Classic Crime, The - Vagabonds

[Blake Solomon]

The Classic Crime – Vagabonds
Record Label: Tooth and Nail Records
Release Date: April 6, 2010

9/10ths of everything is effort. (Do you really need examples? I’m not a teacher.) But basically the point is this, if I took the time to foster relationships with bands or labels or my parents, I’d be much farther along. Instead I sit in a corner and wait for the wind to turn in my direction. It happens much less than you think, mostly because I’m kind of skinny and very white. I don’t blame the wind for missing me; I blame myself for being easily lost.

So good for The Classic Crime’s label, Tooth and Nail, for somehow tracking me down. I received a free copy of the band’s album Vagabonds and I’m totally bragging about it. This must be what it feels like to be Drew Beringer. You suck; nobody will ever send you a free record. You have to steal them, and for that you are no better than – insert humorous villain reference from a mid-90’s movie.

By the time “Four Chords” played through with its ridiculous catchiness and radio playability, I knew I had a winner. But Vagabonds is more than one great alternative rock song. It’s 11 great alternative rock songs. Opener “A Perfect Voice” rolls by at a pace that’s perfect for self-recollection. “Vagabonds” is riff after riff of fist-pumping optimism.

Honestly I don’t know anything about The Classic Crime other than the fact that this record is both deep and banal. No matter which level your brain is prepared to accept Vagabonds, you will leave the experience sated. Even weird takes on Gatsby’s American Dream like “The Happy Nihilist” or a soft-rock-for-acne-teens musing like “Different Now” work due to their astronomical levels of sincerity. There are moments when you may think, “Are they really into this?,” but vocalist Matt MacDonald always answers with another heartfelt wail. It’s clear that Vagabonds is more than the band’s next record. He jumps from human truth to human truth with the fervor of a wide-eyed teenager. But the joy comes from the fact that he makes observations with the intelligence of a person who’s seen it all (i.e. closer “Broken Mess").

Basically Vagabonds is at once nothing more than you’d expect from a “normal” rock band on Tooth and Nail and also what seems to be the label’s specialty: super smart re-imaginings of the crap inhabiting our radio airwaves. The Classic Crime have enough awareness to sidestep Three Doors Down Syndrome, so instead Vagabonds becomes that rare record in which you must really dig for the goodies. But trust me when I say the goodies are worth it.


Recommended If You Like: Run Kid Run, Story of the Year, Emery


www.myspace.com/theclassiccrime

[S9Dallasoz]

Very excited for this.
& if Blake approves...That makes me happy.

[Drew Beringer]

lol awesome review

[Drew Beringer]

Humorous mid-90's villain: Shredder.

[Matthew Tsai]

By the way, whatever happened to Run Kid Run? I liked their first album.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

Pretty much what I was expecting out of this album after the somewhat less-than-awesome-tracks I've heard so far. I love everything else they've done, so I'll definitely still give this a shot regardless.

[Meeze]

these guys have a lot of potential, lets see if they capture that potential on this record

[S9Dallasoz]

By the way, whatever happened to Run Kid Run? I liked their first album.
Get their 2nd one.

3rd one coming this year I believe.

[Matthew Tsai]

Get their 2nd one.

3rd one coming this year I believe.
I didn't like their 2nd one, but I definitely will check out anything new by them.

[jusscali]

Interesting. I love Mac's vocals and I enjoyed the last record, but not as much as a whole effort like their debut. The first song I heard from this really gave me a "meh" feeling, but I'm still anticipating its release. When is this due out?

[Down Set Go]

Interesting. I love Mac's vocals and I enjoyed the last record, but not as much as a whole effort like their debut. The first song I heard from this really gave me a "meh" feeling, but I'm still anticipating its release. When is this due out?
It's in the first section of the review...

April 6th. Did you even bother to find out yourself?

[jusscali]

It's in the first section of the review...

April 6th. Did you even bother to find out yourself?
No, thanks for saving me the trouble pal!

[p93]

Does it make me a bad person for being kind of disappointed that this is a record of "fist-pumping anthems" and that there's a 3 Doors Down reference?

