Say Anything - "...is a Real Boy"
Release Date: August 3, 2004
I don't believe there's a better way to start off this blog then by looking back at Alt. Rock/Punk band Say Anything's first full-length adventure into the world of music. "...Is A Real Boy" is an album that oozes feeling, an album filled to the brim with clever metaphors and witty one-liners, and an album absolutely no fan of the genre should go without.
"And the record begins with a song of rebellion," says singer/song writer Max Bemis, right before the rough guitar intro into "Belt". Blatant as it may be, it cleverly informs the listener of what to expect not only for the duration of the song, but for the entire length of the one hour record. Lyrics of rebellion, sarcasm, narcissism, love, and hate are the foundation for IARB's story. From fake friends and ex-girlfriends to rejection from record companies and bitterness towards fans, Max Bemis' story of life and music is as sad as it is interesting.
Along with lyrics and vocals, Bemis played every instrument present on IARB, aside from the drums. Though the style of music changes from song to song - think of heavy/punk guitar-driven jamming in "Belt" to acoustic love song "I Want to Know Your Plans" - the superb song structure and unique sound remain present throughout all thirteen tracks. Max does an excellent job giving each song it's own personality; small touches like the technical guitars in "Yellow Cat (Slash) Red Cat" and the vocal "Bop" harmony in "The Futile" really add to their song, despite being simple and not incredibly noticeable.
Though I feel every song on IARB is superb, there are a few tracks that really stand out to me, even after my hundredth listen. "Woe" is delightfully sarcastic, with the lyric, "I can't get laid in this town without these pointy fucking shoes," getting me every single time. "Yellow Cat (Slash) Red Cat" also boasts some great storytelling. Max shows a gradual slip out of reality with the lyrics, "I watch my cousin Greg watch MTV inside his home/I watch this dude, each night, same table/I watched my neighbor's son play with his shotgun in the street." And don't worry: even if you're someone who pays no attention to lyrics, IARB will not disappoint. The melody and presentation of songs like "Alive With the Glory of Love" will surely make you sing along every time.
I can't promise that you'll absolutely love Say Anything, nor can I say you'll definitely want to drop $12 on IARB. Fans of the Pop-Punk/Alt. Rock genre and those who have a huge sense of rebelliousness at least owe "Alive With the Glory of Love" a listen. I did (almost five years ago) and the album's still on repeat today. IARB is Say Anything (and the punk rock genre as a whole) at its absolute best.
"And the record begins with a song of rebellion," says singer/song writer Max Bemis, right before the rough guitar intro into "Belt". Blatant as it may be, it cleverly informs the listener of what to expect not only for the duration of the song, but for the entire length of the one hour record. Lyrics of rebellion, sarcasm, narcissism, love, and hate are the foundation for IARB's story. From fake friends and ex-girlfriends to rejection from record companies and bitterness towards fans, Max Bemis' story of life and music is as sad as it is interesting.
Along with lyrics and vocals, Bemis played every instrument present on IARB, aside from the drums. Though the style of music changes from song to song - think of heavy/punk guitar-driven jamming in "Belt" to acoustic love song "I Want to Know Your Plans" - the superb song structure and unique sound remain present throughout all thirteen tracks. Max does an excellent job giving each song it's own personality; small touches like the technical guitars in "Yellow Cat (Slash) Red Cat" and the vocal "Bop" harmony in "The Futile" really add to their song, despite being simple and not incredibly noticeable.
Though I feel every song on IARB is superb, there are a few tracks that really stand out to me, even after my hundredth listen. "Woe" is delightfully sarcastic, with the lyric, "I can't get laid in this town without these pointy fucking shoes," getting me every single time. "Yellow Cat (Slash) Red Cat" also boasts some great storytelling. Max shows a gradual slip out of reality with the lyrics, "I watch my cousin Greg watch MTV inside his home/I watch this dude, each night, same table/I watched my neighbor's son play with his shotgun in the street." And don't worry: even if you're someone who pays no attention to lyrics, IARB will not disappoint. The melody and presentation of songs like "Alive With the Glory of Love" will surely make you sing along every time.
I can't promise that you'll absolutely love Say Anything, nor can I say you'll definitely want to drop $12 on IARB. Fans of the Pop-Punk/Alt. Rock genre and those who have a huge sense of rebelliousness at least owe "Alive With the Glory of Love" a listen. I did (almost five years ago) and the album's still on repeat today. IARB is Say Anything (and the punk rock genre as a whole) at its absolute best.
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