Didn't have time for a review, but I did a brief write up of Money Money 2020 Part 2 for my year end list:
Album No One Expected Even Though We Were Warned:
Money Money 2020 Part II: We Told Ya So! – The Network
The Network would be my favorite Green Day side project if they were the one’s behind it. But they’re not, so we don’t need to question it. The Network tried to warn us of the prophecy, but we didn’t listen. In a move no one could predict, the mysterious masked men returned this year. When you think about it, it makes sense. It’s in their 2003 album’s name: Money Money 2020. Clearly, they were telling us the year of their return. Still, I wasn’t expecting this.
Filled with their offbeat humor, conspiracy theories, references to COVID, and time travel it’s a wonderfully weird album. Anything goes here. Songs insulting Round Earthers and asphyxia dependency? Yup. Fast and furious punk songs that are ripped from a Green Day album? Sure. Oddly seductive tracks about drugs and why Ivankkka is a Nazi? Why not? Instead of sticking with their new wave style, The Network (who aren’t Green Day) expand their sound for a diverse record. “Degenerate” is the funky, seductive anthem Green Day wanted “Father of All” to be and “Jerry Falwell’s Pool Party” has a slinky groove with a killer swagger. It also has a play on Green Day’s “Kill the DJ” lyrics. Guess they really do hate them. “The Art Of the Deal With the Devil” is sexier than it has any right to be. With Fink’s breathy singing and the song’s mellowed, hushed tones it’s an album highlight. Still, their new wave, synth sound isn’t abandoned. That classic Network vibe is what drives songs like “The Stranger,” “Time Capsule,” and “Heard Immunity.”
Of course, with 25 songs, there’s bound to be filler. “Amnesia Vagabond” and “Hey Elon” are fine but don’t stand on their own outside the album. “That’s How They Get You” is the biggest disappointment. Three minutes of a looping electronic beat and awful autotune. But at least these songs don’t make the album drag. Oddly enough, a lot of the songs have the same issue as Father of All Motherfuckers: they’re too short. “Fentanyl” and “Carolina’s Ultimate Netflix Tweet” ends abruptly just as the songs are hitting that sweet spot. “Pizzagate” never really gets the chance to start clocking in at 47 seconds and “Theory of Reality” leaves you unsatisfied. Despite this, Money Money 2020 Part II is a blast. It’s a strange album for a strange year. Some songs make you laugh, others make you mosh, and some may even turn you on. It’s a good time all around. You can tell the boys really had fun making it. With an album this strong Green Day should watch out. The Network are coming for their rock n roll throne.
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.