Motion City Soundtrack - Even if It Kills Me

[Julia Conny]

Motion City Soundtrack - Even if It Kills Me
Record Label: Epitaph Records
Release Date: September 18, 2007

Here we are again, Motion City Soundtrack and I. Our sizzling nerd sex is back with their third Epitaph release, Even If It Kills Me. Of course, the question here is not if the performance will be up to par. The question here is whether it will blow me out of the water, in which Justin Pierre and crew are certainly capable. I Am The Movie is justifiably priceless and Commit This To Memory is a careful and successful step into a growing style and sound. When I first heard Even If It Kills Me, I felt the hooks, felt the clever shapes, and felt what could be, but it needed to grow. Now, moments away from release day, MCS are wrapping their vines around my ankles and reeling me in like a helpless fish. What a turn-on.

In classic form, the nerdy Midwest pop-rock quintet open the album with “Fell In Love Without You.” Brazen synth kickstarts with a fastball and a reassuring glance to all its old school listeners; MCS lets us know that they haven’t forgotten I Am The Movie. Within these first moments, MCS prove two things: they have an impeccable understanding of what makes interesting arrangements (see also “Where I Belong” or “This Is For Real”), and it’s impossible for MCS to release music that isn’t simultaneously snarky and fun (see also “Point of Extinction”). As the album moves along, there is a greater concentration on guitar flair and interesting riffs than synth overload, a likeness to Commit This To Memory. MCS opens up their structures to create a more flowing, spacious and wistful appeal, like on the sprinkled high notes of “Last Night” and poignant ending to “Hello Helicopter.”

The production is a two-thirds split by tag-team Fountain of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger/Girls vs. Boys’ Eli Janney and the man with a pop-rock super resume, Ric Ocasek (Weezer, The Cars). Both sides of the production work go for your standard pop-rock hugeness, but my favorite tracks off the album (“Point of Extinction” and “Hello Helicopter”) come from the Schlesinger/Janney camp. The vocal work on Even If It Kills Me is delivered faultlessly and at a flattering level – Pierre works an intimacy that fills every little splinter and the far corners of a big room. This is a kind of closeness that wasn’t as special on I Am The Movie or Commit This To Memory. And even though it’s always been easy to fall for Pierre’s cunning, pop-cultured and backhanded-dark lyricism, it’s not hard for me to find moments on the album where I connect with the music on more than a sing-along level. The chorus of “Can’t Finish What You Started” hits close to home with “I thought of all the things I’d like to say / Cramped up and couldn’t write a word all day / I’m just waiting for my world to fall apart / That’s why I’ll never finish anything I start.”

However, we are talking pop-rock. A critical aspect of pop-rock is hook appeal, right? And it wouldn’t be MCS if there weren’t a carnival of melodic rides and cotton-candy overdoses, right? Shooting back to the two previous records, I hesitate to say that Even If It Kills Me is their catchiest work to date. My two favorites – “Point of Extinction” and “Hello Helicopter” – beat anything on CTTM and maybe IATM, but to encompass all of Even If It Kills Me as a ecstatic pop excursion would be giving too much credit to my least favorites - “Calling All Cops” and dreary band-produced piano ballad “The Conversation.” Heading back to CTTM also makes me realize how much I loved Mark Hoppus’ handiwork. While, like I mentioned before, the production on this album is a perfect fit for Pierre, Hoppus did neat things with the arrangements and effects on CTTM. I sort-of miss these. For the non-progressionists, songs like “I Fell In Love Without You” and “It Had To Be You” are the closest you’re going to get to IATM. Even so, it’s obvious the band is growing up. This is the most endearing quality about Even If It Kills Me because I've grown up too.

So MCS and I have our long-awaited nerd sex. Pop-tarts are scattered on the bed like rose petals. This time, it’s a lot more personal, but this may also be because I’ve stuck with and adored MCS since IATM first entered my life. If this classifies as a bias, then this will be the case, but the bottom line is that MCS never fails to release clever pop-rock. Even If It Kills Me is another worthy notch in their bedpost.

