39/Smooth
Green Day's debut album, recorded for $675 in two days.
39/Smooth, the first studio album by American rock band Green Day, came out on April 13, 1990, through Lookout Records. It was cut at Art of Ears Studio in San Francisco, California, with recording sessions running from late December 1989 into January 1990, and the total cost came to $675. This record is the only Green Day release that includes drummer John Kiffmeyer.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Green Day
- Released
- April 13, 1990
- Recorded
- December 29, 1989 – January 2, 1990
- Studio
- Art of Ears
- San Francisco
- California
- Genre
- Punk rock
- pop-punk
- skate punk
- Length
- 31:12
- Label
- Lookout
- Producer
- Green Day; Andy Ernst
Facts from the source article.
Background
After finalizing their line-up, Green Day played frequent shows at the 924 Gilman Street venue, where they attracted a following and caught the attention of Lookout Records' founder Larry Livermore. Following the release of their debut EP 1,000 Hours (1989) and stints in other bands, the band recorded 39/Smooth with co-producer Andy Ernst. Written mostly by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, the album's lyrical themes center on unrequited love and longing for desire, with two songs reminiscing on youth.
In the lead-up to the album's release, Armstrong dropped out of high school, and the members took up odd jobs while Kiffmeyer and bassist Mike Dirnt continued their education. To promote the album, the band embarked on a 45-date tour of the United States beginning in June 1990. By its end, Kiffmeyer enrolled in college without notifying the other members, with Armstrong learning of it through a friend.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | At the Library with Waba Sé Wasca | 2:28 |
| 2 | Don't Leave Me | 2:39 |
| 3 | I Was There | 3:36 |
| 4 | Disappearing Boy | 2:52 |
| 5 | Green Day | 3:29 |
Track listing from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The album was recorded in two days, from December 29, 1989, to January 2, 1990, at a cost of $675.
- The song 'Green Day' begins with the sound of a bong hit.
More in Albums & EPs
Elsewhere in Green Day
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced