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Rating:
Wait, I don't understand. Are there really people who think Californian punk is defined by Green Day and Blink 182? I mean, near me, in my city, probably even in my school, there's a boy/girl passionate about "Californian pancake" to whom I could ask who the Black Flag are (not exactly similar to the bands I mention here, but still punk and Californian) or Bad Religion to hear them say: -what the hell do I know?- but I don't want to talk about Black Flag or Bad Religion, I want to move forward in time, beyond that "Suffer" that started the genre which on one side got degenerated but on the other got exalted.
-What's the masterpiece of Californian Melodic Punk of the 90s?
-"Dookie", for sure, uh also "Enema Of The State"
-Uh, the fact that they're famous doesn't mean they're the best and I hate the blink one eighty two...Never heard Ballads From Revolution by Good Riddance?
-Good what? I mean nothing could ever be better than Green Day and Blink, they're the best, the ones you mentioned no one's heard of! (shoe sole well imprinted on the face)
Well, this album isn't long, isn't elaborate, it's not a "record of the year," not fictitious, not brain-teasing, this is a masterpiece.
The characteristic of "Ballads From Revolution" that stands out immediately is the brevity of its tracks, 15 songs that rarely exceed 2 minutes, 15 tracks without any drop in level or standstill moment, no repetitions, revealing lyrics in the standard sociopolitical way of Good Riddance, truth, melody, and above all, a cohesion that's downright astonishing. It's impossible to lose focus while listening to it. Total exaltation of the listener. That's enough, talking more about this album isn't possible, I don't think I can perfectly convey the idea that one can only get from listening.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
04 Jeannie (02:09)
Friday night she's not alone
I wonder who's going to drive her home
And walk her to the door
And will she give him a good night kiss
Monday at schoot she says hello
I fight the tears as I watch her go
She'll never know what she means
To this lonely boy
If you'd only take a walk with me
Just give me some time and you might see
I could be your hero if you'd let me in
You can't deny what's in your heart
And you know i'm trying to be a part
You can do better than those other boys
05 Salt (01:49)
Don't be alarmed please don't take it personally
But you're acting out on everybody here
You're ability your virility's in doubt
So one more time you clench your fists
Scream and shout
You high-five your friends
Like you're jocks at a football
It seems you don't know when to quit
The crowd stares in silence
As you practice violence
To show you're the king of the pit
What now we're sick of it
So now no one goes
To the front at shows anymore
Because we don't want to be
Kicked in the head
Or punched in the nose
We don't care where you're from
We don't care what set you claim
Why don't you get involved
You don't even know our names
Any scene worth it's salt
Would vilify aggression
It seems that aggression's all you know
So stop throwing your fists
Put out your hand
Participate in the show
Here we go
08 Understood (01:48)
Have we really lost our way
I heard the people talking but I can't believe the things they say
seems like a million days
since we chose a new direction
tried to find the strength to change
Chorus :
Do you remember when 500 stood as one
and reached for the sky
our pride was understood
friendship and brother (sister) hood
gave us the courage to try
Sometimes it's such a lonely road
despair is everywhere
so much anger to unload
but I'll fight with every breath
in my heart I still believe
we can make a difference somehow
10 Slowly (02:30)
She called me up all excited said she had a date
With him Saturday night and she just can't wait
I thought about his reputation & the things that he's done
I woudn't wish him on anyone
I said to her when you're with him better watch your step
Because I know this boy he's got a pretty bad rep
I only hope he doesn t end up bringing you down
He's been breaking hearts all over town
Slowly you can pick yourself back up
When that situation's got you down again
Slowly you can pick your self back up
Girl you've got to save it for another day
Because you don't need him anyway
It's just a game they play
I know this won't come easy girl
I know that it's hard
And deep down inside it leaves an awful scar
And to say I told you so
Won't help to ease the pain inside you so
Just remember that there's plenty of boys out there
Who could treat you much better
And remember I care
it just won't do to see you hurting so bad
I knew that boy was going to leave you sad
11 Without Anger (01:33)
There are some things I can't appreciate And when they're gone I won't deliberate Without heart we'll never make it work Accusing the world but you're playing the game Scream 'till it hurts but it's always the same Wake up in a fog can't remember my name There are those who pin their faults on me Don't give a fuck about sincerity I've said enough but when it all comes down Don't try to tell me that it makes no difference Don't place conditions on what's inside Our similarities are torn apart by pride And it seems like everything's Coming down on me And I can't tell right from wrong Fate from tragedy I've got to find that fire That defined me once so well There's so much talk so many empty lines I see no reason for their selfish lies Without the anger resistance can't break these chains
14 I.S.Y.L. (02:37)
I remember the day that we met
I needed someone, you needed someone too, yeah
Spend time takin' all you could get
Givin' yourself was one thing you never could do
You played with my heart, played with my head
I got to laugh when I think of the things you said
'Cause i stole your love, Stole your love
Ain't never gonna let you go
I, oh yeah, stole your love, I stole your love stole your love, I stole your love
You never stop runnin' around
You pick me up, then you could still put me down
You were the girl that nobody could own
Stay for a while, then you would leave me alone
I'm somethin' different, ain't like the rest
How does it feel to find out you're failin' your test
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