RANCID - LIFE WON'T WAIT (2XLP)

A year long project that took the band from San Francisco to Los Angeles, New York, New Orleans and Jamaica, "Life Won't Wait" has highlights that are as varied as they are rewarding. Of the two songs actually recorded in Jamaica, "Hoover Street" is a poignant addict's lament with sweet soulful vocal assists from Hepcat, while the title track features Tim and Lars sparring with dancehall kingpin Buju Banton against a canvas of urgent old school ska. Self-produced, culled from life experience, and played live in large measure, "Life Won't Wait" is as ambitious and independent as it gets.