Thrice - Beggars

[Chris Fallon]

Thrice - Beggars
Record Label: Vagrant Records
Release Date: Digital - August 11, 2009 / Physical - September 15, 2009

As children, we are all prone to believing just about anything we see, particularly when a figure we idolize bears superhuman strength or the uncanny ability to shoot a basketball from space, hit it off the Statue of Liberty, off the St. Louis Arch, around the rim of the Grand Canyon and still get nothin' but net. You see, when those we place on pedestals falter, it stings us on a personal level and recovery is crucial in order to restore our lost faith. So, if the case is your hero gets his dunk blocked or say, gives baseball a go when it's obviously not his forte, their ability to continually prove why you put them on said pedestal will inevitably bowl you right over.

Consider longtime scene favorite Thrice that icon of worship, perpetually ranked high by fans as one of modern music's most creatively genius bands. For some, the band's last release, a four-set EP series entitled The Alchemy Index, lacked the grit and triumph of 2005's Vheissu. While it was hardly a step in the wrong direction, Beggars brings the band back to doing what it does best: progressive accessibility. The ambitious Alchemy series exercised in experimentation, dabbling in everything from country-folk to industrial; for Beggars, the band has fine-tuned their ideas and developed a densely-rich scope that shows off each member's unflappable talent & attention to detail. Like a companion piece to Vheissu, Beggars contains all the evolutionary experimentation from that record and blends The Artist in the Ambulance's mainstream appeal with The Alchemy Index's brilliant lyrical work & admiration for acoustics.

What assists Thrice in standing out from their peers is not just how technical each member can be, but also how backwards the band has evolved. Starting out as alternative-metal, the band made a name for themselves in 2001 before stepping into the major-label factory and gaining more fans through an aggressive, albeit far more accessible, record. To make things even more confusing, Thrice continued to further their maturity as artists with a major-label follow-up that wasn't set-up for mainstream ears. What in the blazes were these men thinking?! They were on Island for goodness sake! It's either auto-tune that voice, Kensrue, or to the back of the barn with ya!

Truth be told, Thrice has tamed themselves a tad this time around and taken all we enjoyed about past records for a beautifully-crafted album that catches more attention with every listen. "The Weight" is a painfully sentimental & aching tune surrounded by a groovy rhythm and Dustin Kensrue's heavy thoughts on destined fate. "In Exile" provides a steady backbone for Kensrue's words, words that echo the lovely guitar work of Teppei Teranishi; and lead single "All the World is Mad" would be right at home on Vheissu, full of ominous warnings and a mercilessly fierce bass rhythm. Riley & Eddie Breckenridge work not only as brothers, but as true bandmates to create a depth of sensational rhythms, giving the record a very sensual bass-driven sound. Look no further than the organ-led "Circles," with a quiet snare beat careening in and out of every verse, which then carry over onto "Doublespeak," a jazz-like confession piece overladen with Teranishi's ivory tickling, which ultimately gives the track its lifeblood.

For Thrice, cohesion and craft have always been the two C-words they live by, and with Beggars, it's really no different. Every ingredient here relies on the other to make it work, much how some childhood heroes had to work alongside teammates in order to, oh I don't know, show the Monstars who really plays like a champ and can save the Toon Squad from intermittent doom. Point being that without every piece of the Thrice puzzle, Beggars would be nothing without each member's constructive advice & (what seems like) effortless work.

Dustin Kensrue showed on his solo debut that he can be just as effective as a soft, introspective songwriter as he can be a bruiser ("Talking Through Glass"), and on songs that tells stories like "Wood & Wire," we witness a true musician building significance not only for himself and his bandmates, but for those who understand his talents (it may be one of Thrice's best-conceived recordings). "My heart is filled with songs of forever," he states on "In Exile." "There's no point in putting roots too deep when I'm moving on." Amen, brother; preach on, indeed.

Confident, steady and always changing, Beggars never wallows in its own self-righteousness, and much like the subject of "in Exile," it never overstays its welcome, always moving onward and upward to see what else lies ahead. On the title track, it's somewhat ironic for Kensrue to thwart all those who "stride with conceit," because for as humble as Thrice may be, they have proven time and time again that life up on a pedestal, a roost that fans have built for them, is far more comfortable than life down in the gutters.

Pink Floyd; Rx Bandits; Cave In"Circles," "The Weight" and "In Exile"

1. All the World is Mad
2. The Weight
3. Circles
4. Doublespeak
5. In Exile
6. At the Last
7. Wood & Wire
8. Talking Through Glass / We Move Like Swing Sets
9. The Great Exchange
10. BeggarsDustin Kensrue: vocals/guitar
Teppei Teranishi: guitar/piano/keyboards
Eddie Breckenridge: bass
Riley Breckinridge: drums

Official Site (http://www.thrice.net) | Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/thrice)iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=325590438&s=143441&uo=1&v0=9992)

[Drew Beringer]

album rules, review rules, O'Doyle rules

[WhoSaidThat?]

