Here’s the next “new” showing by NOFX. It’s called Backstage Passport Soundtrack, and you might have guessed it, it’s the soundtrack to their DVD release Backstage Passport from a few years ago.

Well, in the end it’s repressing a majority of the 7’’ Of The Month Club songs on a 12’’ supplemented by a few unreleased songs or live versions. The question must be allowed if we really need this NOFX release? A 7’’ with the unreleased material would have been more than enough in my opinion. Of course, Fat Wreck Chords needs to make money to be able to put out fresh and new bands. It’s just that I would have wished for more than already released songs compiled on another album.

But that’s not enough. No, we also need a lot of colors of already existing stuff. Therefore it’s no surprise that there are two mail order colors (oxblood and clear green both with gold splatter) besides the standard black. And, of course, telling from the vinyl color spoiler on the website of Pirates Press, there will be a fourth color (aqua blue with white splatter) which will be exclusive to the Fat Store in San Francisco.

But all this ranting aside, which is mostly about milking these songs with this release, I really like some of the songs a lot such as No Fun In Fundamentalism, All My Friends In New York or the Dickies’ cover Fan Mail.

So here it is, another reincarnation of The Decline. The big one. Yes, THE BIG ONE. Fat announced the 15th anniversary edition for this release and people got stoked. Fat made more waves than an ocean cruiser with 211 angry blue mohawked water skiers in tow. Get ready! Be amazed! etc…

Oh my, could the expectations get any higher? All the smoke and mirrors, the tweets about expecting the unexpected, the hype on the message boards…

What would it be? Decline 2? Decline 1 in special packaging with extras thrown in and a personal note from Fat Mike thanking all of us for 15 years of Decline addiction and listening to it religiously like it is the last word and testament of punk rock in a down-spiraling reality of post cold war consumer ignorance?

Well it could have not been more aptly named if it was called Declimax (not really a word -Ed). In two parts. First when it finally went up for preorder, with it being a simple repress as a picture disc with a new B-side and then when it arrived with a white background, unimaginative artwork, frazzled edges and split sleeves. Yes, the PVC sleeves that are widely loved. Hoozah!

In the end the outcome of one of the most anticipated represses of 2014 was just that. A disappointment and anti climax. A Decline 1.1: Declimax! (still, not a word -Ed) As it happens, Clams have finally lost their feelings too, but at least and to keep the lynch mob off the streets, they have pressed a Decline live version as seen in Backstage Passport on the B-side. Meh. Make that Decline 1.2.

Meh! (you said that already -Ed)