New Amsterdams, The - Story Like a Scar

[Garett Press]

The New Amsterdams – Story Like a Scar
Vagrant Records
April 4th, 2006
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SCORE: {4.6/10}

Some records start with in irresistible winning number, and then proceed… to… slowly… fade… into… boringggg… oblivionnnnnn. Sadly, The New Amsterdams’ Story Like a Scar earns itself this distinction.

Clean, slow to mid-tempo songs, no problem right? Wrong. Where artists like Bright Eyes, Kevin Devine, and Rocky Votolato use devices to keep these type of songs compelling and passionate, Story Like a Scar dwindles on melodies often less than engaging.

“The Death of Us” is nothing short of the most heart warming song to come out this year, putting slow pace to good use. Thick strings and harmonica guide the song to a level of elegance, a very serene sound. Yet as the story unravels, the album title’s metaphor holds true… only, not in the sense that the Amsterdam’s probably intended. There are several good sounds on the record, but used to poor effect, and the songwriting gives us little reason to remain alert. Sure, who can resist Matt Pryor’s dry croon? It’s his throaty presence that saves face here, but can he keep you from switching discs when “Calendar Days” rolls around? A steep challenge folks.

Didn’t like The Get Up Kids’ On a Wire? Stay away. Get bored easily? Not the record for you. I know the Amsterdams can do better. With some kick in the flavorless production, and a few more hooks and spikes in the songwriting to make us care, these songs would be what they claim to be, more story, less scar. The New Amsterdams’ latest will need a miracle if it hopes to strike a chord on the heels of an April full of releases that rock.

[LeftWideOpen]

i could not disagree more.

[yeknom]

Get bored easily?...? Everyone can be bored with different things, I'm easily bored, and I can't listen to stuff Like FFTL, Matchbook Romance, etc because of it, but I don't think that being easily bored in general is going to deter someone from liking this album.

[merv the perv]

While there are surely some weak songs, Matt Pryor can still craft far better songs than Rocky Votolato, Conor Oberst, and Kevin Devine. Especially Kevin Devine. Don't forget "Turn Out the Light". That is the gem of the album in my opinion. The cd is worth buying for the first three tracks alone. This album is better than a 4.5 in my opinion.

[Garett Press]

Get bored easily?...? Everyone can be bored with different things, I'm easily bored, and I can't listen to stuff Like FFTL, Matchbook Romance, etc because of it, but I don't think that being easily bored in general is going to deter someone from liking this album.
Well I find it surprising that you can't listen to Matchbook but you can listen to this. How is that not a qualifying factor for liking an album or not? I know people who can't listen to stuff like Sufjan and Death Cab and whatnot, because it's not as stimulating as an upbeat song with drive. I don't know, makes sense to me.

[Garett Press]

While there are surely some weak songs, Matt Pryor can still craft far better songs than Rocky Votolato, Conor Oberst, and Kevin Devine. Especially Kevin Devine. Don't forget "Turn Out the Light". That is the gem of the album in my opinion. The cd is worth buying for the first three tracks alone. This album is better than a 4.5 in my opinion.
We could debate Kevin Devine, but if Conor or Rocky wrote one song for this record it would be the new highlight track.

[yeknom]

Well I find it surprising that you can't listen to Matchbook but you can listen to this. How is that not a qualifying factor for liking an album or not? I know people who can't listen to stuff like Sufjan and Death Cab and whatnot, because it's not as stimulating as an upbeat song with drive. I don't know, makes sense to me.
I understand what you were trying to say, but when you say that something isn't as stimulating because it isn't as upbeat I disagree. I find a lot of slower paced songs much more stimulating than faster paced songs, I'm just saying that different things bore different people; Matchbook Romance bores me because poor songwriting bores me, not the pace of the song. Although, I do agree that this album was something of a dissapointment, I loved worse for the wear.

[Garett Press]

I understand what you were trying to say, but when you say that something isn't as stimulating because it isn't as upbeat I disagree. I find a lot of slower paced songs much more stimulating than faster paced songs, I'm just saying that different things bore different people; Matchbook Romance bores me because poor songwriting bores me, not the pace of the song. Although, I do agree that this album was something of a dissapointment, I loved worse for the wear.
I hear you, but the songwriting is poor on this record, I feel. It's not just because of the tempo, these songs are dull mayn.

