Motion City Soundtrack - My Dinosaur Life

[Drew Beringer]

Motion City Soundtrack – My Dinosaur Life
Release Date: January 19, 2010
Record Label: Columbia

With all the personal issues that vocalist and guitarist Justin Pierre has faced over the course of his life, it’s sometimes hard to believe that Motion City Soundtrack remains a band. With the addictions and relapses plaguing Pierre, the band should have been extinct years ago. But having a great support system around him and a musical outlet has helped Pierre and his band mates release stellar album after album. You would think that eventually things would spin out of control, especially after the lukewarm reception their last offering (2007’s Even If It Kills Me) received from fans. It definitely was more poppy than previous releases, and instead of tailspinning, the Minneapolis quintet landed right back on its feet to record their Columbia Records debut.

By re-enlisting Mark Hoppus to produce (he first worked with the band on 2005’s Commit This To Memory), the band wanted to return to that edgy sound but expand on it. Finally clean, Pierre relays his most honest lyrics to date. Even If It Kills Me was Pierre’s apology letter, he knows he has screwed up in the past and wants to get better. My Dinosaur Life is Pierre overcoming those past demons, intent on making his former life extinct. In the beginning stanza of opener, “Worker Bee,” Pierre states, “I’ve been a good little worker bee, I deserve a gold star.” And with that we’re off. The song features even more clever wordplay over driving guitars that immediately gets your head bobbing.

My Dinosaur Life combines the mayhem and melody of Commit To This Memory, while maintaining the pop sensibilities they showed on Even If It Kills Me. It has the ferocity of a debut album while maintaining the expertise that seasoned bands possess. First single, “Her Words Destroy My Planet,” features Pierre desperately trying to win back a former flame by mentioning all the things he has done to get better. The song is packed with huge guitars and raw emotion, the pinnacle being when Pierre screams, “It’s all my fucking fault.”

The variety displayed on My Dinosaur Life is impressive. Whether they are bringing back the ghost of Eve 6 on the incredibly catchy, “Pulp Fiction,” or pulling off dark undertones on brooding tracks like “Delirium” and “Disappear,” there is something for everyone.

“Hysteria” bleeds intensity, and Moog-master Jesse Johnson shines. The band also can write a pretty good radio-ready pop song, as displayed on “Stand Too Close”. The quirky lyrics are still everyone, with the insane “@!#?@!” proving to be nonsensical yet entirely hilarious. Really, the only misstep here is “History Lesson,” which sounds like a bad version of an anthemic O.A.R. song.

But the final two tracks, “Skin and Bones” and “The Weakends” perfectly sum up the themes of My Dinosaur Life. “Skin and Bones” chorus is beautifully smooth, while Pierre’s pensive lyrics litter the track. “The Weakends” is brash and aggressive, with Pierre being as candid as ever. Pierre and Joshua Cain’s guitar work moves the track along, while drummer Tony Thaxton (the unsung hero on My Dinosaur Life, seriously the best drumming he has ever done) skills breathe and run rampant. It makes sense that the most intense track would close out Motion City Soundtrack’s most intense and honest album to date.

The complexities and dense topics still remain on Dinosaur, giving the album many layers for the listener to peel apart. Basically, My Dinosaur Life is the fusion of the best moments of Motion City Soundtrack’s previous three albums and expanding on that, while maintaining all the uniqueness and quirks that fans love about the band. This album will probably draw a lot of comparisons to Weezer’s first two albums, which won’t be surprising because there are a lot of similarities. But if Weezer created the nerdy/quirky pop-rock sound, then Motion City Soundtrack has perfected it on their best album to date, My Dinosaur Life.

Track Listing:
1. Worker Bee
2. A Lifeless Ordinary (Need a Little Help)
3. Her Words Destroyed My Planet
4. Disappear
5. Delirium
6. History Lesson
7. Stand Too Close
8. Pulp Fiction
9. @!#?@!
10. Hysteria
11. Skin and Bones
12. The Weakends
Produced by: Mark Hoppus

Motion City Soundtrack is:
Justin Pierre – vocals/guitar
Joshua Cain – guitar
Jesse Johnson – Moog synthesizer, keyboards
Matthew Taylor – bass
Tony Thaxton – drums

Official Website (http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/motioncitysoundtrack); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/motioncitysoundtrack)

[*crying stars*]

Great review, Drew.

[rckstr29]

Hysteria is probably my favorite track, but it's hard to choose on this stellar album. Great review!

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

Far and away my favorite MCS album. "Pulp Fiction" is my favorite track, and you hit the nail on the head with the Eve 6 comparison. Awesome review.

[Argentine]

Great review. Not surprising that this is amazing.

[Paulb-182]

May actually have to listen to this now. Haven't checked anything out from these since the debut, and I quite like that.

[butrfli1234]

Great review!

