No, It Isn't

Last updated
"No, It Isn't"
Not it isn't.jpg
Promotional single by +44
from the album When Your Heart Stops Beating
ReleasedDecember 13, 2005
Recorded2005
Studio Opra Music
(Los Angeles, California)
Genre Alternative rock
Length3:03(demo version)
3:32 (album version)
Label Interscope
Songwriter(s) Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker
Producer(s) Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker

"No, It Isn't" is a song by American rock band +44, released on December 13, 2005 as their debut track. The song was written about bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker's previous musical outfit, Blink-182, and the group's breakup. The track's lyrics largely concern former bandmate Tom DeLonge, and also encompass feelings of betrayal by friends and label executives.

Contents

"No, It Isn't"—titled so to avoid press questions on the matter of whether it was about their former bandmate. It was available for digital download on the band's official website as the first single on December 13, 2005, the day DeLonge was also due to release material of his own and also, non-coincidentally, his thirtieth birthday. The demo was later released as a CD single of 500 copies, and re-recorded for the band's debut album, When Your Heart Stops Beating .

Background

The song was largely written about former bandmate Tom DeLonge, seen here in 2004. Tom DeLonge 2004.jpg
The song was largely written about former bandmate Tom DeLonge, seen here in 2004.

"No It Isn't" was directly inspired by the breakup of Hoppus and Barker's former musical outfit, Blink-182. The trio embarked on a fall 2004 European tour, during which DeLonge felt increasingly conflicted both about his creative freedom within the group and the toll touring was taking on his family life. [1] He eventually expressed his desire to take a half-year respite from touring in order to spend more time with family. Hoppus and Barker were dismayed by his decision, which they felt was an overly long break. [2] DeLonge did not blame his bandmates for being disappointed with his requests, but was dismayed that they could not seemingly understand. [3] Following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, DeLonge agreed to perform at Music for Relief's Concert for South Asia, a benefit show to aid victims. Further arguments ensued during rehearsals, rooted in the band members’ increasing paranoia and bitterness toward one another. [4] He considered his bandmates’ priorities "mad, mad different," coming to the conclusion that the trio had simply grew apart as they aged, had families, and reached fame. The breakdown in communication led to heated exchanges, resulting in his exit from the group. [5] Geffen announced on February 22, 2005 that Blink-182 would be going on an "indefinite hiatus," [6] and label president Jordan Schur reportedly told Barker that "any press you do, make sure you say everything is cool." [7]

"The only reason we were being cool and calling it an 'indefinite hiatus' is because that's what this dork at the head of our record label was telling us. So that's when you find out that everyone was conspiring against you," Barker recalled. [7] Schur had announced the formation of his own imprint, Suretone Records, in March and released We Don't Need To Whisper , the debut from DeLonge's new group, Angels & Airwaves, in May. [7] "['No It Isn't'] is about coming out a year later and telling the truth [...] obviously we weren't going to say anything bad about him while we were recording our record, but now that it's done, we are gonna talk about it," said Barker in 2006. "For a year, people were saying that what Tom did was valid or called for. It eats at you. So maybe you have to talk about it, and maybe you have to write a song about it." [7] The song was titled "No, It Isn't" as a "pre-emptive strike against the inevitable questions as to whether it is about Tom DeLonge." [8] Hoppus elaborated on the title in 2006: "Originally I was going to hide behind something else when people asked what the song was about. Obviously they'd ask if it was about Tom and I was going to say, 'No, it isn't; it's about a girl I used to date,' or something. But we all love the song so much and I thought, 'Why would I hide behind anything other than that's the way I feel?' So it was actually way more meaningful and liberating to say that’s what the song’s about." [8]

The song, in demo form, was made available for digital download through the band’s official website on December 13—the day DeLonge was also due to release material of his own and also, non-coincidentally, his thirtieth birthday. [8] Hoppus and Barker denied this was their design. The demo was also briefly available as a limited CD release of 500 copies that came free with purchased merchandise from the band's site. [8] The track was later re-recorded and released on the band's debut studio album, When Your Heart Stops Beating (2006). The song was originally entirely acoustic, but took on a louder, harder sound in the final version. Barker initially was reluctant to add drums to the song, feeling that Hoppus' lyrics combined well with the song's quiet, acoustic nature, but was largely "outvoted [...] They like drums in it, so I was like, "I'm down with it. If it makes the song better, I'm gonna do it." [9]

Format and track listing

Lyrics written by Mark Hoppus, music composed by +44.

CD (2005)
No.TitleLength
1."No, It Isn't" (demo version)3:03

Personnel

Demo version
Album version

Related Research Articles

<i>Take Off Your Pants and Jacket</i> 2001 studio album by Blink-182

Take Off Your Pants and Jacket is the fourth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on June 12, 2001, by MCA Records. The band had spent much of the previous year traveling and supporting their previous album Enema of the State (1999), which launched their mainstream career. The album's title is a tongue-in-cheek pun on male masturbation, and its cover art has icons for each member of the trio: an airplane, a pair of pants, and a jacket. It is the band's final release through MCA.

