TCB
By Christopher Gray, Fri., July 2, 2004
Let Them Eat War
As a country, the U.S. has bigger problems than previously thought if Hoobastank's "The Reason" is really the best we can do right now. Perhaps these three recent releases can provide a better picture of where Uncle Sam's head is at.
Patriotic Country
(BMG)
Because we really need another record with Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" on it. Platitudes from Randy Travis and Aaron Tippin, non-flag-waving hits from Montgomery Gentry and Lonestar, and the rare bright spot (Alabama's "Born Country," always a pleasure). Proceeds benefit the USO, but content is weaker than the Abu Ghraib apologies.
BAD RELIGION The Empire Strikes First (Epitaph)
The Bush war machine gets it with both barrels, as do other bugaboos like the Catholic Church. The OC lifers deliver their graduate-level screeds with the Technicolor drive of 22-year-olds pissed at Ol' Mother Reagan, which is probably why turbocharged agitators like "Los Angeles Is Burning" and "Let Them Eat War" are as good as anything they've ever done.
Crunk Classics
(TVT)
Ah, the many pleasures of the 808, the only machine built for the express purpose of inciting ass-shaking. Port Arthur's UGK breaks down the dope game; Petey Pablo demands everyone "Raise Up"; and Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz have words with a "Bia' Bia'," whatever that is. Sleeper cut: Sammy Sam's "Knuckle Up." The new sound of Young America.
