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Say Anything
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...is a Real Boy
J Records
Release: 2/28/2006
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Rated:
Review by:
Morley Seaver
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I was recently made aware of the new record by Say
Anything and I have to say this is the best record made this
year. I'll even go so far as to say this is the best record that
will be released this year, even though we're only in June.
I'm not an emo guy. I like my rock nasty and loud. Yet
awesome music will find you no matter what you're into - if
it's good and you have an open set of ears, you have to
appreciate what you're hearing. This is a spectacular set of
songs that are made by a master of his craft. The band is
made up of Max Bemis who writes all the material, sings and
plays guitar and bass on the record. Long-time associate
Coby Linder joined him on drums.
This record is actually a re-release from 2004 (Doghouse)
with a facelift and a batch of new material which is spread
over 2 disks. I'm not kidding when I say I can't play
anything else right now. Disk one starts off with guitars
blasting into "Belt," a cut that will have your head bobbing in
about three seconds. Quickly, we get accustomed to Max's
very articulated and expressive vocal delivery. Musically the
song sails through hills and valleys with carefully controlled
guitars that just know when to turn it on.
The first highlight of the record is up next. "Woe" is a
masterpiece that comes off almost like a Broadway tune,
complete with rollicking back-up vocals. The song goes
through a few curves including an awesome bridge before
fading out quietly. "The Writhing South" first sizzles some
guitars into your ears before withdrawing for a line or two
and returning for the verses. The catchy chorus will have
you singing along instantly. Another big highlight of the
record is next in the form of "Alive with the Glory of Love," a
spectacular piece of music that never fails to bring a smile to
my face. Half way through the song, Max picks up the pace
of the song - which just grabs the energy by the scruff of the
neck so that you can scarcely keep still in your seat.
I can't go through every cut on this record as there are a lot.
Suffice to say that the entire first disk is just perfect without
one sub-par song. Actually I can't forget "Admit It" which is
another complete standout. This wry batch of disgust thrown
at people who were trying to suck up to him in the past is a
tour-de-force that builds and builds until you can't stand still.
The second disk, which is made up of apparently newer cuts
is almost as good. The hysterical "Wow, I Can Get Sexual
Too" and "Little Girls" are obvious standouts.
The music is varied and fails to stay in one pocket, making
repeated listenings essential. The lyrics are terrific with Max
affecting different characters throughout, like the serial killer
one in "Little Girls." The humor permeates the affair with
lyrics like "Molly Connolly just broke up with me over the
revealing nature of the songs. You goddamn kids had best
be gracious with the merch money you spend because for
you, I won't ever have rough sex with Molly Connolly again."
After seeing the band live, the power of this
fantastic
material really stands out, instead of relying on snazzy
sounds or distracting production. Speaking of that however,
the production is superb, courtesy of Tim O'Heir who was
assisted by Stephen Trask (Hedwig).
If this is what Mr. Bemis is capable of, hang onto your hats
people, because this guy is ultra talented. I cannot wait to
see what he has up his sleeve for future releases. In the
meantime, go out and buy, steal or borrow this CD because
it deserves to be heard. Yes, it is that excellent! |
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