•
Rating:
I don't watch MTV much. I "discovered" Blink two or three years ago, through a friend of my younger brother, who owns their latest self-titled CD. Finding it interesting, I decided to research their previous works. That's how I came to "Dude Ranch" (1997). This CD surprised me a lot; the sounds, themes, and even the vocals are very different from those heard in "Enema Of The State" and "Take Your Pants Off And Jacket," and you can hear the influence of Bad Religion and Descendents, although pop elements are also present. The line-up on this album features Tom and Mark as vocalists, with the former on guitar and the latter on bass, and Raynor on drums.
The CD opens with "Pathetic", a fast track, and "Voyeur", in which Tom describes hiding to spy on a girl with her panties down, hoping in vain to overcome his shyness and meet her. "Damn!", this was my comment when the third track started: "Dammit". It opens with a spectacular and engaging riff invented by Mark with a guitar missing 2 strings, and continues with Mark’s voice yelling what happened: he lost his girlfriend. The chorus loses a bit of intensity, a problem solved in live performances, where it's sung with Tom's husky voice. Other noteworthy tracks are "Dick Lips", "Untitled", "Apple Shampoo", "Emo", "I'm Sorry" and the very successful "Josie", whose video features a young Alyssa Milano. "Degenerate" is very amusing, talking about an alcoholic who goes to jail where the legend of the soap lingers :).
A CD to play during leisure time, to have fun: I don't know about you, but when "Dammit" starts, I run to dance like a fool! In short, a very fast album (the average track does not exceed 2 minutes and 50 seconds), of which I do not feel like recommending against any song, whose perhaps one drawback is the repetitiveness of some tracks such as "Lemmings", "Waggy", and "A New Hope". The tracks are often followed by spoken phrases, certainly funny the first few times, but very annoying on subsequent listens.
I think it's undeniable a certain musical culture of the band in question, which has covered artists like Dinosaur Jr, Billy Idol, and The Cure, and has done six years of apprenticeship and touring before achieving commercial success. Indeed, this album opens the door for the San Diego trio, who, buoyed by their success, will begin to offer increasingly pop songs and address less "obscene" and less deeply-felt subjects, to widen their product to more people. Significant in this regard is Raynor's departure, who, seeing the band's commercial direction, withdrew and was replaced by the talented Barker.
In conclusion, my rating is 3 for the album, but I give it a 4 for attachment and sympathy (the videos for "Dammit" and "Josie" are hilarious) and because at least in live performances, they can play and engage the audience. They were never a punk band like their contemporaries Casualties and New Bomb Turks, but surely this is their most successful attempt, together (in my very humble opinion) with the self-titled.
Tracklist Lyrics and Samples
01 Pathetic (02:27)
I know I'm pathetic, I knew when she said it
A loser, a bum's what she called me when I drove her home
There's no more waiting and sure no more wasting
I've done all I can but she still wants to be left alone
You got, you got, you got to help me out
And I'll try not to argue
No one, no one, no one likes a drop-out
Mistakes are hard to undo
Don't pull me down, this is where I belong
I think I'm different, but I'm the same and I'm wrong
Don't pull me down, this is where I belong
I think I'm different, this is where I belong
I think it's disgusting, believing and trusting
If I gave a fuck there would be nothing for me to prove
Although it's amusing, it's slightly confusing
I've done all I can but her ego is still hard to move
You got, you got, you got to help me out
And I'll try not to argue
No one, no one, no one likes a drop-out
Mistakes are hard to undo
Don't pull me down, this is where I belong
I think I'm different, but I'm the same and I'm wrong
Don't pull me down, this is where I belong
I think I'm different, this is where I belong
Don't pull me down, this is where I belong
I think I'm different, this is where I belong
02 Voyeur (02:44)
And when the day ends I'm sure she feels sorrow
The lonely guy I am I wait for her to change
I've been here two days, I'll sure be here tomorrow
I'd eat her all if she were on my dinner plate
(And I wish)
I wish she'd be more kind now
I'm out of luck cause the shades are pulled down
I've seen everything there is to be shown
I followed her all the way home
I can't be too cool in a tree with my pants down
The air is cold and I've got splinters in my feet
She caught me once, but I don't think that she cares now
Unlike before, her view is now blocked by a leaf
(And I wish)
I wish she'd be more kind now
I'm out of luck cause the shades are pulled down
I've seen everything there is to be shown
I followed her all the way home
I bet this last time is the one time too many
The rush of waiting is burning in my head
Right after supper her brother showers twice a week
He kicks my ass so much, that filthy white inbred
I've made mistakes by looking in the wrong window
Her dad is big and I've never seen his face
I've been here two days, and I'll sure be here tomorrow
My lady's so sweet, she likes to entertain
(And I wish)
I wish she'd be more kind now
I'm out of luck cause the shades are pulled down
I've seen everything there is to be shown
I followed her all the way home
I bet this last time's the one time too many
The rush of waiting is burning through my head
Right after supper her brother showers twice a week
He kicks my ass so much, that filthy white inbred
(1, 2, 3, 4)
03 Dammit (02:44)
It's alright / to tell me / what you think / about me
I won't try / to argue / or hold it / against you
I know that / you're leaving / you must have / your reasons
The season / is calling / and your pictures / are falling down
The steps that / I retrace / the sad look / on your face
The timing / and structure / did you hear / he f***ed her?
