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"Teenagers scare the living shit out of me!"

As Gerard Way screams this line in one of the worst (but simultaneously catchiest) songs on the new My Chemical Romance album, I can't help but agree, because those teenagers are going to make this one of the biggest hits of the year, in all its vapid entertainment and lifted sing-along music. However, I've got to say, this is My Chemical Romance's finest effort yet, because it is an exact representation of what this band is: a theatrical, over-the-top joke.

The Black Parade is like a really bad movie, where it's so bad it's actually good. Listening to this, you can see what all the make-up and hair obsessions are all about. It's like going to a play and closing your eyes. I'm convinced in a past life, Gerard Way was an overweight Italian woman singing in an opera house. Every song has theatrical moments, from the end of "Dead!" to the ballad of the first single, "Welcome to the Black Parade."

I'd compare this album to the new Dashboard Confessional record, in the sense it will be a huge hit while failing to offer any sort of intellectual value. Supposedly it's about cancer, but the music is is far too superfluous to be taken seriously, which is the biggest downfall. This record also sounds like the band listened to American Idiot and took Rob Cavallo aside and said, "Hey, we want to do that. But without any honesty or sentiment involved. And outfits -- we need outfits." And what we have is The Black Parade. Cavallo did at least a good job at tapping into the band's earlier sounds and making them even more attractive to the pop audience ("The Sharpest Lives"). So long as the band isn't actually taking themselves as seriously as the promotions suggest, this is quite a fine pop record.

However, it is just that. A pop album. Any band trying to get their music to be taken seriously would not do it with such a verbose overtone of Broadway in the background. This is meant to be entertainment -- sugar-coated candy. Nothing more. And if it is trying to be something more, well, that's a bad thing. I couldn't help but chuckle the entire way through the 51-minute effort, double-taking many times after thinking, "Hey, I've heard this before," for every time the band took a riff from a play or movie (like the entirety of the aforementioned, "Teenagers"). I almost felt bad for laughing half the time, remembering this is about cancer or something, but I highly doubt the band actually believes in all that promotion. And if the cancer thing was their idea, they did a hell of a job at turning an incredibly serious disease into a complete joke; they use the subject matter for the token slow, piano-based song that is just, well, pretty bad all around. Actually, it's pretty offensive to think of this album as being serious in nature.

Is this a good album? Not really. I doubt I'll ever listen to this one again. Gerard Way has a voice as annoying as Billy Corgan, but can't write anything beyond trite and contrived repetition. For fans of the Hot Topic-friendly imagery and color schemes, well, this will surely be a big success. However, while American Idiot remained a poignant statement about a serious problem in the world for -- so far -- several years after being released, The Black Parade ends up being nothing but an empty void of theatrics riding on the coat-tails of a legitimate success. It will sell millions of copies that will end up being millions of memories of people looking back, years from now, saying with a smile and a chuckle, "Wow, look at the horrible shit I used to listen to."



People who liked this also liked:
My Chemical Romance - Three Cheers For Sweet RevengeFall Out Boy - From Under The Cork TreeThe Used - In Love And DeathFall Out Boy - Take This to Your GraveMy Chemical Romance - I Brought You My Bullets You Brought Me Your LoveRise Against - Revolutions Per MinuteBlink 182 - Take Off Your Pants and JacketTaking Back Sunday - Tell All Your FriendsAFI - DecemberundergroundTaking Back Sunday - Louder Now



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    Posted by mcrmy4life on 2008-08-18 16:17:33

    ALL OF U FUCKERS WHO COMMENT ON MCR LIKE THAT GET A FUCKING LIFE! Some people have different taste in bands, and to me, my chemical romance is the best fucking band in the world...But thats just me.
    If u dont like that...fuck off and comment on albums u DO like rather than comment on albums u hate...if u hate it, WHY LOOK AND COMMENT ON IT? And my chemical romance HAVE saved peoples lives, because to some people, MUSIC MATTERZ! GERARD WAY puts in lyrics that MATTER, AND SINGS IT WITH PASSION! AND IF U DONT LIKE THE GUITARS, DONT GO ON A PUNK ALBUM WEBSITE U NUMPTIES!

    MEMBERS OF THE MCRmy, DONT TAKE WORTHLESS SHIT FROM PEOPLE LIKE THEM...JUST BECAUSE THEY DONT LIKE THE BAND, IT DOESNT MEAN THEY CAN TELL SUICIDAL PEOPLE TO HANG THEMSELVES IN A GARAGE.

    I am proud to be a fan of mcr because they stand for something. people who dont appreciate that...thats fine...but dont go and write stupid shit on the comment wall for the fans to see.

    Posted by luv_emo8 on 2008-07-23 16:35:55
    My Score:

    all u motha f*ckers who don't likee this shiit y u wastin ur tiime puutttinnn them&their fans down....get a liffee or gooo to hell!!!!

    Posted by wonton on 2008-06-18 08:23:34
    My Score:

    score is for user indianna -

    "ok ive had it!! u mother f*ckers need to stop HATING on every good band!!!u have no mother f*cking clue what good music is!!! My Chemical Romance is BETTER THAN U!!!! id like to hear u do an abulm like this!!! its HARDER THAN IT LOOKS!! pay attenion here u f*ckers!stop trying to f*cking FORCE UR OPIONIONS ON THE PPL WHO LIKE My Chemical Romance!!!! i love this band along w/ some others an d if u dont like it F*CK U!!!!!"

    When a little girl writes somthing like this usually people on the other side of the argument instantly win.

    Posted by iknowyouare_whatami on 2008-04-17 22:37:39
    My Score:

    this review summed up in words what i've been trying to say for a year and a half now. i used to be completely enamored by mcr when i heard three cheers for sweet revenge, not because it was the popular thing to do (and i was in seventh grade, so listening to music for the actual musical content was rare), but just because i could listen to songs of theirs over and over again and i'd get chills every time.

    i was thoroughly disappointed with the black parade however. i felt that while their first two albums didn't joke around a lot, the black parade was a little too juvenile and sounded too poppy. i also felt like if i actually liked the album, i wasn't proud to say it anymore.

    it seemed like this album was directed more towards a middle school audience, which is not always a bad thing, but i also know that kids in that age group love to love music because it's the cool thing to do. i've heard that the band is going for a more punk rock sound next time around, and i'd love nothing more than to see them return to their roots because i still think their first two albums merit their redemption.

    Posted by Joma on 2008-04-16 23:42:31
    My Score:

    they are so rocken cool! i love their song the black parde

    Posted by i-hate-winnipeg on 2007-11-18 20:53:11
    My Score:

    hahaha! they think they're Queen! how cute...