Congrats on 100 reviews, Fallon!

:party:

[Chris Fallon]

Congrats on 100 reviews, Fallon!

:party:
Whoa, hey thanks! Glad I capped it off with a review of an excellent record!

[WhoSaidThat?]

Whoa, hey thanks! Glad I capped it off with a review of an excellent record!
No problem, dude. :-) Your review made me forget that I hate Space Jam.

[Drew Beringer]

Space Jam rules.

[Chris Fallon]

Space Jam rules.
This is very true. Bill Murray steals that movie.

[Pawan1993]

I thought Jason was gonna review this. Damn. Anyway great review Chris, I doubt Jason could do better.
Brilliant album. Definitely preordering physical copy.

Edit: Just checked your blog, you had it up there. Just thought Jason was gonna review this because of how much talk he's been doing of this.

[overdrive91]

amazing album. Agree with this review though think the rating should be a bit higher, but I'm biased like that.

[Down Set Go]

You got the release year wrong for Vheissu, should be 2005. Other than that, great review.

[tait]

great review. amazing album, one of my favorites this year

[cassusriff]

Fantastic review. I've heard glowing praise for this album, but put to words like this makes me happy. I can't stop listening to this and the Anchor and Braille album. "In Exile" is probably one of my favorite Thrice songs of all time.

[gabrielthespic]

great review. i loved this album. and space jam is my favorite shawn bradley movie ever.

[weworemasks]

No problem, dude. :-) Your review made me forget that I hate Space Jam.

son of a bitch, you take it back!!!!!


excellent review, even better album. i'm deeply in love with this band.

[Nick Le]

This is an excellent review Chris. I especially love the Michael Jordan/Space Jam references. This is probably my favorite album of the year. I can't stop listening to it.

[CIMA]

Excellent review. I really think this may end up being my favourite Thrice album.

[spaceagehero]

I can't stop listening to this record. Its fantastic. Already forcing its way into my favourite records of all time.

[Mario57]

this is one of my favorites albums of all time and of Thrice, sorry for The Artist and the ambulance or other

[the1]

I always love your reviews- I'm going to be doing English at Uni so I love the way you manage to give a real sense of linguistic depth to the pieces whilst not slipping into pretentiousness.


Also, Looking foward to maybe buying this album for a change.

[Chris Fallon]

You got the release year wrong for Vheissu, should be 2005. Other than that, great review.
D'oh! Thanks!

[introduction]

awesome review/cd.

[Mattylikesfilms]

This is very true. Bill Murray steals that movie.

Without a doubt!!


This record is tied with vhiessu as my favorite thrice record. So damn good!!!

[ffadam]

A Space Jam reference in a Thrice review. Chris, you're amazing haha. This review is fitting for the album. Amazing.

[Chemical Love]

Enjoying this very much.

[AUDIOWEAPONsys]

i've been listening to thrice religiously since Illusion of Safety and it somewhat pains me to say i'm still not impressed with Beggars. But i somewhat expected it since i haven't liked any of their material since artist in the ambulance. The music i guess is still good but its nowhere near the thrice i fell in love with.

[therookielot]

Been waiting to read this one, thanks!

[onetwentyseven]

such a fantastic album, great review, too chris!

[icynova]

Will they have a radio single off this CD, or was their last single just because they were on a "major label?"

[sevinw0rds]

Michael Jordan. Baseball. :shudder:

Awesome review, dude. Phenomenal record all around.

[jordalsh]

That was a really really good review. I'm going to check this out

[threepunchjim]

They're...they're monsters! No, they're superstars! NO. They're MON-STARS.

[OGODTHAFTERMATH]

i've been listening to thrice religiously since Illusion of Safety and it somewhat pains me to say i'm still not impressed with Beggars. But i somewhat expected it since i haven't liked any of their material since artist in the ambulance. The music i guess is still good but its nowhere near the thrice i fell in love with.

I have to agree.... I fell in love w/ Thrice when I first heard The Illusion of Saefty" and "The Artist in the Ambulance"... and im missing that heavier, gritier Thrice since then...

[Momo32T]

I think "heavy" is a subjective term. There are aspects of most of the songs on Beggars that are heavy, but in a way that may seem new and obscure to those not well versed in jazz/blues undertones.

The title track continues to wow me...might be one of the best songs they have ever written.

[zachff]

I've never really been able to get into Thrice. Maybe this will be the album that draws me to their sound.

[Alex Djaferis]

good review.

theres a spelling mistake though tee hee.

[notoaststereo]

great album. great review

[cereal4life]

An excellent review there, Chris! An interesting RIYL indeed. Such a sick album and like Rexona, Thrice never let me down.

