Word: punked
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Dates: during 2000-2000
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...album with a few bonus studio tracks that paid tribute to musical rebels. The extra tracks turned out so well that the band members decided to turn the CD into a collection of cover songs. Renegades includes songs by the hip-hop duo Eric B. and Rakim (Microphone Fiend), punk pioneers MC5 (Kick Out the Jams) and even folk rocker Bob Dylan (Maggie's Farm). Rage's versions radically transform the originals, altering the melodies and providing fresh rhythmic fire. Paying homage to rebel heroes, Rage has confirmed its place among them...
There's no chance of mistaking this record for its decidedly happier counterpart, as the snarling guitar barrage of "When It All Goes Wrong Again" and the fervent punk of "All Fucked Up" stand in total contrast to the tinkling notes that opened Learning How To Smile. While that first volume was a sweet and eclectic (and perhaps corny) manifestation of Art Alexakis' nostalgia, its successor rips those dreamy sentiments to pieces without even bothering to pause for breath. From its bitter opening to its bittersweet conclusion, the distorted fuzz-guitars scarcely let up, striking and churning in sullen anger...
Personally, I was a vehement pop music hater in high school. My conception of good music included Dave Matthews Band, alternative rock, ska-punk and little else. (Alright, so I did always have an 80s fetish). I didn't listen to much besides that, resulting in constant radio-control battles in the car with my rap-loving younger brother. Watching TRL was like being assaulted by singing Teletubbies. I couldn't tell N'SYNC and the Backstreet Boys apart, in pictures or on the radio...
...alienate their dedicated fan base but still garners commercial success. From the outset, raunchy guitars and charging drums assault the eardrums on "Come Out Swinging", underpinning Holland's atonal shout as he reminds you that even though the Offspring have become mainstream mainstays, their roots still lie in punk. But even as the band seems poised and ready once again to pierce bubble-gum pop as they did on their notorious single "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)" (off Americana), they decide instead to take the safer route. The album trades blows of intense, adrenaline pumped frenzy with the safer...
...easily the best mainstream track on the album, but almost by default. The Offspring is at their best when they're not taking themselves too seriously, and that shows up whether turning punk conventions on their ear or incorporating eccentric sensibilities into their music. However, if you don't fully listen to the lyrics, you'll miss the point. "I Want You Bad," which appears straightforward, isn't a love song, but a driving anthem mocking sexual predilections, as Holland hollers over hyped up guitars ("I want you/All tattooed/I want you bad/Complete me/Mistreat me/I want you bad"). Similarly easy...