[Andres]

RANCID
...And Out Come the Wolves

Submitted by: Nicky

The year was 1994, Green Day and Offspring landed straight into the mainstream, signed in big labels: Green Day at Reprise and Offspring at Columbia. Nirvana had done that before them but the bitter gun shot of April the 5th 1994 left a deep space for some light punks bands. After Green Day's and Offspring's success, the record companies sought greedily for the same scene. In November 1994, After Rancid returned from half a year of oppressing touring, tempting offers with 7 figures were waiting for them. They rejected all of the offers and stayed at Epitaph, wanting their artistic freedom and remaining loyal to their idols, Bad Religion.

The title "And Out Come the Wolves" refers to the insane battle the record companies fought to sign Rancid. Nevertheless, Rancid made it to MTV and radio without being on a big label thanks to three hits; "Ruby Soho", "Time Bomb" and "Roots radicals". The songs in the album can be compared to exploring through the band's family picture album, torn pictures, parts of dialogues and heart breaking pieces of memories. They tell the little, bitter-sweet stories of punks from Berkley and Oakland, they take the listener to a guided tour through the alleys of their memories, where they were running around the East Bay broke, fighting Endlessly with the bus drivers to let them in, remembering all the people the knew and lost. In "Olympia WA" Tim and Lars are wandering in the streets of New York, consumed with longing for home. "Ruby Soho" is about two lovers separating when he goes for a tour and deep inside of them they know they'll never be together again. "Journey to the End of East Bay" is the most emotional point of the album. Mattie arrived all the way form New Orleans because he believed The East Bay is a Punk's paradise but discovered that it's just a fucked-up place. In three minutes and three stanzas it reveals a summary of the Gilman's and Operation Ivy's life story.

The music in "And Out Come…" is a blast of energy, pure and compact, Rancid is showing a confident ability, impressive and convincing based on the speed and power of the hardcore, the emphasized beats of the Reggae and Ska and Tim's and Lars's talent for melodic. Without a worthy bass there is no Punk and Hardcore, and the Ska and Reggae are based from beginning to end on the bassist lean shoulders. And if there was a school for bass, "And Out Come the wolves" was a lesson you just can't miss. Matt Freeman is distinguishing in 19 out of 19 songs, but especially at the opening track "Maxwell Murder" with a 10 seconds bass solo, "Time Bomb", "Roots Radicals", "Old Friend" and…All the other songs.

The album closes with ''Alleyways and Avenues'', the Oi-Oi-Oi Rancid Anthem for freedom, peace, fraternity and rebellion. It's not only the call for unity that captures every soul, the magic and nature of Rancid. This is the great love between the band mates and the way the learned to support each others through the years. Now they are offering the listener some of the love they shared between them. Who wouldn't take it?

[Punk Butterfly]

a legentary awsome punk album...
I liked all the songs especially Junkie Man...

[dookiehead]

I think this album's pretty overrated. "Life Won't Wait" is much better, more diverse.

[Punk Butterfly]

I like Life Won't Wait too. I don't think I can decide which of two I prefer most.

[Laura.]

This is an awesome album.
Tracks such as Ruby Soho (my fav song by Rancid) and Time Bomb on one album.. what more could you ask for.
Great review Nicky!

[IAmARevenant]

In my opinion, this is one of the most overrated "punk" albums ever recorded.
Although it wasn't a terrible buy, It's just not that good. Maxwell Murder, Roots Radicals, Journey To the End of East Bay, and The Way I Feel About You are probably the best on the CD. But the rest sounds like the same song being played over and over again. And on this record alot of the songs are pretty slow. This makes me question why this CD is considered punk. I am so sick of people praising this album and saying that it's one of the best ever.
I highly reccomend Tim and Matt's older band Operation Ivy over this. That band is at least 50 times better than Rancid could ever hope to be. Or you can try some of Rancid's better albums like their first self titled and Life Won't Wait.

[dookiehead]

I agree with you pretty much, but your choice of songs is a long way off. Maxwell Murder is possibly the most boring on the record, closely followed by Journey To The End Of The East Bay. The best track is undoubtedly Ruby Soho, which is rightly praised.

As for Operation Ivy, I think it's a bit music snob-ish to say they're better than Rancid. Not only have Rancid released more material and gained thousands more fans, their music is simple better. It's not that it's more accessible or commercial, it's just better, but quite often people seem to feel it's more punk to love Operation Ivy and hate Rancid.

