threespires
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'kinell, I mean you don't have to like it but comparing it to Friends, that's a bit of a low blow isn't it?
The Album Review Club - Week #194 (page 1303) - Ants From Up There - Black Country, New Road
- Thread starter RobMCFC
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'kinell, I mean you don't have to like it but comparing it to Friends, that's a bit of a low blow isn't it?
HaalandEffect
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Departure Chandelier - Satans Soldier of Fortune
Raw Black Metal
Very good album, have good old fibes, good riffs.
Most of the album is very good, consistant tracks. Many of Black metal bands nowdays does not have that good old riffs. Giving some vibes of the band Judas Iscariot
8/10
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Did you mean to post this in the New Music thread by any chance?
Incidentally I briefly thought of you here recently, when we were discussing carbonara.
OB1
Well-Known Member
Jimmy Eat World. Hade never knowingly heard anything by them so good to listen to someone new.
This was ok but didn’t grab me. Reminded me a bit too much of all those whiny shite 90’s (or was it 00’s) bands. I kept trying to think of who it did specifically remind me of and the best I could do was poor man’s R.E.M., which probably isn’t a great comparison; also I really like a lot of R.E.M.’s stuff.
I wouldn’t buy this and it doesn’t fall into any genre classics bracket so a bang in the middle. 5/10.
This was ok but didn’t grab me. Reminded me a bit too much of all those whiny shite 90’s (or was it 00’s) bands. I kept trying to think of who it did specifically remind me of and the best I could do was poor man’s R.E.M., which probably isn’t a great comparison; also I really like a lot of R.E.M.’s stuff.
I wouldn’t buy this and it doesn’t fall into any genre classics bracket so a bang in the middle. 5/10.
Mancitydoogle
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CLARITY
Another Emo recommendation from Coats, it’s a genre that I quite like although I don’t listen to much of it.Ive heard a few Jimmy Eat World songs before and quite a lot off American Bleed but nothing from this album.I like his voice and the music is good and melodic reminds me a bit of Feeder.
There’s a lot of songs I’ve enjoyed on this record but my main criticism is a few sound very similar.
I particularly like ‘Lucky Denver Mint’ ‘ Believe in What You Want’’A Sunday’ and my personal fave
‘Just Watch The Fireworks’. I gave the original album a listen too and agree this is a better version.
Not as good as the Wonder Years but a good listen..
7/10
Another Emo recommendation from Coats, it’s a genre that I quite like although I don’t listen to much of it.Ive heard a few Jimmy Eat World songs before and quite a lot off American Bleed but nothing from this album.I like his voice and the music is good and melodic reminds me a bit of Feeder.
There’s a lot of songs I’ve enjoyed on this record but my main criticism is a few sound very similar.
I particularly like ‘Lucky Denver Mint’ ‘ Believe in What You Want’’A Sunday’ and my personal fave
‘Just Watch The Fireworks’. I gave the original album a listen too and agree this is a better version.
Not as good as the Wonder Years but a good listen..
7/10
Speaking of re-releases, wish Placebo would re-record their debut self titled album, with his voice 25+ years older and a more mature polish on the production. Another I really loved, similar kind of time as this that was at the time daring and different and a bit of a defining album of those years. Think these kinds of albums were good but were ultimately by fairly immature adventurous kids, who have since developed into good musicians. This is similar, and people listen to in the context of 2024 and likely an average age of over 50 here, but it was a but different back in its day.
RobMCFC
Well-Known Member
Clarity: Phoenix Sessions – Jimmy Eat World
I’ve given this album a good old listen this week in a variety of settings: working at my desk at home; lying down in a hotel room in Cordoba and on a flight back from Malaga last night. I think I got the most out of it chilling out in the hotel room, which maybe corresponds to the type of music that it is.
One of the advantages of being a later reviewer – which is not my normal position – is that you can see what others think and maybe cherry pick some of the key comments. I don’t usually like to do this, but I was struck by how some key comments from a couple of earlier reviewers chimed with the exact thoughts that I was having as I listened to this album.
