Daddy's Little Psycho

It's been 18 months since I wrote about Green Day in this space, Now, on the occasion of their latest studio album, Revolution Radio, I return to celebrate* the greatest pure rock band of my generation.

(* - I'm gonna write a few sentences and post a video.)

Green Day turn 30 years old this year. Its primary members are all squarely in their mid-40s, the inchoate and aimless rage of their early 20s replaced by an idealistically socially conscious one. For me, that idealism serves a selfish purpose, as my 15 year-old daughter just got turned onto the band and is fast becoming a fan.

In March, Green Day bring three chords and the truth (contractually obligated to say that, at this point) to the Verizon Center in Washington, DC, where I'll get to fulfill one of my own rock and roll bucket list items alongside my kid. Not quite 'She's a Rebel', but an 'Extraordinary Girl' in my book.

Here's the video from 'Bang Bang', the first single from the new record. It sounds a lot like Green Day.

Idiots Rule

I've always loved Green Day. They're everything a rock band should be - bombastic, whimsical, loud, fearless. Three chords and the truth, man. On top of all that, Billie Joe Armstrong is my kind (size) of people.

Not trying to steal Clarence's thunder here, as I eagerly await his annual(ish) Rock and Roll Hall of Fame post, but Green Day will be inducted tomorrow as part of the 2015 Hall of Fame class. Punks no more, for better or worse.

'American Idiot' is probably my favorite rock record. Full of righteous anger, head-nodding hooks, and arena rock wall of noise, it was a staple in my CD player (you younger folks may not remember those) for months and months after it was released.

So in honor of Billie Joe, Mike Dirnt, and Tre Cool elbowing their way to respectability, a little Green Day for you this morning.