Released: Mar 22, 2011
Genre: Punk rock, alternative rock
Label: Reprise
Number Of Tracks: 17
Similar to most early 2000s' fetishes, Green Day has slowly deteriorated over the years.
Awesome As F**kFeatured review by: UG Team, on november 12, 2012 4 of 13 people found this review helpful
Sound: Warning: the first 20 seconds of buzz from overly excited fans may turn you off completely. As much as Green Day's latest live attempt, Awesome As F--k, excels when it comes to song choices and a disc title, the atmosphere almost seems fake. Not "here's some recorded fan orgasms"-fake, but kind of similar to the crowds you see on television during Jonas Brothers and Justin Bieber concerts. The excessive yelps from females (let's hope) makes the aged punk rockers sound as if they're the kings of everything rock n' roll. Recordings of "Know Your Enemy" and "American Idiot" do justice with limitless momentum, but the latter track proves a fault: the material itself seems unorganized as rhythms flail around at different paces when transitioning from verse to chorus. The energy drives the live release yet fails to channel it in all areas; the band seems unmotivated at times ("She", "Going To Pasa") and only really erupts on the more popular radio numbers ("Holiday"). The lackadaisical approach could be attributed to their punk, I don't-care-what-you-think attitude which drips off early Green Day material like "Geek Stink Breath" and "Who Wrote Holden Caulfield?". The question is however, does the shtick work for a live record? Not if you plan on spinning the album regularly and not just at a party when the parents are out of town. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: From a lyrical point of view, Awesome As F--k has the ability to keep the entertainment level at a standstill. The sound isn't as emphatic as other live albums, but the tracklisting can grab your attention, introducing you to Green Day's history, highlighting points when they were a group of nobodies, a rising phenomenon and aging rock stars. Taking content from various years is risky. Taking songs with lines like "Cause you know where I'll be found / When I come around," is smart. The disc's structure overshadows Billie Joe Armstrong's ramblings, cursing and odd shouting matches with the audience and so it should. Awesome As F--k doesn't shove a dozen chart-topping singles down your throat; it sedates you in doses, depending on your preference, and concludes with a blast of acoustic anthems that are hard not to know the words to by heart. // 8
Impression: Similar to most early 2000s' fetishes, Green Day has slowly deteriorated over the years. They provided teens with a personal gateway into the world of punk and lyrics that begged to be etched into anything made out of wood. One musical and one mediocre album later, the alt rock giants have been chipped down to veteran musicians who still have that sparkle in their eye to perform. No matter your taste, the release Awesome As F--k shows both sides; a few tracks remind you of those anti-anything-good-for-you times while others slowly enforce why Green Day is slowly fading into an empty black sea. Most importantly, the record highlights a career and though it doesn't excel as a masterpiece collection of recordings, it's a definitive choice for those days where you just want to lose it to the tune of old-school chaos. // 7
Awesome As F**k
Reviewed by:
GreenDay73, on november 12, 2012 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Personally I loved the song selection. Just when I kick back and feel like playing Green Day on my guitar for an extended period of time I always try to get a good mix of both their new AND old tunes and that is definetly somethingI think they have improved on in comparison to Bullet in A Bible. It didn't take much to get it cranked up to the point of making your heart race and the fact that they pulled songs froim all over the tour was, to me, a good idea. To me the whole part of listening to a Concert CD or DVD is to experience it like you were at a show and though not everybody love the "I said eh, oh"s Billie Joe loves to belt out to the audience at any time it alwys sends me back to the times I've gone to see them. Also compeltely loved the inclusion of their performance of "Cigarettes & Valentines" coming up to the release date that was probably one of the biggest things people were looking forward to. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Billie Joe is not the greatest singer, or at least not in the fact that he can't belt out a tune at any note at will, but more then some I love how he can continuously put energy and want into some of the older songs (She, Goin to Pas, Geek Stink Breath, etc.). Also I've already mentioned the song selection, a good mix of new and old, but also which songs specifically was great. Songs like when I come Around, and even Who Wrote Holden Caulifield where he said "This is my favourite song of Kerplunk by the way" before the band started but also tunes like 21 Guns and American Idiot playing to them its not just about playing 17 songs and making money its about playing 17 songs and creating an experience. // 8
Impression: Love the sound, love the songs, I think Awesome as F**K is an absolute goldmine start to finish. Whether you are partial to older songs like J.A.R. and Burnout or if you love the newer stuff of AI and 21st Century Breakdow there is something here for everyone to love. Probably the only thing thats really keeping this from being a 10 in my books is the length BIAB was a little over an hour and AAF is not much more but this is definetly something I'll have by my side to listen to for a long time. // 9
Awesome As F**k
Reviewed by:
Paul*Stanley, on november 12, 2012 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Awesome as F**k captures what Green Day does live pretty well, and it's impressive that their 20 year-old punk songs can stand up so well next to their 2 year-old pop songs. If you're a big Green Day fan, you probably have Bullet in a Bible, so you've already heard some of these songs. The recordings of American Idiot, Holiday and Jesus of Suburbia are nearly identical to their previous live versions.
