Say Anything - Say Anything

[Adam Pfleider]

Say Anything – Say Anything
Release Date: November 3, 2009
Record Label: RCA

Max Bemis isn't pissed anymore. Well, he's still got a bit of a chip on his shoulder about a few things, but when you just got hitched to a beautiful singer, wife Sherri Dupree of Eisley, why would you continue to be a shell of a man, one that seems bitter at the world they're playing their heart out in? Bemis is no longer the little kid scared of the world, maturing from a real boy to a kid set to save it. The band's self-titled isn't the double disc venture of last time, but a compact one still attempting different elements of pop: some great, some confusing, all Say Anything.

From the start of the disc, the band's attempts of "pop," or something like it, are well received through the guitar work of the opening "Fed to Death." For a second, the opener shines over the city, and possibly sounds as uplifting as anything from Andrew McMahon vocally, but lyrically, a religious open forum, two stories, the later obviously about Jesus Christ.

Piano leads into the album's first single, a bitter seeded (or hyperbolic tongue in cheek) Disney sing-a-long that has Bemis, well, hating everyone and everything on "Hate Everyone." Bemis, through happier instruments, still wears a bit of animosity on his sleeve ("Rich hippie girl with a gas guzzler/forced myself to fall in love with her/she was so strung out she'd swear it never occurred/the honkey king went back on his word/the next one did the same/the blind leading the lame"). This may be what throws older listeners off. The bitten tongue of Bemis and the expected bite of his band has been replaced by the unexpected upbeat backing of strings and hand-claps ("Do Better"), piano drives ("Eloise") and clean guitar strums ("Cemetery").

Say Anything isn't without its heavy side. The guitar solo feels right on the quick paced middle and end of "Mara and Me," and the fuzz and drive of "She Won't Follow You" will surely make one remember their days of quick riffs and Drive-Thru. Bemis still has his writing prowess with lines like, "They say rebellion exists in despair and their ironic facial hair/the devil may, or may not care."

Sure, ballads like "Cemetery," and the synthesize backdrop of the "Really Max? You wrote a song like 'Admit It!' I can't believe you wrote a cheese chorus like this" mid-album "Crush'd" won't set well with older fans, but after the bright angst of "Young, Dumb and Stung," the album closes with what could be one of the best songs of the band's career, "Ahhh...Men." Bemis and distant guitar begin the closer, leading into the track's choral line to back Bemis' crescendo'd rant, "There's a crack in the edge at the end of the world/where i will sit with my love in its fluorescent swirl/eat us up, break it down in the tiniest cell/in our room with a view and a window to hell-/with those who bury bodies and the barrels of fun/who will march through museums that display what they've done/they'll be shot up through the sky by a cannon of sin/who will reluctantly let them in."

The album's closer and mood seem to sum up Say Anything's, and especially Bemis', feelings on how this record will be perceived. Say Anything have put together an album of songs that seems fit to have a self-titled behind it, because this album isn't as unexpected as many listeners are finding it. Hell, Bemis says it himself: "Wait a second- I can't write the same damn song over and over again." No good band should, instead, constantly growing and trying new things, even if sometimes they are the only ones that get it.

1. Fed to Death
2. Hate Everyone
3. Do Better
4. Less Cute
5. Eloise
6. Mara and Me
7. Crush'd
8. She Won't Follow You
9. Cemetary
10. Property
11. Death For My Birthday
12. Young Dumb and Stung
13. Ahhh... Men

The Starting Line's Based on a True Story; Jack's Mannequin's Everything in Transit; The Format's Interventions and Lullabies

[TheHeretic]

Very well written review, although I don't think as highly of the album as you. Good album nonetheless.

[Chris Fallon]

Great stuff Adam! I like this album more than the last one, but still think it has a few problems. "Ahhh... Men" is irresistible and despite a few snoozers, it holds up better than I expected it to with me.

[BozzBlonde]

Amazing album. Listening to it on repeat at the moment.

[DanTGD]

Loved the album, really loving "She Won't Follow You" and "Less Cute"

[blimpcityhero11]

Love this album... Much better than their last effort, but it's hard to determine the lasting value at this point. "Do Better" is so good though...

[notfallingapart]

Excellent album. Surprised me completely.

[heroesofthepast]

i love this album so much max really matured from IARB to SAS/T anyone notice the "Belt" reference in Mara and Me? god i fucking love this band
and this review was really well written do work adam

[Eminor3rd]

Incredibly vague. Do you like it?

[Mattylikesfilms]

I liked about almost half of this album.. Maybe it will grow on me?

[tisTriNkA]

majorly in love with this album! reminds me of was a real boy with just a pinch of in defense, channeling is a real boy and an older, matured opinion and voice. do better is the best song on the album imo, followed by young, dumb, and stung. looking forward to hear the b-sides.

[alilbravetoaste]

I like it better than IDOTG, there's a lot more cool songs on the album. "Do Better" is my current favorite.

[stereokiller]

Say Anything has never put out a bad record since ...Is A Real Boy IMO. And this one is no exception.

[BozzBlonde]

I like it better than IDOTG, there's a lot more cool songs on the album. "Do Better" is my current favorite.
Agreed. But I'm not really sure I can like an album more than another. They're all unique and amazing in their own way.

[JordanBuell]

those are some odd recommend if you likes

[Travis Parno]

I like it better than IDOTG, there's a lot more cool songs on the album. "Do Better" is my current favorite.
i tend to agree, and "Do Better" is my current fav too! :wave:

[blinkme]

Love this album... Much better than their last effort, but it's hard to determine the lasting value at this point. "Do Better" is so good though...
'Do Better' is gorgeous.

[Lund27J]

From the start of the disc, the band's attempts of "pop," or something like it, are well received through the guitar work of brothers Jake and Jeff Turner on the opening "Fed to Death."

I'm almost 100% positive that Jake and Jeff definitely didn't have any "guitar work" on this album either.

[blimpcityhero11]

those are some odd recommend if you likes
Agreed. I don't think any of those necessarily fit. However, I really think it's because Say Anything are so unique as a band... I honestly can't think of anyone to compare them to.

I'm almost 100% positive that Jake and Jeff definitely didn't have any "guitar work" on this album either.

True statement. I've had the album since Thursday (randomly found it early at a local record store) and the album credits Max (vocals, keys, guitar, programming), Coby (vocals, drums, percussion, programming), and Alex (bass, some percussion) for the studio work. Of course, Jake, Jeff, and Parker are all recognized as members of and live performers for the band though.

[rocco_iii]

nice review, good point about 'Cemetery' and their harder side.

check out my thoughts on the new album ---> http://soularpoweredmusic.wordpress.com/2009/10/29/say-anything-self-titled/

[runningohfive]

It took me a couple of listens to get me into this album and I do very much enjoy it.

[Short-Lived]

Love this album! Great review

[x13looDx]

Great album

[xapplexpiex]

I plan on picking this up today. Even though I liked IDOTG, I hope it's better.