@GoatersLeftShin said:-
"I am not sure why I don't like this genre, I think that partly the guitar playing feels a bit predictable" and "It sounds very 'template-y' to my ears".
“Templately” is a very good description of the guitar sound on this album – for a large part of the running time, the guitars don’t chime, don’t buzz, don’t ring. To be fair, there are a lot of fans of this type of music – probably fans who would hate hearing a Ritchie Sambora guitar solo – so I suppose that this just says that this sound is not for me.
@BimboBob said that "Although not dull, nothing really happens". Again, not the exact phrase I’d use, but I see where he’s coming from. I’d say that the album is not dynamic enough for my tastes. The last time I criticised an album for a lack of pace change, @Coatigan pointed out that maybe that’s not what the album is trying to achieve, and it’s a fair comment. Just because BimboBob and I don’t get a lot out of this sound, it doesn’t mean that somebody somewhere cannot find beauty in a piece of music that delivers its magic in little shifts in tone.
I thought that “Table for Glasses” was a decent opener that build nicely in layers, but the next two songs were forgettable. Things got a little more interesting with “Believe in What You Want”: that choppy/staccato guitar that drives the verse shifts the dial in terms of dynamics and gives the album a much-needed shot of adrenaline.
“A Sunday” sounded OK to me, with its nice string (synth?) backing, and the breaks where it’s just the guitar. A nice break from that template guitar. After this it’s back to the template and I didn’t get anything out of a whole run of songs. At the end of “Just Watch the Fireworks”, as a listener I’m tempted to say “Go on then, I’m ready for the fireworks”, especially when a guitar solo threatens to break out, but sadly it’s just a damp roman candle that fizzles out in the rain over the last few seconds.
I think two of the best tracks are saved until the end of the album. “Clarity” begins with a clatter of drums, and the squall of guitar before the “this is something better” refrains bring back an energy that has been sorely lacking.
“Goodbye Sky Harbour” is actually an example of the type of long-form song that I like. There are several changes of pace, and when it breaks down to just a soft organ backing in the background, I get the feeling that Jimmy Eat World know exactly what I crave as a listener, but it’s just a shame that large portions of the album have that generic filler. In fact, I enjoyed re-listening to this last song so much whilst listening to it again whilst writing this review that I’ve added an extra half point. 6.5/10.
I’ve given this album a good old listen this week in a variety of settings: working at my desk at home; lying down in a hotel room in Cordoba and on a flight back from Malaga last night. I think I got the most out of it chilling out in the hotel room, which maybe corresponds to the type of music that it is.
One of the advantages of being a later reviewer – which is not my normal position – is that you can see what others think and maybe cherry pick some of the key comments. I don’t usually like to do this, but I was struck by how some key comments from a couple of earlier reviewers chimed with the exact thoughts that I was having as I listened to this album.
@GoatersLeftShin said:-
"I am not sure why I don't like this genre, I think that partly the guitar playing feels a bit predictable" and "It sounds very 'template-y' to my ears".
“Templately” is a very good description of the guitar sound on this album – for a large part of the running time, the guitars don’t chime, don’t buzz, don’t ring. To be fair, there are a lot of fans of this type of music – probably fans who would hate hearing a Ritchie Sambora guitar solo – so I suppose that this just says that this sound is not for me.
@BimboBob said that "Although not dull, nothing really happens". Again, not the exact phrase I’d use, but I see where he’s coming from. I’d say that the album is not dynamic enough for my tastes. The last time I criticised an album for a lack of pace change, @Coatigan pointed out that maybe that’s not what the album is trying to achieve, and it’s a fair comment. Just because BimboBob and I don’t get a lot out of this sound, it doesn’t mean that somebody somewhere cannot find beauty in a piece of music that delivers its magic in little shifts in tone.
I thought that “Table for Glasses” was a decent opener that build nicely in layers, but the next two songs were forgettable. Things got a little more interesting with “Believe in What You Want”: that choppy/staccato guitar that drives the verse shifts the dial in terms of dynamics and gives the album a much-needed shot of adrenaline.