<i>Enema of the State</i> 1999 studio album by Blink-182

Enema of the State is the third studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on June 1, 1999, by MCA Records. After a long series of performances at various clubs and festivals and several indie recordings throughout the 1990s, Blink-182 first achieved popularity on the Warped Tour and in Australia following the release of their second album Dude Ranch (1997) and its rock radio hit "Dammit." To record their third album, Blink-182 turned to veteran punk rock producer Jerry Finn, who previously worked on Green Day's breakthrough album Dookie (1994). Enema was the band's first album to feature drummer Travis Barker, who replaced original drummer Scott Raynor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Rock Show</span> 2001 single by Blink-182

"The Rock Show" is a song by American rock band Blink-182 for the group's fourth studio album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001). It was released as the lead single from the album on May 7, 2001. The track was composed primarily by bassist Mark Hoppus about meeting a girl at a rock concert. It was inspired by the band's early days touring punk rock clubs, mainly Soma in their hometown of San Diego.

<i>The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back!)</i> 2000 live album by Blink-182

The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show is a live album by American rock band Blink-182. It was released on November 7, 2000, by MCA Records. Blink-182 had risen to fame at the turn of the millennium on the strength of its third album, Enema of the State, which went multiplatinum. Capturing the band's stage show—known for its irreverent humor—with a live release was designed to satisfy fans between new studio albums. The album was recorded over two nights at performances in their native California, on the group's inaugural arena tour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Hoppus</span> American musician (born 1972)

Mark Allan Hoppus is an American musician who is known as the bassist and co-lead vocalist for the rock band Blink-182, and the only member to appear on each album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Raynor</span> American drummer (born 1978)

Scott William Raynor Jr. is an American musician and police officer. He is best known as the original drummer of the rock band Blink-182. Born in Poway, California, Raynor first approached the drums in his preteens; he joined Blink-182 at only 14 years old, and played with the band for six years. With Raynor, the group recorded their first demo, Buddha (1994), their debut album, Cheshire Cat (1995), as well as the gold-certified Dude Ranch (1997). Raynor was dismissed from the group in 1998, and was replaced by Travis Barker.

<i>Box Car Racer</i> (album) 2002 studio album by Box Car Racer

Box Car Racer is the only studio album by American rock band Box Car Racer. Produced by Jerry Finn, the album was released on May 21, 2002, through MCA Records. The band was 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 Barker, Anthony Celestino, later joined as the band's bassist after DeLonge recorded the bass tracks for the record.

<i>Blink-182</i> (album) 2003 album by Blink-182

Blink-182 is the fifth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on November 18, 2003, by Geffen Records. Following their ascent to stardom and success of their prior two releases, the trio was compelled to take a break and participated in various side projects. When they regrouped, they felt inspired to approach song structure and arrangements differently on their next effort together.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Travis Barker</span> American drummer (born 1975)

Travis Landon Barker is an American musician who serves as the drummer for the rock band Blink-182. He has collaborated with hip hop artists, is a member of the rap rock group Transplants, co-founded the rock band +44, and has also joined Box Car Racer, Antemasque and Goldfinger. Barker was a frequent collaborator with the late DJ AM, with whom he formed the duo TRV$DJAM. Due to his fame, Rolling Stone referred to him as "punk's first superstar drummer", as well as one of the 100 greatest drummers of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Man Overboard (Blink-182 song)</span> 2000 single by Blink-182

"Man Overboard" is a song by the American rock band Blink-182. It was first released on September 2, 2000, through MCA Records as the lead single from the band's live album The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (2000). It is the sole studio recording on the release, and was recorded as a bonus track to help promote its release. The song's lyrics, credited to bassist Mark Hoppus and guitarist Tom DeLonge, are about losing their original drummer Scott Raynor to alcohol abuse. In the song, Hoppus repeats the refrain "so sorry it's over," and goes on to highlight occasions in which a friend was too intoxicated to be dependable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Always (Blink-182 song)</span> 2004 single by Blink-182

"Always" is a song by American rock band Blink-182, released on November 15, 2004 as the fourth and final single from the group's untitled fifth studio album. The song was the lowest charting single from the album, but the song's music video received extensive play on music video channels. Like much of the album, the song shows the band's 1980s influences, with the multiple-layered, heavily effected guitars and new wave synthesizers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom DeLonge</span> American rock musician (born 1975)

Thomas Matthew DeLonge is an American musician best known as the co-founder, co-lead vocalist, and guitarist of the rock band Blink-182 across three stints: 1992 to 2005, 2009 to 2015, and again since 2022. He is also the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Angels & Airwaves, which he formed in 2005 after his first departure from Blink-182. DeLonge is noted for his distinctive nasal singing voice.