"Point of Extinction," "Hello Helicopter" and "This Is For Real"Official Website (http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com) | AP Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/motioncitysoundtrack) | Listen (http://www.myspace.com/motioncitysoundtrack)01) Fell In Love Without You #
02) This Is For Real *
03) It Had To Be You #
04) Last Night *
05) Calling All Cops *
06) Can't Finish What You Started #
07) The Conversation +
08) Broken Heart *
09) Hello Helicopter #
10) Where I Belong #
11) Point Of Extinction #
12) Antonia #
13) Even If It Kills Me *

* produced by Ric Ocasek
# produced by Adam Schlesinger and Eli Janney
+ self-produced by band

[Blake Solomon]

first!


edit: and now that i've read it, I am even more excited for this record. I haven't listened to the stream or anything, I am going to be fresh-faced and wide-eyed upon first listen.

I think this is your best review yet, and that's saying something!

[Julia Conny]

first!


edit: and now that i've read it, I am even more excited for this record. I haven't listened to the stream or anything, I am going to be fresh-faced and wide-eyed upon first listen.

I think this is your best review yet, and that's saying something!

Well, thank you kind sir. It feels really good to listen all the way through because there are cute surprises along the way. I think my roommate and I will probably go out on the 18th, buy a copy, and drive around blasting its sweet tunes.

[allisterkid]

Nice job on this review. I'll check this album out even though I was not anticipating it even remotely. I've kind of been over them for a while now. If it's like there last album I won't like it much.

[stevoemo]

gitty up, can't wait for this one!!

[Drew Beringer]

My favorite song is "Can't Finish What You Started"

[CLARIFY THIS]

Very well written review.

I cannot wait to hear this

[G apostrophe Ra]

Rad review. I think it's interesting that you didn't prefer Ocasek's half of the production; I had definitely been excited to see what the union of him and MCS would yield. Stoked about this record.

[Tom Good]

Awesome review Julia. I've been looking forward to this album AND the review. Didn't disappoint...now to hear the album...

[tm decomposer]

Great Review.

[Daniel Thompson]

I can't wait to hear this album

[newfoundmichael]

About damn time this leaked. Nice review, I had been looking forward to seeing who would review ths. You didn't dissapoint.

[gonfreaks]

Great review. I'm on my first listen to it now, on Hello Helicopter. I really like it so far, but probably not as much as the previous two.

[the sob]

Great Review.

[jwelborn]

in my opinion this album does not even come close to any of their past albums, there are some good tracks, but overall i don't think i like it too much.

[Shatter590]

i am so taking notes on these reviews...

excellent wordsmithing!

[baton]

good review, now i'm excited as hell, even though i already was before :) i just want to hear it but not through some web-stream, hope it won't disappoint,.. to people who listened - what about guest vocals? it was supposed to include vocals from say anything, zolof and the matches right? what songs, and is there anybody more?

[Lirr168]

Excellent review of a great album.

[Chemical Love]

Great review. I am also a big fan of Even If It Kills Me, I'll be listening to it all weekend.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Nice review, looking forward to hearing it

[linfieldfc]

Nice review, looking forward to hearing it

Ditto would have heard this already if it wern't for MTV's cock up with the leak

[tacosforcharles]

Good review! Definitely excited to pick up this and New Found Glory next week.

[splitsecond]

I would give the production a little higher marks. The guitar tones on this album are superb, and far superior to the tones on the last album. I think this album sounds very natural, which is good.

[Why Bother?]

I can't get enough of This Is For Real and Broken Heart.

I'm so stoked.

[saving jonathan]

this was supposed to be one of my summer albums!
great review, i'm very pumped to listen to this. just like Direction, i'm waiting til i buy this, no streams or leaks for me. it made it much more enjoyable.

[pshh]

nj nj

[RyanHall]

great review!

[Big_Guy]

not a good album at all.

Commit This To Memory wasn't even that great

[dmlax08]

I LOVE Even If It Kills Me the song. It's so amazing.

[Brandon Allin]

Great review, Julia.

[whiteboypain]

in my opinion this album does not even come close to any of their past albums, there are some good tracks, but overall i don't think i like it too much.

exactly what he said.

[schaft]

This review has made me that much more excited to hear this album.

Stupid work... can't stream anything.

[Chevy114]

Can't wait, sounds like a great album!

[MasonR5]

i like this album a LOT.

"Antonia" might be my favorite song off this cd.

