Green Day - American Idiot

It is rather pathetic that as much time as I have spent listening to American Idiot, I haven't posted it on Deaconlight.com before now. Then again, this record has been so hot it's not like there is really anything left to be said.

I will say if you are an old-timer like me and you have not bought this record, you are missing out. If you grew up rocking and haven't bought a new record in a decade - well, besides the fact you wouldn't be reading this anyway - this is the one you should get.

Green Day are unbelievably energetic live. I saw them earlier this year with My Chemical Romance. Looking forward to seeing Green Day again in August with Jimmy Eat World.

I don't want to compare Green Day to The Ramones, but the energy of their shows is similar. One difference, of course, is that Billie Joe and Mike Dirnt are much more animated than Joey, Johnny, and Dee Dee. Billie Joe was all over the place. And to be as tall as he his, Mike Dirnt can seriously levitate.

The show rarely shows down, thanks to Tré Cool's constant hammering. I don't see how he can maintain the pace, making it look so effortless throughout.

My daughters were disappointed they didn't get called on stage to play "Knowledge" on guitar and drums. I'm sure Green Day would give my kids a chance if they could hear them play "Brain Stew." On the other hand, I think the audience members that get pulled to the stage to play have to stage-dive back into the mosh pit. My 10-year-old, maybe, but no way am I sending my seven-year-old into the pit to disappear!

-- June 15, 2005 (DD)