<i>Greatest Hits</i> (Blink-182 album) 2005 compilation album by Blink-182

Greatest Hits is the first greatest hits album of American rock band Blink-182. It was released on October 31, 2005, by Geffen Records. Greatest Hits was created by Geffen shortly after the band's February 2005 breakup, termed an "indefinite hiatus" by the label. Tensions had risen in the group and guitarist Tom DeLonge desired to take time off. Bassist Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker argued with DeLonge regarding the band's future and their possible next album, and heated exchanges led to DeLonge's exit. In the interim, Hoppus and Barker continued playing together in +44, and DeLonge formed his new outfit Angels & Airwaves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dammit</span> 1997 single by Blink-182

"Dammit" is a song by American rock band Blink-182, released on September 23, 1997, as the second single from the group's second studio album, Dude Ranch (1997). Written by bassist Mark Hoppus, the song concerns maturity and growing older. It was written about a fictional breakup and the difficulty of seeing a former partner with another.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">+44 (band)</span> American rock band

+44 was an American rock supergroup formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2005. The group consisted of vocalist and bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker of Blink-182, lead guitarist Shane Gallagher of The Nervous Return, and rhythm guitarist Craig Fairbaugh of Mercy Killers. Hoppus and Barker created +44 shortly after the initial 2005 breakup of Blink-182 and before it was later reformed. The band's name refers to the international dialing code of the United Kingdom, the country where the duo first discussed the project. Early recordings were largely electronic in nature, and featured vocals by Carol Heller, formerly of the all-girl punk quartet Get the Girl.

<i>We Dont Need to Whisper</i> 2006 studio album by Angels & Airwaves

We Don't Need to Whisper is the debut studio album by the American rock band Angels & Airwaves. Recorded at Neverpants Ranch in San Diego, California, and produced by guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, the album was released on May 23, 2006, through Geffen Records. In February 2005, DeLonge, who wanted to spend more time with his family, quit Blink-182 after months of heated exchanges and increasing tension within the trio and spent three weeks in isolation, contemplating his life, career, and future in music.

<i>When Your Heart Stops Beating</i> 2006 studio album by 44

When Your Heart Stops Beating is the only album by the American rock supergroup +44, released on November 14, 2006, by Interscope Records. Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker of Blink-182 formed +44 as an experimental electronic outfit following the breakup of Blink-182. The project started in early 2005, and was later joined by lead guitarist Shane Gallagher and rhythm guitarist Craig Fairbaugh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blink-182</span> American punk rock band

Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in 1992 in Poway, California. Their current and best-known line-up consists of bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. Though their sound has diversified throughout their career, their musical style, described as pop-punk, blends catchy pop melodies with fast-paced punk rock. Their lyrics primarily focus on relationships, adolescent frustration, and maturity—or lack thereof. The group emerged from a suburban, Southern California skate punk scene and first gained notoriety for high-energy live shows and irreverent humour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Box Car Racer</span> American punk band

Box Car Racer was an American punk band formed in San Diego, California, in 2001. The band was a side-project of Blink-182 members Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker, with David Kennedy of Hazen Street completing the band's studio lineup. A bassist and friend of Barker, Anthony Celestino later joined the band as a bassist. DeLonge created the project to pursue darker ideas he felt unsuited to his work with Blink-182.

<i>Neighborhoods</i> (Blink-182 album) 2011 studio album by Blink-182

Neighborhoods is the sixth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released September 27, 2011, through DGC Records and Interscope. Their first album of new material in eight years, its recording followed the band's breakup and later reconciliation. Due to conflicts within the trio, the band entered an "indefinite hiatus" in 2005 and the members explored various side-projects. After two separate tragedies regarding the band and their entourage, the members of Blink-182 decided to reunite in late 2008, with plans for a new album and tour. It was the last studio album to feature founding member Tom DeLonge until his return on 2023's One More Time....

References

  1. Alex Mar (February 9, 2006). "Q&A: Blink-182 Man Launches Angels". Rolling Stone . Retrieved February 12, 2013.
  2. Spence D. (April 8, 2005). "+44 Interview". IGN. Archived from the original on December 15, 2010. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
  3. Tom Bryant (May 2006). "Jesus Christ Pose". Kerrang! . London: Bauer Media Group: 20–24. ISSN   0262-6624.
  4. James Montgomery (July 19, 2011). "Blink-182's 'Indefinite Hiatus' Was 'Really Stupid,' Tom DeLonge Says". MTV News. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved May 28, 2013.
  5. James Montgomery (October 28, 2005). "Tom DeLonge: No More Compromises". MTV News. Archived from the original on August 15, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  6. James Montgomery (February 22, 2005). "Blink-182 Announce 'Indefinite Hiatus' As Breakup Rumors Swirl". MTV News. Archived from the original on August 5, 2011. Retrieved July 15, 2011.
  7. 1 2 3 4 James Montgomery (September 20, 2006). "Plus-44's Travis Barker Still Has A Lot To Say About Blink Breakup". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Shooman, 2010. p. 157
  9. Steven, Rosen. "Therapy Session Of Travis Barker". Ultimate-Guitar.com. Archived from the original on 10 November 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2006.
Bibliography