[You Won't Know]

This is an outstanding review... my favorite references were about nerd sex. Very clever.

[Chris Fallon]

Wow Julia ... this is one of the best reviews I have ever read from you. You are such an extraordinary word smith. I want to have your grammatically well-rounded babies. :inlove:

This is a really enjoyable record. I can't think of too many bands who just light up my day like MCS can.

[Phade]

Wow finally someone who can write reviews on this site. I like what I've heard of this album so far, minus "Fell In Love Without You". "Not Asking You To Leave" is great though, they should have put that on the regular release instead. Oh well, love these guys, should be a great release.

[mushroom]

fanastic review and i really love the "pop tarts scattered on the bed" reference

[alreadyheardit]

Excellently reviewed!

[ashesofapril234]

Nicely written review, so far I'm enjoying this album.

[Vanilla Bear]

this is why you are my favorite writer on AP.net...you have a unique ability to combine your personal thoughts/feelings, while staying true to the music.

great work...can't wait to listen!

[huckleberry]

the review makes me want to pick it up more than i already did

[Winnie the Pooh]

The lyrics should've gotten a .5

[shadowofmyself]

Nice review. Definitely picking this up on Tuesday.

After listening to the album steam a few days ago, the chorus for "This is for Real" was stuck in my head all day. I absolutely loved it!

[sell the sunris]

This review was a lot of fun to read. Can't wait to hear the album!

[Julia Conny]

Nice job on this review. I'll check this album out even though I was not anticipating it even remotely. I've kind of been over them for a while now. If it's like there last album I won't like it much.

How can you be over MCS? That hurts, haha. It is more like their last album as a whole, but they haven't forgotten their IATM roots.

My favorite song is "Can't Finish What You Started"

Rad review. I think it's interesting that you didn't prefer Ocasek's half of the production; I had definitely been excited to see what the union of him and MCS would yield. Stoked about this record.

I think Schlesinger/Janney kept it fresher, and it worked really well to get the songs up to that token MCS catchiness. Give it a whirl. Maybe I missed something about Ocasek.

[Julia Conny]

Awesome review Julia. I've been looking forward to this album AND the review. Didn't disappoint...now to hear the album...

About damn time this leaked. Nice review, I had been looking forward to seeing who would review ths. You didn't dissapoint.

Thanks for making my break at work so much more enjoyable. I was afraid I was going to come to home to lots of hater mail.

in my opinion this album does not even come close to any of their past albums, there are some good tracks, but overall i don't think i like it too much.

Try it again in a couple weeks. That really helped me clear my head and appreciate the really good parts of it.

i am so taking notes on these reviews...

excellent wordsmithing!

I'm a ninja. :-D Thank you.

Great review. I'm on my first listen to it now, on Hello Helicopter. I really like it so far, but probably not as much as the previous two.

I wish I was listening to Hello Helicopter rather than making coffee for yuppies. :-(

[ilikefood]

this album is so good. so was your review.

[Tsagoodness]

i thought max from say anything, the zolof girl, and the dude from the matches were supposed to be on hello helicopter, i cant hear any of them, maybe its just me?

[chiodos13]

I have the album and everything said in this review is right on. Well written friend

[hailthewarrior]

good review

[ManicanParty49]

I like this album a lot. MCS never fail to impress me. I think Calling All Cops is really weak though. His lyrics are still excellent though. I can't help but love the nerdy quirky lyrics and melodies.

[HelpMeSleep]

excellent. i've been waiting for this album and i didn't stream it because i know i'm going to buy it and i wantd to be relatively surprised. but now i'm even more excited for this.

[BBScience]

The ending of "Last Night" begs for a good minute of instrumentation, I HATE when songs end prematurely.

Such potential there, kinda lets me down every time I listen to it. Bring back the piano melody pleeeassseeeeeee.

[smelltheglove]

looking forward to this with very high expectations. I am the Movie was incredible and Commit This to Memory was even better (imho). Love 'em.

[airik625]

honestly, very well written review. i am very excited for my pre-order to come in.

[xDinoCorex]

Great Review!
I cant wait until tuesday.

[Tom Good]

Thanks for making my break at work so much more enjoyable. I was afraid I was going to come to home to lots of hater mail.There will never be hater mail from me Ms. Conny

[Genuma]

Point Of Extinction is the best song IMO.

