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"BYO Split Series Volume III" NOFX/Rancid |
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Landmark U.S. Punk label celebrates its twentieth year with their third volume of their split series, first developed only a few short years ago and deserving of more attention if not then, definitely now. The "split" or idea of such has followed the Punk scene for generations, between 7" and split CD's and basically whatever the Hell could get down on tape and get the word out on the street. Fitting, then, a label such as
BYO, (Better Youth Organization) which originally took to the streets
by way of Youth Brigade and later took the streets on tour, subsequently Nice accomplishment gathering two name bands to throw down on their first release of the year, NOFX and Rancid, whose achievements in the So. Cal circuit have remained a benchmark for the many others to follow. The catch here is that each participant covers selected tunes from the other, six a piece and basically has their way with them. NOFX moves along in their typically inspired upbeat processional, Fat Mike and the gang leading things off cutting through unexpected suspects as "I'm The One," "Tenderloin," and a reggae flavored "Radio," and nary a radio "hit" to be found. Rancid's upped the anti in recent years as if to make up for their heady sales in their Pop-topped hey day-"Moron Bros." races out the gate in furious fashion while "Stickin' In My Eye" taps the throttle just a little bit further to gain top honors on their set. Along the way, you'll inevitably find yerself peeking down at the song listing to avoid confusion-"Bob" for instance just sounds, well, wrong at first, cool version but we're not talking dead ringer twin brother acts taking shape here. "Don't Call Me White"
however is closely and cleverly true to the original and simply an amazing
song in whoever's clutches. So here we have something new, exciting and Released by BYO Records Review by Vinnie Apicella [va85@columbia.edu] P.O. Box 20252
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