“A Sunday” sounded OK to me, with its nice string (synth?) backing, and the breaks where it’s just the guitar. A nice break from that template guitar. After this it’s back to the template and I didn’t get anything out of a whole run of songs. At the end of “Just Watch the Fireworks”, as a listener I’m tempted to say “Go on then, I’m ready for the fireworks”, especially when a guitar solo threatens to break out, but sadly it’s just a damp roman candle that fizzles out in the rain over the last few seconds.
I think two of the best tracks are saved until the end of the album. “Clarity” begins with a clatter of drums, and the squall of guitar before the “this is something better” refrains bring back an energy that has been sorely lacking.
“Goodbye Sky Harbour” is actually an example of the type of long-form song that I like. There are several changes of pace, and when it breaks down to just a soft organ backing in the background, I get the feeling that Jimmy Eat World know exactly what I crave as a listener, but it’s just a shame that large portions of the album have that generic filler. In fact, I enjoyed re-listening to this last song so much whilst listening to it again whilst writing this review that I’ve added an extra half point. 6.5/10.
RobMCFC
Well-Known Member
The template that makes a guitar sound not like a guitar even though you can tell it's supposed to be a guitar.
I'll bet there's a preset on ProTools and Ableton and what-not that does this.
Like I said: it doesn't ring, it doesn't buzz, it doesn't chime - it sounds processed in some way. I know a lot of guitar is processed, maybe even all guitar on modern albums, and even going back to 1987, I loved the other-worldly guitar sound on INXS's "New Sensation". But some of these more recent examples just sound horribly industrial and very unmusical.
Maybe McFly or Busted or Green Day invented it. Maybe it was the oft-blamed Foo Fighters: I don't know enough to pinpoint who started it, but I'm pretty sure it's a late 90s invention. Or maybe it's producers taking too heavy a hand in the process. Generally it's not a sound that I like.
Black&White&BlueMoon Town
Well-Known Member
Clarity: Phoenix Sessions - Jimmy Eat World
Probably a band I should like, but I haven't heard much of them other than their alternative radio hits off the more popular next album from 2001 I/we? struggled to guess.
Maybe I just missed them by 10 years in the 1990s? Jimmy Eat World Spotify Radio has other bands I like including The Smashing Pumpkins, Cold War Kids, The Strokes, Silversun Pickups, and The Killers, so just not sure why I've not checked them out more prior. Thanks to @Coatigan for well thought out clues and a worthy selection prior to that.
Wiki told me via an article review that despite being largely overlooked upon its release, Clarity's critical stature has grown since 1999; and it is now viewed as "the Led Zeppelin IV of emo rock". I don't think I'm there yet, but those are big shoes they're wearing assuming they actually fit!
Vocals-wise, and I'm still not sure what it is, but Jim Adkins' vocals neither offend nor grab me on most of the songs. I also think that's a big part of where some are sensing a sameness to the songs, because musically, this album is quite varied.
The songs I liked the most include:
"Lucky Denver Mint" - nice intro and catchy tune musically with a nice drum-led pace. Not as much lyrically or vocally, despite the band harmonies.
"Your New Aesthetic" - sounds of songs to come with "The Middle" in places
"A Sunday" - very nice tempo change and lyrics, I think Jim's vocals work best on this song vs the louder ones
"Just Watch The Fireworks" - I seem to be gravitating to the slower tracks where Jim's voice isn't trying to keep up with the faster beats and riffs. The solo was well done, a really nice song musically.
"For Me This Is Heaven" - another great all around number
"Blister" - the answer to the question posed within is 'an awfully long time'
"Clarity" - nice drums and guitar featured here, when it is just them in the verses
"Goodbye Sky Harbor" - a strong finale, bass driven, and another track that really worked musically and the vocals complimented it well. A nice way to end the album sans instruments.
I'm not sure it was "amazing" or "wonderful", but I did enjoy the YouTube video and could appreciate the music on the album, especially played straight through live. It's a solid 8/10 for me for introducing a band and album that is well respected in the emo realm and inspired a few of my favorite bands today.
In one week from tonight, Jimmy Eat World will be playing in my area with Fall Out Boy (another 3 word band I've not listened to). I'm not sure I need to get my tickets just yet, but I'm thinking about it.
