Bowling For Soup - Sorry For Partyin'

[Chris Fallon]

Bowling For Soup - Sorry For Partyin'
Release Date: October 6, 2009
Record Label: Jive Records

Dear Absolutepunk.net,

Has there ever been an album cover that so ironically captured the career path of a band? Love your guys' stuff, especially that Gabe Saporta interview! Keep it up!

Yours truly,
K. Cameron

Dear website patron,

Look at the upper left-hand corner of this review article. You're welcome.

Good-natured fun is always appreciated, right? Even in the music world, bands who like to "have a good time" are often rewarded with notable success and find they are the sort of groups people can laugh at and never take completely serious ("Ohhhh, those guys!"). Disco had it's time to shine in the 1970's, Poison and a handful of hair-metal acts did it in the late 80's and nu-metal bands clogged up TRL for a short amount of time before neon got all popular. Hailing from Denton, Texas, Bowling For Soup have never been known as 'artistes,' but their entire sound and personality have been constructed upon the facet that pop-punk can go hand in hand with a dumb sense of humor. The goofball album titles/covers combined with a few silly songs and sweet ballads gave the band a good amount of success in the first half of the millennium, and after their last album failed to garner much acclaim, the band took their time to record a follow-up. But even Harry and Lloyd can agree that sometimes dumb is too dumb.

Why is that? Oh, I don't know. Maybe it's because we now have four grown men swimming in a toilet bowl, singing songs that are about the equivalent of a Geico commercial (i.e. so unfunny it's offensive). Here is a band that is still trying to get all the kids to laugh at that same joke they told twice, got a few chuckles from, and are continuing to ride that wave all the way to Pleasuretown. Unfortunately, the groupies are long gone and only Seth MacFarlane is sticking around for an encore.

Sorry For Partyin' wants to be tongue-in-cheek but ultimately comes across of smug, juvenile and feels like it has been recorded specifically for those with mental retardation. "Hooray for Beer"? Oh, I get it -- you're good-lovin' dudes from Texas in your late-30's, still gettin' drunk and swimmin' in the kiddie pool! HAR-DEE HAR-HAR! Who co-wrote these songs, Andy Dick?

"My Wena," the main offender for terrible taste, is a song that even the Bloodhound Gang would turn away, and "I Gotchoo" is a poor imitation of Sugar Ray, circa 1999. See, it isn't only their pop-culture references that are dated (any Viagra jokes here?). "America (Wake Up Amy)" wastes two perfectly good guest vocalists found in Scott Reynolds and Parry Gripp (both from much better and well-worn bands with a sense of humor, ALL and Nerf Herder), and it appears Jaret Reddick has seemingly lost all touch with sensible pop melodies and replaced them with monotonous immaturity that merely is no longer fun to listen to. Hey, after seven albums of little change, Bowling For Soup's appearances are about as welcome as Steve Urkel hanging out with Carlos Mencia and Gallagher during a "Two and a Half Men" taping.

Bowling For Soup is now just a big gimmick, and after "1985" catapulted them to mainstream notoriety, the slow descent began ... and it's not easy to slap your hand from the stop button (maybe your trash can has an iPod it'd like to upload this disc to?). "BFFF" and "Me With No You" are cheeseball sing-alongs for fans of tepid pop-rock and "Love Goes Boom" might just be one of the most asinine songs ever written by the band. "I Can't Stand L.A." is a reasonably merry blast on the very mainstream success the band has enjoyed and been involved with (and it pretty much follows the same formula "1985" and "High School Never Ends" did), and "Really Cool Dance Song" makes a valid attempt at poking fun, but really just feels hypocritical. Humor is supposed to contain bite, and on record #7, it feels like the band are using false teeth ("Whoa, you look like Austin Powers!").

Bowling For Soup have always been a guilty pleasure content on offering music you don't have to think about, but this time around, they're trying to draw attention to themselves with the fine art of wearing a dunce cap or wearing a t-shirt with an ironic quote on it. Forget trying to balance their ne'er-do-well humor with some actual artistic merit -- namedropping trends, celebutards and bathroom humor win this battle, man! The only partying Bowling For Soup will be joining in the coming months will be one overrun by pity.

Partyin' is a dramatically painful effort in bad taste, an album so unappealing and putrid, it pushes the limits and tests the boundaries of suitable humor in pop-punk & audience intelligence. Like an accompanying soundtrack to Mike Myers' next showcasing of redundant potty humor, this is about as notoriously bottom-of-the-barrel as you can reach. Keeping all that in mind, well, Sorry For Partyin' just isn't an acceptable apology.

fart jokes; MC Lars; disguising the word "wiener" as a girl's name; Army of Freshmen; Mexican jokes; poo-poo and pee-pee; Bloodhound Gang; being a dumbass."I Can't Stand L.A."