[roisterboy]

if i didn't care for Alchemy Index, would I like this album?

[xapplexpiex]

I was expecting Jason to review this since I'm aware he likes Thrice alot. But this was a good review, Chris. I want to wait for the physical release to pick this up, but I don't know if I can wait any longer.

[tanyanafosho]

I love Space Jam! Great review as well.

[ddb43]

Peach on! Nice review and good album that could become great w/ a few more rotations.

[Sikbeat37]

great review. i loved this album. and space jam is my favorite shawn bradley movie ever.
You rule x 1,000 for the Shawn Bradley reference. Him getting blocked on a dunk by Malik Rose and knocked to the ground in the Mavs/Spurs playoff series around 2000 is still one of my all time favorite NBA moments.

But yeah, great album/review/Space Jam theme/etc. Btw, is that last sentence in the second to last paragraph supposed to say "preach on," or am I missing something?

[Shakriel]

Excellent review. Excellent album. In my top 5 no doubt.

[cereal4life]

if i didn't care for Alchemy Index, would I like this album?
I'd say so. Give it a go for sure! To me it has more of a Vheissu-vibe but I wouldn't go into it expecting a TAITA or IOS. Read Chris's review if you want a good explanation; he gives an excellent description and does cover all bases.

Just have to say, thus far, my favourite song is "Wood and Wire". What I truly love about Thrice is that there is so much to dissect both musically and lyrically and I really do love delving into their material and listening to all the intricacy and brilliance in their songs. There's always so much to pick apart. Love it.

[thecobrakais]

album rules, review rules, O'Doyle rules
LOL, nice

[splitsecond]

I was not expecting this record to be as good as it is. Lyrically it is by and far their best work. I love it.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Chris, you're the man.

[wall e]

Someone needs to review the Space Jam soundtrack now.


As for Thrice, amazing album.

[airik625]

Superb review!

Easy contender for AOTY.

[bryanpholman]

Excellent job on the review...I was so excited for this album that I lost sleep the night before...and loved it so much that I lost sleep the night after it came out listening to it :-). God Thrice is so good.

[trappedintime]

Great review Chris. Beggars is an obvious choice for aoty. I still refuse to listen to it fully until I have the physical copy.

[Colto0824]

The whole record is great but "The Weight" made this record for me.

[CarouselBoy]

good review. I'm really excited about hearing this (I'm waiting for the physical release)

[infamous_alias]

...a figure we idolize bears superhuman strength or the uncanny ability to shoot a basketball from space, hit it off the Statue of Liberty, off the St. Louis Arch, around the rim of the Grand Canyon and still get nothin' but net.

3/4 of AP's members weren't even born yet to get this reference.

[ValleyForge]

3/4 of AP's members weren't even born yet to get this reference.
The Larry Bird/Michael Jordan Mcdonalds commercial?

[boxingwithstars]

fantastic review, you won me over with the Space Jam reference :-d

i think as time goes on, this could easily become my favorite Thrice record. it takes pieces of what is great about all their previous albums and puts them together in a way that works.

[SilverWings]

Very good review. MUCH better than the sputnik music review. Ugh

[B-Bones]

Didn't much agree with the part about The Alchemy Index sucking.

[Alexx Miller]

Haha, wonderful review.

[Greg.Kushlan]

I've listened to this album about 60 times since it came out monday night, and I'm still not tired of it. I love this album so much. My second favorite album behind Vheissu at this point, it might just pass that up too.

[SilverWings]

Didn't much agree with the part about The Alchemy Index sucking.
I agree; I will shoot down anyone who says TAI 'sucks'. I understand why some people say it's uneven in parts, but 85% of it is incredible in both the music and lyricism. Songs like Daeadlus, Firebreather, Come All You Weary, Broken Lungs, The Whaler, The Messenger and a few others are honestly some of their best songs.

[thefirewithin]

I fall in love with this record a little bit more every... single... day.

[Noah Fawkes]

Album of the Year. Possibly Album of the Decade.

[crimsonandclovr]

This is probably my favorite review here on ap.net
Great review!

[chillinlikebob]

Great review. Can't wait for the physical release!

[inthemidst]

Haven't had the money to download the album until today. I am stoked. Awesome review Chris!

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

Aoty?!

[zubinmoosa]

Great review Chris. This album is fantastic

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

cant get into this cd.

[ArTkY_]

Really nice review. I've been loving this album.

[con40dmitri]

album is ok

[Brandao]

I don't know....but I think Thrice achieved the impossible. I wouldn't say that Vheissu was perfect...but i thought that that was the album they were born to write....their masterpiece, and after that they would release solid records but none would be like that one.

With Beggars, IMO, they made a record that is as good as Vheissu. And this is fucking awesome....

