Salt in the Snow - The Classic Crime, Duque, Justin
Abracadavers - The Classic Crime, Duque, Justin
R&R
God and Drugs
Medisin - The Classic Crime, Duque, Justin
The Ascent - The Classic Crime, Clark, Alan
Sing
Everything
Closer Than We Think
The Beginning (A Simple Seed)
The Classic Crime is a rock band from Seattle, Washington and they are signed to Tooth & Nail Records. The band consists of Matt MacDonald-vocals, Alan Clark-bass, Robert "Cheeze" Negrin - guitar, Paul "Skip" Erickson-... more » drums, and Justin DuQue- guitar. What is the Classic Crime? History is filled with heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice and martyrs who died for their cause. Whether their actions were viewed as 'criminal' in their day was irrelevant. From those fighting against injustice to those who stood up for the folks who don't fit in, dying for one's beliefs or one's art is the Classic Crime. 'Music has a profound effect on the listener. It even has the power to lift spirits and change lives,' reasons Classic Crime singer Matt MacDonald. 'If we can see our music change a life for the better, than we've been paid in the kind of way we hope to be.'« less
The Classic Crime is a rock band from Seattle, Washington and they are signed to Tooth & Nail Records. The band consists of Matt MacDonald-vocals, Alan Clark-bass, Robert "Cheeze" Negrin - guitar, Paul "Skip" Erickson- drums, and Justin DuQue- guitar. What is the Classic Crime? History is filled with heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice and martyrs who died for their cause. Whether their actions were viewed as 'criminal' in their day was irrelevant. From those fighting against injustice to those who stood up for the folks who don't fit in, dying for one's beliefs or one's art is the Classic Crime. 'Music has a profound effect on the listener. It even has the power to lift spirits and change lives,' reasons Classic Crime singer Matt MacDonald. 'If we can see our music change a life for the better, than we've been paid in the kind of way we hope to be.'
Matthew W. Paradise | Indianapolis, IN United States | 07/22/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the Seattle Sessions to Albatross to The The Silver Chord these guys have succeeded at everything they've attempted. I am impressed.
This CD starts off strong and is definitely a cd that can be played straight through. I believe that this is a good end of summer anthem cd.
For those of you not familiar, these guys sound like Spill Canvas or Cartel though 5805 does show some Panic at the Disco influence.
Upon listening to the lyrics in the opening "The End" you'll realize that there is going to be a purpose behind the lyrics of the songs that are to follow. We go on to find out that it's a rapid journey through emotion and life. While the lyrics may not totally be ground breaking, they are genuine enough that they allow one to get into more than just the great music on the CD.
There are a few relatively generic/clichéd songs like Abracadavers and Medisin on this, but they are spaced out enough that I didn't get bored as I listened to the CD from start to finish. There are also radio friendly tracks like Sing, and Closer Than We Think, but the most enjoyable tracks for me were ones like Just a Man, 5805, This is the Way, and Everything.
The thirteenth track, Closer Than We Think, is the song that begins the ending of the CD. "I still hold the belief that we are free, that we don't need the rules to see!" The song attempts (and succeeds for me) to pump us back up. Its uplifting chords and the drum roll take us off the edge we may have been put on by the relatively depressing or serious things about life expressed in the previous songs. It's the "hope" track. Cheesy as it may sound, it's a good placement for this song.
Finally "The Beginning" which is the end (appropriate considering the first track is "The End") rolls us up and out. This song about coming back home literally and figuratively, is a good end song.
One thing to note is the Christian references and phrase placements found throughout the CD. I'm not sure what their stance is with God or Christianity but it is interesting nonetheless that they make a point to stick these in. Perhaps another reviewer will be able to elaborate.
Overall this in my opinion is a 4.5 star album. I was not let down at all and am sure this will get regular play on my iPod. Especially since the lyrics aren't out yet and I'm still trying to totally figure out the story behind the full cd.
If you liked Albatross you will love this CD.
Good work TC2.
Check it"
The Silver Cord is EPIC!
E. Isenberg | 07/25/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is musically and lyrically very strong and Matt's consistently clean and melodic vocals are enhanced by the rest of the band beautifully. These guys have a message for everyone and that is one of hope. As they did with Albatross, there's a great mix of driving rock and the slower paced anthems. Don't miss out on this one.
I love it! I recommend it!
"
Like Nothing I've Ever Heard Before
Eric Schutt | 08/20/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The sounds of The Classic Crime are like nothing I have ever heard before and the full throttle drive of their music and rock sound is absolutely something i can't get enough of.