1. Really Cool Dance Song
2. No Hablo Inglés
3. My Wena
4. Only Young
5. I Don't Wish You Were Dead Anymore
6. BFFF
7. Me With No You
8. Hooray For Beer
9. America (Wake Up Amy)
10. If Only
11. I Gotchoo
12. Love Goes Boom
13. I Can't Stand L.A.Jaret Reddick: vocals/guitar
Erik Chandler: bass/vocals
Chris Burney: guitar/vocals
Gary Wiseman: drums

Official Site (http://www.bowlingforsoup.com) | Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/bowlingforsoup)Amazon MP3 (http://www.amazon.com/Sorry-For-Partyin/dp/B002R66TSW/ref=dm_ap_alb14?ie=UTF8&qid=1254787739&sr=301-1)

[WhoSaidThat?]

Ouch. I was looking forward to this album. Sounds like this was one crappy record.

Yeah, bad joke. But good review on your part yet again, Chris. Loved the Dumb and Dumber reference best of all, personally.

[Mikey Paine]

Bowling for soup gets a review, but no three days grace?
what about dethklok ?

[Gregory Robson]

A plus on this review. Incredibly well written, pointed and just absolutely stellar. My hat's off to you. :appl:

[Chris Fallon]

Bowling for soup gets a review, but no three days grace?
what about dethklok ?
I'm considering doing Alice in Chains, Chevelle, Pearl Jam and Three Days Grace to cap off our "mainstream rock" section for the month.

[WhoSaidThat?]

I'm considering doing Alice in Chains, Chevelle, Pearl Jam and Three Days Grace to cap off our "mainstream rock" section for the month.
You're braver than I am.

[Chris Fallon]

You're braver than I am.
Haha they aren't so much terrible as they are incredibly repetitive. After three albums, you can already hear what songs are included on the albums without ever having to listen.

[will and life]

well i do like poo-poo and pee-pee....

[Gregory Robson]

Haha they aren't so much terrible as they are incredibly repetitive. After three albums, you can already hear what songs are included on the albums without ever having to listen.
Don't ask me why but I <3 Chevelle. Most people never expect that out of me, but it's true.

[Chris Fallon]

Don't ask me why but I <3 Chevelle. Most people never expect that out of me, but it's true.
I am a bit surprised, but I have always enjoyed them too. Personally find their new album to be a bit of the same mixed with a nice tranquility they haven't displayed too often. Better than the bands they usually get lumped in with.

[NorthstarPark]

I hate two and a half men and this band. Nice review.

[Dymytry Vance]

I hate two and a half men and this band. Nice review.
i came in here to say this.

[trappedintime]

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaamn.

[aradiantsunrise]

Love this review, haha. Aren't they a total Disney band now? Interesting to have song titles like Hooray for Beer and My Wena.

[Chris Fallon]

Love this review, haha. Aren't they a total Disney band now? Interesting to have song titles like Hooray for Beer and My Wena.
Haha that's what I asked before hearing "Hooray for Beer"

[MBIIdollaBill]

Haha that's what I asked before hearing "Hooray for Beer"
they get played on radio disney alot, but are not a disney band. prolly just cuz their music is as week as the jonas bros.

and am i the only one who not only doesnt despise nu metal, but [gasp] thinks its pretty good? Korn, Deftones, Disturbed, Slipknot, Godsmack, Mudvayne [hell even LP in their early years] are all great and respected bands. So srsly wats the deal?

[Chris Fallon]

they get played on radio disney alot, but are not a disney band. prolly just cuz their music is as week as the jonas bros.

and am i the only one who not only doesnt despise nu metal, but [gasp] thinks its pretty good? Korn, Deftones, Disturbed, Slipknot, Godsmack, Mudvayne [hell even LP in their early years] are all great and respected bands. So srsly wats the deal?
I grew up during the time when they were popular, so as much as I am willing to admit they did nothing to evolve rock music, I can admit I enjoyed some of the material released from nu-metal bands. They just don't hold a very progressive sound -- every era has that group of bands come and go.

[runningohfive]

"Hey...You wanna hear the most annoying sound in the world"

[anthonydarko]

What amazes me is this band still makes music that people actually buys.

[Viva Sonata]

Son....I am disappoint.

[Supernovacaine]

I used to love the bitch song and girl all the bad guys want.. haven't listened to any of their stuff since then. Looks like that trend will continue.

[gladnads]

tank voted due to their $1000 package

[ramomcferno]

I'm considering doing Alice in Chains, Chevelle, Pearl Jam and Three Days Grace to cap off our "mainstream rock" section for the month.

