The world certainly needs bands like Good Riddance, the politically outspoken punks from Santa Cruz who have made a career out of spreading decency and progressivism while educating their many fans since forming in ’86. Their latest album, 2019’s Thoughts and Prayers, is the first since Trump took office, and the song titles certainly reflect the toxic atmosphere that the president created. “Our Great Divide,” “No King But Caesar,” “No Safe Place,” “Pox Americana” — you can immediately see where they’re coming from. But then that’s what they’ve always done — observed what’s going on around them and interpreted it. They’re damn good at it too.

Good Riddance plays with Youth Brigade, The Last Gang and Sharp/Shock at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7 at the Glass House; then at 8 p.m. on Friday, January 10 at the Roxy.

 

 

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