A day late / a buck short / I'm writing / the report
On losing / and failing / when I move / I'm flailing now
And it's happened once again
I'll turn to a friend
Someone that understands
And sees through the master plan
But everybody's gone
And I've been here for too long
To face this on my own
Well I guess this is growing up
Well I guess this is growing up
And maybe / I'll see you / at a movie / sneak preview
You'll show up / and walk by / on the arm / of that guy
And I'll smile / and you'll wave / we'll pretend / it's okay
The charade / it won't last / when he's gone / I won't come back
And it'll happen once again
You'll turn to a friend
Someone that understands
And sees through the master plan
But everybody's gone
And you've been there for too long
To face this on your own
Well I guess this is growing up
Well, I guess this is growing up [5x]
04 Boring (01:42)
You don't need nothin'
And I know that you won't even try
Don't wait for me to help you
Too late for any of my advice
No trust
All I got is lies
Boring
Alright
Misplaced your values
Forgot being the importance of being right
Don't sit there and act humble
I've heard your story a thousand times
No trust
All I got is lies
Boring
Alright
05 Dick Lips (02:56)
Please, mom
You ground me all the time
I know that I was right
All along
And I'm hoping
Remember I'm a kid
I know not what I did
Just having fun
You couldn't(I couldnt wait) wait for something new (for something new)
And yesterday(And yesterday) I thought of you (I thought of you)
It left me to think as if I couldn't walk away
It's too late, I fell through
Nothing to lose
A boy who went out when he finished all his chores
Nothing to do
They can't trust me because I blew it once before
Shit, dad
Please don't kick my ass
I know I've seen you trashed
At least one time
Can I blame it
On one of my dumb friends
It's been awhile
Since I have used that line
You couldnt wait (You couldnt wait) couldn't wait for something new (For something new)
And yesterday (And yesterday) I thought of you (I thought of you
It left me to think as if I couldn't walk away
It's too late, I fell through
Nothing to lose
A boy who went out when he finished all his chores
Nothing to do
They can't trust me because I blew it once before
(Alright)
Nothing to lose
A boy who went out when he finished all his chores
Nothing to do
They can't trust me because I blew it once before
06 Waggy (03:17)
Watching your house shrink away in my rear-view mirror
As I drive away
Wishing that I could take back all those words
That meant nothing that I didn't say
I'm trying
To be what you want me to be
But it's so damn hard to keep playing the part
Of the fool, week after week
I think you need some time alone (I think you need some time alone)
You say you want someone to call your own
Open your eyes, you can suck in your pride
You can live your life all on your own
Is this all going to be just another time
That we play this game?
I've tried to convince you that things could be different
But somehow they end up the same
But what
Did you expect from me? What am I supposed to do?
You say that you're starting to feel like you're getting lost
Well, I do, too
I don't wanna live this lie again (I don't wanna live this lie again)
I know I'll get it right but I don't know when
I'll open my eyes, I've got something in side
I'll just jack off in my room until then
It's never over 'til it's done
And I don't think that you're the one
It's never over 'til it's done
And I don't think that you're the one
07 Enthused (02:48)
Am I strung out, crazy, or not allowed
To be the one who gets stupid over you
Lazy (lazy), laid back (laid back), maybe you're just on crack
Why am I the one who gets fucked up and confused?