Great review I used to really like these guys but they have definitely gone downhill. I will probably not check this out. I would like to see the Chevelle review. I have always enjoyed those guys and I think the new album is pretty good.

[TheOtherAndrew]

I bought my friend a Bowling For Soup record for his birthday a few years ago. How we're still friends, I have no idea.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Solid review. I don't particularly agree but see why most people would. BFS are a total guilty pleasure of mine, and I had some fun with this album.

[LastDeclaration]

RIYL being a dumbass. Hahahahah.

[live.]

I figured "Can't Stand L.A." would be a stand out track because it's the last one...

[smelltheglove]

lol, if you would have told me 10 years ago that the "you're a bitch, but i love you anyway" band would still be around making records in 2009, i would in no way have believed you.

[Yellowcard2006]

That was quite a beating. I still like ""When We Die" and a few other songs by them. That coverart is just...well what's the opposite of humorous?

[combatchuckaa]

I've been pulling a few good songs off their past few records and making a compilation of those songs...another BFS album, 3 or 4 more songs added to the comp.

[rawspinner]

Don't ask me why but I <3 Chevelle. Most people never expect that out of me, but it's true.
You sir are win.

[So-Crates]

I've been pulling a few good songs off their past few records and making a compilation of those songs...another BFS, 3 or 4 more songs added to the comp.
yeah me too, then i stick em on if i have a shit day

[NateFoundGlory]

When Bowling For Soup actually try to make simple pop punk that isn't a dick joke, they're good to me. This? So fail...

[combatchuckaa]

yeah me too, then i stick em on if i have a shit day

Haha yeah, me too.

[Gregory Robson]

You sir are win.
That's not even English. "You sir are win." ????? WTF?

[HometownHero]

Terrible band is terrible. Good review

[Shatter_Glass]

Bowling for Soup, I'm sorry you partied too.

[prefix-core]

I'm offended that the Bloodhound Gang's razor sharp wit was even remotely compared to Bowling for Soup. Haha.

[zubinmoosa]

Wow, sorry you had to listen to this Chris. I feel bad for you

[rawspinner]

That's not even English. "You sir are win." ????? WTF?
It's the reciprocal of something my best friend used to say ("you sir are fail"). But I'm pumped for your chevelle review. and am slightly tickled that I confused you.

[therookielot]

I don't think I ever laughed so hard at an album review. Good work!

Best Line: Bowling For Soup's appearances are about as welcome as Steve Urkel hanging out with Carlos Mencia and Gallagher during a "Two and a Half Men" taping.\


hahahahaha

[Kurt Retenauer]

This and the Lights interview may be some of the best I've seen on AP. Good work guys.

[Fooey]

I'm considering doing Alice in Chains, Chevelle, Pearl Jam and Three Days Grace to cap off our "mainstream rock" section for the month.
Is the new Three Days Grace any good....?

[therookielot]

I'm considering doing Alice in Chains, Chevelle, Pearl Jam and Three Days Grace to cap off our "mainstream rock" section for the month.
Do something that was actually really bad. Chevelle is decent haha.

[Dirge07]

Wow sorry for ya Chris. Good review though mate.

That's not even English. "You sir are win." ????? WTF?

Maybe he's just a ruhtard...

[Gregory Robson]

It's the reciprocal of something my best friend used to say ("you sir are fail"). But I'm pumped for your chevelle review. and am slightly tickled that I confused you.
I think Chris Fallon is tackling Chevelle. He beat me to the punch. Too bad. I dig their new stuff.

[SteveD]

Good review, but MC Lars!? Really? :( He is so much better then these guys, I know he did some songs with Jaret but dubbs tee eff.

[Gumbyjag]

sad.

[ThisIsNotDan]

"My Wena"? are you fucking kidding me? this makes blink182 look like Radiohead.

in other news, Chevelle > most shitty radio rock like Three Days Grace, and old Breaking Benjamin isn't terrible

[denissuxx]

Haha.

[ms_fairypants]

This is my friend's favorite band :\

[Trevor Sostarich]

This is my friend's favorite band :\
Get a new friend.

[ExplodingStereo]

I remember loving this band back in the day. I actually gave all their CD's away, didn't even know they had a new album out. Looks like I'm growing up...

[Jaysus]

Well, after reading what is quite obviously a biased review, I had to leave a comment.