Album of the year in my opinion.

[cscwell107]

Great review! This is album is great.

[The Apollo Kid]

I agree; I will shoot down anyone who says TAI 'sucks'. I understand why some people say it's uneven in parts, but 85% of it is incredible in both the music and lyricism. Songs like Daeadlus, Firebreather, Come All You Weary, Broken Lungs, The Whaler, The Messenger and a few others are honestly some of their best songs.

I dont seem to listen to much off their EPs, though Child of Dust hits just the right spot for me.

[Codi23]

Great review! Great album!

I now want to go back and see Space Jam again... hahaha.

[iam1bearcat]

is this review poking fun at Space Jam / Michael Jordan?
If so, excellent!

[IMaAbsolutePunk]

"So, if the case is your hero gets his dunk blocked or say, gives baseball a go when it's obviously not his forte,"

michael jordan? haha i don't think he ever got his dunk blocked.

"show the Monstars who really plays like a champ and can save the Toon Squad from intermittent doom."

jordan again?

[IMaAbsolutePunk]

is this review poking fun at Space Jam / Michael Jordan?
If so, excellent!


beat me to it ha.

[Burn That Shit]

Holy hype batman.

[kemichels]

Holy well deserved hype batman.

fixed.

[ZoSo1886]

i am pretty sure that if you play Beggars and Space Jam at the same time, they sync up perfectly.

[Lovely?]

Space jam and Thrice, what a great combo haha

[DarkBlue13]

What a fantastic review. One of the best I've read in a long time. Well done sir.

Incredible album as well.

[jesse_hitz]

worst review ever this should have gotten 100%. This is easily their best album to date. Seems like he is also bashing the alchemy index? Those are four disc's of pure experimentation, some amazing musicianship on those albums. Beggars may be a step in a different direction but it's the right step and for me it's easily their best album and if not the best album i have heard this year or last.

[billyboatkid]

Great review.

Which cover is the official album art?

Sorry, I missed that thread. lol

[jbergamotto]

Chris, I'm going to be honest, I never thought you could impress me with your writing ability as much as you did with this review. Congrats man! I'm very glad you did one of my favorite bands justice by this review.

[amandavackrinos]

Well done Chris! What a wonderful review.

[WhoSaidThat?]

son of a bitch, you take it back!!!!!


excellent review, even better album. i'm deeply in love with this band.
:-d

[Burn That Shit]

worst review ever this should have gotten 100%. This is easily their best album to date. Seems like he is also bashing the alchemy index? Those are four disc's of pure experimentation, some amazing musicianship on those albums. Beggars may be a step in a different direction but it's the right step and for me it's easily their best album and if not the best album i have heard this year or last.
this post is so dumb that it's almost sig worthy.

[weworemasks]

worst review ever this should have gotten 100%. This is easily their best album to date. Seems like he is also bashing the alchemy index? Those are four disc's of pure experimentation, some amazing musicianship on those albums. Beggars may be a step in a different direction but it's the right step and for me it's easily their best album and if not the best album i have heard this year or last.
dude, it's 7 points off from 100% and you're calling it the worst review ever? you are a complete dumbass in every sense of the word.

[guiguedz]

Great review, and great album. It's probably my favorite Thrice album as a whole; I liked some songs on almost all of them, but never liked every song and the overall flow as in Beggars.

[EvilEmpire]

Good review, it scored a little too high IMO. I think that the beginning and the end of the album are the strongest parts. It kinda gets dull in the middle for me. But there are some very good songs on this album, I especially enjoy "double speak" and "the weight."

[Limpranger101]

bravo sir

[everybirdsnest2]

i've been listening to thrice religiously since Illusion of Safety and it somewhat pains me to say i'm still not impressed with Beggars. But i somewhat expected it since i haven't liked any of their material since artist in the ambulance. The music i guess is still good but its nowhere near the thrice i fell in love with.
very true my friend, its sad really

[PigDestroyer]

very true my friend, its sad really
Yeah, same here. It's like the last couple CDs they put out, a couple songs stand out to me but overall the CD just kind of blends together and sticks to the same pace.

[live4music]

His chorus vocals on "The Weight" kill me... in a bad way. He sounds like he's straining so bad

[Chop[chop]]

Excellent review. It does take a few listens to appreciate it, but I think every good album does.

[InBetweenAisles]

Great review! This is an amazing band and an amazing album.

[Shatter_Glass]

The Weight is one of the greatest songs i've ever heard. subject wise if nothing else.

[Shatter_Glass]

His chorus vocals on "The Weight" kill me... in a bad way. He sounds like he's straining so bad
whoaaaa "Come...What...May" ?? powerful stuff man, gives me chills (in a good way)

[Noah Fawkes]

I agree; I will shoot down anyone who says TAI 'sucks'. I understand why some people say it's uneven in parts, but 85% of it is incredible in both the music and lyricism. Songs like Daeadlus, Firebreather, Come All You Weary, Broken Lungs, The Whaler, The Messenger and a few others are honestly some of their best songs.
This

And...