[Gregory Robson]

Not sure its worthy of a score that high, but it is a strong album.

[ilovesofie]

It is an amazing album, a grower in every sense of the word, i think it's their best effort to date, great review!

[cwhit412]

Such a great album. I wanted to review this, but was waiting to see another review first, since I can't call myself a true MCS fan. This album has gotten me into the rest of their stuff. Early candidate for AotY

[jusscali]

It's pretty good - definitely my least favorite album by them, but a good listen nonetheless

[ReadyForAction]

There are no words to describe how excited I am for this

[luvsickcatalyst]

I'm waiting to listen until my vinyl is in my hands...but this review makes it sounds really damn tempting to listen to. Really good read. Regardless, I'm gonna be at their CD release/signing show Tuesday. I need this record. Now.

[newfoundmichael]

I had lost all faith in MCS after Even If It Kills Me. It is all restored. Stellar album and great review.

[reckoner]

Awesome review. I agree with everything, except maybe that part about this being Tony's best drumming.

[Readyfuels]

...while drummer Tony Thaxton (the unsung hero on My Dinosaur Life, seriously the best drumming he has ever done) skills breathe and run rampant.

Could not agree more!

Great review!

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Great review. Album is so good.

[trappedintime]

I've been holding myself off from listening to this. I can't wait to get it tomorrow!

[zachff]

Extinct ... Dinosaurs ... I get it

[The Revisionist]

I'm excited to hear this album tomorrow, they haven't released a clunker yet.

[Broclee]

Basically, My Dinosaur Life is the fusion of the best moments of Motion City Soundtrack’s previous three albums and expanding on that, while maintaining all the uniqueness and quirks that fans love about the band.

:appl:
Agreed completely.

[zachff]

Really, the only misstep here is “History Lesson,” which sounds like a bad version of an anthemic O.A.R. song.
Seriously, did you jack this from my comment in the album stream thread? I said the EXACT same thing.

http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=60302622#post=6030 2622

Honestly, that song is horrendous

[yoyostring]

can't wait to pick this up tomorrow!

[Alex1410]

I'm quite excited to hear this now. I wasn't a big fan of Even if it kills me.

[SuNDaYSTaR]

Awesome review, these guys deserve the best in everything.

[im_FINK]

I'm agree with Drew -- definitely MCS's best album so far. I dig this one a lot, a lot. It's a good start to the new year in music, that's for sure.

[McIrish]

Pulp Fiction is my favorite track.


Also, I really like History Lesson. Fuck everyone.

[Shatter_Glass]

beautiful record.

[j4callen]

I like this album a lot, but there's no way it's their best yet. If every song had a more "Disappear" and "The Weakends" vibe to it, I could see it being their best though.

[ZoSo1886]

this is a great review, great score, i gave it a 4.5/5.0 and i think this should push them through to the mainstream

[Yellowcard2006]

So stoked for this!!!!!!

[xapplexpiex]

I cannot wait to pick this up tomorrow. I've been looking forward to this album for a while. I'm glad to see the high score, and I just hope it's as good as the couple songs I heard from it...

[falloutpanicboy]

Agree with this being MCS's best album. Impossible to pick a favorite song off this.

[Lirr168]

Good review. I'm not sure I'd rate it so highly just yet on the lyrics end, but I assume you've been listening for a lot longer and probably with a lyric book.

Also glad to see someone else hears the Eve 6 influence!

[ManicanParty49]

Fantastic album from start to finish. Not sure how it stands up to CTTM for me, but it's definitely up there.

[Illuminate]

RIYL: Weezer, I Am The Movie/Commit This to Memory

[March_Faster!!]

92%!? Good lord! I definitely have to listen to this more than once if I expect to get what all the praise is about. As of right now however, after my initial impression, I don't get it.

[weworemasks]

best mcs album? hyperbolic!

it's been like 6 years and i still like the first album throughout all of the musical progressions of my ipod - i have high doubts and low expectations for this release after being unable to get through the last album, but i'll give it a shot.

[BigAl]

I'm very excited for this.

[EROW]

I can't get over "Disappear" it's seriously JEWv2.

[gonfreaks]

Great, great album. So much better than EIIKM.

[troubledbyinsects]

don't like this album. boring as fuck.

[11:11]

Very good review and a great album.

[zachff]

Pulp Fiction is my favorite track.


Also, I really like History Lesson. Fuck everyone.

No FUCK YOU!

should be noted these are the 2 songs i like the least

[spansen]

i haven't listened to it enough to say i love it, but, up to this point, even if it kills me was my favorite..

[SteveD]

Album is so good. Cannot stop listening.

[denissuxx]

Good album.

[NateFoundGlory]

Depending on how well this cd grows on me (it's fantastic already, but give it a week...), this could catapult MCS to my favorite band.

[MSIndulgence]

I love this album.

[rocktwin22]

I'm so excited to hear this album! Huge MCS fan!

