American Idiot — Green Day
Reprise
2004
Rating:

During his ill-fated campaign, Sen. John Kerry appeared on "Late Show with David Letterman" and undermined his many jabs at President George W. Bush with a smile and a chuckle. That night, Green Day performed, appearing as Kerry's id as Billie Joe Armstrong proclaimed, "I don't want to be an American idiot!" On Nov. 2, 52 million Americans decided that's exactly wanted they wanted to be. Instead of becoming irrelevant like Kerry, "American Idiot's" significance soared. Spewing forth the most vitriolic punk since the genre's gabba gabba heyday, Green Day asks, "Where have all the riots gone?" ("Letterbomb"), watches as "Another protester has crossed the line / To find the money's on the other side" and ironically declares, "Zeig heil to the President Gasman!" ("Holiday"). Green Day ripped out its heart and presented it as a hand grenade. If only we had the courage to pull the pin.

Posted Saturday, April 16, 2005

Link to this review:
http://filmzeus.pressbin.com/music/green.day/american.idiot