(Go)
She doesn't care at all
She doesn't care at all
She doesn't care about those times we never shared at all
If I were the last of the few who always ask
Would you still be the same person that I knew
And if it's for me, another boring story
I swear I'll act enthused
09 Apple Shampoo (02:51)
She didn't mean to deceive you, believe me
But sometimes the hardest part is conceiving
The good intentions that you had
Now only came to this
And although she saw the mark
The arrow missed
It isn't exciting reciting the stories
Of kind words turned hurting when routine gets boring
Both getting tired of punk rock clubs
And both playing in punk rock bands
The start was something good
But some good things must end
And she said, "It could never survive
With such differing lives
One home, one out on tour again
We may never come back
The strike of a match
The candle's burning at both ends."
And now she knows too much
And I'm too fucked up
It's awkward trying to make my move
I'll pretend that I'm fine
Show up right on time
But I know I'll never be that cool
I never wanted to hold you back
I just wanted to hold on
But my chance is gone
I know / just where / I stand / a boy
Trapped in the body of a man and
I'll take what you're willing to give
And I'll teach myself to live
With a walk-on part of a background shot
From a movie I'm not in
She's so important
And I'm so retarded
And now I realize
I should have kissed you in L.A.
But I drove home all alone
As if I had a choice, anyway
Where are you coming from?
What are you running from?
Is it so hard to see?
And if you're feeling scared
Remember the time we shared
You know it meant everything (everything)
You know that it meant everything to me
You know that it meant everything to me
10 Emo (02:50)
One more time you will laugh about it
And he'll never try to give you more
And I don't care, he is such a dick
He treats you like you are a stupid whore
And it seems like things will never change
You go on, every cloud is in your way
And I know you feel empty all the time
You'll never listen to anything that I say
She's better off sleeping on the floor
Because she fell right off
When all
Is said
You know
It's okay to just want more
Why leave when you claim it is love?
But why stay when you're not the only one?
She's proved she's strong
Be brave, be strong
She's better off sleeping on the floor
Because she fell right off
When all
Is said
You know
It's okay to just want more
She's better off sleeping on the floor
She's better off sleeping on the floor
(Because she fell right off the bed)
She's better off sleeping on the floor
She's better off sleeping on the floor
(Because she fell right off the bed)
She's better off sleeping on the floor
She's better off sleeping on the floor
(Because she fell right off the bed)
She's better off sleeping on the floor
She's better off sleeping on the floor
(Because she fell right off the bed)
11 Josie (03:19)
Yeah, my girlfriend takes me home when I'm too drunk to drive
And she doesn't get all jealous when I hang out with the guys
She laughs at my dumb jokes when no one does
She brings me mexican food from Sombrero's just because
(Yeah, just because)
And my girlfriend likes U.L. and D.H.C.
And she's so smart and independent, I don't think she needs me
Quite half as much as I know I need her
I wonder why there's not another guy that she'd prefer
And when I feel like giving up
Like my world is falling down
I show up at 3am
She's still up watching Vacation, and I
See her pretty face
It takes me away to a better place and
(I know that everything [3x]) Everything's gonna be fine
(I know that everything [3x]) Everything's gonna be fine
Yeah, my girlfriend takes collect calls from the road
And it doesn't seem to matter that I'm lacking in the bulge
She laughs at my dumb jokes when no one does
She brings me mexican food from Sombrero's just because
And when I feel like giving up
Like my world is falling down
I show up at 3am
She's still up watching Vacation, and I
See her pretty face
It takes me away to a better place and
(I know that everything [3x]) Everything's gonna be fine
(I know that everything) (Know that everything [2x]) Everything's gonna be fine
(I know that everything [3x]) Everything's gonna be fine
(I know that everything [3x]) Everything's gonna be fine
(Know that everything [3x]) Everything's gonna be fine
(I know that everything) (Know that everything [2x]) Everything's gonna be fine
(I know that everything [3x]) Everything's gonna be fine
(I know that everything [3x]) Everything's gonna be fine
12 A New Hope (03:45)
I've got her in my head
At night when I go to bed
And I know it sounds lame, but
She's the girl of my dreams
And of course I'd do anything for her
I'd search the moons of Endor
I'd even walk naked through
The deserts of Tatooine
Princess Leia, where are you tonight?
And who's laying there by your side?
Every night I fall asleep with you
And I wake up alone
And even though I'm not as cool as Han
I still want to be your man
You're exactly the kind of
Alderranian that I need
But when you were available, I was
Drinking Colt 45's with Lando
I was hanging out in the cantina
On Mos Eisley
Princess Leia, where are you tonight?
