Apparently, when this record out, it was slammed for being ‘too slow’. At least that’s what I’m told. Although this is a relatively old record, i’d like to take the chance to share my thoughts on it with you, so here they are. NOFX are revered by a massive amount of people as an amazing band, and i’m inclined to agree; this was the first NOFX record I bought (I think the cover tipped it) and i’m glad I made the decision. Before anyone pounces, this is for those of you who have yet to sample it’s delights.
Opening is the highly comical yet utterly homeless disrespectful ‘hobophobic (scared of bums)’ 48 seconds of lightning fast anti that-guy-who-plays-a-banjo-with-a-dog propaganda, with some admittedly hilarious lyrics ‘scared of bums, not just because they stink band, not just because they’re crackheads’ – it’s all over in the blink of an eye anyway, and sets the mood perfectly for the next song. ‘Philthy Phil Philanthropist’ is perhaps to many the most memorable NOFX song; the ominous introductory guitar is utterly ridiculed as it disappears to make way for some glockenspiel action that turns the song into a loveable farce. Over the top, Fat Mike’s ‘BLURRGH!’ makes for a classic piece of punk rock pie, and continues throughout the whole song. With a little bit of ska guitar, a horn or two and an electric organ, we have one of the most original songs created in it’s genre. Couple with this with kickass vocals and you’re onto a winner. ‘Freedom lika shopping cart’ starts in typical foreboding NOFX style, and the build up is timed perfectly, like a train powering slowly up. Soon it’s a full speed, and only now can the vocals enter – and they do so with style, as always.
‘Bleeding Heart Disease’ is once again distinctive in it’s own way, bursting out after what seems like a barber shop quartet style opening, contributing to yet another excellent song, complete with soothing ‘do do do dooos’, slowing right down for the end and coming to a halt. ‘Hot Dog in a hallway’ has some of the best lyrics known to man, fact. Somehow, the opening few seconds convey the wickedness of the tail about to be told; needless to say, if you’re conscious about your weight, it’s best not to listen to this little beauty; I think i’ll leave it at that – pure genius. ‘Release the hostages’ is far faster, with a blistering bass line, with lightning guitars never far from it’s side; brought to a halt with the words of wisdom – “STOP! Have a beer!” After hearing this album for so long i’m having a lot of trouble finding fault; nostalgia just takes over, and ‘Liza’ is no different – it is of lesser quality than the previous offerings, but still is likeable. ‘What’s the matter with kids today’ isn’t the best on the CD, but a good chorus makes up considerably.
‘Love Story’ is deceptively quiet, almost like a predator in waiting, and you are the rabbit running straight into the trap – soothing vocals and harmony riddled sections which could easily have fitted on a Smashing Pumpkins record make it in to add to the illusion. Around 1 minute 45 all hell breaks loose and the mirage is smashed into a thousand tiny pieces – and at this point it’s important to dance your way around the room as fast as possible (damn, I hope you’ve got house insurance). ‘The Black and White’ is a track i’d drop from the record if I had the choice, and just serves to get in the way as you grab in the dark for ‘Whatever Didi wants’; with yet another catchy song, NOFX have you caught in a net, and are laughing at you; ending on the distinctive ‘pick it up, pick it up’ which will surely enter your normal phrase book. ‘August 8th’ is another personal favourite, switching with only a moments notice between melancholy and malevolent ‘A bunch of hippies crying, yeah August 8th is a wonderful day’; fans of older NOFX will also appreciate the Timmy Turtle reference.
‘Drop the world’, what a song to end on. Barely able to contain itself, a life lesson more than anything else, we see a couple of people at the extreme of their spectrums; some superb horn work adds to an already accomplished song. Utterly nostalgic palm mute ends the song and the record, finishing off what can only be described as a classic piece of recording, which in my opinion everyone should own. If you’ve only recently become interested with most of the music on this site, this is one record you should definitely check out.
nick