Older Budweiser

"Older... Budweiser," the third album by the American band Gang Green, was released in 1989 and marked a significant shift in their musical direction. It was their first studio album recorded outside of their Boston hometown, with production handled by Tom Soares at Normandy Sound in Rhode Island. The album featured collaborative songwriting, with most tracks written by multiple band members, while bassist Joe Gittleman contributed two solo compositions. Lyrically, the album moved away from the party-themed anthems of their earlier work toward socio-political commentary, though it retained some humorous elements. The album showcased a darker, more experimental sound, incorporating metallic attributes and thrash metal influences on tracks like "Casio Jungle," which criticized electronica music. Notably, "Ballad" featured an orchestral arrangement, adding a layer of irony to the track. Despite these changes, the band maintained their Boston Hardcore roots while expanding into new musical territories. Critical reception praised the album for its bold departure from traditional punk rock, with AllMusic highlighting the incorporation of string instruments and The Washington Post commending the humor and creativity in "Ballad." Trouser Press noted the band's energetic performances and their move beyond adolescent punk into metal and hard rock. The track listing includes ten songs, ranging from socio-political commentary to humorous and experimental tracks. Collaborators on the album included Rich Spillberg of Wargasm and an orchestra featuring several classical musicians. The album also marked the departure of Joe Gittleman, who was replaced by D.R.I.'s Josh Pappe for subsequent tours. Overall, "Older... Budweiser" demonstrated Gang ...