Probably a band I should like, but I haven't heard much of them other than their alternative radio hits off the more popular next album from 2001 I/we? struggled to guess.
Maybe I just missed them by 10 years in the 1990s? Jimmy Eat World Spotify Radio has other bands I like including The Smashing Pumpkins, Cold War Kids, The Strokes, Silversun Pickups, and The Killers, so just not sure why I've not checked them out more prior. Thanks to @Coatigan for well thought out clues and a worthy selection prior to that.
Wiki told me via an article review that despite being largely overlooked upon its release, Clarity's critical stature has grown since 1999; and it is now viewed as "the Led Zeppelin IV of emo rock". I don't think I'm there yet, but those are big shoes they're wearing assuming they actually fit!
Vocals-wise, and I'm still not sure what it is, but Jim Adkins' vocals neither offend nor grab me on most of the songs. I also think that's a big part of where some are sensing a sameness to the songs, because musically, this album is quite varied.
The songs I liked the most include:
"Lucky Denver Mint" - nice intro and catchy tune musically with a nice drum-led pace. Not as much lyrically or vocally, despite the band harmonies.
"Your New Aesthetic" - sounds of songs to come with "The Middle" in places
"A Sunday" - very nice tempo change and lyrics, I think Jim's vocals work best on this song vs the louder ones
"Just Watch The Fireworks" - I seem to be gravitating to the slower tracks where Jim's voice isn't trying to keep up with the faster beats and riffs. The solo was well done, a really nice song musically.
"For Me This Is Heaven" - another great all around number
"Blister" - the answer to the question posed within is 'an awfully long time'
"Clarity" - nice drums and guitar featured here, when it is just them in the verses
"Goodbye Sky Harbor" - a strong finale, bass driven, and another track that really worked musically and the vocals complimented it well. A nice way to end the album sans instruments.
I'm not sure it was "amazing" or "wonderful", but I did enjoy the YouTube video and could appreciate the music on the album, especially played straight through live. It's a solid 8/10 for me for introducing a band and album that is well respected in the emo realm and inspired a few of my favorite bands today.
In one week from tonight, Jimmy Eat World will be playing in my area with Fall Out Boy (another 3 word band I've not listened to). I'm not sure I need to get my tickets just yet, but I'm thinking about it.
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southamptonblue
Well-Known Member
Early to bed (or that was the plan!) Early start tomorrow.....and just remembered for the 2nd week running to vote!
A few good songs, 2 to 4 in particular, overall very listenable, but whilst 'doing something' rather than 100% listening, if that makes sense (i wouldn't crash on the sofa and quietly singalong)...6.5.
A few good songs, 2 to 4 in particular, overall very listenable, but whilst 'doing something' rather than 100% listening, if that makes sense (i wouldn't crash on the sofa and quietly singalong)...6.5.
FogBlueInSanFran
Well-Known Member
Just to defend Friends for a second — they got so rich they never really needed to work so I can’t gainsay them afterwards, but Jennifer Aniston certainly worked quite a bit afterwards, and I’ll have no criticisms of anyone in “Office Space”, and I actually thought their comic timing as a troupe was quite good, especially in the early years, and, yes, it’s a santiz(s)ed version of New York (where I am now in fact), and yes, an unrealistic one, and, yes, the guys are whin(g)y and annoying, and, yes, the kooky blonde one annoyed me too, and, yes, the manic Courtney Cox character annoyed me even further and anyway let’s discuss Jennifer Aniston again.
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journolud
Well-Known Member
Well, there's nothing much wrong with this at all. And if that feels lke daming with feint praise maybe that's because it is. but it's not really meant to. There have been other nominations from this genre that haven't made much of an impression and having heard a fair bit of Blink182 through my son's love for them it's stuff I can pretty much take or leave.
This album though has made more of an impression. Whether that's because I've given it more listens, had the opportuntiy to play it louder, it's just better, who knows. It's far from perfect and I'm not likely to keep it on rotation and certain songs fell flat and the vocals aren't the best. But in moments, more than a few I found myself thinking this is OK.
