If any of Brett's future work is gonna be anything like this album, I say BR should ask Brett to quit. I mean, you know, in a nice way. And Graffin should do all the songwriting again. And Jay should do some more songwriting as well... his stuff has always been consistently good. Brett might have helped revive the band in 2001, but at this point I think he's just dragging them down. Also, BR needs to release an anthology like that Nirvana box set that included all kinds of rare home demos and unreleased studio tracks...

tbx=lobosolo???

[quote=tbx]Mr. Brett is scum.[/quote]Wow, you really do have a problem with Brett, just because you don't agree with the choices he has made in his life?

Mr. Brett is scum. sorry if you fan boys don't want to hear it, but he has been a big part of punk rock musicians having trouble and lots of really good bands falling apart the last decade. I love bad religion, but I like music more and even more than that, the non-corporatism and sense of change that this music used to represent. Shame On Brett G. for becoming a studio exec instead of a musician particularly with his history

[quote=tbx][quote=jabberwock][quote=Torbar][quote=jabberwock][quote=nropevolI]So Jabberwocky, to make an end to this discussion. Does Brett have input in what you play?[/quote]no[/quote]What about the few shows he does play, is he ever like "ugh, I don't really like that song...can we play this one instead?" ?Also, any plans to go on any of those late night tv shows at any point soon?[/quote]no. it's never a like/dislike issue. its a know/not know issue, but we usually forward a list of songs to play and he is always good at knowing them.we always WANT to go on them, it's a scheduling conflict issue at this point[/quote]how absurd is it that you have send a set list to the CEO for one of the couple shows a year he chooses to show up to. don't you ever wonder what happened to the bands and people that used to be on the Epitaph roster so horrifically bad musicians can take up slots? I still have a purple fold-out catalog from back in the day, maybe I'll send it to you and see what the label you were a part of has become, though, perhaps you guys still have stock there[/quote]Someone got out on the wrong side of the bed this morning.

[quote=tbx]worst thing that happened to bad religion and punk music is the Mr. - a trojan horse really, a new energy seemed to come back 8 years ago, but the albums as a whole got worse, he sold out the entire genre a decade or so ago for cash just like he pressed more albums 25 years ago. He comes back and the sonic quality of the albums gets worse; he comes back and he just recycles progressions or lifts parts of songs in some streams of consciousness, bad pun. I'd rather graffin throw out 13-15 every two years and have at least half a dozen really good songs than mister emo bullshit ship out those that made him money in favor of more shit bands shit out 6 songs with maybe one or two good ones every 3 years.Let graffin right the songs, let baker and hetson play guitras[/quote]you forgot to take your pills again! do yourself a favour...

[quote=jabberwock][quote=Torbar][quote=jabberwock][quote=nropevolI]So Jabberwocky, to make an end to this discussion. Does Brett have input in what you play?[/quote]no[/quote]What about the few shows he does play, is he ever like "ugh, I don't really like that song...can we play this one instead?" ?Also, any plans to go on any of those late night tv shows at any point soon?[/quote]no. it's never a like/dislike issue. its a know/not know issue, but we usually forward a list of songs to play and he is always good at knowing them.we always WANT to go on them, it's a scheduling conflict issue at this point[/quote]how absurd is it that you have send a set list to the CEO for one of the couple shows a year he chooses to show up to. don't you ever wonder what happened to the bands and people that used to be on the Epitaph roster so horrifically bad musicians can take up slots? I still have a purple fold-out catalog from back in the day, maybe I'll send it to you and see what the label you were a part of has become, though, perhaps you guys still have stock there

worst thing that happened to bad religion and punk music is the Mr. - a trojan horse really, a new energy seemed to come back 8 years ago, but the albums as a whole got worse, he sold out the entire genre a decade or so ago for cash just like he pressed more albums 25 years ago.
He comes back and the sonic quality of the albums gets worse; he comes back and he just recycles progressions or lifts parts of songs in some streams of consciousness, bad pun.
I'd rather graffin throw out 13-15 every two years and have at least half a dozen really good songs than mister emo bullshit ship out those that made him money in favor of more shit bands shit out 6 songs with maybe one or two good ones every 3 years.

Let graffin right the songs, let baker and hetson play guitras

[quote=jabberwock][quote=Torbar][quote=jabberwock][quote=nropevolI]So Jabberwocky, to make an end to this discussion. Does Brett have input in what you play?[/quote]no[/quote]What about the few shows he does play, is he ever like "ugh, I don't really like that song...can we play this one instead?" ?Also, any plans to go on any of those late night tv shows at any point soon?[/quote]no. it's never a like/dislike issue. its a know/not know issue, but we usually forward a list of songs to play and he is always good at knowing them.
we always WANT to go on them, it's a scheduling conflict issue at this point[/quote]You're welcome on the Late Night Torbar Show...its mostly me playing minecraft though, and its recorded in either my room or my basement depending on how hot it is. I'll even provide guitars+bass+amps, you just have to provide everything else.

You should go on Later With Jools Holland. That'd be pretty cool.

[quote=Torbar][quote=jabberwock][quote=nropevolI]So Jabberwocky, to make an end to this discussion. Does Brett have input in what you play?[/quote]no[/quote]What about the few shows he does play, is he ever like "ugh, I don't really like that song...can we play this one instead?" ?Also, any plans to go on any of those late night tv shows at any point soon?[/quote]no. it's never a like/dislike issue. its a know/not know issue, but we usually forward a list of songs to play and he is always good at knowing them.
we always WANT to go on them, it's a scheduling conflict issue at this point

[quote=jabberwock][quote=nropevolI]So Jabberwocky, to make an end to this discussion. Does Brett have input in what you play?[/quote]no[/quote]What about the few shows he does play, is he ever like "ugh, I don't really like that song...can we play this one instead?" ?

Also, any plans to go on any of those late night tv shows at any point soon?

[quote=nropevolI]So Jabberwocky, to make an end to this discussion. Does Brett have input in what you play?[/quote]no

[quote=nropevolI][quote=Warstub][quote=nropevolI]So Jabberwocky, to make an end to this discussion. Does Brett have input in what you play?[/quote]How does this make an end? Won't asking a question just continue the discussion it if it gets answered?[/quote]you are right. but I can't delete my comment[/quote]Yeah its pretty gay aye? haha

[quote=Warstub][quote=nropevolI]So Jabberwocky, to make an end to this discussion. Does Brett have input in what you play?[/quote]How does this make an end? Won't asking a question just continue the discussion it if it gets answered?[/quote]you are right. but I can't delete my comment

[quote=nropevolI]So Jabberwocky, to make an end to this discussion. Does Brett have input in what you play?[/quote]How does this make an end? Won't asking a question just continue the discussion it if it gets answered?