Sure, their album cover may completely suck this time around, but compare this album to their last one and musically it's much much better. A Hangover You Don't Deserve is still one of the highest rated albums amongst everyone that i know that even knows who bowling for soup are, and everyone that has been able to listen to Sorry For Partyin' so far has enjoyed it. There are a few songs that you have to get used to, but if you stop seeing them as "trying to be funny" and start seeing them as just having a laugh, it changed a whole perspective of them. You call the one remotely unfunny song on the album a "cheesy singalong ballad", and yet you write for a website that's logo is a bloodied emo heart, with "Music mends broken hearts" as it's slogan? Get a sense of humour for christ's sake.

Also, you call the Bloodhound Gang "razor sharp humour"? What, like downing a jug of beer, throwing it up, downing it again, tying a chain to your balls then dragging a crate across the stage is razor sharp? It's just a shock factor. Don't get me wrong, I love bloodhound gang, I saw them joint-headlining with BFS (cos you know, they're friends and all that.), but i'd hardly call them razor sharp wit and humour.

Pull your head out of your arse, stop trying to be "proper punk", grow a sense of humour, and if you're going to write a review, don't choose an album by a band that you're so obviously biased against.

[Jaysus]

Also, everyone else totally slagging them off, stop being sheep and get your own opinions on things. It's not follow the leader.

[vagtasticvoyage]

i love the main guitar riff in "my wena"

so sue me

[Chris Fallon]

Well, after reading what is quite obviously a biased review, I had to leave a comment.

Sure, their album cover may completely suck this time around, but compare this album to their last one and musically it's much much better. A Hangover You Don't Deserve is still one of the highest rated albums amongst everyone that i know that even knows who bowling for soup are, and everyone that has been able to listen to Sorry For Partyin' so far has enjoyed it. There are a few songs that you have to get used to, but if you stop seeing them as "trying to be funny" and start seeing them as just having a laugh, it changed a whole perspective of them. You call the one remotely unfunny song on the album a "cheesy singalong ballad", and yet you write for a website that's logo is a bloodied emo heart, with "Music mends broken hearts" as it's slogan? Get a sense of humour for christ's sake.

Also, you call the Bloodhound Gang "razor sharp humour"? What, like downing a jug of beer, throwing it up, downing it again, tying a chain to your balls then dragging a crate across the stage is razor sharp? It's just a shock factor. Don't get me wrong, I love bloodhound gang, I saw them joint-headlining with BFS (cos you know, they're friends and all that.), but i'd hardly call them razor sharp wit and humour.

Pull your head out of your arse, stop trying to be "proper punk", grow a sense of humour, and if you're going to write a review, don't choose an album by a band that you're so obviously biased against.
When you use quotation marks, make sure the person actually used those words -- because I never said that. I'll read more when you find a better argument.

And for what it's worth, I actually enjoy their past three albums. What do you have to say about that? I'll be waiting.

[kcpunk]

really? I think this is a pretty good album.

[Chris Fallon]

Oh yeah, and here's some proof:

http://i34.tinypic.com/vxm5w2.jpg

Say whaaaaat? Argument's been put up for sale because I just owned it.

[Jaysus]

When you use quotation marks, make sure the person actually used those words -- because I never said that. I'll read more when you find a better argument.

And for what it's worth, I actually enjoy their past three albums. What do you have to say about that? I'll be waiting.

Okay then,
" ..combined with a few silly songs and sweet ballads..." and ".. and "Me With No You" are cheeseball sing-alongs for fans of tepid pop-rock "
"..trying to get all the kids to laugh at that same joke they told twice.."

So what, I didn't use direct quotations from that review, but there you go, the unsimplified versions of what you were getting at.

Sure, you may now have "Proof" and all that on how much you liked their last three albums, but your phrasing in your first paragraph of "Bowling For Soup have never been known as 'artistes,' but their entire sound and personality have been constructed upon the facet that pop-punk can go hand in hand with a dumb sense of humor" and "and after their last album failed to garner much acclaim, the band took their time to record a follow-up. But even Harry and Lloyd can agree that sometimes dumb is too dumb." , added with " Here is a band that is still trying" and "Unfortunately, the groupies are long gone" seemed like you didn't really care for them all that much.

If it's merely your phrasing being read wrong on that, then I apologise, but it seems like too much of a dig for someone who liked their previous stuff.

One little thing, you liked the last album, yet absolutely hate this one!? Whoa.


"Razor sharp humour/wit" wasn't directed at you, it was to 'prefix-core' that posted on the previous page.

Better?

[Chris Fallon]

Okay then,
" ..combined with a few silly songs and sweet ballads..." and ".. and "Me With No You" are cheeseball sing-alongs for fans of tepid pop-rock "
"..trying to get all the kids to laugh at that same joke they told twice.."

So what, I didn't use direct quotations from that review, but there you go, the unsimplified versions of what you were getting at.