[scott!athedisco]

loving this. "i love you more than i hate my period" is damn near unlistenable though...

wishing the deluxe edition could have had that acoustic version of crush'd

[I am Mick]

I liked a couple of the songs, but overall it was kind of boring. Better than IDOTG though

[Garett Press]

I think IDOTG gets way too much hate! It stretched the band a bit thin but every song is pretty solid if you enjoy SA. So many great moments - you just have to be willing to commit to the length.

The whole timeline it covers paints a really vivid image in my head as well.

[RonStoppable]

I love this album, though I wouldn't say it lived up to my ridiculous expectations. Great review.

[fobmcrafi6]

I'm totally apart from this album when i read the article from marvel saying it was going to be like a super hero-esque album, i was excccccited. This is nothing like that and i'm not shure if i'm too happy on this albums mark of greatness.

[drivethru715]

those are some odd recommend if you likes
I actually agree with the BOATS rec, it actually makes a lot of sense after you give SA/ST a listen-through.
Also, if there are any SA fans who were nervous as to the direction of the record after listening to property, you will be glad to know it does a poor job of representing the overall feel of the album.

Awesome review, awesome record.

[overoverme]

I totally agree with the sentiments on Ahhh Men.
When I saw youtubes of this live, I got goosebumps.
Naturally, they AREN'T playing this on the tour, and they should be.

[Chemical Love]

I'm not really a fan of it. There are some decent songs but I miss the more punk rock feel they used to have.

[maxjesseken]

I can't say I agree with the comment about "Cemetery". He's saying that older fans most likely won't like that song? I love the song, and it's one of my favorites so far. I definitely wouldn't put "Crush'd" in the same category as "Cemetery."

[gnp8472]

not this good. well written, but there's no way it's this good.

[NateFoundGlory]

I'm not really a fan of it. There are some decent songs but I miss the more punk rock feel they used to have.

Damnint, you changed it back to "punk"...

I need to pick this album up today. Great review.

[Moira Amiss]

why are people complaining about so many of the lyrics? especially on "do better." the verses are awesome, and just because the chorus is simple doesn't mean the song sucks. i'm sorry, but even the most amazing writers write simple (yet effective) lines. not every line has to be "the most amazing line ever written."

anyhoo, i still can't stop laughing every time i hear the spoken word part of "property," especially since it's behind Max's love song, hahahaha!

oh, and if i ever start a Say Anything tribute band, dibs on the name Max's Bemis!

[Anything1216]

I think property is the worst song on the album. Crush'd is pretty good if i try to ignore the words. Everything else is awesome.

[MReprogle]

I was just thinking the same thing. While I loved The Starting Line's Based On A True Story, I can't really picture Say Anything doing that style..

[RiCCioLi]

by far my least favorite full length SA album to date. its just not fun

[atticus18244fss]

Do Better is the best song on the album

[_><_]

Their worst album so far.

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

enjoying this more then i thought i would have.

[WhoSaidThat?]

I think IDOTG gets way too much hate! It stretched the band a bit thin but every song is pretty solid if you enjoy SA. So many great moments - you just have to be willing to commit to the length.

The whole timeline it covers paints a really vivid image in my head as well.
This. I'm really sick of saying that, but it applies

And awesome review. I honestly did not expect to like every song on this album this time around.

[jtyexists9]

Shall check it, last album in my opinion was atrocious. I dig Bemis' writing style though.

[tpnations]

Tongue in cheek.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Their worst album so far.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KsROmkzxqyc/SdoW_t3mBII/AAAAAAAAAGE/WCdyfteT39w/s400/baseball.jpg?

[_><_]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KsROmkzxqyc/SdoW_t3mBII/AAAAAAAAAGE/WCdyfteT39w/s400/baseball.jpg?
Oh. I totally forgot about that one.


I have never listened to it actually, so i have no idea about it.

[TwoTongues]

absolutely love this album. The review didn't feel very deep and I've grown somewhat tired of the opening about max not being so mad/sad/crazy anymore, but glad it got high marks. Still waiting for my box to arrive and very eager to find and hear all the bsides now too.

[tossit]

Great review for an amazing record

[Cliff Diver]

Mara and Me is a fuckin' jam

Great record.

Fed to Death, Less Cute, Mara and Me, Cemetery & Ahhh... Men are all great tracks

[SteveD]

I love this album so much. It is so so good.

[theMIKEman]

Seeing as how I love every album in the RIYL section, I think I'll check this out.

[Broclee]

I feel like I'm the only person that actually enjoys Crush'd. I don't know why, but I just do.

[Drew Beringer]

I love Crush'd and I love this album.

[wroteurname]

Some great songs, a lot of good ones, a couple iffy ones.

[Drew Beringer]

I think IDOTG gets way too much hate! It stretched the band a bit thin but every song is pretty solid if you enjoy SA. So many great moments - you just have to be willing to commit to the length.

The whole timeline it covers paints a really vivid image in my head as well.
yeah IDOTG is still my favorite SA album.

[DI Pistola]

Enjoying the hell out of this record. I'm really not as divided over the change in sound as I thought I'd be.

[bones jones]

nice review. this is more of a question of clarity though because you mention jeff and jake's guitar work but i thought i read that max was still playing all the guitars and keys in the studio, and that only he, coby, and alex did the recording and the rest of the band was still sort of a "live band" only. can you confirm?

edit: someone else already asked, sorry.

[rawspinner]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KsROmkzxqyc/SdoW_t3mBII/AAAAAAAAAGE/WCdyfteT39w/s400/baseball.jpg?

dude baseball was worth it alone for "All Choked Up".

Anyone have their performance on Fallon from last night?

[tyramail]

i am loving this album to pieces. i think it's enjoyable throughout and i "do better" is probably my favorite so far.

[Charles777]

This is a major grower.

[t00latef0rr0ses]

gotta say, disappointing.

[marleymartin22]

dude baseball was worth it alone for "All Choked Up".

Anyone have their performance on Fallon from last night?

http://www.hulu.com/watch/106169/late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-mon-nov-2-2009

It's the whole episode but you can easily skip to the end.

[panicbxmb]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KsROmkzxqyc/SdoW_t3mBII/AAAAAAAAAGE/WCdyfteT39w/s400/baseball.jpg?
Baseball rules. every song on that is perfect. maybe it's not their best, but there's no reason to single it out.

[Holly HoX!]

"She won't follow you" is still one of my only favorites on the album.

[rawspinner]

http://www.hulu.com/watch/106169/late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-mon-nov-2-2009

It's the whole episode but you can easily skip to the end.

unfortunately hulu doesn't work in canada.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

I totally agree with the sentiments on Ahhh Men.
When I saw youtubes of this live, I got goosebumps.
Naturally, they AREN'T playing this on the tour, and they should be.
I agree. One of the best songs they've ever written.

[Kapa73]

those are some odd recommend if you likes
exactly what I was thinking.

