REALLY
diggin the Green Day epic....I was dubious at first, too. but it's really powerful, catchy,
angsty and articulate. Billie Joe keeps evolving -- kinda makes me think of
Strummer, even. Like The Great Joe, as he becomes more in tune with what makes him angry ("anger can be power - did you know that you can use it?") Billie Joe seems to be taking that sentiment and fusing it (brilliantly) with his trademark powerfully poppy punk rock that can reach the masses (in a totally
anthemic, fill the bleachers-way, to boot!). The great,
ol' make 'em think whilst you make 'em dance/pogo/thrust-fist-in-air trick. Love it, and always will.
Also just recently read the RS interview with Green Day -- (and BJ is just as real and as great and as focused as I hoped he'd be) and he's all bout the East Bay still (reminded me of the manner in which Bruce still resides in Jersey). And Billie says that "A Quick One While He's Away," one of my all time fave Who
masterpieces (the mini-rock-opera that never became the full epic that Pete had intended) is one of HIS all-time fave, influential pieces of music. I am listening to Green Day's version they recorded right this very moment and it is making me very happy. A total homage to Pete and the boys. 21st Century Breakdown, a three act, sprawling narrative about the characters *Gloria* (yeah,
wtf. so damn cool for me) and Christian does the spirit of the Clash, the Who, Patti Smith and all the passionate punks proud.
Check your prejudices at the door and check this shit out.
This is my fave.East Jesus Nowhere
Raise your hands now to testify
Your confession will be crucified
You're a sacrificial suicide
Like a dog that's been sodomized
Stand up! - All the white boys
Sit down! - All the black girls
You're the soldiers of the new world
Put your faith in a miracle
And it's non-denominational
Join the choir we will be singing
In the church of wishful thinking
A fire burns today
Of blasphemy and genocide
The sirens of decay
Will infiltrate the faith fanatics
Oh bless me lord for I have sinned
It's been a lifetime since I last confessed
I threw my crutches in
The river of a shadow of doubt
And I'll be dressed in my Sunday best
Say a prayer for the family
Drop a coin for humanity
Ain't this uniform so flattering?
I never asked you a goddamned thing
A fire burns today
Of blasphemy and genocide
The sirens of decay
Will infiltrate the faith fanatics
Don't test me
Second guess me
Protest me
You will disappear
I want to know who's allowed to breed
All the dogs who never learned to read
Missionary politicians
And the cops of a new religion
A fire burns today
Of blasphemy and genocide
The sirens of decay
Will infiltrate the inside
I feel like this has been an amazing season of music for me and Fitzy. We have been more determined than ever to see as much as we can -- grasping life by the balls, man! hehe. Specifically, we have seen some downright *legends* when it comes to pop culture/music...
