Something Corporate - North (Cover Artwork)
Staff Review

Something Corporate

North (2003)

Geffen


Dear Fans of Something Corporate,

You should enjoy North quite a bit.
I'm told it's a more solemn and paced record then their previous, which should give the band that growth space that a sophomore record should be (you'll have to forgive me for not being immediately familiar with their previous album). You'll find lots of contemplative ballads on North, all showcasing Andrew MacMahon's characteristic piano and smooth vocals. While you won't get your fill of sugary adolescent pop-punk here, I wouldn't fret. You'll find that you mature past that phase. If you're a die-hard fan of Something Corporate's past work this should easily satisfy (that being said, if your a die-hard Something Corporate fan we really need to sit down and have a little talk).

- Adam

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To the punks,


My friends this is one of those pop records that, largely due to label package tours, is going to be miscategorized and mismarketed to us. This is really something that should be a hit with the Ben Folds Five / Dave Matthews crowd, so I don't suggest you stop spinning that Bronx record or the new Buzzocks album for this one. I can see this getting slapped with the "emo" tag as well, but like I've told you before I have no fucking idea what that genre encompasses. However if you're going to get pulled in by that tag, there should be one or two more guitar driven numbers on North that would make decent background music. Overall though this is a pretty toothless animal, so expect no edge or interesting eccentricities at all. Don't say I didn't warn you.

- Adam

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Dear Mom,


These Thanksgiving leftovers have lasted an entire week! I've eaten nothing but turkey for the past 5 days and I couldn't be more pleased. So before the tryptophan kicks in I wanted to tell you about this band you'll probably hear on the soft rock station called Something Corporate. If you like them I have this CD of piano ballads you can have called North. It's certainly not my thing but I wouldn't be surprised if you found it rather charming.

- Adam

ps: it's not the new Elvis Costello album, although that's also an album of piano ballads called North. Go figure.