[Adam Pfleider]

those are some odd recommend if you likes
I seriously thought the first song had Max sounding like Andrew and a few of the structures reminded me of the pop of Jack's Mannequin; I felt like this was the step-up like on The Starting Line's BOAS; it's attempts at pop reminded me of Dog Problems...yeah, SA is unique, that's for sure, but those albums definitely stuck out for me when listening to this all weekend...

[Lirr168]

Great review and fantastic RIYL choices.

[mrahmad666]

While this is nowhere near the pure ecstasy that is ...Is A Real Boy, I think this is a totally solid album. Its a hell of a lot better than In Defense of the Genre,which I find to be just awful, save Shiksa and About Falling,

[Adam Pfleider]

Agreed. I don't think any of those necessarily fit. However, I really think it's because Say Anything are so unique as a band... I honestly can't think of anyone to compare them to.



True statement. I've had the album since Thursday (randomly found it early at a local record store) and the album credits Max (vocals, keys, guitar, programming), Coby (vocals, drums, percussion, programming), and Alex (bass, some percussion) for the studio work. Of course, Jake, Jeff, and Parker are all recognized as members of and live performers for the band though.
noted. a lot of advances are digital these days. no notes. assumed.

[newfoundmichael]

yeah IDOTG is still my favorite SA album.
Mine too, but you really loved "Crush'd" ? I think you are the first I've seen, haha.

"She Won't Follow You" and "Mara and Me" are my favorites. "Do Better" is great too though.

Love this album though except for the one song.

[IceAge/HeatWave]

good record, which surprised me cuz i had no hope after hearing hate everyone and crush'd.

[Broclee]

I love Crush'd and I love this album.

:highfive:

[Yellowcard2006]

Great album. Great review. The last line made me think of TBS and how happy I am with New Again

[sweetfootaction]

All three of your RIYL's are better than this shit. Seriously.

"Did it hurt when you fell from heaven, girl? Did it hurt?" YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.

[HometownHero]

Can't wait to get this today

[mrahmad666]

All three of your RIYL's are better than this shit. Seriously.

"Did it hurt when you fell from heaven, girl? Did it hurt?" YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.
I have a feeling that's exactly the reaction Max Bemis was going for with that line. I don't know why.

[brentkid]

Awkwardly written review at some points.

Maybe I'll check this album out but I feel like Say Anything is incredibly overrated by some.

[Adam Pfleider]

Incredibly vague. Do you like it?
yeah, I did, except for a few songs. I don't think people should denounce it right away, it's a grower and shows the band attempting and mostly succeeding at new things.

[xapplexpiex]

I'm listening to this now. I love how each song has a specific part where I shout "whoa, I love this part."

IARB > s/t > IDOTG

[XLT917]

This is by far the biggest surprise album of 2009 for me, I love it. I was expecting not to like it because I'm not really a fan of anything else say anything has done but when I saw the crazy number of comments the news of the myspace stream got I decided to check it out and it just blew me away.

[yoyostring]

very pleased with this.

can't wait for their next record! :-)

[Nick Le]

Great review, I'm really enjoying this album. Didn't like it after the first listen, but it's a grower.

[bones jones]

i love crush'd too for the record

[bones jones]

I have a feeling that's exactly the reaction Max Bemis was going for with that line. I don't know why.
this.

it reminds me of his description of the whole is a real boy album where he said something along the lines of it culminates with the narrator being forced to write the cheesiest song he can imagine, the result being "i want to know your plans". it's supposed to be cheesy and cliche and obnoxious.

[denissuxx]

Too high. This album is so bad it's good (and I mean that in a good way)

[*Ro']

Kind of vague, I agree. Here's mine: http://dailymusicreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/say-anything-say-anything.html

[DanielJames]

Picking this up today.

From the stream I heard online, it sounds good. I'll have to sit down and really listen to it.

Although a lot of people hate this song, "Crush'd" was one of my favorites on first listen. "Hate Everyone" is my least favorite due to the fact that it sounds so odd when compared to the majority of the album.

[whyte39]

unfortunately hulu doesn't work in canada.
you can make it work.... http://hotspotshield.com/

[Mjk07]

thoroughly enjoyed this album

and i really liked crush'd... people are hating on a song he specifically wrote for his wife and that doesnt make any sense to me. He uses her name in it...

[TomAce]

It seems to me, that this band has really really lost their stride. Compare this with "...Is A Real Boy". Honestly, it's almost laughable. I'm not saying "make the same record" or anything like that, but to me, the passion and urgency that was great about Say Anything is completely gone. Case in point, hear the complexity and complete originality of Alive With The Glory Of Love and compare it with Hate Everyone, its Pinkerton to Raditude.

[semisonic30]

I think this album is getting better and better every time I play it. I absoultely love this album. Thank God they are back to form since their last album was a bit of a letdown to me.

[Memphis]

i would never give this 87%, imho it's something between 60 and 70 at most...

[Nightfox33]

Ahhh Men is eargasmic!

[brokenwings]

i hate "property" (is it irony or is the guy being serious... either way, i just don't like the song), but other than this is a really good album. and i've never liked SA to be honest... will have to check out the older stuff now

[brokenwings]

I love Crush'd and I love this album.
crush'd is so fucking cute. i love it. it's cool how the lyrics are so over the top cringe-worthy at the end that you know max is just fucking around a bit.
SA are apparently great at writing electronic pop songs. crush'd and do better are among my favorites on the album

[bones jones]

i don't get why people are so shocked that crush'd ended up sounding the way it does...my first time hearing it was that acoustic video from spin (i think?) where he CLEARLY says, "this song sounds like it's produced by timbaland on the album, but it won't here", and as far as i know that was the only other version of it around except for a few radio rips

[nebs19]

Sheri dupree ruined Say Anything, Lyrics are to soft and alot of the songs are missing hooks, like that crapy Crush song. This band will be never as good as 'is a real boy'. Just my opinion though, about 5 songs stick out the rest are to bland. Maxis mojo is gone......Shame

[BruisedxBroken]

I took a look back at this site's review for IDOTG and wonder if it was written purely on in the moment hype, because after repeated listens, it still sounds absolutely awful. This album, however, is a slight step back in the right direction...

[Gaugzilla]

It seems to me, that this band has really really lost their stride. Compare this with "...Is A Real Boy". Honestly, it's almost laughable. I'm not saying "make the same record" or anything like that, but to me, the passion and urgency that was great about Say Anything is completely gone. Case in point, hear the complexity and complete originality of Alive With The Glory Of Love and compare it with Hate Everyone, its Pinkerton to Raditude.
"Now, I'm not saying they should create the album again. But let's compare them and get mad because they didn't create the same album again."

[owiseone35]

Awkwardly written review at some points.

Maybe I'll check this album out but I feel like Say Anything is incredibly overrated by some.
This.

Album's alright nothing to drool over but it's pretty good.

[Lloyd Christmas]

i think baseball was a better album of theirs. i didn't enjoy IDOTG as much as the others.

