blink-182Neighborhoods [VINYL]

the only blink-182 album you can listen to in front of the kids. not punk rock or pop punk at all. alt rock or modern rock definitely. only issue is the song "snake charmer" which should also be part of this release was not in the version of the album i got.

This was a surprise in 2 ways. Firstly I was taken aback at how unlike the band's other releases this was, and secondly because I had to finally acknowledge that this is possibly one of the best releases of the year. Blink were never particularly creative or edgy in my mind. They still aren't to a large degree but the quality that is packed into the 14 tracks here is proof indeed of a far more serious remit for the band as a whole while not expounding any morose, emo-cholic dirges similar to those that haunted their self-titled album prior to the break-up. Blink 182 was patchy, if not brave. Neighbourhoods is positively new and special.The sound of the old chugging powerchords and simple melodies are gone. Ghosts of these can still be heard but in a less frenetic or loud fashion. Everything here is subtle, clean and catchy but with less emphasis on oomph. It does smack slightly of DeLonge's other concern, Angels and Airwaves - but in a refreshing way. And the opener, 'Ghost on the Dancefloor' is the perfect statement of intent. It's unusual, un-Blink and very dance-orientated but is catchy as heck and a near perfect wall of sound. The most Blink-sounding track on the album follows. And this is actually my personal favourite as they have managed to marry the electronica tone with the Blink of old to create a perfect template for how the band sound in 2011 (at time of writing). It's contagious, fast, tricky, technical, perfectly executed and insanely catchy. A classic. 'Up All Night' is similar and is a great track but feels like a spectre of their former selves. But it can be viewed as a classic also. 'After Midnight' is mid-paced and doesn't stand out at first. But after a few listens I found myself humming to its subtle melodies without realising it. No classic but a 4 star track by my criteria. 'Snake Charmer' is similar in quality but has more of a chorus. It's haunting, catchy and just different. 'Heart's all Gone' is another very Blink-sounding track. It's similar to 'Natives' and equally as good. The interlude also helps it's abrupt start after 'Snake Charmer'.'Wishing Well' is another unbelievably catchy tune. It sounds slight, as the production on the whole album is rather understated and - dare I say - quiet. But it is a giant. 'Kaleidoscope' follows and is another one of my favourites. Stunning chorus and a great epic sound. 'This is Home' is gentler and has a keyboard riff that reminds of Joy Division. It is another excellent, well-constructed and poignant song. 'MH 4.18.2011' is more of a Blink-of-old track with a punchy chorus and driving guitars (still downplayed somewhat). It's all Mark and it's great. 'Love is Dangerous' is another VERY Joy Division sounding track. It reminds of 80s electronica and new romantics. But it's a new classic. It is very good indeed. 'Fighting the Gravity' is an odd one. It sounds as if they have gone too far and produced an ephemeral wisp of a tune that relies solely on drum machines and waves of melody. After a few listens you begin to relaise that it is also great. The closer, 'Even If She Falls', is an upbeat, catchy number to finish it all off perfectly. The chorus is perfect.So not really Blink 182. More Blink 183 really. Gone are the jokey pop punk tunes. Gone is the volume. But the fun is still there and the heart that is on display is of a far less cheesy nature than previously seen. This feels like time and effort have been made in order to make the best record they possibly could. And they have. I still love Enema and Take off... and Cheshire Cat to a lesser extent, but this is by far the best album the band have produced to date. Many may balk at the transition that has occurred. But if you like music (not just rock) then this should appeal to most.Get the deluxe version as the loss of the extra 4 tracks is actually debilitating to the pleasure when listening as there are NO bad tunes on this one. Wow - never thought this would be my pick of the year so far....

Is it me or is there a minor battle between Blink-182 and Green Day?While, being British, I would debate that 'punk' or 'punk rock' are valid terms to use in connection to either band - 'angry adolescent' is a more appropriate genre - both bands have steadily matured they music from loud garage band records to works of art.Although their album, Blink 182 is the best they have ever produced and is unlikely bettered in the near future, this album comes a very close 2nd place. It is the sort of album you put on repeat and listen to numerous times before feeling like something new.The first track "Ghost on the dance floor" is a great start and it takes a few second to spot the Blade Runner/Vangelis riff sampled in there - which only adds to the spiritual ambiance."Wishing Well" have some very clever phrase and will soon have to trying to sing along."Kaleidoscope" is another instant classic and as it follows straight on from "Wishing Well", you end up in a very 'bouncy' state after 10 minutes are great music.The final track "Love is dangerous" is a great way to end the album and actually feeds nicely back into the start again.I would rate it 9.5/10 for this Blink album and given the ridiculously low price of CDs nowadays, you have to be made not to get it.My only compliant is the album feels quite short. This is probably because you want it to go on longer.

I have to be honest and admit it took me quite a while to really get into Neighbourhoods. First thoughts were that it was decent but not up to the level of their previous work and perhaps Blink were past their sell-by date.However, after getting back into it a couple of months back it has turned out to be one of my favourite albums of all-time.Neighbourhoods has all the energy of earlier records but with a maturity which has obviously been brought on by the dark times the band have experienced in recent years.If I had to pick one particular song out then 'Natives' is pure class and I am surprised it has not received a lot more exposure than it has.If you like Blink 182 then stick with this album for a while and maybe come back to it if you were not initially blown away. Enjoy!