Box Car Racer (album)
Encyclopedia
Box Car Racer is the debut and only studio album
by American post-hardcore
band Box Car Racer
. Produced by Jerry Finn
, the album was released May 21, 2002 through MCA Records
. The band was essentially a side-project of Blink-182
members Tom DeLonge
and Travis Barker
, with David Kennedy
completing the band’s studio lineup; a bassist and friend of Kennedy, Anthony Celestino, toured with the band throughout late 2002.
The album peaked at number twelve on the Billboard 200
, and the two singles "I Feel So
" and "There Is
" charted on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks. Despite receiving positive reviews on release, this is the last and only album from Box Car Racer after Delonge stated that the band "served purpose and is now defunct."
was called to produce the album. The two wrote all of the material themselves and recruited David Kennedy
from Hazen Street
to complete the lineup. The band recorded Box Car Racer during the winter of 2001/2002. According to DeLonge in interviews, the album’s recording sessions were difficult for him because of constant back pain. Blink-182 had previously canceled tour dates in fall 2001 due to DeLonge’s back problems.
The album, unlike any previous material DeLonge and Barker had created, follows a central storyline. Box Car Racer follows an unnamed boy during the end of the world. Only two songs deviate from the album’s central storyline, the humorous "My First Punk Song", which pays tribute to early hardcore punk
bands that inspired DeLonge, such as Gorilla Biscuits
, and "Elevator", which was written in the aftermath of September 11 attacks. Mark Hoppus
, the bassist from Blink-182, provided guest vocals on "Elevator" as did Tim Armstrong
and Jordan Pundik
, of Rancid
and New Found Glory
respectively, on "Cat Like Thief".
The music of the album is much different than any previous Blink-182 album, closely following a much darker and moody tone. According to DeLonge, he used Box Car Racer as an outfit to experiment with ideas that were not "Blink-friendly". Blink-182, in stark contrast to the themes of Box Car Racer, was known for typical sophomoric humor and toilet gags.
It has been suggested that the album’s music was a precursor of things to come for Blink-182, whose next album, Blink-182, also contained much darker and more atmospheric music than any previous studio recordings. After the breakup of Blink-182, Tom DeLonge formed Angels & Airwaves
, which he has called "a continuation of Box Car Racer". Angels & Airwaves has played various songs from Box Car Racer during live shows.
", the second "There Is
"; the former charted the highest, shooting to number 8 the Modern Rock Tracks chart, the latter only peaking at 32. A DVD titled also titled Box Car Racer
was released in November 2002, featuring special behind the scenes footage. A music video was made for each single released from the album. Both of these videos can be found on the Box Car Racer DVD.
The album received positive reviews from various official music publications and critics. A large amount of the praise came from the change in lyrical and musical direction. Channing Freeman of Sputnikmusic
concluded that the album was "excellent" and "much better than Angels & Airwaves, but not quite up to the standard of Blink-182." John McKay of IGN
admitted that Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker "have more musical integrity than many would give them credit for, especially with the deep subject matter of several of the songs on the disc." In a review of the album’s first single, "I Feel So", Sarah Dempster of NME called it "better than anything by Blink-182."
On the other hand, Lycia Shrum of Hybird Magazine was disappointed to hear "such radio friendly songs […] instead of hard punk." AbsolutePunk called the album "far from perfect", criticizing the random inclusion of "My First Punk Song" in the middle of the album.
, the ABC
television series 8 Simple Rules
, and the CBS
television series Still Standing
. Tom DeLonge and David Kennedy's later band, Angels & Airwaves
, recorded a song titled "Letters to God, Part II" for their 2010 album Love
. An official vinyl
pressing of Box Car Racer took place in July 2010. The album was limited to 2000 copies and were only available at Hot Topic
.
Production
Artwork
Additional musicians
Singles
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by American post-hardcore
Post-hardcore
Post-hardcore is a genre of music that developed from hardcore punk, itself an offshoot of the broader punk rock movement. Like post-punk, post-hardcore is a term for a broad constellation of groups...
band Box Car Racer
Box Car Racer
Box Car Racer was a short-lived American post-hardcore band from San Diego, California, formed in 2002. The band was a side-project of guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge and drummer Travis Barker of Blink-182, along with lead guitarist David Kennedy of Hazen Street, and touring bassist Anthony Celestino...
. Produced by Jerry Finn
Jerry Finn
Jerry Finn was an American record producer. He was perhaps best known for his work with Blink-182, as well as Morrissey, AFI, Bad Religion, Alkaline Trio, MxPx, Rancid, Green Day, Sum 41 and The Offspring.-Death:...
, the album was released May 21, 2002 through MCA Records
MCA Records
MCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003...
