This came out in 2000 — or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
In punk rock, breaking up isn’t hard to do. Growing up, on the other hand, can be tough. Especially when you’ve been around as long as All and NOFX.
Both of these bands are pushing the big 1-5 — not exactly Rolling Stones vintage, but still older than much of their all-ages audience. So what do you do? If you’re NOFX, the answer is a no-brainer — literally. On their dozenth disc, Fat Mike Burkett and his L.A. homeboys remain punk’s most gleefully sophomoric, button-pushingly offensive outfit, cracking wise, trash-talking and generally refusing to grow up on these adolescent anthems to drugs (Herojuana), lesbian S&M (Louise) and transsexuals (My Vagina). Is it dumb? You bet. But’s it’s also such infectious fun that when Mike claims, “We’re pushing 40 and we’re doin’ just fine,” it’s impossible to argue.
On the flip side of the maturity coin are All, Colorado-based descendants of, well, the legendary Descendants. Their goal: To age gracefully. Which is not to say mellowly. All’s drug of choice may be coffee, but their caffeine-jag punk packs all the energy and verve they’ve always had. What they add to the mix, however, are the craftsmanship and precision you’d expect from the journeyman they are. Not to mention the righteous, simmering anger of middle-aged guys who cling to their principles while others cash in by selling out. Sure, their nostalgic, serious tracks about relationships, romance and regret may not speak to NOFX’s fans — but it’s reassuring to know some punks can grow with their followers.