Their new song "Cigarettes and Valentines" is great, and really adds something to the album so that you feel like you're getting some new material along with the classics. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Billie Joe's back and just as good as ever. He mixes in his crowd-rallying yelps in with his singing, and it works well, but he lets the crowd sing whole verses a little too often (he lets them take the whole first verse of American Idiot).
"Cigarettes and Valentines" stands out with catchy new verses which will be stuck in your head for days. // 8
Impression: It's not the greatest live album in the world, but Awesome as F**k is a smart move from the Green Day camp. I didn't want to be buying Bullet in a Bible again, nor did I want to buy a live version of 21st Century Breakdown. Instead, you get a fun mix that isn't 2st Century Breakdown-heavy, and it revives some Green Day classics that still sound great. If you don't over-think Green Day's changes in styles and looks over the years, you'll have fun with Awesome as F**k. The live DVD is rather forgettable, especially if you already saw Green Day on their most recent tour, and feels a little slapped-together, seeing as the DVD isn't even the full concert.
Overall, Awesome as F**k produces some memorable live recordings that we might not have otherwise heard, and some that we've already heard before, to create a really great package. // 9
Awesome As F**k
Reviewed by:
fee.young, on november 12, 2012 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Despite various comments such as that Green Day are "sold out" or are becoming "mainstream as F**k" I disagree.
Green Day still have it. This CD blew me away. The songs were like supercharged versions of the album. The changes between songs were too blured and the rhythm changed around but overall they kicked some pretty decent sized ass.
This is one of those CDs that you find yourself listening to even if you aren't the greatest fan ever. It doesn't even matter. They still punch out a blaring full sound anyone will dig. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Billie Joe is still by far my favourite band leader. He doesn't have the singing voice of an angel at all but his voice suits the music down to the ground. Despite also play guitar he barely missed a beat.
Some of the songs have similsr themes but they are mainly the older stuff which no one seems to mind. Despite changeing some of the lyrics to please of stir up the crowd, the only real problem was him letting the crowd sing entire choruses or verses. Otherwise the vocals were really good. // 8
Impression: After over 15 years of punching out hectic songs, Blasting basslines and catchy beats, Green Day still have it.
The standout songs would have to be "East Jesus Nowhere", "American Idiot" and "21 Guns". There wasn't really anything major wrong with it.
If I lost the album I would definitely replace it. "Awesome As F**k" holds a permanent place is my top 20 CD rack For a very long time. I highly recommend it. Awesome as... Well... F**K! // 9
This definitely sounds like it deserves a spin. I was raised on Green Day, and I received Bullet in a Bible for Christmas when it came out, and it was rather kick ass seeing them before the American Idiot tour even started and then once more on the tour. While they seem to be selling it a more mainstream audience, fans will never be able to get over how awesome all of their music was. Anyone that's ever been to one of their concerts knows what a crazy energy they have. It's just unforgettable.
I went to the show in Dallas last year. I hated it. My first Green Day concert. Man. I don't like them any more. They used to be one of my favorite bands. Fucking Billie Joe.
