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The Mick and Segue Music Commentary Thread


Lorraine
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I can't rank Jimmy Eat World's albums, but I have been listening to them a whole lot more than normal recently and I think it's fair to say Jimmy will never leave my top ten. At times I find it hard to think of any other band that captivate's me even half as much as Jimmy at their very best.

 

But I will give a little review of each album:

 

1994: Jimmy Eat World

 

Scrappy, punky and fun, this album reminds me a lot of the generic pop punk bands of the time, and whilst nothing here is classic, it does hint at the great songwriting that would define their career later on.

Try: Chachi

Rating: 5/10

 

1996: Static Prevails

 

Their major label debut (for Capitol Records) was a caustic and rough affair. Stop start rhythms, unbalanced vocals and some amazing lyrics combined with effortless melodies and seriously strong swagger, this may have flopped but in reality it was a bold move forwards for this band. A classic emo album and in my opinion one of the greatest records of the 90's. They smoothed out their sound after this for the better, but I will never say I wish this hadn't existed. Worth noting that most fans, and I think even the band themselves, regard this as their official debut.

Try: Seventeen, Anderson Mesa, Caveman, Digits

Rating: 9/10

 

1999: Clarity

 

Now this is a major masterpiece. Even if commercially it was another minor failure, artistically this was and still is regarded by critics and music fans as one of the greatest works of art from the nineties. Nearly every melodic rock band it seems of the 2000's cites Clarity as a major influence, and whilst the album is bursting with anthems, it's the quieter moments that truly ignite the attention of the listener. Ask every Jimmy fan which is their favourite album, and you will find Clarity nearly always at the top, or at least second place.

Try: Table For Glasses, Just Watch The Fireworks, Clarity, For Me This Is Heaven

Rating: 10/10

 

2001: Bleed American

 

Ditched by Capitol Records, most bands would call it a day. Jimmy, however, are made of sterner stuff. Together with longtime producer Tom Trombino, Jimmy worked hard to create a huge, sprawling pop rock album with shorter, sharper, cleaner melodic hits. And each and every song hits HARD. A sugar rush of excitement, melody, heart and beauty, Bleed American was picked up- completed- for release after being shopped around various labels by Dreamworks, and it was a major smash hit. There can be no doubt that this was one of the defining rock albums of the early 2000's. Some have credited this album as being a major influence on Green Day for American Idiot.

Try: Salt, Sweat, Sugar; A Praise Chorus; The Middle; Hear You Me; THE WHOLE DAMN ALBUM

Rating: 10/10

 

2004: Futures

 

Now this album is magic. It is just from start to finish (and by finish, I insist you include the bonus tracks) a rollercoaster rife of emotions, and by that I mean every kind. But mostly of the melancholy, hurt and isolated sort. This album means everything to me, which is funny as it is one of the albums that took me the longest to connect with. But I did connect with it. It was vastly overlooked in 2004 by a little album called American Idiot, which is understandable. But that doesn't mean you can't go back to this album and appreciate a more subtle, beautiful work by a band that went from strength to strength to strength and never quite got the respect that that they deserved. Because this is a very special album, another widely acclaimed release that helped cement their expanded fanbase. With Futures they proved that the commercial juggernaut that was Bleed American was no fluke, and they also showed fans that the depth and heart hat made Clarity such an invigorating listen wasn't gone either. With Futures, Jimmy ensured that the future was theirs, regardless of how many records they sold.

Try: The World You Loved, Kill, Polaris, Drugs Or Me, 23, Shame

Rating: 10/10

 

2007: Chase This Light

 

The first Jimmy Eat World album that arguably brought little to nothing new to the table, what this album instead provided was a collection of sharp, honest pop songs that blended a sense of joy with a smattering of sweetness. This works as a perfect counterpart to the mostly dour and sad nature of Futures. BUT for all the glee of Chase This Light, there is a still an underlying streak of darkness. This reaches its ultimate peak midway through with Gotta Be Somebody's Blues. A real slow burner, this track is the unsung classic of their entire post-Futures era, and it is without a doubt the albums stand out moment. A smidge of a Nine Inch Nails electronica vibe permeates the track, with the moodiness of Disintegration, the song from the similarly overlooked EP Stay On My Side Tonight. But on an album full of energetic and captivating bursts in the form of Big Casino, Always Be, Here It Goes and others, it's easy to see why this gem is mostly forgotten, even by fans.

