While the late 80's were the high water mark for overproduced hair bands, there was an undercurrent flowing below the mainstream popularity which would surface in the 90's as the punk revival. Los Angeles-based Bad Religion is a group which would not only benefit from that revival, but many consider the band to be a founder of the movement. The band formed in 1980 and released a couple of albums before going on hiatus in 1983 and splitting up shortly thereafter. After a slowly getting back together in 1986, they released their third album entitled "Suffer." While on tour promoting that album, the band began work on their fourth album, No Control.
The band for this album was Greg Graffin on lead vocals, Greg Hetson on guitar, Brett Gurewitz on guitar and backing vocals, Jay Bentley on bass and backing vocals, and Pete Finestone on percussion. Building this album while on tour gave it a fast and high energy feel, with the band reverting to a hardcore punk style.
While undeniably punk, Bad Religion has a more melodic sound than many of their punk predecessors. They also exhibit solid, significant lyrics, and utilize three-part vocal harmonies that are not normally associated with the genre. The idea of this group is to emphasize action, and living in the moment.
Friend of the show (and John Lynch's better half) Heather Lynch brings us this hallmark of the punk revival because it is the album that introduced her to punk rock.
Change of Ideas
The lead-off track for the album clocks in at 55 seconds, making it onto Loudwire's top ten list of "Greatest Songs Under One Minute Long." The concept in Graffin's lyrics is that we need to get away from ideas that trap us in fear and theory.
Big Bang
This song was penned by guitarist Brett Gurewitz. The lyrics are about how folks are searching for something in science or religion without really living their lives. "Big bang, big crunch. You know there's no free lunch. Kneel down and pray, here comes your judgment day."
No Control
The title track is a sonic trip to the mosh pit. We think we have things in hand, but everything fades away very soon, and we are powerless to control it.
I Want to Conquer the World
We all have thought at times that the world would be a better place if we could just take over for a while. Gurewitz reflects on this in this piece, and wonders what we are doing here and now to make things a little better. "I want to conquer the world. Give all the idiots a brand new religion, put an end to poverty, uncleanliness and toil. Promote equality in all of my decisions."
You
This is a fast, angry song. "And you! painted my entire world but I don't have the turpentine to clean what you have soiled. And I won't forget it."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Two Step Mamau by Wayne Toups & Zydecajun (from the motion picture "Steel Magnolias" )
This southern film was had an all star cast and showcased the talents of a young Julia Roberts.
STAFF PICKS:
Sold Me Down the River by the Alarm
Wayne's staff pick reminds us of Power Station's "Bang the Gong." It made it to number 50 on the Billboard charts, but it was prominent on rock stations at the time. It is about a lovesick guy who got his heart broken. The Alarm is from Wales, but is often compared to Ireland's U2.
Let the Day Begin by The Call
Rob brings us the title track from the Call's sixth studio album. It is a positive song with a shuffle beat. It was used as the campaign theme song for Al Gore in 2000. The band formed in 1980 in Santa Cruz.
The Living Years by Mike & the Mechanics
John Lynch's staff pick is Mike Rutherford's (bassist from Genesis) band, formed in 1985. The song is a wistful tune about missing the opportunity to truly connect with a father while he was alive. This is the title track from their second album, released in 1988.
We Didn't Start the Fire by Billy Joel
Heather features a song with 118 historical references in this fast-paced song. The idea of the track comes from a conversation Joel had with Sean Lennon about how difficult it is to be a young person in the times. Joel thought about how each generation has its issues, and pointed out some of the troubles from earlier decades.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Proliferous Souls by Pestilence
We haven't covered this Dutch death metal band, but we remedy that with this instrumental out at the time.
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