[IAmARevenant]

puhleese...ruby soho is the worst track IMO. And so what if Rancid has more fans and released more material. That doesn't make them any better. Op. Ivy was much more unique than Rancid. There wasn't a sound like Op. Ivy before them. Rancid, on the other hand, sounds like any other band out today, and they're just copying The Clash. And I don't love Op. Ivy more than Rancid becaus I want to be more punk. I couldn't care less about that. I like Op. Ivy better because to me, their music is simply better.
Oh, and if you did a little research, you'd see that Op. Ivy released more than just Energy. A lot more.
http://www.operationivy.com/disco.php

This post has been edited by IAmARevenant: 10 July 2006 - 02:22 PM

[Gwen]

This album is awsome. My favorite songs are old friend and as wicked.
Operation ivy was great too, it was just very different from Rancid.
And Operation ivy sound wasn't that unique... I think they had a hudge success thanks to their fantastic shows, their energy on scene.
Rancid is the best band ever to me and every album they made is a great album, no matter if people think they are punk or not.

[IAmARevenant]

Rancid is the best band ever to me and every album they made is a great album, no matter if people think they are punk or not.

Which they're not.

This post has been edited by IAmARevenant: 11 July 2006 - 10:58 PM

[LIVEandLETlive]

Arguing about whether a band is punk or not on a Green Day forum? A little amusing, don't you think?

Anyway, it's beside the point. And Out Come the Wolves is a good album. Granted, not every song is great, but it's rare to find an album that contains ONLY good songs.

[IAmARevenant]

They should've started a thread on Life Won't Wait instead. That is a much better album.

[dookiehead]

puhleese...ruby soho is the worst track IMO. And so what if Rancid has more fans and released more material. That doesn't make them any better. Op. Ivy was much more unique than Rancid. There wasn't a sound like Op. Ivy before them. Rancid, on the other hand, sounds like any other band out today, and they're just copying The Clash. And I don't love Op. Ivy more than Rancid becaus I want to be more punk. I couldn't care less about that. I like Op. Ivy better because to me, their music is simply better.
Oh, and if you did a little research, you'd see that Op. Ivy released more than just Energy. A lot more.
http://www.operationivy.com/disco.php

I think we'll have to agree to differ on 'Ruby Soho'; unfortunately, 99% of Rancid fans agree with me, and 1% agree with you.

I never said that the fact they have more fans and material makes them better, I pointed that out and followed it with the statement that they are better because of their music. "Op. Ivy was much more unique than Rancid". Unique doesn't always mean good. If I belched into a tape recorder for half an hour and released it it'd be unique, but that doesn't mean it's good. I'm not comparing Operation Ivy to that at all, but just because they were original, it doesn't mean they were all that great.

"Rancid sound like every other band out today". Not true. Every other band out today sound like Rancid (in 'punk' at least, I wouldn't go so far as to say Eminem sounds like Rancid), because Rancid have been one of the longest-running bands in the punk scene that are still going, and therefore influenced countless bands. Their music is similar to The Clash, but I wouldn't say they're "copying" them. As above, they're simple influenced by them.

I didn't accuse you of prefering Op. Ivy to be punk. All I said was that some people do, which I believe to be true.

Also:

Although Op. Ivy only released a 7" and an LP during their two years together, many bootlegs and live recordings have been released since.

They only had two releases during their period as a band. Bootlegs and compilations that feature no material, and were compiled after the band's demise don't really count in my opinion.

[DeathOrGlory]

In my opinion, this is one of the most overrated "punk" albums ever recorded.

I definitely agree. I loved the album when I was younger and just becoming interested in music, but now it seems pretty bland to me and I only really listen to it for nostalgic purposes. Anyway, replace "punk albums" with "Rancid" in your quote and that about sums up how I feel about this band.

[IAmARevenant]

I think we'll have to agree to differ on 'Ruby Soho'; unfortunately, 99% of Rancid fans agree with me, and 1% agree with you.

I never said that the fact they have more fans and material makes them better, I pointed that out and followed it with the statement that they are better because of their music. "Op. Ivy was much more unique than Rancid". Unique doesn't always mean good. If I belched into a tape recorder for half an hour and released it it'd be unique, but that doesn't mean it's good. I'm not comparing Operation Ivy to that at all, but just because they were original, it doesn't mean they were all that great.