    Posted by kkashbaugh on 2007-11-12 14:19:59
    My Score:

    hey i love this song it is really kewl but kind of sad i guess ok well bye

    Posted by The_Crowing on 2007-10-24 10:43:26
    My Score:

    Eh. This album is fun. Sure, it has no real substance, but that doesn't make it suck. It makes the people who produced it suck. But, hey, I'd rather listen to this album than get poked in the eye with a sharp stick.

    Posted by Ravnos on 2007-10-09 10:56:26
    My Score:

    Seriously, what's with MCR fans and saying that their music saved their life?

    If MCR saved your life, you're probably better off dangling from the rafters in your garage by your neck. No joke.

    Posted by MisFit4Me on 2007-10-06 00:25:50

    This album is meh. Teenagers is catchy, the beginning of Black Parade or whatever the fuck it's called is kind of cool. Mostly mediocore, I could find better shit, I could stand some of this shit. Anyone on here telling someone to like it or hate it is a douche, people have different opinions on music, get the hell over it.

    Posted by SammyVicious on 2007-09-25 16:47:32
    My Score:

    I have to give my kudos to them, they are still a good band. but it seems that fame has gone to their heads. The sound didn't change much. More guitar and a bit more slow songs...

    Posted by pansy on 2007-09-16 01:20:13
    My Score:

    To each their own.

    Posted by Silas on 2007-09-15 19:58:18

    "Seriously, what's with MCR fans and saying that their music saved their life?"

    Better yet, why can not a single one of them spell or construct a grammatically correct sentence?

    One scene point to this fashion fad for actually having the gall to feature Liza Minnelli in a song.

    But then again, what do scene points mean.

    Posted by Windfall on 2007-09-07 23:43:43

    Dear person below me,

    There's this band. They're called Alkaline Trio. Unlike MCR, they don't suck. Listen to them instead.

    Posted by indianna on 2007-06-24 16:54:19

    ok ive had it!! u mother f*ckers need to stop HATING on every good band!!!u have no mother f*cking clue what good music is!!! My Chemical Romance is BETTER THAN U!!!! id like to hear u do an abulm like this!!! its HARDER THAN IT LOOKS!! pay attenion here u f*ckers!stop trying to f*cking FORCE UR OPIONIONS ON THE PPL WHO LIKE My Chemical Romance!!!! i love this band along w/ some others an d if u dont like it F*CK U!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted by pitoresco on 2007-06-12 13:43:47
    My Score:

    fuck emo;

    fuck punky pop/rock

    fuck bloody cliché lyrics

    fuck this sellouts

    Posted by Sedrick on 2007-06-09 17:37:38
    My Score:

    i love that

    Posted by couraegous on 2007-05-27 20:08:30
    My Score:

    to everyone who does not like this band/album:
    fuck off.
    jesus christ.
    get a life or something.
    don't post comments to something you don't like.
    why would you waste your time?

    i love my chem.
    enough said.

    Posted by mychemicalthursday on 2007-05-25 16:35:57
    My Score:

    fantastic record. colin, you're a douche.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 30, 2007 at 9:21 PM (EDT)

    f**k!! the 1st album did rock but this one is really awful!! MCR will never have a better future in the music industry if they continue the kind of music they had on "The Black parade"..they really sound bad and only high school bitches can listen to their annoying music..i don't like this one.

    Posted by RolitaViv on 2007-04-26 16:10:24
    My Score:

    Ok 1st of all this album rocks 2nd mcr kick ass 3rd of all their concerts are amazing!! so all u hater go 2 hell.....

    Posted by ConsolationPrizefighter on 2007-04-26 14:53:39

    Seriously, what's with MCR fans and saying that their music saved their life?

    Posted by pyromaniac on 2007-04-23 12:05:25

    i didnt like them but this album got me into them

    Posted by sashachemicalbabe on 2007-04-09 21:10:16
    My Score:

    my chemical romance saved my life and i love it!!! my chemical romance i s the best thing ever!u guys rock!i luv u guys!

    Posted by Problematiclogic on 2007-04-06 07:44:23
    My Score:

    Not great, but i like it.
    There are a LOT worse mainstream bands out there.

    Posted by bry on 2007-04-05 22:21:44

    omg me n my friends luv them with a firey,burning passion all their albums r just totally amazing and the black parade completely topped it off n the songs r so catchy its great :DD

    Posted by Alex_is_here on 2007-03-22 19:28:12
    My Score:

    ok,
    i think it was overall a good album,
    but i dont think it THE BEST,
    with "three cheers.......
    it seemed like they at least had their own sound,
    but now,
    it seems like they followed the rest of the crowd,
    with songs like
    "the sharpest lives" and "sleep"
    were like remakes.
    i wouldn't say it is a bad album,
    cause it's not!
    but im just saying
    they need to have a sounds that
    sounds, well
    original.

    -Alex

    Posted by jy on 2007-03-08 18:13:02
    My Score:

    I love mcr. I am going to see them in may but that is so far away for know i'll just listen to them on my mp3 player.

    Posted by cadavermine on 2007-03-07 00:00:45
    My Score:

    Lip rings look COOL!!!

    Posted by xFreezyx on 2007-03-05 00:12:14

    This band is a fucking joke. There is nothing that sets them apart from anything else. I hate this psuedo-emo dog shit.

    Posted by cadavermine on 2007-02-19 22:11:57
    My Score:

    damn. you people make GayRudeBoysUnite look smart.

    Posted by life-is-fucking-joke on 2007-02-15 08:24:24
    My Score:

    i fucking love you guys. insperation

    Posted by jy on 2007-02-14 10:52:58
    My Score:

    i loveeeeeeeeeeeee everthing about this album. my favorite songs are "teenagers", "cancer", and "famous last words".

    Posted by RachelG on 2007-02-13 19:35:46
    My Score:

    Oh yeah, here's my score. Also I just want to add that it's very easy to pay the shit out of my chem, but remember that they actually took a huge leap of faith and it's paid off.

    Posted by RachelG on 2007-02-13 19:33:51

    Geez, a bit harsh! My Chem deserve more kudos for making an album where I find it hard to pick out my faves, cos they're all so good. Come on! Who doesnt find Dead's lalalas infectious and entertaining? The concept of the album isn't only about illness, it;s about losing someone you love, it's about death, it's about regret. And I think anyone could take that seriously, while listening to some kickass tunes from a band who cares about what they write about.

    Posted by cadavermine on 2007-02-03 22:39:14
    My Score:

    Leftover Crack! yeah that's a good band.

    score's for your comment, rude boy.

    Posted by GayRudeBoysUnite on 2007-02-03 21:52:54

    pay no attention to cadavermine.
    she's an idiot.

    Posted by LaredoKid on 2007-01-28 19:21:04

    and one more thing,Colin,Billy Corgan is a god,so watch yourself,he may strike you down.

    Posted by LaredoKid on 2007-01-28 19:18:15

    I never liked MCR,but this is a decent album,.With a release like this they may actually stand a chance of being around for a while.I'm not even really a fan of them,but I love the whole new arena rock sound,they'll never be Queen,but if you're gonna follow in someone's footsteps ,it might as well be Queen.