So Jabberwocky, to make an end to this discussion. Does Brett have input in what you play?

agreed! and i gladly include myself in the "we're" portion...

that's because we're weird people. and I can speak for everyone when I say that.

you guys have some weird ideas...

"Brett is a better songwriter - see, look how many comments this article got compared to the one with Greg"...I'm just waiting for something like that..and again, I love Brett's work

[quote=kariscene][quote=fantasticthepan][quote=Chris]I think a lot of you are taking Brett for granted. Personally, I've always preferred the majority of his songs over Greg's. Say what you will about his decision not to tour (he IS the head of a label so I think his schedule is booked) or the terrible bands he signs to Epitaph (and there's lots), but as soon as he returned to BR, the albums got a hell of a lot better. Sure, he writes a few stupid pop songs here or there (Honest Goodbye, Turn Your Back On Me, Where The Fun Is), but I'll take any of his new songs over the majority of material on the Gray Race, No Substance, and awful New America. His vision is essential to the band, he's ALWAYS been a much better lyricist than Greg, and Greg also happens to write better songs when they are together. Without Brett this band would've been dead years ago.[/quote]and as far as brett being a better lyricist, perhaps, but greg is a great lyricist in his own right. the chorus to all there is is one of the most profound refrains in rock history.[/quote]Brett wrote that.[/quote]Sneaky Brett knows karate! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi5zd60ites

/random

[quote=fantasticthepan][quote=Chris]I think a lot of you are taking Brett for granted. Personally, I've always preferred the majority of his songs over Greg's. Say what you will about his decision not to tour (he IS the head of a label so I think his schedule is booked) or the terrible bands he signs to Epitaph (and there's lots), but as soon as he returned to BR, the albums got a hell of a lot better. Sure, he writes a few stupid pop songs here or there (Honest Goodbye, Turn Your Back On Me, Where The Fun Is), but I'll take any of his new songs over the majority of material on the Gray Race, No Substance, and awful New America. His vision is essential to the band, he's ALWAYS been a much better lyricist than Greg, and Greg also happens to write better songs when they are together. Without Brett this band would've been dead years ago.[/quote]and as far as brett being a better lyricist, perhaps, but greg is a great lyricist in his own right. the chorus to all there is is one of the most profound refrains in rock history.[/quote]Brett wrote that.

[quote=Chris]I think a lot of you are taking Brett for granted. Personally, I've always preferred the majority of his songs over Greg's. Say what you will about his decision not to tour (he IS the head of a label so I think his schedule is booked) or the terrible bands he signs to Epitaph (and there's lots), but as soon as he returned to BR, the albums got a hell of a lot better. Sure, he writes a few stupid pop songs here or there (Honest Goodbye, Turn Your Back On Me, Where The Fun Is), but I'll take any of his new songs over the majority of material on the Gray Race, No Substance, and awful New America. His vision is essential to the band, he's ALWAYS been a much better lyricist than Greg, and Greg also happens to write better songs when they are together. Without Brett this band would've been dead years ago.[/quote]and as far as brett being a better lyricist, perhaps, but greg is a great lyricist in his own right. the chorus to all there is is one of the most profound refrains in rock history.

[quote=Chris]I think a lot of you are taking Brett for granted. Personally, I've always preferred the majority of his songs over Greg's. Say what you will about his decision not to tour (he IS the head of a label so I think his schedule is booked) or the terrible bands he signs to Epitaph (and there's lots), but as soon as he returned to BR, the albums got a hell of a lot better. Sure, he writes a few stupid pop songs here or there (Honest Goodbye, Turn Your Back On Me, Where The Fun Is), but I'll take any of his new songs over the majority of material on the Gray Race, No Substance, and awful New America. His vision is essential to the band, he's ALWAYS been a much better lyricist than Greg, and Greg also happens to write better songs when they are together. Without Brett this band would've been dead years ago.[/quote]the gray race is possibly one of the top five br records. cease, punk rock song, parallel, come join us, pity the dead, them and us all amazing songs. to lump it in with new america + no substance solely because it lacked brett is a superficial analysis of the record.

Here's another argument comparing BR now to BR in the 90s..no offense..but it just can't be done logically

I think a lot of you are taking Brett for granted. Personally, I've always preferred the majority of his songs over Greg's. Say what you will about his decision not to tour (he IS the head of a label so I think his schedule is booked) or the terrible bands he signs to Epitaph (and there's lots), but as soon as he returned to BR, the albums got a hell of a lot better. Sure, he writes a few stupid pop songs here or there (Honest Goodbye, Turn Your Back On Me, Where The Fun Is), but I'll take any of his new songs over the majority of material on the Gray Race, No Substance, and awful New America. His vision is essential to the band, he's ALWAYS been a much better lyricist than Greg, and Greg also happens to write better songs when they are together. Without Brett this band would've been dead years ago.

[quote=haribo_1988]OK, I have two things I don't like about Brett, and would have no problem saying to him in person, if I ever met him and talked to him for some time (I don't think many of new TDOM haters would say 'hey, your songs suck, retire')1. I read about that wanting to make a pop hit (21 Century...) - that's a hard one for anyone to like, esp in punk-rock[/quote]I wouldn't have any problem saying this either. It's an interesting thing to discuss. I too read that, only about Broken being a pop hit.[quote]2. Greed - I just CAN'T understand why are there deluxe versions of an album just for one country, continent, whatever. The ONLY reason is money. Many from the EU and US ordered the Japanese version, and I won't even mention collectors buying every possible version. Brett is in charge and he says if he wants to give the track out to everyone or not. I didn't order the Japanese version, nor did I hear Finite more than once, and I probably won't. I would also like to hear Shattered Faith on a cd other than punkorama, you know. The latter is actually a big thing for me, but I get over it cause BR is a unique band for me, offering much as it is. As for Epitaph - well, it's no FatWreck. Other than that - I love you Brett[/quote]This too irks me and I think I would say something as a customer. I bought NMoH the day it came out because I am a loyal fan that loves the band. Then they go and release the deluxe..and of course I 'need' the bonus tracks because I am a loyal fan (love the posters too). But this ticks me off because I am buying it twice. There is NO reason that the acoustics couldn't have come out as an EP..maybe with a bonus DVD, the poster etc. Have like a "BR unplugged and BR live" special package but don't make us buy the same cd. The way to do it is like Alkaline Trio...release the deluxe AND the regular edition at the same time. Let fans make the choice THEN instead of having the (artificially imposed) choice of not hearing their favorite band's cd versus buying it twice

Japan bonus tracks are an industry standard bc of higher prices over there...but I still would like access to a PHYSICAL cd version of some sort over here. A "Rarities" cd would be wonderful and would put all those gems like Who We Are and Finite on an album. B-sides albums can be very good...Remains by Alkaline Trio, Cocktails and Dreams by The Lawrence Arms (one of my fav albums ever)

OK, I have two things I don't like about Brett, and would have no problem saying to him in person, if I ever met him and talked to him for some time (I don't think many of new TDOM haters would say 'hey, your songs suck, retire')

1. I read about that wanting to make a pop hit (21 Century...) - that's a hard one for anyone to like, esp in punk-rock

2. Greed - I just CAN'T understand why are there deluxe versions of an album just for one country, continent, whatever. The ONLY reason is money. Many from the EU and US ordered the Japanese version, and I won't even mention collectors buying every possible version. Brett is in charge and he says if he wants to give the track out to everyone or not. I didn't order the Japanese version, nor did I hear Finite more than once, and I probably won't. I would also like to hear Shattered Faith on a cd other than punkorama, you know.

