Pop-Punk Classics Vol. 1: Descendents - Milo Goes To College

[versus_god]

Alright kids, I'm going to try something a bit different around here. In order to spark some discussion in this forum and work toward eliminating the frustrating improper use of the word pop-punk throughout this corner of the internet, I'll be posting a different thread dedicated to classics in the genre every week or so.

If all goes well with this thread, I've got some great stuff lined up for future installments. I'll be posting albums from all ends of the pop-punk spectrum, everything from Beach Boys-influenced buzzsaw pop to dirty, gritty melodic punk'n'roll. It's going to be great. A-wuh-oh. Maybe you'll even find something you like!

Without further ado, the first album. And what better record to start with?

http://www.superdeluxe.blogger.com.br/Descendents-Milo%20Goes%20To%20College-front.jpg

And indeed, since he was heading off to do just that, the Descendents bowed out the earliest phase of its existence with another collection of blink-and-you'll-miss-it songs about life, love, girls, losers, and, of course, food. Starting with the classic rip-and-riff of "Myage," which started a long-standing trend of Descendents songs ending with "-age," the four-piece pureed everything it loved -- pop hooks, punk and hardcore thrash, and whatever else it enjoyed -- and came up with an unpretentious, catchy winner. The playing of the core band is even better than before, never mistaking increased skill with needing to show off; the Lombardo/Stevenson rhythm section is in perfect sync, while Navetta provides the corrosive power. Add in Aukerman's in-your-face hilarity and fuck-off stance, and it's punk rock that wears both its adolescence and brains on its sleeve. Aukerman lets his heart slip through more than once amid all the hilarious descriptions and putdowns, like the slow-burn introduction to "Catalina," with Navetta's guitar the perfect snarling counterpoint. There are a couple of moments where the band's young age is all too obvious -- the trendoids slammed in "Loser" deserve the total trashing given, but the casual homophobia is unfortunate no matter where you stand. As for "Kabuki Girl," you've got to wonder. Generally, though, this is smart, sly music and words coming from people interested in creating their own lives and style as opposed to following trends. There's "Tonyage," another rant against punk/new wave wannabes who "were all surfers last year"; the wise-in-advance-of-its-years "I'm Not a Punk," perhaps the band's greatest song; and the power-singalong "Suburban Home," with its spoken-word start and ending, "I want to be stereotyped, I want to be classified!" The music never stops, neither does the energy -- an instant party album of its own kind.
If you need any help acquiring this album, let me know. Otherwise, sit back, pour yourself a bonus cup, and let the discussion of this pop-punk gem commence.

[TheOtherAndrew]

I want to be sterotyped! I want to be classified!

[Regards]

I've heard alot about this band, but sadly have never listened to anything.

[KatieKutthroat.]

I've heard alot about this band, but sadly have never listened to anything.

You should definitely change that.

[ThemChains]

I Wanna Be A Bear
I'm Not A Loser
Parents
Catalina
Kabuki Girl
Marriage
Bikeage


So many good jams, those are the ones that come off the top of my head. Seriously, if you aren't listening to this album, you're fucking up.

[versus_god]

Maybe everyone can descarga that problem here (http://mihumildeblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/descendents-milo-goes-to-college.html). :whistle:

[cfear]

Aside from Dude Ranch, this is my favorite album to listen to on tour.

[versus_god]

"Bikeage" is one of the greatest punk songs ever written, and "Hope" is the best song Milo ever penned for the 'Dents.

Classic album through and through.

[El_Jeffe]

i like the idea, i'm working on something (rather different) for real ska & reggae music too

that aside, i adore this album. it was the first time i really "got" pop-punk. at the time i had heard all the bigger modern bands & the imitators... none of it stuck, it left me with tainted taste in my mind. then i heard this album, can't remember how i came across it now, but it was fantastic. just the right mix of everything, energy, grit, gravel, the works. engaging. it sounded so fresh too, well to me at least, had i not previously known, i probably wouldn't have guessed its actual release date

[Fourchordwonder]

I've never listened to this band, despite the fact that they were apparently a huge influence on the Ataris. Now I will shut up give this album a listen.

[ThemChains]

This thread should probably happen for most genres, but I feel like most would just be a waste.

[micahistheballs]

I've never been a big fan of punk, but I'll download this and discuss later.

[micahistheballs]

Listening now. I guess I'm just not really a punk guy.