"Rancid sound like every other band out today". Not true. Every other band out today sound like Rancid (in 'punk' at least, I wouldn't go so far as to say Eminem sounds like Rancid), because Rancid have been one of the longest-running bands in the punk scene that are still going, and therefore influenced countless bands. Their music is similar to The Clash, but I wouldn't say they're "copying" them. As above, they're simple influenced by them.

I didn't accuse you of prefering Op. Ivy to be punk. All I said was that some people do, which I believe to be true.

Also:

Although Op. Ivy only released a 7" and an LP during their two years together, many bootlegs and live recordings have been released since.

They only had two releases during their period as a band. Bootlegs and compilations that feature no material, and were compiled after the band's demise don't really count in my opinion.

99% agree with you and 1% agree with me, eh. And where is this poll where you got this info. Where is your proof. You're doing nothing with that "statment" except make up stuff just to praise a band you like.
FYI, not everybody has the same favorite song, so there's no way that 99% of Rancid listeners would agree with you.
And what the fuck is, "your choice of songs are way off." Oh, excuse me for not having the same favorite songs as the almighty dookiehead. Once again, not everyone has the same favorite song. Try taking that into consideration before you make such a retarded statment as that, shithead.
When I said that Op. Ivy is unique, I meant that they weren't like anyone else, and they were great. At least better than Rancid.
And what the hell is this? "Bootlegs and compilations that feature no material, and were compiled after the band's demise don't really count in my opinion."
(Once again)FYI, if an album has any tracks, then it has some sort of material. hahahaha you're so stupid.
ruby soho is one of the most overrated songs of all time IMO. that's In My Opinion, stupid.

[dookiehead]

I think we'll have to agree to differ on 'Ruby Soho'; unfortunately, 99% of Rancid fans agree with me, and 1% agree with you.

I never said that the fact they have more fans and material makes them better, I pointed that out and followed it with the statement that they are better because of their music. "Op. Ivy was much more unique than Rancid". Unique doesn't always mean good. If I belched into a tape recorder for half an hour and released it it'd be unique, but that doesn't mean it's good. I'm not comparing Operation Ivy to that at all, but just because they were original, it doesn't mean they were all that great.

"Rancid sound like every other band out today". Not true. Every other band out today sound like Rancid (in 'punk' at least, I wouldn't go so far as to say Eminem sounds like Rancid), because Rancid have been one of the longest-running bands in the punk scene that are still going, and therefore influenced countless bands. Their music is similar to The Clash, but I wouldn't say they're "copying" them. As above, they're simple influenced by them.

I didn't accuse you of prefering Op. Ivy to be punk. All I said was that some people do, which I believe to be true.

Also:

Although Op. Ivy only released a 7" and an LP during their two years together, many bootlegs and live recordings have been released since.

They only had two releases during their period as a band. Bootlegs and compilations that feature no material, and were compiled after the band's demise don't really count in my opinion.

99% agree with you and 1% agree with me, eh. And where is this poll where you got this info. Where is your proof. You're doing nothing with that "statment" except make up stuff just to praise a band you like.
FYI, not everybody has the same favorite song, so there's no way that 99% of Rancid listeners would agree with you.
And what the fuck is, "your choice of songs are way off." Oh, excuse me for not having the same favorite songs as the almighty dookiehead. Once again, not everyone has the same favorite song. Try taking that into consideration before you make such a retarded statment as that, shithead.
When I said that Op. Ivy is unique, I meant that they weren't like anyone else, and they were great. At least better than Rancid.
And what the hell is this? "Bootlegs and compilations that feature no material, and were compiled after the band's demise don't really count in my opinion."
(Once again)FYI, if an album has any tracks, then it has some sort of material. hahahaha you're so stupid.
ruby soho is one of the most overrated songs of all time IMO. that's In My Opinion, stupid.

99% is an exaggeration, and I'll admit to not having any definite proof. I stil think, however, that it's safe to say the majority of Rancid fans enjoy that song.

When I said "your choice of songs is a long way off" (at least quote me correctly), I was stating my opinion, the same as you were when you claimed Maxwell Murder etc were the "best on the album".

When you said they were unique, I took it to mean they were unique. If you wanted to say they were unique and great you could've quite easily typed out those extra eight characters, rather than expecting me to understand your opinion when you haven't presented it to me in any way.

