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.