Blink-182

Two disc (CD + NTSC/Region 0 DVD) set that follows highlights the career of the Punk trio through spoken word interviews and rare footage and photos. The CD features nearly 70 minutes of interviews with Blink 182, covering all aspects of their career. All members talk at length and discuss a range of topics including their main musical influences, their various side projects, how successful their clothing and record companies have become, how they managed to sell millions of records to become the biggest Rock band around the globe. The DVD is a visual celebration of the music and history of Blink 182. This 60 minute film contains rare footage and exclusive interviews with Blink 182 and the people that know them best. Also includes many unpublished photos, numerous location shoots, news clips and a host of other features. 'Extras' include interactive digital photo gallery and comprehensive Blink 182 discography. Chrome Dreams. 2007.

Digitally remixed & remastered reissue of their 1993 debut, previously only available on cassette. Some of these tracks were re-recorded for their albums 'Cheshire Cat' & 'Dude Ranch', and some have never been released at all, including a cover of Screeching Weasel's 'The Girl Next Door'. 14 tracks on this 1998 Kung Fu Records release.

Terrific sales of their independent Cheshire Cat got Blink-182 signed to a major label (MCA) for 1997's Dude Ranch, which led to radio hits ("Dammit," "Josie") and platinum sales. No "sell-out" on the band's part, though, as Dude Ranch simply features another infectious collection of snotty vocals, punchy rhythms, vivid lyrics, and aggressive chords. San Diego producer Mark Trombino shines some of the scuffed edges, but this is still good ol' Blink at its sunny, effervescent best. Nice "emocore" spoof here ("Emo"), plus an odd knack for crafting bass-lines that recall--seriously!--New Order, and vocal harmonies that owe debts to the Beach Boys. --Mark Woodlief

This greatest-hits collection spans the short career of one of pop-punk's most celebrated outfits, blink-182. The album features tracks from their 1994 debut Buddha through to the more experimental final album, 2003's blink-182. The album serves as a perfect introduction into the band's hook-driven pop-punk which has always involved a large dose of frat-boy toilet humor.

Their formula is simple enough--equal parts teenage humor and brattiness combined with infectious guitar hooks that just beg to be cranked up on the stereo. But with Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, the guys in Blink 182 may have delivered their best album to date, a punk-pop fusion that's so consistent you'll wonder which of the 13 tracks will become radio hits (any has the chance, really). Yes, as with Dude Ranch and Enema of the State, the songs here revolve around falling in love ("The Rock Show," "First Date"), falling out of love ("Online Songs," "Happy Holidays, You Bastard"), and plenty of other ways to kill time while away from school ("Reckless Abandon"). And yes, these guitar-driven songs all pretty much sound the same, but Take Off never gets boring. There's too much nervous energy here, too many slight variations in the arrangements, and too many hilarious lyrics that you won't want to miss. Parents may remember that the Buzzcocks used this same shtick in the late '70s, older siblings may remember that Green Day did it well not so many years ago, but Blink fans know that their band is more clever than anyone else playing today. The bonus tracks are throwaways, but that's OK--the threesome have given us plenty to bop our heads to here. --Jason Verlinde

While Blink-182's pop-punk has given more than its share of entertaining moments over their career, "sonic experimentation" is hardly what you'd expect from their sixth studio album. Within their guitar-bass-drums template, however, they offer moments of playfulness and lyricism that stretch their definition of sound. The tempo changes and uses of (relative) silence in "Violence" and "Stockholm Syndrome" borrow post-punk conventions, and lend a new feel to the band's trademark cranked-upness. (The use of treated piano on the latter song also suggests that they’ve bent an ear to a few psychedelic-pop classics in their time.) As with 2001's Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, a theme of loneliness emerges upon the first couple of listens, but this time it feels as if Blink wants to connect it to something larger than before. Growth from the guys who once jokingly celebrated man-on-dog intercourse? Yeah. And best of all, it's worth hearing. --Rickey Wright

On their 1997 release, Dude Ranch, juvenile hardcore-pop band Blink 182 tickled the funny bone with an assortment of dumb sex jokes, off-color artwork, and between-song skits, including one of a dog drinking from a freshly peed in toilet. So, two years down the road, have the band matured at all? One look at the cover of Enema of the State, which features cover art of a tarted-up blonde nurse donning a rubber glove, provides the easy answer. Fortunately, Enema supports the humor with strong musicianship. The songs are more dynamic and multitempoed than those on Dude Ranch, sounding like a cross between the Descendents and Fountains of Wayne. And unlike the glut of alt-rock releases that offer one or two memorable songs, Enema is flush with instantly memorable melodies and ear-pleasing harmonies. Good, dirty fun--no more, no less. --Jon Wiederhorn

Out of print in the U.S.! Import edition of the Bubble Punk's limited edition live 2000 release. 20 tracks featuring scorching versions of all their hits including 'Dumpweed', 'What's My Age Again?', 'All the Small Things' and many more. Universal.