Sure, you may now have "Proof" and all that on how much you liked their last three albums, but your phrasing in your first paragraph of "Bowling For Soup have never been known as 'artistes,' but their entire sound and personality have been constructed upon the facet that pop-punk can go hand in hand with a dumb sense of humor" and "and after their last album failed to garner much acclaim, the band took their time to record a follow-up. But even Harry and Lloyd can agree that sometimes dumb is too dumb." , added with " Here is a band that is still trying" and "Unfortunately, the groupies are long gone" seemed like you didn't really care for them all that much.

If it's merely your phrasing being read wrong on that, then I apologise, but it seems like too much of a dig for someone who liked their previous stuff.

One little thing, you liked the last album, yet absolutely hate this one!? Whoa.


"Razor sharp humour/wit" wasn't directed at you, it was to 'prefix-core' that posted on the previous page.

Better?
Hey, whoa, over-analayzer! BFS is, has and always will be a "joke band" -- just because I think they aren't to be taken seriously doesn't mean I am not allowed to enjoy some of their songs off the cuff. They make dumb, lighthearted, feel-good music ... but their last album wasn't fantastic -- had a few good songs, but I prefer their 2002-2004 material more. However, like a joke that runs too long, this album is trying to continue something that needs to change. The band is literally chasing its own tail in amusement and everyone has left whatever party they are throwing because, let's face it -- it's not very funny after so long. Every song here is just trashy, redundant crap. I didn't ever expect the band to change, but it honestly feels like they are beating a field of dead horses. It is embarrassing.

[Jaysus]

Hey, whoa, over-analayzer! BFS is, has and always will be a "joke band" -- just because I think they aren't to be taken seriously doesn't mean I am not allowed to enjoy some of their songs off the cuff. They make dumb, lighthearted, feel-good music ... but their last album wasn't fantastic -- had a few good songs, but I prefer their 2002-2004 material more. However, like a joke that runs too long, this album is trying to continue something that needs to change. The band is literally chasing its own tail in amusement and everyone has left whatever party they are throwing because, let's face it -- it's not very funny after so long. Every song here is just trashy, redundant crap. I didn't ever expect the band to change, but it honestly feels like they are beating a field of dead horses. It is embarrassing.

That's much much better written than what you posted up top, seriously. I get that some of the songs of this album are less than desired (Hooray for beer. Ouch.), but there are some seriously good melodies in this thing. "I don't wish you were dead anymore", and "Me with no you" are catchy as hell, and even "Really Cool Dance Song" is totally different sounding to their old stuff, and despite a little spoken silly bit half way through, is a damn good tune in my opinion. And you can't deny that even if "My Wena" is immature , lyrically it's actually quite clever.

And about "Great Burrito Extortion Case" album, I completely agree that there were only a few decent ones on that.. but When We Die ended up as one of their all time best songs.

Thanks for coming up with an actual decent opinioned review also.

EDIT: Also yeah, BFS are a joke/humour band, it was merely some of your phrasing in the review that made it seem like you never found them funny...

[Willo290592]

what you haven't taken into account is the fact that these songs are genuinly catchy. I've just listened through on youtube (cos i'm cheap), and theres not one song i haven't grinned at or felt myself getting into. you can't review an album becuase it sounds similar to another. you have to review it based on what is on the disk. and what is on the disk is witty and charming.

[Blink-O]

i'm listening to the album right now... and actually it doesnt sound bad at all. i mean sure... its nuthin special at all (far from that), but it IS a fun cd... from beginning till end. and i mean seriously, what do you guys expect from them?! :D they totally delivered what i expected. hence: i'm satisfied.

[ericsounds41]

haha.

[TheInfamousAdam]

I'm offended that the Bloodhound Gang's razor sharp wit was even remotely compared to Bowling for Soup. Haha.
I agree completely! Bloodhound gang have some of the best lyrics I've ever heard in music. So good, I dare to call them genius. "We are the mustaches the Beatles grew when they dropped acid\"

[Chris Fallon]

That's much much better written than what you posted up top, seriously. I get that some of the songs of this album are less than desired (Hooray for beer. Ouch.), but there are some seriously good melodies in this thing. "I don't wish you were dead anymore", and "Me with no you" are catchy as hell, and even "Really Cool Dance Song" is totally different sounding to their old stuff, and despite a little spoken silly bit half way through, is a damn good tune in my opinion. And you can't deny that even if "My Wena" is immature , lyrically it's actually quite clever.

And about "Great Burrito Extortion Case" album, I completely agree that there were only a few decent ones on that.. but When We Die ended up as one of their all time best songs.

Thanks for coming up with an actual decent opinioned review also.

