Track Listing

1. I Feel So
2. All Systems Go (Explicit)
3. Watch The World
4. Tiny Voices (Explicit)
5. Cat Like Thief
6. And I
7. Letters To God (Explicit)
8. My First Punk Song (Explicit)
9. Sorrow (Explicit)
10. There Is
11. The End With You
12. Elevator
13. Instrumental
14. I Feel So (Video)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6660 in Music
• Released on: 2002-05-27
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Dimensions: .22 pounds
• Running time: 45 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Two-thirds of the driving force behind Box Car Racer are from Blink 182, which isn’t as surprising as it sounds. After all, playing punk pop for teenagers hooked on MTV may inflate your bank account, but it doesn’t do much for your credibility. Fortunately, Blink-182 guitarist Tom DeLonge and drummer Travis Barker found a way around this quandary. The pair formed Box Car Racer and recorded this album, which strips back the gloss and brings on the noise.

Referencing explosive hardcore groups like Fugazi and Refused, who encase their euphoric melodies with barbed wire riffs and ear-splitting rhythms, may sound like an ominous route. But while Box Car Racer songs like "Maybe I Don’t" and "I Feel So" take on weightier subject matter than the typical slapstick fare of Blink 182, it’s ultimately not a huge departure. The record was produced by Jerry Finn, who helmed last three albums from Blink 182, and features singer/bassist Mark Hoppus as a guest vocalist. --Aidin Vaziri

CD Description
Debut album from side-project of Blink 182's Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker, DeLonge's direct tribute to his two major musical inspirations, Fugazi and Refused. With jagged, off-kilter rhythms, downbeat, minor-key tunes and darker, more disturbing subject matter, their sound is far removed from Blink's goofy pop-punk.

Customer Reviews

A more mature offering from the kings of goof......
When you establish that this band comprises of two members of Blink 182 an instant sound formulates in your head, fast guitars, rhythmic hard hitting drums and lyrics of teen angst and general goofiness. This however is not Blink 182 version 2, box car racer offer better depth of song content, better depth of music and overall a more comprehensive punk sound.

These songs deal with emotional pain, loneliness, and death, things not really in the blink 182 dictionary. Thats not to say that it is a morbid album, quite the contrary its upbeat and refreshed throughout, but still has time for those quite monments which it pulls of brilliantly.

To sum it up this album is inspired by what got Tom Delongeinto punk music in the first place, fantastic punk songs. Buy it you wont be dissappointed.....

Full of Promise.
Box Car Racer's biggest mistake is allowing their promotion as 'two-thirds of Blink 182'. An automatic fan base comes guaranteed but they also acquire the all misgivings and contempt of their comedy predecessor act. Pants and Jacket saw fleeting glimpses of more mature song writing (notably 'Stay Together For The Kids') from the Blink boys but ultimately with their reputation, credibility would be unlikely.
Assuming that Box Car Racer is just a more mature Blink 182 is flawed. This album has been heralded as a return to heavier punk as a direct reference to the band members' early influences. In reality this album is much more diverse than credited. This album sees much heavier guitar focused songs (e.g.: 'Watch The World') while also producing slower acoustic pieces (e.g.: 'There Is'). The integration of the two is a highlight. Meanwhile the orchestral additions allow the album to take on the darker ethos. A lot of time in final production is clearly evident.
The song writing is fundamentally the dividing line between this album and any prejudices against the members' previous projects. The single 'I Feel So' is just a taster for some great lyrical offerings. The biggest disappointment of the album has to be 'My First Punk Song'. Yes we know it wasn't meant to be deep nor well written but does it offer anything to this album? Maybe thinking that there would be no phallic references was naive. Fortunately it doesn't ruin the album as it is followed by 'Sorrow', which features both the tempo changes and song writing qualities that make this album a success.
Significantly this album sees Travis Barker come of age. A fantastic exception of drumming throughout the album (notably 'There Is' + 'Watch the World'). Without a doubt Travis is the standout performance of this venture. His work rate and energy have always been his strengths but his creative flair and ability to take control of individual songs must at last place him in the top few drummers out there today.
Finally don't just assume this is another Blink 182 mould album. As far as Blink is concerned, the boys can play but their focus was on getting notoriety. That accomplished this album sees a move towards getting a sense of credibility. As a first offering this is a resounding accomplishment and we eagerly await further action.

The Best Album by Far
altho this album has two of the members from blink 182 in there, i feel this album shows the darkside of Tom Delonge and Travis Barker. Although they are seen as Blink 182, they have shown on this album that they can make hard hitting songs and include some soft songs. Letters To God is a prime example, acoustic song straight through, then hard metal guitaring towards the end of the song. Tim Armstrong of Rancid makes an appearance on 'Cat Like Thief', and provides Tom Delonge with some great lyrics and vocals. As a Fan of Blink182 i think it is hard for me to say which one is better, but from my point of view, Tom Delonge and Travids barker have made a huge impression on the Rock Scene, as they are noticable all the time, form all genres of music.
I rated this album 5 stars as the lyrics and music on this album are truely unmissable, and you will never get bored of listening to this album, as youy do with some albums.