The latter is actually a big thing for me, but I get over it cause BR is a unique band for me, offering much as it is. As for Epitaph - well, it's no FatWreck.

Other than that - I love you Brett

[quote=Bossae]@kerosene:its like greg and brett always say, they write better together, trying to to write a better song than the other and trying to impress each other. that healthy competition is missing on the brettless albums.[/quote]No thats a good point Bossae! I am wholly in favor of a two disc "Greg vs Brett" concept album too though![quote]that is why i think the brettless albums werent that good and wouldnt be.and when i say better, i just mean that, i dont mean the brettless albums are "bad", just not as good compared to the other ones.[/quote]Gotcha. Understood[quote]bad religion without brett would lead again to the same problem, graffing writing all songs on his own.[/quote]True he'd be writing the bulk but not all on his own...maybe it would give Baker a chance to write some more (he cowrote Nobody Listens if I recall write, and some other stuff). Either way the band all kind of contributes, the tendency is to just give writing credits to either Greg or Brett. Also, I don't know..Graffin has matured a lot as a songwriter..definitely variation on this new album (Day Earth Stalled vs Pride and Pallor for example)..I still think the band would be fine without Brett..though personally I don't want to see him go[quote]i label prove it as generic, cause to me it has no melody, doesnt mean i dont like it, especially in the trilogy, but aj is just a masterpiece, prove it is ok, but nothing great.i am all for changing setlists, i hated it to have listen to the same setlist on two shows the TESF tour, although the shows were two years apart! but i dont see any sign of brett having directly anything to do with it, except writing great songs.[/quote]Thanks for the explanation and yeah the setlists are a peeve of mine. It's tough for me to come up with "hard evidence" but it seems that the setlists did start changing (for the worse, imho) when he came back. Though you bring up an interesting point..perhaps Brooks had something to do with this too esp if he didn't care for the Atlantic years either. Cheers

@kerosene:

its like greg and brett always say, they write better together, trying to to write a better song than the other and trying to impress each other. that healthy competition is missing on the brettless albums. that is why i think the brettless albums werent that good and wouldnt be.

and when i say better, i just mean that, i dont mean the brettless albums are "bad", just not as good compared to the other ones. bad religion without brett would lead again to the same problem, graffing writing all songs on his own.

i label prove it as generic, cause to me it has no melody, doesnt mean i dont like it, especially in the trilogy, but aj is just a masterpiece, prove it is ok, but nothing great.

i am all for changing setlists, i hated it to have listen to the same setlist on two shows the TESF tour, although the shows were two years apart! but i dont see any sign of brett having directly anything to do with it, except writing great songs.

In regards to why they choose the set lists that they do, it reminds me of an interview I saw recently with Brooks. The interviewer was quizing him on which songs were on which album and brought up 'Streets Of America.' Brooks had no idea and sort of scoffed, saying 'Oh... the Atlantic years...' My point is that I don't think these set lists have anything to do with Brett but more with how the TOURING band feels about certain songs from that epoch. That would make more sense. Also, seeing that my favourite songs from TDOM are Brett songs, I sure hope he doesn't go anywhere anytime soon. In the interview he mentions that this has been his approach to writing songs since he rejoined the band, so would you say his heart wasn't in it for TPOB or TESF or NMOH? I think people are perhaps overreacting here.

[quote=Bossae]@kerosene:i dont think it is comparing apples to oranges. i take the facts we have (three albums withou brett, greg struggling with writing those, cause he had the double amount of work, which worked for the gray race but was getting weaker over all for the other two albums. that is also the main reason they dont play those songs. they simply dont want to play them, cause they have better ones, i think that was the explanation by the band itself, if i remember correctly.[/quote]It is interesting too that there are Brett songs that don't get played live too off of these newer ones...honestly I think Quickening and Beyond Electric Dreams are stronger/'better' songs than LA is Burning and Let Them Eat War but which ones get played. Also you say it "worked" for the Gray Race. Okay. So what songs from that get played besides Come Join Us, A Walk (sometimes) and 10 in 2010? Why no Cease as a closer once in awhile? Why no Pity the Dead anymore? Etc etc

It's apples to oranges because the band is in a completely different point in time. Look at all the albums that have come out since Brett left in the mid 90s. SOME maturity, growing, new outlooks etc HAD to come in that time, along with the requisite new responsibilities of family, etc. Not to mention, the band had years to regroup, refocus and re-friend each other. Because of that, I find it impossible to say that if Brett quit, it would be the 90s all over again.[quote]not playing american jesus, only casual fans like it? sorry, have to disagree there! replace one of their best and famous songs with a generic song like "prove it", i hope that never happens.[/quote]It's not that AJ isn't one of their better songs, it's that it gets played literally every time they play. There is no mystique, no mystery, no anything. I don't think the general consensus of fans (since you appealed to it) thinks Prove it is generic either..it was my understanding that Prove It was part of a killer trilogy kicking off TPoB (which everyone but me seems to love)[quote]i dont know for how long you have seen them live, but i guess not that long, if you have seen them play sorrow at EVERY singleshow. it is not brett's fault if they have more "greatest hits" songs after 30 years than after 20 years, or perhaps it is, in a good way...anyway, again, the whole setlist brett thing is an assumption you make, but i dont see any proof.[/quote]My 'proof' is the changing setlists since he rejoined...and I still don't see any proof on your end as to why BR losing Brett now would be the same as them losing him in the 90s. Other than "well look what happened in the 90s" which is invalid for reasons I've said more than once.

