Stranger Than Fiction

This came with a press kit describing a riot after fire marshalls closed down a Bad Religion performance. True punk bands always have riots at their shows. If there isn’t one it can’t be punk right?

After reading the press release I spotted a Billboard Magazine article which depicted Bad Religion as a band attempting to follow in the footsteps of The Offspring. Now that MTV and the radio have caught on to punk rock will they give some time to the old school? Is there any reason for the old punker to pick up a major label CD or a youngster with the mohawk pulled into a ponytail instead of standing tall, proud and spiked to investigate the music the owners of his favorite label just released?

In spite of the insecurities about remaining true to their punk rock ideals while accepting money from mega-corps, or is that only the marketing plan developed around the polished wood of the corporate board room, Bad Religion sounds like Bad Religion to me.

For further credibility they’ve enlisted the talents of Wayne Kramer, the former MC5 guitarist for one song. Pretend you are Curious George and the Man With The Hat got his first tattoo in 1978. It isn’t all about how fast you can play and how hoarse your voice is. The great ones know how to throw a hook in there.

Bad Religion continue to do what they’ve always done. The guys have been at it a while, they should know how to play the instruments by now. Just because they can play doesn’t mean they [?] around posturing and showing off. There are a few impressive guitar solos, most notably in the title song but they are kept short. Along with the speedy little numbers are some slower, heavier pieces. “Infected” borders on heavy commercial rock yet even with big production more backing them these original punks can’t quite get the harmonies clear enough for AOR formats. The subject matter seems to be a love/hate relationship. One listen to the song and you’ll have some insight into one Seattle influence. I’d venture call it “grunge” except ’94 is nearing its completion not ’91.

Opening side two is a critic of the drug of the nation “Television.” “Individual” addresses the herd mentality. “Hooray For Me…” has this chorus; “Can you imagine, just for a second, doing anything that you want to. Well that’s just what I do so hooray for me… and fuck you.” Yes! I believe that’s pretty damn punk. I think they stole Slumber from The Offspring and it features a 15 second guitar solo. “21st Century Digital Boy” is a song for the children of hippies… best known as the “lost generation.” It’s no wonder because Daddy’s an intellectual and mommy’s on Valium. That’s enough. Go buy the album. My copy is an advance cassette and in spite of the trashy nature of these artifacts it didn’t end up in a [] gathering dust. I’ve listened to it many times over the last month. [] good. Are they playing it on radio? I’ll be fucked if I know, the radio sucks as bad as MTV these days.

-John