The Decline

For the kind of change over time, see Decline.
The Decline
EP by NOFX
Released November 23, 1999
Recorded June 1999
Genre Punk rock, Progressive rock
Length 18:19
Label Fat Wreck Chords
Producer Fat Mike; Ryan Greene
NOFX chronology

Timmy the Turtle
(1999)		 The Decline
(1999)		 Pump Up the Valuum
(2000)
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The Decline is an EP by NOFX. The CD version consisted of only the 18-minute title track, but the vinyl included a different version of "Clams Have Feelings Too" (from Pump Up the Valuum) on the B-side. The Decline is largely a satire of American politics and law, with an overwhelming concern for blind behaviors of the masses, such as complacency, indifference, gun violence, drug-use, and conformity, as well as destruction of constitutional rights, and condemnation of the religious right. Although the lyrics are somewhat disjointed, they all refer back to the unifying theme of the "decline" of America. The trombone is played by Lars Nylander of Skankin' Pickle.[1]

According to the band,

“ [The recording of The Decline was a] nightmare! Recording this fuck was a total nightmare. Writing it was a total nightmare. I'm glad we did it but I wouldn't do it again. We went back to the studio 3 different times and added stuff and remixed and remastered 4 times. It ain't no rock opera like The Song Remains the Same or nothing. We got the idea from Subhumans, not Rush. Why an 18 minute song? Just to do something different. We've done enough short songs, time for a long one. Anyway, my advice, never try this song at home.[2] ”

The first 155 copies were pressed on clear vinyl, a version which is no longer available.[3]

The first 1 min and 20 seconds of a live version of The Decline is played as an encore after "Stickin' In My Eye" on They've Actually Gotten Worse Live! (2007) before being faded out.[4] A DVD featuring a live performance of The Decline was released on September 12, 2012.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ The insert on the CD version of the Decline lists Lars Nylander
  2. ↑ "The Decline | Albums | NOFX". Nofxofficialwebsite.com. Retrieved 2012-08-11.
  3. ↑ "NOFX :: The Decline - Records: Fat Wreck Chords". Fatwreck.com. Retrieved 2012-08-11.
  4. ↑ "NOFX Q&A". nofxofficialwebsite.com. October 31, 2001.
  5. ↑ "NOFX :: The Decline Live DVD (Web store exclusive) - Records: Fat Wreck Chords". Fatwreck.com. Retrieved 2012-08-11.