#8: Taking Back Sunday - Louder Now
I remember specifically sitting in the living room of my first apartment during my freshman year of college and reading about the latest music news and becoming excited that 2006 would not only bring a new Red Hot Chili Peppers album but a new one from Taking Back Sunday as well. Both bands were (and are still) in my top 5 favorites so anything new from them creates excitement for me.
The lead-off single that got passed around many MySpace players was "MakeDamnSure" - probably the biggest hit in the career of TBS at least in terms of radio play (at least rock radio - not sure if it ever made it to the pop and mix stations). It's still a crowd pleaser, one that people wait for at shows.
And of course you know where the story goes from here. As soon as more people started knowing the name Taking Back Sunday, the more some fans shunned them. I, for one, was happy with the change.
Louder Now was more rock to the previous albums that had been labeled emo. I'm sure there is some kind of sub-genre of emo that TBS fall under, I just don't know what it is. But I was getting older. And honestly, I was happy to just rock out with a good rock band. And in my mind, that's what Taking Back Sunday had become with Louder Now.
While "MakeDamnSure" is still a classic, this album contains a couple of not only my favorite TBS songs but some of my favorite songs period. "Spin" and "Error: Operator" are two songs that I listen to when I need to get pumped up, or when I need a pick-me-up during long road trips. And then the melody of "Divine Intervention" shows that TBS can take it down a notch and still produce hits.
Lyrically, this is one of the best albums I have ever heard and solidified their place as my #1 favorite band (until Coldplay came along and began a constant struggle for that top spot). I love analyzing the song writing, which I will give credit to Fred Mascherino who helped with that aspect. This album marked Fred's last with the band as the two parted ways shortly after and took with him the dual vocals that made the slow-brooding then punch you in the face "Liar (It Takes One to Know One)" so amazing. As an example, check out the lyrics to "Twenty Twenty Surgery."
To end this, I want to address those familiar with the band. They have their big anthems such as "Cute Without The E" and "Decade Under the Influence" but I really think when it's all said and done, there is one song that is GROSSLY underrated. And that would be Louder Now's closer in "I'll Let You Live." It was one of those rare songs that I had heard a ton of times but at one point in my life it really spoke to me ("Tell me just how dangerous is second best / You've settled for less and I'm sure you'll settle again"). And that's why I love this band - and this album.
Question: Has there ever been a favourite band of yours that took a new direction and you didn't dig it? I'm only asking because you seem upset by people who abandon bands when they change (Green Day, Taking Back Sunday).
ReplyDeleteI'm nervous for new RHCP - While I loved One Hot Minute, I'm a bit sad about another album without John.
Sorry this comment has nothing to do with the album you posted. I just don't know it, so I can't say anything about it.
You're getting to the part of the list I pried out of a you a few months ago at dinner! And you know I agree with all of this. Remember that one time... I called you, only it wasn't me... it was ADAM! hahaha
ReplyDelete@Allison:
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna try to keep this comment as brief as possible because it can be a whole nother post all on its own. But I hope I don't come off like an angry person or anything, it's just your right - I do get upset at people who abandon bands, not because they change but because they progress.
Examples: Linkin Park's new cd sounds nothing like their old stuff. It's not one of my favorites but I would still freak out if I got the chance to see them live because they are still one of my favorites. And when you listen to it on its own, without comparing it to older stuff, it can be pretty enjoyable.
But here is my take on my slightly hypocritical side. The only time I get upset at bands for doing it is when they change from debut album to follow up. In this case, I'm talking about Panic at the Disco and MGMT. Their follow-ups sounded NOTHING like their debuts and it was really disappointing. Over time, I kind of want a band to evolve (Green Day, Coldplay, even RHCP who sound nothing like their early days). I just don't want them to do a 180 after only one release.
Like I said, I'm sorry if I seem bitter but TBS is one of the main bands people do that with. A simple search of the band's name will come up with people saying "there were so much better back in the day." I guess my thing is - you're entitled to that opinion, obviously, but don't count the new stuff out - at least give it a try. I think it also falls back to I'm just not a fan of negativity so even if you don't like the new stuff on its own, can't you still appreciate the older stuff?
I guess that wasn't very brief at all, haha, but at least your comment shows you actually read it so I'm thankful for that.
@jeanette:
I vividly remember that. And our dinner. Both were good times!
I need to get more into TBS. I do. I only have a few singles downloaded and I"ve mentioned it before, but I feel incomplete without entire albums. (I need to get these soon because Jackson's little mix of 6 songs of TBS is worn out. He listens to it at bedtime) :) AND I loved your follow up comment. I have a bunch of KOL haters comin at me when I gush about how great they are- and it's annoying as hell. Bands can't survive only making one sound. One version of what's good. And honestly? If they did these people would complain that the band isn't evolving. It's maddening.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I could excite such enthusiasm over this topic. And don't ever think that I don't read these posts - I just don't know a lot of these bands, so I refrain from commenting.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to continue this convo - you know where to find me.
And Jeanette is alive! (in the blog world) - yay.
This record will always remind me of summer. It's big, and it's LOUD, which is definitely what the group was going for. Eric Valentine was the PERFECT choice in producer, and I'm glad they're working with him again during these el Paso sessions. But really, what impressed me most was that the band was able to translate their unique voice to such a big sounding record. "My Blue Heaven" could have been on Where You Want To Be, and I think that's one of the album's biggest strengths. WHile other bands bury their soul in the production, TBS balanced it.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I think of TBS, my mind goes to Tell All Your Friends, and then to Louder Now. It's that good.