The Funhouse - The Punks are all right

White Lung did not make my top nine this week. I only got two listens in... mostly on the way to and from the hospital for Mom. It may take me just a minute to get back to it. BUT I WILL DAMN IT!!!
 
White Lung was good. I’m not sure it’s essential. Also not sure I relate to it, so maybe it is essential and I just don’t get it.

I have to admit, I’m not looking forward to Blink-182 but will try to give it a fair shake.
 
I do admit that after having read a bit of revisionist criticism, I think I can understand their appeal. If I had blasted them this morning for my initial thoughts on them, I would be in the awkward position of feeling sheepish when I pull License to Ill off the shelf. Although, part of the Beasties’ appeal whether puerile or enlightened is their cleverness which is sorely missing from Blink-182. I’ve also ignored Mr Barker because he was in this band and it is clear to me from the half way point of the record that he is a force of nature.

My entire experience of the band before today was half assed viewings of the All the Small Things video, which I just watched with some scrutiny for the first time ever. I was so not interested in the music of the video that I think I changed it every time I ever saw it. I actually thought they were a Monkees level boy band playing punk (being a group that was assembled not an organic grouping). It does not really help that they appear to be a bunch of pretty boys and now that I am more familiar with their lyrical content, make the music I would expect from just such a project.

I will finish the initial listen of this record later. However, I will then move on. I try very hard to live by the three listen rule (remember when the other place was cool?), but it is very apparent to me that this music is not meant for me and I’m unsure that even when I was the target audience of stupid boy child that I would have fallen for it’s charms.
 
Lee Newman said:
I do admit that after having read a bit of revisionist criticism, I think I can understand their appeal. If I had blasted them this morning for my initial thoughts on them, I would be in the awkward position of feeling sheepish when I pull License to Ill off the shelf. Although, part of the Beasties’ appeal whether puerile or enlightened is their cleverness which is sorely missing from Blink-182. I’ve also ignored Mr Barker because he was in this band and it is clear to me from the half way point of the record that he is a force of nature.

My entire experience of the band before today was half assed viewings of the All the Small Things video, which I just watched with some scrutiny for the first time ever. I was so not interested in the music of the video that I think I changed it every time I ever saw it. I actually thought they were a Monkees level boy band playing punk (being a group that was assembled not an organic grouping). It does not really help that they appear to be a bunch of pretty boys and now that I am more familiar with their lyrical content, make the music I would expect from just such a project.

I will finish the initial listen of this record later. However, I will then move on. I try very hard to live by the three listen rule (remember when the other place was cool?), but it is very apparent to me that this music is not meant for me and I’m unsure that even when I was the target audience of stupid boy child that I would have fallen for it’s charms.
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I like Blink 182 for what they are. There is definitely a place for them, for a specific generation, but that place definitely isn't on a greatest punk album of all time list.
 
CrazyDiamond84 said:
I like Blink 182 for what they are. There is definitely a place for them, for a specific generation, but that place definitely isn't on a greatest punk album of all time list.
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I mean White Lung was fine and all, but I don’t think belongs here. I think you could make an argument for Blink-182 both in its ability to tap into the zeitgeist and it’s obvious influence on the Emo scene. Is it something I’m gonna listen to again no. Would it make my list, absolutely not. Can I understand it being here - yup. You also have to take into account this is a RS list not some hardcore enthusiast’s personal blog post or zine article.
 
Lee Newman said:
I mean White Lung was fine and all, but I don’t think belongs here. I think you could make an argument for Blink-182 both in its ability to tap into the zeitgeist and it’s obvious influence on the Emo scene. Is it something I’m gonna listen to again no. Would it make my list, absolutely not. Can I understand it being here - yup. You also have to take into account this is a RS list not some hardcore enthusiast’s personal blog post or zine article.
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Not sure I've ever listened to White Lung, so have no idea there.
 
I’m not going to dig through 8 pages (very punk rock of me) but @Lee Newman if you haven’t picked up John Doe’s/Tom DeSavia’s “Fun in the New World” and the companion “More Fun in the New World” it’s a great collection of essays and stuff about the LA punk scene (pre-hardcore). I absolutely devoured those books and used it to start building out that part of my library.
 
Lee Newman said:
I’ve also ignored Mr Barker because he was in this band and it is clear to me from the half way point of the record that he is a force of nature.
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I went to go see them a few years ago, because why not? And I have to say that you are spot on with this. He's an EXCELLENT drummer and a total force.
 
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