Search - Count the Stars :: Never Be Taken Alive

A crash-course in pop-punk perfection

Steven Liddicoat | Portland, OR | 11/19/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's no secret that the world of mainstream music has been absolutely flooded recently with a series of "pop-punk" acts. Each of these bands come from nowhere, have a few extremely catchy hits, get lost in the waves and waves of their clones, and dissapear just as fast as they arrived. So where does Count The Stars fit in? Right with the rest of them. They have catchy hook after catchy hook and it's nearly impossible to listen to this album through more than once without singing along with most of the choruses. The difference is that CTS has taken this formula and absolutely perfected every aspect of it. Every song on here could be a huge single on top 40 radio. It's sad that they have gotten such less recognition than some of their peers because they are noticeably more accomplished. However, from here on in for those who do hear this album, this will be the constant by which all other poppunk releases are judged against. What is most dissapointing about this release is the realization that they could be doing so much more than they are. The closing song "All Good Things" is easily one of the best emotional, beautiful and climatic tracks that's come out in a great while. Comparing this one song to the rest of the album, it's apparent that there is such an untapped brilliance here that hopefully doesn't go unused forever. I'm hoping to hear more of this on their next release. All in all, if you are looking for a great poppunk cd that can blow away Good Charlotte, The Starting Line, or whoever, here is your candy. If you're looking for something more - check out
"All Good Things", but other than that there's really nothing more to see here."

Oh so good

xTragedyxBrittanyx | Echo Park, Ca | 01/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't listen to "nate the emotional retard" 2 reviews below me, Never Be Taken Alive is an AWESOME CD. If you own The Starting Line's "Say It Like You Mean It", then you'll know what I'm talking about when I say it's one of those albums you can listen to constantly w/o ever getting bored. Its basically Emo-punk, kinda like RUFiO, A New Found Glory and Midtown, but the difference in Count The Stars is that the lead singer's pitch is easily noticed. When you hear a "count the stars" song, you know it's by them and no one else. My favorites would have to be "pictures" and "brand new skin", but all the songs are awesome. I mean, if it's good enough for me to sit here and write a review, I know others will like it too. Peace easy my fellow emo-punk brethren..."

Refreshing, Eccentric Rock 'n' Roll

Nathan Smith | Anniston, AL | 02/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are tons of pop punk bands and stale contemporary rock groups around today, and it's hard and frustrating to sift through them all to find one that produces even a decent sound. Count the Stars's latest effort NEVER BE TAKEN ALIVE underlines everything that should be expected from a straightforward rock band. Chris's voice isn't whiny, the staple vocal style of pop punk, nor is it sneering - instead, it is refreshingly original, carrying great hooks and choruses without missing a single note or having to substitute weak notes for full ones. The lead guitar and bass stylings of Tim and Clarke help carry the music the way it should be carried - without trying to do anything fancy, but adding in all the right fills and chops at just the right times. Dave's explosive drumming is slightly reminiscent of Keith Moon, or say if Les Claypool were a drummer. Quirky, unpredictable, dynamic, and driving all at the same time. Put simply, Count the Stars have put together a perfect album - something greatly unprecedented from a sophomore release.
As an added bonus, these guys are excellent live. As wonderful as this album is, I don't believe any album could quite capture the perfection and excitement produced during their live shows. I've seen them 3 times, 2 of which my band played. We're sharing the stage again when they come through on Easter, and we're really excited about it - being spit on by Clarke is something else, tell you what. So next time they come around your area, be sure and drop in on them - it's sure not to be a waste of your time. And with Victory Records backing them up, what more could you ask for?"