AFI has got to be the band that has broke my heart the most during this emo slide that came about around 2001. This album like my last Unknown Road flashback is one of the less popular early AFI albums.
After listening to the first five albums repeatedly over the years I cannot really dicipher what is so different from the other AFI albums, but like the Unknown Road album I think it is experimentation, and lyrical content.
One theme that is prevelant in through Answer That and Stay Fashionable is that of betrayal, and more specifically pretending to be someone you are not. Two of a Kind, and Yurf Rendenmein are number one and three in the album...
I'm sorry, I'm listening to the album and I realize why people didn't like this album. It's the high pitched vocals that Davey Havok used to advance East Bay Hardcore, but also converted into so poppy junk that I just cannot support. I hated it when I heard the new stuff, but it is so catchy I am worried I might get sucked into a black hole of lame emotions, and stories about my Xs. C'mon man.
AFI used put on one hell of a show, and I paid thirty bucks in 2002 I think to see them promote their new album like they were the second coming of Metallica. Thank God they haven't gone as far as to sue everyone that wears make up.
Back to the album. This album has some old school punk in it. High Scool Football Hero is an original throwback to the Dead Kennedy's Jock o' Rama.
The tracks are solid, and the intros that include Resevour Dogs, and a movie I was sure was Spinal Tap, but on further inspection clearly is not. These aspects make this an album I think hits listeners on every level even stuff like great movies that only have a loose connection to music.
If you like new AFI ANDREW PARKER I send you a challenge to listen to two hours of old AFI without digging the real AFI.
Loved Two of a Kind! I wish these guys would go back to their old sound. Granted it was Art of Drowning that got me into the band. I still love to pull out and blow the dust off of Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes. I found I could even tolerate a few songs from Decemberunderground (yeah, I got sucked in) until I saw Davey's hair... I never wanted a devilock comeback more then that moment! But I haven't even bothered to check out their 2009 album feeling it will be more of the same.
ReplyDeleteyou talk like i've never heard their old stuff! Yes AFI is my favourite band but i only pick things up starting with Black Sails in the Sunset. There are some songs i really like on there, especially God Called in Sick Today.
ReplyDeletei've tried the old stuff man... really. Answer that and Stay Fashionable was the first stuff i heard in junior high, but i didn't fall in love with these guys til i found out they actually had more out than that! ha ha which was like a week later.
i know you guys hate it... but i like the glam. i like the makeup, the hair, davey havok's pretty vibe even more than his current Maroon5 vibe. And i love the music that goes with it- Sing the Sorrow and Decemberunderground are by far my favourites.
have you guys even heard anything from Crash Love? How can you fault these guys for making different music than did they did as college dropouts? Their music is changing... keep up or you'll fall behind!
Okay okay, so I downloaded Crash Love and I'm willing to admit I don't dislike it as much as I disliked Decemberunderground. The guys definitely look better, more classic (a little maroon5) less, we're trying to appeal to 14 yr old emo kids (which was one reason I dropped them).
ReplyDeleteSome of the songs from Crash Love sound like they have a Sing the Sorrow vibe that I can kinda get into. And I understand that the music has to change as the band changes, but I guess we just changed on different wavelengths, one reason why I just can't get into it the same way I used to.
AFI used to be in my top five but when they went in such a new direction it kind of felt like being left behind. Not that I expected them to call me up and ask me if I was cool with it, I just think they really pushed a lot of their fans. But it's in my iTunes now so thanks for making me broaden my horizons (again) Andrew.
Girl's Not Grey was the song that got me into AFI what was it...back in '03? Then I started diggin' around for their old music. LOVED it. I don't mind their new music though, it's actually not too bad in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteHave you listened to Davey and Jade's Blaqk Audio stuff? It's a change to what I'm use to, but I love it too.
Your thoughts on Blaqk Audio?
OH MY GOSH i love Blaqk Audio! you're probably not asking me tho. and ha i didn't know if this was the place to talk about this but thanks for bringing it up. Cities of Night? The Love Letter? amazing, and i could go on. What incredible musicians to be able to rock multiple genres like that.
ReplyDeleteAlex you better join Despair Faction, ha then i'm sure AFI will keep you up to date on any changes in their style. But how else have i made you broaden your horizons?...
I am asking who ever is reading! ^_^
ReplyDeleteI KNOW! It is amazing! I like Semiotic Love.
I think Blaqk Audio is coming out with a new album in 2011. I'm excited to hear what they come up with.
ooo that would be great! then you could review it matt! even though it doesn't fit your genre at all! hooray!
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