John Hult
Thank goodness for Bad Religion. Thank goodness for things that do not change. Thank goodness for whatever anarchist Viagra keeps these old men from souring and wimping out like Metallica.
In case you did not know, Bad Religion is one of the few surviving punk rock monsters from the 80′s. They have been angry for a long, long time. And they are angry with you.
Yes, that’s right. Vocalist Greg Gaffin and the boys, once again reunited with original guitarist and songwriting partner Brett Gurewitz?are not happy with you. You have been listening to bad music, bad leaders and bad ideas for too long, and they have had enough.
You see! Constancy! They have been angry with us since 1982, and they are still just as mad! Sure, they have not churned out a genuine classic album since 1993′s “Recipe for Hate,” but every record has at least a few genuine classic songs. And the filler ain’t too shabby, either.
If you need more proof that Bad Religion still means it after listening to “The Process of Belief,” just look to the liner notes. Who is first on the thank-you list? Punks everywhere, of course.
That is the real story behind the fabled Bad Religion’s ninth full-length album: commitment. The whole ideal of Bad Religion seems to be summed up nicely in “You Don’t Belong:”
“Hey, you?is there something worth belonging to? And can I pick it up for a song or a diploma or a worthy cause? Well, let me tell you that there’s something wrong, it is just that ones like us will never belong.”
Punk rock is just a fashion statement? Nay, says Bad Religion.
Punk can do the same job that metal does for sociophobic teenagers and young adults?it can help them to connect with something greater than themselves. School activities, aspirations for the future, religion, friendships, sports and hobbies generally provide that greater connection for us social animals. But not for all of us, says, “You Don’t Belong.”
This love letter to punk rock as a social institution really shows the maturity of the band. While there are still songs like “Kyoto Now!” to get the political juices flowing, “You Don’t Belong” sets the story straight. Some kids just don’t get along. So, bands like Bad Religion offer up punk rock as a public service for anyone who drops the football or pops too many pimples. Thank goodness for constancy.
Such idealism may seem a little corny, but idealism usually is. And since 9/11, idealism is quite fashionable again.
“But what about the music,” you ask? Well, it
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