Search - Against Me :: Searching for a Former Clarity

Don't believe the naysayers

M. Brody | Minneapolis, MN | 08/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm 28 years old. Punk has been my favorite kind of music since I was 16, so I'm obviously not new to it. I am, unfortunately, new to Against Me! I had always heard of them, but I just don't have the cash to buy stacks of records like I used to. The point is, this was my first exposure to Against Me and it blew my socks off. How could people possibly think this sucks or that it's not PUNK AS F***!? (In a modern way, at least.) This is the best punk album I've heard since Refused's "The Shape of Punk To Come" in 1998. There's not a bad song on this album, but the ones that really shine through for me are "From Her Lips To God's Ears (The Energizer)" (who would have known that Condoleeza was such a catchy name?), "Violence", "How Low", "Joy", "Even At Our Worst We're Still Better Than Most (The Roller)" and "Problems". It's been a rough past few years for punk and this is a breath of fresh air to me.



But people think they've sold out, huh? Remember when Jawbreaker came out with "Dear You" in 1995? The punks hated it. It was on a major. They said it wasn't like their old stuff. It was crucified by fans and critics alike. But guess what? It was really a great (and influential) album after all and is now a fan-favorite. Time had to be the judge.



The fact of the matter is, punk fans are terrified of change. They find their little band they like and they get comfortable with them and they expect them to pull a Bad Religion and make the same album for 25 years. (Correction: Bad Religion made the same album all the way up until Recipe For Hate, and then made THAT album over and over again until present time.) So "Searching For A Former Clarity" sounds different than their older albums? So what? All good bands evolve and not everyone likes it (check out Propagandhi for a good example of that.)



I suspect a big reason that some people don't like Against Me anymore is because they are on Fat Wreck Chords. I'm too old to worry about that BS anymore. I've got bigger things to worry about, like Simple Plan on the radio!

"

Great, creative, melodic ...

Christopher Coquard | Edmonton, AB | 02/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me begin with this: Woe to you self-named 'old school' Against Me! fans who want to parade their ego's by bashing this new album, your reviews are nothing but trite pretention. I can't stand another moment of your 'they've sold out', or 'they were better when no one knew them but me ...' AGH! Sounds like an old-age home conversation - and guys, you are young!



Onto the album - I was BLOWN away by this album, it is amazing, with almost every track being catchy, and sincere. I also own other Against Me! albums, so I know their older material. All creative bands reach points where they must grow and move on, and AM! has done it beautifully. And I do find a constant with their older material, there is a similar kind of tune in playing that is unique to AM! - kind of folky, melodic - quite clear in 'Don't Lose Touch' and other tracks.



These guys have amazed me, and have re-installed my faith in music. Should they sign on to bigger labels, get bigger shows, and therefore have more fans? OH YES! Knowledge and power are for sharing ... so buy the album, and get your piece!



Great work AM! keep growing and exploring your musical libertarianism ;-[)o [i have a beard - a long beard]"

Shut Your Mouth "Punk Rockers"

Sonny Manilla | NorCal | 07/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this expecting a horrible album due to the claims that this isn't punk and blah blah blah. Most people seemed concerned about them changing their sounds, but for me, someone who still doesn't own any of their other albums, this is incredible. I have too admit though, there is not as much punk as I expected. Still every song has soooo much heart and soul in every song, and the songs are all different enough that you don't get bored. Definatley should buy it."