It'll Be The First Time Ben Hears The Mastered Version

[Jason Tate]

Yellowcard (http://www.absolutepunk.net/yellowcard)'s (http://s63.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2CS7MOYPAWXET10MBNBPCE6W4 U) "Sure Thing Falling" from their new album Lights and Sounds (in stores January 24th), can be found on the sampler disc of the latest Rock Sound: Music With Attitude (Vol. 81) CD.

[Jason Tate]

Where's the violin? Kick him out?

[ra223]

Tate can u send a link to the song?

[Jason Tate]

Tate can u send a link to the song?
Stop, turn, take a look around ...

/Wow, that was the lamest joke I've ever attempted here on AP.

[Of Dust and Nations]

theres more violin in this song then there is in "lights and sounds".

and this is a damn good song. im pumped for the album now.

[Jason Tate]

theres more violin in this song then there is in "lights and sounds".

and this is a damn good song. im pumped for the album now.
I'm curious how it's going to do ... I think it's the second weakest song lyrically (after Life of a Salesman) they've done; I don't like the line, "I've been up late writing books about heros and crooks.." for some reason.

[irthesteve]

Stop, turn, take a look around ...

/Wow, that was the lamest joke I've ever attempted here on AP.
haha, nice

[fedhed7]

What just happened to that Angels and Airwaves post? Is this really them?

[Of Dust and Nations]

I'm curious how it's going to do ... I think it's the second weakest song lyrically (after Life of a Salesman) they've done; I don't like the line, "I've been up late writing books about heros and crooks.." for some reason.

i think the thing thats most predictable is he adds one different line to the chorus at the end of the song. lights and sounds, this song, space travel all have it.

[NFG4ever]

I watched some thing on Much Music today on Yellowcard and I miss Ben, but I still wanna hear this song? where the hell is it ? haha

[NFG4ever]

What just happened to that Angels and Airwaves post? Is this really them?

I don't think , in the last song it sure wasn't tom singing

[astereo]

Can someone YS the song?

[Jason Tate]

I don't think , in the last song it sure wasn't tom singing
We had the wrong PV page, fixed now.

[NFG4ever]

We had the wrong PV page, fixed now.

Thanks guys

[nfggc10]

I'm curious how it's going to do ... I think it's the second weakest song lyrically (after Life of a Salesman) they've done; I don't like the line, "I've been up late writing books about heros and crooks.." for some reason.
I don't care for that line either. I just don't understand how Ryan says that this is the album the band really wanted to make. These first 2 released songs don't have half the heart of any song off of Ocean Avenue. And can a band make a cd without bashing their previous efforts in someway? For once, I would like to hear a band say what an solid last cd they think they made.

[Jason Tate]

I don't care for that line either. I just don't understand how Ryan says that this is the album the band really wanted to make. These first 2 released songs don't have half the heart of any song off of Ocean Avenue. And can a band make a cd without bashing their previous efforts in someway? For once, I would like to hear a band say what an solid last cd they think they made.
I agree with you, I feel like the songs have little, if any, personality to them at all. They may be solid rock songs, but nothing's taken the leap into resonating with me on a personal level (like their previous work did).

[irthesteve]

I agree with you, I feel like the songs have little, if any, personality to them at all. They may be solid rock songs, but nothing's taken the leap into resonating with me on a personal level (like their previous work did).
they are trying too hard to be popular now... i still hope there's some gems on the new album

[marques]

yea, so where can I get it

[Burnout2888]

I agree with you, I feel like the songs have little, if any, personality to them at all. They may be solid rock songs, but nothing's taken the leap into resonating with me on a personal level (like their previous work did).

Are there any stand out songs to you?

[nfggc10]

yea, so where can I get it
not worth your time dloading it dude, trust me

[YellowNovember]

that was sneaky ;)

[Burnout2888]

I really like this song... though it doesn't hit me on a personal level like anything they used to do.

[marques]

I am totally missing this, can anyone explain where the song is

[nfggc10]

I am totally missing this, can anyone explain where the song is
look at the main post

[Jonathan Lally]

I like the new cd :) it's a good rock cd, honestly. you should all buy it when it comes out.. or at least give it a try (did I mention I like it?)