Yes there will be more hits..but that doesn't mean they need to ALL ALWAYS appear in all sets. Back in the day, A Walk and Punk Rock Song were supposed to be big songs but you don't hear them at every show. There's no reason songs have to be locked in. BR honestly have so many good songs that it's unnecessary to do a 'greatest hit' style thing.[quote]the more albums they have, the fewer songs you will hear from each album. with that limitation they probably dont want to pick out songs that they think are mediocre compared to others... there is a simple solution to that, they have to play longer sets, three hour sets, like die ärzte, but i dont see that ever happening...the blind spot works both ways, i love stranger than fiction more than any other album, but i dont think its their best album, that is ATG. when i said "superior" i guess i wasnt thinking about the 80-85 albums, cause they basically were young and starting out. so i give you that. but everything from suffer on is just better than the brettless albums over all. personal oppinion? sure, but a very popular one among fans.[/quote]1 See above as to 'mediocre' songs ("BR has so many good songs..."). And I think Gray Race is better than TPoB and better than TESF so I guess I'm in the minority.
2 Just because fans prefer one type of album doesn't mean the other is 'bad', they just don't feel it's "as good". Also there are less Brett-less albums than there are Brett albums so it's hard to compare in some degree (also given the factor of time, again).

And sorry folks for monopolizing the discussion here

@kerosene:
i dont think it is comparing apples to oranges. i take the facts we have (three albums withou brett, greg struggling with writing those, cause he had the double amount of work, which worked for the gray race but was getting weaker over all for the other two albums. that is also the main reason they dont play those songs. they simply dont want to play them, cause they have better ones, i think that was the explanation by the band itself, if i remember correctly. dont get me wrong, i love those albums, and i grew up with those, and i was lucky enough to hear them get played live when they were released.)

not playing american jesus, only casual fans like it? sorry, have to disagree there! replace one of their best and famous songs with a generic song like "prove it", i hope that never happens.

i dont know for how long you have seen them live, but i guess not that long, if you have seen them play sorrow at EVERY singleshow. it is not brett's fault if they have more "greatest hits" songs after 30 years than after 20 years, or perhaps it is, in a good way...

anyway, again, the whole setlist brett thing is an assumption you make, but i dont see any proof. the more albums they have, the fewer songs you will hear from each album. with that limitation they probably dont want to pick out songs that they think are mediocre compared to others... there is a simple solution to that, they have to play longer sets, three hour sets, like die ärzte, but i dont see that ever happening...

the blind spot works both ways, i love stranger than fiction more than any other album, but i dont think its their best album, that is ATG.

when i said "superior" i guess i wasnt thinking about the 80-85 albums, cause they basically were young and starting out. so i give you that. but everything from suffer on is just better than the brettless albums over all. personal oppinion? sure, but a very popular one among fans.

Truth be told , the only songs on the album by Brett that are weak lyrically compared to some of his other stuff are the tracks towards the end IE Turn Your Back On Me , Where The Fun Is and I Won't Say Anything , good songs yes but his best no .

The Dissent Of Man ---> The Dissent On The BR Page :)

[quote=Bossae]bad religion wouldnt have a career anymore without brett rejoining and taking them back to epitaph, jay said they were close to breaking up[/quote]And again, apples to oranges...a person can't just simply conclude that BR in the 00s without Brett would turn out the same as BR in the 90s without Brett. At best, the answer is "i don't know" or "they'd be more coherent in terms of song consistency" (note: not consistency in regards to 'quality' but in regards to overall writing and sound).[quote]infected and digital boy have always been on the setlist of their shows, with or without brett in the band (except perhaps on short festival shows, skipping one of those), sorrow, has been on the setlist since it was released, and thats cause its so popular (and good, but thats personal taste). i dont buy your brett screwed up the setlist argument.[/quote]Fair enough, I disagree, but I don't buy your "BR needs Brett, look at the 90s argument". I have not seen a single proof of that because it is impossible to logically make that comparison given the time, overall state of mind of the band and other factors I mentioned.

Sorrow is always on the setlists but the volume of these "must-have" songs is getting overbearing. If it was just Sorrow, Digital Boy and Infected I could deal. But no, it's those PLUS La is Burning, American Jesus..heck even some other good ones are getting overplayed like Recipe for Hate. At this rate, half of the setlist is going to consist of the "must-play" songs...which is cool for the casual fans I guess but frustrating for someone going to multiple shows. Is anyone's heart but the casual fan's going to be broken because BR didn't play American Jesus for them and instead played Prove It or Modern Day Catastrophists?[quote]the band members decide what to play, and there are things like greg's voice etc, that they take into consideration.[/quote]True...BUT have you looked at some of the older setlists going around before Brett came back? Also, some band members such as Jay WANT to dig up some of the Brett-less material and work it out. Doesn't it strike you that when Brett came back they only would play ONE song off of NS (a rarity now), nothing off of TNA, barely anything off of Gray Race? If anything, you're missing out on some great material, seemingly because of a guy who doesn't even tour with the band but somehow convinced them to go the 'greatest hits' direction. Even if you don't like the mid90s albums wouldn't you rather hear them than Sorrow, having seen BR multiple times and seeing that song EVERY time?[quote] i dont know who said the album is gonna be exceptional fast,[/quote]Jay or Graffin, I forget but it was a news item on here in an interview.[quote]looking at all their albums and seeing the 3 brettless ones, i dont see how someone could argue the ones without brett are in any way superior (except if one of those albums was the first one you listened to and got you into br, cause thats usually where people have a blind spot naturally.)[/quote]I think it's easy. For instance, maybe a person values lyrics. If so, they might greatly prefer a No Substance to "the first lady's an effing lez" off of HCHBAW.

Along your same lines of argument, are you admitting that a person who listened to the albums WITH Brett first have a blind spot too, or does it only work the other way? I'm not trying to annoy you but I feel like there's a double standard here in your argument.

if hes not feelin it, its best for him to move on, and find his avalon. sorry

the only weak cd without brett is no substance. the gray race and the new america are awesome.

also once again its what he said in the interview that makes us say if he feels uninspired (which is the vibe he gave off) maybe he should bow out, but if he isnt, then great. No artist should continue to make music if uninspired, even one of the writers of our favorite band. me saying this has NOTHING to do with the new cd (which i love), it ONLY has to do with what brett said in the interview, which irritated me quite a bit.