I have all the albums I was a huge fan of theirs. After AI hit shelves i kind of thought they lost the punk in them when they were starting to hit up huge stadiums and getting audience members to sing the older songs. 21stCB was a terrible follow-up and didnt amount to the hype that AI had even though AI was front loaded and overplayed. They have lost their older fans i believe and will gain attention of the little teens now and the ones discovering music. Lets hope they make the same decision and stop listening after AI.
I'm confused as to why people are so adamant about American Idiot and 21st century breakdown being albums that 'shouldn't be listened to' or that they suck. Green Day's sound has changed, but isn't that what all successful bands do? As they mature their sound progresses as well. You don't have to like the new sound granted, but there's nothing wrong with others enjoying it.
A bit more on topic, Awesome as F*ck looks... well Awesome as F*ck!!
^This is just another opinion, but i think people are referring to the fact that these last two albums have been so over inflated it's just become annoying. Some of the songs are ok. It's obvious that these two albums are incredibly over-produced. I was 14 when i heard Dookie for the first time and thought the album in it's entirety was fantastic. The lyrics were more witty, the chord progressions more catchy. Now they have another guitar player, and they all wear make-up and a gallon of product in their hair! And it's just hard to believe that they really stand by some of the things they write and sing about anymore! They're all millionaires with families, they have no reason to be angst-ridden punks anymore. There's nothing wrong with being or liking a pop band, which is all they are anymore.
I respect that opinion and i can see what you're saying. However i disagree with labelling them a 'pop' band but hey, getting into a genre debate is silly
You're right though, people can choose which albums or eras of bands they like. Their choice. I just happen to love all of Green Day's material!
I know I'm in the minority here, but I'll say that I think Green Day's writing is, in many ways, better these days than on the early records. At the very least, is far more consistent. I find myself skipping tracks on the older records, but hardly ever on the last two. Maybe it's the better production that's to blame, but the peaks and valleys in song quality just don't seem to be there on the newer stuff (which is good).
Also, I'm gonna throw it out there that while punk may have started out as rebellion music related to one's political leanings and wealth status, it has since evolved into more of a state of mind. So BJ and crew has made money from the corporate record business. Good on them! Anyone in this country has those same opportunities and should not avoid secure financial standing just so that you can say you're still a punker.
Green Day live is where it's at.
Whoever wrote this review of the album needs to shut up. Especially comparing Green Day to Justin Bieber. Of course the crowd is going to respond like Green Day is number 1 and king because they are. Justin uses that recorded crowd sounds to make himself sound like king cause he knows he can't do better than Green Day and never will. Green Day is Awesome As F**K and the record is Awesome As F**K. I give it a 10.
reviewing green day on ultimate guitar is like promoting jesus in a satanic church, no matter how hard you try, you'll never convince them to even have mutual respect. I like everything Green Day has done. I honestly love the last two records, i like the 9 minute length songs with the different parts, i believe that to be creative. and i have no problem with anybody elses opinions, to each their own, but i do have a problem with the one thing the review said: "Similar to most early 2000s' fetishes, Green Day has slowly deteriorated over the years." To me, that is just pure ignorance, if anything they have grown this last decade and they haven't faded at all. The people who are their fans now will be their fans forever. you either like them or you don't regardless of which regard it is that you're into.
There still good but evolved i guess,i still love greenday even after ''selling out''...but then again,most of you with day jobs would have,given the chance...
Symphonica wrote:
This definitely sounds like it deserves a spin. I was raised on Green Day, and I received Bullet in a Bible for Christmas when it came out, and it was rather kick ass seeing them before the American Idiot tour even started and then once more on the tour. While they seem to be selling it a more mainstream audience, fans will never be able to get over how awesome all of their music was. Anyone that's ever been to one of their concerts knows what a crazy energy they have. It's just unforgettable.
I still think Green Day is an awesome band. Trying to rap on them for becoming slightly mainstream is just retarded(and yes, they aren't mainstream anymore, that job was taken by a little douchebag with no balls). and what have they 'deteriorated' to exactly? More fans and popularity? That's deterioration? So the minute my own band gets a world tour and has groupies in every ****ing country is the minute we deteriorate? Yeah, I love that reasoning (
I like how the first paragraph of the review has pretty much nothing but negative statements, and yet they still gave it a 7. TO ALL REVIEWERS: MAKE YOUR COMMENTS MATCH YOUR SCORE. THERE ARE NUMBERS BELOW 7 OUT THERE.
