What’s shakin’, homies?! It’s time for another episode of BIRD PROTOCOL. This week, we’re talking about the forefathers of modern pop-punk, Blink-182. You didn’t think we’d miss a chance at talking about one of the most seminal and important bands in our lives AND make a visual joke using the episode title, did you? Absolutely not. Are you crazy? Don’t you know us by now? Anyway, this episode is pretty much us gushing about the band (even though we aren’t so hot on a few of their releases) and serves as our chance to remind everyone how goddamn important, influential, and great the Blink boys were (and still are) at their peak.

In this episode, we break down (most of) their career from the highest highs to the lowest lows, talk about our favourite albums and songs, and give them their flowers. This is not completely devoid of criticism, though, because what the hell was up with “Nine”? Yeesh. We briefly touch on their early days and then chronicle their meteoric rise with a three-peat of absolute slappers from the aughts (“Enema Of The State”, “Take Off Your Pants And Jacket’, and “Untitled”). From there, we discuss the rising tension in the band, their multiple hiatuses and line-up changes, and everything that led to a myriad of kinda-sorta-alright to downright boring releases. Then, we discuss the events leading to their reunion and excellent latest release, “One More Time…”. We also take some time to discuss why we personally love them and how Blink has played an irrefutable role in our youth and young manhood (and lives as musicians).

This band is deeply important to both of us, as well as a huge number of people all around the world, so even as we tried to adhere to our new rules about length… it just wasn't happening. Blink’s impact is undeniable, their rise to the top is the stuff of legends, and they are just so much fun. We tried to pack as much as we could into the episode, but Otis, being a massive fan, said it best when he points out that we could have done a long-form series on every album, song, triumph, and failure of the band. It’s a genuinely crazy story filled with plane crashes, a cancer diagnosis, UFOs, alcoholism, naked dudes, secret bands, inter-member tension, and a whole lot more. So, tap in with us. It is a good one.

We’ll be back in two weeks with our Christmas pick. In the meantime, wish PALMREADER luck at his new job!

As always…

INITIATE THE PROTOCOL!

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