"Do you remember how we used to get so high? It didn't work at first, we tried it two more times.."

[astereo]

haha..nvm
damn tate and his decoding posts

[TimeAsIdeology]

Cute post title Tate, keep stirring that pot!

[preppypunk]

why is it in rar format? can anyone help me with how i can listen to this on like itunes or something...call me computer iliterate haha

[mirencor]

This song is awesome LIVE! Can't wait till the CD drops..

[IAPAI]

I think this song is way better than Lights and Sounds. That song had my expectations incredibly low for this release but this song brought them back up again... way up.

[mattregan]

That Angels and Airwaves post was a huge let down... Anyway anyone know how I download off the new purevolume??? It doesnt let me right click save target as on the downloadable songs for some reason....

[hubbabubbal3ts]

i'm trying to d/l this album right now but i can't find it ughhh. i'm almost positive i won't buy this thing. i've lost way too much respect for this band over the past year. it's hard to support them when all they are in the music for ismoney.

[astereo]

why is it in rar format? can anyone help me with how i can listen to this on like itunes or something...call me computer iliterate haha

www.rarsoft.com (http://www.rarsoft.com)
extract and play

[TyroneShoolaces]

why is it in rar format? can anyone help me with how i can listen to this on like itunes or something...call me computer iliterate haha

i am just full of the coughs this week

*cough* (http://s59.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1IUMX7P8DFTXZ1QB8H69MNW09 E)

[Stubby0918]

Ahhh Tate, you're very sneaky sir.

[jfb392]

Don't care for it.

[Jonathan Lally]

Don't care for it.

hooray for mac enthusiasts :-)

[Burnout2888]

hooray for mac enthusiasts :-)
Since you like the new Yellowcard Sir Lally... what do you think the standout songs on it are?

[steve-0]

Where's the violin? Kick him out?
seriously. 2 songs so far and there are hardly any prominent (or even noticeable)violin parts, except for a short instrumental bridge.

not a bad song i guess, but im hoping the rest of the album beats this.

[preppypunk]

www.rarsoft.com (http://www.rarsoft.com)
extract and play
thanks

[Jonathan Lally]

Since you like the new Yellowcard Sir Lally... what do you think the standout songs on it are?

"Words, Hands, Hearts"
"Two Weeks From Twenty"
"How I Go"

just a few off the top of my head. honestly, the cd is good.

[gatorsfan182]

I've noticed a few of their upcoming shows have been cancelled. example 1 (http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1E003B81D266D508?artistid=831041&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=60) and example 2 (http://www.luckymanonline.com/EventDetail.aspx?eventID=727). anyone heard aboot this?

[Burnout2888]

"Words, Hands, Hearts"
"Two Weeks From Twenty"
"How I Go"

just a few off the top of my head. honestly, the cd is good.
I expect it to be... but I'm worried about a lack of violin, which it seems like is happening... can you reassure that theres a lot of violin to be had?

[OneFellSwoop]

That Angels and Airwaves post was a huge let down... Anyway anyone know how I download off the new purevolume??? It doesnt let me right click save target as on the downloadable songs for some reason....

dude i have the exact same problem, it's driving me crazy

[Jonathan Lally]

I expect it to be... but I'm worried about a lack of violin, which it seems like is happening... can you reassure that theres a lot of violin to be had?

there's plenty of sean and his violin.. and some really nice solos. pay close attention to the arrangements.

[jfb392]

Is the song with one of the Dixie Chicks guesting any good?
I'm skeptical about the song.

[Trevor Sostarich]

i am just full of the coughs this week

*cough* (http://s59.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1IUMX7P8DFTXZ1QB8H69MNW09 E)Can you possibly cough up the rest of the album? I can cough up Men, Women, and Children's album.