"In my opinion, everyone should without final judgement on a record until you've heard it at least 10 times. Especially if it's from a band you already like.

As far as doing a record like Artist, it would have to be a very contrived effort, which we aren't interest in making and I doubt most people would be interested in hearing. That album came from the same place as this one did: our love for making music. It's never been about pleasing someone else and the minute it was this band would self-destruct and or start hating being in a band. I've seen it happen. It's not pretty.

I won't say we will never write a really heavy song again, but I will definitely say that we won't write a really heavy song because someone is asking us too. Honesty is our policy."
Dustin Kensrue


"It's always nice when people can listen to your music for what it is, without any expectations that they might want to impress upon your music. Often times, I think people have it backwards when it comes to listening to music. Maybe it's just cause I'm a musician, but music to me is someone else's art that they're sharing with me. Not something that was written in order to please me. It's the artist's creation, they're just sharing it with me. It doesn't matter one speck what I wanted the art to be or what I think it should be. It's not mine. There's an AMAZING photographer (maybe deceased now?) named W Eugene Smith, and I found a really sweet quote by him the other day:

"An artist must be ruthlessly selfish."

So true. If we don't write music for ourselves, then it's not real. Sorry I veered off on a tangent a bit..."
Teppei Teranishi

Suck it, IOS & TAITA fanboys.

[roche]

How many covers are there for this album?

[_><_]

Fantastic record.

[Noah Fawkes]

How many covers are there for this album?
Three.

But I like the newer one best.

Teppei has explained the situation about the covers on their website (http://www.thrice.net):

THE COVER SHUFFLING EXPLAINED…

August 12th, 2009 - (79 Comments)

Hello,
I briefly touched on this in the chat today, but wanted to touch base here as well. As some of you have noticed, the cover photo for Beggars has been switched out. We thought we had our bases covered, some other legal stuff came up, and with the album leak and the subsequent push of the release dates, we couldn’t wait on the clearances and had to move onto a different photo that we have the proper clearance on. We were really excited about the original photo, as we thought it spoke a lot and fit the vibe of the record, but we are just as excited about this new one. It’s got a different tone to it than the other, and perhaps is a bit more subtle. Plus it’s a really beautiful image.

As for the digital release being different than either two…We had to submit the art/music during the time when we were scrambling about the unforeseen legal issues, and therefore had to go with the bars.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the chat this afternoon, and a huge thank you to everyone who’s shown their support today and bought the album. It was number one on iTunes for a short while this morning, and has been number two all day. Pretty insane. The support everyone has showed us is very encouraging and actually very humbling. We’re blessed to have such loyal listeners. Cheers everyone.

Teppei

I'm thinking of using the iTunes cover for the iPod, the original one for the desktop/laptop and leave the official one to my physical cd and vinyl copies.

[roche]

Three.

But I like the newer one best.

Teppei has explained the situation about the covers on their



I'm thinking of using the iTunes cover for the iPod, the original one for the desktop/laptop and leave the official one to my physical cd and vinyl copies.

Nice, I just got to look at them all. I'd have to say I like the Itunes one the best, but it looks like you have a system going to have all three.

[mymusicismylife]

This makes it so hard for me to wait for the physical release. It's too far away...

[AUDIOWEAPONsys]

I have to agree.... I fell in love w/ Thrice when I first heard The Illusion of Saefty" and "The Artist in the Ambulance"... and im missing that heavier, gritier Thrice since then...
that's exactly what i miss, the upbeat music that slaps you in the face and makes you go holy shit that was awesome.

[Ryzenfall]

Great review for an incredible album. This release somehow hugely contributed to making me excited for music again.

[SandManTEND13]

great album

[fromthepacific]

Awesome review! Being a a long time Thrice fan I was skeptical after being letdown by the Alchemy Index, but reading this encouraged me to check out Beggars, and sure enough I wasn't letdown this time. Thanks!

[billyboatkid]

Whoa, hey thanks! Glad I capped it off with a review of an excellent record!
I absolutely LOVE your avatar.

[Chris Fallon]

Didn't much agree with the part about The Alchemy Index sucking.
I never said it sucked; I just mentioned it didn't resonate with people like prevous albums did, partly due to the vast experimentation. Never said or implied that it sucked though.

[MBIIdollaBill]

This is very true. Bill Murray steals that movie.
agree

[ericsounds41]

I'll have to check this out.

[Noah Fawkes]

I never said it sucked; I just mentioned it didn't resonate with people like prevous albums did, partly due to the vast experimentation. Never said or implied that it sucked though.
Well we're good this time then. But let me just add that The Alchemy Index resonated a lot with me though.

