Article On The Used

[Jason Tate]

Armed with only riff ideas and a healthy dose of skepticism, rock act the Used entered the studio earlier this year to create its highly anticipated sophomore release.

"I think it's good to push yourself," singer Bert McCracken tells Billboard.com. "Especially that kind of driving stress kind of makes me want to do things a lot better. Kind of like when your dad is watching you mow the lawn and you are kind of like, 'Oh crap. Going out of the lines again.' But now that it's finished, I'm so confident and so much more proud than I ever have [been] about anything that I've created."

Due Sept. 28 via Reprise, "In Love and Death" features 12 tracks that vary from shout-along anthems similar to those found on the band's platinum self-titled 2002 debut, to more playful material. While two tracks -- lead single "Take It Away" and "Listening" -- are getting stage time during the band's set on the Projekt Revolution tour, McCracken can't wait until the Used's fall headlining tour, to really present the new material in its proper light.

"There are so many songs that I am looking forward to playing, and there are a lot of different feels," says McCracken. "There is a song on our record called 'Lunacy Fringe' that is all brushes on the drums and a stand-up bass. We're going to get another little mini-kit and kind of pull out some acoustic kind of things and try to get a little bit of a different feel during our set. It kind of reminds me of [the Cure's] 'Lovecats' meets [Soft Cell's] 'Tainted Love' a little bit. It's awesome."

Creative but not experimental is how McCracken characterizes the new album, which find the band furthering its songwriting without alienating its fanbase.

"This is definitely still the Used. But I think that we went a lot of different places that I never thought we would go for sure, with a lot brighter tones and a lot of dance-y rhythms and just kind of sadistic and almost dirty as far as lyrical content," says McCracken. "So, whether or not people want to buy it or just grab it off a computer, I think everyone should hear it."

Source: Billboard.com

[Nate_RAWKS]

"So, whether or not people want to buy it or just grab it off a computer, I think everyone should hear it."

Alright then where is it??? send it over Bert.

[Chemical Love]

reading that made me want to hear the album even more.

[rhiza]

this album fucking sucks

[Nate_RAWKS]

this album fucking sucks

and you heard it right?? and do you feel cool now because you came into this thread and said that??

[OnLegendary21]

this album fucking sucks

You have 11 posts, your opinion is invalid lol

[Mankfish]

and you heard it right?? and do you feel cool now because you came into this thread and said that??
hahaha, choice!

[Nate_RAWKS]

You have 11 posts, your opinion is invalid lol


i agree

[djUbilla]

You have 11 posts, your opinion is invalid lol
Fantastic! Elitism at its best.

[chriscac28]

I disagree, I think having 11 posts after being a member for over 2 years shows that he may actually think about what he's going to say before he posts...I've been coming here for a while longer than I've been a member and I don't really have that many posts because I only say something when I have something (valid) to say. Not like most of the "I'm gonna shoot off at the mouth every chance I get and turn this thread into some stupid flame war" kids that visit this site.

But I digress, he's probably wrong about the album sucking. I quite enjoyed their first album and am eagerly anticipating the next. And is it just me or does that first single remind anyone else of Letter Kills kinda?

[Nate_RAWKS]

well don't get me completely wrong here he has his own opinons on the subject of the new Used cd, however he shouldn't come in here and just randomly post 'this album fucking sucks'. Atleast back up your statement with a because...quite frankly i doubt he has even heard the cd, he just probably doesn't like the used or is going by the 30 second snippets that are floating around the net.

[Shellular]

everything always turns into a fight.

the kid said 'lol' after his comment. maybe it was a JOKE.

[i_hate_avril]

I was wanting to attend a Used show in Dallas at the beginning of Oct. with The Bronx, Atreyu, and Head Automatica, but it has been cancelled. Anybody know why? That was going to be a badass show....

[Billy]

You have 11 posts, your opinion is invalid lol
you said "lol" at the end of your post, your opinion is invalid.

[emo_is_awesome]

this album fucking sucks
i'm glad that you can make decisions for yourself. now please go jack off while i decide for myself.

[selftitled85]

i dled this thing from mirc with little 30 sec snip its from all the used songs on the new cd and i am not too impressed with it. it seems a lot slower than the first record.

[Shellular]

thats only 30 seconds of each song. dont judge. till youve heard entire songs.

[Nate_RAWKS]

thats only 30 seconds of each song. dont judge. till youve heard entire songs.

your avatar is killer!!!! and yeah these are just 30 second samples...it's just to fuck around with us..i also heard that most of these snippets are from older Used songs and aren't even on the new album but thats just a rumor take it like you want.

[Billy]

your avatar is killer!!!! and yeah these are just 30 second samples...it's just to fuck around with us..i also heard that most of these snippets are from older Used songs and aren't even on the new album but thats just a rumor take it like you want.
It's a Jimmy Eat World wallpaper incase you wanted it as your wallpaper.

[Sloaner]

I disagree, I think having 11 posts after being a member for over 2 years shows that he may actually think about what he's going to say before he posts...I've been coming here for a while longer than I've been a member and I don't really have that many posts because I only say something when I have something (valid) to say. Not like most of the "I'm gonna shoot off at the mouth every chance I get and turn this thread into some stupid flame war" kids that visit this site.

But I digress, he's probably wrong about the album sucking. I quite enjoyed their first album and am eagerly anticipating the next. And is it just me or does that first single remind anyone else of Letter Kills kinda?
I agree with you that the amount of posts you have has nothing to do with the validity of anyone's statement, but it doesn't apply in this situation. IMO, saying a band "sucks" is never really a valid statement worth posting in a thread, even if you give your reasons for thinking that. Saying you're not a fan of a bands music is one thing, but when you say they suck, you're stating your opinion is a very disrespectful way to many fans of the band.