[Dr. Acula]

I love the idea of this thread. Anyway, fantastic album...I think a thing that gets lost about the Descendents is the musicianship. The rhythm section between Bill Stevens (drums) and Karl Alvarez/Tony Lombardo (bass) was awesome. It seems these days, a good bass player/drummer are rare in punk rock which bums me out.

[hockeyguitar99]

Absolutely fantastic album. Probably my favorite actual pop-punk record.

[versus_god]

i like the idea, i'm working on something (rather different) for real ska & reggae music too

that aside, i adore this album. it was the first time i really "got" pop-punk. at the time i had heard all the bigger modern bands & the imitators... none of it stuck, it left me with tainted taste in my mind. then i heard this album, can't remember how i came across it now, but it was fantastic. just the right mix of everything, energy, grit, gravel, the works. engaging. it sounded so fresh too, well to me at least, had i not previously known, i probably wouldn't have guessed its actual release date
I think that's a wonderful idea! I'm looking forward to whatever you've got up your sleeve.

And I definitely agree about it sounding fresh. This is an album that's really withstood the test of time; there's not one song on here that sounds dated (except for certain parts of "I'm Not A Loser" perhaps).
I've never listened to this band, despite the fact that they were apparently a huge influence on the Ataris. Now I will shut up give this album a listen.
Do it! The Descendents have played some role in influencing almost every pop-punk band in existence in some shape or form. I think you'll be able to appreciate it.
Listening now. I guess I'm just not really a punk guy.
That's understandable, it's not for everybody. Is there anything you enjoyed about it?
I love the idea of this thread. Anyway, fantastic album...I think a thing that gets lost about the Descendents is the musicianship. The rhythm section between Bill Stevens (drums) and Karl Alvarez/Tony Lombardo (bass) was awesome. It seems these days, a good bass player/drummer are rare in punk rock which bums me out.
Bill Stevenson is one of the greatest drummers to ever grace punk rock. I think he really set the bar for future drummers in the genre. Very unique.

I actually remember reading one interview with him where he said it was so difficult to play with Black Flag when he did (83-84) because he was so used to playing while caffeinated. Haha. We can thank coffee for short songs and the lightning-quick drumming found on Milo and the rest of their catalog.

As for Tony, he played a larger part than most people think in bringing that melodic style of bass playing into punk rock. The Descendents have always had a top notch rhythm section, never afraid to experiment (see: ALL's discography).

But now I'm rambling!

[AlternateToLife]

I've never been a big fan of punk, but I'll download this and discuss later.

Fantastic avatar!



This is one of my favorite records of all time, personally.

[stfu_man]

This is what's up.

[Carlo Marx]

this is seriously the greatest pop punk record of all time. i heard this album at a time in my life when i was touting the punkness of blink, the ataris and the offspring. i had no idea what real pop punk sounded like until one of my friends let me borrow this album.

me: hey, i heard the descendents are good.
him: eh, they're kind of weird. i have one of their albums. you can borrow it
me: ok.

i listened to the album 5 times in a row on the bus that afternoon. (my bus time in highschool was an hour commute. it sucked.)

it still hasn't gotten old to me.

[TheOtherAndrew]

Bikeage Bikeage Bikeage

[allhourcymbals]

definitely thought this was going to be #1 for the essential '80s list. great album. great idea for a new series of threads.

[versus_god]

Bikeage Bikeage Bikeage
I hear that if you say this in front of a bathroom mirror Bill Stevenson appears with a bonus cup.

[Jumpoff]

i like the idea, i'm working on something (rather different) for real ska & reggae music too

that aside, i adore this album. it was the first time i really "got" pop-punk. at the time i had heard all the bigger modern bands & the imitators... none of it stuck, it left me with tainted taste in my mind. then i heard this album, can't remember how i came across it now, but it was fantastic. just the right mix of everything, energy, grit, gravel, the works. engaging. it sounded so fresh too, well to me at least, had i not previously known, i probably wouldn't have guessed its actual release date

Looking forward to the ska/reggae thread! Haha, never took you as someone who liked pop punk :-D

Love this album. I Wanna Be A Bear is one of my favorite punk songs bar none.

[Carlo Marx]

i'm going to steal this idea and do it for thrash metal.

[Jumpoff]

i'm going to steal this idea and do it for thrash metal.

Will bands like DRI be included? :-p

[Carlo Marx]

Will bands like DRI be included? :-p

thrash, crossover, speed metal. anything that shreds.