[OneFellSwoop]

He likes Vampires and hitless radio
Turns it off when he hears this one song he knows
And you breathe, the window's down
You're driving awkward as you make your way back home
You ride in silence because he will not let go
And you breathe, the window's down
It's a new place that you have found

I've been up late writing books
all about heroes and crooks
One of them saves you from this
The other one steals you and then
sure things fall
And all sure things fall

Do you remember how we used to get so high?
It didn't work at first, we tried it two more times
And we could breathe, the window's down
I was thinking of the temperature outside
Cool like the water that was running from our eyes
And we could breathe, the window's down
It's a new place that we had found

I've been up late writing books
all about heroes and crooks
One of them saves you from this
The other one steals you and then
sure things fall
And all sure things fall

He could take you all the way to Church this time,
but don't forget to sum it up in 15 lines

I've been up late writing books
all about heroes and crooks
One of them saves you from this
The other one steals you
Of all of the places I looked
And all of the pictures I took
One of them's here with me now
I'm finally finding out how
sure things fall
All sure things fall

[TyroneShoolaces]

Can you possibly cough up the rest of the album? I can cough up Men, Women, and Children's album.

the whole album hasnt leaked yet.
and i've had the MW&C album for about a month now.
i'll be sure to get the coughs again when it finally does leak.

[Stubby0918]

He likes Vampires and hitless radio
Turns it off when he hears this one song he knows
And you breathe, the window's down
You're driving awkward as you make your way back home
You ride in silence because he will not let go
And you breathe, the window's down
It's a new place that you have found

I've been up late writing books
all about heroes and crooks
One of them saves you from this
The other one steals you and then
sure things fall
And all sure things fall

Do you remember how we used to get so high?
It didn't work at first, we tried it two more times
And we could breathe, the window's down
I was thinking of the temperature outside
Cool like the water that was running through our eyes
And you breathe, the window's down
It's a new place that we have found

I've been up late writing books
all about heroes and crooks
One of them saves you from this
The other one steals you and then
sure things fall
And all sure things fall

He could take you all the way to Church this time
Don't forget to sum it up in 15 lines

I've been up late writing books
all about heroes and crooks
One of them saves you from this
The other one steals you
Of all of the places I looked
And all of the pictures I took
One of them's here with me now
I'm finally finding out how
sure things fall
All sure things fall
Thanks!

The song isn't that bad, I'm gonna give this album a chance though.

[NFG4ever]

It's not bad.. catchy chorus but I miss old yellowcard , I'm gonna miss Ben , I miss Violin. what does Shawn do live the hole time?

[jfb392]

hooray for mac enthusiasts :-)If only I had $2000 for a MacBook Pro..
That's the only problem, Apple's are a luxury.

[AbsentTruth]

This song is weak just like lights and sounds. I might as well give up on YC. :'(

[FiTH Dan]

this is the only new song that really stuck out from the rest when they played it live. I think this would have been a much better single for yellowcard since they are loved for theyre poppy catchy chorus's.

[Scott Weber]

yuck. i just don't feel anything with this song. no heart, no passion.

[IAPAI]

If only I had $2000 for a MacBook Pro..
That's the only problem, Apple's are a luxury.

Yeah, my PowerBook looks worse than a Commodore after seeing that puppy.

[JunkBondTrader]

What does Shawn do live the hole time?
backflips.

HAHA! I had to, i thought it was pretty funny.

yellowcard has always sucked nuts. i hate this band, but nothing gets worse than Life Of A Salesman.....haha i always throw that song on when i want a good laugh.

[jfb392]

Yeah, my PowerBook looks worse than a Commodore after seeing that puppy.You're lucky you even have a Powerbook though.
I'm still trying to build a computer optimized for OS X, it's only come to about $300 right now.

[Jonathan Lally]

You're lucky you even have a Powerbook though.
I'm still trying to build a computer optimized for OS X, it's only come to about $300 right now.

I work for apple part-time..

[albatrossxivy]

i hate to say it just cuz you will all flame me
but this is a solid song
and it reminds me of older yellowcard
i can see this cd being huge (hit wise) if its full of tracks like this

hi, my name is jason and i am a closet yellowcard fan :O

[Drew Beringer]

I'm curious how it's going to do ... I think it's the second weakest song lyrically (after Life of a Salesman) they've done; I don't like the line, "I've been up late writing books about heros and crooks.." for some reason.

