The Quintessential “I Wish That Band was Still Around” Album.
Admit it. You loved them.
Anyone who listened to radio in the late nineties can probably name at least three Blink-182 songs - if not sing the lyrics word for word. It was impossible to ignore them when “All the Small Things,” “What’s My Age Again” and “Adam’s Song” were all over the radio. Even if, like me, you weren’t into that kind of music at the time, you just couldn’t help but love them. Enema of the State was the band’s third album, and the first one to feature the talents of Travis Barker. Former drummer Scott Raynor left the band shortly after recording began, and Barker joined Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge to solidify the lineup of the world’s premier pop-punk act. However, Barker’s influence really wouldn’t be heard until the band’s next album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket.
On Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, Blink-182 capitalized on their newfound commercial success by releasing three separate versions of the album. Each version included two different bonus tracks at the end of the album. Take Off Your Pants and Jacket sold 350,000 copies in its first week after release, the first and only Blink-182 album to do so. What makes the album so great that it should be chosen as the band’s seminal album over the more obvious choice of their best-selling record? While Enema of the State was more commercially successful, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket is a smoother ride from start to finish. There aren’t really any tracks on the album that you feel like skipping, even after the umpteenth listen. I can still throw the album on my iPod and go from end to end, rocking out the whole way.
For any angst-ridden teenager or twenty-something who was once an angst-ridden teenager, the opening track is a giant middle finger to everyone who’s ever told you what to do. “Anthem, Pt. 2” kicks off the album in a way that more bands should. Lyrically, the song is pure teen frustration, but the instrumental side is a little bit more mature. While the melody may be somewhat simple, it’s the layering and arrangement that makes “Anthem, Pt. 2” something more than just another pop-punk song…that and the fact that the chorus is just damn fun to sing at the top of your lungs.
Singles “The Rock Show” and “First Date” are more of the upbeat Blink-182 that fans were used to, but on “Stay Together for the Kids,” the band stretched their legs a little and showcased a style that would be explored further on their fifth and final album. With serious subject matter and a solemn sound during the verses and louder angry sound during the chorus, the song showed the band’s ability to switch gears and still maintain their appeal.
The good news to Blink-182 fans is that the guys have started talking again and Mark Hoppus has gone as far to say that a reunion album and tour are not completely out of the question. Don’t expect it this year, but don’t rule out the possibility that just maybe these guys will be back.
Posted by Cory Roop on Jan 26, 2009 @ 7:00 am