[Jumpoff]

thrash, crossover, speed metal. anything that shreds.

Not a huge thrash fan, but I don't mind some crossover or thrashcore once in a while

[El_Jeffe]

Looking forward to the ska/reggae thread! Haha, never took you as someone who liked pop punk :-D

haha i'm not really, but i ravel in the odd album, like i do many genres. it takes a lot for me to really settle in with something along these lines, but this album takes the cake. i think this & hot water music are probably the "heaviest" bands i listen to hahaha

[Jumpoff]

haha i'm not really, but i ravel in the odd album, like i do many genres. it takes a lot for me to really settle in with something along these lines, but this album takes the cake. i think this & hot water music are probably the "heaviest" bands i listen to hahaha

Not a bad thing at all, especially since both are great choices to be the heaviest that you listen to :-p

I need to listen to more HWM.. I keep changing their albums after starting it for some reason.

[wewascontenders]

Such a great band. Such a great album.

[AP_Punk]

this album rules. still.

[ugman_2000]

Great album some awesopme songs on it, Bikeage, Hope, Marriage & myage are all classic punk songs

ALL(the album) is worth checking out too for the people that haven't listened to much to this band

[versus_god]

ALL has some of my favorite Descendents songs on it (Coolidge, Pep Talk, Clean Sheets) but there are a couple of real clunkers on there. While every Descendents record is worth checking out, I'd suggest I Don't Want To Grow Up or Everything Sucks, or even Cool To Be You after this one.

ALL the band is also criminally underrated.

[cfear]

I think The Descendents are wayyyy underlistened. When you cover Silly Girl on tour and most kids in most towns don't know the song it's really awkward. Especially when kids are wearing Descendents shirts.

[Chris Fallon]

Alexis, I love you for doing this. Adding something new and cool to the forum, thank you!

My favorite Descendents album. Very fun, smart-assed record.

[nfgzebrahed]

do yourself a favor, go out and get Somery, like 30 tracks of excellence

clean sheets, sour grapes, silly girl....wow

[versus_god]

Somery is a great introduction to the Descendents' 80's material, but Milo Goes To College is the Descendents album.

I'm hoping these threads can turn some of the posters here onto the pop-punk records I know and love. I think a lot of them could really benefit from listening to the bands I have in store. We'll have to wait and see.

As for Descendents t-shirts, I only wear mine for the nookie.

I'd love to see more bands cover these guys. I've participated in many a sing-along with strangers with Milo Goes To College playing over the P.A.

[ugman_2000]

I've been listening to ALL since this got brought up, I love Camage so much, I think lagwagon could do th an excelent cover of that

There really needs to be a decent tribute album for these guys kinda like the current leatherface one and the up coming Johnny cash one

[Chris Fallon]

The only cover of a track from this album that I know of is Face To Face doing "Bikeage."

+44's "Christmas Vacation" was good - more bands should consider paying tribute to them.

[versus_god]

There was a tribute a while back called Homage, which wasn't bad. There are some great covers on there. The Bouncing Souls doing "Pervert", Teen Idols doing "Cameage" I believe, the Parasites doing "Pep Talk". There are also some pretty terrible covers, but that's to be expected.

Another tribute album would be high five city.

[ugman_2000]

Sublime did a pretty good cover of Hope on 40oz to freedom

I might have to hunt down that tribute album as well as that Face to Face cover, love me some face to face

Also I love your avatar alexis

[big mondo]

Looking forward to the ska/reggae thread! Haha, never took you as someone who liked pop punk :-D

Love this album. I Wanna Be A Bear is one of my favorite punk songs bar none.

he likes pop punk when it isn't mixed with his ska.

:-D


"Bikeage" is one of the greatest punk songs ever written, and "Hope" is the best song Milo ever penned for the 'Dents.

Classic album through and through.

hope= my favorite descendents song ever.

[marsvoltamcr]

I love modern "pop punk" but hate when people call it that. MCR, New Found Glory, All Time Low. It's all simply pop to me, I don't know why people seem so scared to admit they like pop music.

But of course, some real pop punk/melodic hardcore is always a nice treat. Set Your Goals, A Wilhelm Scream. and this album in question is a real gem. Haven't heard it in about a year though.

[fran.182]

i love everything sucks...is my favourite record by them....

[versus_god]

I like that this band can not record anything for almost 10 years and still proceed to come back with an album like Everything Sucks.

