An excellent example of a band's evolution (Offspring in general)

Member Name: wednesday_addams

Product:	Offspring in general
Date:	26/11/00 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a band able to cater for a variety of musical tastes

Disadvantages: they sold out... grr.... sorry

The Offspring formed in the late 80's - they released an excellent debut album in 1989. This self titled release marked the arrival of a truly talented group.It was later re-released on Dexter Holland's (the group's singer) record label, Nitro records, and contains tracks such as 'Tehran' and 'Beheaded'. This first album is much more punky and violent than their more recent releases but, in my opinion, of a much better musical standard.

This can also be said of their next album, 'Ignition'. Also with more of a punk edge, strong lyrics and catchy choruses, this album is definately a good purchase if you liked 'Smash'.

Ah, Smash. This Epitaph release marked what I consider to be the time at which they were at their musical best. Still punk rock, and still their amazing lyrics. Their lyrics have everything I feel most pop songs lack - meaning. So many songs on Smash actually say something. The title track for one, is an incredibly strong track about anti-conformity, theres 'Come Out And Play', with a message about the violence in teenagers, and finally 'What Happened To You', a Ska influenced song about drug abuse. This album got The Offspring the attention they deserved.

After this came 'Ixnay On The Hombre'. Again a trully excellent album, although not as widely recognised as some others. More Ska influenced, but still a heavy-ish punk rock.

Then they hit it big time. 'Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)' reached the top of charts in the UK and the US, and sales of the album 'Americana' rose and rose.

I can't say that I'm a fan of anything they're produced since the recording of this album. I loved Pretty Fly, and a few other songs on the album, but I do feel that their style had significantly changed. Americana was released on Columbia. Yes, call me your average punk - they sold out.

For those of you out there who aren't
familiar with this phrase, it basically means that they changed their style to sell more records, paying more attention to the amount of money they were making than the quality of their music.

I do feel that this is what they did. I'm not blaming them for it, I'm not calling them rubbish, I'm just saying that I feel that this is what they've done.

And I can live with that. I don't care, I'll continue to blast Ignition at full volume, and turn off MTV when their new single is on.

The Offspring have provided the music industry with 6 albums (including their newest release, 'Conspiracy Of One'), and have shown their ability to cater for an assortment of musical tastes. Including mine, which is all I can really ask for.

I'd just like to add that Dexter Holland's label, Nitro records, has released amazing albums by amazing punk bands. If you liked The Offspring's earlier albums, this is definately worth you looking in to.

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