Rancid, Life Won't Wait (Epitaph-1998)
How to follow up a million selling album and also better it? Here you go and guess what? It did not sell a million.
Well I think that was the idea as the band were linked to the pop punk movement and to be honest they never really were all bubblegum and guitars. It is hard at times to even notice this as punk as it has so many styles from rockabilly to hip hop. Dub and funk and well a real mix of music and all wrapped up in that classic punk guitar tone.
Kicking off with a track called "intro" ha ha yes an into on a punk album. It his you and takes you to what was the first single "Bloodclot" a classic all out punk rock song. Nothing fancy here just enjoy. Big guitars and tunes for any punk night club. With "gang vocals" guesting from Marky Ramone and Howie Pyro.
Track three could be on a different album "Hoover Street" slows down a bit and keeps the music guitar orientated and even a solo.
One thing I love about this album is the bass on it. Listen to "Black Lung" and the speed and skill of the played is immense. So good this album is used as my template to learn the bass and I still play like this much of the time. Clear concise bass playing is rare and in many rocks bands just gets ignored.
More skillful guitar work (in both four and six strings) with "Life Won't Wait" add in the Reggae sound and funnily enough this song was recorded in Jamaica. Buju Banton added fantastic additional vocals on this track.
The album was recorded in many cities and studios but still seem to maintain a similar sound. Production is clear and fresh and you can feel the sun and fun at times. Many fans who got the previous album just did not take to this album and I have no idea why as it really showcases the bands intentions of making some great all out punk rock. yeah the added influences may scare some but in the end it should gain more fans for it. It did with me.
"New Dress" is as catchy as you can get, try not to do air guitar to it. "Hooligans" adds in the classic ska style and more guests in Specials guitarists Lynval Golding and Roddy Byers. You really are getting your monies worth here.
From now on you have horns and time changes that would make any music teacher disbelieve they could really do this. "Leicester Square" makes you throw the metronome in the bin, great tunes and a mix of classic punk and a feel of ska, reggae and well everything.
"1998" adds in more classic punk rock and "Lady Liberty" makes you want a quiff haircut and pick a fight with the Fonz. This is one of they albums that really needs a listen and if you think you know punk or Rancid but have not heard this I think it is about time to have a listen.
And it is not over yet. last few song keep the punk and other influences but the last track even adds in the steel drums and all you need is a loud shirt and shades and it all makes sense.
The album is called Life Won't Wait. A strong message in the album title alone and for me my personal favorite Rancid album and one that undersold by way too much. This was the last Epitaph album as the band would go onto there own label.
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