. The band was essentially a side-project of Blink-182
Blink-182
Blink-182 is an American rock band consisting of vocalist and bass guitarist Mark Hoppus, vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. They have sold over 27 million albums worldwide since forming in Poway, California in 1992...
members Tom DeLonge
Tom DeLonge
Thomas Matthew "Tom" DeLonge, Jr. is an American rock musician. He is the guitarist and one of the two lead vocalists for the American pop punk band Blink-182 as well as the guitarist and lead vocalist for the alternative band Angels & Airwaves...
and Travis Barker
Travis Barker
Travis Landon Barker is an American musician, producer and entrepreneur, most noted as the drummer for the American pop punk band Blink-182, as well as the alternative rock band +44, the rap rock band The Transplants, and the alternative rock band Box Car Racer. He was a frequent collaborator with...
, with David Kennedy
David Kennedy (guitarist)
David James Kennedy is an American guitarist, songwriter and performer. He currently plays guitar for the alternative rock band Angels & Airwaves....
completing the band’s studio lineup; a bassist and friend of Kennedy, Anthony Celestino, toured with the band throughout late 2002.
The album peaked at number twelve on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, and the two singles "I Feel So
I Feel So
"I Feel So" is the first single released by Box Car Racer from their eponymous album and it's an epic song. The single peaked at #8 on the U.S...
" and "There Is
There Is
"There Is" is the second single and tenth track from Box Car Racer's eponymous album. Guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge still occasionally plays a solo version of this song in concert with Angels & Airwaves. The single peaked at #32 on the U.S...
" charted on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks. Despite receiving positive reviews on release, this is the last and only album from Box Car Racer after Delonge stated that the band "served purpose and is now defunct."
Origins, music and concept
Box Car Racer was formed by Blink-182 guitarist Tom DeLonge in late 2001 as a side project with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. Blink-182 producer Jerry FinnJerry Finn
Jerry Finn was an American record producer. He was perhaps best known for his work with Blink-182, as well as Morrissey, AFI, Bad Religion, Alkaline Trio, MxPx, Rancid, Green Day, Sum 41 and The Offspring.-Death:...
was called to produce the album. The two wrote all of the material themselves and recruited David Kennedy
David Kennedy (guitarist)
David James Kennedy is an American guitarist, songwriter and performer. He currently plays guitar for the alternative rock band Angels & Airwaves....
from Hazen Street
Hazen Street
Hazen Street is a supergroup that formed in early 2004.The band features Freddy Cricien and Hoya of New York hardcore band Madball; Toby Morse of hardcore band H2O; David Kennedy of post-hardcore band Box Car Racer, hardcore punk band Over My Dead Body, and later neo-progressive rock band Angels &...
to complete the lineup. The band recorded Box Car Racer during the winter of 2001/2002. According to DeLonge in interviews, the album’s recording sessions were difficult for him because of constant back pain. Blink-182 had previously canceled tour dates in fall 2001 due to DeLonge’s back problems.
The album, unlike any previous material DeLonge and Barker had created, follows a central storyline. Box Car Racer follows an unnamed boy during the end of the world. Only two songs deviate from the album’s central storyline, the humorous "My First Punk Song", which pays tribute to early hardcore punk
Hardcore punk
Hardcore punk is an underground music genre that originated in the late 1970s, following the mainstream success of punk rock. Hardcore is generally faster, thicker, and heavier than earlier punk rock. The origin of the term "hardcore punk" is uncertain. The Vancouver-based band D.O.A...
bands that inspired DeLonge, such as Gorilla Biscuits
Gorilla Biscuits
Gorilla Biscuits are a New York City-based vegan straight edge hardcore band consisting of Anthony "Civ" Civarelli, Walter Schreifels, Arthur Smilios, Alex Brown and Luke Abbey. The band is currently signed to Revelation Records.-Early career:...
, and "Elevator", which was written in the aftermath of September 11 attacks. Mark Hoppus
Mark Hoppus
Mark Allan Hoppus is an American musician, record producer, and television host. He is the bass guitarist and one of the two lead vocalists of the pop punk band Blink-182, as well as the bass guitarist and lead vocalist of the alternative rock band +44. He is a co-founder of both bands...
, the bassist from Blink-182, provided guest vocals on "Elevator" as did Tim Armstrong
Tim Armstrong
Timothy Lockwood Armstrong is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his work with punk rock bands Rancid, Operation Ivy, Downfall, and the Transplants. He is also the owner and operator of Hellcat Records.-Personal life:Armstrong was born November 25, 1965 and was...
and Jordan Pundik
Jordan Pundik
Jordan Izaak Pundik is an American musician and songwriter.Pundik is a founding member and the frontman of rock band New Found Glory, for whom he sings lead vocals and contributes lyrics...
