♥♥ Took a ridiculously long break to travel in Asia and live in KL for the year. Good t...
♥♥ Took a ridiculously long break to travel in Asia and live in KL for the year. Good to be back and catch up with all those wonderful people I have missed so dearly...♥♥
Member since:24.04.2005
Reviews:46
Members who trust:38
* Panic at the who? *
Panic! At the Disco are a 4 piece band straight out of Las Vegas burning their way onto record shelves across the world. Original and accessible, their music perhaps rates better with those who are avid fans of bands such as "Fall Out Boy"** or perhaps even "Blink 182" due to their similar styles; upbeat with though provoking lyrics, rather than the contraversially more serious bands we can see today.
However this might seem like a gross misunderstanding...which it is. To me P!ATD are as relevant to those of a more pop background as they are acclaimed by rock artists. The catchy background, tongue catching lyrics and general professionalism can be admired from all over the spectrum.
As a band I guess they can be described as slightly eccentric; which is a refreshing break in what seems like a middle music ground. Examples of this behaviour can be seen in their music videos where they like to play dress up; often donning circus type outfits. I am also led to believe that their concerts also follow similar suit, which are always sold out now, by the way.
Including smash hit singles like "I write sins not tragedies" and "Lying is the most fun a girl can have without taking off her clothes", P!ATD's "A fever you can't sweat out" is to me THE best album
out right now. Undeniably their fame has been echoed throughout the world, putting them number one on my music list of 2006!
* Where can I get a copy? *
I picked up my copy of "A fever you can't sweat out" at my local "Music Zone". I paid £8.97 which I think was reasonable; granting post xmas sales etc. I was sceptical about the band at first; one of my closest friends who shares a similar taste in music had already declared it as a "faze". He too though has a copy of the album; something I dare to say he doesn't seem to have grown out just yet!
What I did like about the band though, was their slight obscurity. I'd heard a couple of bits of tracks here and there but nothing too much - possibly because I steer well away from radios due to them over playing any good song! And I guess what hooked me was their odd track names - I'm always willing to give something a try!
The cover is intricate in itself; it sports a red background with five figures sitting at a table. It reminds me somewhat of the desperate housewives titles where they pick out housewives across the years - instead here they pick other celebrities.
The inlay too is as decorative; and well worth a flick through. The CD itself is yellow with what I think are red roses falling down it. It's bright enough to get itself noticed, which is a miracle in itself as CD's have a tendancy of going walkies in my car!
* What can I expect? *
01. Introduction 02. The Only Difference Between Martydom And Suicide Is Press Coverage 03. London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines 04. Nails For Breakfast, Tack For Snacks 05. Camisado 06. Time To Dance 07. Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off 08. Intermission 09. But It's Better If You Do 10. I Write Sins Not Tragedies 11. I Constantly Thank God For Esteban 12. There's A Good Reason These Tablets Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven't Thought Of It Yet 13. Build God, Then We'll Talk
The 13 tracked CD itself is fantastically designed. The first half of the album uses more techy instruments; very clever drum work and fast fingered key boards whereas the second half uses much more old fashioned instruments like an accordion! It is joined simplistically with an interlude track boasting sound music knowledge as they successfully blend the different styles of the instruments used.
It is important here to note that the bands only lyricist is guitarist and back up singer, Ryan Ross. All 13 tracks on the album are products of his ingenuity; drawing material from his own personal experience as well as his imagination. It would be hard for someone to deny his creativity and talent for complex lyric structures, even if they weren't fans of the actual music itself.
I think in a music culture of today it is important to have a band on the scene that can claim making their own music. With P!ATD you won't find any manufactured crap. This too is echoed in the fact they are signed up to an independent record label rather than a global one like Sony or Universal.
My favourite songs on the album are definitely hit single "I write sins not tragedies" - I love the brute honesty that comes out of it. The lyrics "Techincally our marriage is saved, so pour the champagne" strikes home particularly well as so often it is that people find themselves turning to drunk to cure their problems.
Other songs that are permenantly on repeat are "But it's better if you do" and "London Beckoned Songs About Money Written by Machines" where lyrics "Just for the record, the weather today is slightly sarcastic with a good chance of: A. Indifference or B. Disinterest in what the critics say" are nothing short of fantastic.
Another point to make about the band is to draw attention to their extensive pop culture knowledge. Most of the album, inspiration and direct quoting, comes from intense interest in other 20th century greats. Indeed it is for the reason that I believe their cover was concepted; using well known material to express themselves. This doesn't mean that they are lacking in their own thoughts, but they do pay a huge amount of respect to their idols.
My only problem with the album is that it is only around 40 minutes long. I generally tend to like my albums a bit longer as when I stick them in the car, I like them to take me through the journey. However, saying that, I'd rather a shorter, better album than a longer one which skimps on talent.
* Wanna know More? *
The official website can be found at: www.panicatthedisco.com
** They are signed by "Fall Out Boy's" bassist, I think. It could explain the similar type of musical style?
Many Thanks for reading :)
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Some unusual song titles! Very good review :-) xxx
peteshone 24.02.2007 12:12
Great review, don't know what else you could add to it, I think people just get into the habit of rating things 'very helpful' without tinking about it.
JoePoirot 19.02.2007 17:16
Bought this on the strength of a video and haven't quite cracked it yet. Have you made it to Tokyo?
Jan 8th, 2007
exceptional by (2%):
very helpful by (96%):
helpful by (2%):
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