Green Day - 'Know Your Enemy'
Oh blimey, this is going to be like the Enemy all over again. Notably furious punk-pop three-piece make their return to the charts with an aggressive song about the State Of Things. Expectations are high, the rabid fanbase are keen to relive past glories, and carry the band's new ideas aloft as if they are the stone tablets on which the 10 Commandments were written. Any suggestion that this is anything less than A Very Important Comeback For Rockular Music are going to be met with furious debate and probably some personal abuse.
Lucky I've just had my skin thickened, innit? Let's DO THIS THING...
(. Someone in this band has explosive gas.)
Let's get the music bit over with first. Butch Vig has done an amazing production job. There are layers of creamy guitar all over the place, thick as the custard on a trifle and just as smooth. Billie-Joe's voice is as strong as ever, raspy and deep where other pop punkers just whisper and cough. The song is, in some respects, classic Green Day, in that it's a modern update of the '60s girl-group sound, given a punkover by the Ramones. It is also massively catchy and fired by righteous fury. All of these are GOOD THINGS.
But...to have a five year break between albums - during which time they've put out a hugely entertaining garage rock goof-off as Foxboro Hot Tubs - has raised the expectations on the band to such an insane degree that they really can't afford to repeat themselves this blatantly.
No matter how good it is to hear them do their thing again, it's hard to escape the thought that this could be an 'American Idiot' out-take. Especially when the paranoid, uptight world they're raging against has become slightly different since Obama took office. It's probably not VERY different, but the waves of optimism his election victory caused have made this feel a lot like the '80s comedians who continued to blame everything bad in British society on Margaret Thatcher, long after she'd been ousted as Prime Minister.
Now, I know this is part of a concept album and I believe that a lot of the songs on the album depart from the classic Green Day sound, so it's entirely possible that this is an amazing and key moment in the story of '21st Century Breakdown', and that it needs to be a throwback to their old material for reasons of plot.
On the other hand, it might just be a not-as-good re-write of 'Jesus Of Suburbia'.
Download: Out now
CD Released: May 4th
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Music page
(Fraser McAlpine)
Comment number 1.
At 30th Apr 2009, spirit wrote:Don't panic you gorgeous thick skinned reviewer. .... I totally agree with you....
Excellent review !
Nothing to add at this time.
You summed it up perfectly .
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Comment number 2.
At 30th Apr 2009, spirit wrote:Before you all begin to worry ... I am feeling fine ! lol
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Comment number 3.
At 30th Apr 2009, spirit wrote:Fraser ,I could not help but notice on your linked piece back to the Enemy , in which I said a full 10 , yes 10 days before it happened that
"no time for tears "
would be a top 20 single .....
And 10 days later it got to number 16 !... a top 20 hit !
Now bearing in mind you have basicallly asked me to stop using a midweek chart to make predictions ( on the ironik tiny dancer link ) how do you explain this ?
P.S I predicted Ironik Tiny Dancer to be a top 10 hit the day before it was released ...... so I will expect an apology should it be a top 10 hit on Sunday.
Best wishes
Spirit
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Comment number 4.
At 30th Apr 2009, katieloum wrote:Sums it up perfectly for me! Its not an awful song, but its nothing new from after American Idiot, it sounds like its meant to be on that album.
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Comment number 5.
At 30th Apr 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:Ill comment on the review at a later date, when Ive listened to the song a couple more times.
But Spirit .. predicting that The Enemy's lead single off their 2nd album was going to be a top 20 hit is like predicting Thursday will follow Wednesday. Of course it was gonna be a top 20 hit..
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Comment number 6.
At 30th Apr 2009, fluffyfinches wrote:Nah. This song is just so boring... when I heard about Green Day's new single I was excited, but this feels like they're on autopilot. Eew.
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Comment number 7.
At 30th Apr 2009, catman231 wrote:Greenday have sold out - this is a pop song, pure and simple. What next, Rage Against The Machine performing at birthday parties? (I know this is not something that pop bands tend to do but this is a rushed comment)
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Comment number 8.
At 1st May 2009, hackerjack wrote:The song is good, had almost any other group released it it would be the pinnacle for that group.
However this is Green Day, not just some group and this track just does not cut it.
