Something Corporate CD Reviews

SOMETHING CORPORATE

"North" (Geffen/Drive-Thru; 2003)

Whatever edge Something Corporate had on their previous CD, "Leaving Through the Window," is almost completely gone on "North." The songs contained on the newer CD are all written well enough and certainly seem to be heartfelt, but only a couple have power or real energy - and those are never any more driving than the mildest work of Cheap Trick.

In fact, "North" can best be described as simply dull. It rolls along at its slow, power pop pace, sounding at times like mid-career Elton John; in other words, it's likely you'll be reaching for the "next" button on your CD player more often than not.

The best songs on the CD are "Space," which sounds a lot like it was recorded for "Leaving Through the Window" rather than this CD, and "21 and Invincible," with its more energetic pace and insightful lyrics.

Overall, however, "North" disappoints.

Something Corporate: Andrew McMahon - vocals, piano; Brian Ireland - drums, background vocals; Josh Partington - guitar, background vocals; William Tell - guitar, background vocals; Clutch - bass, background vocals.

For more information, check out http://www.somethingcorporate.com.

"Leaving Through the Window" (MCA/Drive-Thru; 2002)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

There's something about Something Corporate that I really like. I don't know what it is, though. Their brand of punk/garage music isn't very edgy; in fact, sometimes it feels just too plain "safe." Their lyrics aren't necessarily brilliant, although they are often intelligent enough. And this certainly isn't the kind of record that will kick your ass. Even turned to 11, Something Corporate would rock but not destroy.

So what is it about this band? A band whose sound is like a blend of Blink 182 and The Uninvited? Maybe it's more about what they're not rather than what they are. Their lyrics aren't filled with lots of stupid obscene humor, a la Blink 182. They don't try to bludgeon you with endless poppy guitar chords. And the don't load you down with a bunch of downer tunes designed to make you feel like shit. Don't get me wrong - the angst is there - it just isn't jack-hammered down your throat.

Instead, they just play their rock'n'roll and do it solidly and without an overdose of attitude. Hey - that sounds fresh to me. I see a lot of movie work in this band's future - their songs will go perfectly on almost any soundtrack compilation.

Something Corporate: Andrew McMahon - vocals, piano, Hammond; Brian Ireland - drums, percussion, background vocals; Josh Partington - guitar, background vocals; William Tell - guitar, background vocals; Clutch - bass, background vocals.

For more information, check out http://www.somethingcorporate.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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