Split album yields pop and punk skill

BYO Split Series: Vol. 3\nRancid/NOFX\nBYO Records\nThe split record is a common occurrence among punk record labels, but when Rancid and NOFX agreed to release one they raised many an eyebrow. Two names as large as these in the world of mainstream punk is enough to warrant attention, but the band's choice to cover each others' songs took it to a new level. This became the punk equivalent of Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier. Unfortunately for NOFX, the band gets knocked out by Rancid with relative ease.\nThe album starts off with six songs by NOFX that range from good to atrocious. NOFX is mostly successful with covers that are literal translations of the Rancid songs. "Olympia, WA" and "Tenderloin" are as faithful to the originals as possible; with the only difference being Fat Mike's whiny singing style. NOFX also inject a bit of humor into these heavy Rancid tracks. The Fat Albert "Hey Hey Hey" in "I'm the One" is a riot. The covers are solid until the final two tracks of NOFX's half. In "Corazon de Oro," the ska and blues influences of the original have been expunged and all that remains is a shallow and weak love song. "Radio" is by far the most unbearable cover I have ever heard. The speedy classic is slowed to a crawl and given an awful ska makeover. By the time Fat Mike's whiny mouth had spit out the chorus a third time I was ready to break my stereo. \nLuckily, the six Rancid tracks that follow prove what a talented group of musicians can do with material outside their style. The guitar and bass parts of most NOFX songs are thinner than Rancid's which allowed them ample room to improve. The gritty bass-driven speed punk of Rancid adds a ton of credibility to songs such as "Moron Brothers" and "Brews" which aren't terribly lyrically relevant. The standout track on the album is "Don't Call Me White." Bassist Matt Freeman gets behind the mic and unleashes his fury in this politically charged rant. \nOverall this album is a good mix for all parties involved. NOFX fans will be treated to the pop punk and humor that NOFX is known for. Rancid fans will get to see the skill of the band as they create sonically superior songs. The uninitiated will be introduced to two great bands that made a pretty solid split album.\n

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