[Memphis]

the score is too high, the album is definitely great, but by no means 92-percent-great... compared to my other highly anticipated record of early 2010, Lostprophets come out clearly as the winners...

imho, most of the songs didn't end up as powerful as they could have, although Disappear is brilliant...

I'd give it 82%

[lemontie]

I personally don't see the total appeal. I sent my review in a week ago (but AP.net wanted me to send it a week later, till staff review came in) and was gonna rate it around 69%, but it's changed to like 77% (resent it) now...but I still don't find MDL that great compared to the first two. I also liked EIIKM a shi tton, but obviously CTTM trumps it. For me, it's around: CTTM>IATM=EIIKM>= MDL

Also, am I the only one who misses non-sober Pierre? not to say that I enjoyed that he was sober and MCS nearly broke up a hell of a lot, but the way he wrote made things so much better.

[sargentlgfuad]

Hysteria is probably my favorite track, but it's hard to choose on this stellar album. Great review!

hey! i used to have that same avatar, nice choice

[TJ Wells]

Can't believe how much I like this. Wasn't expecting to enjoy this band again after EIIKM.

[tfieldz]

this album has some sick tracks, but right now i like all the other albums better. commit this to memory being their best effort yet

[drudo182]

Nice review, Drew. I'll pick it up this week.

Never been a huge fan of them but I like what I've heard so far on this one. Maybe I'll go back and get their others too.

[BlackAxxe]

I totally agree with this score. great review man, really loved it

[JordanBuell]

Far and away my favorite MCS album. "Pulp Fiction" is my favorite track, and you hit the nail on the head with the Eve 6 comparison. Awesome review.
was thinking the exact same thing.

[themadsilentist]

Great review, Drew. Such a killer album.

I personally don't see the total appeal. I sent my review in a week ago (but AP.net wanted me to send it a week later, till staff review came in) and was gonna rate it around 69%, but it's changed to like 77% (resent it) now...but I still don't find MDL that great compared to the first two. I also liked EIIKM a shi tton, but obviously CTTM trumps it. For me, it's around: CTTM>IATM=EIIKM>= MDL

Also, am I the only one who misses non-sober Pierre? not to say that I enjoyed that he was sober and MCS nearly broke up a hell of a lot, but the way he wrote made things so much better.

Yes, you're the only one that misses non-sober Pierre.
Of all the elements that MCS has shuffled around between their albums, I would say Justin's songwriting is the one constant - it's always clever, it's always quirky, and the only thing you've really lost is the references to getting fucked up. Which is not a loss at all considering that Justin's still alive, (reasonably) sane and making music.

[Save The World]

I thought that Her Words Destroyed My Planet was about Justin realizing the break-up was exactly what he needed. At least, I thought that's what he said in that short little interview summary type thing he did when the song was first released.

[davidc182]

gotta say that best drumming is in CTTM however the drumming on this isnt bad.
history lessons is good btw love the verses after the first chorus. my least favorite song off this record is @!#!@! :D but ok that this record is pretty great .

[Kill_the_radio]

What do you think about " A Lifeless Ordinary"?

[visforvig]

Arrrrgh, Her Words Destroyed Me Planet.

[tonighttonight0]

I'll have to check this one out.

[yaz06]

What a great rebound from Even If It Kills Me, which was nearly a total let down. This album is pretty amazing. Have to say History Lesson and Pulp Fiction are my favourites right now.

[anthonydarko]

I really liked this record. Hopefully this is the one that breaks them through.

[providence36]

Kinda boring album, I prefer Even if It Kills Me

[Mattylikesfilms]

its growing on me unlike even if it kills me

[Mattylikesfilms]

Kinda boring album, I prefer Even if It Kills Me

the song "Delirium" beats that whole album all together.

[cowlord]

Not sure if I don't like this album just cause I heard it once. That being said, I think this is probably my least favorite MCS album based on that. I don't really see what the fuss is all about.

[roberthuston]

Really, wow. I am glad many of you like it, but I don't think I can pain my ears to listen to it again. It sounds so washed down, so mediocre. Perhaps I need to stop looking up bands I used to be into, because this album just is, disappointing. I didn't really hear much of anything outstanding that pushed MCS to some other level. I just it is a grayed-out soft rock.

Oh well, I still love the movie album.

[superBMRuth]

I was very disappointed with Worker Bee. MCS albums always start with a high energy bang and this one just seemed to trudge along. But once HWDMP kicked in, so did the rest of the album. Way better than Even If It Kills Me and could even be better than Commit This To Memory if the songs hold up over time.

[Ryan Gardner]

Great review; I can't wait to get this album tomorrow.

[yaz06]

The only thing about the review I don't agree with is that the song History Lesson is the weakest one. I actually think it's one of the better ones on the album. Other than that, the review is spot on.