[quote=Kerosene Keeps Me...]I don't buy this "look at the time Brett wasn't there, see" line of argument at all. The band is in a completely different place emotionally, a completely different place in time, a completely different place in their career, etc. It's like comparing apples and oranges to say BR in the 00s without Brett would "suffer all the same" as BR in the 90s without Brett. And that's not even taking into consideration things like people LIKING the albums without Brett (*raises hand*) or the setlists being a lot better and not being Sorrow, Digital Boy and Infected being played every single show ever. We're just talking about "is it okay for BR as a band to work without Brett". I say sure..or at least..'we don't know', rather than conclude "they were without Brett in the 90s and were in bad shape...thus, 10-15 years later would have the same result". Respectfully, it doesn't follow.I can't speak for others but it's irrelevant that the last albums were fast. I read here (or interview linked here or whatever) that this record would be significantly fast. That implied to me that it was possibly faster than 'the last three'. If it was said "this is gonna be a mid-tempo record" I wouldn't have been as surprised when I heard the album. And again, I love the album. It's not my top one but it's ranked high on my list, certainly over TPoB and TESF but definitely under Gray Race, ATG and NMoH which are my favorites (Suffer and Generator are right underneath those too).[/quote]

bad religion wouldnt have a career anymore without brett rejoining and taking them back to epitaph, jay said they were close to breaking up... infected and digital boy have always been on the setlist of their shows, with or without brett in the band (except perhaps on short festival shows, skipping one of those), sorrow, has been on the setlist since it was released, and thats cause its so popular (and good, but thats personal taste). i dont buy your brett screwed up the setlist argument. the band members decide what to play, and there are things like greg's voice etc, that they take into consideration. i have not seen a single prove that would make me think brett forces them to play songs on tour or has a say in the setlist.

i dont know who said the album is gonna be exceptional fast, i only remember brett saying it reminds him of RFH (although jay didnt share that view), but i totally agree with brett. and i wouldnt be surprised if the similiarity of watch it die / ad hominem was on purpose.

looking at all their albums and seeing the 3 brettless ones, i dont see how someone could argue the ones without brett are in any way superior (except if one of those albums was the first one you listened to and got you into br, cause thats usually where people have a blind spot naturally.)

[quote=Warstub][quote=Marty][quote=BadReligionFTW]if you compare some of his lyrics from the past three albums IE Process , Empire and New Maps (...)[/quote]And I think that's why opinions vary as much as they do. I myself do not compare the songs on TDoM (both Greg's and Brett's songs) to songs on previous albums. I take TDoM for what it is... and I like it a lot.It's like comparing a new girlfriend to all your exes. None of them are the same and they all have their own qualities.[/quote]As different as exes might be, they still have a familiarity about them, and its something that draws you to them in the first place. I agree that these songs should be taken on their own qualities, but we still can't help noticing the familiarities with past songs, whether that be within the songwriting itself or just the instrumental work done in the studio. Brett doesn't need to have punk directly in his life any more than he needs to be on stage playing in the band. He has his own life that makes him happy or keeps him fulfilled and ultimately, that's where his songs will come from. WHo knows, maybe the next record will see a longing for something else aspect that will bring forth songs that I like more than these songs but everyone else here won't like because they prefer these songs. If he bows out of BR then we have no chance at all of seeing what else he can come up with. I'd rather have one good Brett song that I love (Only Rain) amongst a bunch that I don't than no Brett songs at all.[/quote]

Your girlfriend is Bad Religion and after 30 years yo don't like her anymore. Don't hurt her feelings then, just let her go and if you want look for another one

And I'm pretty sure that the "retirement" comments WEREN'T in response to people "not liking Cyanide" or whatever. Rather, they seemed to be based off of Brett's comment that punk rock is not a big part of his life, leading people to speculate that his heart is not in it (I am not questioning him either way though). Assuming his heart IS in it, he is still going in a different direction than the rest of the band it seems. And no one will ever convince me that his performance on the live NMoH dvd was anything but dreadful. Missed parts abound. What good is having another "ahhhs" vocalist if they're missing their spots?

That is not to put all the blame on Brett. As I said earlier, you jell when you play often with the same people. 5/6 of the band is on tour, the other is busy signing Bring Me the Earplugs. It's to be expected he would be a little out-of-sync with a regular lineup, and it's no fault of his but just a result of some people playing together a lot.

[quote=Bossae]i dont get the whole fuss about "bahhh, brett retire blablabla".they said it is gonna be very "experemintal" and it is. some people have a very small memory it seems, suddenly the last three albums never happened with some of the fastest songs of br?! retire cause YOU dont like some of the new songs?! stop smoking whatever you smoke people...look at the last 30 years and tell me which ones were the worst for br, and then come again and talk about brett should retire...[/quote]

I don't buy this "look at the time Brett wasn't there, see" line of argument at all. The band is in a completely different place emotionally, a completely different place in time, a completely different place in their career, etc. It's like comparing apples and oranges to say BR in the 00s without Brett would "suffer all the same" as BR in the 90s without Brett. And that's not even taking into consideration things like people LIKING the albums without Brett (*raises hand*) or the setlists being a lot better and not being Sorrow, Digital Boy and Infected being played every single show ever. We're just talking about "is it okay for BR as a band to work without Brett". I say sure..or at least..'we don't know', rather than conclude "they were without Brett in the 90s and were in bad shape...thus, 10-15 years later would have the same result". Respectfully, it doesn't follow.

I can't speak for others but it's irrelevant that the last albums were fast. I read here (or interview linked here or whatever) that this record would be significantly fast. That implied to me that it was possibly faster than 'the last three'. If it was said "this is gonna be a mid-tempo record" I wouldn't have been as surprised when I heard the album. And again, I love the album. It's not my top one but it's ranked high on my list, certainly over TPoB and TESF but definitely under Gray Race, ATG and NMoH which are my favorites (Suffer and Generator are right underneath those too).

i dont get the whole fuss about "bahhh, brett retire blablabla".

they said it is gonna be very "experemintal" and it is.

some people have a very small memory it seems, suddenly the last three albums never happened with some of the fastest songs of br?! retire cause YOU dont like some of the new songs?! stop smoking whatever you smoke people...

look at the last 30 years and tell me which ones were the worst for br, and then come again and talk about brett should retire...

[quote=Groomits][quote=Kerosene Keeps Me...] Actually I think it might be interesting to have like a Disc 1 Greg vs Disc 2 Brett sort of thing, pitting two masters against each other in the cd context. Idk. [/quote]To put them in competition. Maybe it's what's missing. They take each other songs for granted... I don't know either. :P[/quote]I just think it would be cool. I think there is still "spark" and "life" and "energy" or whatever...the band certainly doesn't seem burned out a la New America days and they seem to get along well (Jay had said in another thread about he and Brett going out together to buy records). But maybe it would reinvigorate the energy some more. I know some people are disappointed with TDoM. My main question still that I can't figure out is why this record was described as "fast" in interviews (I think Jay or Graffin said it), when overall it's pretty mid-tempo (not a bad thing but just saying)

And again I love the songs. I am greedy to hear more though. Maybe that would happen with a Greg vs Brett album. So part of my desire for that album might be just wanting to satiate my greed for more and more BR material lol

[quote=Kerosene Keeps Me...] Actually I think it might be interesting to have like a Disc 1 Greg vs Disc 2 Brett sort of thing, pitting two masters against each other in the cd context. Idk. [/quote]To put them in competition. Maybe it's what's missing. They take each other songs for granted... I don't know either. :P

[quote=Warstub]If he bows out of BR then we have no chance at all of seeing what else he can come up with. I'd rather have one good Brett song that I love (Only Rain) amongst a bunch that I don't than no Brett songs at all.[/quote]Great point.

