Gym Class Heroes - The Quilt

[Drew Beringer]

Gym Class Heroes – The Quilt
Release Date: September 9, 2008
Record Label: Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance/Atlantic

When Gym Class Heroes released 2006’s As Cruel As School Children, it wasn’t perceived immediately as being a big hit. The band had their core fan base, but the focus was more on labelmates Fall Out Boy, Panic At The Disco, and The Academy Is…. Then the band released a remix cut of “Cupid’s Chokehold,” which was originally featured on 2005’s Papercut Chronicles. That song turned everything around for the band, as Travis McCoy and company crashed the mainstream.

GCH look to continue that same line of success while progressing as a band with the release of The Quilt, but what we hear throughout the album is that that line is hard to toe, as the band falls off every now and then.

I can tell you that this is Gym Class Heroes most diverse album, as well as their most rock and hip-hop album. How is that possible? Well, that’s where the variety pops its head in. Tracks like the incredibly catchy “Cookie Jar” (which features The-Dream on the hook) and “Peace Sign/Index Down” (where Busta Rhymes lends a verse) display the hip-hop elements of the band well, with stellar production from Tricky Stewart and Cool & Dre, respectively. But “Don’t Tell Me It’s Over” is probably the best hip-hop song I’ve heard from the band. McCoy brings the fire and displays his swagger throughout, commanding your attention and bringing his best lyrics out.

As for the rock/full band element, guitar riffs from Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo scatter in and out on “Cookie Jar,” while horns pepper opener “Guilty As Charged.” “Drnk Txt Rmeo” channels Sublime and “Blinded by the Sun” touches briefly on ska, samples Corey Hart’s “Sunglasses At Night,” and features vocals from Fall Out Boy crooner Patrick Stump. “Live Forever (Fly With Me)” is probably a track the band is very proud of, as the famed Daryl Hall, a seven-minute journey that soars as Disashi shines on guitar again.

The fusion of hip-hop and rock comes into full focus with “Home,” “which begins with a screeching guitar riff from Disashi and bounces into a nice beat produced by Cool & Dre. Some missteps on the record though include the incredibly cheesy “Like Father, Like Son (Papa’s Song),” which has good intentions but terrible execution. The album closer, “Coming Clean,” feels out of place and clunky, ending the album on a weird note.

The Quilt is a very conflicting record for this reviewer. Musically, this album is fantastic for the most part. The fusion of hip-hop and rock is balanced very nicely. But the biggest killer on the album is McCoy’s lyrics. Granted, he does spit out a few gems, but his metaphors are lacking and his concepts are thin. He does improve on his vocal delivery though, but not enough to overcome his lyrical duds. The biggest question is if The Quilt will carry on the mainstream success As Cruel As School Children began. Early numbers with the two singles (“Cookie Jar” and “Peace Sign/Index Down”) don’t look too promising, but if they release the right track, they could be right back on the radio. The difficult part is finding that track. For now though, The Quilt serves more of a conflicting blanket, with a band confused on who they want to be wrapped up in the middle of it.

Track Listing:
1. Guilty As Charged featuring Estelle
2. Drnk Txt Rmeo featuring Patty Crash
3. Peace Sign/Index Down featuring Busta Rhymes
4. Like Father, Like Son (Papa’s Song)
5. Blinded by the Sun featuring Patrick Stump
6. Catch Me If You Can
7. Cookie Jar featuring The-Dream
8. Live A Little
9. Don’t Tell Me It’s Over featuring Lil Wayne
10. Live Forever (Fly With Me) featuring Daryl Hall
11. Kissin’ Ears featuring The-Dream
12. Home
13. No Place To Run
14. Coming Clean
Featuring production by: Cool & Dre, Patrick Stump, and Tricky Stewart

Gym Class Heroes are:
Travis McCoy – vocals
Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo – guitar/vocals
Eric Roberts – bass

Matt McGinley – drums

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

[slimfenix182]

I'll check it out. wish they were as indie as they were when they started out though.

[singyoutocoma]

Daryl Hall? Wtf.

[Kbm600]

Well, that’s were the variety pops its head in.

Not being a grammar nazi, but shouldn't that be "where".

Just trying to help, and great review!

[hockeyguitar99]

Great review, I'm really excited, but if you're correct, then I know I'll enjoy this album.

[Timetoroll]

Sorta excited. Not sure how they became popular in punk circles, but whatever.

[GoWaitInTheCar]

Home is on Madden 09, and it seems like it's a raw rap ballad which is something this band hardly believes in anymore.

