Rancid - Rancid [2000]
Epitaph Records
2000
[URL]www.rancidrancid.com[/URL]
Tim Armstrong - Vocals, Guitar
Lars Frederiksen - Guitar, Vocals
Matt Freeman - Bass, Vocals
Brett Reed - Drums
For an album that has tracks that in most cases last no more than 2 minutes, and in some cases can't even reach 1 minute, this is a very interesting album, with a few standout tracks in particular. Every song on this album is hard and fast, as compared to other albums with a few fast, a few slow. This album was the second self-titled LP Rancid released, and over the years has just became known as "Rancid 2000", to prevent confusion.
A few good points about the album? Let's take a look at "Axiom", which has the mother of all of Matt's bass solos. This puts "Maxwell Murders" to shame. "Rigged On A Fix" also includes a few small bass solos. It's safe to say the basslines throughout the album are really impressive and catchy. For some reason, I find "Rwanda" incredibly catchy, and I think it's because of Lars' singing in the chorus and intro.
The guitar on this album is also credit worthy. "Let Me Go" has one of those guitar riffs that when you hear it, you immediately pick up your guitar and try it out. The same goes for "Young Al Capone" and "Rattlesnake". They could maybe have added a solo or two in some songs, to make them longer and more spicey.
The vocals on this album are energy-filled, angry and furious. Matt, Tim and Lars all take turns on vocals, but I think the vocals on "I Am Forever" are the best sounding, and sang by Lars. Matt's vocals are usually great for Rancid, because his are rough and deep, which matches the songs themselves, and Tim's are also loud and scratchy, and sound great on "Antennas".
I can't say much about the drums, because I find they sound the same on all Rancid songs, with maybe an added drum roll, or crash cymbal.
Some bad points about the album? I'd say the length of the tracks was a disappointment, as they could've been longer, and an extra verse could have been added in places, with "It's Quite Alright" for example. This is probably my favourite track on the album, but it only lasts 1.29. Another thing that disappointed me about the album was the similarity between alot of songs.
Recommended Songs:
It's Quite Alright.
Axiom.
GGF.
Blackhawk Down.
I Am Forever.
Anntenas.
Radio Havana (a fellow MXers recommendation)
For a 39 minute album, with 22 tracks, I really enjoyed listening to this. I did find a few of the songs were rather similar, but the sheer energy put into this album was enough to cover for the similarity. I give this
4/5.