[yeknom]

While there are surely some weak songs, Matt Pryor can still craft far better songs than Rocky Votolato, Conor Oberst, and Kevin Devine. Especially Kevin Devine. Don't forget "Turn Out the Light". That is the gem of the album in my opinion. The cd is worth buying for the first three tracks alone. This album is better than a 4.5 in my opinion.
nope.

[yeknom]

I hear you, but the songwriting is poor on this record, I feel. It's not just because of the tempo, these songs are dull mayn.
I understand that better, I just took your meaning in a different light.

[yeknom]

nope.
I mean nope about the first sentence, I'd give this album a 6. ish.

[yeknom]

4.

[JunkBondTrader]

i commend you for being a good reviewer and using the entire scale. i stopped reading reviews because i figured if it was reviewed it was above a 8.0..it was ridiculous. And to the kid that think this dude can craft songs better than KD, RV, or the best CO, then you are an absolute fucking moron. That is definately one of the dumbest and uneducated things i have ever read on this website.

[Garett Press]

I understand that better, I just took your meaning in a different light.
Word man, good talk, I agree a lot of slow songs kick fast songs asses. =)

[Garett Press]

i commend you for being a good reviewer and using the entire scale. i stopped reading reviews because i figured if it was reviewed it was above a 8.0..it was ridiculous. And to the kid that think this dude can craft songs better than KD, RV, or the best CO, then you are an absolute fucking moron. That is definately one of the dumbest and uneducated things i have ever read on this website.
'Preciated JBT. Basically my method of thought used to be that 5 was a really bad album and 10 was the best, but what happened to 1-4? I really admire the way Pitchfork does it, and you can get a much better sense of the quality of an album, so I'm a try!

[yeknom]

'Preciated JBT. Basically my method of thought used to be that 5 was a really bad album and 10 was the best, but what happened to 1-4? I really admire the way Pitchfork does it, and you can get a much better sense of the quality of an album, so I'm a try!
Yea, I'm glad you did it that way as well, It seems that too many people look at the 1-10 scale for albums the same way they would look at a grading scale in school, which leaves half the options at F.

[Garett Press]

Yea, I'm glad you did it that way as well, It seems that too many people look at the 1-10 scale for albums the same way they would look at a grading scale in school, which leaves half the options at F.
perfect analogy

[Brett9]

I still have yet to hear this record...but I had a feeling it wouldn't be their best material after hearing the Killed or Cured EP they released online. Matt Pryor is one of my favorite songwriters, but his recent stuff has been a little disappointing. I think I'll probably still pick this up, though...if for no other reason than to support a band I love. Good review, Garett.

[yeknom]

If you want similar style that doesn't dissapoint try Karl Larsson

[Boring Pop Song]

yeah definitely a disappointment coming from newams.

i think the album they have for free, Killed or Cured, is MUCH better. i don't know why they opted to release this instead.

[LeftWideOpen]

yeah definitely a disappointment coming from newams.

i think the album they have for free, Killed or Cured, is MUCH better. i don't know why they opted to release this instead.

yeah, i agree about killed or cured. that is some of the best stuff they've released.

[transitrock]

everyone has their own tastes. end of argument.
album reviews are worthless.
if you want to give this album a shot, go to the bands myspace or whatever and make the decision yourself.

[Scott Weber]

Well I find it surprising that you can't listen to Matchbook but you can listen to this. How is that not a qualifying factor for liking an album or not? I know people who can't listen to stuff like Sufjan and Death Cab and whatnot, because it's not as stimulating as an upbeat song with drive. I don't know, makes sense to me.
Oh God, this album is SOOOOO much better than that Matchbook Romance CD. Bigtime disagree with you on this one. Not as good as other NA stuff, but still a solid release.

[invincibleXL]

I like this album. I'd give it at least a 6 or 7. And I agree, Killed or Cured was great too, as well as many of the other bsides. Matt is a songwriting machine.