Try: Big Casino, Gotta Be Somebody's Blues, Always Be, Dizzy, Here It Goes

Rating: 8/10

 

2010: Invented

 

It actually shocked me when this classic Jimmy album received lukewarm reception from longtime fans. Sort of conceptual in nature, every song tells a story inspired by a photograph by an artist whose name escapes me. It is an experimental, forward thinking album, bursting with variety and, again, emotions. Every song adds something special without ever once repeating itself. I love this album. It is my number one album of 2010 and without a shadow of a doubt one of my all time favourite albums. That this isn't my favourite Jimmy Eat World speaks volumes about just how much this bands music means to me.

Try: Coffee And Cigarettes, Evidence, Movielike, Invented, Mixtape

Rating: 9/10

 

2013: Damage

 

In my opinion, the only underwhelming album of the bands career (even if I do think it's a strong release and superior to the debut). This has been described as a mature break up album. And many, both fans and critics, spoke of this album upon its relase as being a major return to form after Chase This Light and Invented apparently strayed too far from the sounds that initially made them great (rubbish, in my opinion). It charted well, sold okay. But it has a weak, unfinished sounding production and in all honesty, I sense a lot of self plagiarism on this release. Although I cannot identify exact moments and pinpoint them to older songs, I have never been able to play Damage without having a sense of deja vu. It does at times sound like a remix of older tracks. But this has a lot of what makes Jimmy great, and it was a minor highlight of 2013 for me. Sure, it's not a classic, but it wasn't and still isn't an album I have ever quite been able to forget.

Try: Appreciation, Damage, I Will Steal You Back, How'd You Have Me

Rating: 7/10

 

2016: Integrity Blues

 

Now this is a major return to form! Arguably the bands best work since Futures, Integrity Blues is also the bands most experimental since perhaps the days of Clarity. Perhaps it is true that not everything here works, which is fine. Yet, what makes this such a wonderful listen is not the moments where the band are at their best, but rather it is where they can be heard trying something new (Pass The Baby, Pretty Grids). The tinkling, emotional sound of many of the late nineties emo bands is resurrected here, which is another plus. This sounds so much like a throwback to that late 90's scene it should sound dated. Instead it sounds nostalgic, and precious. A gift to the music fans who will forever feel a bit lost outside of that era. Integrity Blues recalls to mind everything that made that time so special: American Football, The Get Up Kids, Mineral, The Juliana Theory and, yes, Jimmy Eat World, its all here in the mix. IB also sounds like the bands most honest hearted and easygoing album since 1999. Rather that sound like a bold attempt at writing hits (Bleed American/Chase This Light) or creating an entire package in a semi-conceptual manner (Futures/Invented), Integrity Blues simply sounds like a young band pouring their heart into the music, without a single care given to how it is recieved. It's wondrous, emotional (yes that word again), heartwarming and just so beautiful to listen too. The only thing holding it back from being the undisputed reigning champion of my 2016 is the latest Thrice album. But it's not close match and as of this moment I cannot really choose which one is the winner.

Try: You With Me, Sure And Certain, Get Right, You Are Free, The End Is Beautiful, Through

Rating: 9/10

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I can rank them.

 

1. Futures

2. Clarity

3. Bleed American

4. Integrity Blues

5. Invented

6. Chase This Light

7. Damage.

 

they're first 2 do little for me.

 

but since then i'm constantly amazed at their ability to craft catchy candy coated music.....while at the same time making them deep and emotion filled and meaningful. this is a band that speaks to me personally. and even what i deem to be their weakest still can reach me.

 

Mick

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I can rank them.

 

1. Futures

2. Clarity

3. Bleed American

4. Integrity Blues

5. Invented

6. Chase This Light

7. Damage.

 

they're first 2 do little for me.

