Good Riddance
"A Comprehensive Guide To Moderne Rebellion" CD (Fat Wreck Chords)
I thought the first Good Riddance album I heard was good, but it didn't especially grab me. After I saw the band live, I started waiting for this record and these optimistic, critical, political hardcore songs don't disappoint. I haven't been able to figure out why this record means more to me than the last one, but I suspect it's because the politics are more personal. Instead of screaming about the injustice of politicians, Russ seems to be singing about people losing their dreams, hope and inspiration which is, perhaps, an even greater tragedy. This album seems more introspective than the last one which, to me, makes it even more powerful because it allows the messages to be connected to specific ideas which are, if not universal, readily understandable by nearly anyone and thus easily internalized and taken to heart. Way rad.