[Garett Press]

Oh God, this album is SOOOOO much better than that Matchbook Romance CD. Bigtime disagree with you on this one. Not as good as other NA stuff, but still a solid release.
I wasn't trying to compare the two, just their tempo and boringness(?). I gave Matchbook too high of a score and I know that, and when I do my second look, I will address that. But however you feel, Scott, I can't sit through more than a minute of most songs on this record. Like that Daphne debut.

[Ibanezgsr200]

i dont really see how you can put this cd below the 50% mark, i mean its definitely better than half the other shit that bands put out.

i loved on a wire, and i never get bored with matt pryor's music....so i think ill buy it despite the 4.6 rating.

[SLADE775]

This is probably the worst review I've ever read.

[SLADE775]

Matchbook Romance put out one of the worst albums of 06.

How anyone could enjoy it is beyond me.

To rate The New Am's below it is a crime.

[Garett Press]

Matchbook Romance put out one of the worst albums of 06.

How anyone could enjoy it is beyond me.

To rate The New Am's below it is a crime.
I will refer you back to my statement in the news post about trying a new style of rating albums by number (see Pitchfork), as well as my comment about 3 above yours where I say I know I overrated Matchbook (and still people yelled at me for rating it too low). Thanks though Slade. I guess I'm a criminal.

[SLADE775]

I will refer you back to my statement in the news post about trying a new style of rating albums by number (see Pitchfork), as well as my comment about 3 above yours where I say I know I overrated Matchbook (and still people yelled at me for rating it too low). Thanks though Slade. I guess I'm a criminal.

http://www.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_SM2/0061-0502-1906-2821_SM2.jpg

[unwritten]

I kinda enjoy this album. But I'm sure that feeling will pass soon.

[derricklc22]

I will refer you back to my statement in the news post about trying a new style of rating albums by number (see Pitchfork), as well as my comment about 3 above yours where I say I know I overrated Matchbook (and still people yelled at me for rating it too low). Thanks though Slade. I guess I'm a criminal.
I really like the new style you're using, hope to see more from you soon.

[VGB]

yikes!

I don't agree with you but I sure as hell repsect your opinion and appreciate your reviewing it, it kinda slipped out under the rader. I think if anyone like the previous new ams stuff they will like this though.

[girlsroxboys]

i'm not sure if you succeeded in your first attempt to review with this scale.
like said above, this album is leaps and bounds above a majority of the bs that is released today.
the simple fact that the new amsterdams used an array of instruments gives it more substance and quality than the standard, high gain, guitar driven crap that seems to be floating to the top these days.

[LeftWideOpen]

i'm not sure if you succeeded in your first attempt to review with this scale.
like said above, this album is leaps and bounds above a majority of the bs that is released today.
the simple fact that the new amsterdams used an array of instruments gives it more substance and quality than the standard, high gain, guitar driven crap that seems to be floating to the top these days.

yeah, it'd be nice to have a different reviewer, if one feels strongly about this album, offer a counter opinion and review this. because to me, and what looks like a lot of other people, this one is crap.

[Garett Press]

yeah, it'd be nice to have a different reviewer, if one feels strongly about this album, offer a counter opinion and review this. because to me, and what looks like a lot of other people, this one is crap.
I'm glad there are three people who really liked this record, however, I don't think that calls for deciding my review is the worstttt review everrrrr. Because for as many of you that are complaining I've gotten several messages saying how people totally agree with me... boring! More instruments? Not a self indulgent narcissist? What are you guys even talking about? Bright Eyes isn't good because of his narcissism and using more instruments doesn't make an better album.

The only thing you can say about this review is that you don't agree with it, because you enjoy this album... and if that's how you feel, cool! I wish I felt the same, sorry I don't, I'll try my best to change for you.

Seriously grow up, you think I agree with this (http://pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/v/votolato_rocky/makers.shtml)? NO! But I don't flame the damn reviewer, because I read his words and I know how he feels about it, big deal.

Even check their Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ENUL66/ref=pd_kar_gw_1/104-0809323-5303166?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=5174). Matt Pryor fans are way dissapointed in the record, and I'm not even of that designation.

