birth to Gangsta Rap, but I'm glad I was.
I would also like the record to clearly show that I always thought, "Something 2 Dance 2” was fucking wack!
I hate to plead ignorance, but I only knew “Tommy Gun” off of Give 'Em Enough Rope. I never listened to The Clash's second album before. I’m almost ashamed. I’m even more ashamed to say, I didn’t like it all too much.
“Safe European Home” is an average Clash jam. And their average is better than most.
Anytime a song borrows from “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” I’m out! So, “English Civil War,” is not for me.
“Tommy Gun” is great.
I’m told that “Julie’s Been Working For The Drug Squad” is a classic Clash song. I thought the piano made it sound cheap.
“Last Gang In Town” goes nowhere and takes five minutes to do it.
“Guns On The Roof” shows promise, but it’s no “Guns Of Brixton.”
I thought “Drug-Stabbing Time” was going to be the only track I was going to take away from this album, but then there’s a cheesy 80’s saxophone solo right in the middle of it.
Finally, I'm down with the last three tracks. I’ll probably walk away from this album with only the Mick Jones voiced “Stay Free.” While, “Cheapskates” and “All The Young Punks” show promise and are worth more listens.
Want to know how much I don’t know about music? I just trashed the first half of this album and found stuff I liked on the second half. According to All Music, this record was panned for the weak second half, while the first half is The Clash at their best.
I’m an idiot.
Bad Religion comes right out of the gate on their 85th album with their signature sound blazing! They don’t sound like they've aged a day since they started!
Released just last month, True North is a high energy collection of 16 two minute songs that aren't going to disappoint the Bad Religion faithful. I’m more of a Bad Religion casual and I liked what I heard.
Brett Gurewitz and Greg Graffin have the band’s formula out on display here like a recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Bad Religion song:
1. One lighting fast drum and chunky guitar intro
2. Two or Three thoughtfully crafted Graffin verses about the government or God or some shit
3. One catchy chorus accompanied by backing “Ahhhhs,” or “Whoas,” from the rest of the band
4. One five second bridge
5. One Cold ending
I might sound like I’m making fun of the band, but I love that sound and that formula has created a shitload of great songs!
There're 16 songs here, so I’m gonna need to listen to this one again, but oddly enough, “Fuck You” really stood out to me. I wonder why?
No comments:
Post a Comment