So many Rancid shows, plus Paramore at Pacific

I know, I know: “Another new-show post? Doesn’t this guy write record reviews anymore?”

What can I say? Some days (weeks?) this kinda stuff just keeps tumbling in.

Besides, when Rancid announces eight local gigs — two at House of Blues Anaheim followed by six (!) at the Music Box at the Fonda in Hollywood — well, I can’t help but take notice.

The long-running punk band, apparently putting the finishing touches on a new album, plays Sept. 20-21 at the Mouse House and Sept. 30-Oct. 5 at the Fonda. (Hmmm, anyone else notice room for additional Downtown Disney dates?) Tickets — $17.49 for HOB, $24 for the Music Box — go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Stagecoach correspondent Kelli Fadroski and I were debating the merits of Messrs. Armstrong (there he is flying high in a solo set at last year’s Weenie Roast), Frederiksen, Freeman and Steineckert earlier today. We’ve both seen Rancid many times. Her take: They’re just too sloppy now. My take is just the opposite: I think they’ve finally tightened up just enough to sound as compelling live as they always have on record.

Whichever the case, should you be on the fence about bothering, the opening acts might be the convincers — and here the L.A. gigs kinda have it over the O.C. dates.

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