 

but since then i'm constantly amazed at their ability to craft catchy candy coated music.....while at the same time making them deep and emotion filled and meaningful. this is a band that speaks to me personally. and even what i deem to be their weakest still can reach me.

 

Mick

 

Your ranking is great! But for me it's pointless as most of their albums I can't choose between. Which is better, Invented or Static Prevails? Depends on the day.

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Thank you for giving them to me. I remember the first time i heard Polaris. that was the song that sold me. i must have replayed it 15 times in a row. that was an album listen as well. futures got stopped dead because of that song, lol. i didn't connect to the album till later but i always LOVED polaris.

 

Top 10 band for sure. i love the lead singer as well. blanking on his name at the moment, lol

 

Mick

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Thank you for giving them to me. I remember the first time i heard Polaris. that was the song that sold me. i must have replayed it 15 times in a row. that was an album listen as well. futures got stopped dead because of that song, lol. i didn't connect to the album till later but i always LOVED polaris.

 

Top 10 band for sure. i love the lead singer as well. blanking on his name at the moment, lol

 

Mick

 

Jim Adkins.

 

Also has a solo album.

 

Jimmy Eat World are also, curiously, a major inspiration for Taylor Swift (I heard it the first time I listened to Love Story). This is cute to me as Jimmy Eat World have been nothing but warm towards her and have made it clear they love her too!

 

Jimmy and Taylor. Now I support this celebrity coupling haha

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And no problem Mick. You gave me Kansas (your persistence haha) and helped maintain my interest in Toto.
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This is how I rank Thrice:

 

1. Vheissu (10/10)

2. The Artist In The Ambulance (10/10)

3. The Alchemy Index (10/10)

[3.1. Water EP

3.2. Earth EP

3.3. Air EP

3.4. Fire EP]

4. To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere (10/10)

5. The Illusion Of Safety (9/10)

6. Beggars (8/10)

7. Major/Minor (8/10)

8. Identity Crisis (6/10)

Edited by Segue Myles
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Thrice is becoming a weird fascination with me.

 

this is me listening to them and i wish you were here to observe this Segue

 

''WOW i love this... amazing.....wait...uh....NO NO NO what atr you doing?????!!!!!!"

 

lol.........it's so frustratingly alluring, lol

 

Mick

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Thrice is becoming a weird fascination with me.

 

this is me listening to them and i wish you were here to observe this Segue

 

''WOW i love this... amazing.....wait...uh....NO NO NO what atr you doing?????!!!!!!"

 

lol.........it's so frustratingly alluring, lol

 

Mick

 

This was me ten years ago.

 

It's all had a decade to sink in.

 

Now, they are just amazing. What turned me off years ago is now something special. The Artist In Ambulance has always been considered a classic in its field. I didn't enjoy it. Recently it clicked. I left this band alone for about four years. Last year I decided to give them another listen and it surprised me but I appreciated EVERYTHING.

 

Distance from certain bands/artists really pays off sometimes!

 

But Thrice, alongside Lacuna Coil, were a band that defined my tastes. I would even say that without Thrice, I never would have developed a curious taste for complex or experimental music.

 

Vheissu did for me what OK Computer appears to have done for millions in the late nineties. It really was a game changer for me. It's up near the very top of my favourite albums.

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My favourite band list hasn't changed much in ten years haha:

 

Lacuna Coil

Within Temptation

Nightwish

HIM

Jimmy Eat World

The Juliana Theory

Thrice

Sonata Arctica (new one haha)

Khoma

Idlewild

Brand New

 

Other bands I have phases with. I have yet to see how my relationship with SA pans out but based on recent times I don't see them falling off my radar.

 

But these eleven bands do not have much competition. Paradise Lost are twelth. But I need to be in the mood.

 

Kings X, Kansas, Toto and Foreigner are also close.

Edited by Segue Myles
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I'm fully expecting my distance from Rush to pay off, lol

 

it's almost been at least 8 months.

 

i'll be raving about them again someday

 

Mick

 

I play them every now and then. Not feeling it.