EDIT: Also yeah, BFS are a joke/humour band, it was merely some of your phrasing in the review that made it seem like you never found them funny...
I actually love my review -- I think there are still plenty things wrong with a 37 year old man singing about being young love and calling his band "punk." It actually makes me mad. "My Wena" bugs me even more due to that fact -- I honestly find nothing funny or clever about it. Pop-punk bands can be witty (Relient K is good at it) and humor in music can certainly be refreshing (The Vandals, NOFX, even the Offspring) ... BFS just wants to show you they can say the same joke with a kinda-new melody... and it fails so hard.

[Chris Fallon]

i'm listening to the album right now... and actually it doesnt sound bad at all. i mean sure... its nuthin special at all (far from that), but it IS a fun cd... from beginning till end. and i mean seriously, what do you guys expect from them?! :D they totally delivered what i expected. hence: i'm satisfied.
Being fun is no excuse for lacking freshness or anything inventive -- plenty of bands execute the same idea/concept much, much better.

[Jaysus]

I actually love my review -- I think there are still plenty things wrong with a 37 year old man singing about being young love and calling his band "punk." It actually makes me mad. "My Wena" bugs me even more due to that fact -- I honestly find nothing funny or clever about it. Pop-punk bands can be witty (Relient K is good at it) and humor in music can certainly be refreshing (The Vandals, NOFX, even the Offspring) ... BFS just wants to show you they can say the same joke with a kinda-new melody... and it fails so hard.
You ever met BFS? They're really honestly like that, in person, and I don't think they really take the whole "punk" bit too seriously. They are funny, but 'pop-punk' just seems to be the genre that got slapped on them and they went with it.

Also, I think "the offspring" would be one band that are too old and past it to be original or anything anymore.. they really do have the same riff in every song.

This album though, they have less 'funny' songs than their previous albums overall, and i honestly think that it worked out for them this time, and am definitely looking forward to seeing a lot of these songs live.. But yeah, I do get your point that they are older now, but it isn't an act really so at least they have that.

[prefix-core]

I agree completely! Bloodhound gang have some of the best lyrics I've ever heard in music. So good, I dare to call them genius. "We are the mustaches the Beatles grew when they dropped acid\"
I think you might be over-selling it. Haha. But I do think they're more intelligent/witty than they're given credit for.

[Gregory Robson]

Hey, whoa, over-analayzer! BFS is, has and always will be a "joke band" -- just because I think they aren't to be taken seriously doesn't mean I am not allowed to enjoy some of their songs off the cuff. They make dumb, lighthearted, feel-good music ... but their last album wasn't fantastic -- had a few good songs, but I prefer their 2002-2004 material more. However, like a joke that runs too long, this album is trying to continue something that needs to change. The band is literally chasing its own tail in amusement and everyone has left whatever party they are throwing because, let's face it -- it's not very funny after so long. Every song here is just trashy, redundant crap. I didn't ever expect the band to change, but it honestly feels like they are beating a field of dead horses. It is embarrassing.
Well said hermano.

[Chris Fallon]

You ever met BFS? They're really honestly like that, in person, and I don't think they really take the whole "punk" bit too seriously. They are funny, but 'pop-punk' just seems to be the genre that got slapped on them and they went with it.

Also, I think "the offspring" would be one band that are too old and past it to be original or anything anymore.. they really do have the same riff in every song.

This album though, they have less 'funny' songs than their previous albums overall, and i honestly think that it worked out for them this time, and am definitely looking forward to seeing a lot of these songs live.. But yeah, I do get your point that they are older now, but it isn't an act really so at least they have that.
I'm not doubting they are like that in real-life -- but personally, I find it pretty pathetic and half-assed. They've never considered trying out a new angle? Their name does prevent them from being anything serious, but as much "fun" as it is... they score no points with me for wearing something out. As for the Offspring, I was talking about their lyricism -- they write sarcastic punk songs I'd actually like to hear from BFS. All the synthesizer touches and cheesy "happy happy joy joy" lyrics are just blah. And then they keep writing songs about love that circle around one theme ("Love Goes Boom") that makes me want to throw rocks at school kids. So bad.

Point is, I find their shtick to be old and tired, and that's pretty much that. Opinions are gonna vary, and I'm happy you like them -- I just don't see anything worthy of praise here.

[inthemidst]

You sir, never cease to crack me up enough with your reviews.

[rawspinner]

I think Chris Fallon is tackling Chevelle. He beat me to the punch. Too bad. I dig their new stuff.
Blaring "This Type of Thinking..." in my friends car while I was in high school was a greta memory.

[Gregory Robson]

Blaring "This Type of Thinking..." in my friends car while I was in high school was a greta memory.
For me as well. Only I was in college then. Cheers, mate.