Perhaps because YC are crooks?

[StartingLine182]

I really dont know what to think of this CD. I loved Ocean Avenue but I thought Lights and Sounds was really weak. Ill be sure to give it a shot as a whole though.

[s.deel.besonym]

This is definitely better than Lights and Sounds, and better than Ocean Avenue. Sounds like it's got more heart, more like OFTK.

[SumDude1117]

Blah. Just another lame song from yellowcard. I have tickets to see em in DC 2 days after their cd comes out and im really disappointed from what im hearing from the new cd thus far.

[Stubby0918]

I work for apple part-time..
Well since you work for them, can you please ask them why iPods suck so much? My ipod broke, so I sent it back and they sent me a new one. And the new one freezes if I try to change the song. I'm lucky if I get through a whole song. Sometimes it'll just skip the last 40 seconds of a song and then go to the next one, then freeze. I had to reset my iPod at least 4 times on the way to class today.

[dude]

they are trying too hard to be popular now... i still hope there's some gems on the new album


if they were trying to be populat, they would have written another ocean avenue and kept Ben. Then schmucks like most of you wouldn't complain and would jsut buy the cd.

Clearly they aren't that stressed about popularity. That said, this song is better than anything on ocean avenue...as is Lights and Sounds.

The song structuring is far superior on both of these songs. The movement in the chord progressions from one verse to another are way more complex. than anything they'd done before...and these are the simple songs off of the cd. Just wait until you hear all of the strings on half of the songs.

[moore182]

That Angels and Airwaves post was a huge let down... Anyway anyone know how I download off the new purevolume??? It doesnt let me right click save target as on the downloadable songs for some reason....
I missed this angels and airwaves post...
Is there a legit Purevolume where I can listen?

[Jason Tate]

if they were trying to be populat, they would have written another ocean avenue and kept Ben. Then schmucks like most of you wouldn't complain and would jsut buy the cd.

Clearly they aren't that stressed about popularity. That said, this song is better than anything on ocean avenue...as is Lights and Sounds.

The song structuring is far superior on both of these songs. The movement in the chord progressions from one verse to another are way more complex. than anything they'd done before...and these are the simple songs off of the cd. Just wait until you hear all of the strings on half of the songs.
Being a "reverse-sellout" doesn't make him any less of a douche bag. There are finite amount of chord progressions to begin with, it's not like that's something extremely difficult to do .. the arrangements Sean did for the album are pretty impressive, but it doesn't make the songs themselves any better (imo). Yellowcard took what made them unique and special to me, and disregarded it. Not like it really matters, I still like the CD (it's like both American Hi-Fi albums for me, catchy, kinda cool, but nothing that I'd ever call a 'favorite'), and if I want a pop-punk album that matters (and is hella impressive) I only have to pop-in Cartel's Chroma to see how it should be done.

[preppypunk]

Being a "reverse-sellout" doesn't make him any less of a douche bag. There are finite amount of chord progressions to begin with, it's not like that's something extremely difficult to do .. the arrangements Sean did for the album are pretty impressive, but it doesn't make the songs themselves any better (imo). Yellowcard took what made them unique and special to me, and disregarded it. Not like it really matters, I still like the CD, and if I want a pop-punk album that matters (and is hella impressive) I only have to pop-in Cartel's Chroma to see how it should be done.


could not agree more...

[dude]

Being a "reverse-sellout" doesn't make him any less of a douche bag. There are finite amount of chord progressions to begin with, it's not like that's something extremely difficult to do .. the arrangements Sean did for the album are pretty impressive, but it doesn't make the songs themselves any better (imo). Yellowcard took what made them unique and special to me, and disregarded it. Not like it really matters, I still like the CD (it's like both American Hi-Fi albums for me, catchy, kinda cool, but nothing that I'd ever call a 'favorite'), and if I want a pop-punk album that matters (and is hella impressive) I only have to pop-in Cartel's Chroma to see how it should be done.

Cartel is good, but certainly not "how it should be done".