The Silver Cord will tear your heart out and insert wisdom and a sobered up look at life.
Worth every penny."
Amazing
Sauvin | Hudson, NH | 10/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Classic Crime delivers everything expected and more on their new album The Silver Cord. It's a worthy sequel to Albatross, crushing in every way the dreaded "Sophomore Slump." Although it starts off a little slow for me, nearly every song on the album has gotten more than 5 repeats on my ipod in the last 24 hours before I wrote this review. Here's a rating and explanation for each song...
The End - 7/10
Not particularly catchy or memorable, but it starts slow-paced and ends with a proper introduction to the next song on the CD. Since I don't think it was intended to be an actual song on the CD but more of an intro, I think it does the job very well.
Just A Man - 9/10
Just A Man starts off with a catchy guitar intro that carries into the song. Its lyrics are rather powerful, making an attentive listener think. On top of all of that, it is truly an enjoyable song to listen to.
Gravedigging - 10/10
Truly a masterpiece. I enjoy every second of this song, from cowbell to fading applause, the verse and chorus both ring perfectly together. The guitar solo near the middle of the song is entirely appropriate and, personally, pumps me up quite a bit.
The Way That You Are - 8/10
This song is primarily about peer pressure--about not buckling under criticism. It is a cliche topic, but it is written well and shouldn't be underestimated.
5805 - 8/10
This is a song about friendship and nostalgia. The verse is written in a waltz pattern that doesn't fit very well for me, but when Matt gets into the bridge and chorus, the song opens up decently.
Salt in the Snow - 10/10
A brilliant song that captures the listener both lyrically and melodically. The song is 5 minutes of glory that I don't think can be matched on another song. The opening verse is slow and easy to listen to, then it moves into a louder chorus that uses a nice analogy of salt in the snow to get the point across to the listener. My favorite song on the CD.
Abracadavers - 9/10
This song speaks to people with pride issues:
We're all the same,
Made of hair and bones and water and blood cells
And we're all to blame,
For spending way too much time on ourselves
Its point is simple and common, but again, Classic Crime gives convictions to the listener. This is one of the hardest rock songs on the album, and Matt's voice fits surprisingly well. Definitely a song that should be listened to again and again.
R&R - 6/10
Maybe it's just me, but this song never really reached me in a way that kept me coming back for more. It's rather dull, in my opinion, and doesn't really make me feel any different after the song is over. An average song.
God and Drugs - 10/10
This song starts off very slow, but it builds closer and closer to the ultimate point in a tempo-increasing pattern. The song sings about drugs and the negative effect they have on people. A good message and good melody, combined with amazing music makes for a perfect score and constant repeat.
Medisin - 9/10
This song opens with a creepy guitar solo that nearly gives me chills. Not quite sure why it does, but it does its job. The chorus is a good listen and enough to make me return several times.
The Ascent - 8/10
This song is purely instrumental and only about 110 seconds long. It's a surprising break in the last part of the album that lets the reader sort of reflect on everything he's heard. It serves as a precursor to Sing.
Sing - 9/10 (10/10)
This song doesn't disappoint; in fact, it's one of my favorite songs on the album. The chorus and verse are truly enjoyable, but the song loses a point because of the computer-altered voice in the middle that I cannot just stand. Consider it a 10 out of 10 if that doesn't really bother you,
Everything - 8/10
Not much to say here. It's just a love song that is played in classic Classic Crime style (no pun intended).
Closer Than We Think - 10/10
An amazing song that captures living life to the fullest in a catchy, easy-listening way. This is one of the best songs on the CD behind Salt in the Snow. It is at its best if you listen to the entire album before it.
The Beginning (A Simple Seed) - 10/10
This is the perfect song to end the album. It speaks about the band's desire to return home to Seattle. This is one of my favorite lines:
"If a simple seed gets just what it needs,
Then a redwood tree can grow
Up to a hundred feet for the world to see,
And endure the sleet and the snow.
But if my whole life was wrapped and priced,
I wonder what the tag would show.
'Cause every time I'm close to the holy ghost,
I always seem to let her go."
After listening to this song, the listener should feel like the band just performed an entire album and is saying goodbye to them. Overall, this is the perfect end to a nearly flawless album.
Average: 8.9
Overall, the Classic Crime does not disappoint in any way shape or form without the listening being extremely picky. The Classic Crime has delivered and I think will continue to deliver through the years. I have high hopes for them."