    Posted by hollie-alicia on 2007-01-18 04:57:29
    My Score:

    oh yeah and honestly if you got nothing good to say about My Chemical Romance then dont bother wasting your time moaning about how shite they are. that is just really sad.

    Posted by hollie-alicia on 2007-01-18 04:54:20

    this review is crap, its completely wrong.
    the album is amazing! the only thing you have got right about it is that all of their songs are catchy. this album is just as good as three cheers for sweet revenge, and its different. both albums prove how much my chemical romance, as a band, have matured.

    anyone can relate to the lyrics, and i mean rom the fake-desinger-obssessed-chavs to the blinging-hiphop-gangsters to the grungy-im-an-individual metalheads. the song "cancer" is so meaningul, everyone can relate to it because nearly everyne has been touched by cancer in their lives so it just makes the lyrics and the songs meaning stronger.

    and im going ot take a wild guess and say that who ever reviewd this was either listening to it on an illegally high dosage of crystal meth or they are one of those people who only like a certain type of music, like death metal, or "grunge" metal, who thinks they are a loner and are individual and no one gets them when really they wind up being just like everyone else, and they cant relate to the message that my chemical romance are trying to stress (live life to the full but dont fear death) and beacuse they are not screamin or growling into a microphone and thrashing so hard on their guitars you wonder how good their wanking arm is, they decided that when it was their job to review the album, they didnt listen to it very well because they made up thier mind and thought they should dislike mcr. how am i doing so far?

    and sa for me? well, i'm no emo, i'm not mosher, im not punk, i'm not metal head, i'm not alternative, i'm not indie, i'm not skater, i'm not a death metaller, i'm not a chav, i'm not ghetto, im not a "spice" girl, and i'm not a diva, i am infact all of them put into one. i accept all kind of mucis, especially the ones whose lyrics mean something. my favourite asrtist/bands can range from cradle of filth to fergie to led zeppelin to take that. seriously try having a broader taste in music and you'll find you like everything, then you really are the individual.

    and my chemical romance cant really be that shit because, 2.7 million albums sold (so far) and a number one hit single says different

    Posted by silent_slayer on 2006-12-31 01:05:23

    I agree with MrTimmerz in the fact that MCR has gotten good reviews on mass media, but MCR is commercially-directed; these guys are not true punk artists to the eyes of hardcore punk rock fans, and I kinda share that belief. I mean, these guys are acting, at least in this album, as kids that strum guitars and sing lyrics deserving of boy bands, unlike their preceding album. This is the idea they should avoid if they don't wanna end in oblivion by the punk fans. They should go back to their speedy ways of Three Cheers and be more aggressive on the lyrics, whether based on stories or not.

    Posted by cadavermine on 2006-12-30 12:20:48
    My Score:

    You're an idiot for liking mcr. I don't think much of Colin either. HE HATES COHEED!

    Posted by MrTimmerz23 on 2006-12-30 01:18:47
    My Score:

    I have several points to make on the stupidity that the writer is spreading around.
    A. You can't compare My Chemical Romance and Green Day. Do they similar attributes? Definitely. However, American Idiot and the Black Parade, no matter how similar they sound, talk about two completely different topics.
    B. The people that comment that review and try to defend My Chemical Romance SUCK. None of you know how to spell, how to form sentences, or how think logically. I understand why people hate MCR fans. A ton of them are stupid assholes. However, I'm not going to let that ruin my experience of the album.
    C. Theater is a huge influence on any musician. Music's been on stage for centuries and right now, theatrical inspiration is making regular rock and punk rock albums better than ever. At certain points, I understand that the Black Parade can delve too much into the storyline. However, for the most part, it's a very loose base concept album that just has a moral for every song of the album.
    D. This album has been reviewed by SPIN Magazine as the #5 Best Album of the Year. Plenty of magazines and websites have called The Black Parade, My Chemical Romance's best album to date. They've received a ton of 4/5 stars, 4.5/5 stars, and 5/5 stars reviews by the some of the most revered writers and newspapers.
    IN CONCLUSION: We can all listen to Colin and think "Oh and look at how punk that kid is. I'll never be as cool as him! " Or we can all listen to the Black Parade and think "Haha. That Colin kid is really missing out. Poor handicapped child."
    =Mr. Timmerz =D
    Oh and by the way, Teenagers is an awesome song.

    Posted by silent_slayer on 2006-12-29 01:04:45
    My Score:

    Cutting short with their desire of merging N'Sync-like lyrics and vocals w/punk rock, as well as tuning up with bands like Atreyu, Ill Niño and legendary band The Offspring will do enough to boost MCR's musical quality. They have the talent, all they have to do is make the fuckin' most outta it....

    Posted by cadavermine on 2006-12-02 14:32:20

    How can you people say this band is good? MCR is so fucking lame.

    Posted by justme on 2006-11-30 09:27:41
    My Score:

    Well!
    for ur info i agree wiv ALL the words in the song "Teenagers"
    becaus its all true teenagers suck.
    MCR Saved my life and im going to see them live.
    p.s.Geard Way is soooo D.R.E.A.M.Y
    but i prefered him wiv long black hair- more emo.

    Posted by philly188 on 2006-11-22 15:17:28
    My Score:

    to tell you the truth i found nothing wrong with the CD i loved it... sooooooo i seriously don't c where any of you are coming from.

    LONG LIVE THE BLACK PARADE

    Posted by C_Z on 2006-11-15 20:05:53

    Mcr, truly not one of the greates band ever,
    the front man
    Gared or whatever the fuck his name is
    is an incompetent loser, that preaches other peoples words...

    hes a foggot no matter how you say it..

    if yu have a problem with it...
    fuck you, get a life, and try to like a band worth liking

    Posted by Porcelinaofthevastoceans on 2006-11-14 06:57:57

    I find this album, strangely good, although i agree it does as you suggest have all the qualities of some awesome sing-along with me I am mass produced even without the makeup and 'emo' hairstyles type music to it (although they seem to be ripping off Queen/the Offspring an awful lot). but thats what popular music is, and does.

    HOWEVER...i take offence to you suggesting Billy Corgan has an annoying voice...Billy is just uhh different, slightly whingey/whiney yes, but a rock God all the same, and he and his music should never be compared with the likes of My Chemical Romance, because although i found this album and allbeit the previous one listenable, Billy Corgan (and the Smashing Pumpkins....for all those little kids who have no idea who he is) are amazing, his poetry is the reason i am here today. so really to compare the two is crazy talk!!. But still at least you know who Billy is, so many people I talk to are oblivious...so i am now left wondering how many of the music 'critics' that have bagged you out for your oppinon really know what they are talking about...Its funny really, people are like you bagged out my favourite band...YOU SUCK...heh and in doing so contradict themselves...

