NOFX

This is the third in BYO's Split Series, clash albums in which two likeminded bands wrestle six of each other's songs to the mat. And in this corner are the Berkeley heroes, Rancid, a fit, lean fighting machine, raring to take on their Epitaph labelmates, the legendary NOFX. NOFX may seem to have the edge, with singer Fat Mike's numerous excursions into covers territory, while the band's own distinctive sound and humor-laced songs will be tough to tackle. But Rancid comes out swinging, and in quick succession power through "Moron Brothers," "Stickin' in My Eye," and "Bob." Tossing out all the amusingly quirky arrangements and "Moron"'s jokey flavor, the trio body-slams the songs into new shape with a blizzard of straightforward jabs to the powerful punk core of these early numbers. This is particularly effective with "Eye," which is even more pummeling and threatening than the original. "Don't Call Me White" is downright belligerent, as Rancid strips away the original's plaintive pleas, transforming them into outright threats. The anthemic "Brews" is rocketed into the ropes by a speedcore arrangement, and the band finishes off in fine fashion with a passionate version of "Vanilla Sex." NOFX replies with some roundhouse punches of its own. The quartet directly confronts Rancid's own inherent melodic and anthemic qualities, and hoist them high above the ring. A stealth attack if there ever was one, especially as the band slows the tempos just a shade here and there to better coax out the musicality of the songs. "I'm the One," "Olympia WA," and particularly "Tenderloin" bask in this new light. "Antennaes" surrenders to the group's signature drumbeats, while "Corazon de Oro" emerges battered and bruised from the body blows of its slamming arrangement. But that's nothing compared to the hilarious indignities visited upon "Radio." NOFX tarts it up in reggae rags, then insults it with a Jamaican accent so faux, it makes Miss Cleo sound convincing. As this is the trio's poppiest song to date, Rancid's more hardcore-leaning fans would probably agree that "Radio" had it coming. And now it's time for the judges to add up the points and, no surprise here, it's a split decision, with the true winners being the listeners. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide