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| Straylight RunStraylight Run2004 Victory 
  Review by: colin See others by this writer Straylight Run (link) Only registered users can post comments 
 
Published on October 12th 2004 When last we met, I was reviewing Taking Back Sunday's new album, Where You Want To Be, and basically said that the breakup of the group provided at least one forgettable album. Well, make that two. Almost, at least. Don't believe the hype, folks. Although not nearly as close to the definition of mediocrity as the 'rival' band, Straylight Run has created a disc filled with awkward pseduo-pop, piano driven dual vocals and rather poor writing, with a few exceptions that are just fantastic. I guess it's in the same vein as Ben Folds, but I've never been a fan of his. The album does start off very unexpected. The piano ballad "The Perfect Ending" is actually quite a nice song in a sing-me-to-sleep kind of way. Soothing vocals and ambient background noise is in. However, the thing that really hit me was the writing; I had figured since the songwriting of Taking Back Sunday took such a downfall that John Nolan had done most of it. Unfortunately, if it was that way, this album sure doesn't showcase it. The lyrics are see obvious, easy, and not seemingly fit for this genre of midtempo pop rock. I mean, I might not enjoy Ben Folds, but from what I've listened to him, the guy can write a decent set of lyrics. "Existentialism on Prom Night" and "Another Word for Desperate" are probably two of the three very strong tracks on the album. "Existentialism..." showcases the strong points of what this band offers; the piano is excellent, the constant rolling drums are good, even the writing is strong in that 'if I was still in high school I could relate' kind of way. By the time when all the music stops except John and his piano, you really just can't complain. "Desperate" follows up with a slow and harrowingly beautiful narrative sung both by John and sister Michelle Nolan. Again, this is a song that highlights all the strongpoints of the band. The ending and breakdown seem like they could have been structured better, perhaps a little more originally, but overall it is a very strong track. It's the first real glimpse into the power of Michelle's voice, which would be fully unleased later on. "Mistakes We Knew We Were Making" is another track that is decent, but nothing that will stand out in your memory after the CD stops in your player. It's not a bad tune, not outstanding, just a good song. "Dignity and Money" however, is not. It seems like a schizophrenic song; there's the rolling bass drum intro with a seeming looming aura of destruction, but then when the bridge comes in, the song turns into an MTV hit, and when the chorus hits it just doesn't sound like the same song. It's not really coherent, and that really turned me away. "Your Name Here (Sunrise Highway)" is long. It's long, nice, but can get boring. At this point in the album I'm really missing Nolan's screaming voice from Taking Back Sunday. His gritty vocals are far superior to the boyish tones he produces on this CD. When I first heard this song, it was one of my favorites on the album. After awhile, it just faded away as 'just another track.' Too bad, because right after it is "Tool Sheds and Hot Tubs," a song that intros with an electronic beat and is just god awful. Although it is finally nice to hear the female vocals, this is a horrible song that I just can't stand listening to. The writing is elementary, and the structure and even the simple sound of the song are just bad. "It's For The Best" comes up next, with probably my favorite lyrics of the album about drinking too much, and much like "Mistakes..." it's a good song, not outstanding, but not bad. "Now It's Done" is an outstanding song. The lyrics are a beautiful narrative, with the introduction painting an amazing picture; "Moving in slow like the smoke from your cigarette / Every step closer is a step that we both will regret." Michelle Nolan's voice is incredible, and there's a point 2:56 into the song where she sings at the same note as the introduction to the guitar solo, and it's probably the single greatest moment on the album, and as far as music goes, stuff like that is just great. It's just an amazing song and really is worth checking out. Very slow, very well put together and produced.
Is this album punk rock? No. In the least bit? No, except for the connection to Victory Records, and the fact this thing will get labeled as 'emo' by people who don't know any better. Should this album even be reviewed on this site? Probably not. But, everyone should still enjoy trying new music every now and then, and if you have a spare few minutes, check this album out, or at least "Now It's Done." It's not the greatest album of the year, surely not the worst, and will probably be forgotten in a few months. Plus, being the graphic designer I am, I must say that Jason Oda of StarvingEyes did a damn fine job on the album artwork, and that is always a plus.
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i love this cd so much. i was disappointed when john nolan left taking back sunday, but i think that he's better with straylight run. i think that lyrically it's really great, and the sound is so different from what i was expecting from him. very original and i like it alot Finally, after searching and searching for this album I have it in my hot little hands (I live in Australia it is hard to find music here). And I have to say that I disagree with your review here... although it does not fall under any genre i have ever heard of, it is still great music from a very talented nolan, even though some of the songs were to" pop" for my taste, i really enjoyed :another word for desperate", existenalism on prom night", "your name here", and "now its done", i also like jjohns sisters awesome vocal, perfict pitch and tone, in every verse, i also downloaded some of there songs from the demo i think i might have liked them a lil bit more This is real art. Nice work on this one. I seriously can't believe some of the sexist comments people are making about Michelle. Does it not sink in that she is human? Fucking unreal that scum like that gets away with it. But, then again they are posting it from home on a computer. i am an idiot john nolan should have stayed with taking back sunday. When i downloaded the demos of straylightrun.com, i didn't like this band much. Johns voice was kinda out of tune and a little too crackly/raspy for my taste, but the actual album is a little bit better in that sense, johns voice sings perfectly in tune. i'd say its an okay album overall. This is not a punk, emo or any-sort-of-core album. People who write that SR and bands alike will destroy the punk scene, need to consider what punk-rock "was" before Refused's "The shape of punk to come", what EMO "was" before Bob Tilton's first full-length and essentially why we're still not only listening to Beethoven or drumming on pieces of logs. If you are trying to save music, make that music, your opinions will not change fuck-o. But then, what does in this world where everything and nothing changes every day? Great songs, great art-work, great album. Listen to existentialism, dignity and money and now it’s done. Why all the woman hating? Steer clear of the kids who will suggest you turn to old No Doubt, Save Ferris, Juliette and the Licks, The Distillers, and Pretty Girls Make Graves call me the gay guy but i like her first song. i know it is probably for the chicks but i think it is pretty good. music misses a real good female singer. i own say 200 CD's or so and not one is a woman fronted band. i am ashamed. get with it women. I am the God of Punk Rock! You folks make it seem like Jason Tate is a remarkably powerful man. milestogo: I love this album. I like how calm this whole album is. It's different and it's about time there is something different to listen to. Great music is to be heard on this album by this band. Everyone whould at least check it out and judge it for themselves before they make any opinions about this band. I bet you many kids will try and copy this band now. Just watch and see what happens. Soon there won't be many TBS clones. How To Clean Your Toilet - The Fun Way "you guys dont realize how easy she is do you? is this band what you guys call "Tatecore?" this band needs to get run over in the face about 500 times in a row. This review is totally on the right track. And he's right, starving eyes did a wonderful number on the layout. I want to have sex with everyone at that company so I can take their skill. OK, I'm going to be honest...after reading all the reviews I came into this CD completing expecting to hate "Tool Sheds and Hot Tubs," being as it's slightly electronic and has female lead vocals. I find it entirely listenable and pretty decent even in the context of the rest of the album. Tate... stop praising a band that stinks up the joint when compared the he power of Hilary Duff. you guys are tasteless assholes. Treat her like a lady for christ sake you guys dont realize how easy she is do you? the michelle nolan comment was very immature and sexist. i turned down the chance to see straylight in new york tonight and i didn't even do anything with the evening... forgot to poop. i love the duff chatter. i'm a huge duff fan, but i think i favor the first album, becuase its more simple. i liked the powerpop stuff. anyway straylight is decent, i saw em right after they got together. nolan's voice isn't so hot, but michelle is hot. i like slow descent. score is for the comment: Hilary Duff's new album DESTROYS these peppy pop pooper ballads. Uh. The Starlite Desperation are fucking TERRIBLE. One of the worst, pretentious bands I've ever seen live. good review, took the words straight out of my mouth (and spelled them correctly) :) I always confuse this band with Starlite Desperation because the names are similar (although the music sounds nothing alike, with Starlite Desperation coming out on top) these song are so much better than the demos, because he is finally singing in tune "now it's done" is very Cardigans-esque, probably my favourite song on the album." I want Michelle Nolan to defecate in a bag and throw it in the crowd, like DEP's singer did at Reading 2002. I swear to God I would put a stick in it, freeze it, then lick it like a popsicle. anyone else think this band sounds like dillenger four? Great review, dude. Don't let the malcontent jerkoffs on this site get to you. i enjoy this album.... Oh... i meant imitate, not intimidate. sorry to the reviewer: "If you don't like this kind of music, maybe you shouldn't be reviewing it." Wow, people are starting to imitate me again. Sometimes I get the feeling people here automatically dislike anything they hear was advertised on ap.net. great review. finally, an honest review- ever since the TBS break-up, people have been picking sides, choosing one band over the other, hyping up both..... im sick of it, shut up, let these people play music Better question: What the hell is Jason Tate doing retaliating to comments about him on punk news? Cause like if he's gonna do that he's got a lot more work to do then just in this review... to all the comments so far directed at me (i apolgoize for spelling and grammar, it's been a long night and i am very , very drunk): If you don't like this kind of music, maybe you shouldn't be reviewing it. tool sheds and hot tubs gets my vote for worst song of the year. and the guitar solo on now it's done is TERRIBLE. maybe she could collect her pussy juices and put it in a jar for you I want Michelle Nolan to defecate in a bag and throw it in the crowd, like DEP's singer did at Reading 2002. I swear to God I would put a stick in it, freeze it, then lick it like a popsicle. Hey guys really enjoyed the Hilary Duff CD review! i stopped reading after you said your not a fan of Ben Folds. its hard to take your opinions seriously after that. the score is for the blood brothers new cd. tatecore loves fallout boy. fallout boy loves tate. its wonderful! Five out of Ten? You ARE taking the piss, right? This is at least worth an eight, and probably a nine - but then looking at your past review scores you are a tool, so I guess it's to be expected. I thought my day was going bad since Walmart doesn't carry Crimes. But oh man, that post below was a good laugh. Saved the day. is this band what you guys call "Tatecore?" Victory Records and this band are un-American garbage. The American Nativist Party disapproves. This score is for Ben Folds in Normal, IL last week. Fucking amazing. boys night out and matchbook romance are tatecore Hey guys really enjoyed the Leftover crack CD review! is this band what you guys call "Tatecore?" to some of the replies (this is colin, i'm just not logged in): hey colin, what camera do you use? i checked out some of your photography. good stuff, i like it. i refuse to listen to anything made by anyone having to do with the shitfest that is taking back sunday. "Is this album punk rock? No. In the least bit? No, except for the connection to Victory Records, and the fact this thing will get labeled as 'emo' by people who don't know any better. Should this album even be reviewed on this site? Probably not." Yet another reason why Victory sucks. Don't bring Ben Folds into this. man i miss taking back sunday I'll have to admitt, I loved the demo's so much that I was uber excited for the cd. Kinda let me down. my favorite demo "Tension ..." seemed to lose its energy. Oh well, this is a good break from my new found metalcore cd's. the OG demos do own this album. what a waste. at the very least, they are done with victory. the way the reviewer sounded, i think at least three stars is warranted. i'd give it higher, but i will agree that tool sheds and hot tubs is a fucking awful song. there's no explaining that turd. Meh. I somewhat enjoyed the original demos. They're easily the best songs here. This record is so plain and white-bread. Someone needs to smack John Nolan on the head and tell him "Hey! You're not Elliott Smith. You're not some kind of genius musical troubadour. You write nu-pop-punk songs. Stop trying this experimental bullshit." |