[Steeeve Perry]

I doubt this will earn them another Grammy nomination then?

[Metal Now]

Awesome review, man.

[timb89]

the gabe interview is out?

[timb89]

I agree completely! Bloodhound gang have some of the best lyrics I've ever heard in music. So good, I dare to call them genius. "We are the mustaches the Beatles grew when they dropped acid\"
i don't see how that's an overly clever lyric.

[TheInfamousAdam]

i don't see how that's an overly clever lyric.
Well that one isn't in particular, I just like it lol... that song though. I thought they were jokes at first... but damn do they know how to write a song!

[zachff]

This review was a solid way to start my morning with a laugh

[pennie]

ouch

[JuneJuly]

Is it sad that I know all the lyrics to 1985? :P

[tanyanafosho]

They have 7 records?! I've only heard 2 songs from them since they first started.

[nerdvglc]

even if i were to totally disregard the entire review, i woulld never buy this album, or even listen for free, based on the track titles alone. none of them are clever. #5 & 13 are the only ones i might consider, but i can't really even give them the benefit of the doubt on this one. i don't mean to come off as a follower or anything, but i can just really tell i would probably feel the same way about the record on my own. lame.

[nerdvglc]

Get a new friend.
you left me no choice but to lol this.

[Zachals]

Don't ask me why but I <3 Chevelle. Most people never expect that out of me, but it's true.
they have some really good stuff! 'Well Enough Alone' is great. i even like 'The Red'

[anamericangod]

Love how it's gotten to a point where even Staff makes fun of the Gabe interview situation.

Hilarious review. This band is horrible.

[TERRABITHIA]

Is is sad that I laugh hysterically when watching the "My Wena" music video. C'mon! It's quite hilarious. But agreed that BFS blows.

[radxbandit]

I'm considering doing Alice in Chains, Chevelle, Pearl Jam and Three Days Grace to cap off our "mainstream rock" section for the month.
I would actually love a Pearl Jam review. That new single is solid.

You win the award for best introduction for a review :-d

[radxbandit]

Love how it's gotten to a point where even Staff makes fun of the Gabe interview situation.

Hilarious review. This band is horrible.
What's the whole thing about the Gabe interview? I've seen posts referencing this topic for a while, but I can't really figure it out...

[Nick Hull]

what's wrong with Seth MacFarlane?

[rsshortstack22]

Ouch.

[YourNewestSam]

what's wrong with Seth MacFarlane?

He repeats his jokes as much as BFS.

[Nick Hull]

He repeats his jokes as much as BFS.
oh, okay. that I agree with.

[Corgkowznor]

Haha they aren't so much terrible as they are incredibly repetitive. After three albums, you can already hear what songs are included on the albums without ever having to listen.
One-X I think is a good modern rock album...I listened to the new album though, and there are maybe two tracks that stand out at all.

[Corgkowznor]

This band was catapulted to fame from 1985, which if I remember correctly, and I've been wrong like three times before, was not even written by the band...it was a contest or an outreach by the band and some female college student from oregon or somewhere won the contest and so they recorded that song...

And that's the only leg they have to stand on...and it broke a long time ago.

[Jaysus]

This band was catapulted to fame from 1985, which if I remember correctly, and I've been wrong like three times before, was not even written by the band...it was a contest or an outreach by the band and some female college student from oregon or somewhere won the contest and so they recorded that song...

And that's the only leg they have to stand on...and it broke a long time ago.
Totally wrong.

1985 was written by Mitch Allen of SR71 who thought it sounded more like a Bowling For Soup song than it did a SR71 Song, and gave permission to BFS to record their own re-worked version of it, which is the song everyone knows nowadays.

Make it 4 times you've been wrong :)

[showstopper]

The rating is too low and comparing to shitty music by neon pop punk retards,the rating should be in the 50's.

[denissuxx]

Oh yeah, and here's some proof:

http://i34.tinypic.com/vxm5w2.jpg

Say whaaaaat? Argument's been put up for sale because I just owned it.

But... the play counts are mostly 0?

[Chris Fallon]

But... the play counts are mostly 0?
I recently reset my entire library. Besides, I'm rarely ever in the mood to listen to BFS consecutively. They are a "shuffle" band for me.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Hey, whoa, over-analayzer! BFS is, has and always will be a "joke band" -- just because I think they aren't to be taken seriously doesn't mean I am not allowed to enjoy some of their songs off the cuff. They make dumb, lighthearted, feel-good music ... but their last album wasn't fantastic -- had a few good songs, but I prefer their 2002-2004 material more. However, like a joke that runs too long, this album is trying to continue something that needs to change. The band is literally chasing its own tail in amusement and everyone has left whatever party they are throwing because, let's face it -- it's not very funny after so long. Every song here is just trashy, redundant crap. I didn't ever expect the band to change, but it honestly feels like they are beating a field of dead horses. It is embarrassing.
You make it sound like this album is practically a pop-punk Relapse.

