How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
Value for Money
Advantages:
The catchy tunes !
Disadvantages:
Not much
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
These punkers have been around now since the conception of the dirty word, but no-one had so much as given the poor boys a glimpse before they got naked on the clip to 'All The Small Things'. Basically, this is the best Blink 182 release ever - it is cleaner (in a production sense) than 'Cheshire Cat' and cleaner (as in not downright vulgar) then their two most recent releases.
'Dude Ranch' is a typical Blink album. The boys seal their typical Pop-Rock-Punk niche with tight, fast catchy tracks and an overuse of toilet jokes. The contrasting vocals of Tom Delonge and Mark Hoppus create interesting textures and insights into the lyrics of each track and their use of vocal harmony is brilliant (even though it has a rather subconcious appeal). This was also the band's last album with Scott as the drummer - Tom and Mark were probably a little to strange for his liking (just listen to a minute of 'The Mark, Tom and Travis Show') - this results in the drumming being a lot simpler compared to the complicated recent beats of Travis.
The content of 'Dude Ranch' is diverse enough without being a journey across 101 musical styles. Each song is clearly Blink 182 but has its own individual sound and composition.
The most publicised songs from this album are 'Dammit' and 'Josie' - what better way to describe the trials and tribulations of young love than with a punk rock anthem! These are not the only decent tracks. While I find the whole album to be of quality content, 'Pathetic', 'Apple Shampoo' and the hilarious 'Voyeur' are other standouts which will be moshing in your head long after you have been offended and thrown the disc out the window!! Just Kidding.
I feel I must mention the song 'A New Hope'. Refering to one of the Blinkers infatuations with Princess Laya from Star Wars, this song is actually about the origins of the name Blink 182. Without too much detail, a scene of Laya in a bikini in one of the Star Wars trilogy was re-run 182 times and used for one of the boys self-gratification. Hmmm, perhaps not a disc for the kiddies!!!
Other than this, Dude Ranch is a fantastic album. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll probably gasp in horror as your Grandmother finds the cover booklet and has a coronary taking a peek at the lyrics!
Good punk, good fun and well worth your money!
More details
How does it rate alongside the competition
Outstanding
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Good
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Dude Ranch -
Terrific sales of their independentCheshire Catgot Blink-182 signed to a major label (MCA)
... more
for 1997'sDude Ranch, which led to US radio hits ("Dammit" and "Josie") and platinum sales. No "sell-out" on the band's part, though, asDude Ranchsimply features...
Dude Ranch -
Terrific sales of their independentCheshire Catgot Blink-182 signed to a major label (MCA)
... more
for 1997'sDude Ranch, which led to US radio hits ("Dammit" and "Josie") and platinum sales. No "sell-out" on the band's part, though, asDude Ranchsimply features...
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