The Vinyl Brew: Blink-182 - Enema of the State

Shiny Day Brewers,

As we sit down together this week, we’ve heard some big music news so I feel that today’s chat should maybe delve a little into that. In 1999 a band released an album that would throw them firmly into the limelight. I had already been a fan but when this one came out it confirmed just how good these guys were. With them reforming for a new album and a world tour we are of course talking about Blink-182 and today’s album Enema of the State.

Blink-182 were already making waves on the indie scene and had established themselves as a live act not to be missed. Trying to make more commercial success, they started work on their third album ‘Enema of the State’. Their original drummer, Scott Raynor, had turned to drink after some personal issues and the pressure of fame had gotten to him. As his drinking got worse it began to effect performances and so he was let go from the band and was replaced by arguably one of the greatest drummers of all time, Travis Barker.

The trio headed into the studio to start writing the album but unfortunately for Barker he received no writing credits for the album, despite taking part in the writing process, as he was still just a hired musician at that stage. Having their first professional budget for the album, the band would spend two weeks writing after which time they were satisfied with what they had completed. For the recording process the band brought in legendary producer Jerry Finn, who had previously worked on Green Days Dookie, and had produced the groups version of Mutt for the American Pie Soundtrack.

Finn would push the band harder than anyone else ever had. Making them do multiple takes to get the best sound out of them. Blink would go on to say that Finn pushed them into a more pop-punk sound and were so happy with the production that they would bring Finn on to produce their next three releases. On completion, all parties were very proud of ‘Enema of the State’ and Hoppus in a 2013 interview would say was "the heart of Blink-182's musical sensibilities"

As I was leaving my teenage years this album was released and it was everything I needed in my music collection at the time. I had floated in and out of punk for a long time but always cam back to lighter stuff as my main stay. Blink-182 with ‘Enema of the State’ gave me that punk feel while never being super heavy or mega aggressive. I felt for the first time that those in my circle of friends that never got my love for punk had found something relatable and that’s what Blink did so well; they were fun and catchy but amazing songwriters and musicians. I’ve had the luck to have seen Blink live and if you ever get the chance, I couldn’t recommend it enough. They are a unit who have toured forever and are so in sync with each other it is a joy to behold.

So, who is ‘Enema of the State’ for? This is another one of those that I think everyone should give a listen to. Sure, it might not be your cup of tea but I guarantee there’ll be something on this album you love. As always head over to our Twitter @vinyl8records to let us know what you think of Blink reforming, and to play us out lets just go pure fun with “All the Small Things”

"Always, I know


You'll be at my show
Watching, waiting

Commiserating”

Till next time Brewers,
T

Next Sunday's brew is Led Zeppelin's Led Zeppelin II. Why not add this gem to your collection so we can listen together next week!