As for a finite number of chord progressions, sure, I guess that is true but my rule of thumb is generally if I could have come up with it, it must suck. Very few pop punk bands are above that gold standard. Yellowcard is one of them.

As for a cd "mattering". Please, do tell, what makes a cd "matter"?

For me, when I can respect the songwriting and musicianship, the cd matters. (mind you, I don't care if I "respect" the musicians themselves...my understanding is that John Lennon was an asshole for many years). You might not like Ryan Key, are a specific yellowcard song like lights and sounds, but you have to respect the musicianship. They have musical talent even if his vocal talent is marginal.

[PaperclipAnemia]

the intro to this song reminds me a lot of "postscript" by Finch.

[preppypunk]

Cartel is good, but certainly not "how it should be done".

As for a finite number of chord progressions, sure, I guess that is true but my rule of thumb is generally if I could have come up with it, it must suck. Very few pop punk bands are above that gold standard. Yellowcard is one of them.

As for a cd "mattering". Please, do tell, what makes a cd "matter"?

For me, when I can respect the songwriting and musicianship, the cd matters. (mind you, I don't care if I "respect" the musicians themselves...my understanding is that John Lennon was an asshole for many years). You might not like Ryan Key, are a specific yellowcard song like lights and sounds, but you have to respect the musicianship. They have musical talent even if his vocal talent is marginal.


i am not dissing yellowcard in any way. i for one am looking foward to this new cd. however, as it currently stands, cartel is the most played pop punk album in my car,stereo,ipod...everything... this cd could change it... i got no grief with Ryan Key. I don;t look up to him as a person, but as a musician. I don't look to him for the way he acts or goes about his daily life, i look for his music, and this song is a lot better than lights and sounds and brings about a lot of promise for the new cd.

[moore182]

We had the wrong PV page, fixed now.
...where?

[unwritten]

It's not bad.

[Jason Tate]

Cartel is good, but certainly not "how it should be done".

As for a finite number of chord progressions, sure, I guess that is true but my rule of thumb is generally if I could have come up with it, it must suck. Very few pop punk bands are above that gold standard. Yellowcard is one of them.

As for a cd "mattering". Please, do tell, what makes a cd "matter"?

For me, when I can respect the songwriting and musicianship, the cd matters. (mind you, I don't care if I "respect" the musicians themselves...my understanding is that John Lennon was an asshole for many years). You might not like Ryan Key, are a specific yellowcard song like lights and sounds, but you have to respect the musicianship. They have musical talent even if his vocal talent is marginal.
Eh, well, I think Thrice has musical talent, I think A Wilhelm Scream has musical talent, and I think Gatsbys American Dream has musical talent. So we're on different pages when it comes to what we consider to be musical talent in this industry. Any one that knows me (or visited this website for any period of time) knows I am YC's biggest fan and biggest apologist; however, musical talent isn't something I've ever thought the band has shown in their work. Sure, apart, they are extremely well trained and can do some amazing classical, jazzy, stuff - but they never did it on a CD (and in my opinion on the new CD, they still don't). They took Don't Look Down's rif***e, added strings, and used Ryan and Pete's chorus-melody structure (while not writing particularly relatable tunes). That's really what I see.

When I think of "pop-punk" I think Cartel is as good as it gets. The modular writing style, the small and engaging riffs and solos, and some of the music theory stuff they hide in the back of their songs impresses me. I've yet to hear them recycle a chorus melody, and I think their debut album is better than Yellowcard's third full-length (with Ryan Key). That's all I am really saying about the comparisons.

As for "mattering" - I think it's obvious, for a CD to matter it has to hit me on an auditory level and an emotional or personal level. Beyond that, it's an enjoyable (albeit forgettable) release.

This album is on par for me with say the last American Hi-Fi album, I thought the sounds were solid, the music pretty good, some unique stuff tossed here and there, and it's catchy ... however, it misses the "X-Factor" that transforms a CD (like Ocean Ave or One for the Kids) onto a whole new level. When you're the biggest fan of a band in the world ... coming up short, leaves a lot to be desired.