[A7XXX]

I totally agree that Matt's lyrics are so real and relate-able. I fell in love with the Albatross so I hope that Vagabonds won't disappoint.

[tjm125]

Banal? That worries me. I really love Silver Cord and Seattle Sessions, and I still have high hopes for this album. Good review though.

[june182]

Get their 2nd one.

3rd one coming this year I believe.

Yeah I think they are recording now before their upcoming tour, and Love at the Core seems to never leave my playlist...probably one of my favorite albums

[splitsecond]

hahahahahahaha how long have you been waiting to bust out Three Doors Down Syndrome in a review????


I love this band, I was cared they were about to get Blake'd. Seems like the album is going to be pretty much what I expected.

[awakeohsleeper]

Brilliant review. I've been waiting to see what you guys think.

Don't forget all preorder proceeds are going to help Haiti.

[EvaMore]

I pretty much gave up on the band after The Silver Cord since that disappointed me a bit. But I may have to give this album a listen when it comes out.

[WhatJulianSaid]

hmmm need to hear this... first full length was good second ones production was great but I felt it lacked a real push after hearing the first few hopefully this one combines the 2 maybe? I'm hoping for the best but if it's a drastic change I'd understand their just trying to expand their fanbase for once... ehh but if it works good for them we shall seee

[BozzBlonde]

Enjoyed their other releases, so I'll definitely take a few listens.

[randnanand]

Sounds pretty good. The album art still scares me though.

[batmannj]

Awesome review Blake, made me chuckle and anticipate the album even more.

[Brandao]

"The Silver Cord" was pretty awesome....

Nice review! I'm excited for this...

[dismrepair08]

Hilarious (and insightful) review. I liked The Silver Cord alright, so I might check this out at some point. I gotta say that the artwork is kind of silly looking to me. I couldn't think of what it reminds me of, but then I just realized it is somewhat reminiscent of the artwork for Good Monsters by Jars of Clay. Or maybe that's just me...lol

[awakeohsleeper]

Yeah, definitely don't like the artwork.

[inthemidst]

Awesome review, Blake. Thanks for sharing! Love the Drew Beringer reference haha!

[Yellowcard2006]

Love everything this band does. I'm adding 10% to the review score. Good review!

[Blake Solomon]

hahahahahahaha how long have you been waiting to bust out Three Doors Down Syndrome in a review????


I love this band, I was cared they were about to get Blake'd. Seems like the album is going to be pretty much what I expected.
sadly i just thought of it while writing this review. i'm not big on planning. which is probably why I SUCK AT EVERYTHING

[live.]

lol awesome review
Have you heard this record, too? I'm wondering if you think they've achieved some of the successful progression you were hoping for at the end of your Silver Cord review.

[thebuffalo]

other than the kind of weird RIYL list, this was a pretty accurate review and i hope it sells well, they deserve more attention than they have gotten so far

[Josh20426]

I liked The Silver Cord, and I'm sure this will be pretty good. But I don't think I'll ever enjoy any of their stuff as much as I liked Albatross. I'll definitely pick this up when it comes out though

[Smeee]

The Silver Cord was awesome so I have high hopes for this. Good review.

[Drew Beringer]

Have you heard this record, too? I'm wondering if you think they've achieved some of the successful progression you were hoping for at the end of your Silver Cord review.
I have not heard this record yet.

[sweetfootaction]

Get their 2nd one.

3rd one coming this year I believe.
Christian radio LOVED their ballad on the second album. I expecting an album full of cheesy ballads from RKR's third album.

I'd rather have Side Walk Slam back.

[Bruycker]

I listened to the debut back in 2006. Loved it.

Haven't listened to the second one, but I will and I'll check this one out.
I remember liking the Ending of "We all Look Elsewhere" so much haha.

[LastDeclaration]

The progression from their first album to The Silver Cord was insane, so if they accomplished anything close to that for this record, it should be really incredible.