[Chris Fallon]

"So, if the case is your hero gets his dunk blocked or say, gives baseball a go when it's obviously not his forte,"

michael jordan? haha i don't think he ever got his dunk blocked.

"show the Monstars who really plays like a champ and can save the Toon Squad from intermittent doom."

jordan again?
Haha actually the first reference was a slight jab at LeBron. But I love both Him and MJ equally. And Larry Bird. Had to reference them all. Next up: Bill Russell!

[Chris Fallon]

Well we're good this time then. But let me just add that The Alchemy Index resonated a lot with me though.
I loved what they did with that series. It goes all over the place and fits each element perfectly, captures all moods just right. However, there were a lot of fans who didn't get into it as much as their first four albums. Just have to speak for more than just myself when I write.

[hardpill]

*sigh* Used to be my favorite band for years.... Im so sad

[jesse_hitz]

this post is so dumb that it's almost sig worthy.
suck a dick

[jesse_hitz]

so by you saying this im going to change my mind? Good try ass wipe

[Zachals]

which track is most like digital sea?

[jesse_hitz]

Awesome review! Being a a long time Thrice fan I was skeptical after being letdown by the Alchemy Index, but reading this encouraged me to check out Beggars, and sure enough I wasn't letdown this time. Thanks!
you were let down by alchemy???? what is wrong with you?

[Kid Defender]

Recommended if you like Cave In, huh? I've never been a Thrice fan per-say, but after seeing that recommendation, I'm checking this out for sure. Thanks!

[MBIIdollaBill]

i wish somebody wud get rid of this gossip girl/cobra starship ad on the side of the website

[maker_break]

Very nice review. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly Thrice has to do with Space Jam though.

[0s0]

Aoty.

[StartAngry&Mad]

I haven't been more excited for an album! I don't use iTunes and this might be the only album I refuse to download freely under any circumstances, so I'm waitin it out for a physical copy

[TheBaroness]

"progressive accessibility" sums up Thrice's music very well

[thedondeluge]

I love this album. Each instrument plays a substantial part on this record. Possibly Vheissu's brother or Cousin but definitely different. "Beggars" is a great way to end the album.

[IMaAbsolutePunk]

Haha actually the first reference was a slight jab at LeBron. But I love both Him and MJ equally. And Larry Bird. Had to reference them all. Next up: Bill Russell!

haha, i thought the buzz a few weeks ago was lebron getting dunked on? either or is pretty embarrassing, both great players though indeed. excited for the bill russel ref! ha

[TalkShowsOnMute]

Great review for a great album.

[DcS]

Between this and The Dear Hunter for my AOTY right now. Everybody's hyped on on The Weight, and for good reason.. it's amazing. I'm really liking Talking Through Glass/We Move Like Swing Sets right now though. There's not a subpar song on the album.

[Brandao]

i am pretty sure that if you play Beggars and Space Jam at the same time, they sync up perfectly.
ahahahaha niice!

[Shogun]

Great review, but the whole 'Space Jame' analagy is a little forced - very creative though. I really do agree with the suggestion of how this album is like a companion piece to Vheissu. Even before I read your review I found myself listening to Vheissu and Beggars quite regularly in my stereo because they with all the differences between them, they seemed to fit quite naturally - I just thought I was on a Thrice kick. I was wondering why you never mentioned the religious references on the new album? Didn't want to go there? The reason I ask is because while I consider myself very spiritual, I am not a religious person at all and at times find myself not being able to take some of the lyrics seriously. Again, great job.

[miketheauthor]

Yes, Space Jam is cool. But I think Beggars will be cooler. Good review mate.

[CloseToShore]

Excellent review. Awesome album, definite AOTY for me.

[steven31]

Great Review... Great CD!

[runningohfive]

Great review, Great album

[theintention]

aoty. good review.

[yoyostring]

this album is so great. the beginning of All The World Is Mad is badass.

[Loch_Doun]

this album does nothing for me, but I loved the Index's

[michaelk08]

agreeee with score and overall review. nice job chris, always look forward to your reviews brahhh

[Noah Fawkes]

I just can't get enough of this record. It almost feels like they're playing live in my living room.

[Elsewhere]

Great great album. The great exchange is probably one of my fave thrice songs. And props for mentioning Space jam.

[AbsentTruth]

Excellent review. Can't wait to hear this album.

[brook183]

fantastic review, but i definitely would give the lyrics a 10. they are the best i've ever heard, from any band let alone thrice. overall i'd shoot for a 98-99

[thedondeluge]

I love this album. On The Top of my list for AOTY

[Noah Fawkes]

fantastic review, but i definitely would give the lyrics a 10. they are the best i've ever heard, from any band let alone thrice. overall i'd shoot for a 98-99
This.