Back in the day, I thought they were pretty clever, nowadays they just do anything to conform.

[FayeQC]

Are any of these songs on their myspace?
Bah, cruel as schoolchildren never really grew on me :shrug:

[sweetfootaction]

The lyrics on this record made me want to vomit. Even that 4.75 seems high.

[blimpcityhero11]

I'm actually digging this album from the first few listens, but I agree that the lyrics are hardly anything to brag about...

[ManicanParty49]

I don't know. I really like Papa's Song. I thought that the story and lyrics were really well crafted and the music fitted really well with it.
I really like this album. I like it more than School Children, simply because of the diversity, but School Children wasn't supposed to be a diverse album so it's all good. Not sure how it compares to Papercut Chronicles, but I wouldn't want to compare them because they are two entirely different albums.

All in all, solid release in my opinion.

[deebs823]

I'm actually digging this album from the first few listens, but I agree that the lyrics are hardly anything to brag about...

completely agree on that part...

[klawansie7]

I'll check it out. wish they were as indie as they were when they started out though.

i totally agree.
wish they made more music like the papercut chronicles...

[zachff]

I think Will Beckett has a cameo on Blinded By The Sun as well(?) right before Stump?
I loved Papercut Chronicles, not as much ACASC, but I'll give this a shot.

[bailmeout13]

Good review. Curious to check this out.

[ZeoVGM]

I don't know. I really like Papa's Song. I thought that the story and lyrics were really well crafted and the music fitted really well with it.

Hugely agreed. And I'm not going to say that the lyrics are amazing, but that's one of my favorites on the album, lyrically. It felt really from the heart. And again, that doesn't mean the lyrics were are automatically good but... I dunno, I liked them in that track a lot.


Nice review Drew, though I would probably rate it in the lower 80's personally. I like it a lot.

[daniellexcore]

It's Travis on Live A Litte, right? I find that so hard to believe.

[robat19]

I love GCH, I'm just not sure about this. I've listened to it a little bit, but it just isn't catching me. Hopefully it will grow on me.

[fran.182]

it's good

[Drew Beringer]

It's Travis on Live A Litte, right? I find that so hard to believe.
I think Disashi sings on it a bit too.

[bluecrunchy]

Nothing will get you more street cred than a collaboration with Daryl Hall.

[douchemcbag]

more rock then the papercut chronicles? ill have to check this out

[screamoURI]

i tried listening to this on aol.com and i got as far as the cookie song before i dry heaved and shut that shit off. they got A LOT worse since papercut chronicles.

[get up kidd]

I loved TPC, and ACASC, I think ill pick this up. I know it will not be as good. Worth a listen

[Big_Guy]

I'm sure this sucks.

this band went down the shitter once Milo left

[Garzilla]

I dig the album overall. Papa's Song is one of the more solid tracks in my opinion, although the lyrics for the most part are insanely corny (along with much of the rest of the album).

[ManicanParty49]

I dig the album overall. Papa's Song is one of the more solid tracks in my opinion, although the lyrics for the most part are insanely corny (along with much of the rest of the album).

I really like the line:

All my friends got allowances/I had a paper route
And when no one was looking I threw them papers out
Got caught, made dad furious
Said if you're gonna do something, do it right that's what earnest is


Some of the lyrics are cheesy, but I think for the most part they are really heartfelt.

[knowthisx]

Are any of these songs on their myspace?
Bah, cruel as schoolchildren never really grew on me :shrug:

your avatar just made my day.

[HelpMeSleep]

Are any of these songs on their myspace?
Bah, cruel as schoolchildren never really grew on me :shrug:
I know Catch Me If You Can, Guilty As Charged and Cookie Jar are. and I think it was on MTV's leak.

[HelpMeSleep]

I'm so excited for this. I'm hoping it'll come in the mail today.

[CatDiesel]

Papercut Chronicles isn't that great. This is better.

[Loch_Doun]

Home is very Papercuts-like.
also...
Why no mention of the tracks where Travis doesn't rap? Who does those vocals, is it Eric?

[sargentlgfuad]

this album was a hit or miss for me with them.
and they missed it by a long-shot.
i couldn't even bring myself to finish listening to every song.
i'm surprised by how much percentage this got, but to each his own.

[Drew Beringer]

Home is very Papercuts-like.
also...
Why no mention of the tracks where Travis doesn't rap? Who does those vocals, is it Eric?
I think it's Disashi, didn't mentioned them because I didn't know who it was for sure.