[sweethypocrisy]

Sep. 7~ sneses fail (MAYBE, buried a lie is just so catchy, can... resist....)
Sep14~Straylight Run
Sep 21~ green dizzle
sep 28 ~ The Used.


;)

[Nouseforaname87]

i always get nervous when an artist says that their new cd is more "creative", although sometimes it turns out to be better than their old stuff.

[guitarguy33]

I disagree, I think having 11 posts after being a member for over 2 years shows that he may actually think about what he's going to say before he posts...I've been coming here for a while longer than I've been a member and I don't really have that many posts because I only say something when I have something (valid) to say. Not like most of the "I'm gonna shoot off at the mouth every chance I get and turn this thread into some stupid flame war" kids that visit this site.

But I digress, he's probably wrong about the album sucking. I quite enjoyed their first album and am eagerly anticipating the next. And is it just me or does that first single remind anyone else of Letter Kills kinda?

Wow, now that you say it that first single does kind of remind me of Letter Kills.

[Shellular]

your avatar is killer!!!! and yeah these are just 30 second samples...it's just to fuck around with us..i also heard that most of these snippets are from older Used songs and aren't even on the new album but thats just a rumor take it like you want.
aww thanks.

nah. all those songs are on it. just not by the titles those snippets had.

[littlebeav]

...And is it just me or does that first single remind anyone else of Letter Kills kinda?

no i totally agree. Take it Away is straight outta the pages of Letterkills. But that's ok. I've heard a couple clips of the other songs and they are deffinately in thier own light.

besides that, letterkills is stinking amazing, and if someone has 1 song that sound slike that then i don't care. especially if it's the used. as far as i'm concerned Bert can do whatever he wants with his music. i love this band.

[mmcfa18089]

I was so bothered by some of the other responses about the new used cd so i decided to actually reply. My opinion of this subject is that the new Used cd is going to be awesome. You have to have faith in this band. They are fucking awesome. Bert McCracken has the best fucking scream in the whole entire "screamo" category. If not, then who? exactly. No one. I think the 30 second preview does not really count in my opinion. When this album comes out on September 28th I'm going to buy it. Why you ask? because i know this cd will be awesome and there is no doubt in my mind it will be just as good as the first album if not better. The end.

[Nate_RAWKS]

I was so bothered by some of the other responses about the new used cd so i decided to actually reply. My opinion of this subject is that the new Used cd is going to be awesome. You have to have faith in this band. They are fucking awesome. Bert McCracken has the best fucking scream in the whole entire "screamo" category. If not, then who? exactly. No one. I think the 30 second preview does not really count in my opinion. When this album comes out on September 28th I'm going to buy it. Why you ask? because i know this cd will be awesome and there is no doubt in my mind it will be just as good as the first album if not better. The end.

'can i subscribe to your weekly newsletter'

[deadEYEDwelcome]

'can i subscribe to your weekly newsletter'
haha me too

[Sureshot182]

if you are gonna say something sucks, at least say WHY. not just "oh, this fucking sucks."

[LoveHate]

Sometimes the 30 second preview of the songs are not always completely pleasantly sounding if you don't hear the rest of the song. Yes, maybe in your opinion that 30 seconds you gave away of your time wasn't amazing, but to put it in a metaphorically speaking way, it's like a bag of chips, you can't eat just one. You need to listen to the whole song before you judge it because then you'll get a taste of what the music really has to offer, then you are able to state an accurate opinion. This c.d. right now is by far one of my favorites. They are so talented and creative. Yes, I said it CREATIVE. From the clear, non srappy screaming songs on here to the long drawn out notes he sings, it keeps me screaming, singing, and dancing along with this c.d. This c.d. is FUCKING amazing. I recommend you all to go out and buy, not download, but buy this c.d. because it'll be worth spending your money on.

[Nate_RAWKS]

Sometimes the 30 second preview of the songs are not always completely pleasantly sounding if you don't hear the rest of the song. Yes, maybe in your opinion that 30 seconds you gave away of your time wasn't amazing, but to put it in a metaphorically speaking way, it's like a bag of chips, you can't eat just one. You need to listen to the whole song before you judge it because then you'll get a taste of what the music really has to offer, then you are able to state an accurate opinion. This c.d. right now is by far one of my favorites. They are so talented and creative. Yes, I said it CREATIVE. From the clear, non srappy screaming songs on here to the long drawn out notes he sings, it keeps me screaming, singing, and dancing along with this c.d. This c.d. is FUCKING amazing. I recommend you all to go out and buy, not download, but buy this c.d. because it'll be worth spending your money on.

this sounds like you have the cd....is this an accurate statement??

[SicTrnsitGloria]

Im glad to see the that the used has been finally getting some respect on AP.

[Mr Nohbody]

Loud Noises!

[MistaChang]

Well, after hearing the whole 30 second clip things, I CAN tell you this - This album is not the Used that everybody knows. The choruses of most of these songs are in a "Taste of Ink" fashion, they seem incredibly desperate to be catchy. Not to mention, the lyrical subject matter (from what I've heard so far) isn't very impressive at all. I love their first album, it was perfect, not a single bad track on it... I have a feeling this won't be able to live up to it but I guess I'll need to hear the whole thing first.

[Daughterz!]

you cant look for substance in the mainstream capatalist world that the used lives in. look at their producer...john feldman ummm he also produces Story of the Year and Mest lol come on.. at least the used are better than them.