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Saturday, July 4, 2009

Then & Now - Green Day

Green Day


Then ...


The first (and only ... to this very day, I believe) post I made on this site about Green Day was a review for their single, Holiday, off their 2004 rock epic, American Idiot. At the time, that was basically all I knew of Green Day; their singles. I remember the year American Idiot came out - around my sixth grade year in school -, everyone in the school hallways had heart grenades ... everywhere. Their backpacks, clothing, notebooks ... I didn't get it. I didn't try to. That wasn't my music scene. The time I posted my review for Holiday was about the same time I really started listening to Green Day.


... & Now.


And I'm so glad I did. I have discovered in Green Day a band I'm most respectful of; a group of men who aren't afraid to speak up about what matters to them, regardless of what popular culture may have to say about it. And, while many people are either fans of the "old" Green Day or the "new" Green Day - pre- and post-American Idiot era, receptively -, I have found something to appreciate about all the work this band has done. I truly and honestly respect Green Day as musicians, and am proud to call myself a fan; not of an album, not of an era; but of a group of men who have worked all their lives for what they love.

Green Day just released their much-anticipated follow-up to American Idiot, after a long and very discrete hiatus. It could be debated about whether anything could top 2004's rock opera phenomenon, and whether 21st Century Breakdown (their newly released album) comes even close. However, if you ask me, Green Day's latest is a success in every way. Did Green Day manage to raise their own bar - again! - after the high standard set by American Idiot? Well, I'm not sure it's even fair to even try and compare these two albums. Without a doubt, both are spectacular and speak true to the mission Green Day has as a band.

This following music video is for the single 21 Guns, from 21st Century Breakdown.
This song really means a lot to me. The first time I ever heard it, I was listening to the album in the car, driving around town. As soon as the acoustic guitar opened out the track, I was hooked ... and my attention never wavered. Billie Joe asked me the question, "Do you know what's worth fighting for, when it's not worth dying for?" And, long story short ... I became really emotional about this entire track. I have loved this song from the moment I heard it for the first time, and the appeal just never dies off. The music video is equally stunning, and I think really showcases Green Day at ... possibly one of their finest, strongest, most vulnerable and yet, most defiant moments.
Please, take a good, honest listen to this remarkable song. Every time I listen to it ... 21 Guns reminds me why I love Green Day so much; then & now.

Green Day - 21 Guns Official Music Video

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have yet to hear anything off their new album.
They're such a great band...I should go find myself a copy of this new album and give it a listen.

Michael said...

I love 21 Guns and I really like the now Green Day.

Frank&Rémy said...

I totally dig 21 guns!! Its the bomb!

really nice blog btw!!