[Drew Beringer]

Also, Don't Tell Me It's Over may be the hottest hip hop track I've heard so far this year. haha I love it so much.

[MasonR5]

Papercut Chronicles isn't that great. This is better.
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooo

[gladnads]

This album is a huge letout and I'm very disappointed. Travis doesn't even say anything it sounds like in a few songs.

[applesandcyanid]

Very good review though I personally think once you look past Cookie Jar, he has some really great lines on this album.

[matt_bergeron]

personally i think its way better than "as cruel as...."

[manican sex]

anyone hear the track with weezy, any good?

EDIT: listening to it now, it's decent.

[AshtonThomas]

Sorta excited. Not sure how they became popular in punk circles, but whatever.


The song Taxi Driver. Enough Said!

[Bakerofpies17]

Good Review, couldn't agree more. Some really strong (and weak) tracks here.

[singlexsorrow]

Great Review. I think "Cookie Jar" will break them more into the mainstream. It's too catchy!

[KellieIsMe]

i'm not really excited for this album since the first 2 tracks came out

[ZeoVGM]

Also, Don't Tell Me It's Over may be the hottest hip hop track I've heard so far this year. haha I love it so much.

Could you explain something then? That song leaked a couple weeks ago, with Wayne at the end of it. Your tracklisting in this thread says he's in it.

But both the censored and explicit leaks of this album have a Wayne-less version of the song.

What's up?

[Ko17]

Id like to see a review of Okkervil River's quality new album rather than another review for more pop albums...because Gym Class is definitely pop...I guess this is just where AP is heading/at anymore...

[DI Pistola]

Probably be picking this up on a track-by-track basis.

[Drew Beringer]

Could you explain something then? That song leaked a couple weeks ago, with Wayne at the end of it. Your tracklisting in this thread says he's in it.

But both the censored and explicit leaks of this album have a Wayne-less version of the song.

What's up?
I dunno, we'll see tomorrow with the release.

[ilovebsb]

The papercut chronicles was good but i enjoyed as cruel school children alot more. A.C.A.S.C. was alot easier to swallow and much more of a fun record. I was kind of hoping for them to expand on that sound but by introducing the rest of the band more instead of having the main focus be Travis with made beats. You know something the rest of the band could recreate live without having a tape tracking the other instruments(even though they have done that with their other songs but it would of been nice to see less of it). I'm not the biggest fan of rap/hip hop but i love gym class heroes and with that being said the thing that really turns me off about the new record is that it has alot of mainstream hip-hop influence in it. Songs like cookie-jar disgust me because they're much better than that, it's almost as bad as tyga's coconut juice. i'll try and give the album another chance tomorrow when i pick it up but i doubt my mind will be changed about it.

[slimfenix182]

Papercut Chronicles isn't that great. This is better.

I have never seen a more inaccurate statement in my life. NEVER.

[sweetfootaction]

I have never seen a more inaccurate statement in my life. NEVER.I bet the guy likes T-Pain and Akon.

[ZeoVGM]

I have never seen a more inaccurate statement in my life. NEVER.

I'm with him. This is my favorite Gym Class album. I love it because of how varied it is.

[ZeoVGM]

Id like to see a review of Okkervil River's quality new album rather than another review for more pop albums...because Gym Class is definitely pop...I guess this is just where AP is heading/at anymore...

... Are you kidding me?

[CTRL+ALT+DANCE]

Could you explain something then? That song leaked a couple weeks ago, with Wayne at the end of it. Your tracklisting in this thread says he's in it.

But both the censored and explicit leaks of this album have a Wayne-less version of the song.

What's up?

The Lil Wayne version is up for free download somewhere around the web but its not on the CD.
It REALLY should be though cause it makes the track better, imo.

But TPC is their best album to me because it was raw and Travis' lyrics were witty and I could relate to them. There wasn't a dull moment on that CD. ACASC was ok... it was heavily backed up by FBR so thats why it did well. It was way more comercial than their first album but still a good album. Now The Quilt...hmmm, as a huge Gym Class fan I had high expectations and hopes but I guess all I can say is that I tollerate it. I heard about half the new songs live a couple times months ago when seeing them at smaller shows and they are WAY better live then on the album. Especially Peace Sign and Live A Little. Its just they are going downhill lyrically and that makes me sad cause the lyrics was what pulled me in in the first place.