[Praetor]

Julia for president.

Even though we disagree on "Hello, Helicopter" and "The Conversation," this was easily one of the best reviews you've ever written.

[fedhed7]

very nice review.

[BringDaRuckus]

the conversation sounds like ben folds

[TBSowns524]

this is one of the finest reviews ive read on this site. you've reignited my excitement for this release

[TJ Wells]

Point Of Extinction is the best song IMO.
Holy balls we live in the same city!

[Julia Conny]

good review, now i'm excited as hell, even though i already was before :) i just want to hear it but not through some web-stream, hope it won't disappoint,.. to people who listened - what about guest vocals? it was supposed to include vocals from say anything, zolof and the matches right? what songs, and is there anybody more?

You know, it wasn't denoted on the press sheets I was given, and when I was listening through, I didn't even notice anything that would scream GUEST VOCALS. Because of this, I sort-of forgot about them. Now that I think about it, it would be been nice to get some Max in my MCS soup.

Excellent review of a great album.

Gracias.

I would give the production a little higher marks. The guitar tones on this album are superb, and far superior to the tones on the last album. I think this album sounds very natural, which is good.

I was impressed with what the production did with Pierre's vocals, but when I compared it to CTTM, I realized I like Hoppus' work more.

not a good album at all.

Commit This To Memory wasn't even that great

Do you like IATM?

Great review, Julia.

Thanks!

[PassedOut]

This review blows.

[Julia Conny]

i like this album a LOT.

"Antonia" might be my favorite song off this cd.

That's also what's neat about this album. I don't think there are just a couple songs that are clearly the best. I've seen a vast array of opinions when it comes to favorite tracks, and that gives me hope that this album will have some lasting power.

This is an outstanding review... my favorite references were about nerd sex. Very clever.

Who can say no to nerd sex?!?

Wow Julia ... this is one of the best reviews I have ever read from you. You are such an extraordinary word smith. I want to have your grammatically well-rounded babies. :inlove:

This is a really enjoyable record. I can't think of too many bands who just light up my day like MCS can.

:lolatpost: ily

MCS is a fucking ray of sunshine on any cloudy day.

Wow finally someone who can write reviews on this site. I like what I've heard of this album so far, minus "Fell In Love Without You". "Not Asking You To Leave" is great though, they should have put that on the regular release instead. Oh well, love these guys, should be a great release.

I've never heard that song ... I will have to do some sleuthing.

fanastic review and i really love the "pop tarts scattered on the bed" reference

Thank youuu. Not gonna lie, I loved that line when I wrote it. It creates adorable (and sort of messy) imagery.

[Julia Conny]

this is why you are my favorite writer on AP.net...you have a unique ability to combine your personal thoughts/feelings, while staying true to the music.

great work...can't wait to listen!

Amp. It's my juice of inspiration. Teehee.

Thank you so much.

The lyrics should've gotten a .5

Why? I thought some of them were pretty damn witty.

Someone doesn't like poptarts and sex.

[Julia Conny]

looking forward to this with very high expectations. I am the Movie was incredible and Commit This to Memory was even better (imho). Love 'em.

Then you will adore this.

Point Of Extinction is the best song IMO.

It's one of the catchiest things I've heard all year.

Julia for president.

Even though we disagree on "Hello, Helicopter" and "The Conversation," this was easily one of the best reviews you've ever written.

I'd make a horrible president, haha. But thank you.

this is one of the finest reviews ive read on this site. you've reignited my excitement for this release

Yessss! Success!

[Praetor]

Then you will adore this.



It's one of the catchiest things I've heard all year.



I'd make a horrible president, haha. But thank you.



Yessss! Success!
I don't think so, we could use a president who likes Motion City Soundtrack.

Also, I'll save you the hunt: Not Asking You To Leave (http://sharebee.com/4f649335)

[baton]

You know, it wasn't denoted on the press sheets I was given, and when I was listening through, I didn't even notice anything that would scream GUEST VOCALS. Because of this, I sort-of forgot about them. Now that I think about it, it would be been nice to get some Max in my MCS soup.


woah, that would be disappointing, i've definitely seen them recording some parts on of their webizodes and was a bit excited for this

[Joe DeAndrea]

I only really dislike "Hello Helicopter" but other than that I love it. The last three songs are so good.