[Daigle lol]

Never heard of these guys before, but I'll definitely be checking them out soon. Awesome review; as usual, made me laugh about ten times xD

[Smeee]

The end of Four Chords definitely sounds they're singing "These fuckers will keep me living on" hahaha.

[cardhousedreame]

"Three Doors Down Syndrome"
I cracked up when I read that!

[OurLadyCoolbean]

I pretty much gave up on the band after The Silver Cord since that disappointed me a bit. But I may have to give this album a listen when it comes out.
Wow you gave up on them after one bad album? (Which, by the way, it wasn't, it was amazing) Sad.

[OurLadyCoolbean]

It doesnt really sound like they've progressed since The Silver Cord.... regardless, it will still be amazing and i like what i hear. well, im not totally sold on Solar Powered Life yet actually but still

[Steeeve Perry]

Ultimate 90's villain (and correct me if I'm wrong, mid 90's was when I saw him) - CAPTAIN POLLUTION

[TalkShowsOnMute]

Really excited to hear this album. I couldn't get enough of The Silver Cord.

[jusscali]

I still feel like this band hasn't lived up to their potential. They are better than fist pumping rock anthems - or at least I originally thought so. Some of their ballad-like songs are ace.

[drockhead]

What impresses me about this unique band is their wide range of sound. Each song on every album is so different, the listener will never be bored with The Classic Crime. From Albatross to Vagabonds, this band has demonstrated a superb talent. I've heard the entire Vagabonds CD, my review is, as always, The Classic Crime will not disappoint those who appreciate great music. I really enjoyed "The Happy Nihilist". it is a masterpiece! This band is one of those who deserved way more recognition than what they have! Once you get into The Classic Crime, you will want more! These guys are a music drug! Addictive!

[drockhead]

Hilarious (and insightful) review. I liked The Silver Cord alright, so I might check this out at some point. I gotta say that the artwork is kind of silly looking to me. I couldn't think of what it reminds me of, but then I just realized it is somewhat reminiscent of the artwork for Good Monsters by Jars of Clay. Or maybe that's just me...lol

The art work is definetely great! it is raw and it is basic kinda like Rock used to be in the 70's! It is definetely saying this is who we are! The Classic Crime! There is no artsiness and no weirdness and no funkiness. It is plain, simple and to the point and the point is "We got great music"

[Blake Solomon]

What impresses me about this unique band is their wide range of sound. Each song on every album is so different, the listener will never be bored with The Classic Crime. From Albatross to Vagabonds, this band has demonstrated a superb talent. I've heard the entire Vagabonds CD, my review is, as always, The Classic Crime will not disappoint those who appreciate great music. I really enjoyed "The Happy Nihilist". it is a masterpiece! This band is one of those who deserved way more recognition than what they have! Once you get into The Classic Crime, you will want more! These guys are a music drug! Addictive!
i like this album, but calling every song "unique" seems to be bordering on some weird type of insane fan devotion

[EvaMore]

Wow you gave up on them after one bad album? (Which, by the way, it wasn't, it was amazing) Sad.
Well, I'm entitled to an opinion or two. I lost interest in them. I don't even listen to the old stuff that I really like any more. Sometimes it just happens.

[Ryan Gardner]

Thinking I'll have to check this out.

[PunkInfluence09]

Overall, this group is very hit and miss with me from their first two releases. I'm sure I'll give this one a listen, but I'm not too overly excited about it.

[gjpinizz]

I didn't like their 2nd one, but I definitely will check out anything new by them.
we've only just begun is there best song. i love that song

[thekazeblade]

I'm only a casual fan of The Classic Crime, but I'll give this album a listen. A very well-written review.

[lifeinrewind]

After listening to the entire album numerous times I can confirm it belongs nowhere near The Silver Cord on a scale of greatness. Most of the songs begin exactly the same and many use the same exact cord progressions and melodies. For example, go through the intros and listen to how many songs begin with a deep breath followed by the word I. Unfortunately, it really seems like they ran out of ideas. The better tracks on Vagabonds ("Cheap Shots" for instance) would be decent supporting tracks on The Silver Cord or Albatross, but this album is definitely missing the standout songs that propelled their previous albums to greatness. There's no standout "single" and there isn't a standout ballad like the previous albums had. And this one has way too many Whoa choruses. Every song does seem to be going for that arena rock vibe but this doesn't play to the band's strengths in my opinion. Hopefully it grows on me later on but right now I am disappointed.