    Posted by NoGoodByes on 2006-11-13 00:08:11

    the black parade wasn't as horrible as the review [kudos by the way on that writing..i almost forgot my own opinion] makes it out to be&& maybe their sound is alittle 'done' but what works works

    Posted by cadavermine on 2006-11-09 12:05:35

    mcr is NOT one of the greatest bands of all times. gerard is not a lyric god and if this makes you angry then FUCK YOU!

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 at 11:50 PM (EST)

    I dont even get why you people even bother writting this stuff coz it is all lies! mcr is one of the greatest bands of all time! this album is one of the best albums i have ever heard. they have real good beats and amazing lyrics! gerard is a lyric god [btw]! so what is the point. half the poeple on this site disagree coz they no mcr rocks. so shut up and write about something that is important and not making people angry! [screw yooh]

    Posted by cadavermine on 2006-11-07 14:47:55
    My Score:

    This album sucks!!!

    Posted by micki on 2006-11-05 21:02:23
    My Score:

    this album was very good. catchy songs. very. this whole album is good. there is like 1 song that could be thrown out && put a different one in it. this whole album is about going though a hard time && overcoming it. i like this one. call me stupid, call me anything you want. i love my chemical romance. they are amazing.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 5, 2006 at 8:01 PM (EST)

    you know I don't know why I even bother looking at news or reviews on here anymore because some(not all) of you inconsiderate people on here just flame on the bands!!!Seriously it's getting old!!! If you don't like the band then why bother reading their news or reviews?It's so pointless!!!but wait no you'd rather just piss people off that really love the band right?have some respect. I don't care for some bands too but I also don't look up info and news about them so I can write in their comments and say well they suck!.. blah blah blah.It's rude and disrespectful to the people who really like them.I myself Love MCR to death and I think they have worked very hard to get where they are now!I have all of their albums AND I love them all. I've seen them live twice also and they were great! If you absolutely hate them,then that's your opinion but we don't need to hear about it.And I don't need to hear people say" well you obviosly have no taste in music if you like (band's name)" Everyone has different a different taste in music and is entitled to like what they want. So people don't need other people telling them what's music and what's not.If you like a certain type of music and think it's MUSIC then it is to you and no one should tell you different .MCR is music to me!So I am proud of their new album and I think it is absolutely amazing!!

    If you understand what I mean by most of this and agree then thank you.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 5, 2006 at 1:26 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    this cd is awsum! whoever thnks differnt,well u obviously dont know what real music is! black parade, teenager, and mama are effin sweet! so yeah..

    Posted by onegirlarmy on 2006-11-04 17:49:31

    Open quesiton to colin: how does comparing MCR to greenday give u a credible musical opinion?

    Open quesiton to everyone else: why is someone submitting MCR reviews of this to a website about punk?

    you obviously don't come here that often, or you would see this is clearly not just a "punk" website.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at 4:00 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Talking bout Green Day. They suck, they ruined themselves with American Idiot. The old stuff ruled.

    MCR RULE!!!!!

    Black parade is one of their best albums yet. Love it. Since i bought it its been playing non stop.

    Don't understand y theirs 2 dif albums. One with a black cova one with a white 1. Weird lol. MCR r the best band thr has eva been.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 3, 2006 at 2:24 PM (EST)

    Goodness me there's a lot of prejudice people on here. I'll admit the review was well written with a pretty good vocabulary but being a musician I think this album is a work of musical genius. Not everyone can come up with an entire album full of catchy riffs and outstanding structure. Sure there's not a lot of depth to the lyrics but thats not what everyone listens to music for. I personally think Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen are the most boring people on earth. I could think up their song structures in my sleep, but they do have good lyrics. So to each his own, and I love everything about this album. Especially the theatrical elements. Plus I was raised on musicals.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at 12:22 PM (EST)

    "the black parade" is not the best album of mcr... I better like the first album of my chemical romance.... But "mama" is a very cool song..... Www. Rasmusgirlfree2. Skyblog. Com

    Posted by Keith19 on 2006-10-30 16:33:10
    My Score:

    "While it may not be a more important story than the one Green Day was trying to tell with American Idiot, MCR somehow manages to make a much more entertaining one."

    I guess it depends on what you feel important is. To me,d ealing with personal issues is much more important than a politicial message.

    I agree with you though, that ocne you actually sit and lsiten to the words the story comes out. It took me a few lsitens, but it's really such a great concept.

    And the whole more puk than thou approach people have gets in the way with just enjoying an album.

    Posted by punkake2002 on 2006-10-30 13:22:23

    That was a pretty good review. But after reading it, I think you should have given it less than 2 and a half stars. If you hate this record as much as you say, then give it only one star. You dont have to give it a minimum of 2 just because its MCR.

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2006-10-30 12:45:06

    MCR is not emo.

    You know nothing about music.

    Go crawl back into your hole and listen to your hardcore punk and be your anti-everything-because-Anti-Flag-tells-me-being-a-rebel-is-cool self, you fucking douchewad.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 30, 2006 at 12:36 PM (EST)

    I don't even know why you bother reviewing albums on this site. It's like those websites that say they sell "punk, ska, hardcore, oi and emo" cds or clothing.
    That really fucks me off, because emo takes bits of punk, and corrupts them. The attitude and music of punk and emo are not similair at all.
    People I've met who don't like punk as much as me I listen to bands like Face To Face, they sit there and go "that sounds emo."
    It's not emo, its just because you listen to shitty emo bands that think they are punk as well and have combined the two.
    Emo and punk should be very seperate, and with this website reviewing bands like this and dashboard its clear to see why its happened.

    And don't tell me mcr arn't emo, they are, they are shitty pop emo rock for little kids and unpopular kids who realised their hair can flick to the side and over their eye nice and easy.

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2006-10-30 03:26:07

    "as an impartial observer, i find this alllll very amusing... reminds me of when i was a teenager and everyone was arguing over "ennema of the state." i'm pretty sure most of you won't give a care over MCR in a few years, and looking back this'll all sound so silly."

    So you're not a teenager anymore, but you still can't spell a word like "enema" correctly?

    Posted by Dionesian_Rocker on 2006-10-29 22:53:24

    I still like you colin...

    Posted by colin on 2006-10-29 22:22:15

    Open quesiton to colin: how does comparing MCR to greenday give u a credible musical opinion?

    that's like comparing apples and oranges with bad grammar. that wouldn't give me credibility in any way- i was comparing theatrics, producer choices, ... nevermind, your comment really isn't worth it. if you actually read the review and knew anything about music reviews, you'd realize how dumb that comment is.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 29, 2006 at 9:53 PM (EST)

    Theatrics are great, i mean, look at alice cooper! now that's badass theatrics! but the problem i have with MCR is they're using the theatrics to distract us from BLAND songs... at least blink182 had a good backbeat...