Im so glad they released another live album, i had listened to bullet in a bible so much i even knew what kind of cheers from the crowd were going to happen. I cant help but think you dont know much about some music if you think green day are sellouts, you cant write the same music forever without boring fans or yourselves, gotta change the mood sometimes folks!
I went to the show in Dallas last year. I hated it. My first Green Day concert. Man. I don't like them any more. They used to be one of my favorite bands. Fucking Billie Joe.
i saw green day at msg last year. ****ing amazing are you kidding? energy out the ass great show great crowd interaction with fans awesome set list
F..k this review. Who gives a sh.t what these people say about the live dvd. I've been watching this DVD and I f-ing love it. Green Day has managed to stay an amazing band for over 20 years. Who cares if the latest album wasn't "punk" the MUSIC is still awesome. Just cause people call them a punk band doesn't mean they all there songs have to be like that.
Their new releases might not ever live up to the likes of Kerplunk, Dookie and Insomiac, but Their live shows these past 2 years have been the best of their career! This album shows that.
I really miss the days when I could read any webpage on the internet without having to find Justin Bieber's name written somewhere.
-----
Too bad no one said anything about him until you posted a comment
@RC52190
Justin Bieber is mentioned within the first five lines of the review...
This is such a repeated, recycled discussion, goddamn....
I get so tired of their old stuff, i cant listen to more than few tracks of Dookie. Nimrod, for me was their best record, next to American Idiot.
They've always been good, they've just become better musicians, With their last 2 records, I find the songs sound more original as opposed to most of their 3 chord songs on previous records. idk, im just ranting but I'll always enjoy Green Day whatever they release. Its always fun, although some stuff Billie Joe says is bullshit and just seems preachy lol (see Bullet in a bible and youll know what I mean)
I like all of Green Day's music, but the two newest albums have been my favorite. As far as everyone saying that they "sold out" or whatever, have someone flash millions of dollars in your face. See if you don't take it
If this came out 5 years ago, I would've loved it. Now, not so much. I used to be so into Green Day, but I've since moved on to better, more technical music. I've watched so many of their live performances on youtube, and over the last few years, Billie Joe doesn't even play guitar anymore! He just stands and sings while Jason plays the guitar and gets next to no credit. Mike's the only guy in the band I like anymore. Billie Joe's so contradictory, as good as AI was, it's 'eff the system, be a punk' message was drowned in its own commercialism. Now Green Day, or just Billie Joe, seem to be milking their punk image for even more money. It's not that I hate them, I just don't respect them or take them seriously anymore. Awesome As F**k is a live album name I'd expect from a a 13 year old who's been playing guitar for 2 weeks, although he probably has the same amount of talent as Billie Joe.
I've seen Green Day live and you know what? There's a reason BJ doesn't play too much guitar on stage. He entertaines the crowd, and makes a show out of the gigs they play as opposed to some bands where the members just stand there on the stage and play. Btw he is a great singer live and actually has a lot of talent! I just think he's a little bit over the top though with the crazy running around...but that's no reason to state that he doesn't possess any talent. Every band has to evolve, and if they hadn't, Green Day would probably not exist anymore. We wouldn't want that would we?
I know I'm in the minority here, but I'll say that I think Green Day's writing is, in many ways, better these days than on the early records. At the very least, is far more consistent. I find myself skipping tracks on the older records, but hardly ever on the last two. Maybe it's the better production that's to blame, but the peaks and valleys in song quality just don't seem to be there on the newer stuff (which is good).
Also, I'm gonna throw it out there that while punk may have started out as rebellion music related to one's political leanings and wealth status, it has since evolved into more of a state of mind. So BJ and crew has made money from the corporate record business. Good on them! Anyone in this country has those same opportunities and should not avoid secure financial standing just so that you can say you're still a punker.
Green Day live is where it's at.