Not only is it very very formulistic and similar to their old stuff (mostly the pre-American Idiot stuff IMO) but it is also not very good. Placed in the same playlist as the last album it would not even be in my top 5 or 6.
It's going to be a good track on the album and might have even made a decent 3rd/4th single but as a lead out all it does is pose more questions.
Green Day are an odd band, they started with a huge bang n Dookie but since then really had done nothing of note other than churn out decent pop songs, no drasti improvements, no real showmaker anthems. Then they went and brought out an album full of them to finally become global stars. So should we really be surprised if they plateaux again? Maybe not.
If the album is full of more diverse fare then perhaps this was the only track that they could release and still sound like Green Day, perhaps we need the reintroduction to them before hearing the rest but it's one hell of a risk to take as it means the next release HAS to be great.
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Comment number 9.
At 1st May 2009, spirit wrote:Hi Liam .. you are dead right of course " No time for tears " was always gonna be a top 20 single .... it was written in response to our critically acclaimed reviewer's review...
Why I feel really hard done by is on the "Ironik " link there is a entry basically totally condemning my knowledge of music and my professional integrity telling me
"not to use midweek charts to make my predictions "
This is something I have never done , and would never need to do.... ..... I know what a hit sounds like, as I have generally proved all through my life. In some ways people that know me have said that this is the biggest compliment anyone could pay me............ yeah I know it is.
It's like you and me knowing Black Eyed Peas "BOOM BOOM POW " will be top 5.
Has been number one in America and to me sounds like a huge u.k hit... it felt so huge when I first heard it you can feel it a month before release.... and Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers.... It is a nailed on NUMBER 1... said this weeks ago... (but people will wonder how the hell did he know ?)... I think it sounds so obvious.
The Tinchy Stryder one I have already explained........ basically the RADIO 1 d.j s told me ...
It's similar when I enter pop quizzes.. and I am lucky enough to win most with an excellent team... people question if i have been using a computer or a mobile phone.. even if it's obvious I have not.
This all stopped five years ago when I started doing my own pop quizzes and people could see and hear that maybe I had an absolute music computer in my head and wanted to share it with the world.(My employers have tried muzzling me ! but my passion was too strong !)
Thats why I am on this blog and I love reading what everyone has to say... it is heaven ! Music is in my blood.
I said IRONIK
If Ironik is top ten on Sunday I hope the man in charge apologises for his comment because as I obviously respect his knowledge and wisdom , that is probably why I want one.
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Comment number 10.
At 1st May 2009, spirit wrote:Sorry the entry got posted before I had chance to correct the typos...
Liam great news.... the Empire have said yes !!!
So you will need to buy a hat !!!!! lol
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Comment number 11.
At 1st May 2009, spirit wrote:Hacker jack... you made some excellent points... I absolutely agree.
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Comment number 12.
At 1st May 2009, Fraser McAlpine - wrote:Hi Spirit,
Again, I think you've misunderstood.
I absolutely do not mind you predicting chart positions on any song you like. Especially before they're released (those are my favourite ones).
What I was concerned about was two comments specifically referring to La Roux and Tinchy Stryder, and these mirrored exactly what was going on in the midweeks, including an unexpected change at the No.1 spot.
Remember, I don't know you personally, I've no idea how close to the music business you are.
And I did say at the time that if was wrong then I'm sorry.
Hope this clears things up a bit
Fraser
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Comment number 13.
At 1st May 2009, spirit wrote:Thanks... you are great at what you do.... and you have just gone up a notch !
Thanks
Spirit
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Comment number 14.
At 1st May 2009, papplemanger wrote:Spirit
You really think your mint dont you...
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Comment number 15.
At 2nd May 2009, spirit wrote:I wish I did , I really do but life can be hard, and we all need strength and good will to guide us through .......
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Comment number 16.
At 4th May 2009, Kerri_Clark wrote:For the first time in about... over a year(!) this is a review I want to comment on! I've only heard this song once, but it made me think American Idiot meets more classic Green Day... maybe my opinion will change as I listen to it more. Some people I know like it, some don't. Personally, I think it's good but not the best so far, as my mate said lets hope the rest of the album doesn't disappoint. Either way, I've got tickets to see them in October and I can't wait :D Hope you're good Fraser :) I agree with the 3 stars.
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Comment number 17.
