By By Mike Fordham
Who would have thought the bratty punks in Green Day would still be around in 2005, much less still be relevant? The trio certainly has come a long way since the days of Dookie, currently riding the success of the career-reviving album American Idiot (although the underappreciated Warning was a highlight as well). To further capitalize on their American Idiot fame, Green Day has issued Bullet In A Bible, recorded live in England.
Not surprisingly, most of the tracks are culled from that album. What is a shocker is how few other albums are represented (only one song from Warning and Insomniac and just two from Dookie). While it’s quite understandable that the tour was in support of American Idiot, some older chestnuts might have made the show and album truly sparkle.
Green Day hammers away on the American Idiot tracks, like the furious “St. Jimmy,” “Holiday” and the epic “Jesus Of Suburbia.” It’s obvious that these would be the stronger tracks due to Green Day’s adherence to the American Idiot storyline. Unlike other concept albums, this one does not come across as cheesy, pretentious or just plain silly onstage. However, this strength comes at a cost. The group’s previous material (such as “Longview” and “Basket Case”) sounds limp in comparison.
A major knock against Bullet In A Bible and Green Day, is how much the live versions mimic their studio counterparts. If it weren’t for a frenzied audience and Billie Joe Armstrong’s shouts of “England,” a listener would swear they’re hearing the studio album. Any sort of change from the album would have made for a much more engaging listen. For instance, hearing electric guitars and some solos on “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)” is a welcomed deviation. “King For A Day” touches on not one but two classics-the Isley Brothers’ “Shout” (complete with “A little bit softer now / a little bit louder now”) and Eric Idle’s Monty Python tune “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life.” Green Day might be raging against war, the government or the president, but wisely retain a sense of humor.
Green Day have every right to be lauded for American Idiot. It’s been awhile since a punk album has had so much ambition and importance. Bullet In A Bible stands as a great snapshot of a band enjoying a second shot at superstardom.