[tm decomposer]

I only really dislike "Hello Helicopter" but other than that I love it. The last three songs are so good.
I like that song.

[altemose09]

I haven't listened to the stream or anything, I am going to be fresh-faced and wide-eyed upon first listen.

same

[tm decomposer]

Julia, are you gonna review Matt Pond PA?

[Julia Conny]

Julia, are you gonna review Matt Pond PA?

Not sure yet. It's kinda a first come first serve situation, and I know there are some reviewers on staff that are big fans of mpPA too, but I sure hope so. It's one of my most anticipated of the year, for sure.

[InaGreendase]

Okay, give it to me straight.

ATTN someone who thought Movie ruled and Memory was mediocre...

How's this? Thanks.

[motioncity182]

i can't wait. so psyched for this album.

[stuntgirl]

exactly what he said.
not sure why you have to be such a hater. maybe you need to check out some nada surf, specifically the song "Always Love" - seriously no reason for your comments.

[stuntgirl]

not sure why you have to be such a hater. maybe you need to check out some nada surf, specifically the song "Always Love" - seriously no reason for your comments.
and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ALBUM!!

[mxpxjf]

Well, I don't usually read reviews, but I'm so excited for this album, that I just had to. It just may turn out to be my favorite album of the year...

[saysmydoctor]

This album will suck like every other Motion City Soundtrack album that isn't I Am The Movie.

[delvec19]

This album will suck like every other Motion City Soundtrack album that isn't I Am The Movie.

No sir, You Suck.

[Genuma]

Holy balls we live in the same city!Cool!

[Genuma]

Then you will adore this.



It's one of the catchiest things I've heard all year.



I'd make a horrible president, haha. But thank you.



Yessss! Success!Same here.

[Winnie the Pooh]

Amp. It's my juice of inspiration. Teehee.

Thank you so much.



Why? I thought some of them were pretty damn witty.

Someone doesn't like poptarts and sex.


The lyrics to the song "Antonia" are all I needed to give the entire album a .5/10.

[punk_rock609]

this is a rad review
im so gettignthis cd
im stoked!
<3

[TheBaroness]

I'm worried for this...

[yoyoninjagirl]

great review. I really love this album.

[b4u4get]

Good review. I like almost every song on this album. I didn't expect myself digging it that far. I'm definately going to buy this cd.

[notdarren]

review not dirty enough.

[adam289]

not as good as their old stiuff but it's still pretty good

[Julia Conny]

This album will suck like every other Motion City Soundtrack album that isn't I Am The Movie.

It must be difficult to expand your music collection when you're caught up in the past.

The lyrics to the song "Antonia" are all I needed to give the entire album a .5/10.

:rolleyes:

[soimpossible490]

great review. I love the album.

if you listen to the album though, has anyone else noticed that he says "i'm too tired to...(fill in the blank)" in a bunch of songs...was he trying to keep it continuous? or did he just run out of things to say...

regardless i love it.

by the way, those of you who don't love it right now or think that it's not as good as their old work - it's catchy as shit...give it some time for god's sake. it'll grow on you just like all of their other stuff has.

[Julia Conny]

great review. I love the album.

if you listen to the album though, has anyone else noticed that he says "i'm too tired to...(fill in the blank)" in a bunch of songs...was he trying to keep it continuous? or did he just run out of things to say...

regardless i love it.

by the way, those of you who don't love it right now or think that it's not as good as their old work - it's catchy as shit...give it some time for god's sake. it'll grow on you just like all of their other stuff has.

Yeah! That's what I was trying to say too.

[sdbrown]

When I first heard Even If It Kills Me, I felt the hooks, felt the clever shapes, and felt what could be, but it needed to grow. Now, moments away from release day, MCS are wrapping their vines around my ankles and reeling me in like a helpless fish. What a turn-on. Exactly how I felt. I had to listen to it a few times just to grasp the music and new sounds. I turned it off so as not to burn myself out...only to turn it right back on so I could hear that one part, or that lyrics, etc. and ended up listening to half the album again.

