This week’s band, The Gaslight Anthem has a significantly different sound than the two previous bands I have blogged about. Music critics describe the band’s sound as being influenced by bands from the New Jersey punk scene, from which they come, such as The Misfits and the Bouncing Souls. While some critics suggest a similar sound to one of the band’s idols Bruce Springstein, there is not a whole lot of similarities in terms of sound. The Gaslight Anthem released their first album “Sink or Swim” in 2007. Their follow up “The 59 Sound” was released in 2008 and was followed by the release of “American Slang” in 2010.
So as always the question is, what is it about this band that makes them stand out from other bands? Again the answer comes down to the purpose of this blog, the search for bands that offer substance and something beyond contemporary pop music. There really isn’t another band to compare The Gaslight Anthem to because their sound is so much different than many of the bands out there. Their songs cover topics such as love, growing up and losing a loved one. One of my favourite songs “The ’59 Sound” (the song that is the inspiration for the title of this post) that you can listen to here, deals with the loss of a childhood friend and the feeling of guilt that comes along with it.
Check out the bands website, or their Myspace to hear more from the band.
My first official blog posting was originally intended to be about another band but after the recent announcement of an upcoming album and tour from Say Anything, I became too excited about this band to not post about them.
Say Anything is one of those bands that sticks out amongst the rest of the artists that they may be compared to. Their music does not fit into one specific category as it has hints of influence from many different genres from pop punk to indie to even hip-hop. Formed in 2000 by singer and lyricist Max Bemis, the band has jumped around from label to label and has changed members frequently. They have released four full-length albums to date and three EPs. Their soon to be released album “Anarchy My Dear” has been described by the band as their first attempt at a true punk rock record, at least in theme.
Watch the video below to hear one of my favourite songs by the band "Alive With the Glory of Love"
So you may be asking yourselves what is it that makes this band worth listening to? What sets them apart from the rest of the bands out there? If there was one band that defined the purpose of this blog it is Say Anything. They are a band that amidst an industry full of reality stars and artists using auto tune that searches for substance. One of the most memorable lines off of Say Anything’s self-titled album comes from the song Mara and Me. The song begins with Max Bemis singing, “There are babies with guns beheading their friends in shopping malls around the world. Yet, somehow The Kings of Leon find time to write songs about girls”. Now I have no personal problem with The Kings of Leon, but Bemis’ frustration with the current state of popular music is quite clear. While Say Anything is not a band that strays away from songs about love and heartache, they do it in a different way. Bemis’ lyrics cover all kind of topics from his own personal battle with drugs and bipolar disorder(a battle that sidelined the band for two years), to politics and religion. While some bands choose to focus on lyrics over song writing, the members of Say Anything are quite talented musicians. The darker lyrics are covered up by the more upbeat music behind them.
While I would suggest giving every Say Anything record a listen to, there are certain songs that stick out. One of my favourite songs by the band is "Alive with the Glory of Love". Other stand out songs include "The Futile", "Admit It!", "Walk Through Hell", "Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too", Crush'd", "Do Better", "People Like You Are Why People Like Me Exist", "Baby Girl, I'm a Blur" and one of my favourites "Hate Everyone" which you can listen to below.
Say Anything is a band that I feel everyone needs to give at least one listen to if only for Bemis’ song writing. So give them a listen, trust me you will find at least one song that you will put on repeat. So check them out online at www.sayanythingmusic.com
