Customer Reviews

War on Errorism

5 star:		(97)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

That's right! NOFX gets very political... finally. It's nice to NOFX stop being so damn silly for once. But, don't worry, the War On Errorism isn't a complete stray from the standard NOFX style, but it does take a few nice departures.

Here's the album song by song:

1.) The Seperation of Church and Skate
A fast "old school sounding" punk song about how punk rock is very safe now-a-days. It's more or less a little diss for Good Charlotte and Simple Plan.

2.) The Irrationality of Rationality
Very fast song about how it makes no sense to rationalize things that are just plain wrong... like laying off 10,000 workers... or building tons of bombs... or why someone kills.

3.) Franco Un-American
Mid-Tempo song with keyboards... Autobiographical song about how Fat Mike went from being a guy who didn't care to a guy who wants to change the world for the better.

4.) Idiots Are Taking Over
Fast song about how morons seem to be running and ruining the world. A song about our current president? You decide...

5.) She's Nubs
VERY fast song about a girl with no arms or legs that shows up to a lot of NOFX shows. Super funny.

6.) Mattersville
Catchy, mid-tempo song about over-the-hill punk rocks. The best line has to be "At the end of my cul-de-sac... Davey Havok's house is painted black."

7.) Decom-posuer
Fast song about a really cool punk rock girl who may or may not be a posuer. Only time will tell.

8.) Medio-core
Mellow song about how today's music is very bland and unoriginal, not to mention contrived. (Think Good Charlotte and the Strokes)

9.) Anarchy Camp
An old-school ska song about a summer at Anarchy Camp. Super funny and you can skank the hell out of your skankin' shoes.

10.) American Errorist (I Hate Hate Haters)
A very fast song about how you should hate people that want you to not hate how the country is run or how the world is turning it's back on those in need of help.

11.) We Got Two Jealous Agains
A fast love song about how Fat Mike knew a girl was the one because she had a lot of the same records that he had.

12.) 13 Stitches
A fast, but very quiet song about seeing bands for the first time. Bands like the Descendents, DRI, and Millions of Dead Cops. Funny, but touching.

13.) Re-gaining Unconsciousness
A fast song about how the ruling class/government takes away your rights and no one cares because it's easier to not care.

14.) Whoops, I OD'd
Mellow, sad song about a guy who OD'd a year ago and now he can't have any fun.

Anyhow, there ya have it. If you like NOFX and enjoyed the politics of the Decline, then you will LOVE this album. Don't worry, though, it doesn't stay too serious for too long. The music is mostly fast and punk-as-balls. I own every NOFX album and I rank it as one of their best 3 albums.

As the title conveys, NOFX takes a stab at politically fueled lyrics, speaking out on the media, George W's policies and a variety of post 9/11 topics. NOFX seems to be speaking to the punk rock community here, suggesting that we form our own community in a stance against our governments actions, and the media's lies and propaganda, creating consciousness in the young punk rock world. Fat Mike doesn't push his practices on America's youth as much as he just lays out the facts as he sees them to be. Fat Mike attacks the media several times, pointing out the fear they inject into America on a daily basis. Fat Mike makes his views clear, concise and easy to understand in a world that makes these issues so hard to swallow, let alone understand. Some first rate politically inspired tracks include "The Irrationality of Rationality", "Franco Un-American", "Idiots Are Taking Over", and "American Errorist (I Hate Hate Haters)".

NOFX does tackle other subjects on the album besides politics. "She's Nubs" is a hilarious song about a handicapped fan. "Medio-core" rips on rock & roll's ongoing regurgitation. Some of the tracks don't fit in the theme of "The War On Errorism", but they are a welcomed break in action from the seriousness on the politically fueled lyrics.

For the most part, this is NOFX at their best. Fans should not be disappointed with this one. Bush lovers may, but not the true fans.

There are 2 categories of NOFX albums that I rate highly. In one category are the albums that excited me almost immediately and sucked me in from almost the first note--those would be Punk in Drublicand Pump Up the Valuum.

In the second category are the albums that didn't jump out to me at first--in fact, maybe I even disliked at first--but in time grew on me and got better and better with each listen. In this category, Heavy Petting Zoo and White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean.

So I like this disc, and I would put it in category 2. I was a little put-off at first from the CD-ROM intro and opening to the liner notes, because I thought NOFX was a smartly political band--smart in the sense that they mostly attacked mediocrity and small-mindedness in everyday life, which reflected on the big picture, but was basically trying to change the people in the crowd rather throw garbage than the big heads on stage. They can be as mad as they want about the first W. Bush election, but I was afraid that they had fallen into the trap of bad, hackneyed political rage.