Though I can't help but feel some of his stuff (if he continues in the same songwriting direction) could be more effective as an EP or Disc 2 type thing. Actually I think it might be interesting to have like a Disc 1 Greg vs Disc 2 Brett sort of thing, pitting two masters against each other in the cd context. Idk.

That said, I love all the songs on TDoM

[quote=kariscene][quote=simian]To all those suggesting that Brett bow out of BR - that's just fucking stupid. If that's how you feel, why don't you bow out of being a BR fan?[/quote]^ Voice of reason.[/quote]Not so much.

[quote=Warstub]How come the quote box on this section doesn't encompass the last quoted person?[/quote]Fixed :)

How come the quote box on this section doesn't encompass the last quoted person?

[quote=Marty][quote=BadReligionFTW]if you compare some of his lyrics from the past three albums IE Process , Empire and New Maps (...)[/quote]And I think that's why opinions vary as much as they do. I myself do not compare the songs on TDoM (both Greg's and Brett's songs) to songs on previous albums. I take TDoM for what it is... and I like it a lot.It's like comparing a new girlfriend to all your exes. None of them are the same and they all have their own qualities.[/quote]As different as exes might be, they still have a familiarity about them, and its something that draws you to them in the first place. I agree that these songs should be taken on their own qualities, but we still can't help noticing the familiarities with past songs, whether that be within the songwriting itself or just the instrumental work done in the studio. Brett doesn't need to have punk directly in his life any more than he needs to be on stage playing in the band. He has his own life that makes him happy or keeps him fulfilled and ultimately, that's where his songs will come from. WHo knows, maybe the next record will see a longing for something else aspect that will bring forth songs that I like more than these songs but everyone else here won't like because they prefer these songs. If he bows out of BR then we have no chance at all of seeing what else he can come up with. I'd rather have one good Brett song that I love (Only Rain) amongst a bunch that I don't than no Brett songs at all.

Personally I'm just happy that he's willing to contribute 5-8 decent songs to an album every couple of years.

Sure his contribution to this record is a stylistic departure (although I'd say that some of them reflect songs that he's written in the past - Devil in Stitches / Stranger Than Fiction and I Won't Say Anything / Walk Away), but I find the actual quality of his songs to be far more consistent than it was on New Maps.

[quote=BadReligionFTW]if you compare some of his lyrics from the past three albums IE Process , Empire and New Maps (...)[/quote]And I think that's why opinions vary as much as they do. I myself do not compare the songs on TDoM (both Greg's and Brett's songs) to songs on previous albums. I take TDoM for what it is... and I like it a lot.
It's like comparing a new girlfriend to all your exes. None of them are the same and they all have their own qualities.

[quote=simian]To all those suggesting that Brett bow out of BR - that's just fucking stupid. If that's how you feel, why don't you bow out of being a BR fan?[/quote]

^ Voice of reason.

To all those suggesting that Brett bow out of BR - that's just fucking stupid. If that's how you feel, why don't you bow out of being a BR fan?

[quote=BadReligionFTW][quote=kariscene][quote=Brother Christian][quote=BadReligionFTW] I honestly think he doesn't have the motivation anymore to be a band member in which case he should bow out and manage BR as a record producer .[/quote]+1[/quote]-1 = 0. Negated :)[/quote]So i'm a hero , i'm a zero , i'm the butt of the worst joke in history ? :)[/quote]

Only I am allowed to make horrible BR puns!!! Or so I say. Go to my thread lol

[quote=kariscene][quote=Brother Christian][quote=BadReligionFTW] I honestly think he doesn't have the motivation anymore to be a band member in which case he should bow out and manage BR as a record producer .[/quote]

+1

[/quote]

-1 = 0. Negated :)[/quote]

So i'm a hero , i'm a zero , i'm the butt of the worst joke in history ? :)

The Dissent of man= New America

I think Dissent is one of their best albums to date...both unique and edgy. However, it does suck that I don't get to see Brett on tour anymore. So I don't complain about his involvement in the studio..I just wouldnt mind seeing all 3 guitarists on stage.

[quote=Brother Christian][quote=BadReligionFTW] I honestly think he doesn't have the motivation anymore to be a band member in which case he should bow out and manage BR as a record producer .[/quote]

+1

[/quote]

-1 = 0. Negated :)

[quote=BadReligionFTW] I honestly think he doesn't have the motivation anymore to be a band member in which case he should bow out and manage BR as a record producer .[/quote]

+1

[quote=Marty][quote=fantasticthepan]"There's no punk rock in my life anymore." it shows in your songwriting brett.[/quote]... in a positive way because I think Brett's songs on TDoM give it balance.[/quote]

I have to disagree , if you compare some of his lyrics from the past three albums IE Process , Empire and New Maps lyrically this was his weakest songwriting to date and I think it is because he isn't as active in the band as he was when he returned .

I honestly think he doesn't have the motivation anymore to be a band member in which case he should bow out and manage BR as a record producer .

[quote=Marty]... in a positive way because I think Brett's songs on TDoM give it balance.[/quote]
+1

[quote=fantasticthepan]"There's no punk rock in my life anymore." it shows in your songwriting brett.[/quote]... in a positive way because I think Brett's songs on TDoM give it balance.

[quote=fantasticthepan]"There's no punk rock in my life anymore." it shows in your songwriting brett.[/quote]

Aside from Only Rain I gotta agree with you here .

[quote=fantasticthepan]"There's no punk rock in my life anymore." it shows in your songwriting brett.[/quote]

+1

"There's no punk rock in my life anymore." it shows in your songwriting brett.

[quote=Guests]you should retire thematrix31, already after the first matrix...i [/quote]

lol, my name doesnt have anything to do with those movies.

I think his softer songs on the new album are better than the songs where they tried to make really hard punk (52 seconds, murder, prove it) I'm normally not a Brett fan, but I'm really happy with the last half of the cd. But of course, my favorite album is the New America...

