We tackled the behemoth of an album called Enema Of The State by Blink 182 on episode 96 of the Asinine Radio Pod.

This album made Blink 182 a household name back in the late 1990’s, or at least that’s what we think because we here at Asinine Radio are rabid Blink 182 fans. Anyway, you can’t deny that this album was wildly successful and influential to the many preteen snotty nosed kids of the time. Although the band was in their mid 20’s when they wrote the album, the lyrics touched on subjects that many kids could relate to. Simple songs about having your heart broken, a song about suicide and even one about alien abduction. Because who didn’t think about aliens when they were growing up? The point is that lyrically there’s a little bit of everything for a teenager here.

 

This was the first Blink album to feature drummer Travis Barker who was playing with The Aquabats prior to joining the band. Travis recorded all of his drum parts in a day, but was still able to show off his talents in a classy way. You especially see his influence on songs like “Dumpweed”, “What’s My Age Again”, “Dysentery Gary” and “Adam’s Song”.

 

Tom Delonge and Mark Hoppus absolutely kill it on this album when it comes to their songwriting abilities. There’s nothing very technical about what they’re playing, but when it comes to writing a catchy song they got it. Unfortunately, the only song on here to feature the duo sharing lead vocals is “Dysentery Gary”, and even that is very minimal. Regardless, the album has some true banger’s from both Tom and Mark. Tom coming in hot with songs like “Dumpweed”, “Dysentery Gary” and “Mutt” show that even with a high pitched nasally voice you can still make a great song. Mark with the lower voice in the band shines on songs like “Don’t Leave Me”, “Adam’s Song”, “The Party Song” and “Wendy Clear”. Both Tom and Mark’s vocals add to the dynamic of the band and this album.

 

Promotion of the album included three singles/videos, a hidden CD-R, a great dvd called “The Urethra Chronicles” and countless live performances on various music channels. “What’s My Age Again” was the first music video from the album. It was filmed in Los Angeles and features the band running around the city naked, and crashing various local news stations. If you haven’t seen it I don’t know where the hell you’ve been.

“All The Small Things” was the second video to promote the album, and it featured the band poking fun at the Pop acts of the time. Groups like The Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin etc. Now, if you haven’t seen this video than you must have been living under a damn rock.

 

“Adam’s Song” was the last of the videos from the album, and it took a much darker and somber tone in comparison. Watch it below.

 

And if you haven’t watched “The Urethra Chronicles Part 1” then do yourself a favor and watch it below. It’s pretty fucking funny.

 

I can write a novel on how I feel about this band, but you’ll just have to deal with this post for the time being. This album isn’t my favorite from the band, but it’s still a damn  fine piece of music. Go give it a listen. Notable songs on the album include “Dumpweed”, “Dysentery Gary”, “Adam’s Song”, “The Party Song” and “Wendy Clear”.

 

– Tyler (0equalz2)