I grew up on these guys. they were my favorite band from about ages 11-15 and they were my first concert in 2002. They started losing me with American Idiot, but I thought it was at least decent. They lost me a little more on 21st CB, with the exception of a few songs (Murder City, Peacemaker...). I'll probably give this a listen since it has some of the older songs on it, but I won't be expecting too much.
Root Beer wrote:
They released a live album called "Awesome as Fuck"? Sounds like they're a little desperate AND full of themselves...
You wouldn't say that if you knew where the title came from. It's basically a massive thank you to their fans. Check out videos of Good Riddance from the Denver show in August 2010.
I thought it was another fantastic live album from Green Day. I saw them last year on this tour in Seoul, Korea. Fantastic atmosphere and the sounds made during the CD REALLY do reflect how the concert sounded. I'd see them again tomorrow and I love the addition of old songs like "Burnout" and "When I Come Around."
I really miss the days when I could read any webpage on the internet without having to find Justin Bieber's name written somewhere.
-----
Too bad no one said anything about him until you posted a comment
@RC52190
Justin Bieber is mentioned within the first five lines of the review...
You get gold stars for pointing this out to him. As many as you want!
reviewing green day on ultimate guitar is like promoting jesus in a satanic church, no matter how hard you try, you'll never convince them to even have mutual respect. I like everything Green Day has done. I honestly love the last two records, i like the 9 minute length songs with the different parts, i believe that to be creative. and i have no problem with anybody elses opinions, to each their own, but i do have a problem with the one thing the review said: "Similar to most early 2000s' fetishes, Green Day has slowly deteriorated over the years." To me, that is just pure ignorance, if anything they have grown this last decade and they haven't faded at all. The people who are their fans now will be their fans forever. you either like them or you don't regardless of which regard it is that you're into.
i hate greenday all around, their as bad as falloutboy and all those talentless bands that make 6th and 7th graders scream. waste of an review,cause no one cared in the first place
Punk has a culture that goes hand in hand with the music. You can't call your music punk if you're not part of the culture or live that type of lifestyle.
As long they don't keep calling themselves a punk band (because they CLEARLY aren't anymore) then I'm fine with these guys. Let them write their mainstream music. Let them mature.
And this is coming from a guy who's first CD was Dookie.
i am going to have to disagree. if you are a greenday fan u will absolutly love this but if u are not a longtime fan, i doubt this it the album for you. its like alot of live albums,they are for the long term fans
Honestly, American Idiot was fine. The last album was god awful, but the fact that this album contains songs from the 924 Gilman days makes me wanna listen. Sure, it's unfortunate that Billie Joe doesn't play guitar anymore and dresses like an aging drag queen, but still gotta respect Green Day's contributions to the genre BEFORE they became "mainstream." Like you know, REVIVING it in the 90's?
Im so glad they released another live album, i had listened to bullet in a bible so much i even knew what kind of cheers from the crowd were going to happen. I cant help but think you dont know much about some music if you think green day are sellouts, you cant write the same music forever without boring fans or yourselves, gotta change the mood sometimes folks!
Im the same as you i know everything in and about BIAB but now that AAF is out it doesn't seem as massive but i still love it because of the full on variety from Smoothed Out Slappy to 21st
If this came out 5 years ago, I would've loved it. Now, not so much. I used to be so into Green Day, but I've since moved on to better, more technical music. I've watched so many of their live performances on youtube, and over the last few years, Billie Joe doesn't even play guitar anymore! He just stands and sings while Jason plays the guitar and gets next to no credit. Mike's the only guy in the band I like anymore. Billie Joe's so contradictory, as good as AI was, it's 'eff the system, be a punk' message was drowned in its own commercialism. Now Green Day, or just Billie Joe, seem to be milking their punk image for even more money. It's not that I hate them, I just don't respect them or take them seriously anymore. Awesome As F**k is a live album name I'd expect from a a 13 year old who's been playing guitar for 2 weeks, although he probably has the same amount of talent as Billie Joe.