I was a teen in the Reagan era, and when George W. got elected, an old friend of mine said a very wise thing: "Man, this sucks," he said, "but at least we'll get some good music out of it." Probably the best thing I could say as a personal boon from the Reagan years was all the great, angry music that came out during it. Of course, there was a lot of crap (take child punk band Old Skull (Get Outta School) and their insightful commentary, "I hate you, Ronald Reagan!"), but I can wade through a lot of crap if it lets me light on an island called The Age of Quarrel or Suicidal Tendencies (s/t, of course). So I had hope for some cool music as the age of George W. began, and as much as I like to disparage Green Day, I found "Holiday" to be one of the best durn songs they've ever done.

But my first listen to this NOFX disc made me think that they'd fallen into the Pile of Crap category of angry political punk commentary. "The Irrationality of Rationality" is still one of the weaker tracks on this disc in my estimation, but luckily NOFX still take stabs at what they stab best--lame punk rock ("Medio-core") and sexual prissiness ("She's Nubs"). Later on, with "American Errorist," they abdicate more of taking a stand rather than a particular ideology, though I'm sure some dualist will have a disagreement with that assessment.

In all, this isn't one of NOFX's best efforts, but don't let the overt political messages distract you--there is still a lot of good, refreshingly funny NOFX in "We Got Two Jealous Agains" and "Whoops, I OD'd." They remain nicely contrary and rigidly independent from trends, whether those trends be in music or popular thought. I mean, YEARS after their musical proclamation that they won't play ska anymore, here comes "Anarchy Camp." The overt contradiction is nothing less than a good chuckle against the rigid, unimaginative realm of those who think there is such a thing as consistency in life.

To the boys of NOFX, I raise a Walker Blue to your continued health. Keep churning it out.

Getting this record, i expected to get about two good songs, and a bunch of (...). I did not think that the political theme could support the entire album. I was so wrong. The whole thing is not political, alot is social commentary, not just bush-bashing. They make fun of anarchy, which proves that they are not stupid unfoucused government hating punks. I think nofx are very smart actually, and the lyrics that they write, though not beutiful, are insightful and clever.

The seperation of church and skate 5/5
-simply an awsome song, kinda like old bad religion. Very influenced by nofx's last work(and greatest song ever) the decline. One of the best on the record.

The irationality of rationality 4.5/5
-another decline influenced song, with great lyrics, just not as loud and angry as seperation so it kinda comes short after hearing that.

Franco un-american 5/5
-sort of radio friendly, but still cool. It's funny, yet political. The lyrics are just where they should be. And i think that the keyboard ads to the coolness. Everything works with this song.

The idiots are taking over 5/5
-best song on the album. Great lyrics, intensly influeced by the decline, very nofx song. Perfect in every way. One of nofx's all time best songs.

She's nubs 4/5
-really funny song, nofx could not get through an album without a funny song. It would fit better in pump up the vallum, but this cd needed it. Not perfect, and because its funny, it also gets old, but still really cool.

Mattersville 4.5/5
-This one is kinda funny, with better music than shes nubs. Another decline influenced song. This whole cd was influenced by nofx's best song ever.

Decom-posuer 4/5
-really cool song with cool guitar. classic nofx.

Medio-core 5/5
-this song is so cool. It makes you nod your head and agree with everything he says. Starts soft and becomes hard. All about how music is not original anymore. awsome song.

Anarchy camp 4/5
-this one has really grown on me. The lyrics are funny, and it's a ska song. It thought it sucked at first, but its actually really good. I love this song. Not nofx at its best, and i prefer punk, but its is so cool.

American errorist (i hate hate haters) 4/5
-this song is really awsome, but its to short. Maybe if he used all the lyrics(fat mike literally sings only half of the lyrics written on the sheet)it would be better. I wish it was longer, then it would be one of the best of the cd.

We got two jealous agains 4.5/5
-cool song about meeting his soulmate, by seeing what cd's she owns. Gives credit to all of the sick awsome 80's hard-core street punk. Its got sex pistols(they're 70's) black flag, circle jerks, early vandals, misfits, and a bunch more. Really cool song crediting all of his roots.

13 stiches 3.5/5
-This song is so sick. But its missing something. Its like it's all leading up to a blast of punk at the end, but it's soft all the way through. Bummer, cuz i like this song.

Re-gaining unconsciousness 5/5
-THis is one sick song. Its awsome from start to finish, and it is another decline influenced song. really really cool.

Whoops, i OD'd 4.5/5
-since when does nofx speak abouth the dangers of drugs? ten years earlier they wrote a song called drugs are good that said drugs are good they make you do things that you know you not should, and when you do em people think that your cool. But this is a great song to end and awsome album with.

NoFx seems to keep getting better, although i don't think this beats out punk in drublic, nofx keeps honing there skills and composing music that is original, that no ones ever heard. Get this cd. Down with bush. This cd is all about constructive critisism. We want to make the government better, not kill it. I read a review on here from some guy named jollygreenmetalhead 2002. He said punk is antigovernment, and unaccepting of other people. Yet fat mike says in the lyrics booklet that he loves this country. You say that were not accepting, and you call modern punks biggest gathering, the warped tour, a (...) festival. Seems like your not accepting punks and gays. You see we are all about excercising are freedoms, wich is why america rocks. so get this cd and be amazed by the almost punk(real punk has been dead for awhile) and get the decline for the best think nofx has ever done.