, of Rancid
Rancid (band)
Rancid is an American punk rock band formed in Berkeley, California in 1991. Founded by Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, both of whom previously played in the ska punk band Operation Ivy, Rancid is credited—along with Green Day and The Offspring—for reviving mainstream interest in punk rock in the...
and New Found Glory
New Found Glory
New Found Glory is an American rock band from Coral Springs, Florida. Formed in the summer of 1997, founding members were lead vocalist Jordan Pundik, guitarists Chad Gilbert and Steve Klein, bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Joe Marino...
respectively, on "Cat Like Thief".
The music of the album is much different than any previous Blink-182 album, closely following a much darker and moody tone. According to DeLonge, he used Box Car Racer as an outfit to experiment with ideas that were not "Blink-friendly". Blink-182, in stark contrast to the themes of Box Car Racer, was known for typical sophomoric humor and toilet gags.
It has been suggested that the album’s music was a precursor of things to come for Blink-182, whose next album, Blink-182, also contained much darker and more atmospheric music than any previous studio recordings. After the breakup of Blink-182, Tom DeLonge formed Angels & Airwaves
Angels & Airwaves
Angels & Airwaves is an American alternative rock supergroup led by Blink-182 guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge, also including guitarist David Kennedy from Over My Dead Body, Hazen Street and Box Car Racer, bass guitarist Matt Wachter from 30 Seconds to Mars and former Lostprophets and Nine Inch...
, which he has called "a continuation of Box Car Racer". Angels & Airwaves has played various songs from Box Car Racer during live shows.
Release information
Box Car Racer was released in May 2002, charting at number 12 on the Billboard 200 and peaking at number 7 on the Top Canadian Albums chart. The first single released from the album was the opening track, "I Feel SoI Feel So
"I Feel So" is the first single released by Box Car Racer from their eponymous album and it's an epic song. The single peaked at #8 on the U.S...
", the second "There Is
There Is
"There Is" is the second single and tenth track from Box Car Racer's eponymous album. Guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge still occasionally plays a solo version of this song in concert with Angels & Airwaves. The single peaked at #32 on the U.S...
"; the former charted the highest, shooting to number 8 the Modern Rock Tracks chart, the latter only peaking at 32. A DVD titled also titled Box Car Racer
Box Car Racer DVD
The Box Car Racer DVD is the only DVD released by the band of the same name, and features Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker of Blink-182 fame, David Kennedy, who is now in Angels & Airwaves along with DeLonge, and Anthony Celestino.-Features:...
was released in November 2002, featuring special behind the scenes footage. A music video was made for each single released from the album. Both of these videos can be found on the Box Car Racer DVD.
The album received positive reviews from various official music publications and critics. A large amount of the praise came from the change in lyrical and musical direction. Channing Freeman of Sputnikmusic
Sputnikmusic
Sputnikmusic, or simply Sputnik, is a music website offering music criticism and music news alongside features commonly associated with wiki-style websites...
concluded that the album was "excellent" and "much better than Angels & Airwaves, but not quite up to the standard of Blink-182." John McKay of IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
admitted that Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker "have more musical integrity than many would give them credit for, especially with the deep subject matter of several of the songs on the disc." In a review of the album’s first single, "I Feel So", Sarah Dempster of NME called it "better than anything by Blink-182."
On the other hand, Lycia Shrum of Hybird Magazine was disappointed to hear "such radio friendly songs […] instead of hard punk." AbsolutePunk called the album "far from perfect", criticizing the random inclusion of "My First Punk Song" in the middle of the album.
Legacy
Posters for the album can be seen in a shot of the 2004 film Along Came PollyAlong Came Polly
Along Came Polly is a 2004 American romantic comedy film written and directed by John Hamburg, starring Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston in the lead roles.-Plot:...
, the ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
television series 8 Simple Rules
8 Simple Rules
8 Simple Rules is an American sitcom that originally aired on ABC from September 17, 2002, to April 15, 2005, with 76 episodes produced over three seasons. It is based on the self-improvement book of the same name. The show starred John Ritter until his death on September 11, 2003...
, and the CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
television series Still Standing
Still Standing (TV series)
Still Standing is an American sitcom television series. It debuted on CBS on September 30, 2002, and ended March 8, 2006. Lifetime obtained the United States syndication rights to the show in February 2005 and aired it until 2009...
. Tom DeLonge and David Kennedy's later band, Angels & Airwaves
Angels & Airwaves
Angels & Airwaves is an American alternative rock supergroup led by Blink-182 guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge, also including guitarist David Kennedy from Over My Dead Body, Hazen Street and Box Car Racer, bass guitarist Matt Wachter from 30 Seconds to Mars and former Lostprophets and Nine Inch...
, recorded a song titled "Letters to God, Part II" for their 2010 album Love
Love (Angels & Airwaves album)
Love is the third studio album by alternative rock band Angels & Airwaves. It was released on February 12, 2010 on Fuel TV, and on February 14 on Modlife. The album was released free of charge due to "corporate underwriting". A "special edition" hard copy version of the album was scheduled for...
