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album review
Rancid's seventh album, 2009's Let the Dominos Fall, was released a full six years after Indestructible. In that time much changed in the world (and the band swapped drummers, with Branden Steineckert stepping in for Brent Reed) but not a whole lot changed with the band's sound. Sure, there were a few cosmetic differences here and there but the fire, spirit, and strength the band exhibited since their debut in the early '90s hasn't faded at all. The first four songs on the album showcase everything that's right about the band. The nostalgic punk fever of the opener "East Bay Night," the angry political burst of "This Place," the ska punk giddiness of "Up to No Good," and the uplifting singalong anthem "Last One to Die" flash past like their whole career in one six-minute medley of greatness. The rest of the album shows off their strengths (like Tim Armstrong's ragged and idiosyncratic vocals) and unveils some surprises (like sweet vocal harmonies on the love song "Lulu," and mandolins and slide guitar on the affecting story of a soldier's homecoming, "Civilian Ways") but ends up sounding uneven with a few surprising missteps along the way. Part of the problem is that the vocals are shared more than usual among the three singers in the band, and while their efforts are OK, there's just no way Matt Freeman and Lars Fredericksen can compete with Armstrong. The way they all trade off vocals on the Specials-influenced "I Ain't Worried" is pretty cool, though. The cleanly scrubbed sound of the record also is problematic, but only if you want the band to sound like they did back in 1993. For anyone else, there is still plenty of power and punch in the band's performance. Songs like "Dominos Fall" and "Locomotive" fly out of the speakers like demons, midtempo tracks like "That's Just the Way It Is Now" boom and swagger, and the whole record will swell the hearts of longtime fans with pride, and might just swipe some new ones too. Rancid's been doing this a long time and while they'll never recapture the exact same power and glory they exuded in the '90s', on Let the Dominos Fall they show they've got more than enough of each to get by in grand style. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide
more albums by this artist
See all-
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- ...And Out Come The Wolves
- Released 1995
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- Indestructible (Parental Advisory)
- Released 2003
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- Let's Go
- Released 1994
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- Life Won't Wait
- Released 1998
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listener reviews
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waited 2 years for this?!?!?!?
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- By BHVM
- 7/29/2009 19:06:44
- doesnt even sound like the same band. plus armstrongs voice dropped like 8 octaves.
- 0 out of 2 people
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Awesome
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- By LittleMoeSizlak
- 6/15/2009 22:41:49
- Very good album, must buy for any Rancid fan. I recommend the box version so you get this CD, an acoustic version of the CD, some posters, some picks, and a 'making of' DVD. Very good deal. I love Up to No Good and Civilian Ways, and well, all the other songs are amazing too!
- 3 out of 3 people
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One of my favorites
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- By b0b0vetri
- 6/15/2009 12:14:51
- I know its not their most punk album yet, but it is very laid back. This album is amazing. All the haters can suck my sweaty hairy balls.
- 3 out of 3 people
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Love it, Hate it.
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- By Asylum Rat
- 6/15/2009 08:34:39
- It's not as up beat as the last album but it's certainly original. The single does get on my nerves a bit but I love 'East Bay Night' and 'Lulu'. I'd say its a pretty perfect mix of all the albums including 'B sides and C sides'. All my friends who are Hardcore Rancid Fans love it.
- 2 out of 2 people
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They stay true
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- By Mr Vengence666
- 6/11/2009 23:28:04
- the members of rancid will make the music, they enjoy most. not what whiny "fans" want. so no matter what they come out with, its still gona be the band you first listened to. In my opinion its fucking sick, and i'll always support them. those who say they've gone soft should shut the fuck up.
- 2 out of 2 people
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Old School is Back!!!
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- By Xtrazcharger
- 6/10/2009 04:26:21
- This reminds me so much of Out Come the Wolves. This is a must to any Rancid fan.
- 4 out of 4 people
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Screw all the haters!!
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- By meadows radio
- 6/3/2009 21:31:00
- This album is soo good and catchy!!! They go back to alot of their old roots in this album and even add a touch of some cool country. Best album in 2009 for sure.
- 3 out of 4 people
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