[quote=Jesse][quote=eggzit]SHe doesn't seem too passionate about the band or even songwriting for that matter.[/quote]I don't really agree with you on that point. To me it seems he's actually really passionate with the band and the music, otherwise he wouldn't be too worried about that bad quality version of The Devil In Stitches when we put that in the news a couple of weeks ago. Also, I think his lyrics on TDoM are the best he has ever written... but I guess I'm one of the few who actually likes those as much as Greg's songs. If he wasn't too passionate anymore, he wouldn't have bothered to spend so many weeks/months to write new songs and make long days in the studio when he and Joe were mixing the album.[/quote]

+1, I think Brett did great on this album, along with Greg. Only so-so track for me is This Is Where The Fun Is... Devil In Stiches, Won't Somebody, I Won't Say Anything, Wrong Way Kids are brilliant and the 'simpler' ones, Cyanide and Turn Your Back On Me are beautiful, esp Cyanide.

Lyrically and musically this album is on the spot if you ask me

[quote=patricke1660][quote=oldmrfletcher]i think these days bad religion would be the same with or without brett. they seem to be in a MUCH better place mentally than they were when they were going to go kaput. if bretts heart is still in it awesome, but thats not exactly the vibe his interview gave off.[/quote]

Brett saved the band when they were close to disbanding. Credit to him, he got them back on track. Unfortunately, it seems they don't need him anymore. All the best songs ex Only Rain on TDOM are Greg tracks. But, I think he gets a free pass to play with the band if and when he wants.

And yes, the album is not as "punk" as others, but jeez - these guys are close to or over 50. I'm still in my 30's and I'm not very overtly punk anymore either. BTW TDOM through Avalon is as good as any of the previous 3, so it would only take a slight tweak to Brett's songwriting to return to punk rock genious.[/quote]

im not complaining about a lot of this cd not being punk. i love all of this cd except for one song. i just really didnt like bretts interview

[quote=eggzit]SHe doesn't seem too passionate about the band or even songwriting for that matter.[/quote]I don't really agree with you on that point. To me it seems he's actually really passionate with the band and the music, otherwise he wouldn't be too worried about that bad quality version of The Devil In Stitches when we put that in the news a couple of weeks ago. Also, I think his lyrics on TDoM are the best he has ever written... but I guess I'm one of the few who actually likes those as much as Greg's songs. If he wasn't too passionate anymore, he wouldn't have bothered to spend so many weeks/months to write new songs and make long days in the studio when he and Joe were mixing the album.

[quote=oldmrfletcher]i think these days bad religion would be the same with or without brett. they seem to be in a MUCH better place mentally than they were when they were going to go kaput. if bretts heart is still in it awesome, but thats not exactly the vibe his interview gave off.[/quote]

Brett saved the band when they were close to disbanding. Credit to him, he got them back on track. Unfortunately, it seems they don't need him anymore. All the best songs ex Only Rain on TDOM are Greg tracks. But, I think he gets a free pass to play with the band if and when he wants.

And yes, the album is not as "punk" as others, but jeez - these guys are close to or over 50. I'm still in my 30's and I'm not very overtly punk anymore either. BTW TDOM through Avalon is as good as any of the previous 3, so it would only take a slight tweak to Brett's songwriting to return to punk rock genious.

[quote=eggzit]Some of the things Brett said in the interview were disappointing, but not surprising. I think his sentiments reflect his songwriting on TDoM pretty accurately.

He doesn't seem too passionate about the band or even songwriting for that matter. I realize he has a ton of other committments, but I get a weird feeling that he may bow out with the next record.[/quote]

I have to agree with you on the fact that Brett just doesn't seem as into songwriting or the actual musical portion of the band as he did when he rejoined in 02

Some of the things Brett said in the interview were disappointing, but not surprising. I think his sentiments reflect his songwriting on TDoM pretty accurately.

He doesn't seem too passionate about the band or even songwriting for that matter. I realize he has a ton of other committments, but I get a weird feeling that he may bow out with the next record.

From a business standpoint he's got the right idea not going on tour. Somebody's got to mind the store. Being responsible and accountable to your employees is pretty hardcore punk to me. As long as he's contributing songs is all that really matters (like Dee Dee Ramone did after his tenure with the Ramones). It's still Graffin singing the tune anyway.

I definitely agree with timmy. Brett is too humble... Having said that, this interview has worried me A LOT indeed.

Fuck punk! What makes Bad Religion the greatest of all punk bands is the very fact that the guys at the helm, particularly the voice and face of the band, don't have anything to do with punk, have evolved past some pubertal label, and actually - to degrees - lead meaningful lives!

[quote]i think brett is has a more to do with punkrock music than the doctor when the bad religion stage lights get turned off. but i dont see people complaining about graffin. i wonder how people measure here...[/quote]

Brett has more to do with punk rock by virtue of running Epitaph for years..punk rock by association..though note that Epitaph doesn't really seem to be a "punk" label in recent years despite recent signings that look well. Before these recent signings, Epitaph was affectionately dubbed emo-taph with all those scene-y bands like Bring Me The Horizon (bring me the earplugs)

As for this forum, the general sentiment is that (paraphrase): "Greg wrote a BR record. Brett wrote 'whatever' and put it on a BR record". While I love the record, I find that kind of thinking to be pretty accurate

[quote]i highly doubt brett has a say in what songs the band plays on tour. if you dont like the setlists, you have to look at the touring band members ask them why they pick those songs.[/quote]

It doesn't strike you that as Brett rejoined there were (drastically imo) different kinds of sets being played? Just coincidence? I don't think so but it's fine to disagree friend.

I believe it came up in an Ask Jay topic about how when Brett rejoined there was a focus on playing 'greatest hits' style sets rather than 'whatever we wanted'. Oh they still play what they want of course but they are limited to some degree because of Sorrow and its counterparts taking up space. I am going off memory admittedly but again, I don't think it can just be coincidence that the band shortened setlists and added more 'greatest hits' over rare songs at the same time Brett came back in the fold.

[quote]but i agree with you that not touring with the band shows when he is on stage for a few shows, that is just natural.
just like the band itself usually isnt that good at the beginning of a tour (no rehearsals) or at the end of a long one (exhaustion).[/quote]

Good point, didn't think of that

you should retire thematrix31, already after the first matrix...

i think brett is has a more to do with punkrock music than the doctor when the bad religion stage lights get turned off. but i dont see people complaining about graffin. i wonder how people measure here...


i imagine he meant weezer as the biggest signing of a commercial succesful band.

and i dont see how writing half of the songs on albums, and taking care of the mixing of an album makes him more of a manager than a band member. unless of course you totally ignore those facts... i for once am happy the way it is, cause i dont want to miss baker.

@kerosene: i highly doubt brett has a say in what songs the band plays on tour. if you dont like the setlists, you have to look at the touring band members ask them why they pick those songs.

but i agree with you that not touring with the band shows when he is on stage for a few shows, that is just natural.
just like the band itself usually isnt that good at the beginning of a tour (no rehearsals) or at the end of a long one (exhaustion).