. An official vinyl
Gramophone record
A gramophone record, commonly known as a phonograph record , vinyl record , or colloquially, a record, is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove...
pressing of Box Car Racer took place in July 2010. The album was limited to 2000 copies and were only available at Hot Topic
Hot Topic
Hot Topic is an American retail chain specializing in music and pop culture-related clothing and accessories, as well as licensed music on CD. The majority of the stores are located in regional shopping malls. The first Hot Topic store was opened in 1988 by Orv Madden, who retired as CEO in 2000...
.
Track listing
Personnel
Box Car Racer- Tom DeLongeTom DeLongeThomas Matthew "Tom" DeLonge, Jr. is an American rock musician. He is the guitarist and one of the two lead vocalists for the American pop punk band Blink-182 as well as the guitarist and lead vocalist for the alternative band Angels & Airwaves...
- Vocals, rhythm guitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
, bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - David KennedyDavid Kennedy (guitarist)David James Kennedy is an American guitarist, songwriter and performer. He currently plays guitar for the alternative rock band Angels & Airwaves....
- Lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure... - Travis BarkerTravis BarkerTravis Landon Barker is an American musician, producer and entrepreneur, most noted as the drummer for the American pop punk band Blink-182, as well as the alternative rock band +44, the rap rock band The Transplants, and the alternative rock band Box Car Racer. He was a frequent collaborator with...
- DrumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
Production
- Produced by Jerry Finn
- Mixed by Rich Costey
- Engineered by Joe McGrath
- Arranged by Box Car Racer
Artwork
- Illustrators by Marcos Orozco and Tim Stedman
- Marcos Orozco and Tim Stedman – Photographers
Additional musicians
- Roger Joseph Manning Jr.Roger Joseph Manning Jr.Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. is an American keyboard player and founding member of bands Jellyfish, Imperial Drag, The Moog Cookbook, and TV Eyes. He has also spent several years as an integral member of Beck's backing band, and made contributions to several recordings by the band Air. He is...
- Keyboards - Mark HoppusMark HoppusMark Allan Hoppus is an American musician, record producer, and television host. He is the bass guitarist and one of the two lead vocalists of the pop punk band Blink-182, as well as the bass guitarist and lead vocalist of the alternative rock band +44. He is a co-founder of both bands...
- additional vocals on "Elevator" - Tim ArmstrongTim ArmstrongTimothy Lockwood Armstrong is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his work with punk rock bands Rancid, Operation Ivy, Downfall, and the Transplants. He is also the owner and operator of Hellcat Records.-Personal life:Armstrong was born November 25, 1965 and was...
- additional vocals on "Cat Like Thief" - Jordan PundikJordan PundikJordan Izaak Pundik is an American musician and songwriter.Pundik is a founding member and the frontman of rock band New Found Glory, for whom he sings lead vocals and contributes lyrics...
- additional vocals on "Cat Like Thief"
Charts
Album| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | U.S. Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
12 |
| Canadian Albums Chart Canadian Albums Chart The Canadian Albums Chart is the official album sales chart in Canada. It is compiled every Wednesday by U.S.-based music sales tracking company Nielsen Soundscan, and published every Thursday by Jam! Canoe and Billboard, along with its sister charts the Canadian Singles Chart and the Canadian BDS... |
7 | |
| Australian Albums Charts ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
30 | |
| German Albums Charts Media Control Charts The official music charts in Germany are gathered and published by the company Media Control GfK International on behalf of Bundesverband Musikindustrie... |
89 | |
| Irish Albums Chart Irish Albums Chart The Irish Albums Chart is the Irish music industry standard albums popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on its behalf by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured electronically... |
49 | |
| UK Album Charts | 27 |
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | "I Feel So I Feel So "I Feel So" is the first single released by Box Car Racer from their eponymous album and it's an epic song. The single peaked at #8 on the U.S... " |
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
120 |
| U.S. Modern Rock Tracks Modern Rock Tracks Alternative Songs is a music chart in the United States that has appeared in Billboard magazine since September 10, 1988. It lists the 40 most-played songs on modern rock radio stations, most of which are alternative rock songs... |
8 | ||
| UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
41 | ||
| 2003 | There Is There Is "There Is" is the second single and tenth track from Box Car Racer's eponymous album. Guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge still occasionally plays a solo version of this song in concert with Angels & Airwaves. The single peaked at #32 on the U.S... |
U.S. Modern Rock Tracks | 32 |
Certifications
| Country | Certification | Recording Industry Association | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Gold | CRIA Canadian Recording Industry Association Music Canada is a Toronto-based, non-profit trade organization that was founded 9 April 1963 to represent the interests of companies that record, artists, manufacture, production, promotion and distribution of music in Canada... |
50,000+ |