[HometownHero]

Cant wait for my vinyl to show up

[TenSpeed]

I cant wait to buy this tomorow.

[thehereaway]

Good album, score is too high though in my opinion.

[JuneJuly]

if 9. @!#?@! was my favorite song, how would I express that to someone else? lol

[HelloxAlone]

Loved this album, and totally agree on the Eve 6/Pulp Fiction comparison. It sounds so similar to Inside Out, yet still good.

[shawnPLAGUES]

Commit This to Memory will always be my favorite MCS release, but I am truly enjoying this album.

Great review by the way.

[HelloxAlone]

the score is too high, the album is definitely great, but by no means 92-percent-great... compared to my other highly anticipated record of early 2010, Lostprophets come out clearly as the winners...

imho, most of the songs didn't end up as powerful as they could have, although Disappear is brilliant...

I'd give it 82%

This.
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this album, and it was so much better than I'd expected, considering the first single.

[SlappedActor]

Solid album, but no way it's a 92.

[yayitsjoe]

i think you meant "her words destroyed MY planet" not her words destroyed me planet.

[sdbrown]

I like this album a lot, but there's no way it's their best yet. If every song had a more "Disappear" and "The Weakends" vibe to it, I could see it being their best though.
Agreed. Those are my two favorite tracks. :)

[hectorial85]

Great review Drew although I dig History Lesson because its something different for them.

[sdbrown]

if was my favorite song, how would I express that to someone else? lol
You could make the sound Qbert does when he makes the noise. It's like a mix between a *squak* and a *squish*! http://games.yahoo.com/console/qb

[Indoor Living]

Really, wow. I am glad many of you like it, but I don't think I can pain my ears to listen to it again. It sounds so washed down, so mediocre. Perhaps I need to stop looking up bands I used to be into, because this album just is, disappointing. I didn't really hear much of anything outstanding that pushed MCS to some other level. I just it is a grayed-out soft rock.

Oh well, I still love the movie album.

Clearly not that much.


Not sure if I don't like this album just cause I heard it once. That being said, I think this is probably my least favorite MCS album based on that. I don't really see what the fuss is all about.

Complete, utter contradiction.

Great review Drew although I dig History Lesson because its something different for them.

I agree, I really enjoy that song.

[introduction]

Great review for a great album.

[musicalgraves]

Cant wait for my vinyl to show up
I also enjoy MCS and listening to vinyl, but to be honest I'm surprised to see all of the comments talking about the anticipation to hear this record on vinyl. I love the nuance that the sound of vinyl gives a lot of my favorite records, but pop-punk music, as much as I digg it too, just doesn't seem like the genre that is complemented by vinyl like some others certainly are. When listening to a Hoppus-produced pop punk record I expect clean, crisp, polished sounds which are not the sounds usually I usually think of when I think of vinyl recording.

Not bashing those that left the comments at all, I just find it interesting.

[TheGame142]

Killer review, I can't wait for my deluxe edition to show up!

[billyboatkid]

Only a few listens in but it's already growin on me alot.

[DogSizedBird]

This band just annoys me. And the cover art for this album is terrible. Sorry.

[SingleDoubt]

great review. short, sweet, and to the point. bravo

[KillyourIdols88]

My first cd of 2010 and i want to see what will top it!

[cory-182]

Was flipping through AltPress. Saw they gave it a 5/5 for what its worth.

[cory-182]

I've never cared for any of their old stuff. Is this worth checking out?

[Chris Fallon]

Not bad, just think it needs to sit with me over time. Nice review, and I hope they find some real success with this album, despite how different it is from previous material.

[brentkid]

I don't get what everyone sees in Pulp Fiction.

[tpen892004]

92?

[kabir]

Este es el mejor album de ellos para mi

[kabir]

Este es el mejor album de ellos

[augustana]

seems kinda high for just an okay band.

[kabir]

Es el mejor album de ellos

[blinkme]

Great review, great album. Purchased it on amazon mp3 as soon as it turned midnight today. Can't wait to see them play London in March!

[shimmyshakes]

Not into this.. at all.

[Spenny]

This album so far is definitely underwhelming. Hope it improves with a few more listens

[BigG1392]

I wasn't a huge fan of MCS until now. This album is awesome. The lyrics are so damn catchy, been in my head for a while now. Definitely the best I've heard from them.

[owiseone35]

I was hoping this CD would be my gateway into this band, as i haven't really enjoyed any of their other releases. Just not feeling this one :sigh:

[FallOutWeeze]

Great Review. AMAZING Album

[SomedayTheFire]

if was my favorite song, how would I express that to someone else? lol
Motherfuckers.

[dubey]

I was a fan of MCS since the 'I am the Movie' days. Kept losing interest in them with every release they put out. This one is no different.

[jay_klinkhammer]

lol at best MCS album.

Go Vikings.

