"I know someday, I'll be the only one"-Milo Aukerman, "Hope".
Punk rock is not something one would relate to the classic band The Beach Boys, however, The Descendents are a special case. Formed in 1977 and from Manhattan Island, California, the band was not only a hit with punk rock enthusiasts, but had songs vastly different from most punk rock we know. Their music was about women, food, growing up, coffee and all the troubles 19 year olds could face growing up. It was (and still is) relevant to any punk rock youth with songs like "Hope" (about feeling like garbage after a breakup), "I'm Not A Loser" (about being mad at the majority of youth and their decisions) and 'Merican (about learning the sad truth about your country but also embracing the good). The songs could range from caffeinated and angry (I'm Not A Loser) to almost sad and sorrowful (Alive). They manage to cover such a broad range of emotion while breaking the mold from usual punk writings which were usually political.
Speaking of breaking the mold, to examine The Descendents, we must examine their frontman, Milo Aukerman. Milo was never a very punk person, often wearing glasses, khakis and a t-shirt, he became a scientist but still plays with the band. He disregarded self-image and instead relied on his personality and amazing talent to carry him. He was a nerd and could be seen very un-punk, but by casting away any image, be it self imposed or as he was seen by fans, he became a mold breaker and one of the biggest punk rock icons you could name, even though he makes dad jokes and is a huge nerd.
The Descendents music is shallow, yes, but provides insight and lessons. For example, Milo Goes to College (their first and one of their most popular albums) does it right in the title. Their lead singer, Milo, went to college, became a scientist but was still able to sing and entertain. This gives us a good lesson about stereotypes, friendship and image, by supporting Milo's decision and efforts, they also decided to create a side band known as All for the hiatus after the album of the same name. This was to preserve the name of The Descendents, as it was Milo's band. Songs like "All-O-Gistics" provide a look at life while being silly, and offering viewpoints based on Aukerman and his band. The music is also very relatable to teenagers and young adults, almost comforting them by showing them that it's even happened to them too.
So, not only do the Descendents and All give some amazing music, they also provide some alternate viewpoints on life, lessons and even a strange comfort only The Descendents and All could provide.
Punk rock is not something one would relate to the classic band The Beach Boys, however, The Descendents are a special case. Formed in 1977 and from Manhattan Island, California, the band was not only a hit with punk rock enthusiasts, but had songs vastly different from most punk rock we know. Their music was about women, food, growing up, coffee and all the troubles 19 year olds could face growing up. It was (and still is) relevant to any punk rock youth with songs like "Hope" (about feeling like garbage after a breakup), "I'm Not A Loser" (about being mad at the majority of youth and their decisions) and 'Merican (about learning the sad truth about your country but also embracing the good). The songs could range from caffeinated and angry (I'm Not A Loser) to almost sad and sorrowful (Alive). They manage to cover such a broad range of emotion while breaking the mold from usual punk writings which were usually political.
Speaking of breaking the mold, to examine The Descendents, we must examine their frontman, Milo Aukerman. Milo was never a very punk person, often wearing glasses, khakis and a t-shirt, he became a scientist but still plays with the band. He disregarded self-image and instead relied on his personality and amazing talent to carry him. He was a nerd and could be seen very un-punk, but by casting away any image, be it self imposed or as he was seen by fans, he became a mold breaker and one of the biggest punk rock icons you could name, even though he makes dad jokes and is a huge nerd.
The Descendents music is shallow, yes, but provides insight and lessons. For example, Milo Goes to College (their first and one of their most popular albums) does it right in the title. Their lead singer, Milo, went to college, became a scientist but was still able to sing and entertain. This gives us a good lesson about stereotypes, friendship and image, by supporting Milo's decision and efforts, they also decided to create a side band known as All for the hiatus after the album of the same name. This was to preserve the name of The Descendents, as it was Milo's band. Songs like "All-O-Gistics" provide a look at life while being silly, and offering viewpoints based on Aukerman and his band. The music is also very relatable to teenagers and young adults, almost comforting them by showing them that it's even happened to them too.
So, not only do the Descendents and All give some amazing music, they also provide some alternate viewpoints on life, lessons and even a strange comfort only The Descendents and All could provide.