[Ailite]

Love this record so much. Ahhh...Men just blows me away everytime.

[KillyourIdols88]

on my way to the store right now!

[Richard Maxim]

Really excited to hear the b-sides to this, Max says "I could be president" sounds like baseball meets IDOTG. Truth serum sounds amazing as well.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

I like it

good review. spot on.

[Eostre]

After a few listens, some tracks which I didn't like became so much better (See: She Won't Follow You). This album is pretty damn good, but again too many people compare it to IARB and that's not fair.

This album stands on it's own as a bloody good album, and I love it.

[nebs19]

After a few listens, some tracks which I didn't like became so much better (See: She Won't Follow You). This album is pretty damn good, but again too many people compare it to IARB and that's not fair.

This album stands on it's own as a bloody good album, and I love it.
I agree with you this should not be compared to IARB as it doesn't deserve to be. IARB is absolutely brilliant, lyrically,musically,vocally and the over all catchieness and lasting value. the new release is good, but so is so many generic pop punk albums. nothing makes it stand out. wont stop me listening to it for awhile, skipping a track here and there :)

[FlexMyHead]

I cant fucking stand when he talks in the middle of the songs, the worst is the "i can't write the same song over" but he also does it in the song that has the line about "throwing a ball just to see who drops it first". I mean seriously, he (as the song writer) expects us to enjoy stopping the song/music so he can say something as fucking cheesy as "i'm not going to write the same song over again"? Just write the songs you want to write, let us determine if we think it's the same song, aight? Funny thing that out of the stream on heard on myspace, the two songs that stood out the most happened to be the ones that sound the least like a guitar band, Crush'd and Do Better. Not saying they were the best songs, but they stood out. I don't understand why he has to put odd changes and parts in songs. Just write a catchy song dude, you aren't the Beatles.

[yoyostring]

I cant fucking stand when he talks in the middle of the songs, the worst is the "i can't write the same song over" but he also does it in the song that has the line about "throwing a ball just to see who drops it first". I mean seriously, he (as the song writer) expects us to enjoy stopping the song/music so he can say something as fucking cheesy as "i'm not going to write the same song over again"? Just write the songs you want to write, let us determine if we think it's the same song, aight? Funny thing that out of the stream on heard on myspace, the two songs that stood out the most happened to be the ones that sound the least like a guitar band, Crush'd and Do Better. Not saying they were the best songs, but they stood out. I don't understand why he has to put odd changes and parts in songs. Just write a catchy song dude, you aren't the Beatles.
oh shit...look the fuck out for this guy.

[zubinmoosa]

Great review! Still scrounging for a physical copy of this

[CheChe1455]

his albums have progressively gotten much worse

[brenByah]

I think this is the best album of their career.

[msdk1820]

crush'd sounds very cheesy.

[Crimson87]

no-ones mentioned "death for my birthday"? not even in the review?

[tisTriNkA]

no-ones mentioned "death for my birthday"? not even in the review?
I agree that is a great song, however I find myself being hesitant to sing along. so catchy, yet so dark. I feel as if I sing it I'm going to die on my birthday lol

[TheHeretic]

I cant fucking stand when he talks in the middle of the songs, the worst is the "i can't write the same song over" but he also does it in the song that has the line about "throwing a ball just to see who drops it first". I mean seriously, he (as the song writer) expects us to enjoy stopping the song/music so he can say something as fucking cheesy as "i'm not going to write the same song over again"? Just write the songs you want to write, let us determine if we think it's the same song, aight? Funny thing that out of the stream on heard on myspace, the two songs that stood out the most happened to be the ones that sound the least like a guitar band, Crush'd and Do Better. Not saying they were the best songs, but they stood out. I don't understand why he has to put odd changes and parts in songs. Just write a catchy song dude, you aren't the Beatles.

Could not possibly agree with you more.

[ExplodingStereo]

After two listens through, I gotta be honest: I like this even more than ...Is A Real Boy. I really enjoy both IARB and IDOTG, but I can never say I love those albums. Max is a great lyricist and musician, but I feel he could do so much better than constantly writing negative, self-loathing songs over and over. This album not only feels more focused, but more mature and encompases why I follow their music.

[ManicanParty49]

I really like this album.

I actually like "Crush'd" a lot...but I'm into cheesy songs I guess.

[if.i.toldyou]

anyone know where this album can be found in Canada?
no HMV's in the country have it yet, apparently.

[brenByah]

I enjoy the fact that Max Bemis writes lyrics tailor made for a quirky loser like me.

[tait]

a lot better than i expected it to be

[Broclee]

I cant fucking stand when he talks in the middle of the songs, the worst is the "i can't write the same song over" but he also does it in the song that has the line about "throwing a ball just to see who drops it first". I mean seriously, he (as the song writer) expects us to enjoy stopping the song/music so he can say something as fucking cheesy as "i'm not going to write the same song over again"? Just write the songs you want to write, let us determine if we think it's the same song, aight? Funny thing that out of the stream on heard on myspace, the two songs that stood out the most happened to be the ones that sound the least like a guitar band, Crush'd and Do Better. Not saying they were the best songs, but they stood out. I don't understand why he has to put odd changes and parts in songs. Just write a catchy song dude, you aren't the Beatles.

Max has been doing that from the beginning, what are you on?

[brenByah]

Max has been doing that from the beginning, what are you on?
QFT.

And to the orignal person quoted, a Beatles reference here makes no sense, I don't get it...

[threepunchjim]

Fun listening, but the lyrics score might be a little inflated. Ahhh...Men's great lyrics can't completely salvage the filler.

[NervousDestiny]

I cant fucking stand when he talks in the middle of the songs, the worst is the "i can't write the same song over" but he also does it in the song that has the line about "throwing a ball just to see who drops it first". I mean seriously, he (as the song writer) expects us to enjoy stopping the song/music so he can say something as fucking cheesy as "i'm not going to write the same song over again"? Just write the songs you want to write, let us determine if we think it's the same song, aight? Funny thing that out of the stream on heard on myspace, the two songs that stood out the most happened to be the ones that sound the least like a guitar band, Crush'd and Do Better. Not saying they were the best songs, but they stood out. I don't understand why he has to put odd changes and parts in songs. Just write a catchy song dude, you aren't the Beatles.
Why do you listen to Say Anything then? It's not like Max's monologues/rants are some new thing. Neither is the switching of genres and tempos in songs. I mean if you don't like that...then what do you like about the music?

[threepunchjim]

I cant fucking stand when he talks in the middle of the songs, the worst is the "i can't write the same song over" but he also does it in the song that has the line about "throwing a ball just to see who drops it first". I mean seriously, he (as the song writer) expects us to enjoy stopping the song/music so he can say something as fucking cheesy as "i'm not going to write the same song over again"? Just write the songs you want to write, let us determine if we think it's the same song, aight? Funny thing that out of the stream on heard on myspace, the two songs that stood out the most happened to be the ones that sound the least like a guitar band, Crush'd and Do Better. Not saying they were the best songs, but they stood out. I don't understand why he has to put odd changes and parts in songs. Just write a catchy song dude, you aren't the Beatles.
because the Beatles didn't right catchy songs...