And if you check what the score means according to our standards, it says redeeming qualities to neutral. This review isn't panning the album, that description range is how I feel.

[LeftWideOpen]

I'm glad there are three people who really liked this record, however, I don't think that calls for deciding my review is the worstttt review everrrrr. Because for as many of you that are complaining I've gotten several messages saying how people totally agree with me... boring! More instruments? Not a self indulgent narcissist? What are you guys even talking about? Bright Eyes isn't good because of his narcissism and using more instruments doesn't make an better album.

The only thing you can say about this review is that you don't agree with it, because you enjoy this album... and if that's how you feel, cool! I wish I felt the same, sorry I don't, I'll try my best to change for you.

Seriously grow up, you think I agree with this (http://pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/v/votolato_rocky/makers.shtml)? NO! But I don't flame the damn reviewer, because I read his words and I know how he feels about it, big deal.

Even check their Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ENUL66/ref=pd_kar_gw_1/104-0809323-5303166?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=5174). Matt Pryor fans are way dissapointed in the record, and I'm not even of that designation.

And if you check what the score means according to our standards, it says redeeming qualities to neutral. This review isn't panning the album, that description range is how I feel.

for me, it isnt that you don't like the album. i didn't like this review because you pretty much wrote two paragraphs saying "i don't like it because i think the songwriting is boring" and not much else.

it's just a review that i disagree with and i'm voicing my opinion, that's all. i'm not calling on you to get fired or anything.

[Garett Press]

for me, it isnt that you don't like the album. i didn't like this review because you pretty much wrote two paragraphs saying "i don't like it because i think the songwriting is boring" and not much else.

it's just a review that i disagree with and i'm voicing my opinion, that's all. i'm not calling on you to get fired or anything.
I said the songwriting was boring, the first song was outstanding but the rest of the album passes you by, Matt's voice is the most redeeming quality, there are good sounds but not used to good effect, and that those who disliked On the Wire won't be into this. That's all I had to say.

I just don't think it warrants you saying "this one is crap" or "worst review ever". Disagreeing is one thing - your first comment was totally appropriate and welcome, and I appreciate hearing disparate opinions, but not being insulted.

[OveriseFan]

i commend you for being a good reviewer and using the entire scale. i stopped reading reviews because i figured if it was reviewed it was above a 8.0..it was ridiculous. And to the kid that think this dude can craft songs better than KD, RV, or the best CO, then you are an absolute fucking moron. That is definately one of the dumbest and uneducated things i have ever read on this website.

Matt Pryor is an amazing songwriter.

I haven't heard this album yet, but you can't deny the man's a great musician/writer.

[OveriseFan]

This review also isn't very good. All you say is that it's boring and that Matt Pryor is a shitty songwriter.

[Garett Press]

This review also isn't very good. All you say is that it's boring and that Matt Pryor is a shitty songwriter.
Well I wasn't really going for detail. All I wanted to write was something short, this album bored me and here's why. I'll try and flesh it out a bit more next time.

[LeftWideOpen]

I said the songwriting was boring, the first song was outstanding but the rest of the album passes you by, Matt's voice is the most redeeming quality, there are good sounds but not used to good effect, and that those who disliked On the Wire won't be into this. That's all I had to say.

I just don't think it warrants you saying "this one is crap" or "worst review ever". Disagreeing is one thing - your first comment was totally appropriate and welcome, and I appreciate hearing disparate opinions, but not being insulted.

well i apologize for offending you dude. i guess i just wanted a little more of a detailed explanation from this review as to what's wrong with it. i didn't mean to insult you.

[Garett Press]

well i apologize for offending you dude. i guess i just wanted a little more of a detailed explanation from this review as to what's wrong with it. i didn't mean to insult you.
I understand man, thanks.

[prozac mnms]

I only slightly agree with your review. I was expecting more from the New Amsterdams, escpecially after KIlled or Cured and all the B-sides they released. Still, it's a good album and I think it has more staying power than you give it credit for.

[palisadevoice]

I agree almost completely with this review. This is by far my least favorite New Ams CD, though, Ironically, it also has one of my favorite New Ams song in "Turn Out The Light." Either way, good review Garrett.

