Energy is the only studio album by the American ska punk band Operation Ivy, recorded from January-March 1989 at the Sound and Vision Studio in San Francisco
East Bay ska-punk band Rancid released their third LP, “And Out Come The Wolves”
The early to mid 90s was a crazy time in the music biz. It happens every decade I guess. Major labels trying to capitalize on the ascendent sounds of the day. Rancid is a great example. The name of this album is in reference to all the major labels that pursued the band (they stayed on their current label, Epitaph).
I like Rancid’s previous iteration, Operation Ivy, but didn’t really get into their first two albums. I was focused on other stuff at the time. But this one drew me in with its improved production quality and some cool tunes like “Time Bomb” and “Roots Radicals”.
It’s admittedly quite derivative. They get called a Clash ripoff often. But for me it’s the energy and the way they make clear their musical influences, ultimately transcending them and delivering great, hook-filled pop punk songs.
Across the genre and associated genres, what album or albums have had the most influence across the board? Obviously it would be very easy to say the Ramones or Sex Pistols’ first albums, or Dookie/Enema, so let’s see some really juicy answers....
What’s the best punk rock performance you’ve ever seen? (either live or in recording) Personally, No Pressure is probably my favorite band I’ve ever seen in person, but I love blink-182’s 2004 concert at Camden which you can watch here.
The Interrupters are probably the biggest new name in ska punk, and they really deserve it! I love every album they've put out (especially Say It Out Loud) and I think they might be on the verge of breaking out into the mainstream. Here's one of my favorite tracks from them performed live at the Warped Tour in 2016!
In your opinion, what is the single most influential punk album?
Across the genre and associated genres, what album or albums have had the most influence across the board? Obviously it would be very easy to say the Ramones or Sex Pistols’ first albums, or Dookie/Enema, so let’s see some really juicy answers....
Best/favorite live punk show?
What’s the best punk rock performance you’ve ever seen? (either live or in recording) Personally, No Pressure is probably my favorite band I’ve ever seen in person, but I love blink-182’s 2004 concert at Camden which you can watch here.
What were the first three albums that really got you into punk rock?
My first three that I can recall were:...
The Interrupters - "Take Back The Power" LIVE On Vans Warped Tour (www.youtube.com)
The Interrupters are probably the biggest new name in ska punk, and they really deserve it! I love every album they've put out (especially Say It Out Loud) and I think they might be on the verge of breaking out into the mainstream. Here's one of my favorite tracks from them performed live at the Warped Tour in 2016!