OKComputer1016
10/19/08, 11:53 AM
Smoking Popes – Stay Down
Record Label: Curb Appeal
Release Date: August 5, 2008
As a huge fan of Alkaline Trio, I’ve heard the name ‘Smoking Popes’ about a million times around the Windy City, which is the place where both bands (as well as your humble narrator) hail from. I went to a Popes show this summer on a recommendation, and ever since then I’ve been constantly spinning their debut Born to Quit. Well, just in time, the guys have returned with Stay Down, and through the years they’ve lost none of what makes them such a compelling listen. 13 years and five albums in, the Popes sound like they’ve got at least as much youthful angst as most youthful people.
As always, the Smoking Popes’ songwriting shines because of interesting guitar progressions that don’t usually go where you think they will. Each song seems like there’s a pretty cliche route it could go down, but they all manage to steer clear. It’s probably because of the really heartfelt lyrics and earnest vocal delivery that ballads like “Stefanie” manage to stay un-cheesy. You can bet you’ll see lighters waving in the audience, and sure, you could call this the Bon Jovi track of the album…but neither of those facts outweigh the fact that it’s just a good song, even if you can’t really explain why.
For the most part, Stay Down follows one logical focus from start to finish, and that’s the vaguely-punk-mostly-rock-pop blend that could be considered their signature sound. Indeed, despite the punk branding the Popes will go down in history with, most of these tracks could be best described as ‘alternative’, and ought to dominate hometown alt radio stations like Q101. “Little Jane-Marie” is a great example of this, and also one of the most quotable songs the Popes have written: “I’ll bring you a bucket filled with fallen stars and you can eat them with a spoon”. That sounds pretty sweet, even if I don’t completely understand it.
Since this is an album of romantic reflection, the acoustic closer “First Time” is a nice touch. It’s also yet another trick that Alkaline Trio picked up from these guys – you’ve got to end with the most heart-on-sleeve piece of music you’ve got in you. The vocals, the melodies, the entire package: there’d be no Alk3 without the Popes, and I feel like that fact enough is reason for you to check this shit out.
While this is no Goddamnit on the scale of boys night out rock, it’s punk enough for you, romantic enough for your girlfriend, and mellow enough for your mom. Stay Down has most of its bases covered. It’s pretty slow, sure, but it’s so catchy you’ll forget all about the tempo.
Don’t Believe Me?
www.myspace.com/smokingpopes (http://www.myspace.com/smokingpopes)
Recommended If You Like:
Alkaline Trio, Bayside, Mr. T Experience
Record Label: Curb Appeal
Release Date: August 5, 2008
As a huge fan of Alkaline Trio, I’ve heard the name ‘Smoking Popes’ about a million times around the Windy City, which is the place where both bands (as well as your humble narrator) hail from. I went to a Popes show this summer on a recommendation, and ever since then I’ve been constantly spinning their debut Born to Quit. Well, just in time, the guys have returned with Stay Down, and through the years they’ve lost none of what makes them such a compelling listen. 13 years and five albums in, the Popes sound like they’ve got at least as much youthful angst as most youthful people.
As always, the Smoking Popes’ songwriting shines because of interesting guitar progressions that don’t usually go where you think they will. Each song seems like there’s a pretty cliche route it could go down, but they all manage to steer clear. It’s probably because of the really heartfelt lyrics and earnest vocal delivery that ballads like “Stefanie” manage to stay un-cheesy. You can bet you’ll see lighters waving in the audience, and sure, you could call this the Bon Jovi track of the album…but neither of those facts outweigh the fact that it’s just a good song, even if you can’t really explain why.
For the most part, Stay Down follows one logical focus from start to finish, and that’s the vaguely-punk-mostly-rock-pop blend that could be considered their signature sound. Indeed, despite the punk branding the Popes will go down in history with, most of these tracks could be best described as ‘alternative’, and ought to dominate hometown alt radio stations like Q101. “Little Jane-Marie” is a great example of this, and also one of the most quotable songs the Popes have written: “I’ll bring you a bucket filled with fallen stars and you can eat them with a spoon”. That sounds pretty sweet, even if I don’t completely understand it.
Since this is an album of romantic reflection, the acoustic closer “First Time” is a nice touch. It’s also yet another trick that Alkaline Trio picked up from these guys – you’ve got to end with the most heart-on-sleeve piece of music you’ve got in you. The vocals, the melodies, the entire package: there’d be no Alk3 without the Popes, and I feel like that fact enough is reason for you to check this shit out.
While this is no Goddamnit on the scale of boys night out rock, it’s punk enough for you, romantic enough for your girlfriend, and mellow enough for your mom. Stay Down has most of its bases covered. It’s pretty slow, sure, but it’s so catchy you’ll forget all about the tempo.
Don’t Believe Me?
www.myspace.com/smokingpopes (http://www.myspace.com/smokingpopes)
Recommended If You Like:
Alkaline Trio, Bayside, Mr. T Experience