As for being "assholes" - I've known the band personally for like 5-6 years now, I don't think they're assholes (I'm as big a prick as Ryan's ever shown me he can be). However, in a day and age where bands are basically replaceable - why would I waste my time on a band of "assholes" if I could find similar tunes from a band of amazing and caring individuals? That's really my only comments on that matter.

[FourStarters]

I've heard unmastered versions of the entire album, and a few of the finished versions.

So far, nothing's reached out to me as anything special. This one has fifteen seconds of violin, the one thing that made them different. They're slowly phasing it out (if you don't see it, you're blind), and it's going to be interesting to see if they can really stay relevant when the mighty FOB is selling 60K a week of a year old album.

When I first heard the Cartel songs (even as demos, "Burn This City" rules, and "Save Us" is what a pop punk ballad should be), I was blown away. Not since NFG's self-titled had I personally heard something in a pop punk CD (and I listen to a lot of it, sue me) that made me remember why I love the genre so much. I can't pretend I have the greatest tastes in music, but I've heard enough pop punk to know something special when I hear it.

I'm with Jason when he says they're using the Don't Look Down/Rufio guitar work and putting YC lyrics over it. It's plain and simply BORING - what happened to the creative Yellowcard?

Don't buy the Yellowcard album. Take the $15 you'd spend on it and pick up a used copy of "One For The Kids", go to Target, and buy "Chroma" for $10.

[I ARE RAY]

This song is awesome LIVE! Can't wait till the CD drops..

yes it is! were you at the show last sunday too?!

[NationalProduct]

im a retard... got the file, but how do i open the rar file?

[DanEmo]

i do like the song to be honest...
and i love rocksound's MwA CD's...the magazine too actually

[TyroneShoolaces]

im a retard... got the file, but how do i open the rar file?
you need winrar, somebody posted a link to the program.
or go back a few pages, i posted a link to the song that is in MP3 format.

[duffe]

Musically it's better than "lights & sounds" IMO.

[cjprocknroll]

I think it's lame that this web page is doing its best to tear this band down. You guys are using the mantra "what we build, we can destroy" in regards to Yellowcard, but I don't know why you are using so much energy to destroy something you once loved. I just don't get it. Stop flexing your promotional muscles on something negative and work hard on promoting something you believe in musically and morally. Just stop posting about Yellowcard if it makes you this sick.

[rufiocardtime]

Eh, well, I think Thrice has musical talent, I think A Wilhelm Scream has musical talent, and I think Gatsbys American Dream has musical talent. So we're on different pages when it comes to what we consider to be musical talent in this industry. Any one that knows me (or visited this website for any period of time) knows I am YC's biggest fan and biggest apologist; however, musical talent isn't something I've ever thought the band has shown in their work. Sure, apart, they are extremely well trained and can do some amazing classical, jazzy, stuff - but they never did it on a CD (and in my opinion on the new CD, they still don't). They took Don't Look Down's rif***e, added strings, and used Ryan and Pete's chorus-melody structure (while not writing particularly relatable tunes). That's really what I see.

When I think of "pop-punk" I think Cartel is as good as it gets. The modular writing style, the small and engaging riffs and solos, and some of the music theory stuff they hide in the back of their songs impresses me. I've yet to hear them recycle a chorus melody, and I think their debut album is better than Yellowcard's third full-length (with Ryan Key). That's all I am really saying about the comparisons.

As for "mattering" - I think it's obvious, for a CD to matter it has to hit me on an auditory level and an emotional or personal level. Beyond that, it's an enjoyable (albeit forgettable) release.

This album is on par for me with say the last American Hi-Fi album, I thought the sounds were solid, the music pretty good, some unique stuff tossed here and there, and it's catchy ... however, it misses the "X-Factor" that transforms a CD (like Ocean Ave or One for the Kids) onto a whole new level. When you're the biggest fan of a band in the world ... coming up short, leaves a lot to be desired.

As for being "assholes" - I've known the band personally for like 5-6 years now, I don't think they're assholes (I'm as big a prick as Ryan's ever shown me he can be). However, in a day and age where bands are basically replaceable - why would I waste my time on a band of "assholes" if I could find similar tunes from a band of amazing and caring individuals? That's really my only comments on that matter.