At 4th May 2009, spirit wrote:The album got 4 stars and a good review in Q magazine....
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Comment number 18.
At 4th May 2009, Kerri_Clark wrote:Thanks :) Yeah I'm looking forward to giving it a listen. Do you know when it's out? If not I'll stop being lazy and find out for myself heh :P
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Comment number 19.
At 4th May 2009, spirit wrote:Asking me a question about music ?
Red rag to a bull..
Oh I can't stop myself from telling you... lol
21ST Century Breakdown is released on the 11th of May..
I too will be seeing them in October... should be good... the album has some really good moments....
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Comment number 20.
At 4th May 2009, spirit wrote:Kerri do not leave it so long to comment next time..... it's great reading everyones thoughts... more comments please..
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Comment number 21.
At 4th May 2009, Kerri_Clark wrote:Which gig are you going to? I'm seeing them in Manchester :) Thanks for the info. Hehe bout the commenting, I used to comment on CB like every moment of the day (I'm a bit of a CB veteran now heh), then the music making the charts moved away from my tastes so I found myself visiting but not commenting, but every now and then like now I'll be back :)
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Comment number 22.
At 4th May 2009, Fraser McAlpine - wrote:Kerri's actually a veteran of what we used to call the ChartBlog Street Team. The setting up of which is a very long story, we even had a rumble with McFly's street team once.
They had the numbers, but we had the moral high ground.
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Comment number 23.
At 4th May 2009, spirit wrote:I think I see them on the Wednesday in Birmingham..... re commenting I think you have passed the bug over to me.....
Music is a big part of my life and I have a big romance with it.
I also have a mistress... she is called Radio 1....
For heaven's sake do not tell Fraser , but this is one of the best music sites for blogging when I have a spare moment... I like the fact that there is a new review each day.. the charts change weekly .. so the excitement of new music keeps it fresh and exciting !
Tell us all the songs and artists you are loving at the moment ...
(Everyone is fed up with my love-in with Empire of the Sun !)
Over to you Kerri.........
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Comment number 24.
At 4th May 2009, Kerri_Clark wrote:There was even more reviewing in my day! 2 or 3 a day, and many memorable moments like Fraser said the battle with the McFly Street team, thinking up new "How to Destory...." (are they still going?) debating over music I actually like (unlike most of the stuff today)... I remember my intro to CB was a huge argument with a guy about My Chem heh (way way back in 2006). I'm off now anyway, but I'll be back this evening if you can wait that long for my next comment! :P
Cyas
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Comment number 25.
At 4th May 2009, spirit wrote:Had a rumble with Mcfly's street team !
Wow Fraser, can't wait to read your memoirs...
Ah, chapter seven... the day Fraser got mysteriously stuck in a lift with Snow Patrol and The Enemy !!
Another rumble !
This is a brilliant read ! ;)
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Comment number 26.
At 4th May 2009, Kerri_Clark wrote:*Edit, 2007 I think it was not 06 after a bit of thinking. Time flies anyway. Anyhoo, anyone know it How to Destroy.... is still going?
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Comment number 27.
At 4th May 2009, Fraser McAlpine - wrote:I still do 'em if I can think of a good one...look
/blogs/chartblog/how_to_destroy/
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Comment number 28.
At 4th May 2009, Fraser McAlpine - wrote:I still do 'em if I can think of a good one...look!
/blogs/chartblog/how_to_destroy/
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Comment number 29.
At 4th May 2009, Kerri_Clark wrote:Hehehe, that Alesha Dixon one made me laugh :) Ooooh just thought, remember I came up with the idea you did for the Green Day one before. Those were the days :) hehehehe
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Comment number 30.
At 5th May 2009, Kat wrote:Oh Kerri! You are so lucky!! Totally jealous lol :) I went on a major rampage the day the tickets went on sale - I had an email promising that sales started at 10am but somehow they were all gone before it even got to 10! :(
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Comment number 31.
At 6th May 2009, Kerri_Clark wrote:Hey! Long time no speak :) Oh no! I booked mine on sunday and I knew that was leaving it a bit late (had to convince my boyfriend that it was worth the money) and the ones left were very select, but I still managed it. They're doing 2 dates in Manchester too which helped. Couldn't you have made it to a different venue?
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