The joke's not over (they promise), but Blink 182 threw the old formulas out the window when they convened in early 2003 to write and record their latest release.

They're still delivering familiar Blink songs and lyrics, but where "Enema of the State" and "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket" were simple plug-in-and-play affairs, the new album goes well outside the box.

Travis Barker's fiery drumbeats leading off "Feeling This" are flanged through tape machines (how vintage), and one chorus features guitarist Tom DeLonge screaming at microphones 15-feet away. Bassist Mark Hoppus brought out four basses for the '80s-ish "Always." Production wise and dynamically, there's nothing close to this on earlier albums. Producer Jerry Finn seamlessly strung everything together with atmospheric interludes.

They also brought in some special guests: Cypress Hill's Sick Jacken produced the funky "Fallen Interlude," "All of This" features The Cure's Robert Smith, and Failure guitarist Ken Andrews chimes in on "Violence" and "Obvious."

Blink, who used to be known for streaking and Backstreet Boys parodies, took the time to put out a more mature, layered record--a record that deserves a closer listen.