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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A solid side project, May 21, 2002
What happens when you take the teenage potty humor out of Blink-182, and combine it with a much darker sound? You end up with Boxcar Racer, a side project by Blink's Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker. Teamed up with Over My Dead Body's David Kennedy on backing guitar, and Anthony Celestino on bass, Delonge puts out what could be considered in many ways a solo project. I don't mean that in a way to put down or give any less credit to the other members. But it was Tom's idea in the first place to pay tribute to bands such as Fugazi and Refused, who's influences are undoubtely showcased throughout the album.The guitar work won't be dropping jaws anytime soon, but then again, it won't leave anyone bitterly dissapointed. However, Travis without a doubt displays his incredibly on point percussion skills throughout the album, and believe it or not the bass happened to catch my ear as well. Musically this album was on the mark, sure to please both Blink and rock fans alike. Delonge's lyrics touch a much more personal chord than normally heard with Blink 182. And while I do enjoy his time with Blink, the newer style is a welcomed change for the time being. Heres the bad news folks. If your a die hard Blink 182 fan that only listens to them because the guys are "hot", then [this is not for you]. This is an album made for fans of punk, alternative, and rock in general, and it sure won't leave a happy little smile on your face. You won't find any references to roses left by the stairs, instead you'll be confronted with subject matter such as broken homes, shattered relationships, and more dark tones alike. To clarify, I'm a very big Blink-182 fan, so no I'm not slamming the band. As the title states this is a solid side project by Tom and Travis, it's well worth the listen for all music fans.
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19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Blink 180-Who?, August 25, 2002
Box Car Racer is not merely Blink 182 Jr. The band has a more darker sound and the songs are more deeper than the traditional Blink style. I am somewhat of a fan of Blink, but I think Box Car delivers more in their CDs. Tom's vocals and lyrics are better, and Travis's drumming, even though it sounds experimental sometimes, is amazing. So here's the track breakdown:1. I Feel So- A great way to kick off the CD, about finding your way through life. The intro is insanely long, but it's still good. 9.25/10
2. All Systems Go- A fairly good second song, interesting middle part. 8.75/10
3. Watch the World- Apparently some of the lyrics were inspired by 9/11, and they're very moving. 9.5/10
4. Tiny Voices- It's not that great a song, but the voices in the interlude are a nice touch. 8/10
5. Cat Like Thief- Cool intro, and an overall nice song, except much of it is just the chorus repeating itself. 9.5/10
6. And I- A neat funky song that sets a nice pace for itself midway through. The interlude is one of the coolest I've heard. 10/10
7. Letters to God- This song is mainly about Tom telling God that he's not ready to die yet, and that he wants to do more on earth. Starts off quietly and then busts out with exploding electric guitars. 9.25/10
8. My First Punk Song- Seems more appropriate on a Blink CD, and I think this song alone gave Box Car a Parental Advisory. 20+ swears and other bad lyrics in 1:04 can't be good...7.5/10
9. Sorrow- Interesting drumming, but the song in itself isn't the best. 7.25/10
10. There Is- Boxcar's second hit is just as good as I Feel So, and in my opinion, this love song is even better. 10/10
11. The End With You- I could've done without this one, but I guess it's alright. 7/10
12. Elevator- Mark from Blink does guest vocals on this one, but this wouldn't be the smartest way to end the album(seeing as how it's about suicide) and that's why they stuck the instrumental in. It's still a solid song, though. 8.75/10
13. Instrumental- Not too bad, for an instrumental. 7.75/10 So pick this one up, even if you're not a fan of Blink. This album may surprise you...it certainly surprised me.
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Side Project, June 25, 2002
Box Car Racer is the side project of blink-182's Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker. I'll start by going over all the tracks first. And giving them a 1-10 star ratingI Feel So- The lead off single and an excellent song. A darker song about feelings and wishing them away. 8 stars All systems go- a song bitching about the government but still a pretty good song. 7 stars Watch the world- one of the better songs on the album with great lyrics, some apparently inspired by 9/11. 9 stars Tiny Voices- one of my least favorites, the chorus leaves a lot to be desired, plus i didnt care much for the talking in the interlude but still an ok song. 5 stars Cat Like thief- Features Tim Armstrong and Jordan Pundik, but jordan i'm not for sure is even in the song. It sounds like he does back-up in the chorus. i wish they'd utilized his talent more but still a great laid back song. 8 stars And I- A good song which wouldnt sound out of place on a blink cd. 7 stars Letters to God- The standout track on the album Dealing with death and is pretty much Tom standing up to God and saying that he doesnt want to go. if you've never heard this song please give it a try. 10 stars First Punk Song- A short fast punk song. Enough said 7 stars Sorrow- Worst song on the album, it just didnt click with me 3 stars There Is- an accoustic love song, with excellent lyrics 9 stars The end with you- a good song about the end of the world 8 stars Elevator- Features Mark Hoppus. A nice happy sounding song but is actually about a guy jumping off a building great idea for a song and puts good use to Tom and Marks chemistry. Ending the album with blink charm. also a cool chello solo at the end. Overall a great album which i reccomend to any rock fan. With great lyrics and travis' sick beats( which sound experimental at times) this is a great album. Also in personal opinion the next singles should be letters to god, and watch the world. Thanx
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