Post-American Idiot, with album after album, I’m not sure what this band really wants anymore. Or maybe they know exactly what they want and it’s to simply not appeal to me. It’s not my thing and that’s okay. But hey, they’re not locked in on that contract they signed almost 30 years ago anymore, so that’s pretty rad. Wouldn’t a surprise experimental curveball from green day throw you for a loop?
Alas, this is only a back-catalogue enthusiasts release. I don’t need to do a whole rundown on their history and biography to explain a sessions album. It’s Green Day. They’re quite controversial for a myriad of reasons and it is what it is.
But listening to this has me thinking:
We will never truly understand the legacy of this band until they’re gone for good. Shill, sellout, whatever terminology you subscribe to about this band, I’ll say: You cannot ignore the technical and performative finesse these guys have live. Energy is tight, performances stellar, and the production (aside from the Nimrod stretch of songs) is solid. Some might take issue with the 3-chord songwriting and simplicity, and I get it! What these tracks lack in versatility, they more than make up in passion and drive. A wonderfully nostalgic release for this year. Credit where Credit is due.
By: darriendane