I've read a few reviews after many listens of the new album (and there will be many many MANY more in the future), and am very upset with many of the critics. Simply put, this album is everything I wanted and more. I've been a fan since ribbed and have enjoyed watching this band grow over the years. Most recently, after pump up the valuum, I was dissapointed. valuum was good but that is all it was: good. Not a breakthrough, not a classic top notch album, just pretty good. The first time I listened to this album I was blown away. Holy hell, amazing riffs, great catchy lyrics and a lots of politics. And more ska, I missed when NOFX played regaee and ska riffs (something they did great and should not have stopped doing). They're still punk as hell, taking a stand for what they believe in and still have something to say after all these years. What more do you want? My advice: buy this album now! Thank you for so many great memories Fat Mike, Hefe, Eric and Erik.

Outside of a new Rancid album, this is probably the best release punk is going to see this year. The War on Errorism is fourteen tracks of intelligent, hard hitting, political without being at all preachy, punk-rock.

From the radio-friendly Franco Un-American to the 2003 punk scene snapshot The Separation of Church and Skate, this album is right up there with their 1994 release Punk in Drublic.

Choice tracks include the "I should not be laughing at this but it's too funny" She's Nubs, commentary on today's music, Medio-core and the self-explanatory, ......

I don't believe that an album can truely be rated after only hearing it ten times in two days, but this is my initial response to what I hear. The album consists of many songs with the signiture NOFX sound, like "The Separation of Church and Skate," "The Irrationality of Rationality," "Decom-poseur," "Re-gaining Unconsciousness," and "Idiots are Taking Over." There is also the very pop sounding "Franco Unamerican," which is by all means a very decent song. NOFX has also revived their ska sounds in "Medio-core" and "Anarchy Camp." Overall, most of the songs have a new feel about them, with NOFX concentrating on their strengths unlike some of their previous releases. They slow down the tempo on "Mattersville," "Anarchy Camp," and especially "Whoops, I OD'd," but it's a much needed change of pace that sets this NOFX release apart from some of their others. However, most of the songs sound like a continuation of "Pump up the Valuum," which is not a bad thing, and "Shes Nubs" brings back memories of "Monosyllabic Girl" when I listen to it. "The War on Errorism" is by no means a masterpiece, but it is definitely worthy of purchase. Occasionally the political messages get driven into the ground, but at least someone is criticizing the current political regime with uncompromising harshness. NOFX may not break much new ground, but they are changing direction slightly, which makes this album an interesting listen.

it is way to good. Every single song (except Decomposeur) is amazing. Songs like Seperation of Church and Skate and Regaining Unconsciousness are the best because A. they are fast and energetic and B. the political lyrics are outstanding. Any song on this album could easily have been a single. One of the only NOFX albums you can listen to from start to finish. In my opinion NOFX just keeps getting better and this is definately no exception.

Sheist, I was looking at all the reviews and there seems to be so much negativity toward the entire anti-Bush cause. Sure, looking at the tracklisting of the Rock Against Bush compilations, some of these bands (New Found Glory, Yellowcard) never cared about anything before and are just jumping the "political" bandwagon because it looks promising.

But this is NOT the way with NOFX. NOFX have always been a political band. Just listen to "Perfect Government" or "180 Degrees." Sure, they got a little more political on this record just like many other solid underground punk bands out there. This is what punk rock is all about. The entire underground punk community is now united in a common cause, with a common enemy. Punk is supposed to be a method of free expression, and that's exactly what these bands are doing.

Anyway, getting on to the album review, they obviously tried to make a second Punk In Drublic. It falls short, but every punk record other than SLATFATS falls short to Punk In Drublic. War On Errorism is actually pretty damn good for what it is. This is a great introduction album for someone new to NOFX. I highly reccomend it, though you should purchase Punk In Drublic, SLATFATS and The Decline first.

What? I like the CD...Did I do something wrong? Great from beginning to end. The political songs are political, the silly songs are silly, and the overdose ballad/acoustic song is super duper uber blooper. That means it's good. Kind of like "Punk in Drublic" with the last song being an acoustic song about some f*ck up. To the man named JollyGreenMetalHead "2002" or whatever your really anti-straight name is, you are ridiculous and I think it's hilarious. I laugh in your weak, childish face, and if Arnold were young again and I knew him and could pay him to beat you up, I would. Fat Mike running all the way to the bank laughing...You think he can run? He's FAT! No offense to the weight-challenged. And Warped Tour a homosexual festival? Hardly a festival, more like a gathering or sect.