Just because one song or band might be more technical than another, does not make it better in fact. Only in your own opinion sir. I wish they would have put the medley from Chula Vista on the album, then maybe you wouldn't think he is so talentless. There was a lot of improv stuff that night that was pretty sweet. Anyway, my opinion.
Green Day where never punk, they were on the cover of tiger beat for gods sakes.
Go listen to Husker Du.
Funny, Green Day worship Husker Du...
The band never EVER EVER said they were punk, can't you kids just grow up and accept that this band has released a live album, if you like it, so be it. I f you don't, go listen to a band you enjoy!
^This is just another opinion, but i think people are referring to the fact that these last two albums have been so over inflated it's just become annoying. Some of the songs are ok. It's obvious that these two albums are incredibly over-produced. I was 14 when i heard Dookie for the first time and thought the album in it's entirety was fantastic. The lyrics were more witty, the chord progressions more catchy. Now they have another guitar player, and they all wear make-up and a gallon of product in their hair! And it's just hard to believe that they really stand by some of the things they write and sing about anymore! They're all millionaires with families, they have no reason to be angst-ridden punks anymore. There's nothing wrong with being or liking a pop band, which is all they are anymore.
The problem with this is that you sound like their fans who were fans prior to you... Dookie became the big "overproduced sell-out album." They become big, a whole new generation likes them, and suddenly people turn against them yet again.
I admit that 21st Century Breakdown was a disappointment, especially coming off the high of American Idiot which I thought was an excellent album, especially the songs that had four or five parts to it. Their chord progressions became somewhat more "standard," but there were little surprises in "Holiday," "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," and "St. Jimmy" sneak in some interesting chord changes that manage to surprise you.
Everyone grows up and tries doing something else... I don't think they're trying to pass off as "angst-ridden punks"... nor do I think they ever did. But even as adults, people have things to speak up about. And I think they pulled it off nicely.
reviewing green day on ultimate guitar is like promoting jesus in a satanic church, no matter how hard you try, you'll never convince them to even have mutual respect. I like everything Green Day has done. I honestly love the last two records, i like the 9 minute length songs with the different parts, i believe that to be creative. and i have no problem with anybody elses opinions, to each their own, but i do have a problem with the one thing the review said: "Similar to most early 2000s' fetishes, Green Day has slowly deteriorated over the years." To me, that is just pure ignorance, if anything they have grown this last decade and they haven't faded at all. The people who are their fans now will be their fans forever. you either like them or you don't regardless of which regard it is that you're into.
Its been repeated over and over, but I've got a bit of spare change on my and feel like giving my 2 cents worth away.. I dig old Greenday, I don't like the new stuff. Therefore, I listen to old Greenday, and don't listen to the new stuff.
All Green Day is good in my opinion. Sure, they've changed a lot, but thats what happen when bands get older. It's happened with Metallica, it's happened to Maiden, it's YET to happen to Axl Rose (I refuse to acknowledge the shambles of an act that he call's "Guns N Roses" as a band instead of a front for his ego. Wish i had been around for the actual GNR) but I think Green Day is just one of those bands you either love, or hate. A lot of people have grown up with them (whether it be in the 90's or today) and anyway: Aren't live albums more for fans of the band anyway? I'm just rambling now.
I respect that opinion and i can see what you're saying. However i disagree with labelling them a 'pop' band but hey, getting into a genre debate is silly
You're right though, people can choose which albums or eras of bands they like. Their choice. I just happen to love all of Green Day's material!
I can't believe what i've just read, this people of ultimate-guitar.com knows something about music? knows something about rock? if this is a joke please let us know... GREEN DAY is the greatest band of the world, a LEGEND OF PUNK ROCK MUSIC so the stupid ass that wrote that review should be kicked of his job cause he doesn't know a shit about good music, seriously dude start learning something about rock cause you SUCK, the DVD is awesome LIKE THE TITLE every second is a lesson for losers like you, so i salute you and i say FUCK YOUR REVIEW
What I'd like to see more is something I've seen some band do recently. A concert where the first half is usually older and more obscure songs true fans would know (Knowledge, 2000 Lightyears Away, etc.), and then have the second half one of the new trilogy albums in its entirety. You could get the best of both.
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