That's also what's neat about this album. I don't think there are just a couple songs that are clearly the best. I've seen a vast array of opinions when it comes to favorite tracks, and that gives me hope that this album will have some lasting power.


Thank youuu. Not gonna lie, I loved that line when I wrote it. It creates adorable (and sort of messy) imagery.
When I read it I thought of poptarts all broken in half on a white bedpread and the strawberry jam getting all over and how difficult it would be to get it cleaned up :P

and I totally agree (again) that there isn't one song that's the best. It's a lot like IATM in that way, where there's a lot of variety.


The lyrics to the song "Antonia" are all I needed to give the entire album a .5/10.
Wow, great judgment there :rolleyes:. Especially considering that is probably the weakest song lyrically on the entire album.

[Jadie..]

Awesome review!
I bought the album today. It's really good!

[TJ Wells]

I'm not sure how I feel about this album yet. I really like the first half or so of the album (up to "Broken Hearts") but after that the songs seemed to really just fade into one another. But then again, i've only listened once; that's how I usually feel about albums after one listen. So we'll see.

[fowruok]

I love this album. First impressions-wise, it's better than Commit This to Memory -- it's much catchier, though I didn't really notice Pierre's lyrics this time around (which have always been at the forefront for me).

Also, I don't think I'll ever be able to fairly compare any MCS albums to IATM since it's their first album and the first I'd heard of them -- if that makes sense.

[Blake Solomon]

i think i like "This Is For Real" the best.

[whiteboypain]

not sure why you have to be such a hater. maybe you need to check out some nada surf, specifically the song "Always Love" - seriously no reason for your comments.

i'm not being a hater, i am speaking my opinion. This album is lame just like you. :-(

[Mitch]

This and Kanye West's new album both left me with the same feelings after a bunch of listens: Their worst albums yet, but still really really good.

My favorite songs on this album right now are Calling All Cops and the title track.

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

83? really?

[antlerboy182]

Great Review.

[AmyLav]

Good review, although I disagree that This is For Real is a highlight. Am I alone in really disliking this song? I love IATM, and this song is sort of reminiscent of that album... but I still can't stand it lol. Also I agree that The Conversation is a low point, but I thought Calling all Cops was really catchy and fun.

[FallingFaster44]

I love "The Conversation". It seems really Ben Folds-ish to me, which i guess is why i love it.

[darkpelican]

"Can't Finish What I Started" has a very Get Up Kidsish vibe durring the verses.

[myantiyou]

Great review, MCS is surely synth pop rock at its finest.

[p, FRY]

its ok. i can't touch I Am The Movie and on a first few listens is definitely below Commit This To Memory. too many of the songs lack any real definition and just bleed into one another.

not to mention it feels like they've lost a lot of their edge, and its being watered down.

[Vismund_Cygnus]

Thank you Robert Moog for creating the Moog synthesizer!

Everything about this album is perfectly crafted. Catchy hooks and excellent melodies. Definitely one of the most clever pop-rock albums made.

Great review!

[mr chainsaw]

first impression: disappointment

but it could grow on me

[mcslove]

nice review!

i reallllly want to get this cd today even more now

[andthen252]

first impression: disappointment

but it could grow on me

i have to agree....it's just not doing it for me.

[Ender217]

in my opinion this album does not even come close to any of their past albums, there are some good tracks, but overall i don't think i like it too much.


I've listened through it and its sorta just there .... a bit blah ... I was hoping more like the older stuff and less like the Commitment this to Memory stuff.

[Julia Conny]

i have to agree....it's just not doing it for me.

I've listened through it and its sorta just there .... a bit blah ... I was hoping more like the older stuff and less like the Commitment this to Memory stuff.

Let it sit for a couple weeks and then come back to it, trust me. The album grew miles on me after I had let it alone for a little while. Now I really like it.

