NOFX - The Decline
Record Label: Fat Wreck Chords
Release Date: November 23, 1999
NOFX with an EP consisting of one 18-minute song? It can't be. Welcome The Decline, a hard-rocking, jagged epic made to suspend in time forever. One can't really write too much about this album, considering it is one song. But this one song is definitely worthy of review.
"The Decline" is a song that covers everything a punk rocker could ever dream of. Fat Mike's somewhat annoying yet irresistible voice drives the song along with his bass playing, which reaches new heights. There are unheard of lyrics involving quickness, inventiveness, dexterity, and they point out every flaw in society today. From whores to killing to drugs, it really has it all. The guitar has its usual consistent quick playing, but don't get the wrong idea - this song switches up a lot. It starts off super fast, then slows down; it has trumpet solos, guitar solos, and bass solos. It basically contains everything that anyone could ever want in an album in one song.
You know a song is good when it is 18-minutes long, yet it is always stuck in your head and you know every single part to it, inside and out. All the lyrics, the chord progressions, and the general sound become a part of you. Easily one of NOFX's top songs, "The Decline" is a song that everyone must check out. The lyrics, guitar riffs, bass lines, drumming, trumpet, and vocals are all masterfully put together in this work of art. No matter what bands or music you are into, check out NOFX's The Decline.
"There are unheard of lyrics involving quickness, inventiveness, dexterity, and lyrics pointing out every flaw in society today."
Kind of an awkward sentence. Decent overall review though. I'd boost the creativity above a 7. After all, it is an 18 minute punk song that remains interesting throughout.
I'd boost the creativity above a 7. After all, it is an 18 minute punk song that remains interesting throughout.
Yeah...if anything I'd drop the vocals and lyrics a bit and raise the creativity. I mean, most of the lyrics are forced rhyme in places, which helps sometimes, hurts in others. Sometimes you remember the lyrics, not because they are good, but because they rhyme.
And his "vocals" work...but I'd be hard pressed to give them an above average score