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Staff IconAtom and His Package - Attention!  Blah Blah Blah. (Cover Artwork)

Atom and His Package

Attention! Blah Blah Blah. (2003)
Hopeless Records

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Contributed by: greg0rb
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Published on February 25th 2003


Everyone’s favorite one-man-punk-band is back with more songs about Philly, his friends and politics, plus ditties about octopi and dreams of being a professional gambler.

To fill in those of you who may not know, Atom (Adam Goren) is a guy who writes songs on guitar, keyboards and a drum machine and records them onto a sequencer, the Package. His stuff is very 80’s pop on the surface, but his past as a punk rock guitarist shows through in the occasional speedy punk riffs, frequent punk references (my favorite being a Dead Kennedys reference, cited in the liner notes with “please no suing” next to it), and obscure punk covers, the one on this album being “Lying to You” by Radon. Also taking into account his DIY work ethic, Atom and his Package will always be punk to me, no matter what Maximum Rock n’ Roll thinks.

As for the sound of “Attention! Blah Blah Blah,” there is less of the synth-pop, with the guitars being much heavier this time around. Maybe Atom is less embarrassed of his ability now, but what once was supplemental is now very often front-and-center. Don’t worry, the synth stuff is still there, prevalent in songs like “I’m Downright Amazed at What I can Destroy with Just a Hammer” (also on the recent “Hamburgers” EP), one of my favorite tracks on the album. At first I was a bit disappointed in what seemed like a change in his style, but after each listen, the guitar seems to fill in gaps that were once noticeable in the overall sound of Atom’s songs, so it simply leaves each track more powerful. Also, in the list of Atom’s duties in the booklet, it not only has guitar-er, but also drummer and bass-er. To my knowledge, real drums and bass have never before appeared on an Atom album, but they aren’t that noticeable on this album either; they are very sparse (they seem to be hidden too) amongst the synth-bass and drum machine associated with his sound.

Some great tracks are “Mustache T.V.,” about drawing a mustache on scotch tape and sticking it to the TV to make programming more interesting, “For Aliza, Whenever She May Sleep,” and “The Palestinians are not the Same Thing as the Rebel Alliance, Jackass.” As usual, each song in the booklet is preceded by a little explanation, one of my favorite aspects about Atom’s albums because it really lets you get to know him. The last track of the disc is Matt Werth, the “Undercover Funny” guy from “Redefining Music,” captured on tape doing goofy voices and such.

Another thing worth mentioning: Even though I was already convinced of this when I met him at a show I set up for his tour with Har Mar Superstar a couple years ago, Atom is one of the nicest, most genuine guys around. The song “Does Anyone Else in this Room Want to Marry His or Her Own Grandmother?” is about how he wants to get a place with his Grandma so she isn’t alone, and all the fun stuff they would do including “purple-izing” their house. He’s a good guy, so I love supporting his music.

If you have yet to experience Atom and His Package, I would suggest “A Society of People Named Elihu” or “Redefining Music,” which I feel are his two best. If you like Atom’s previous stuff, there is no reason not to pick up “Attention! Blah Blah Blah.” It is more catchy tunes with a greater guitar punch than his previous work.



People who liked this also liked:
Alkaline Trio - GoddamnitWeezer - PinkertonThe Lawrence Arms - Apathy and ExhaustionWeezer - The Blue AlbumThe Lawrence Arms - Oh! Calcutta!The Clash - London CallingThe Get Up Kids - Something To Write Home AboutThe Suicide Machines - Destruction By DefinitionOperation Ivy - Operation IvyDescendents - Milo Goes To College

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    FeatheredMullet (July 15, 2004)

    what the fuck happened to his arm he should get that looked at

    greg0rb (August 4, 2003)

    I was just going through my old reviews to see if there were any random new posts...there is, and I noticed that you're an idiot.
    -Greg

    Anonymous (July 31, 2003)

    this cd sucks. it's a sad old man with a girly voice.

    Strewtho (June 8, 2003)

    Fairly good listen, his cover of the Radon songs are good stuff

    Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

    Hey if you like Atom's cover of lying to you by Radon on this album check out no idea's new sampler "the Shape of Flakes to come" which sports a fancy unreleased cover of Radon's all-time anthem 'Radon'. its free with any order and also has an unreleased Panthro UK United 13 song...mmmmm

    -gristlejaw

    Anonymous (March 4, 2003)

    just got the CD and it is awesome. esp the matt speaks part. i think that guy needs help, but is funny.

    Anonymous (February 27, 2003)

    Don't read the review of Radon's 28. Go buy the album 28. Idiots. Why don't you already own that and We Bare All? Bow down to me. Radon!

    Anonymous (February 27, 2003)

    radon! go read the review on this here site of their lp '28.'

    evildeadalive (February 26, 2003)

    Haven't heard this yet, but I plan on picking it up shortly. Atom rocks.

    plowro (February 26, 2003)

    I think its brilliant. This guy brings a different twist and like it or not, its unique.

    Anonymous (February 26, 2003)

    I get him, he's clever, witty and pretty funny, but I just don't like the style of music.

    -sickboi

    Anonymous (February 26, 2003)

    Atom is just a funny guy who writes songs about those weird things you think of and forget about later.

    That's why he rules.

    FortyMinutesWest (February 26, 2003)

    Im not a huge fan of his music, but Atom is a really cool guy, so that gets him a ten.

    TenderBransonX (February 25, 2003)

    Atom is a great guy. This is a good review. Will pick this cd up when I get the cash for sure.
    Steven
    www.amiracole.com

    SpamMan (February 25, 2003)

    Am I the only one that doesnt "get" AAHP *at all* ?

    CallingLondon (February 25, 2003)

    atom is the man. plain and simple. i will probably be picking this up, as well as another one, since i don't actually own any of his other stuff.

    strewtho (February 25, 2003)

    good review, have to check this out.

    bruceless (February 25, 2003)

    I didn't even know this was out yet, but I'm not very up to date. I admire Atom, and this was an excellent review. I will definately be picking this album up tomorrow morning.

    REALPUNX4LIFE (February 25, 2003)

    I can't say no to a Radon cover. The rest of the album is pretty good, too. Making Love is his best record. It's not an album, but it's his best record.

    Anonymous (February 25, 2003)

    great review. atom rules.
    ~Zäk

    anonymousswede (February 25, 2003)

    good review grego- i haven't heard the album, but the review is quality

    pope_schlomo (February 25, 2003)

    This Atom is a weird little man

    Ramo

    Melvyl (February 25, 2003)

    this is more mature. REALLY more mature, but it's still atom, it's still the fucking god.

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