Artist: The Classic Crime
Album: Vagabonds
Date Released: April 6, 2010
Genre: Alternative Rock
Album Review:
TO ALL THAT PRE-ORDERED: Haiti thanks you! (preorder sales went to Haiti relief for this album)
With a low-key punk sound that is reminiscent (but only vaguely) of the 3 Days Grace movement, Vagabonds was released on April 6 by The Classic Crime. The album passes the driving test, and stays true to their poetic magnificence... but it's definitely nothing like Albatross or Silver Cord. It's too soft, and though I like soft, I don't think they pull it off well. Personally, I was disappointed, and other Classic Crime fans I know have said the same. But why the hell am I talking about them? This is MY music review blog.
Appealing to an indie side of life, this album attempts to tug at the heartstrings (that, or the album was recorded in a meager 3 weeks). It's a good album, one I think I might replay in the future among my 3,000+ albums screaming for attention (it's like trying to eat one Lay's chip...you can't). But I definitely expected more. No strong, hard-hitting songs that you're used to from this band. I once mentioned the ability of a band to grow and mature in sound, and I don't think this is it. On Facebook, Classic Crime had this to say:
"From what I've heard 9/10 fans love Vagabonds. Thank you for your comments! 1/10 are pulling the whole "Not what I expected," and "I like their old stuff better," routine. We've heard that every record, and as frustrating as it is, we know from experience that when our next record comes out the same people will initially say, "Its good, but It's no Vagabonds..."
I could get used to this new sound, I suppose.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Song-by-song:
A Perfect Voice: Oh, but Matt, your voice is great! Stop being so humble. Like I said, it's a low key album, so the low key intro track is fitting. But it also gets upbeat, a good song to drive to.
Cheap Shots: A very poetic song, one that speaks to me personally: "I have a demon in me, it shows its teeth and escapes when I impatiently speak; that's when i make my mistakes"...
Solar Powered Life: A short song, very punky. I like this song off the album.
Four Chords: This song is another good one, one that kinda makes fun of itself, as seen in the title. Thick beards and 650,000 hours tops this song off.
Vagabonds: Starting with a Switchfoot-esque guitar line, this song, like the others, seems to have something missing. I'm not sure what it is, to be honest. Perhaps no lead guitar? I think the lineup is the same. I like the cowbell though! Good enough title track anyway...
The Happy Nihilist: This song has a nice sound to it, and I like the message too. As Classic Crime's song tend to do, this one touched my heart. Perhaps my favorite off the album?
My Name: If there's such a thing as a slow song on this album, this would be it. A song full of reflection, this album has a strong personal touch to it.
Everything & Nothing: The song starts deceptively upbeat, and then hits you with real honest lyrics. "when you take the truth in every half truth, you take the gray over the black and white"
The Count: I like how his vocals are slightly echoed in this one. Not much more I can say, song needs more oomph I think, considering it's an image of boxing
Different Now: I LOVE this song, the introductory lines, and guitar riff, this is my favorite track. Nix Happy Nihilist.
Broken Mess: A really stark image of a husband and a horrid wife. Reflecting on Christ and the church?
Weapon of Choice: Too loud to be an ending track, switch this with Broken Mess and i'll be happy.
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