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 29, 2006 at 9:25 PM (EST)

    Open quesiton to colin: how does comparing MCR to greenday give u a credible musical opinion?

    Open quesiton to everyone else: why is someone submitting MCR reviews of this to a website about punk?

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 29, 2006 at 9:05 PM (EST)

    as an impartial observer, i find this alllll very amusing... reminds me of when i was a teenager and everyone was arguing over "ennema of the state." i'm pretty sure most of you won't give a care over MCR in a few years, and looking back this'll all sound so silly.

    Posted by cripsy on 2006-10-29 06:53:08

    this is a fantastic album, no butts.. and colin you sound like a music reviewer who never made it to a publisher

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 29, 2006 at 2:16 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Good review. I don't agree with it, but it was well written and opinionated. It was the exact opposite review of the Alternative Press review. The person who reviewed this album in AP had their nose so far up this bands ass it was ridicluous...

    I enjoy this album for what it is, but the last album was much better. They traded their speed in for big solo's and catchy anthems, too bad...

    Posted by colin on 2006-10-28 20:43:09

    Oh and please enlighten me on the 'meaningful message' that American Idiot conveys for years to come, cause last time I checked, American Idiot was a concept album about a chap called the Jesus of Suburbia, NOT a political statement that most people make it out to be

    research a bit on suburban sprawl and how it affects class structure. everything from education to income and property value... i mean suburbia is a huge problem only multiplying in america. i don't really want to spell it out for you, but american idiot really does a good job at hitting the nail on the head of what's wrong with america; it's not political, it's social.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 2:56 PM (EDT)

    "I've been going to punk shows for the past 15 years (my first was Descendents)"

    Descendents weren't playing shows 15 years ago.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 12:49 PM (EDT)

    I love this album!!

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 5:26 AM (EDT)

    I don't think your review is good.
    It's quite inconsisent.

    Oh and please enlighten me on the 'meaningful message' that American Idiot conveys for years to come, cause last time I checked, American Idiot was a concept album about a chap called the Jesus of Suburbia, NOT a political statement that most people make it out to be.

    MCR aren't very good, but neither is your review to be honest.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 27, 2006 at 11:31 PM (EDT)

    It's going to be pretty amusing when Hanna Montana out sells these geeks when sales come in next week...

    NEXT!

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 27, 2006 at 3:02 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I loooove every single track on this album!!!!!!

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 27, 2006 at 11:56 AM (EDT)

    The video for that first single hits every "I've seen this in 1,000 rock videos before" button known to man. What is with the singer's facial expressions?

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 27, 2006 at 10:55 AM (EDT)

    I disagree with colin. I have been arguing with him on this board (I have two previous comments). I think his review is unfair. I looked at his website and think he's a bit pretentious. That all being said, I really like the guy. He's funny. Some of his reactions have been funnier than the comments he's replying to and he's taking a beating from some of these people in good stride.
    For the record, I like this band. I like all of their albums. I'm 26, I don't wear make-up or dress in black often, I've been going to punk shows for the past 15 years (my first was Descendents) and I don't shop at Hot Topic.

    Posted by tylerdurden8136 on 2006-10-26 22:08:06

    "go kill yourself, colin."

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 9:54 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Extremely well-written review, even if I don't agree with it.

    First off, the album flows insanely well. Every song just rolls right into the next one, the production is amazing.

    Second, once you understand the lyrics and the metaphors that basically flood each and every song on the album, you really begin to realize just what MCR is trying to do with the Black Parade. The story is just unbelievable. Once you understand the story, the music truly comes alive.

    While it may not be a more important story than the one Green Day was trying to tell with American Idiot, MCR somehow manages to make a much more entertaining one.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 9:12 PM (EDT)

    I really couldn't care less of this band, but really, that chorus for that one song where in the video he's preaching at a funeral, you can't deny. It's quite the epic chant.

    Posted by onegirlarmy on 2006-10-26 20:03:45
    My Score:

    As a whole, the album is pretty bland and pretentious in terms of the music, but you have to admit, the production is incredible. It sounds extremely crisp and clear. So yeah, score is for the production.

    Posted by wentz_equals_death on 2006-10-26 18:19:27

    concept albums kick ass

    Posted by SlackMFr on 2006-10-26 17:56:30
    My Score:

    This band eats testicles like there's no tomorrow.

    Posted by Keith19 on 2006-10-26 17:50:48
    My Score:

    I wasn't sure how this album was going to sit wih me. I dimissed it upon first listening, but then I grew to like it. I know that their fans suck (for the most part) but the album is pretty good. It's catchy and has really good moments.

    Posted by MzMCR on 2006-10-26 16:19:31
    My Score:

    i love this album
    i understand some people dont like it but thats their opinion and i respect that
    but i think it rocks!

    Posted by Archangel on 2006-10-26 15:32:54

    Hey, I need some help.

    I was just casually looking through different iTunes of people on my floor, and this girl has this song with no name or artist but I'm dying to figure out who it is.

    It starts out with a quote from Donnie Darko ("I guess some people are just born with tragedy in their blood.") And the production is pretty weak, but the singer has a high-voice thing going on with some dude screaming in the background, it's pretty generic but it's catchy as hell.

    Lyrics involve lines like... "It takes a lot of preparation to design the perfect funeral... flowers and candy and invitations..." sounds like he's saying "cursive" a lot... "Oh you know how I feel about sharp metal grinding on" something something.

    Come on someone has to know this.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 11:26 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    this band is teh gey

    Posted by vek21 on 2006-10-26 10:26:44
    My Score:

    To This Anonymous Person:

    I heard the full stream of Black Parade and I actually own the first MCR album and have a copy of the last MCR record as well so understand that my views may not completely be what you see but what I see is no major changes. I tiny change big whooop and yes there are a lot of bands with shitty music videos and I compared it to a Marilyn Manson video because that is basically what it is, a ripoff of the same style. Go into the Marilyn Manson video vault to see the style they ripped off.

    "This album has taken a complete different turn..they added a piano and a cabaret track".. maybe I was off and should've just mentioned that lyrically it is the same album...that there is nothing fuckin special about it...I will give them this, they will sell shitloads of records because people like you will constantly say "oh it's amazing..its brilliant...the fact that they took the time to get someone to put a piano line is something i never saw coming..." the way their last album was headed, all the tiny changes they made were obvious changes..shit i could've expected...give me something I wouldn't expect you to do and then I'll say you took a risk...

    To Vek21: Are you saying that out of every band that you like none has ever made a crappy music video? I mean come on, most music videos today suck on some degree but my God don't ever compare m.c.r. to Marilyn Manson. And I don't know what you’re talking about when you say that this album sounds like the last album because it's taken a completely different turn.
    It almost seems like you've never heard the last album because if you ask anyone who's heard it, they'll tell you it's different. Another thing, um, the fact that a piano is played on the album makes it different already and previously they've never had these soft songs like Cancer, I don't love you, and disenchanted which are nothing like the last album. And have you even heard the song Blood? That's cabaret, which is nothing like m.c.r.'s old style.