When I said "no material", I think it was quite obvious I meant "no new material". I also think you knew that, but decided to pick out my typo, rather than what I actually said, which I find rather pathetic.

[IAmARevenant]

99% is an exaggeration, and I'll admit to not having any definite proof. I stil think, however, that it's safe to say the majority of Rancid fans enjoy that song.

When I said "your choice of songs is a long way off" (at least quote me correctly), I was stating my opinion, the same as you were when you claimed Maxwell Murder etc were the "best on the album".

When you said they were unique, I took it to mean they were unique. If you wanted to say they were unique and great you could've quite easily typed out those extra eight characters, rather than expecting me to understand your opinion when you haven't presented it to me in any way.

When I said "no material", I think it was quite obvious I meant "no new material". I also think you knew that, but decided to pick out my typo, rather than what I actually said, which I find rather pathetic.

oh, well pardon me for not typing what you said 110% correctly. honestly, that's just nitpicking. it makes you look pathetic. speaking of what you said, it could've been so easy for you to type 3 simple characters, I, M, and O, to confirm that that was a completely opinion based statement.

And the last paragraph, what do you mean, "rather than what I actually said"? You said that those albums had no material. You're message was as clear as day. Then you use what you said to try and make me look pathetic. Jeez, you're stupid.

[dookiehead]

I'd just prefer it if you could put a little more effort in and get it right. That's all. I believe I've managed to get my evidence straight thus far in that I've never knowingly misquoted you, is it wrong of me to expect the same treatment in return?

I realise I could've made clear that what I posted was my opinion. When you said "Maxwell Murder, Roots Radicals, Journey To the End of East Bay, and The Way I Feel About You are probably the best on the CD", in the post I was replying to, you could've done exactly the same thing.

"What I actually said" was a reference to my sentiment, what I meant. I'll agree that my message was "as clear as day", in that it was quite obvious that I meant there was no new material. As for making you look pathetic, do I need to repeat myself. If you move your eyes to my above post, you'll see that I said I found you picking out of typo pathetic.

Finally, I don't think you can judge whether or not I'm "stupid". I could easily make the same judgement to you, but I don't believe reading six posts can give me an idea of your intelligence, the same as reading four of my posts can't give you any idea of mine. Therefore I've refrained from any personal comments, aside from the "pathetic" remark, while you've so far called me "shithead" once, "retarded" once, and "stupid" three times. Last time I checked I don't suffer from any mental diseases, and I don't have faeces on my cranium.

[gabz_baby89]

umm isn't this topic supposed to be used to discuss the review? anyways, i thought this review was very informative. i never used to like rancid, but after listening to "and out come the wolves", especially ruby soho and time bomb (the 2 best on the album IMO lol), im in love. well not quite... but u know. so i guess this makes me part of the 99% who think ruby soho is a great song!

[IAmARevenant]

look, dookiehead, I'm just stupid. that's the way it is for me. pretty much anything I put on a forum is pure nonsense. so, hey, I'm sorry for being a dickweed. I'm just a cute little bastard who loves to piss people off.

btw, you're a stupid dickface cock smoking motherfucking asshole dirty pile waste of shit I hope you die.

(as you can see, that last part was purely a refrence to platypus. I was just joking around.

[Watoosh]

rancid was one of my favorite bands in 9th grade, and this album was always my favorite, and the album that got me into them to begin with.

i still like them, and i'm seeing them in a couple weeks

[IAmARevenant]

I take back every single bad thing I've said about this album. I fucking love it now!

[Watoosh]

I take back every single bad thing I've said about this album. I fucking love it now!

you're a very indesisive boy...

[green all the way]

one of my favourites. that and let's go.

[Watoosh]

one of my favourites. that and let's go.

same here i think i like "let's go" a bit more now though, because i listen to "... and out come the wolves" SOOO much before.

[eastbaypunkmafia]

Let's Go is still my favorite.

[IAmARevenant]

This album is great, no doubt; but Life Won't Wait is better.

[amyarmstrong]

It has to be the best album by them to date
but lets go comes pretty close

[thenextsexpistol_mak]

roots radical
love it

[Lady Liberty]

Easily one of the best albums by them. Full of my favourite tracks, and I have some great memories listening to it with friends, absolutely brilliant.

Old Friend