The older I get the less likely I seem to be to be "moved" by music, well this sort of music so the angsty bits didn't really engage me. There are some good tunes in here though and to be fair some decent sentiments. Not sure about the opener but a decent run frm Lucky Denver Mint through to A Sunday, a bit of a sag but Just Watch the Fireworks and Blister ensure it doesn't just fade out and although Goodbye Sky Harbour could do with being a bit shorter it's also a decent ending.
At 54 minutes it's at the top end lengthwise for an album that didn't have me fully engaged. Lose a few tracks and get it down to 40 minutes this would probably have scored a point higher but as it is there's enough to like to give it a 7.
This album though has made more of an impression. Whether that's because I've given it more listens, had the opportuntiy to play it louder, it's just better, who knows. It's far from perfect and I'm not likely to keep it on rotation and certain songs fell flat and the vocals aren't the best. But in moments, more than a few I found myself thinking this is OK.
The older I get the less likely I seem to be to be "moved" by music, well this sort of music so the angsty bits didn't really engage me. There are some good tunes in here though and to be fair some decent sentiments. Not sure about the opener but a decent run frm Lucky Denver Mint through to A Sunday, a bit of a sag but Just Watch the Fireworks and Blister ensure it doesn't just fade out and although Goodbye Sky Harbour could do with being a bit shorter it's also a decent ending.
At 54 minutes it's at the top end lengthwise for an album that didn't have me fully engaged. Lose a few tracks and get it down to 40 minutes this would probably have scored a point higher but as it is there's enough to like to give it a 7.
RobMCFC
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Just a quick note, I'll be squeezing the round-up and changeover into a small window in a busy day, sometime between 12.30 and 13.00.
GornikDaze
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Sorry for the brief review - I enjoyed this more than my first listen suggested! Opening track aside it was a decent listen. Solid 7/10
BlueHammer85
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If I was creating some teenage vampire drama series - this would be my go to band. High school cheerleader falling in love with a handsome lad, both kissing under the moonlight before he sticks his fangs in her neck and then Jimmy Eat World come crashing in.
Apologise, got carried away there.
As previously mentioned, ‘Bleed American’ really surprised me how good it was with so many stand out tracks, this offering lacks stand out tracks but overall it is consistently good.
Some tracks do drag on abit and could be a chopped a couple minutes - especially ‘Goodbye Sky Harbor’ which become beyond tedious.
It’s a shame 12.23.95 has Christmas lyrics because it’s a lovely track and reminds me of Noel’s acoustic version of ‘Listen Up’.
‘Ten’, ‘Table For Glasses’ and ‘Just watch the fireworks’ are good enough for Bleed American.
Easy to forget this is all recorded live in one take such is the quality of musicianship.
7/10
Apologise, got carried away there.
As previously mentioned, ‘Bleed American’ really surprised me how good it was with so many stand out tracks, this offering lacks stand out tracks but overall it is consistently good.
Some tracks do drag on abit and could be a chopped a couple minutes - especially ‘Goodbye Sky Harbor’ which become beyond tedious.
It’s a shame 12.23.95 has Christmas lyrics because it’s a lovely track and reminds me of Noel’s acoustic version of ‘Listen Up’.
‘Ten’, ‘Table For Glasses’ and ‘Just watch the fireworks’ are good enough for Bleed American.
Easy to forget this is all recorded live in one take such is the quality of musicianship.
7/10
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If there is a tv comparison there to be made, that one is probably far better and more appropriate than 'the friends generation', fucking lol. I can't say I am thrilled about it, but yeah I can very much see it.
Once again worth pointing out, it predeates the things it is being compared to that came later.
BimboBob
Well-Known Member
Of course they are a friends generation band. It's soft emo rock from the same era. Could have easily written the theme tune. And it's just as dull.
threespires
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You're going to love my next nomination!
(More seriously, I'll be very interested in your views on the production on my next pick and I don't mean that in a trolling way. The treatment of the guitars on it aren't one of the things that it's most known for but I think it's really interesting and one of the things that makes it what it is. Three kinds of organ too!).