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2006-10-26 04:18:11

    Okay my comments are all failing.

    My point is all of those anonymous posts are probably just somebody trying to piss everyone off.

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2006-10-26 04:16:54

    My god you MCR lovers are retarded. Go find some fucking talent. Oh wait, you probably listen to Panic! at the Disco as well. I feel bad for you.

    Ten bucks says all of those anonymous "zZzomgzZi *

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2006-10-26 03:31:03

    My god you MCR lovers are retarded. Go find some fucking talent. Oh wait, you probably listen to Panic! at the Disco as well. I feel bad for you.

    Ten bucks says all of those anonymous :zZzomgzZi I *

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 2:09 AM (EDT)

    i'm sure its been stated (because there are way more replies than i care to read right now), but if you've written a review of this album and it doesn't speficially mention Queen or Pink Floyd, you have no business reviewing this album. i'm sorry colin, but you have no business reviewing this album. yes, american idiot is a very strong place to start making comparisons (especially if you begin with the single), but there are so many other influences that are more strongly apparent than that one, that to not have mentioned them shows this band has actually gone over your head as a music reviewer and deserves far more credit than you're giving them. from a production and arrangement stand-point alone, they've excelled not only above other bands of their genre, but even american idiot. the complexity of the arragemnets and layering is far more interesting than anything on american idiot. all that being said, i'm not saying i like the record, i'm just pointing out that this record has its merit and deserves to properly reviewed, which in my opinion you have failed to do.

    Posted by SilentStorms on 2006-10-26 01:22:36

    So I guess that anonymous guy should "cave in (my) fucking head" Yeah, he's a winner ...

    Posted by SilentStorms on 2006-10-26 01:21:36

    My god you MCR lovers are retarded. Go find some fucking talent. Oh wait, you probably listen to Panic! at the Disco as well. I feel bad for you.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 1:18 AM (EDT)

    Go suck shit! MCR rocks balls! I fucking luv them, and if give them any more crap I'm gunna cave in your fucking head.

    Posted by colin on 2006-10-26 01:03:18

    response to various comments that probably don't deserve it.

    New York Times > Colin.

    uh, i would fucking hope so.

    Tell us colin which artists do you like and have you reviewed any of their albums? If you have I'm sure the reviews will be singing the artists praises basically just because you like them. I know this is a critique but theres no need to be so harsh my chemical romance worked hard to make this album and try to keep their fans happy.

    you can read all of my reviews by clicking on "read other reviews" under the link on my name. apparently you haven't read any of my comments, or couldn't comprehend them, so i'll say this once more: i tried to be objective with this review. if it was solely personal, i would not have given this record more than a 2/10. that is how bad i think it is. it's called removing yourself from a review, trying to see 'big picture.' i'd recommend that in trying to see that not everyone shares the same opinion of a band as you do.

    There's nothing worse than an educated, well spoken, screamo fan.

    that made me lol.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 12:46 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    dude, if you're too tough, go stream the new Converge CD already.

    seriously, stream it. it rocks balls.

    score is for MCR on SNL. not even a fraction as good as the "bear-shark" skit.

    YYAAAAAHHHHHHRRRR
    -converge

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 12:34 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "my chemical romance worked hard"

    the millions of us who have been "working hard" yet never blew a few grand on "bottle reservations" wonder what you mean by this.

    I'm pretty sure they've been taken completely out of the continuum of relatable human beings. They wear gloves while not singing "billie jean". If that's work, they are the marxists of glamor labor.

    Incidentally, pop is a genre of which many bands exist. Pop-shoved-down-your-throat is a separate sub-genre that tends to take the spotlight. Paper Moon, for the Canadians, is a pop band. Evanescense is a pop-shoved-down-your-throat band. Aaron Booth, what is it with Canadian pop, is a singer-songwriter who writes what can be termed pop songs. Mariah Carey is a Pop-shoved-down-your-throat crack whore, band.

    Good.

    wyzo

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2006-10-25 21:04:45

    "I know this is a critique but theres no need to be so harsh my chemical romance worked hard to make this album and try to keep their fans happy."

    So basically you're saying we should say this album is good because they "worked hard and try to keep their fans happy."?

    That makes sense, because you know, someone shouldn't review an album based on the musical content. A for Effort!

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2006-10-25 21:01:19

    To Damnitsderek: I don't understand what you mean? I'm just trying to say that you shouldn't put something in a certain group when it's not right.
    I don't know what type of music you like but if I was to catagorize it wrong, you'd get mad. And are you trying to say that evanescence isn't pop?...because it is.

    "Pop" is defined as "popular music". People have this misconstrued vision that pop is just Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera, but it really isn't. You can't classify a band like Evanescence (whom I dislike) as pop and try to dismiss My Chemical Romance as either a harder or more complex band. It's an overgeneralization and, frankly, an exxageration. Both of said bands are considered pop if you want to get down to placing bands in genres.

    Posted by crazytoledo on 2006-10-25 20:44:23

    We need a "Most Controversial Review of the Week" feature in Navel-Gazing.

    Whoa, I'd so have the record for the most controversial reviews of the week by a reviewer.

    Easily.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 8:20 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    New York Times > Colin

    Posted by Not-To-Regret on 2006-10-25 19:42:06
    My Score:

    There's nothing worse than an educated, well spoken, screamo fan.

    Colin you might get alot of shit for this review but if this was the real world you would probably be a friend of mine. Let's get wasted and dance to some Eagles of Death Metal (in a non gay way you vultures).

    And to the guy who dissed this site, and shit on about 30 different comments, including mine; nice flamebait, but I love this site for the variety of opinions from those with or without intelligence. I could go to pitchfork to hear REAL reviews but thats just too pretentious for me, like I said, we all have guilty pleasures, BUT ADMIT THAT THE BAND IS SHITTY EVEN IF YOU DO LIKE THEM. That's objectivity.

    Posted by Archangel on 2006-10-25 19:34:33

    We need a "Most Controversial Review of the Week" feature in Navel-Gazing.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 6:44 PM (EDT)

    "Your review is unprofessional and biased. You're so punk." Well its true when you write a review you should look at the bands strengths and weaknesses. However if you review a band that you dislike in the first place its obvious your review is going to be bias against them. Tell us colin which artists do you like and have you reviewed any of their albums? If you have I'm sure the reviews will be singing the artists praises basically just because you like them. I know this is a critique but theres no need to be so harsh my chemical romance worked hard to make this album and try to keep their fans happy.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 6:13 PM (EDT)

    kudos to you for giving an honest review on this record.
    you had the balls to slay an album that hasnt gotten a negative review yet (as far as I have read).

    good shit.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 5:55 PM (EDT)

    To Damnitsderek: I don't understand what you mean? I'm just trying to say that you shouldn't put something in a certain group when it's not right.
    I don't know what type of music you like but if I was to catagorize it wrong, you'd get mad. And are you trying to say that evanescence isn't pop?...because it is.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 5:45 PM (EDT)

    I had the displeasure of seeing this album performed on television.
    Terrible. Terrible. Terrible.
    It actually sounded like a band that was trying to make fun of My Chemical Romance, that's how bad it was.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 5:25 PM (EDT)

    uhhh they are fag. MCR rules

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2006-10-25 16:49:55

    You're defending My Chemical Romance from being pop by saying Evanescence is pop?
    Seriously?

