Rancid
By 1987, Punk was over a decade old - a lifetime in pop culture. Funny thing, the same conditions and sense of desperation that initially sparked the movement still existed. In a blue-collar California backwater (Albany) guitarist/vocalist Tim Armstrong and bassist Matt Freeman (aka Matt McCall) started the short-lived Operation Ivy. When that group bit the dust, Armstrong and Freeman teamed with drummer Brett Reed to form Rancid. The group produced a five track "single" "I'm Not The Only One." They considered adding Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong as a second guitarist but went with Lars Frederiksen during the recording of their debut album. The self-titled '93 album on the legendary Epitaph Records launched the group on their first national tour followed by European dates.
In '94, the epic (23 songs) "Let's Go" was released to critical acclaim and platinum sales. Success like that doesn't go unnoticed. Soon the group was offered a contract with Madonna's Maverick label and Epic Records. Rancid turned them down deciding to stay with their "friends" Epitaph. "… And The Wolves Came Out" hit in '95 and it too was a major seller. The album, notable for "Time Bomb" and "Ruby Soho," saw Rancid broaden their sound. Three years later "Life Won't Wait" featured tracks recorded in Jamaica and the song "Cash, Culture and Violence" recorded with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones' vocalist Dicky Barrett. After and extended break, including some side projects, Rancid unleashed "Indestructible" in '03.
Favorable comparisons with The Clash have appeared throughout Rancid's career, though the approach is far more frantic and self-referential. Rancid's drawing card is their ability to "amp it up and crank it out" without fail. Their self-titled debut and follow-up "Let's Go" show Rancid at the peak of their powers. The debut has "Detroit" which Rocks hard and even manages to incorporate solid backing vocals while "Rat's In The Hallway" kicks it all the way out riding breathless vocals. With the title track, "Nihilism," "Side Kick" and closing track "Motorcycle Ride" "Let's Go" is a high speed adventure down Rock's mean streets.
"… And The Wolves Came Out" and "Life Won't Wait" are also excellent albums as Rancid extends their reach. However, in total these albums don't pack the manic drive of their predecessors. "Indestructible" shows the group returning to their original sound with the speed Rocking title track and the mythic "Spirit of '87." The album also features "Fall Back Down" which is one of the catchiest and hook-driven songs Rancid has ever recorded.