Shatter590
04/17/07, 10:56 AM
Thursday - Waiting
Record Label: Eyeball Records
When you hear the name Thursday, the first album that comes to mind tends to be either their classic "Full Collapse" or the equally stellar "War All The Time." Both albums are ferocious, melodic and thoughtful, and have often introduced legions of fans to the band and genre in particular. But look back from these albums will allow you to find a little gem of a CD that was released to little fanfare, yet can easily stand among its descendants with pride.
"Waiting" was released in early 2000 on indie-label Eyeball Records, the same label that would release the debut "My Chemical Romance" album "I Brought You My Bullets..." a few years later. While the initial run was small, the album is still being pressed and can be found at mass market retailers like Best Buy (which is where I found my copy a few years ago). Upon first spin, the listener is introduced to a sound not uncommon for bands currently in the genre, but at the time would have probably come as something of a surprise. Melodic, flowing guitars on verses while choruses grind and pound with breakdowns and heavy riffs. The first song, "Porcelain," starts off this way, and hooks you into the album as a whole.
It takes a few listens to actually get the lyrics and vocals before you begin to understand the themes and subtle nuances of the record. "Porcelain," for example, is a tribute to a friend's suicide, and Geoff Rickley manages to convey the sadness and eventual hope extremely well. While his voice isn't the same as it is on later albums, it still fits the music exceptionally well, showing hints of the talent that would eventually burst forth on "Full Collapse."
While in comparison to many of their later albums, and albums from other bands who mimic their style, this one seems a bit raw. It holds nothing back and can still stand the test of time. Whether or not you are a fan of Thursday is irrelevant when taking "Waiting" into account; the album is more than just solid, it is a benchmark and worthy jumping point for a band we all know.
Recommended Songs:
Porcelain
Streaks In The Sky
Dying in New Brunswick
Record Label: Eyeball Records
When you hear the name Thursday, the first album that comes to mind tends to be either their classic "Full Collapse" or the equally stellar "War All The Time." Both albums are ferocious, melodic and thoughtful, and have often introduced legions of fans to the band and genre in particular. But look back from these albums will allow you to find a little gem of a CD that was released to little fanfare, yet can easily stand among its descendants with pride.
"Waiting" was released in early 2000 on indie-label Eyeball Records, the same label that would release the debut "My Chemical Romance" album "I Brought You My Bullets..." a few years later. While the initial run was small, the album is still being pressed and can be found at mass market retailers like Best Buy (which is where I found my copy a few years ago). Upon first spin, the listener is introduced to a sound not uncommon for bands currently in the genre, but at the time would have probably come as something of a surprise. Melodic, flowing guitars on verses while choruses grind and pound with breakdowns and heavy riffs. The first song, "Porcelain," starts off this way, and hooks you into the album as a whole.
It takes a few listens to actually get the lyrics and vocals before you begin to understand the themes and subtle nuances of the record. "Porcelain," for example, is a tribute to a friend's suicide, and Geoff Rickley manages to convey the sadness and eventual hope extremely well. While his voice isn't the same as it is on later albums, it still fits the music exceptionally well, showing hints of the talent that would eventually burst forth on "Full Collapse."
While in comparison to many of their later albums, and albums from other bands who mimic their style, this one seems a bit raw. It holds nothing back and can still stand the test of time. Whether or not you are a fan of Thursday is irrelevant when taking "Waiting" into account; the album is more than just solid, it is a benchmark and worthy jumping point for a band we all know.
Recommended Songs:
Porcelain
Streaks In The Sky
Dying in New Brunswick