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 4:47 PM (EDT)

    To Vek21: Are you saying that out of every band that you like none has ever made a crappy music video? I mean come on, most music videos today suck on some degree but my God don't ever compare m.c.r. to Marilyn Manson. And I don't know what you’re talking about when you say that this album sounds like the last album because it's taken a completely different turn.
    It almost seems like you've never heard the last album because if you ask anyone who's heard it, they'll tell you it's different. Another thing, um, the fact that a piano is played on the album makes it different already and previously they've never had these soft songs like Cancer, I don't love you, and disenchanted which are nothing like the last album. And have you even heard the song Blood? That's cabaret, which is nothing like m.c.r.'s old style.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 4:33 PM (EDT)

    For one, all of the people who have never heard this album yet say it sucks based on who m.c.r. WERE, do not make any sense at all. And like what someone wrote before, it's not possible that most of you heard the album because it just came out, so don’t say you have. You have no right to be commenting on this at all because you have nothing to back up your statement.
    Second, I am an m.c.r. fan but I can say even if the review was negative it expressed some good points. Like he wrote, a lot of the songs were similar to that of other songs and movies, etc and I have to agree. And yeah, m.c.r. did state queen as a major influence but bands like 'cute is what we aim for' have stated 'Taking back Sunday' as an influence and if you've heard both bands albums they don't sound similar. It's just that m.c.r. have taken maybe a little too much to the point where it almost seems like they're trying to recreate songs from bands that were popular, almost like they want to be this big popular band. It's hard to admit if you're as big as a fan as I am but don't deny it by saying half-assed things like "Best Band Ever. My God they are so hawt."
    But I don't want to say these things with the intention of making it sound like-what I say is right-because we're all entitled to our opinions. Not to say that the album was not good, unlike most people here are writing, the album is not "shit" but something that is definitely enjoyable and despite how much m.c.r. had expressed not revolutionary.
    And to the person that said that Gerard couldn't sing on SNL, I think you might have had something in your ears because he sounded great. If you listen to the live version of cancer, and then the version on the album, they sound basically the same.
    Another thing, stop calling m.c.r. pop. Pop is Britney spears, Evanescence and Christian Aguilera, not m.c.r.

    Posted by vek21 on 2006-10-25 16:12:13
    My Score:

    After listening to this album, I will basically say that this album is pretty much the same as the last album with a tiny bit of change. It follows the whole dark premise writing album that the last one has, the guitars & drums are still giving you a poppy type beat to have you stay a tiny bit interested and the vocals also still have the catchy type dark choruses that Gerard was known for in the last album. What does this mean? That no matter how many people want to say it is over produced, or how many people love MCR, you have to understand that there is still no progression and no change...what? oh wait the rock opera idea that Queen put on is now on this album so we should give MCR a tiny bit of credit saying that they did change? Fuck no! It is easy for a band to take a style that already existed and mimmick...My advice is that if you like this album, great good for you because you found something that interests you and suggest that your friends (who probably listen to this nonsense) that they buy this album and for the people who want some new movement, a new style, a new era...keep searching because MCR will not EVER give you something that someone has not already done better. And please if we want to take it also to music videos, please remember that the Black Parade Music Video is just a sham of a Marilyn Manson video adding they gay poppy sound to it....that's all...

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2006-10-25 15:45:46

    "That word, "close-minded"? I do not think it means what you think it means.
    The guy based his judgment on listening to the album. The fact that, after listening to it, it irrevocably changes his opinion of the band is not close-minded. Is "close-minded" becoming the new "pretentious" around here? Close-minded is not a synonym for not liking something"

    Those words are too big for him.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 3:40 PM (EDT)

    Hey MCR, Pink Floyd called. They want their concept back.

    This album is SOOO indebted to The Wall its not even funny.

    All I have to say is:
    "It fills me with the urge to DEFICATE!"

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 2:32 PM (EDT)

    New York Times > Colin.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 1:10 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    To Scruffy-

    I was saying that just because he doesn't like their music now doesn't mean he can't like it in the future, and its pretty close minded to say something of the nature, " i will never listen to this band!"

    Posted by Scruffy on 2006-10-25 12:48:42

    "I think that is the most close minded comment on this whole page!"

    That word, "close-minded"? I do not think it means what you think it means.
    The guy based his judgment on listening to the album. The fact that, after listening to it, it irrevocably changes his opinion of the band is not close-minded. Is "close-minded" becoming the new "pretentious" around here? Close-minded is not a synonym for not liking something.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 12:43 PM (EDT)

    I don't know, listened to it twice and it seems a lot better than their last album. Their new drummer is much better and the songs seem more interesting.

    I'm getting tired of this 'rock opera' movement though. whether its the format, green day, my chemical romance or the killers, why does every band these days feel the need to have some reoccuring theme throughout the album and intros and outros and such. american idiot was the shit. dog problems is terrible, this and the killers are pretty good, but its getting tired.

    almost as tired as the disco emo movement, like the new afi, panic!, hellogoodbye, 44, hell even the new NFG album has one song with that fast highhat, steady bass drum dance beat. enough of that!

    Paul

    Posted by thekidscaneatabagofdicks on 2006-10-25 12:13:45

    Referring to me? I don't read AMG reviews.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 12:08 PM (EDT)

    Way to entirely rip off All Music Guide's review.

    Posted by thekidscaneatabagofdicks on 2006-10-25 12:04:22

    O.K. I sat down last night and actually listened to the entire album. Besides the fact that they stole 80% of the guitar work from Queen and the intro song reminds me vaguely of a track off "The Wall", I guess it is the best this band could have possibly done. After releasing only one big "pop" album you gotta figure that they felt the need to be "taken seriously" And while this CD may stand the test of time for a) People 15 and under b) People that love 'pop' music, I have faith that people that have a legitimate good taste in music will brush this off as exactly what it is, an over produced pop album that will sweep the Grammys. And when that happens odds are I won't be watching.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 11:59 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "I could never take these guys seriously again"

    I think that is the most close minded comment on this whole page!