[Eminor3rd]

yeah, I did, except for a few songs. I don't think people should denounce it right away, it's a grower and shows the band attempting and mostly succeeding at new things.
Thanks

[Larsfan]

dude baseball was worth it alone for "All Choked Up".

Anyone have their performance on Fallon from last night?

http://theaudioperv.com/2009/11/03/say-anything-hate-everyone-fallon-112-video/

[Larsfan]

I agree that is a great song, however I find myself being hesitant to sing along. so catchy, yet so dark. I feel as if I sing it I'm going to die on my birthday lol
haha me too! I just try to tell myself that my birthday's in a while and that i won't remember that i sang it or something...

[NickPeerSays]

I was a huge fan of IARB/WARB, but not so much their last one. This album sounds amazing though. I really like what they did with it and I really agree with your ratings.
Mara & Me, She Won't Let You In and Ahhh... Men are really great tracks!
Solid review.

[jordalsh]

With the BOATS riyl, I can imagine what the album will be like: very mature and more experimental, without losing the charm of the band. I can hear it from the five songs I've heard.

[jordalsh]

the Fallon performance was cool

[TheBaroness]

After hearing the pre-release tracks I wasn't expecting to like this album at all, but I was wrong. I'm enjoying this record immensely and can't get it out of my head. It's catchy, surprising, clever, and the melodies are to die for (and far beyond anything Say Anything has done before). Stand-out tracks for me: Eloise, Mara and Me, Fed to Death.

[yayitsjoe]

i love this record. i feel like this is a love it or hate it kind of deal.

[sean4123]

I absolutely can't understand how someone could say this album is better than IDOTG. That album was amazing and by far the bands masterpiece. Don't you remember when that album came out? It was on everyones top ten album of the year!

[beampointyshoe]

I absolutely can't understand how someone could say this album is better than IDOTG. That album was amazing and by far the bands masterpiece. Don't you remember when that album came out? It was on everyones top ten album of the year!
dude get past it.....enjoy what is now and go back to old if you need and when you need...its ok to love both for different reasons.

[InBetweenAisles]

Really enjoyed this album.

[nickthehick2]

I love it. It's a major improvement since IDOTG. Not quite ...Is a Real Boy though,
I like the style they're going with. Also whoever they have doing the backup vocals on this album (guitarists?) have awesome voices.

Can't wait til I see them next week.

[NateFoundGlory]

Just bought it, and upon my first listen, I am loving "Do Better". It's a damn good cd.

[grimis16]

"did it hurt? did it hurt? did it hurt when you fell from heaven girl?" - crush'd, reminds me of mxpx's song "do your feet hurt"

[brenByah]

I love it. It's a major improvement since IDOTG. Not quite ...Is a Real Boy though,
I like the style they're going with. Also whoever they have doing the backup vocals on this album (guitarists?) have awesome voices.

Can't wait til I see them next week.
I believe the background vocals on the record are actually the drummer, but live the guitarists handle it. I remember hearing Max say in an interview that this album would showcase Coby as a second vocalist.

[bloodyr0mance87]

good review. that's a serious RIYL list that is certainly the tipping point for me buying this album sooner rather than later.

[Sabbytage]

Bought the album. Its been on repeat all day. I must say, I thought Hate Everyone was catchy, but I was not convinced about this album. Bought it today and can't stop playing it. Really loving Mara and Me, She Won't follow you, Property all the way through to Ahh...men.

Do better is quite catchy and I suppose this album's equivalent to "Wow I can get sexual". I enjoy it and after listening to the song just a hand full of times, Max's lyrics stick, like they always do, and I basically have the song memorized. Also, I do enjoy Crush'd, again its possibly the equivalent to "Walk through hell", although there will NEVER be another Walk through hell and I've come to terms with that.

All in all, I give the album an 8.8/10. The album deserves more than one listen though because you will miss things with just one listen. Give it a chance, its a clear progression and a definite step in the right direction. I'm happy with this album.

[walshknilb281]

9.5 on lyrics? get real

You can't say the lyrics in Crush'd are terrible and then give the album as a whole a 9.5 on lyrics, even though i actually like that song.

There are some other real winners on this too

"Yet somehow the Kings of Leon still find time to write songs about girls, at least those dudes have no allusions of angst and hopelessness" Maybe I'm missing the joke but that lyric sucks

"If you dont sleep with me there will be no rest for you
until the day your broke
until you drop and choke
I'll be your man
this much I know"

Sounds like Bemis found my 7th grade notebook under the lunchtable.

Don't get me wrong the albums decent but gimme a break with a 9.5 on lyrics

[roche]

I personally loved "Less Cute" the most from this album.

[overdrive91]

I really like it. I liked it better than their previous effort.

[birtcho]

the last paragraph sums up alot of what users on this site are not about

[SLADE775]

lol

[introduction]

i love this album, and i get the feeling that this is one of those albums that i'll treasure. it also makes me think max bemis can save the world, if the new say anything comes out before 2012.

[justinbeavers]

This album blows my mind. It is everything I could ask for in a Say Anything CD.

[opalfine]

the last paragraph sums up alot of what users on this site are not about

QFT. If the members here could have their way, IARB:Part Two would've been put out a loooong time ago. hell, maybe even a P3, too.
This is something I admire in SA. Their sound is constantly changing, yet they're still able to keep (most of.) their fans loving it.

[pete70x7]

Do Better is amazing right now

[TwoTongues]

already loved the album but just listening to the secret origin acoustic demos now has me appreciating it so much more! awesome stuff

[antimatter]

i'm not feeling it.
IDOTG hit me pretty much instantly.

only 3 songs do anything for me at all.

[roberthuston]

I think this album hit it higher than what I was expecting. To me, it seems a bit more mature and thoughtful. I am glad the reviewer acknowledged the "aww...men" song, which is definitely my favorite on the album. I would recommend people to buy it.

But the "Recommended If You Like" section at the bottom is horrible. They mentioned by far the worst album The Startling Line put out, and for the other two? Really, Last.Fm or my iTunes Genius could of picked closer matches than the Format and Jack Mann.

Good album though!

[mshoreline49]

i like what i've heard so far. this might be a stretch, but any chance that in fed to death the allentown and nazareth he mentions are the towns in eastern pennsylvania? probably just a coincidence but i still got pumped

[bones jones]

i like what i've heard so far. this might be a stretch, but any chance that in fed to death the allentown and nazareth he mentions are the towns in eastern pennsylvania? probably just a coincidence but i still got pumped

the man from nazareth he's talking about is jesus...

[bones jones]

I think this album hit it higher than what I was expecting. To me, it seems a bit more mature and thoughtful. I am glad the reviewer acknowledged the "aww...men" song, which is definitely my favorite on the album. I would recommend people to buy it.

