Gilman Street, Berkley, California

Thats where it all started.

As Tarantino put it during the Grammy's 2005 ...

"Three punks from the Bay area popped into our lives in a BIG LOUD WAY."

Ever since they started back in 1989, Green Day has been bold with their sound transitions. Most people don't know about past records which confirms the band's widespread popularity and subsequently, a broader fanbase after the last album - American Idiot.

In my opinion, the first album - 1039 Smoothed Out Slappy Hours (1989) has not got its worth. Agreed, a lot of the songs are about infatuation and college life but no one can deny the free flowing tunes that Billie and the rest have instilled in our heads. Even the sweet solo's that defy the punk rock attributes make you come back for another listen. Of course, the fact that the recording was done in 2 days flat does have a say on the sound quality. But then, they spent just a measly $1000 and sold 10,000 copies. That was a big number in 1989, I've heard bands sold only around 2000 under the same label.

But Dookie (1994) will always be a smash hit. The classic record amongst the lot. By far. Hard hitting openers like Burnout will always cast a top vote pronto. The bassline for Long View is one of the very best I've heard for ANY song - tooo catchy. Basket Case and When I Come Around didn't grab their share of radio space for nothing. An approval stamp of 10 million copies.

Jumping to the present .... American Idiot is no doubt a successful venture by the band. The stats speak for themselves - a whopping 11 million. Green Day has also made it to the Forbes list of Music's Top Ten Money Makers of 2005. They stand at 4th position. At the same time, I do get the feeling that this is their peak.

And just like Jerry Seinfeld pulled out at the right time, so should the boys from the Bay area.