Rancid
Critics love to toss spitballs at Rancid. After all, they say, Rancid  have sold out; Rancid aren't punk enough; Rancid don't stand for anything;  Rancid can't play and they certainly can't sing; Rancid rip off the Clash at  every turn, etc. While Rancid have certainly wrestled with all of these  catcalls, one high-volume spin ofRancidis more than enough to convince  even the most self-righteous punk that the pride of the Bay Area are back with a  ragged vengeance. Gone are the reggae, ska, and dub experiments ofLife Won't Wait; in their  place is a furious attack of guitars, yelling, and more guitars.From its cover to the mostly illegible lyric sheet to the chaos inside,Rancidis paint-peeling punk rock of the highest order. Most of the 22  songs on this recording clock in at well under two minutes, and there are  absolutely no ballads. Guitars are driven to within inches of meltdown, the bass  careens just barely in control, and vocals are delivered with raging conviction  and sometimes even a touch of melody.No, the notes aren't always right, and nothing here is presented with polish or  precision, but what Rancid might lack in virtuoso technique they more than make  up for in intensity. Songs like "Antennas" and "It's Quite Alright" are lean,  tough, and gritty. This recording never lets up, never takes a breath, and never  compromises. That's punk.--S. Duda