The Decline
Encyclopedia
The Decline is a punk
EP
by NOFX
. The CD version consisted of only the 18-minute title track, but the vinyl included a different version of "Clams Have Feelings Too" (from Pump Up the Valuum
) on the B-side. The Decline is largely a satire of American politics and law, with an overwhelming concern for blind behaviors of the masses, such as complacency, indifference, drug-use, and conformity, as well as destruction of constitutional right
s, and condemnation of the religious right
. Although the lyrics are somewhat disjointed, they all refer back to the unifying theme of the "decline" of America
. The trombone
is played by Lars Nylander of Skankin' Pickle
.
According to the band,
The first 155 copies were pressed on clear vinyl, a version which is no longer available.
The first 1 min and 20 seconds of a live version of The Decline is played as an encore after "Stickin' In My Eye" on They've Actually Gotten Worse Live!
(2007) before being faded out.
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
by NOFX
NOFX
NOFX is an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California .The band was formed in 1983 by vocalist/bassist Fat Mike and guitarist Eric Melvin. Drummer Erik Sandin joined NOFX shortly after. In 1991 El Hefe joined to play lead guitar and trumpet, rounding out the current line-up...
. The CD version consisted of only the 18-minute title track, but the vinyl included a different version of "Clams Have Feelings Too" (from Pump Up the Valuum
Pump Up the Valuum
-Personnel:* Fat Mike - vocals, bass* Eric Melvin - guitar, accordion* El Hefe - guitar* Erik Sandin - drums* Spike Slawson - additional vocals* Bill Hansson - accordion* Ryan Greene, Fat Mike - producers* Ryan Greene - mixing, recording...
) on the B-side. The Decline is largely a satire of American politics and law, with an overwhelming concern for blind behaviors of the masses, such as complacency, indifference, drug-use, and conformity, as well as destruction of constitutional right
Constitutional right
An inalienable right is a freedom granted by a Nature or the Creator's endowment by birth , and may not be legally denied by that government.-United States:...
s, and condemnation of the religious right
Christian right
Christian right is a term used predominantly in the United States to describe "right-wing" Christian political groups that are characterized by their strong support of socially conservative policies...
. Although the lyrics are somewhat disjointed, they all refer back to the unifying theme of the "decline" of America
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The trombone
Trombone
The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
is played by Lars Nylander of Skankin' Pickle
Skankin' Pickle
Skankin' Pickle was an American ska punk band formed in San Jose, California that was active from 1989 to 1996.-Biography:Skankin' Pickle first formed in December 1988, made up of students from Westmont High School and Los Gatos High School. The band played their first show on April 28, 1989,...
.
According to the band,
The first 155 copies were pressed on clear vinyl, a version which is no longer available.
The first 1 min and 20 seconds of a live version of The Decline is played as an encore after "Stickin' In My Eye" on They've Actually Gotten Worse Live!
They've Actually Gotten Worse Live!
They've Actually Got Worse Live! is a live album by punk rock band NOFX. The album is their second live recording, following their 1995 album I Heard They Suck Live!!...
(2007) before being faded out.