This is an Enhanced CD which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
Blink 182: Tom DeLonge (vocals, guitar); Mark Hoppus (vocals, bass); Travis Landon Barker (drums).
Additional personnel includes: Robert Smith (vocals); Ken Andrews (various instruments); Roger Joseph Manning, Jr., Jon Morrical (keyboards).
Personnel: Menno, Tom DeLonge (vocals, guitar); Robert Smith , Mark Hoppus (vocals); John Morrical, Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. (keyboards); Travis Barker (drums, percussion).
Audio Mixers: Jerry Finn; Ryan Hewitt; Andy Wallace; Tom Lord-Alge.
Recording information: Ayaic Studios; Conway; Rolling Thunder; Signature Sound; The Rubin's House.
Director: Mister Scandalous.
Editors: Ann Kaneko; Jeff Cranford.
In the world of emo and pop-punk, 2003 not only found Blink 182 qualifying for the early bird special, but the creators of a self-titled outing that represents a big step in musical maturity for a band best known for serial nudity and a jokey, skate-punk attitude. Rest assured, this trio hasn't lost its taste for serious riffing and catchy-as-all-get-out harmonies, as evidenced by the thumping "Go," the jittery "Stockholm Syndrome," and the anthemic "Easy Target."
For the most part, however, Blink 182 has cast a wide net in tweaking their sound, be it the stripped-down combination of Tom DeLonge's surf guitar and the finger snaps that define "Violence" or the tight shuffle drummer Travis Barker employs throughout "I Miss You." A singing and songwriting cameo by the Cure's Robert Smith on "All of This" makes for a strange surprise, but given the more serious approach taken by the Blink boys on this go-round, the moody ambiance finds Smith's appearance fitting hand in glove. Just when it would have been easy to write Blink 182 off a yesterday's news, the trio proves that there is musical life for thirtysomething punk rockers.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (12/25/03, p.104) - Included in Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2003"
Rolling Stone (12/11/03, p.202) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Their lyrics are still unsophisticated and lovelorn, but even the poppiest tunes prove artful. Maturity suits these guys..."
Spin (01/04, p.97) - "...A dark, emotionally intense record, best experienced on headphones..." - Grade: A-
Entertainment Weekly (11/21/03, pp.82-4) - "...The San Diego snot-core trio has dropped the potty humor and made its most expansive and...mature...CD yet....the band rejiggers its multiplatinum pop-punk formula with adventurous production choices..." - Rating: A-
