Tuesday, November 19, 2019

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Box Car Racer

Artist:Box Car Racer
Song:I Feel So
Album:Kerrang! 4: The Album





While a Blink-182 tour was delayed, lead singer and guitarist Tom DeLonge recorded the 2002 album Box Car Racer. The album and subsequent tour was successful so he could have continued the band. But DeLonge was trying to make a point to Blink-182 bassist Mark Hoppus. DeLonge was unhappy with Blink-182's direction. He thought they were getting too commercial and watered down. Of course this caused conflict with Hoppus. Touring was delayed due to DeLonge's back problems. So he decided to work on music apart from Blink-182. Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker worked on it too. And Delonge knew guitarist David Kennedy from the San Diego music scene. Box Car Racer was the name of Barker's high school band. DeLonge's idea was to make music that was similar to what Blink-182 used to do. Kennedy was a punk rock guy and DeLonge had become good friends with him. MCA Records signed Box Car Racer intending to sell it to Blink-182 fans. Hoppus was upset because Barker was in the band and he wasn't. But DeLonge didn't want Box Car Racer to become Blink-182. At the time it felt like Blink-182 had split up. The album was released May 2002. Box Car Racer toured to support it. Bassist Anthony Celestino was hired for the tour. The single I Feel So charted on the Alt Rock chart. The album was certified Gold. So DeLonge could have continued Box Car Racer but he decided not to so he could reform Blink-182. The album served its purpose because though Hoppus was upset, he got DeLonge's message and Blink-182's next album was more satisfying for DeLonge. That didn't end the tension and Blink-182 did split up in 2005. Box Car Racer is available on CD but it's expensive. I Feel So is on this 2CD various artists budget comp from the magazine Kerrang!. After Blink-182 split up, DeLonge and Kennedy formed Angels & Airwaves and that band is very successful. Here's the video for I Feel So by Box Car Racer.

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