But the "Recommended If You Like" section at the bottom is horrible. They mentioned by far the worst album The Startling Line put out, and for the other two? Really, Last.Fm or my iTunes Genius could of picked closer matches than the Format and Jack Mann.

Good album though!
boats is the best starting line album imo

[likelions]

I actually liked "Crush'd" a lot except for the chorus where he repeats "I have a total crush on you, baby" which is much too cheesy for me and reminds me of Mandy Moore's song "Crush."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tQfEgfXZ1Y

y/n ?

[punkDbass]

i just bought this yesterday and its amazing, definitely more poppy than there older stuff but still the Say Anything i know and love, max is my hero

[brenByah]

This may be my favorite SA album, there isn't a song I don't like.

[threepunchjim]

already loved the album but just listening to the secret origin acoustic demos now has me appreciating it so much more! awesome stuff
yeah i've been enjoying those secret origins jams too. Fed to Death sounds especially better there than on the album.

[shimmyshakes]

Boring. Do not like.

[hochtk]

Better than IDOTG, but doesn't even come close to the brilliance of Is A Real Boy. I miss the creative musical arrangements and cryptic lyrics. The new stuff is fun and catchy but lacks the artistic qualities of IARB.

[Mjk07]

9.5 on lyrics? get real

You can't say the lyrics in Crush'd are terrible and then give the album as a whole a 9.5 on lyrics, even though i actually like that song.

There are some other real winners on this too

"Yet somehow the Kings of Leon still find time to write songs about girls, at least those dudes have no allusions of angst and hopelessness" Maybe I'm missing the joke but that lyric sucks

"If you dont sleep with me there will be no rest for you
until the day your broke
until you drop and choke
I'll be your man
this much I know"

Sounds like Bemis found my 7th grade notebook under the lunchtable.

Don't get me wrong the albums decent but gimme a break with a 9.5 on lyrics
first, how do those lyrics suck? cause they mention the Kings of Leon?

second, so... you were an extremely abusive controlling boyfriend in 7th grade?

i respect your opinion but im gonna ignore it

i give your post a 6.25

[brenByah]

first, how do those lyrics suck? cause they mention the Kings of Leon?

second, so... you were an extremely abusive controlling boyfriend in 7th grade?

i respect your opinion but im gonna ignore it

i give your post a 6.25
Really? cause I give his post a 2.25.

[unnameworthy]

Good review, though I'd have to disagree with some of the perceptions about "older fans" and their reactions to the album. Those whose history with the band only goes as far back as iaRb might definitely have some adverse reactions to the lighter material, but those who've been listening to Say Anything since their high school days recall a more earnest, somewhat less bitter Max, and songs like Crush'd aren't all that surprising in this context.

There are some things that could have been done more effectively from a composition/instrumentation standpoint, but I love this album.

[xashkox]

At this point, I like about half of this album. I could listen to "Do Better" and "Less Cute" all day, but I could do without some of the other songs entirely.

[bobcatbob18]

This might be my favorite release this year. I'm glad that it was such a surprise for me. "Do Better" and "Less Cute" have constantly been stuck in my head since the stream first went up.

[CarouselBoy]

hmm that review seemed a little jumbled. For example: For a second, the opener shines over the city, and possibly sounds as uplifting as anything from Andrew McMahon vocally, but lyrically, a religious open forum, two stories, the later obviously about Jesus Christ. Say what? Also, I think the author went a little overboard on the quotes. Just sayin

[walshknilb281]

first, how do those lyrics suck? cause they mention the Kings of Leon?

second, so... you were an extremely abusive controlling boyfriend in 7th grade?

i respect your opinion but im gonna ignore it

i give your post a 6.25
you honestly believe the lyrics on this album deserve a 9.5? I don't care what you think of my post, I want to know if you think the lyrics are that good on this. In my opinion the only band that is featured on this site that deserves a score like that on lyrics is mewithoutYou. I'd put these lyrics more like a 5 or 6.

"Did it hurt? Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?"
almost as bad as
"I'm drowning in a river of Denial"

[brenByah]

you honestly believe the lyrics on this album deserve a 9.5? I don't care what you think of my post, I want to know if you think the lyrics are that good on this. In my opinion the only band that is featured on this site that deserves a score like that on lyrics is mewithoutYou. I'd put these lyrics more like a 5 or 6.

"Did it hurt? Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?"
almost as bad as
"I'm drowning in a river of Denial"
You shouldn't be taking "Did it hurt when you fell from heaven" so seriously. It's intentionally cheesy. In Max's typical style he's being playful with his lyrical content and poking some fun at a cliche pick-up line.

[deucedt14]

great fucking album

[birtcho]

QFT. If the members here could have their way, IARB:Part Two would've been put out a loooong time ago. hell, maybe even a P3, too.
This is something I admire in SA. Their sound is constantly changing, yet they're still able to keep (most of.) their fans loving it.
Despite me not liking say anythings music.. It had nothing to do with them. I was just referring to ap.net users in general

[Broclee]

you honestly believe the lyrics on this album deserve a 9.5? I don't care what you think of my post, I want to know if you think the lyrics are that good on this. In my opinion the only band that is featured on this site that deserves a score like that on lyrics is mewithoutYou. I'd put these lyrics more like a 5 or 6.

"Did it hurt? Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?"
almost as bad as
"I'm drowning in a river of Denial"
I'll be happy when people stop thinking that line is serious.

[TriangularDuck]

This is the first Say Anything album that I can enjoy all the way through. Awesome.

[Kurt Retenauer]

Agreed. I don't think any of those necessarily fit. However, I really think it's because Say Anything are so unique as a band... I honestly can't think of anyone to compare them to.
Saves The Day?

:shrug:

[Kurt Retenauer]

i respect your opinion but im gonna ignore it

i give your post a 6.25
I lol'd.

:appl:

[bandrewes]

This is the first Say Anything album that I can enjoy all the way through. Awesome.
you must be craaaazy i've loved them all.

[Garett Press]

This album would be a few points better without "Hate Everyone" but I think it's a great one nonetheless

[blimpcityhero11]

Saves The Day?

:shrug:
Yeah... That would probablly be the one band I would compare them too if anything. Chris and Max's vocals are quite different though.

[xapplexpiex]

This album would be a few points better without "Hate Everyone" but I think it's a great one nonetheless
That's what I was thinking too. It seems out-of-place and I think the lyrics seem immature.

[TwoTongues]

That's what I was thinking too. It seems out-of-place and I think the lyrics seem immature.

I'm really liking the "sercret origin"stripped down version of hate everyone much more... and if you thought the lyrics were immature on the record... wait til he goes back to the 3rd grade..haha, but it's great. The idea behind this song is actually very mature in my opinion; acknowledging that we all hate everyone or someone or something at points in our lives, but getting beyond it by realizing it's just a passing human emotion we all share, and most often it's just that we hate something about ourselves.