[HelpMeSleep]

The Lil Wayne version is up for free download somewhere around the web but its not on the CD.
It REALLY should be though cause it makes the track better, imo.
that's so weird. when I put the cd into my itunes it showed up as featuring Lil Wayne.

[fadedmemories]

I'm curious know that I know Patrick Stump sings here

[ZeoVGM]

The Lil Wayne version is up for free download somewhere around the web but its not on the CD.
It REALLY should be though cause it makes the track better, imo.

That's lame. I'm buying the CD today but looks like I'll be burning my own version.

[slimfenix182]

I'm with him. This is my favorite Gym Class album. I love it because of how varied it is.

I'm gonna buy the album, and I'm sure I'll like it, I just don't love the more mainstream sound. And every track is featuring someone like every other hip-hop record. Just prefer their more indie sounding stuff. Do hope they blow up though, cause hip-hop could use some legit talent in the mainstream.

[ZeoVGM]

I'm gonna buy the album, and I'm sure I'll like it, I just don't love the more mainstream sound. And every track is featuring someone like every other hip-hop record. Just prefer their more indie sounding stuff. Do hope they blow up though, cause hip-hop could use some legit talent in the mainstream.

The "mainstream" thing is kind of iffy to me. It's definitely more mainstream hip hop, but then doesn't it go back in the other direction by basically having two straight up pop rock songs on it?

That's part of the reason I like it.

[zbrmike79]

i hated as cruel as school children... thought it was an awful departure from everything that was amazing about Papercut Chronicles.. i feel this is going back towards TPC and i love it

[iseethesun123]

Daryl Hall? Wtf.

Where have you been?

[DI Pistola]

personally i think its way better than "as cruel as...."

Kinda agree with you on that, but the lyrics... oh god the lyrics!!

* fork in ears *

[matt_bergeron]

Kinda agree with you on that, but the lyrics... oh god the lyrics!!

* fork in ears *


yea, not all of them are THHATTT bad. i mean you gotta look at it like this is a certain point in his life where he writes very straight forward. who knows, next album could be lyrically epic.

[youwithoutMe]

i tried it, i didn't like it. the only song that gets me is Cookie Jar, the rest is like 4/10 or worse. not worth the money

[xxragexlovexx]

Honestly, I think the album is pure quality. I do agree that the album definitely has some songs that are lacking in quality, but for the most part, its something really different from their other albums, and I really like it. Too bad that it seems like it isn't selling well.. Its a good record.

[Tyler Dumont]

First thing I noticed after buying this was that this is one of the best mixed albums I've heard in a while. It sounds so fucking good.

[CrossMyHeart]

Really like the album song for song not great flow through out though, but still really good for this Genre

[Vismund_Cygnus]

I think this album is great. Majority of the tracks on the album are great. Musically and lyrically, it's a solid album.

[Indoor Living]

i really have no expectations for this cd at all whatsoever. so it's gotta be good.

[writeacliche]

There were two tracks on the record that didn't even sound Gym Class. Nowhere to Run was one of them. Is that Travis singing? There's absolutely no rapping in it.

[slimfenix182]

The "mainstream" thing is kind of iffy to me. It's definitely more mainstream hip hop, but then doesn't it go back in the other direction by basically having two straight up pop rock songs on it?

That's part of the reason I like it.

so anyways, to follow up, this is my favorite GCH cd. Live Forever and Coming Clean are SO good.

[tcg47]

Not sure if anyone's mentioned it yet, but I wish you had mentioned the track "Live a Little" in the review. I love it. There's the indie and the rock and the punk on this record, right there (it's completely void of hip-hop, actually). I believe it's entirely Disashi on vocals? Could be mistaken.

I love this album. A couple songs aren't that great in my mind, but overall I think it's real solid.

[Dm!tr! the !st]

I'll check it out. wish they were as indie as they were when they started out though.
I agree. And also afterseveral listens, my favorite has become "Live a Little", I would love to hear more songs like this, Disashi(sp?) should write more.

[cassusriff]

I actually really dig this record, lots of versatility. Goes from Papercut-style hip-hop to straight up pop-punk. The lyrics aren't amazing, but they get the job done. How many hip-hop records actually have deep lyrics?

[cscwell107]

faces in the hall is definitely my favorite song by them

[writeacliche]

So I loved this album on first listen and I still really like it. But the more I hear it...the more Travis lyrics/delivery annoys me. I hate his delivery on Cookie Jar and at one point he rhymes "it" for a good five lines straight.