[goldy]

"The Weight" is sickkk. love the album

[HenryM]

I'm digging this album. The drumming really stands out to me as well, more so than any of their albums before. The seem to be going for a really refreshing no bullshit approach after Alchemy Index's admirable intentions but dissapointing execution.

[downthealley]

They're...they're monsters! No, they're superstars! NO. They're MON-STARS.

If I hit em high hit em high hit em high

Then you hit em low him em low him em low

[Romancebled]

this album literally gave me the chills. i love every song on it. probably my 2nd favorite Thrice cd (behind Vheissu).

[yoyostring]

album is awesome. "In Exile" is a favorite, but all the tracks are truly fantastic.

[A7XBlink]

It's a great album, but its gonna take a while to grow on me seeing how I'm a big fan of TAITA...two very different albums.

[CellarGhosts]

Thrice, Space Jam, Chris Fallon - how much more awesome could you cram into one review? Haha. Good job, amigo. I love this album.

[eleven eleven]

should i buy this?

[Noah Fawkes]

should i buy this?
You should buy one for you, other for your soulmate and another one for your dad. Buy it THRICE.

[Handraa]

album rules, review rules, O'Doyle rules
haha.
Billy Madison!

[dhelmick]

i havent listened to the enitire album yet just because im waiting for the physical release. its a very different sound but its still so good. it is very funky but still has that heavy edge. thrice is unstoppable

[MorningStar10]

Great album, the title track is amazing, very much reminds me of Daedalus, a very good song.

[Zachals]

"At the Last" reminds me of the Police

[Zachals]

oh, and, "Talking Through Glass" reminds me of Feeling This by Blink

anyways, this album is AMAZING

[Rickaly]

wow. amazing album. all the world is mad is great but in exile is their best song theyve ever written.

[Srsly]

having a hard time getting into it.

[Noah Fawkes]

having a hard time getting into it.
All the great records defy you.

"In my opinion, everyone should without final judgement on a record until you've heard it at least 10 times. Especially if it's from a band you already like".
Dustin Kensrue

"I feel like you're not doing a record for your fans if you're trying to make it for them, do you know what I mean? Because if you're not like serving yourself in what you think it's interesting, how it could interesting to anyone else?"
Geoff Rickly


"It's always nice when people can listen to your music for what it is, without any expectations that they might want to impress upon your music. Often times, I think people have it backwards when it comes to listening to music. Maybe it's just cause I'm a musician, but music to me is someone else's art that they're sharing with me. Not something that was written in order to please me. It's the artist's creation, they're just sharing it with me. It doesn't matter one speck what I wanted the art to be or what I think it should be. It's not mine. There's an AMAZING photographer (maybe deceased now?) named W Eugene Smith, and I found a really sweet quote by him the other day:

"An artist must be ruthlessly selfish."

So true. If we don't write music for ourselves, then it's not real. Sorry I veered off on a tangent a bit..." Teppei Teranishi

[Srsly]

All the great records defy you.

"In my opinion, everyone should without final judgement on a record until you've heard it at least 10 times. Especially if it's from a band you already like".
Dustin Kensrue

"I feel like you're not doing a record for your fans if you're trying to make it for them, do you know what I mean? Because if you're not like serving yourself in what you think it's interesting, how it could interesting to anyone else?"
Geoff Rickly


"It's always nice when people can listen to your music for what it is, without any expectations that they might want to impress upon your music. Often times, I think people have it backwards when it comes to listening to music. Maybe it's just cause I'm a musician, but music to me is someone else's art that they're sharing with me. Not something that was written in order to please me. It's the artist's creation, they're just sharing it with me. It doesn't matter one speck what I wanted the art to be or what I think it should be. It's not mine. There's an AMAZING photographer (maybe deceased now?) named W Eugene Smith, and I found a really sweet quote by him the other day:

"An artist must be ruthlessly selfish."

So true. If we don't write music for ourselves, then it's not real. Sorry I veered off on a tangent a bit..." Teppei Teranishi
i start than i just go listen to their old stuff

[AntiCult]

not their best but it's pretty good and catchy.

[strylghtrnnr]

Love this record so much. Great review, Chris.

[lezsolt]

Enormous disappointment (together with Thursday and Brand New). It's very-very dull, apathetic, and musically simple. I'm very sad because Thrice has been in my top5 favourite bands since 2002, and I've loved everything they've put out except for TAI Vol. 3-4.

[sean4123]

Enormous disappointment (together with Thursday and Brand New). It's very-very dull, apathetic, and musically simple. I'm very sad because Thrice has been in my top5 favourite bands since 2002, and I've loved everything they've put out except for TAI Vol. 3-4.
hahahaha. did you REALLY just say this album is "musically....SIMPLE?"....... wow... I hope to god you know music theory.