Tate...the one thing I would like to improve on this site...

I want the ability to say "***" (*cough* I mean... F A G) and less sarcastic replies.

you know... because guys that bone each other in the ass are ***s....and THEN on the rare ocassion you need to use that particular letter sequence in the middle of an innocent word like "rif***e" and it confuses everyone.

[TheGoodnightMoon]

go to Target and buy "Chroma" for $10.


what he said.

[dude]

Eh, well, I think Thrice has musical talent, I think A Wilhelm Scream has musical talent, and I think Gatsbys American Dream has musical talent. So we're on different pages when it comes to what we consider to be musical talent in this industry. Any one that knows me (or visited this website for any period of time) knows I am YC's biggest fan and biggest apologist; however, musical talent isn't something I've ever thought the band has shown in their work. Sure, apart, they are extremely well trained and can do some amazing classical, jazzy, stuff - but they never did it on a CD (and in my opinion on the new CD, they still don't). They took Don't Look Down's rif***e, added strings, and used Ryan and Pete's chorus-melody structure (while not writing particularly relatable tunes). That's really what I see.

When I think of "pop-punk" I think Cartel is as good as it gets. The modular writing style, the small and engaging riffs and solos, and some of the music theory stuff they hide in the back of their songs impresses me. I've yet to hear them recycle a chorus melody, and I think their debut album is better than Yellowcard's third full-length (with Ryan Key). That's all I am really saying about the comparisons.

As for "mattering" - I think it's obvious, for a CD to matter it has to hit me on an auditory level and an emotional or personal level. Beyond that, it's an enjoyable (albeit forgettable) release.

This album is on par for me with say the last American Hi-Fi album, I thought the sounds were solid, the music pretty good, some unique stuff tossed here and there, and it's catchy ... however, it misses the "X-Factor" that transforms a CD (like Ocean Ave or One for the Kids) onto a whole new level. When you're the biggest fan of a band in the world ... coming up short, leaves a lot to be desired.

As for being "assholes" - I've known the band personally for like 5-6 years now, I don't think they're assholes (I'm as big a prick as Ryan's ever shown me he can be). However, in a day and age where bands are basically replaceable - why would I waste my time on a band of "assholes" if I could find similar tunes from a band of amazing and caring individuals? That's really my only comments on that matter.

OK, I don't disagree with you for a second on the bands you site as talented. You are right, those are. You are also right that Yellowcard never really displayed that talent on previous releases...I've always known it was there from work done in other bands and solo samples that a lot of those guys produce. On ocean avenue, as far as instrumental musicianship goes, the best work was on drums, violin, and bass...in that order. Their solos were always weak in my opinion...but got forbid I say that and blaspheme against the mighty benjammin harper. All of that said, you could see their instrumental work was tight in spite of the songwriting being adolescent...I mean that on a structure level, but lyrically, they were even worse.

Where I disagree with you is on this coming album, Lights & Sounds. The song structures are solid, the lyrical content is completely different and less transparent...it ere's farther toward poetry while their previous lyrics ere'd toward rhyme schemes. The lyrics now take some thought to get at what ryan is trying to say or, better yet, what you think it says for you. For example, Sure Thing Falling seems to be about song writing itself...will you write songs with happy endings or not...

But honestly, as a songwriter myself, I don't give a shit about lyrics that much. I like key shifts and tempo changes..I want to anticipate the next notes while listening and I like to be pleasantly surprised when its not what I expected it to be...its better.. That happens in YC's new songs...especially the songs with symphonic elements.

You talk about the music theory that is hidden in the background in Cartel songs, but you can't find the violin in the background of this Yellowcard song. If you can't find the violin back there, how can you find the subtle shifts in the rythm guitar, lead guitar, or bass occuring in songs like Sure Thing Falling and even Lights and Sounds. Just once listen to the bassline only in L&S. There are multiple octave and key shifts in there. I envy their ability to do that and I mostly attribute it to Pete as he has worked with Dan McLintock for a decade or so...they mastered that on their last i12 record, Get Rad.

