#13: Blink-182 - Enema of the State
I've learned a lot of things in the time I started really listening to music. One of those things is that if you throw out the word "punk" you won't be able to get 10 people to agree on which bands fall in to that category. Well in my honest opinion, Blink-182 is THE punk band of my generation and this cd in particular is the reason why.
In the TRL-era that contained boy bands and Britney Spears, Blink-182 made waves with a video for "All The Small Things" poking fun at the popular bands of the time. Ironically, the song that got them on the radio was the one that first started to get me to listen beyond the radio.
I realize "What's My Age Again?" came out first and I remember that video clearly, with the naked cartwheeling. I also realize this was by no means their first album, but like I've stated, I was strictly a radio guy at this point.
So while I came for the two lead singles, I stayed for this raw sound I had not experienced before. It had catchy, sing along elements - but also contained cuss words. And for my age at the time (I wanna say 12, 13?) that was big. Also keep in mind, this album came out JUST before the Napster craze (or right along side it - either way it came out before MySpace).
This was the first record of it's kind that got me into music other than "pop" and that is why it's so high on the countdown. The thing is, it's one of those timeless releases that high school kids today can still put on and relate to. One of my favorite memories is visiting California and walking around with this cd in my discman (throwback) and absorbing every word.
What still resonates to me is throughout a cd containing topics such as the state looking down on sodomy and girls with no underwear on, there was a game changer called "Adam's Song." That track, from my perspective is about a teen's struggle with suicide, is still one of my favorites to this day. And it is a testament to their talent that they can go from such an impactful song right into "All the Small Things."
So if you have Rock Band, play the drums on these tracks because Travis Barker is a living legend. If not, enjoy them below.
AH! This is bringing me back to my days at Dairy Queen yo! HAHA!! Yes, I bought this cd because I liked the cover art (which, to be honest, is why I own maybe half of the cd's I do) and I certainly wasn't disappointed. I used to put this in my Discman (holla) and rock out at the bus stop on my way to Dairy Queen. If I got lucky enough to work with the guy that would end up being my first boyfriend, he'd put it on the cd player so we could hear it when we were working. Along with Eminem's first cd. *sigh* I was just at DQ last night with my SIL and I was telling her some awesome DQ memories (like throwing Dilly bars into the road for no reason) so it's cool that this is the cd for this week. :)
ReplyDeletei think everyone our age has had a day where they sat in the dark listening to Adam's Song on repeat...before doing that could be called "emo," too.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I feel like the cover of this album could be the cover of a porno. Like maybe if the girl was topless? She's got a look on her face like "Come over here you sexy thang and I'll give you a rectal exam". That's not sexy? Hmm. Well in any case it's an excellent album. Oh and hello there, btw. Long time no blog (on my part).
ReplyDelete@Sara:
ReplyDeleteGlad I could bring back even more DQ memories :)
I remember bringing portable speakers to work and playing Incubus and Taking Back Sunday. Good times
@JSjov:
that is a very nice observation. I'm glad that song connects with someone else
@Jaime:
Is it ok to say I've missed you? And it would probably be a weird fetish porno, but a porno nonetheless
I need to add- that this COULD be a porno since that is none other than Janine Lindemuller (I think that's her last name) who had some great "movies" back in her heyday. She married Jesse James, had a baby and is now a cracked out crazy. Sad times. LOL.
ReplyDeleteThis album is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI'll repeat: This album is perfect. I remember buying off a cross country teammate for a dollar when I was in high school. To this day, it was one of he best dollars I ever spent. While I'll always remember high school when I play this album, I still think there's a timelessness to it. It's a crisp sounding album without feeling compressed, catchy without feeling boring. The song writing is tight, and blink is able to balance the goofy with real sincerity, which has ALWAYS been their charm.
Oh man PERFECT pick! I actually totally forgot about this album till you brought it up and now I think I need to get in my car and drive somewhere while listening to it.
ReplyDeleteAnd Travis Barker? That man is an AMAZING drummer.