20 Punk Rock Albums Turning 20 In 2020
16. NOFX - Pump Up The Valuum
Unlike most band's on this list, NOFX were well established veterans at the turn of the century. When Pump up the Valuum came out, the skate punk legends already boasted 7 CD's and 17 years of experience under their belts.
The album's title is a drug related play on the phrase "pump up the volume" with the word Valium being intentionally misspelled in order or avoid a lawsuit. The group added another clever touch by making all recorded vinyls of the full length blue, matching the color of the aforementioned Diazepam.
The CD is fourteen tracks and 31 and a half minutes long with most of the songs coming in around the 2 minute mark. The record was originally meant to feature three additional songs however despite being given to Epitaph Records they were not included in the final release. That may have something to do with this album being the last released through that particular label.
Pump up the Valuum came in at number 17 on Rock Sound's "The 51 Most Essential Pop Punk Albums of All Time" and was another solid offering from a group regarded as industry pioneers.
Standout Track: Dinosaurs Will Die