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Moose Blood are my favourite new band. Sorry Young Guns...the battle isn't a clean win haha
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Also I keep forgetting to rank Brand New on my lists. For some reason, I always place them alongside Thrice in my head so when I mention Thrice I also mean Brand New.

 

Which is crazy as they don't sound like the same band haha

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My fav bands right now.......it's a bit scattered because i'm just picking up music again

 

Jimmy Eat World

Thrice?.......pending status, lol

Coheed and Cambria

Bon Jovi

 

That's it right now, lol

 

Mick

 

Coheed and me parted ways long ago. Sorry to say that but I overplayed them.

 

Won't argue against them they are AMAZING and I am glad you are clicking!

 

I haven't played Bon Jovi in ages.

 

Also can we just sit back and applaud me for leaving off Bruce Springsteen. I can't believe I wrote that list and forgot him.

 

Oh, I remembered Brand New moments later...

 

Slow clap.

Edited by Segue Myles
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My favourite emo bands:

 

Jimmy Eat World

The Juliana Theory

Texas Is The Reason

Sunny Day Real Estate

Mineral

Christie Front Drive

Thrice (some argue they are emo)

Brand New (those first two albums especially qualify as emo)

Taking Back Sunday (first three records only...sheesh they died after that)

Fightstar

The Gloria Record (basically Mineral.2)

Rites Of Spring

My Chemical Romance (the hype got crazy...but I was there from he start and they were magic)

Moose Blood (after a few hours they are gonna live on my radar)

Copeland

Mae

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My fav bands right now.......it's a bit scattered because i'm just picking up music again

 

Jimmy Eat World

Thrice?.......pending status, lol

Coheed and Cambria

Bon Jovi

 

That's it right now, lol

 

Mick

 

Coheed and me parted ways long ago. Sorry to say that but I overplayed them.

 

Won't argue against them they are AMAZING and I am glad you are clicking!

 

I haven't played Bon Jovi in ages.

 

Also can we just sit back and applaud me for leaving off Bruce Springsteen. I can't believe I wrote that list and forgot him.

 

Oh, I remembered Brand New moments later...

 

Slow clap.

 

i was gonna say no sprinsteen, lol

 

wow.

\

Mick

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My fav bands right now.......it's a bit scattered because i'm just picking up music again

 

Jimmy Eat World

Thrice?.......pending status, lol

Coheed and Cambria

Bon Jovi

 

That's it right now, lol

 

Mick

 

Coheed and me parted ways long ago. Sorry to say that but I overplayed them.

 

Won't argue against them they are AMAZING and I am glad you are clicking!

 

I haven't played Bon Jovi in ages.

 

Also can we just sit back and applaud me for leaving off Bruce Springsteen. I can't believe I wrote that list and forgot him.

 

Oh, I remembered Brand New moments later...

 

Slow clap.

 

i was gonna say no sprinsteen, lol

 

wow.

\

Mick

 

I'm a numpty

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I still love emo way more than prog.

 

I enjoy prog but I can't pretend I love it as much as I once thought I did.

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I have to slide thrice in my favs. Beggars is so good. where was my head at, lol

 

Mick

 

I was disappointed in Beggars when it came out. I wondered where the fire had gone.

 

Then Major/Minor came out in 2011, and I LOVED that album. I went back to Beggars and it slayed my existence.

 

Did I mention I am a Thrice fan?

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My favourite emo bands:

 

Jimmy Eat World

The Juliana Theory

Texas Is The Reason

Sunny Day Real Estate

Mineral

Christie Front Drive

Thrice (some argue they are emo)

Brand New (those first two albums especially qualify as emo)

Taking Back Sunday (first three records only...sheesh they died after that)

Fightstar

The Gloria Record (basically Mineral.2)

Rites Of Spring

My Chemical Romance (the hype got crazy...but I was there from he start and they were magic)

Moose Blood (after a few hours they are gonna live on my radar)

Copeland

Mae

 

When I first found out that "Pinkerton" was considered an emo album I got very interested in the genre... But never followed through and listened to anything else :D

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