Rancid - Ruby Soho

Tim Armstrong went from a ska-ish band (Operation Ivy) to one of the iconic punk bands of the 90s in Rancid. He was legitimately living on the streets until Rancid took off. Now, he has one of the most identifiable voices in punk rock. I don't know what Rancid and Tim have been up to lately, but I hope they are all doing well. I loved their music.

Far from Finished - Heroes and Ghosts

Far From Finished is a band that are too huge at the moment. I don't understand why, however. Their music is great, they sound fantastic live, and they have great stage presence. If you ever hear that they are playing near you, check them out. You won't be disappointed. In fact, after watching this video, search for the same song on YouTube. You'll see that live, it's the same sound. Great song, and great band!

Hey kids, don't do drugs!

Disclaimer: I have absolutely no clue if the kid the background is doing drugs or not. I've never met the kid, nor do I know who he is. He's just some dude going crazy to an Anti Flag song on Youtube. I just know he loves this song and his buddy's bass playing, so I can't hate on him too much. Whatever you think of the dude in the background, the bass player does a decent cover of a great song!

Linoleum by NOFX

By now, you probably know my love (and my 2 year old's love) for NOFX. While I try to play a little guitar myself, I admittedly suck - both playing and singing. This guy does not. And I love the fact that he is apparently playing in a bathroom so as not to wake his kids. I don't know who he is, but I bet he loves playing his guitar and singing punk rock songs. I love acoustic punk covers, and this guy does a great one!

Hands by the Dead 50s

I first heard this song when watching a pretty cool documentary on BMX pioneer Stompin' Stu Thomsen (cool movie if you're into bikes, btw - check it out: http://www.stompinstu.com/). I didn't know the song, but thanks to the power of Google, I was able to find it. Great song from a pretty cool Pennsylvania band. This particular song is about all that his war veteran grandfather's hands have seen. It has quite a bit heavier message than their other songs, but I love it. Enjoy!

Green Day Cover

I have no clue who the hell this kid is. But I do know that this is one hell of a cover of a great Green Day song. Green Day is typically looked at as a pop-punk band, but I love them. They started punk, and don't care about what people say. They play their own music that they love, have fun doing it, and don't give a f if you like it or not. Punk if I ever saw it.

The Brews by NOFX

This is the song that got me into punk rock. A guy I worked with played this album (Punk in Drublic) on a regular basis, and I got hooked on this song. Eventually, I bought the CD (yes, back when you did this) and have been a punk rocker ever since. My two year old loves this song too - "Dada, wanna hear NOFX!" I've taught him well.

Bed Intruder

I know that the bed intruder song is pretty played out, but this is one of the best covers of it I have heard - especially when you mix in the double rainbow and the Sunny D and rum lyrics as well. Nicely done, Dave Days!

DeStorm

Yeah, I know it's not punk rock, but the dude has talent! Anyone that can take a Bon Jovi song and make it listenable has my respect.

Face to Face

If you grew up in the 90s, you know this song. If you didn't grow up in the 90s, you should get to know this song. I grew up on it. One of the best punk bands of all time, and certainly among the best 90s L.A. punk scene bands, no question.

Anti-Flag Acoustic

A song that I love, and here's the acoustic version. Ignore the political overtones if you don't like them... but check out Chris #2's bass playing. He's a boss on the bass! I don't care for their politicism on all of their songs, but at least they have meaning in their songs, and that I respect. And the dudes can play.

Blitzkrieg Bop - Live at Studio Hamburg

This blog wouldn't be appropriate if I didn't start with one of the greatest punk songs of all time. These guys didn't know how to play when they got together. And they became one of the iconic punk bands. Long live the Ramones!