Description

Dude Ranch CD MCA Records, MCD 11624, 1997, 15 Track Amazon.co.uk Terrific sales of their independentCheshire Cat got Blink-182 signed to a major label (MCA) for 1997’sDude Ranch, which led to US radio hits (“Dammit” and “Josie”) and platinum sales. No “sell-out” on the band’s part, though, asDude Ranch simply features another infectious collection of snotty vocals, punchy rhythms, vivid lyrics, and aggressive chords. San Diego producer Mark Trombino shines some of the scuffed edges, but this is still good ol’ Blink at its sunny, effervescent best. Nice “emocore” spoof here (“Emo”), plus an odd knack for crafting bass-lines that recall–seriously!–New Order, and vocal harmonies that owe debts to the Beach Boys.–Mark Woodlief