The Offspring — Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace

The Offspring are one of those unfortunate bands who managed to hit commercial gold on the back of some really obnoxious singles ("Pretty Fly For A White Guy," anyone?), thus obscuring the value of their older and far better material. Probably sensing this, The Offspring have taken the anti-jock punk direction they were heading in with 2003's Splinter and kept it going with this newest release. They still have their moments of throwaway weakness (see the Green Day ripoff "Stuff Is Messed Up"), but by contrast, "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid" is both a nice departure to anything from Americana and a welcome throwback to the days of Smash's more bitter anthems. "A Lot Like Me" sounds like another band altogether, with different vocals, piano melodies and Bob Rock's fantastic production. The Offspring probably don't need to jump for the brass ring of commercial radio success anymore, and that's probably the best thing, if it gives them the freedom to ditch the cute gimmicks and return to their metal-punk roots.

Get it from