Time for him to retire, then.

[quote=BadReligionFTW]After reading this interview it almost seems like Brett is more of a manager for the band rather than a band member .[/quote]

I totally agree!

Hey, the biggest signing you made, Brett, is Bad Religion. Don't forget you also had NOFX, the Souls and many more and now Social D. And Weezer being the biggest signing? There I disagree...

Yeah, that 'no punk-rock in his life' struck me to. Does that come with age? I'm sure Jay, Greg and others have some of it left in them...

[quote=Kerosene Keeps Me...].there are studies that show people who consistently play together develop better musical chemistry..you know what that means, Brett should go on tour..no but for real I have seen that though I can't find the studies[/quote]

haha you dont need studies to show that

What is everyone complaining about? that a 48 year old man is not as "punk" anymore as he used to be? And I don't think it's a bad thing that he is not touring. They have Brian Baker, an excellent guitar player. there is no need for him to be there. I even think 3 guitars sound "messy".

[quote=Kerosene Keeps Me...]there are studies that show people who consistently play together develop better musical chemistry..you know what that means, Brett should go on tour..no but for real I have seen that though I can't find the studies[/quote]

Fuck yeah, man! Brett, proceed immediately to LAX. It's tour time :)

on topic of Brett and no disrespect to him or the awesome songs he writes, but he seemed a little out of step in the NMoH dvd..visibly missing cues for vocal parts, etc. The rest of the band seemed fluid, he seemed like a featured guest in some songs although it's still 'his' band or whatever. in many ways this is an impossible-to-avoid reality of the entire band minus one member touring..there are studies that show people who consistently play together develop better musical chemistry..you know what that means, Brett should go on tour..no but for real I have seen that though I can't find the studies

After reading this interview it almost seems like Brett is more of a manager for the band rather than a band member .

I agree Baker is a great punk rock gutiarist but lets not take anything away from hetson hes just as talented but doesn't get to show it off as much . Truth be told I read somewhere that the solos are really just put in there to give Graffin a break so I don't think it matters who does it because they arn't that long anyway.

well not the same theyd probably be more "punk." but im not saying i dont like bretts stuff on the new cd a lot of its pretty damn good

i think these days bad religion would be the same with or without brett. they seem to be in a MUCH better place mentally than they were when they were going to go kaput. if bretts heart is still in it awesome, but thats not exactly the vibe his interview gave off.

[quote]i am not saying the non brett albums were crap, but they were gradually losing steam, and so was the band, and they were about to quit, as jay stated many times. I love all the guys in the band and their music and personalities they contribute, but the core of bad religion is the music and lyrics that get written, and those are the best when brett and greg are a part of it.[/quote]

I get what you're saying though I still respectfully want to disagree.

Good point about how the band wanted to quit, though I'm not sure that's so much "lack of Brett" as it was being fed up...remember, they had major adversity when Brett was still in the band and about to leave..

And I'm sure there's folks on here who like the Gray Race more than NMoH or TDoM..though honestly I love NMoH and TDoM far over TPoB and TESF.

Not just directed to you, but look at some of the setlists when Brett wasn't around. Rare songs and more songs. Now a quarter of the setlist is a given no matter what...seems like playing Sorrow et al is nonnegotiable. I know that some of the casual fans want to see those songs, but they should just go to Warped Tour lol. Again as I said somewhere else, I am greedy about the songs I want to hear lol

[quote=DaymanVersusNightman]No punk in his life? I feel like brett is dragging the band down.[/quote]

i agree with this. thats one hell of a statement when you play in bad religion. it got under my skin to say the least.

[quote=BadReligionFTW]And I sort of have to relearn how to write a record, because honestly, other than playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for my daughter, I don't play guitar

I am confused about this part so does this mean that he doesn't play on the records that much anymore or at all and just sticks to the songwriting aspect ?[/quote]
Brian plays most of the guitar on the albums, because he's the most skilled guitarist in BR. I think Brett mostly plays guitar on whatever demo songs he writes, live occasionally, and maybe a solo or 2 on the records(I think he played the Sorrow solo). He also sings the backing vocals on the album(Brian doesn't). This would be a good question for the Ask Jay topic(I'll post it)

And I sort of have to relearn how to write a record, because honestly, other than playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for my daughter, I don't play guitar

I am confused about this part so does this mean that he doesn't play on the records that much anymore or at all and just sticks to the songwriting aspect ?

I remember in a 2009 interview Brett stating that he usually has
small parts of songs written but only later gets around to actually finishing
them. So I guess he meant it in that context

No punk in his life? I feel like brett is dragging the band down.

The SARNIA Observer?!?! Lol, how random!!!!!

Good interview overall.

I WANT AAAAAAA BIG HOME... I WANT AAAAAAAAH SUBURBAN HOME

[b]'Every two years or so, the guys say, 'It would be nice to have a new record,' and I start writing'[/b]

This is a bit disappointing. Surely music should be a bit more organic than that. Or perhaps he wasn't speaking literally.

Every time somebody posts "why doesn't Brett tour any more", it should be met with a link to this article.

I dunno about that... I think the reason they lost steam on New America is because they were writing songs like Cyanide. Wait, oops. That's New America right?

Luckily Brooks saved the day! :D

Meh, whatever. I love New America and the new album is growing on me slowly but surely.

i am not saying the non brett albums were crap, but they were gradually losing steam, and so was the band, and they were about to quit, as jay stated many times. I love all the guys in the band and their music and personalities they contribute, but the core of bad religion is the music and lyrics that get written, and those are the best when brett and greg are a part of it.

Woah there Timmy, I wouldn't go that far...all the BR guys are integral parts of the band.

[quote=Guests]brett is wayyyyy too humble. I love ur music and lyrics man. I hope the band appreciates ur work even when u dont tour with them. There is no real bad religion without brett, history has shown that.[/quote]
Except for The Gray Race.

brett is wayyyyy too humble. I love ur music and lyrics man. I hope the band appreciates ur work even when u dont tour with them. There is no real bad religion without brett, history has shown that.

Gotta agree with Groomits. It's a shame he isn't much of a musician and a songwriter anymore. If he could pull it off on a more regular basis, he might become an even better songwriter.

So Brett's in between a groove and a rut. I can see that.

At least he's not a walking resemblance of ruts in the trail.

Well, that was disappointing, yet interesting.

Two quotes :
"And aside from when I'm writing a record or producing a record every few years, there's no punk rock in my life anymore."

"Every two years or so, the guys say, 'It would be nice to have a new record,' and I start writing. And I sort of have to relearn how to write a record[...]" This one is funny, but funny bad or good, I don't know...