[ReadyForAction]

HWDMP should be the single that makes them mainstream

[jco3]

Holy Weezer.

[Memphis]

This album so far is definitely underwhelming. Hope it improves with a few more listens
for me, this album is certainly not a grower...

[Dedsexi]

agree 100%, awesome album

[HometownHero]

I also enjoy MCS and listening to vinyl, but to be honest I'm surprised to see all of the comments talking about the anticipation to hear this record on vinyl. I love the nuance that the sound of vinyl gives a lot of my favorite records, but pop-punk music, as much as I digg it too, just doesn't seem like the genre that is complemented by vinyl like some others certainly are. When listening to a Hoppus-produced pop punk record I expect clean, crisp, polished sounds which are not the sounds usually I usually think of when I think of vinyl recording.

Not bashing those that left the comments at all, I just find it interesting.
I want it really because of the big artwork and hopefully it's gatefold

[Formatfun]

So excited to hear it. You made it sound amazing. Hope it lives up to that.

[hectorial85]

I also enjoy MCS and listening to vinyl, but to be honest I'm surprised to see all of the comments talking about the anticipation to hear this record on vinyl. I love the nuance that the sound of vinyl gives a lot of my favorite records, but pop-punk music, as much as I digg it too, just doesn't seem like the genre that is complemented by vinyl like some others certainly are. When listening to a Hoppus-produced pop punk record I expect clean, crisp, polished sounds which are not the sounds usually I usually think of when I think of vinyl recording.

Not bashing those that left the comments at all, I just find it interesting.

I agree. I'll stick to my Hawkwind, Pink Floyd and Beatles vinyl for "that sound".

[Sarcasm]

Great review. I actually didn't expect such a high rating though, but it is a really good album.

[Mochem]

So excited for my deluxe to get here. I barely skimmed over the review so that the cd is a complete surprise, but what I read was great.

[birtcho]

i was suprised there was no mention of the difference in the vocals

[doppelganger]

i hated this

[apsterling]

Awesome review. I agree with everything, except maybe that part about this being Tony's best drumming.
That's definitely the latter half of I Am The Movie, in my opinion.

[N30n ScEne BOi]

Whyeed uP Fyed uP FaRKEN reeDIE 2 gO !!!!!!! XD XD XD btw WhO the FaRK uses The WERD Stella its 2010 MudafUka

[streydogg]

I Am The Movie is the only album that I truly like from the band. Overrated?

[irthesteve]

Did someone say Eve 6? Count me in

[tossit]

whoa...will definitely check this out...great review

[PomonaForEmpusa]

"Disappear" got me excited for this record.. suprising since MCS never really impressed me.. but every other song i've heard since has been meh.

[masterchiefx12]

Great review. Very similar to [I]EIIKM[I] and definitely lasting.

[Randoh Musashi]

umm when you said bringing back the ghost of Eve 6, that's not technically true... seeing as Eve 6 are reunited (therefore not dead) and on a College tour at the moment!!!

[nathaniel]

I am very excited to get this album! Motion City Soundtrack is such a talented, amazing band. Their music has so much meaning to it.

[runningohfive]

This album rocks!!

[squee42]

Oh god I want this album so much more now. Definitely picking this up Tuesday.

Different note, but personally, I actually really loved "Even If It Kills Me".

[Meeze]

i do hear OAR in "History Lesson" but i <3 how its one of the most unique MCS songs to date. who'da thought that you could compare a MCS song to an OAR song...good or bad.

[WheresTheChorus]

skin and bones!!!

[flks511]

IIIIIIIII dunno dude.

[truth or dare]

i loooooove "Skin and Bones"

[patpratt]

holy christ history lesson is an awful song.

[DoubleAW]

the band should have been extinct years ago

ha ha ha.

but a great review. I've been listening to this album nonstop for days and it is incredible.

[inyoursea]

Good review. Good album. Gooooood.

[Drew Beringer]

Arrrrgh, Her Words Destroyed Me Planet.
lol oops

[rckstr29]

hey! i used to have that same avatar, nice choice
Palahniuk is my homeboy.

[CarouselBoy]

nice review. I've listened through it a couple times on myspace and I've been looking forward to tomorrow since like last august or whenever it was announced. Anyone know what prices it will be at Target, Hot Topic, or Best Buy?

[hollyy.heart.at]

I had no idea Justin Pierre had addiction problems.

[Broclee]

I had no idea Justin Pierre had addiction problems.
:-|

[ihavechappedlip]

I love that you mentioned Eve 6. Still love that band...

I've always appreciated the drumming in MCS. I played "My Favorite Accident" on drums quite a bit back in the day.

