Roots Radical - Single

Released in Rancid's heyday, the Roots Radicals single came out between the group's seminal Let's Go and the nearly as engaging follow-up, ...And Out Come the Wolves. The leadoff title track is easily one of the group's best songs to date and, compared to the version on the album that followed it, this take of "Roots Radicals" is a much more raw and treble-tinged interpretation that surpasses later incarnations. The vocal call to arms is a little bit clearer here as well, and it sounds like an almost entirely new take on Rancid's recording style, something the band would only continue to experiment with as its career leaned further toward a new sound. The second track, "I Wanna Riot," is another departure, a mid-tempo reggae/ska tune that bounces happily along with plenty of conflicting destructive sentiments and a slight good-time vibe. Rancid got much further out there with later records, but this brief effort shows the band's ability to blend styles as well as deliver catchy punk ditties. If the leadoff track is a personal favorite, then this is worth seeking out; it isn't a record you necessarily need, but it's still a nice addition to any punk rock collection. ~ Peter J. D'Angelo, Rovi