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 11:52 AM (EDT)

    i think this is actually an excellent review. after listening to the stream once i can honestly say i feel the same way. i could never take these guys seriously again

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 11:51 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    The review isn't that far off. I think he was a little too harsh on the album because I happen to like it more than he did, but that's just taste. I, too, heard similarities to American Idiot, and I mentioned it to someone before even reading this review. The orchestration and arrangement of some of the songs definitely evokes the Green Day album. Nobody said the band sounds like Green Day. Just that the production of the album is similar. And it definitely is. You guys need to stop putting words/thoughts into people's mouths/minds. Just because the reviewer didn't like it doesn't mean he didn't give it a fair chance and definitely doesn't say anything about his opinions of "punk".

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 11:47 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "your hands play cds?"

    yeah man you should go to your nearest Best Buy and get one instaled! Its this giant contraption that they screw into the back of your hand, it doesn't bleed that much, but it does hurt a little! Any way it will only cost you about 130 dollars for the unit and they will install it for only lke 75 dollars! Check it out man its pretty sweet!

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 11:42 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I think what makes this review so awkward Collin is that it seems as though you really haven't decided, at the point you wrote this, whether you like the album or not! I seems like during the review you are continuously jumping back and forth on whether you like it or not! So maybe next time just make a single opinion and stick with it!

    Posted by RyanRockwell on 2006-10-25 11:37:19

    I think that was a fine review and made sense in the context about what he was talking about. I think people should complain some more, it's helpful! And you can't look at that marching skeleton without laughing.

    Posted by stevejonestherealbones on 2006-10-25 11:37:13

    I can't even make time to listlen to this album because i am pretty sure that someone will have to pry Senses Fail's new cd out of my hands before i listen to something else!

    your hands play cds?

    - jones the bones

    - stevejones8770@yahoo.com

    - or only plays terrible cds?

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 11:35 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I can't even make time to listlen to this album because i am pretty sure that someone will have to pry Senses Fail's new cd out of my hands before i listen to something else!

    Posted by colin on 2006-10-25 11:34:26

    That exactly what you did in your review, colin. You're so punk.

    i said the record was pop. i said nothing about punk. a record can be punk and pop - i just didn't go there in the review.

    and, to any and all that are calling my review biased, i will not respect your opinions until you can prove me wrong somehow. i highly suggest submitting our own, less biased, review to the site and letting me know when it gets posted. i'd be highly intrigued to see what is so biased about giving a record i personally believe is a 1 or 2 a 5 on the stance that it is a vast improvement and i can see why little girls enjoy it.

    christ on skates, after awhile all these comments just look the same. i enjoyed it the first few times, but i think you kids just yell loud enough to be heard sometimes. it was fun, though.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 11:22 AM (EDT)

    the only way this band can improve is to break up

    Posted by Scruffy on 2006-10-25 11:21:45

    "omg i luv this band and u guys dont no anything about good music"

    Here's a hint. I'm telling you this to help you out in the future. No one will care what you have to say if you type like your a fourteen year old writing in a brightly colored livejournal. Type properly, and your point automatically becomes more valid in most people's eyes.

    Also, a lot of people have heard this because the single's been available for weeks and the band was on SNL last weekend. Also, a lot of people probably downloaded it just so they could mock it.

    I don't think it's that bad. I wouldn't buy it, but it's definitely an improvement over Three Cheers.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 10:58 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    *yawn*

    Posted by William_David on 2006-10-25 10:02:01
    My Score:

    It wasn't a surprise to see MCR panned on here, especially by the same guy that reviewed Three Cheers. I have to say I like the album. I'm not sure how long it will stay in my rotation, but for right now, I'm pretty impressed. Most people here seem to have a poor opinion of MCR, but I respect the fact that they've now released three albums, and every one of them has been significantly different. I think to just compare this record to American Idiot is cutting it short. As someone else mentioned, many of the tracks sound like they were listening to Queen when they made this. Another track had a borderline rockabilly feel, there was some country influence, and some other classic rock influence throughout. There is even the call and repeat style between the vocals and instrumentals that you'd find on a blues album. If nothing else, it shows an appreciation (from the band) for a wide variety of music, and the tenacity to try to incorporate many of these sounds, and really go against the grain of what made them so popular on the last album. Again, maybe this won't last in my rotation over the next couple years, but right now it's sounding really good, and it's just a shame that so many people are cutting it down based on the simple fact that MCR is popular with the Hot Topic kiddies, and that's just not cool.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 10:01 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    alright, i just listened to the CD. and if you haven't heard it, you can't say anything about it! despite their track record, this is like a completely different band.

    Oh and the Green Day comparison... are you really that stupid? This sounds nothing like American Idiot. Not even close, it's an entirely different grade of rock.

    Honestly, how can their be so many posts about a record that most of you couldn't have listened to when it came out yesterday. Further more how can you judge a record you never heard just because you heard the record before it? Bands change. (yea sometimes for the worse... 18v)

    but sometimes they have a creative jump. like this record. they actually know HOW to play their guitars now.

    whatever... i just think its sad that you are casting judgement on a record you haven't heard, but hey! That's what this page is for right?

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 9:50 AM (EDT)

    Colin's review is pretty intellectually lazy. Read the NY Times article from Monday instead:

    www.nytimes.com/2006/10/22/arts/music/22mich.html

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 9:31 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    omg i luv this band and u guys dont no anything about good music

    Posted by crazytoledo on 2006-10-25 09:20:39

    There is a new Aiden cd coming next week!

    Hey, I said that. Aiden CD next week.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 9:10 AM (EDT)

    colin you listen to some really terrible music

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 9:08 AM (EDT)

    "i think what i enjoy most about the comments so far is the mini-flame war going on about green day and punk. you crazy kids keep trying to classify what is and isn't punk and people will start catching on and start calling you hypocrites on the whole "punk is about being against structure and the system" argument, you know."

    That exactly what you did in your review, colin. You're so punk.

    BTW, Green Day is a fine band. MCR is too, they may be less innovative in reinventing themselves but its not like they've had 15 years to do it yet. I just don't how you can walk out of this reviewing calling this pop because you feel its destined for the radio while Green Day has had some of the biggest radio hits in punk music even prior to American Idiot (Time of Your Life, anyone? Oops, did I just make Green Day "pop" music... ask colin)

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 9:02 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I expected to hate this album and I actually wouldn't have even listened to it at all if not for the single. I dug the single and decided to check it out, and my hateful heart was mildly impressed with the album. It's still not great and I don't think I'd buy it, but I like it far more than I expected to like any MCR album.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 8:18 AM (EDT)

    i heard the new single at work and found it painful to listen to, so i stood in the way of the signal and made the radio have static for the rest of the song haha good review, i really find this band overrated. Then again, this is a website for punk music and MCR are most definately not a punk band so they're most likely to get slated on here anyway.

    Posted by givemeamuseumandillfillit on 2006-10-25 07:40:12

    Does anyone know if polyphonic spree are guesting in the bridge of the single? If not, what a blatant r