The last thing I am going to say is that for someone who is YC's biggest apologist, I don't get you. Trust me, I've been on this site for a while. I just don't post a lot. I've seen you build them up over the years.

My problem with your treatment of them right now is how you lack objectivity. For example, in this thread, you could have titled it "YC leak...one song" or something like that. I personally don't give a fuck that Ben hasn't heard it yet. Why is that the title? You are evoking negative emotions about the band before presenting new material. It is inappropriate for a title. If you want to review the song negatively, I get that, but I see no reason for the subjective headlines.

Let people decide based on the music, not your opinions about them as people.

[LDub]

the Underdog EP. play it. love it.

and "dude"...well said. i agree very much. (cite, their, err)

tate. totally understand your feelings too. it's hard to be affected in a positive way by something a person creates when you have been disappointed by them as individuals.

[Scuba Chris]

I've heard unmastered versions of the entire album, and a few of the finished versions.

So far, nothing's reached out to me as anything special. This one has fifteen seconds of violin, the one thing that made them different. They're slowly phasing it out (if you don't see it, you're blind), and it's going to be interesting to see if they can really stay relevant when the mighty FOB is selling 60K a week of a year old album.

When I first heard the Cartel songs (even as demos, "Burn This City" rules, and "Save Us" is what a pop punk ballad should be), I was blown away. Not since NFG's self-titled had I personally heard something in a pop punk CD (and I listen to a lot of it, sue me) that made me remember why I love the genre so much. I can't pretend I have the greatest tastes in music, but I've heard enough pop punk to know something special when I hear it.

I'm with Jason when he says they're using the Don't Look Down/Rufio guitar work and putting YC lyrics over it. It's plain and simply BORING - what happened to the creative Yellowcard?

Don't buy the Yellowcard album. Take the $15 you'd spend on it and pick up a used copy of "One For The Kids", go to Target, and buy "Chroma" for $10.

They have Chroma at the Target near you? I went to two targets and three best buys and all five of them didn't have Chroma, I had to order Chroma through their website.
And I totally agree with you that Chroma is the best pop-punk CD since NFG's self-titled which has been my favorite album since I first popped it into my CD player.

[Jason Tate]

I think it's lame that this web page is doing its best to tear this band down. You guys are using the mantra "what we build, we can destroy" in regards to Yellowcard, but I don't know why you are using so much energy to destroy something you once loved. I just don't get it. Stop flexing your promotional muscles on something negative and work hard on promoting something you believe in musically and morally. Just stop posting about Yellowcard if it makes you this sick.
Not at all what I want to do .. I like the album, I don't love it. And I think some of the members of the band should re-evaluate why they're doing what they are .. that's all. But to be fair, they don't need a single one of our visitors to buy their CD - its going to be huge regardless.

[astereo]

here's that winrar link again for those that need it..
www.rarsoft.com (http://www.rarsoft.com)

I wasn't really into this song at first, but after a good amount of listens i'm starting to be ok with it. it's not old yc, or anything amazing, but its alright.

[Slovo]

where is this AvA page?

[Ailite]

where is this AvA page?
I was just wondering this.
.........I'm ashamed to admit that I can't find the song. Help? I know its there somewhere.

[dude]

Not at all what I want to do .. I like the album, I don't love it. And I think some of the members of the band should re-evaluate why they're doing what they are .. that's all. But to be fair, they don't need a single one of our visitors to buy their CD - its going to be huge regardless.


Don't underestimate your site's influence.

[Stubby0918]

I was just wondering this.
.........I'm ashamed to admit that I can't find the song. Help? I know its there somewhere.
Check the link to Yellowcard. It's there.

[DK10]

guess what leaked today?

[DK10]

ok this cd is looking pretty crappy. i'm on track 9 so far and every song besides this one has been so slow and boring. this one too had aslow part but at laseast the beginnnig was upbeat.

it feels like they tried to make an epic and grand CD but instead ended up with a boring mess that just drags on. none of the songs have a catchy feel to them. :(

[Ailite]

I can't find the leak anywhere.

[rufiocardtime]

I can't find the leak anywhere.

you gotta use IRC.