[Drew Beringer]

nice review. I've listened through it a couple times on myspace and I've been looking forward to tomorrow since like last august or whenever it was announced. Anyone know what prices it will be at Target, Hot Topic, or Best Buy?
7.99 at Best Buy

[cherbrand11]

the whole my dinosaur life comes from their pre-order only track sunny day. which is probably one of my favorites off the album. lameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Broclee]

the whole my dinosaur life comes from their pre-order only track sunny day. which is probably one of my favorites off the album. lameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
I'm pretty sure it gets mentioned in another track.

[ZOMGannaLOLZ]

I'm pretty sure it gets mentioned in another track.
It's actually just in "Sunny Day" it's an iTunes preorder track as well as a track off the acoustic/b-sides CD that comes with the MDL Deluxe Edition.

[CstrzRock]

Eh... I'm still waiting for it to grow on me.

[Ryan Gardner]

Just bought the album; I've never really been a big MCS fan. That said, I love this album.

[rsk423]

the whole my dinosaur life comes from their pre-order only track sunny day. which is probably one of my favorites off the album. lameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Oh how I wish I could find "Sunny Day"!! That track doesn't really exist anywhere. :/

[SLoT]

I think I like this more than CTTM. I was younger, CTTM was younger, and now that I'm older MDL seems to fit with my life better than CTTM does anymore. EIIKM had some good tracks, but overall I wasn't stoked on it. I'm glad MCS has found me again, and that we're both older.

[JKungl]

lol oops

too bad it got quoted here already: http://www.thestreetdate.com/motion-city-soundtrack-my-dinosaur-life/

[anamericangod]

Eh... I'm still waiting for it to grow on me.
Me too.

I'm not feeling it too much on my first listen.

[Drew Beringer]

too bad it got quoted here already: http://www.thestreetdate.com/motion-city-soundtrack-my-dinosaur-life/
lol, I need an editor.

[anamericangod]

I had no idea Justin Pierre had addiction problems.
lol

[ramomcferno]

Great review!

[cherbrand11]

I'm pretty sure it gets mentioned in another track.

Lol. It clearly says "This is my dinosaur life" in the lyrics.

[cherbrand11]

Oh how I wish I could find "Sunny Day"!! That track doesn't really exist anywhere. :/
It'll probably find it's way to the internet eventually

[Broclee]

Lol. It clearly says "This is my dinosaur life" in the lyrics.
Why, thank you Mr. Bitch, I don't believe I ever said it didn't.

[Zack Haughton]

The Weakends is the best song MCS has put out to date.

[cherbrand11]

Why, thank you Mr. Bitch, I don't believe I ever said it didn't.
Yo keep your pants on, I'm just giving you the deets.

[xapplexpiex]

Just got this at Best Buy (for 8 dollars!) and I'm half way through it. I love it so far, but I'm not too fond of History Lesson.

[Steeeve Perry]

I'd say Weezer did perfect nerd rock.

[Broclee]

Yo keep your pants on, I'm just giving you the deets.
Which is why the condescending tone was necessary?

[cherbrand11]

Which is why the condescending tone was necessary?
It wasn't condescending. I know a lot of people on this site are assholes but I'm not one of them.

[Broclee]

It wasn't condescending. I know a lot of people on this site are assholes but I'm not one of them.
:eyebrow:

[TheHeretic]

Is anybody as perfectly stunned by the bonus tracks as I am? They are fucking fantastic. Can't say anything else. Never excited for bonus tracks to be honest, but these were so, so good. Love all the alternate versions and Sunny Day is stellar. This is officially a superb effort.

[Chalie22]

This record was a pleasant suprise for 2010. I really enjoyed it on first listen. I'm glad the reviewer mentioned the Eve 6 comparsion on "Pulp Fiction". That was the first thing I thought of when I heard that track. I like how this record is angrier and more rock oreintated than the last record.

Also, I like to state that "Skin And Bones" could very well be the best MCS song.

[BozzBlonde]

Just got this at Best Buy (for 8 dollars!) and I'm half way through it. I love it so far, but I'm not too fond of History Lesson.
Really? That one really grew on me.

[Rubato]

The Weakends is the best song MCS has put out to date.
Wrong, but good try.

[saving jonathan]

Still having trouble connecting with most of this record like I have with the others.
Nonetheless, I'm giving it spin after spin and it's growing on me.

These guys can do absolutely no wrong in my book and the fact that they seem to put out great record after great record only solidifies their spot as one of my favorite bands ever.

[robat19]

Solid review, Drew.

[icynova]

Wickedly catchy.

And the bonus songs are worth every extra penny you spend to get them. (e.g. SunnyDay)

[stereokiller]

Wrong, but good try.
Riiight.

[thecapn]

Take the tight playing of the Bill, Karl, and Stephen (ALL/Descendents)
The soaring melodies of some of the best crooners out there (Milo, Ben Folds, Robb from Limbeck)
You have one of the best albums in indie pop punk genre. Such a stellar release ....