I guess Max probably would explain it better himself:

Hate Everyone
The entire album is a narrative and each song tells a different part of a certain story: the result of recognizing what is wrong with the world. It's a feeling of anger, and when you experience this anger, it surfaces at first as this irrational stupid hatred of everyone and everything. This song is about that emotion. That's why it's kind of tongue-in-cheek. I wrote this song going through that exact period myself and I was kind of waking up about how I was living my life in a negative way. I started to see the bigger picture a bit more, and it was very depressing and it affected me greatly. I felt like I hated everyone this one particular morning when I wrote the song, and I started to work my way past it. I believe it's an important stage in human evolution for each person to have this feeling and work through it."

http://altpress.com/features/txtsayanything.htm

[CyberInferno]

Love this album... Much better than their last effort, but it's hard to determine the lasting value at this point. "Do Better" is so good though...
I know it's too early to determine that, but I've been listening to the album almost exclusively since the MySpace post, and I'm still not tired of it. I think part of the lasting value comes from peeling away the abstract lyrics to find the meaning beneath.
I'm almost 100% positive that Jake and Jeff definitely didn't have any "guitar work" on this album either.
You would be correct. From the CD insert:
SAY ANYTHING IS:
MAX BEMIS: Vocals, Keys, Guitar, Programming
JACOB LINDER: Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Programming
ALEXANDER T. KENT: Bass Guitar, Mild Percussion
JAKE TURNER: Vocals, Guitar (Live)
JEFF TURNER: Vocals, Guitar (Live)
AND PARKER CASE: Guitar, Keys, Vocals (Live)

[xapplexpiex]

I'm really liking the "sercret origin"stripped down version of hate everyone much more... and if you thought the lyrics were immature on the record... wait til he goes back to the 3rd grade..haha, but it's great. The idea behind this song is actually very mature in my opinion; acknowledging that we all hate everyone or someone or something at points in our lives, but getting beyond it by realizing it's just a passing human emotion we all share, and most often it's just that we hate something about ourselves.

I guess Max probably would explain it better himself:

http://altpress.com/features/txtsayanything.htm
Touche!

[paintthedays]

great review, I really need to get this. I wasn't really feeling In Defense of the Genre but I have a feeling I'll love this.

[Shatter_Glass]

Mara and Me / Hate Everyone are the best songs here i think. Why Crush'd wasn't recorded acoustic i'll never know...

[FaceLixeMurder]

I have listened to this album 5 times through so I gave it enough time to set in, because IDOTG is one of my favorite albums ever. I am really starting to like this one too, it took a couple of tries though, where as their older stuff were immediate. I love the kings of Leon line though lol, fuck those guys.

[ckunh]

Did they bring in any big-time guests this time around? For instance, who does the guest (or backing) vocals on "Mara and Me"? Just wondering cuz last album had Haley, Chris Conley, Gerard, and Kenny from Starting Line....

[brenByah]

I'll be happy when people stop thinking that line is serious.
Thank You! I swear, it's not hard to grasp. It's intentionally cheesy.

[brenByah]

Did they bring in any big-time guests this time around? For instance, who does the guest (or backing) vocals on "Mara and Me"? Just wondering cuz last album had Haley, Chris Conley, Gerard, and Kenny from Starting Line....
I believe those vocals are Coby's (the drummer). Max said Coby would be taking on a bigger league as a second vocalist on this record. The guitarists do all the vocals live though.

The only guest on the record that I'm aware of is Max's wife Sherri DuPree.

[opalfine]

Despite me not liking say anythings music.. It had nothing to do with them. I was just referring to ap.net users in general
yeah yeah I understand.

[Illadelphia]

Do Better and Death for My Birthday are my favorities, but they're all good, solid album. But nothing can beat iarb

[broaddplease]

I really like this record..All of it, esp. Cemetery, Ahhh...Men, Mara + Me. It's not as good as IARB, where all the songs but like 2 were so good, but half of IDOTG sucked, so its definitely better than that IMO. I've been listening to Say Anything for years, & they definitely havent lost me.

[rawspinner]

This album would be a few points better without "Hate Everyone" but I think it's a great one nonetheless
what don't you like about "Hate Everyone"?

[mrshamoozoo1481]

love this album. it shows so much lyrical growth from the past albums. really well structured songs. picking it up next pay day :)

[Mjk07]

you honestly believe the lyrics on this album deserve a 9.5? I don't care what you think of my post, I want to know if you think the lyrics are that good on this. In my opinion the only band that is featured on this site that deserves a score like that on lyrics is mewithoutYou. I'd put these lyrics more like a 5 or 6.

"Did it hurt? Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?"
almost as bad as
"I'm drowning in a river of Denial"
youre acting like he made that line up or something... its a cliche that hes playing off of.

he wrote the song specifically for his wife (he uses her name in the song for gods sake) and youre taking the only unoriginal line from the song and saying the lyrics are crap.

say anything has some of the best lyrics out there "We were just a couple of stupid kids, throwing the ball back and forth to each other just to see who'd drop it first" Great line.

and now youve forced me to deduct points

i give your post a revised score of 5.50

[Sarcasm]

Really liked this album.
Good review!

[Metal Now]

I'm loving this album, everything I hoped it would be. Can only hope this gets them big.

[Blaise&Panthia.]

The signs weren't good when the first two songs I'd heard from this album were Hate Everyone and Property, but this is their most enjoyable album for me.

[Garett Press]

what don't you like about "Hate Everyone"?
I don't think it's a terrible song, but it's just very "singly", as in it sounds blatantly like a single. That always annoys me on a record. Also, repeating that phrase over and over just kind of shoves the Say Anything mentality down your throat a little bit - too blatant and repetitive.

[rawspinner]

I don't think it's a terrible song, but it's just very "singly", as in it sounds blatantly like a single. That always annoys me on a record. Also, repeating that phrase over and over just kind of shoves the Say Anything mentality down your throat a little bit - too blatant and repetitive.
Fair enough. Thanks for the response!

[walshknilb281]

I'll be happy when people stop thinking that line is serious.
i know the lines satirical its just so fucking stupid, and i don't even mind the album i jsut cannot believe it got a 9.5 for lyrics

[brenByah]

i know the lines satirical its just so fucking stupid, and i don't even mind the album i jsut cannot believe it got a 9.5 for lyrics
It's meant to be a bit stupid.....Max thinks the line is as dumb as you, which is why he's poking fun at it...

[MyNameIsRoss]

haven't even checked this out yet. hated IDOTG. But I'll give it a chance.

[Broclee]

i know the lines satirical its just so fucking stupid, and i don't even mind the album i jsut cannot believe it got a 9.5 for lyrics

It's meant to be a bit stupid.....Max thinks the line is as dumb as you, which is why he's poking fun at it...

Exactly. Is it that hard to figure out?

[2 fly and shy]

Do Better is fantastic.

