um no not really. rancid used to be operation ivy the last legendary hardcore/roots/political band from the early eighties to about 89 when there singer, jesse, left because he didnt like the fact that they were getting popular with people he didnt care for and didnt want to sign with a major. the closest comparison to rancid that you guys might know are the clash who tim worships mixed with the uk subs. they play roots reggea influenced hardcore and possess one of the most talented bassists in the genre or almost any genre for that matter. they made platinum albums without compromising there sound in the least but theyre also just very very good musicians and excellent classic song writers with a lot of authenticity. they sound nothing like greenday, whom i like, and the only association they have is there friendship with them because they both came up in the legendary 924 gilman and know each other personally. also sound nothing like the ramones who do have something in common with greenday sound wise. soundwise they sound like the first clash album, though harder as they came from the hardcore scene, mixed with some london calling and many other influences. not much pop about them except that they got popular in the wake of nirvana when labels were trying to sign anything to do with punk or hardcore, seaweed im looking at you here, so i doubt many here will know much about them but thats the story. very cool to see moz has such good taste in music and if you listen to the music i think it hard to doubt there ability even if you dont care for that sound