[cherbrand11]

Is anybody as perfectly stunned by the bonus tracks as I am? They are fucking fantastic. Can't say anything else. Never excited for bonus tracks to be honest, but these were so, so good. Love all the alternate versions and Sunny Day is stellar. This is officially a superb effort.
Dude so true! Sunny Day might be one of my favorites, I don't know why it wasn't put on the record!

[gukid]

I really want to play these (or any MCS) songs on Rock Band. Especially the drums. Pleeeeeease.

[drew_vs_shark]

Did the version of History Lesson that you heard for this review begin full-band or with acoustic guitar? Because I originally had heard a full-band demo version and I was convinced it was the weakest song ever. I bought the record yesterday and the actual version is easily in my top 3 songs on the record. If you heard the right version, then agree to disagree. I can see how some might not like it. But if anyone happened to hear the demo version thinking it was the real thing, you might want to give it another listen!

[MegalomaniacFM]

great album. I really like "pulp fiction".Great review.

[acemvivere]

Had this album on repeat all day. Addictive stuff.

[HandsDown28]

Great review, love the album!

[Zack Haughton]

Wrong, but good try.
It's you who are wrong

It really isn't even an argument, the only ones that even come close are My Favorite Accident and Hold Me Down

[aoftbsten]

Only gone through one, but the only standouts for me so far have been "Worker Bee" and "The Weakends". Maybe that's just because of primacy and recency effect though. I'll give it another run through.

[yoyostring]

can anybody share the love with the extra tracks...

[fobmcrafi6]

can anybody share the love with the extra tracks...
Well you know what s wierd a bout that it s like 4 alternative tracks from the songs on the album and then one other bonus track. I personally don t think it twas worth the 70 dollars but her it s motion city, it s mark hoppus. It woulda just been nice to have it reduced to more like 40 or 50... AMAZING Album tho i have to get all their other c d s from them i only have a bunch of singles from them.
I can t wait to see em live with Set Your Goals next month. They were so rad at warped tour. Everyone needs to go see these guys.

[Silent Laughter]

Good review. First time posting on AP.net. Really like this album so far. I'd already heard the first 6 songs before buying, so those are still my favorite. Only one I loved from the 2nd half on first listen was "Stand Too Close". Hopefully "Pulp Fiction" will grow on me, as I like Eve 6 and hear the similarity to "Inside Out". "Disappear" really grew on me (after I realized it wasn't the first single lol), so I'm sure the others will, too. "Her Words..." is one of their catchiest songs yet, great choice for single. Lyrics are brilliant as expected. No problems with any of the vocals. I do wish the moog was more prominently featured (love me some moog!).

EIIKM got some hate, but its still my personal favorite. It got me into MCS, as I'm a fan of the producers' bands (Fountains of Wayne & the Cars), so I decided to check out MCS. Excellent decision, if I may say! So maybe being a little older (Justin's age) and being a Power Pop fan for many years helped me appreciate EIIKM's awesomeness. I hate when I get into a band (or a band I already like puts out what I consider their best album), and I'm all excited about it, but then people are like "this album sucks, sellout pop for teen girls". ::coughRelientKWeezerMxPxAllTimeLow etcetcetccough:: Nah, no teen girl here, just a fan of fun, catchy pop/rock music. Its not age exclusive. Quirky, relateable lyrics a plus! Not that I let other people dictate my music taste...if I did, I'd still be stuck in the 80s and 90s (or listening to Nickelback lol). But yeah, if I'd grown up in "the scene" with albums like IATM, maybe I'd have a hard time with MCS branching out, too. Never quite got into IATM save for a few songs, but I love all their other stuff (fan of Hoppus, too).

Hope this album breaks them thru to bigger success! And I can't wait to see them live for the first time Feb 1st :-)

[BadAcidVacation]

Love Motion City and "Even if it kills me" was easily their best record to date. Mature, poppy, brilliant, I loved it. Not sure why it's getting a bad rap. This seems great but not nearly as good.

[BadAcidVacation]

That said, I am still looking forward to this and cannot wait to hear it

[Mochem]

Finally listened to it. My initial reaction is that it was a little underwhelming. They're my favorite band of all time, so I had really high expectations. I expect it to grow on me though. The vocals are too...trebely or something. And I just didn't connect with many of the lyrics. The bonus tracks were fucking fantastic though.

[PunkDrums182]

Great review, I love this album more and more with each listen. Has anyone else noticed that each panel of the booklet that comes with the cd relates to eat song on the album? I think that it's a pretty awesome concept.

[kaduck2007]

Album has been on repeat nonstop since I got it. It's so good. Definitely my favorite record of theirs to date. Im also enjoying the alternate versions of tracks included on the Deluxe Edition. Solid review D.