[Spider-Man]

Love. :inlove:

[samlowry09]

great album from a great a band

[dhelmick]

i have listened to this album everyday in my car. i really enjoy it. its something new that really impresses me. the only song i dont really like is circles. it is a good song but just way too slow for me. i love Wood and Wire and the Weight. i have something i love pretty much about every song. and does anyone else notice a similarity in the drums at the beginning of all the world is mad and thursday's resuscitation of a dead man? and does anyone else think the guitar in the beginning of at the last sounds a bit like thursday's concealer? through headphones it doesnt at all but like at high volumes through a car stereo it almost sounds like a live version of concealer to me. just wondering if anyone else hears it.

[xjdizzle]

Meh This album is good but not great.. Honestly .I know everyones gono get al defensive ,,
But ive actually listened to these guys since Identity crisis When i was 14. I think Vheissu is their best album by far.They arent the same band anymore ..The complex guitar melodies and riffing are non existent.the vocals are great but not the same emotion behind them. And the Drumming doesnt stand out like it used to. I wish they would add a little more edge to their songs.

[xjdizzle]

The First Alchemy index album is the sound they should have stuck to Like the Songs Firebreather and Messengers,.I understand u cant always make music just to make it to please people.But not do a complete 180 on your entire sound.
Do i expect then to scream again ? No . Play lightning fast riffs and breakdowns No,


My fav song from them is Trust and it's not one of the heaviest songs ,,It can be mellow but its got those instense passionate moments where your just like shit ! This stuff really hits me.

[spaceagehero]

My copy of Beggars didn't come with the extra tracks, or code or whatnot.

Poor.

[dhelmick]

just what people have said in the pew posts i kind of want to not really defend thrice but just kind of give my opinion again. they are a completely different band than what they used to be. other than dustins vocals if you listened to like identity crisis and then beggars you wouldnt even think they were the same band so if you lose interest i can see what you are saying and i dont have any problem with you but i mean sometimes you just have to change with them. listen to that old stuff, rock it out, scream out your window while you are driving down the street, i know i do. but i mean they are getting older...they still rock to no end but they cant keep making hardcore music. its kind of something you like or you dont. i like it but i mean it isnt hard to understand why people wouldnt. but i mean thrice liked what they made or they wouldnt put it out.

[tpnations]

i am pretty sure that if you play Beggars and Space Jam at the same time, they sync up perfectly.
Brilliant.

[CarouselBoy]

excellent review and excellent record. I waited to listen to it til I could get the physical copy. In exile is my fav so far, but the imagery/story in The Great Exchange is beautiful.

[SeanEBoy2686]

Great review... and I agree that this album is better than the Alchemy Index set. Wayyy better.

[MBIIdollaBill]

wait...chris fallon...dude arent u supposed to be famous? no shit wait thts jimmy fallon...dammit so close

[WhoSaidThat?]

wait...chris fallon...dude arent u supposed to be famous? no shit wait thts jimmy fallon...dammit so close
Do not make comparisons.

[Chris Fallon]

Do not make comparisons.
Hahaha THANK YOU!!

[WhoSaidThat?]

Hahaha THANK YOU!!
:bow:

[ivantoar]

Wow, Thrice is progressing. I do not like the Alchemy Indexes but this album is a blast.

[Jamos4184]

The Great Exchange is fast becoming my favorite song on this album. Amazingly powerful lyrics.

Also, I hate to be "that guy", but I believe that "The Weight" is Kensrue's reflections on being faithful.

[dhelmick]

The Great Exchange is fast becoming my favorite song on this album. Amazingly powerful lyrics.

Also, I hate to be "that guy", but I believe that "The Weight" is Kensrue's reflections on being faithful.
id have to say youre right.

[Rubbersoul87]

Beggars has a lasting quality to it. No doubt.

[steven31]

I Bought the digital album on Aug 11 and then the physical copy on sept 15..... I am just amazed at how good Thrice is....They really don't get the credit they deserve....Love this album. This should win album of the year....buy it!...

[MBIIdollaBill]

Hahaha THANK YOU!!
Dude wtf its just a joke... i thought your name sounded familiar. Fuck, so sue me.

[MBIIdollaBill]

Do not make comparisons.
And you intend to stop me HOW?

[Chris Fallon]

Dude wtf its just a joke... i thought your name sounded familiar. Fuck, so sue me.
Wow, we were both fucking joking dude, take it easy.

[d50416]

Circles is the most underrated song of the decade

[ArTkY_]

Beggars was definitely the next natural step after Vheissu. Alchemy Index worked best as a statement, IMO.

[d50416]

i cannot wait for their new album, i really hope its in the same vein of Beggars..

[strungout2222]

Wow! Just started listening to Thrice. Beggers first. Cant believe i have been missing this all these years!!