[Chris Fallon]

You make it sound like this album is practically a pop-punk Relapse.
Ha, actually not a bad comparison. Eminem's shenanigans have gotten long in the tooth and both acts fare better when they ditch their gimmicky shtick in favor of more serious material.

[denissuxx]

I recently reset my entire library. Besides, I'm rarely ever in the mood to listen to BFS consecutively. They are a "shuffle" band for me.
Excuses, excuses ;-)

[skatfree]

Ok, shut the fuck up. this album was awesome, fuck you all.

[:-)]

Don't ask me why but I <3 Chevelle. Most people never expect that out of me, but it's true.
+1. Chevelle review please?

edit: Oh.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Ha, actually not a bad comparison. Eminem's shenanigans have gotten long in the tooth and both acts fare better when they ditch their gimmicky shtick in favor of more serious material.
True (well, for Eminem, at least). It really says something how out of all the songs on Relapse that Em streamed on his myspace, Beautiful is the one with the most plays. For what it's worth, he's stated in an interview that Relapse 2 is more "emotionally driven". Hopefully he's riding the wave he started with The Eminem Show, but we'll see.

It really sounds like R2 will be an improvement of sorts over R1.

[TimT]

they get played on radio disney alot, but are not a disney band. prolly just cuz their music is as week as the jonas bros.

and am i the only one who not only doesnt despise nu metal, but [gasp] thinks its pretty good? Korn, Deftones, Disturbed, Slipknot, Godsmack, Mudvayne [hell even LP in their early years] are all great and respected bands. So srsly wats the deal?


Deftones kind of don't belong in that group IMO

[Chrisj182]

Totally agree, Hangover you don't deserve was their best album to date, and it's gone awful since then for them.

[PunkMeUp]

"If this collection of songs does not make you smile, you are quite possibly dead or a miserable person that should not ever be allowed to pet puppies or hold babies."

That's in the liner notes to the CD.

[SATSJIM]

I guess it's refreshing to me to see a band stick to their immature guns and just do what they do, while poking fun at all the bands who started off as pop punk and are now dance core. While everyone else is busy saying oh we wanted to make our sound more "mature" they are just trying to have a good time, my hat's off to these guys! Have always loved them, although i wasn't a big fan of the great burrito extortion case...... But love this album!!!!!

[FelipeRocha]

There is a philosopher called The Joker that once said: "Why so serious?". I think we should all try to see things from this point of view.

I mean, I admit that I was a little embarrassed while listening to the album for the first times. But when I stopped analysing it and just tried to enjoy it, the result was good!

Of course, there are a few tracks that I still cannot listen to because they are just bad, such as "I Gotchoo", "Love Goes Boom" and "If Only". But the other songs are very likeable (come on, "I Don't Wish You Were Dead Anymore" and "A Really Cool Dance Song" are aweasome!)

Maybe I just can't understand you guys' sense of humor, maybe it's all a matter of culture (I'm brazilian, after all) or maybe it's just a personal thing, but I liked the album.

And here's a tip: don't take it so seriously. As a famous brazilian politician (who is an asshole) once said: "relax and cum". Turn off your brains and have fun!

[sniperanim]

BFS!!!!BFS!! This is an absolute genius album. if you have followed BFS for a while and actually understand BFS u will love this album. it's catchy, lyrics are funny, they have a large variety of songs (none of them sound the same), they are great, funny guys. i saw them live in 2009 and everyone loved them of all ages.

[Candy654]

It's nice to hear early 00's pop punk in this era but it has its flaws... if your in middle school like me you'll laugh at My Wena and No Hablo Ingles

[MBIIdollaBill]

Deftones kind of don't belong in that group IMO
Well yea they are probably on a plane of their own, i must agree

[MBIIdollaBill]

+1. Chevelle review please?

edit: Oh.
yea outta their genre of mainstream hard rock or w/e they are the best. somehow i feel them more than 3 days grace or breaking benjamin and all those other acts

[Candy654]

Laughed twice through the whole album.

[DPDurden]

It pains me to think that BFS has fallen so far, but also to think that people will base their entire opinion off of this one album. Try out the others! They're a pretty talented group of guys (or at least they were)

[Avenging Angel]

Whoa. Harsh.
Really, I have to say I love this band. You're right on some points -- "My Wena" literally made me cringe. But I think BFS is doing this kind of stuff because they like it, not to please anyone else. And I think that's pretty cool.