[heregoesnothin]

Better than IDOTG but no where near IARB.

kinda miss the anger from max's lyrics, my only other complaint is that the choruses are somewhat lacking like in "less cute". besides that love a good number of tracks on the album like cemetery and do better.

[whyun]

I'm really sitting on the fence with this new release.
I thoroughly enjoy it, save the cheesy chorus of Crush'd...
Although I'm not entirely ready to embrace the direction SA is going for future releases.

To be honest, I rather miss Max rubbing salt into my wounds.

[mike_aaron]

I feel that how much you like an album also can depend on where you are at that point in your life. I feel like this album came at the right time for me. I think I might enjoy it more than IARB. I'm not sure if it's because I think the material is better, or just because I can connect with it more because of things I'm going through. Either way, I LOVE this album.

And the two bonus tracks on the deluxe edition on iTunes are definitely worth the purchase.

[DryEarth]

Say Anything will always be that high school band for me. My sophomore, junior, and part of senior year were dominated musically by ...Is a Real Boy, Baseball, and his Dormroom Demos. My tastes are definitely different now, but I'll always support the band.

Having said that, this album is remarkably top heavy. The first six songs, excluding Hate Everyone, which I dislike, are absolutely incredible. The second half drops off a bit, to me, then picks back up with the last two tracks. I was surprised how solid of a record it is, to tell the truth.

[Broclee]

Say Anything will always be that high school band for me. My sophomore, junior, and part of senior year were dominated musically by ...Is a Real Boy, Baseball, and his Dormroom Demos. My tastes are definitely different now, but I'll always support the band.

Having said that, this album is remarkably top heavy. The first six songs, excluding Hate Everyone, which I dislike, are absolutely incredible. The second half drops off a bit, to me, then picks back up with the last two tracks. I was surprised how solid of a record it is, to tell the truth.
I agree with the top-heaviness, especially with Property and Death for my Birthday, but Cemetery is really good, too.

[DryEarth]

I agree with the top-heaviness, especially with Property and Death for my Birthday, but Cemetery is really good, too.
I'd forgotten which one Cemetary was, and now "You're in my bah-dy" is stuck in my head. Thanks.

[LaurenViper]

I 100% agree with this review. I still miss the old, harder tunes, but I guess everybody needs a change. I really dislike how cliche and corny "Crush'd" is, it kind of makes me sick. But, I love the lyrics of "Mara and Me" and "Do Better", that's the politically correct Max I've come to know haha. Maybe the next album they'll return to their old roots. Who knows, him and his wife could have an inspirational divorce?(justkidding)

[LaurenViper]

Better than IDOTG but no where near IARB.

kinda miss the anger from max's lyrics, my only other complaint is that the choruses are somewhat lacking like in "less cute". besides that love a good number of tracks on the album like cemetery and do better.
NO! Defnitely not better than In Defense of the Genre haha. "The Church Channel" makes that album.

[heregoesnothin]

I 100% agree with this review. I still miss the old, harder tunes, but I guess everybody needs a change. I really dislike how cliche and corny "Crush'd" is, it kind of makes me sick. But, I love the lyrics of "Mara and Me" and "Do Better", that's the politically correct Max I've come to know haha. Maybe the next album they'll return to their old roots. Who knows, him and his wife could have an inspirational divorce?(justkidding)
I really hope they return to their old roots. when max was on the webcam chat he mentioned doing some solo stuff so it's going to be interesting to see how that plays out. and haha i agree im happy max is happy but he is sure capable of expressing his love better than "crush'd" leads on.

[CrossMyHeart]

Best album i've heard in ages! Since Deja probably.

[Clark]

Having said that, this album is remarkably top heavy. The first six songs, excluding Hate Everyone, which I dislike, are absolutely incredible. The second half drops off a bit, to me, then picks back up with the last two tracks. I was surprised how solid of a record it is, to tell the truth.
I'd have to completely disagree. In my opinion, the first four tracks are excellent, but the three songs after that only have certain parts that are good or interesting, but overall are pretty weak (with many cringe-worthy moments). Then, the last six songs on the album are really solid with remarkably few parts that cause me to wince.

Overall, it's a pretty strong album and I'm glad it's not a disappointment like so many of this year's releases. However, this is still a far cry from ...Is a Real Boy quality. Hopefully Max will get back there at some point in his career.

Best album i've heard in ages! Since Deja probably.
Wow.

[ancientclocks]

well written review. i enjoyed it. but fed to death isn't strictly about religion.. it's responsibility.

[Mochem]

I think the lyrics and vocals should be a bit lower. I thought there were too many moments when he was just speaking instead of singing and, it may just be my hyper-sensitivity to the stuff and I'm hearing it when it's not actually there, but I could notice a lot of pitch correction.
And the lyrics had too many pop culture references. Kinda bugged me.
The scores should both be high, but not a 9.5 and a 9. Maybe both 8.5.

That being said, I loved the album.

[Jet Set Paul]

I really really like this album. I feel like they learned from the mistakes they made on IDOTG and put together an excellent album of weird pop songs. Is this better than IARB? Probably not. But I'm very happy with this release, nonetheless.

[Broclee]

This is a grower, not a shower.

[Chris92]

This is a grower, not a shower.
This.
I think this might be becoming my favorite release by the band to date. For me, ...IARB is an excellent album with several standout tracks and a few I could do without, IDOTG is an album of epic proportions that, a few obvious missteps aside ('Spores,' namely) really shines pretty consistently. And finally, this album is quickly proving itself to me as an all-around good album. I can honestly say that I like every song on this album. And finally, although I didn't appreciate it at first, "Ahh...Men" is quite possibly the best song Max has penned since "Belt" or "Every Man..."

[youareallfreaks]

album is fucking awesome

[2 fly and shy]

The ending of Death for my Birthday gives me chills.

[madam1888]

Exactly. Is it that hard to figure out?
I think a lot of people would argue that is a cop out. Kind of like the spaz in high school who tells really bad jokes, but claims it's on purpose.

I'm not saying this is what Max does, he clearly has moments of lyrical genius, but there are times when I cringe. Maybe I am supposed to, as you say, who knows? I like the band enough to give them the benefit of the doubt...

[Broclee]

I think a lot of people would argue that is a cop out. Kind of like the spaz in high school who tells really bad jokes, but claims it's on purpose.

I'm not saying this is what Max does, he clearly has moments of lyrical genius, but there are times when I cringe. Maybe I am supposed to, as you say, who knows? I like the band enough to give them the benefit of the doubt...
A song like Crush'd was written to be like a really really bad love letter, and it plays out that way, and I feel like it makes it that much more real, since he wasn't trying for lyrical genius.

[Gautz]

I am absolutely in love with this album! One of my favs of 2009!

[Chiodosbros13]

I hated "Hate Everyone" :p
Maybe that's why I keep putting off listening to this

[madisontuckie34]

I love She Wont Follow You and Ahhh... Men.
Nothing can beat ... is a real boy.