Search - Good Riddance :: Bound By Ties of Blood and Affection

Like wine, they get better with age...

Glenn | Athens, GA | 08/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With their sixth full-length, Bound by Ties of Blood and Affection, Santa Cruz's Good Riddance continue to develop and hone the sound they nearly perfected on its predecessor, Symptoms of a Leveling Spirit. This LP basically picks up where that one left off, and Russ's sharp lyrics continue to cut like a serrated edge. Adding Luke's anthemic guitar work, Chuck's meanly steady basslines, and Dave's unpredictable drumming to the mix makes for an incredibly compelling release. These lyrics say more in a few paragraphs than some bands cough out in their entire discographies. By and large, the album sounds slightly more confident than Symptoms, but with an obviously greater cynical aftertaste than much of their back catalog. Topics include long distance love, media influence, and the disappointment that comes with age and from experience, among other relevent social issues. The album's conclusion sums up the retrospective feeling that life may have cheated us all: "So what's it all for? / When the lies mean so much more / Much more than reality / And what's the use of keeping score / When I've lost?" In addition, the literary quality of the lyrics is incredible. What other punk bands are going to name-drop James Joyce and adapt lines from Bukowski poems? Not too many.So...If you're looking for thoughtful and honest lyrical content which actually strays from the banal ideologies of most of the lyrics in this genre, then Good Riddance will help you out. And the music ain't too bad either."

Evolving one release at a time

JRM | Corvallis, OR USA | 07/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some say they have never changed. But Good Riddance has definately evolved in my mind. Into the epitome of hardcore pop-punk that is. With direction from the godfathers of punk there is no way this could have been a bad release. Only one song get's to me, the Blink 182-ish one not worth mentioning... Well let's just say that this isn't as Hardcore as Operation Phoenix, Not as poppy as thier first three releases... A coagulation of the past and present, hope for the future, intelligent political assertations, and the sappy love songs that never get old. 33 minutes of pure punk powerhouse. This is undeniably good music, even your mom and pops will love it. Highlights: Remember Me, Bobby Baun, Saccharine..."

The best good riddance album yet

J. L Owens | San Luis Obispo, CA United States | 07/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very very good CD. I own 3 other GR cd's besides this one, and this is definitely the best. Russ' voice has improved tremendously over time, especially compared with albums like "For God and Country." It seems like he has finally found his voice, and added the perfect amount of melody with hardcore. GR also has Bad Religion-esque lyrics, thought provoking with frequent 5-syllabled words. There are important messages in most songs, and then just some hardcore fun like track 2. What blows me away is that it seems less people now listen to Good Riddance, just as they are starting to get great. Anyway, do yourself a favor and buy this album."