[smelltheglove]

not feeling it as much as the first 2 albums, but still solid. My complaint is that Justin is just too damn depressing on this one, whatever happened to the fun "nostalgia" songs? The quirky humor? The only song like that is Antonia, the rest is just Justin questioning himself, his ability to write, ability to stay sober (even if it kills me) or questioning humanities lack of caring on "hello helicopter". lots of questioning and being bummed out.

and the majority are breakup songs. It also seems to lack the energy and good moog hooks of the first 2 albums as well. there's nothing like the moog hook to "make out kids" or "my favorite accident". There's some great drumming as usual and some interesting guitars, Justins vocals are top notch, but the lyrics are just not as interesting and the songs just to dreary and not catchy enough save a handful on the first half of the album...it loses a lot of steam as an album with that ill-fitted piano ballad at the midway point, that should have been an outtake, no offense guys. its about as fitting as that lame song "golden" on the new FOB. just kills the flow.

[CurtyB]

the conversation sounds like ben folds

my thoughts exactly. i skip it every time :-(

[CurtyB]

not feeling it as much as the first 2 albums, but still solid. My complaint is that Justin is just too damn depressing on this one, whatever happened to the fun "nostalgia" songs? The quirky humor? The only song like that is Antonia, the rest is just Justin questioning himself, his ability to write, ability to stay sober (even if it kills me) or questioning humanities lack of caring on "hello helicopter". lots of questioning and being bummed out.

and the majority are breakup songs. It also seems to lack the energy and good moog hooks of the first 2 albums as well. there's nothing like the moog hook to "make out kids" or "my favorite accident". There's some great drumming as usual and some interesting guitars, Justins vocals are top notch, but the lyrics are just not as interesting and the songs just to dreary and not catchy enough save a handful on the first half of the album...it loses a lot of steam as an album with that ill-fitted piano ballad at the midway point, that should have been an outtake, no offense guys. its about as fitting as that lame song "golden" on the new FOB. just kills the flow.

i agree with everything you said. my girlfriend described this album as "selfish" thematically, and i have to agree. also, "the conversation" is the worst song they have ever written, very akin to "golden" in how it effects the album

[themakebelieve]

ill check out this record...even if it kills me...

[Chalie22]

I think it's a grower but at first listen I was dissapointed. It's missing those really fun, catchy, make you smile all day long songs.

[delvec19]

This CD is AMAZING. I love it. I seriously cannot take it out of my car's cd player.

[crowdedteeth]

I had my doubts but this album is lovely. Long live MCS.

[smelltheglove]

i agree with everything you said. my girlfriend described this album as "selfish" thematically, and i have to agree. also, "the conversation" is the worst song they have ever written, very akin to "golden" in how it effects the album

glad Im not alone...after a few more spins it has grown on me more, but the second half of the album is still pretty average overall. The first 5 songs are all pretty stellar, but 5 tracks do not make an album.

[tttygxlove]

Hello Helicopter - - - - - - Best song EVER

[HandsDown28]

I absolutely love this album. I love bands that evolve and just get better and better.

"Last Night" is my favorite song.

[CarouselBoy]

you know, I really expected the record to let me down. After all the hype and all these ppl saying it sucked blah blah I had low expectations, but I really like it. I haven't heard much off I am the Movie, but I've heard Commit This to Memory and I def think it's more solid. CTM had more catchy songs (LG FUAD, Everything's OK, Attractive) but I didn't like the whole cd. The new one both starts strong (first 5 or so songs) and ends strong (last 4 or so). Couple in between that I don't like as much. Def pisses me off that all these people didn't like it before they could give it a chance, and even now calling it boring. It's a great cd and I will be seeing them live.

[ItsCountEjacula]

I'm really digging this album so far but I need to give it more listening time

[4N6 science]

I love this album they stick to what they do best, but add some new things that I haven't heard before.. good stuff from MCS..

[simpleawakening]

my fave off this is last night =]

[punkerific]

Awesome review.
I dont mind this album but I think IATM is probably their best work to date.
This album is probably my second favourite out of the three.

[IAmConjuringYou]

Supposedly, Max Bemis is on "Hello Helicopter" and "Point of Extinction", but I can't hear him for the life of me. Anyone know what parts of the song he is on?

[cscwell107]

Even if it kills me is definitely my favorite track on the album although I enjoy almost all the songs. I didn't like calling all cops though.

[fran.182]

ya...i love even if it kills me too....but i like calling all cops

[Sweep_the_Leg]

does anyone else think "Antonia" is mcs's worst song?

but other than that, great album

[ChristianFuller]

broken heart is my favorite song

[Dr. Acula]

Album is way under appreciated when it comes to their discography.