[Meeze]

mmhh...TCC keep on keeping on. their career, so far, reminds me of Spitalfield. I hope they dont end after this LP though. their best work is still ahead of them. Cheers, Blake!

[Blake Solomon]

After listening to the entire album numerous times I can confirm it belongs nowhere near The Silver Cord on a scale of greatness. Most of the songs begin exactly the same and many use the same exact cord progressions and melodies. For example, go through the intros and listen to how many songs begin with a deep breath followed by the word I. Unfortunately, it really seems like they ran out of ideas. The better tracks on Vagabonds ("Cheap Shots" for instance) would be decent supporting tracks on The Silver Cord or Albatross, but this album is definitely missing the standout songs that propelled their previous albums to greatness. There's no standout "single" and there isn't a standout ballad like the previous albums had. And this one has way too many Whoa choruses. Every song does seem to be going for that arena rock vibe but this doesn't play to the band's strengths in my opinion. Hopefully it grows on me later on but right now I am disappointed.
i don't accept that "four chords" isn't a standout single. You may not like it, but that song is beyond catchy and could certainly find its way to radio.

[lifeinrewind]

Four Chords is definitely a good song, but I've heard this exact same song written by many bands over the years. It's certainly catchy and listenable, but there's nothing original about it. I'm not saying there aren't good songs on this record but the best songs on this record don't compare to the best songs on the previous albums.

[Nick Le]

Checking this out for sure. I love this band, but I don't think anything can top Albatross for me.

[abellaw]

After a couple of listens i am pretty happy with this album. I went in with the mindset of being disappointed but that didn't happen so that was good. However i don't think that i will like this album as much as i liked The Silver Chord. But that album grew on me over time and this might just do the same.

[Jamos4184]

I was hoping for a bit more progression on this album. Matt MacDonald's voice makes this album, in my opinion. I get the sense that they were going for a more stripped-down sound with the overall production/mixing, etc. I like it, but just on initial listens it seems like the musicianship kind of took the backseat on this album, which is unfortunate because these guys are solid.

[Chris Fallon]

Just got this album and I love it. "Vagabonds" could be a Switchfoot-like hit and "Solar Powered Life" could attract alt-rock radio listeners; both are quick, catchy and play well on their pleasant riffs. Wasn't too big on the last album, but I think I might like this more than Albatross.

[LostAllways]

After listening to the entire album numerous times I can confirm it belongs nowhere near The Silver Cord on a scale of greatness.

This.
The album was crap compared to their old stuff, in my opinion. This new album sounds worse than the kind of stuff on the positive alternative radio stations.

[lifeinrewind]

It's sad because I still adore the first two full lengths and the acoustic EP but this album I'm never going to want to listen to more than 3 songs from because it simply isn't that great. And the band has been bad mouthing their earlier work in order to prove this album is better and basically saying that those that don't like this new album are just saying that to be trendy. That bugs me. The fact that I don't care for this one album doesn't mean I'm not a "true fan" or whatever you want to call it. They should be happy we enjoy their previous work so much instead of focusing on the one album we don't care for. It's ok guys, just do your best and worst care scenario you break up tomorrow and you still have a ton of amazing songs as your legacy. That's more than most bands can say.

[LGFUAD21]

im a late comer to this band. known about this band for ages but never really paid attention. Im at the point where im really disillusioned with music and something has to really catch my ear in a special way for me to like. Didnt really rate albatross. Sounded too similar to what everyone else is doing save for the vocals. Some of Silver Cord really caught me. Like 5805 with its waltz rhythm.

Didnt pay much attentiion to this album when it came out. Wrote it off as some lame stab at a proper alt rock album. Started listening the other day and think its great. Much more up beat than previous work but catchy as hell.And as always with this band the vocals are truly brilliant