[AlternateToLife]

I think The Descendents are wayyyy underlistened. When you cover Silly Girl on tour and most kids in most towns don't know the song it's really awkward. Especially when kids are wearing Descendents shirts.

Now that sounds like our world.

[Carlo Marx]

The only cover of a track from this album that I know of is Face To Face doing "Bikeage."

+44's "Christmas Vacation" was good - more bands should consider paying tribute to them.

there's a fairly rare mp3 of blink playing Hope live.

[versus_god]

It's not too bad.
qG69s-nZ9NA

By far and away my favorite Descendents cover:
0-qderyIO0g

[Carlo Marx]

Shooks!

[AP_Punk]

that shook ones cover rules.

[versus_god]

I wish they'd record it.

[ugman_2000]

It's not too bad.
qG69s-nZ9NA

By far and away my favorite Descendents cover:
0-qderyIO0g


I bet you If blink ever played that @ a gig, at the most 5% of the audience new the original

And that's being generous

That Shook ones was good when I see stuff like that it makes me want another covers album more

[Carlo Marx]

I bet you If blink ever played that @ a gig, at the most 5% of the audience new the original

And that's being generous

That Shook ones was good when I see stuff like that it makes me want another covers album more

i saw blink and green day about 5 years ago, and all the between set music was milo goes to college.

[Jumpoff]

So. Alexis. Did you ever make a Vol 2?

[versus_god]

Haha, nope. I don't think enough people would be interested. :shrug:

[Jumpoff]

I'm interested.

But either way, at least Milo is a good place to start and end :-p

[versus_god]

Totally. Bam. Nip it in the bud.

Maybe I'll make another thread later if I can find the motivation. I had a list of albums I wanted to do somewhere, I'll have to find it.

[SwiftSilentDead]

I was listening to this yesterday while walking home from school and singing along to every song. It was fun. I pretty much have to sing along to every song when I listen to this album. "Bikeage," "Myage" and "Catalina" are my favorites. I love Everything Sucks too. That album can make a shitty day feel great.

[A Love American]

Great album. This band is like The Beach Boys at 100mph. I love it.

[chipdip18]

I really enjoy this album, one of the few closer-to-punk bands i can enjoy.

[versus_god]

Great album. This band is like The Beach Boys at 100mph. I love it.
Haha wonderful description.

Everyone should give this a spin at least once this week in honor of Frank.

[Czarsy]

Listen to Descendents or die.

[Anderson]

i love everything sucks...is my favourite record by them....I'm the same. Milo Goes To College is still pretty col though.

By far and away my favorite Descendents cover:
0-qderyIO0g
That's great, my favourite Descendents song too.

[Jumpoff]

Thank You is my favorite Descendents song.. so Everything Sucks is definitely my favorite album.. but I love listening to "Two Things at Once" (College + Fat). I Like Food is fucking classic.

I think I might get the Milo Goes to College cover as a tattoo.

[ThemChains]

When I play this at the parties in my backyard, everyone looks at me at the iPod with looks like, "what the fuck are you doing?" Except for the ten or so people that I invited, they know what's up.

[shit stroll]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Descendents-Milo-Goes-to-College-LP-VG-VG-1st-Press_W0QQitemZ290243335923QQcmdZVi ewItemQQptZMusic_on_Vinyl?_trksid=p 3286.m20.l1116

[versus_god]

Thank You is my favorite Descendents song.. so Everything Sucks is definitely my favorite album.. but I love listening to "Two Things at Once" (College + Fat). I Like Food is fucking classic.

I think I might get the Milo Goes to College cover as a tattoo.
"Thank You" sums up the way I feel about this band, and I'll be getting mine done in the very near future. Booyah.

[Jumpoff]

"Thank You" sums up the way I feel about this band, and I'll be getting mine done in the very near future. Booyah.

I have another year and two months before I'm eighteen, will hopefully get it then. No way I will get permission to do it prior

[altemose09]

marriage is a great track

[SanePsychotic]

As of now, "Suburban Home" is my favorite track off of Milo Goes To College. I'm listening to the album in its entirety tonight so it may change.

[versus_god]

I have another year and two months before I'm eighteen, will hopefully get it then. No way I will get permission to do it prior
My mom's paying for it as a birthday gift. Punk rock!

[SanePsychotic]

My mom's paying for it as a birthday gift. Punk rock!

That's an awesome birthday gift.

[CountMeOut923]

what a great thread. i love everything about this album.