Happy 24th birthday to 'Ixnay on the Hombre'
24 years ago The Offspring released their fourth album 'Ixnay on the Hombre' their third album was the album that took them to mainstream success 'Smash'. That album became one of the biggest selling independent albums ever. Before then, The Offspring were more of an underground punk band.
After the success off 'Smash', The Offspring left Epitaph records and signed on to the major record label - Columbia Records. This upset some of their fans but Dexter Holland frontman of The Offspring came explained why they left in an open letter to fans.
The letter revealed the band wanted to stay with Epitaph but owner Brett Gurewitz wanted a cut of their royalties, took legal action against them to keep them on Epitaph and sold their contact to Columbia. Dexter Holland explained that The Offspring ended up taking less money to sign with Columbia just to get away from Brett Gurewitz.
Offspring Merchandise
After signing with Columbia the band hit Eldorado Recording Studios Hollywood in June 1996. The band wanted to record something different for the fans, they went for a more of a rock sound instead of a punk sound like their previous records. The Offspring released 'Ixnay on the Hombre' which translates to 'nix the man'/'down with the man' on 4th February 1997.
Guitarist Noodles spoke to Guitar Magazine about the album "We recorded a few more songs than we needed, If we had used some of the other ones that were left off, it would have ended up a little more risky. But we're not disappointed in what we kept. I think it's a great record and I love these songs. Maybe we'll save the limb-walking for the next one."
The album was a harder sell after their smash hit album 'Smash' and they didn't get a large positive response to the different sound of their album. The album didn't live up to the sales of 'Smash' but it did have some great tracks. The first track 'Disclaimer' kicks off with special guest vocalist Jello Biafra:
"Ladies and gentlemen
Welcome to the disclaimer
That's right, the disclaimer
This American apple pie institution
Known as parental discretion
Will cleanse any sense of innuendo or sarcasm
From the lyrics which might actually make you think
And will also insult your intelligence at the same time
So protect your family
This album contains explicit depictions
Of things which are real
These real things are commonly known as life
So, if it sounds sarcastic, don't take it seriously
If it sounds dangerous
Do not try this at home or at all
And if it offends you, just don't listen to it"
The most recognisable song on the album would be "Gone Away" the highest selling single of the album and the one that seemed to have the most airplay on radio stations at the time. Australia's favourite rock station Triple M would still give this a play today. The song made it to No.1 on the charts in a few counties.
The album peaked at No.2 in Australia in the ARIA charts and received 2 X platinum certification, not bad for a band that was hardly known about before the smash success of 'Smash'.