[Garett Press]

I agree almost completely with this review. This is by far my least favorite New Ams CD, though, Ironically, it also has one of my favorite New Ams song in "Turn Out The Light." Either way, good review Garrett.
Thanks much man... thank you for being honest and thoughtful

[punksteve82]

Matt is my favorite songwriter, but I was somewhat disappointed by the album. Despite standouts like "Death of Us", "Turn Out the Light", and "Intelligent Design", the album seems to be lacking the usual Pryor catchiness. Is it just me or did they really butcher "Bad Liar"? I thought it kicked ass on the live album.

[capnshindig]

Man, I am dissapointed. I really thought about buying this album, I mean...Worse For the Wear friggin rules, and anything Get Up Kids touches is almost gold. C'mon Matt, don't let me down now.

[LeftWideOpen]

Man, I am dissapointed. I really thought about buying this album, I mean...Worse For the Wear friggin rules, and anything Get Up Kids touches is almost gold. C'mon Matt, don't let me down now.

it's the kind of CD that'll grow on you. I'm already noticing that and it's only been a week. I love it.

[Colin Farrell]

We could debate Kevin Devine, but if Conor or Rocky wrote one song for this record it would be the new highlight track.
thats ridiculous

[FASSWcore]

i have it, i love it, i miss the get up kids. end of story, thank you matt pryor

[Forsythe22]

I renounce all my previous posts on this thread. Though I disagree with some of the things you said Garett (e.g. the album being a complete bore, the whole Bright Eyes thing), I now agree that the album is pretty bad overall. The album ends up being 50/50 between some terrific tracks and some really bad ones. I'd download it but I wouldn't buy it.

[Garett Press]

I renounce all my previous posts on this thread. Though I disagree with some of the things you said Garett (e.g. the album being a complete bore, the whole Bright Eyes thing), I now agree that the album is pretty bad overall. The album ends up being 50/50 between some terrific tracks and some really bad ones. I'd download it but I wouldn't buy it.
Fair enough... cool tho for you to admit it

[Forsythe22]

Fair enough... cool tho for you to admit it

Yeah I think I was going on those 50% terrific tracks when I commented before. I was trying to ignore the bad ones. Also, Bright Eyes just gets me heated :p

[Garett Press]

Yeah I think I was going on those 50% terrific tracks when I commented before. I was trying to ignore the bad ones. Also, Bright Eyes just gets me heated :p
Hahah really man? All's I got is madddd love for Bright Eyes... maybe I shouldn't reference them in reviews though, because not many agree.

[dustofnations]

....I still disagree with you. I enjoyed your review, however.

"The Death Of Us" is a very heartfelt passionate song. The first few chords are played only on the bare acoustic guitar and then the bass, drums and electric guitar join in and flesh out the song. The instrumentation is much more different than that of their previous albums (upright bass, brush set, and telecaster) giving it a much more full, well rounded sound, that holds up well (with the exception of "bad liar", "Intelligent design" which are indeed the weaker tracks on the album)

My main problem with your review is that you give credit to track one but do not even mention any of the other powerful tracks-- or even mention some of the redeemable qualities of the album. For example, the guitar solo at the pinnacle of "Your Ghost", or the rhythmn of the guitar on "Beautiful Mistake".

I just love the place that this album comes from. Pryor had just moved his home, just re-worked the line-up of his band, and (as it is my interpretation) adjusting to a life that doesnt include touring extensively with TGUK. All of this life change translates (in my opinion) very well into a much more country oriented sound, that I welcomed.

Lastly, as far as comparing Pryor to Conner Oberst(SP?) the difference is light and day. Oberst's voice sounds like it may crack and shatter into a million pieces at any given moment. I enjoy his music, but he has no good quality in his voice. Pryor has a confidence in his voice that Oberst couldnt possibly muster.

This was a transitional album for the band, I think. Loved by few, but I hope in the long run its accepted by all.

[UhhhNick]

Wow.

I could not disagree with this review more.
I'm not sure how I picked up this album the first time, but I fell in love with it.
Practically listened to it all winter.

And I love the rest of the albums too.
Was cruising around listening to Killed or Cured today.
Classic band.