In honor of the ten year anniversary of Immortal Music passing, I decided to go back and revisit multiple albums I've previously reviewed to see not only how my tastes have changed, but my writing style as well.
Then when Mayday Parade announced the ten, technically eleven year anniversary tour for their self titled album, I knew that had to be one I revisited immediately. That album actually holds quite the special place in my heart, none of which correlate directly to the music itself. That was the first album I was sent by a press person, on the day of release, and it was the tour supporting that that gave me my first big interview, and my first photo pass. That unlocked so much for me; my love of photography and many future opportunities. This review was one of the few from back then that I don't cringe at the writing style, so for that I'm proud. I actually put in some detail, didn't just write five lines and give it a 'star rating.' I actually talked about how I got the album, and expressed my thought some. However, I did name their press person at the time, and I only named one song, so both of those feel like no-no's now a days. I would never do that now, esepcially for an album I genuinely enjoyed. Back then I said my favorite song was, "Stay", and acknowledged the darker side of Mayday Parade. That just makes me sigh a little bit, because I was not new to their sound, I was already well aware of their emo lyrics that were simply masked by an upbeat tone. I acknowledged that in the review for Anywhere But Here, which was posted six months prior and actually written probably closer to a year before that. I don't know why I worded it as if I was unaware of how pop punk works. I would still say, "Stay" is one of my favorite songs from that album, but I don't listen to it often. Are you trying to cry? Turn on this song and follow it up with "Miserable At Best" and you will be having yourself a sob fest. That's exactly what they did to the audience on the tour for this album, I might add. Right back to back -probably wasn't a dry eye in the house. They knew what they were doing, and we all saw you Mayday Parade. What I would actually say is my favorite from that album is "A Shot Across the Bow." If you haven't heard this song, please do yourself a favor and listen to it. I sincerely to this day say that's one of the most hateful songs I've ever heard, and yet its sung in such a happy tone. Seriously, have you ever heard someone happily sing, "I hope you fall into the ocean and the current leaves you helpless swimming around. And the waves crash over you until you drown and float away?" You will if you hear this song. Its the perfect song for when you're angry, really right along with all the heavy metal singles that are typically the go to for that kind of mood. It truly is a work of art, I would say. I could honestly say something about every song on this album. I keep wanting to comment on the video for "Oh Well, Oh Well", and the fact that we definitely needed a comic book series in that art style after that one. Or how bittersweet "No Heroes Allowed" is. How well it expresses his admiration for a particular girl, and how beautifully he depicts her soul. Yet he clearly misses her. Its just beautiful, romantic and sweet. I don't even know what else to say, especially since I assume most people that are remotely interested in pop punk or Mayday Parade specifically have heard this album. If you somehow have not, and it sounds like your thing, please go check it out. I'm sure you will not be sorry. Their eleven year anniversary tour with Real Friends and Mongolia Park begins in February 2022. For further information, please check out the offical Mayday Parade website. And keep checking back because many reviews are coming soon. |
InformationAll reviews have the date they were written, the album title, and the band's name, with the exception of Life Starts Now by Three Days Grace and Dear Agony by Breaking Benjamin. Those dates were guessed at, as they were written well before the website began. Archives
February 2022
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