[cgant5316]

it's funny.. i finally got to listen to the cd today and when i heard Pulp Fiction for the first time i immediately thought of Eve 6

[roberthuston]

I was a fan of MCS since the 'I am the Movie' days. Kept losing interest in them with every release they put out. This one is no different.
Knew I wasn't the only one. I think many of these "awesome review" comments are new comers to the music, which is awesome. Good to hear they are getting new fans, but man, for all those MCS fans back in the day, I can't believe many of them are still listening to them, clearly after this release.

Shit, maybe he, the singer, needs to start drinking again.

[disco.tetris]

I haven't been too inclined to listen to this so far, but I think I will now. Good review!

[ramomcferno]

Knew I wasn't the only one. I think many of these "awesome review" comments are new comers to the music, which is awesome. Good to hear they are getting new fans, but man, for all those MCS fans back in the day, I can't believe many of them are still listening to them, clearly after this release.

Shit, maybe he, the singer, needs to start drinking again.

I have been listening to them since right before I Am The Movie and I love this album. I think it is mature yet catchy, still has witty and clever lyrics, awesome instrumentation and it still sounds fresh. Sorry to hear that you don't dig it as much but I would say give it another shot. It is truly an great CD.

[threepunchjim]

I really want to play these (or any MCS) songs on Rock Band. Especially the drums. Pleeeeeease.
DUUUUUDE! Weakends would be amazing!

[Silent Laughter]

After a few more listens, all the songs have grown on me. As much as I love EIIKM (barely edging out CTTM), I think MDL is my new favorite. So they just keep getting better. Though I still miss the moog :-( After I heard "Disappear", I was worried all the songs would have that style, but I'm glad they haven't abandoned the power pop, regardless of album sales. "Disappear" has grown on me, good album track, shows their harder side, but probably my least favorite.

Anyone else love the Busta Rhymes mention in "Stand Too Close"? So random. That guy's videos cracked me up in college. Hell, all my friends had to do was say "Busta Rhymes!" and I'd break into hysterial laughing fits. Kinda crazy, but its cool that Justin name dropped him, maybe he feels the same lol

[stonecoldfox]

I'm not going to lie..history lessons migh be my favorite track off the album.

[stonecoldfox]

I Am The Movie is the only album that I truly like from the band. Overrated?

I actually like that one the least out of any of their albums....in fact, with the amount of people like you saying it's their best / only good work I'd have to say that album is the only thing that's overrated about them.

[icteti]

The Weakends is the best song MCS has put out to date.
Maybe not the best. But very close. Top 3 maybe. Best track off the album by far though

[oliviaemmer]

finally was able to get this! loving it!

[dancetony]

this album did not disappoint for me. worth the wait and worth the bucks. been a fan since their first album and have to say that the new nearly tops all of them. can't wait to hear the new ones live.

[Bakerofpies17]

Really like the new album now that I've gotten a chance to listen to it. Different than the previous albums for sure, but I like it better than Even if It Kills Me, and put it close to the first 2. Vocals are not what I expected but still enjoyable.

[MissVampire]

It bored me to death.

[alliegator16]

I really need to listen to this at some point...

[Grammercy Riffs]

It is an amazing album, a grower in every sense of the word, i think it's their best effort to date, great review!
I agree, a definite grower!

[Grammercy Riffs]

I have been listening to them since right before I Am The Movie and I love this album. I think it is mature yet catchy, still has witty and clever lyrics, awesome instrumentation and it still sounds fresh. Sorry to hear that you don't dig it as much but I would say give it another shot. It is truly an great CD.
Definitely a maturity in this album not seen before...

[heregoesnothin]

I fucking love this album and agree with the increase in maturity level. There really are only 2 tracks that i'm not that into but beside those this album definitely lived up to the hype.

[sweettunez]

great review.

[MNlukeMN]

i was initially too bored with this album to give it a full listen, you have convinced me to give my fellow statesmen another try.

[Steeeve Perry]

It could just be good enough to keep me from totally outgrowing pop-punk (Green Day aside). See how it is by May.

[Mirrors Shatter]

The Zelda reference in @!#?@! made me shit bricks.

[drevans18]

this cd took a while to grow, but once it did, i didn't stop listening to it. great review, good cd.

[Key Wii]

Great review, Drew.
I second this.

[DylanPPPP]

Great albums are just those albums that give you that unexplainable, magnetic attraction to them that becomes stronger and stronger as you listen over and over. My Dinosaur Life is one of those albums. So good, by far my favorite MCS record.

[ramomcferno]

The lyrics on this CD just really hit me and I related to a lot of it. Such a great CD.

[Blake Solomon]

something made me spin this again last night (and again today) and I think I was unfairly dismissive of this album. Maybe I listened to it with too many other things going on and wasn't able to focus, or whatever, but I will say now, a year later, that this is a fantastic album. Especially "Skin and Bones" and "Worker Bee." Man this band is good. Not many of the bands I started listening to from their debut have continued to intrigue me, but MCS is certainly one of them.

[Jay Evan]

Best Album of 2010