Album Review: Against Me!- New Wave
You know how people complain about bands selling out? Well if you know any Against Me! fans, get ready to put some ear plugs in. After years on small labels the band has finally graduated to the big leagues and their first major label release. I’m not one of those people who automatically expects the worst when a band signs big and in this case I actually put my fears aside when I heard super producer Butch Vig was spearheading the album. So how did it turn out? If you’re a fan of the band’s early work it might be a bit hard to embrace this album. Vig has ratcheted up the sound of the band even further then their last release on Fat Wreck Chords and their once trademark acoustic sound is a rarity. That being said, what stands in its place is a really decent rock and roll album that still puts the bands greatest attribute at the forefront and that’s Tom Gabel’s passionate vocals. Despite the horrible music video that’s out there White People for Peace is a great track that once again shows off the subversive dexterity of their lyrics. The closest track to their “classic sound” is Up the Cuts where Vig shows that he knows what makes these guys tick. My favorite track though on the first few listens is Thrash Unreal which combines the best “Vig sound” with the sheer ferocity that these guys play with. There are a few misses on tracks such as Animal and Stop! but overall it’s a really solid album. I think the question is not whether they sold out but how this album compares with past work and while I don’t think they’ll ever have an album as god as Reinventing Axel Rose (its on iTunes check it out), this is still a very enjoyable listen and one that will get heavy rotation from this fan.
Top 5 on My iPod
5. Better- Regina Spektor
She always seems to find a way into my iPod lately and this new release features more then just her trademark piano fever, in fact, it’s almost upbeat.
4. Tarantula- Smashing Pumpkins
I’m eager to try out a few more tracks from the new album after downloading this track which sounds and feels like classic Pumpkins updated for the present. Billy is still my favorite whiney rocker and the guitar work is solid.
3. How I Feel- Kelly Clarkson
I don’t think I highlighted this track when I gave the album a quick review but its quickly growing on me. While it lacks the “rock” aspect that makes Kelly so appealing it’s a classic pop tune that will infect your brain until you’re humming the chorus to yourself all day long.
2. The Gutterati?- The Fratellis
I’ve been talking these guys up since they had a track on an iTunes commercial back in winter and after completing their album a couple weeks back I can easily say this is my favorite new band of 2007. Punk mixed with bluegrass and a dash of English pop is the best and weirdest way to describe their sound and this track is a shining example. I defy you not to start jumping around after giving this a listen.
1. Bleed It Out- Linkin Park
I used to resist these guys like the plague but after they mashed up with Jay Z a few years back I started to seek out some of their stuff. While I certainly wouldn’t call myself a huge fan or anything I really do find some of their music to be completely addictive. Take this track off of what has been a critically and commercially disappointing album, it’s their trademark rap and sing with a beat that literally has me clapping as I drive, eat, talk, or pretty much anything I’m doing.
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