And who's laying there by your side?
Every night I fall asleep with you
And I wake up alone
Princess Leia [2x]
Princess Leia, where are you tonight?
And who's laying there by your side?
Every night I fall asleep with you
And I wake up alone
13 Degenerate (02:28)
Crossed the street, naked at night
Bent over to show some moonlight
Pulled out some beer and gulped it down
Nude in a gutter is how I was found
Thrown in the policecar and the door slammed
No noise, just silence, as I screamed, my dick was
Jammed, now in prison for one month, no one to see
All I got is this guy Ben Dover
Don't like hash
Don't like rap
Kicked ol' Sally 'cause she's fat
I'm a jerk, I'm a punk
Took a shower cause I stunk
Smoked a bong, killed a cat
Had my nuts attacked by rats
Dad got nude, wore a thong
For a hobby I make bombs
Went to a farm to tip some cows
Forgot that I left my pants down
Bent over to pick them up
Felt a twelve gauge next to my hum-diddy-dum
The farmer took me to his house
Showed me the closet from the inside out
The police came and took me away
Saw Ben Dover again and he's still gay
Don't like hash
Don't like rap
Kicked ol' Sally 'cause she's fat
I'm a jerk, I'm a punk
Took a shower cause I stunk
Smoked a bong, killed a cat
Had my nuts attacked by rats
Dad got nude, wore a thong
For a hobby I make bombs
Don't like hash
Don't like rap
Kicked ol' Sally 'cause she's fat
I'm a jerk, I'm a punk
Took a shower cause I stunk
Smoked a bong, killed a cat
Had my nuts attacked by rats
Dad got nude, wore a thong
For a hobby I make bombs
14 Lemmings (02:37)
A freight train to the right, feeling that sting of pride
It's fucking with me, it's fucking with you
All's fair in love and war until you say it isn't but you're wrong
Words on the back of flyers, my clothes are in the dryer
It means nothing, nothing is changing
La familia is dead and gone, the children grew up and moved on
Is it too much to ask for the things to work out this time?
I'm only asking for what is mine
I wanted everything, I got it and now I'm gonna
Throw it away, I'll throw it away (yeah)
Prime select and a box of glazed, pulling fly-bys on days
When we were young and innocent
Elbow-drop Sundays when Mark Eaton got beat to shit
Laughing at the bands we hate, all the spots we used to skate
They're still there, but we've gone our own ways
I know it's for the best but sometimes I wonder
Will I ever have friends like you again?
Is it too much to ask for the things to work out this time?
I'm only asking for what is mine
I wanted everything, I got it and now I'm gonna
Throw it away, I'll throw it away (yeah)
Is it too much to ask for the things to work out this time?
I'm only asking for what is mine
I wanted everything, I got it and now I'm gonna
Throw it away, I'll throw it away (yeah)
You're gonna drown in the mess you make
Your self-inflicted hate
You turn your back on the friends you lose
When they don't follow all your rules
But people are what they wanna be
They're not lemmings to the sea
Maybe it's time you looked at yourself
And stop blaming life on someone else
15 I'm Sorry (05:38)
Don't bide your time
'Cause it is almost over
And I know you're down
And I'll see you around
And I know it hurts
But you're just getting older
And I know you'll win
You'll do it once again
Just yesterday
It always seemed like such a dream
We're unstoppable, indestructable
Nothing happens to our machine
And there's no harm
At least nothing we can see
As for you, not so true
You couldn't choose where his road would lead
What a loss
You've just lost all your sleep
And we've always thought
That this could never happen, you see
That it's so hard
You gotta get up on your feet
'Cause the only way, I gotta say
Is to move on through the week
Don't bide your time
'Cause it is almost over
And I know you're down
And I'll see you around
And I know it hurts
But you're just getting older
And I know you'll win
You'll do it once again
I'm Sorry [x16]
(I'm Sorry) This Happened to you [x4]
Don't bide your time
'Cause it is almost over
And I know you're down
And I'll see you around
And I know it hurts
But you're just getting older
And I know you'll win
You'll do it once again
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Other reviews
By andrewramone
The tracks all sound the same and are indistinguishable from each other, all fast.
That is not real punk; it’s just a derivative that attracts most of the teenage girls fogging up the TV tuned to MTV with their breath.
