GREEN DAY
"Bullet
in a Bible" (Reprise; 2005)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
One of the things that made Green Day one of the most popular bands in the world today is their legendary live show. "Bullet in a Bible" does an amazing job of capturing the magic and power of that live show and gives the consumer a lot of bang for their buck at the same time.
"Bullet in a Bible" is a CD/DVD combo, including a 14-track CD and a 2 1/2 hour DVD. The CD is broken up into seven tracks from the band's huge worldwide hit, "American Idiot," and seven tracks spanning the balance of the band's career. That tracklisting may sound like it's a little unbalanced and, frankly, it may be. Still, the material from "American Idiot" is so well-written and so powerful ... not to mention translates so well into a live performance ... that the decision to include those tracks was a wise one.
The band is dead-on throughout, delivering a performance with stunning charisma and dynamic energy that is not only plainly obvious on the DVD but comes through explosively on the audio CD as well. The strong audience interaction is just one indicator of how great the live show is.
If there's any complaint here it's about the DVD format. Rather than just including a full disc of the band's live performance, the DVD included here is one of those documentary-style concert discs. In other words, the songs are divided by backstage footage, interviews, etc. and the flow of the live concert is lost. It would have been nice to just be able to put on the DVD, sit back and enjoy the show. Don't get me wrong, the additional footage is interesting and fun but I only wish I had the ability to watch the concert only.
An excellent companion to the great "American Idiot" CD and a perfect souvenir for those who caught hte band on tour, Green Day's "Bullet in a Bible" is another notch in the band's already considerably notched belt of success.
For more information, check out www.greenday.com.
"American
Idiot" (Reprise; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Recently, my good friend and staff writer Snidermann wrote a review for the new CD by Full Scale, in which he railed against politics in rock'n'roll. Snidermann wrote: "I don't mind politics mixed into my music but this CD is relentless. Frankly, I found it exhausting rather than relaxing. If I wanted a sermon, I would go to church. If I wanted a lecture on politics, I would watch television."
I repeat Steve's comments here because I feel the same way he does, perhaps even more so. I understand the importance and the relevance of politics in rock'n'roll, but I don't want it forced down my throat. I think there are ways of making your point without hitting someone over the head with a sledgehammer.
Green Day wears their politics on their sleeve on "American Idiot," but their poetic lyrics and crushing melodies soften the blow. And, apparently unlike Full Scale, Green Day don't give you 80 minutes of nonstop political ranting and raving.
There are may reasons to call "American Idiot" brilliant. There are the aforementioned cleverly poetic lyrics; the consistently powerful and solid songwriting; the pitch perfect production and the scope and breadth of the recording throughout.
One of the things I like about modern punk is its ability to morph, breathe and change. "American Idiot" is a fine example of that, running the gamut from Ramones-like rhythms to interludes that sound as though they could have come from The Clash or sometimes even something out of 50s hits. Two of the tracks hereon are mini-stories. Both "Jesus of Suburbia" and "Homecoming" are divided into five chapters and play like mini rock operas and they work magnificently.
"American Idiot" is yet another chapter in the ever-evolving and always surprising career of Green Day. I know it may be some time, but I can't wait to see what they pull out of their hat next time.
Green Day: Billie Joe Armstrong - guitar, lead vocals; Mike Dirnt - bass, vocals; Tre Cool - drums, vocals. Additional musicians include: Rob Cavallo - piano; Jason Freese - saxophone; Kathleen Hanna - guest vocals.
For more information, check out www.greenday.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 11 Jun 2010 00:31:48 -0500.
