The Ataris

The Ataris: So Long, AstoriaSo Long, Astoria (2003)
Sony Music Entertainment

Reviewer Rating: 3.5

User Rating:

Contributed by: InaGreendaseBrian
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on March 14th 2003So here it is. It goes without saying, but was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Everyone was looking to see what would come of the Ataris's major-label debut, and here it is. If you think about it, So Long, Astoria is where they were headed. This CD is not really p.

So here it is. It goes without saying, but was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Everyone was looking to see what would come of the Ataris's major-label debut, and here it is.

If you think about it, So Long, Astoria is where they were headed. This CD is not really pop-punk...not skate-punk...just flat-out rock, really. This whole album has the most nostalgic feel of anything I've ever encountered. Each song is like an excerpt from a journal, every lyric a remembrance of something.

That signature tone of the Ataris initiates the disc, leading right into the title track. There is beautifully controlled anger throughout this song; you can hear it in Kris Roe's voice especially as he closes it out, saying "I'm taking 'em all back." Memories are the first thing in mind when hearing this lyric.

It's followed up by really one of a few doses of "about a girl" songs, something that was sort of a standard for past Ataris songs or albums. "Takeoffs and Landings" is nonetheless a solid song.

Honestly, "In this Diary" could use a revised name, but it's my only problem with this song. The hook before the chorus is genius, and being a single the formula is hardly of a generic sort.

As the album flows through, we only receive a few ballads, thankfully, but even these sometimes-piano-laden songs don't require you to take an Antacid.

"All You Can Ever Learn is What You Already Know" is where the Ataris show great great form. "I'm trying to believe in you but all these satellites/and broken dreams are blocking out my view" is a chorus you look forward to, and Roe's growling to close the song (another Ataris standard, but no gripes here) cannot be described in words.

"The Boys of Summer" never sounded better; the Ataris do a solid job on this, hardly making a classic rock cover sound trite. The re-recorded "I Won't Spend Another Night Alone" provides another memory, and the second-to-lastness of it does just that, before heading into the acoustic "Saddest Song."

It is, overall, a solid album. One of the better albums of the handful they've released; basically, a landmark in their career. Lyrically matured (for the most part, anyway), musically matured, and forcefully matured. They were due.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

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The album doesn't have a title or a release date yet, but you can follow the writing and recording process through the members' individual Twitter accounts. Comeau, Bouvier and Lefebvre are all tweeting about the record.

TSOL (March 21, 2010)

A guilty pleasure for me. Nostalgia from back in junior high, when I first got the cd, and when I was first getting into punk rock.

TSOL (March 21, 2010)

A guilty pleasure for me. Nostalgia from back in junior high, when I first got the cd, and when I was first getting into punk rock.

BlisteredEarth (September 29, 2009)

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 5:20 PM (EST)
My Score:

what the fuck? Keep your fucking comments to yourself if you don't like a band. Do you guys have no lives and just sit around waiting for a post to be made about a pop-punk band? You guys need lives, children. I don't want to hear it how, "oh they suck because they sing about love and don't scream enough" Hey, they made it in the music industry, and until one of you guys makes it with one of your so called "hardcore punk" bands that have no talent whatsoever, how bout you all shut the fuck up! You all act like children about it!

a fuckin men bro

ftw this album is awesom

BlisteredEarth (September 29, 2009)

Anonymous (April 7, 2004)

You suck at reviews and should die

Anonymous (August 4, 2003)

Posted by waste_elite on 2003-03-16 22:02:25
My Score:
--------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

kris thinks he's blake schwarzenbach

VERY VALAD POINT but jawbreaker was an influence on everyone

Anonymous (August 4, 2003)

i used to be a big fan now these guys fucking suck i like the goonies refrance cause its my favorite movie but siriously this cd is boaring and pointless i gave it to one of my friends who like shitty music

Anonymous (March 25, 2003)

what the fuck? Keep your fucking comments to yourself if you don't like a band. Do you guys have no lives and just sit around waiting for a post to be made about a pop-punk band? You guys need lives, children. I don't want to hear it how, "oh they suck because they sing about love and don't scream enough" Hey, they made it in the music industry, and until one of you guys makes it with one of your so called "hardcore punk" bands that have no talent whatsoever, how bout you all shut the fuck up! You all act like children about it!

punkcorekid (March 20, 2003)

dude this guy can't even type "sucks" out. the hell? and nice come back "well.........u suk". the crap is that?

Anonymous (March 20, 2003)

all u peeps who said the ataris suk, well.........u suk. they r lyrically better than this screamo s**t and the guitarists are amazing. Kris rites better lyrics than most of u dickheads could so until u show me otherwise, shut the hell up. thnx,
anonymous

Anonymous (March 19, 2003)

Has anyone seen this guys head? It's fucking huge. Seriously it's comical. It looks like someone stuck a tooth pick on a potatoe. I heard the song in my diary, and I swear to god his lyrics remind me of the musical grease. I'm waiting for his version of summer lovin.Cherry cokes and star gazing? Someone tell this fembot that he made this same album 3 times already. I saw these guys on conan and It was hilarious watching the bass player jiggle like a bowl of jello. Fat kids are funny. Good god please go fuck yourself. twat

Anonymous (March 19, 2003)

they should re-master my face into some retarded fat chick's poon-tang.

InaGreendase (March 19, 2003)

hahahahahahahahahahaha

i'm giving 10 for the comment

they should remaster blue skies

Anonymous (March 18, 2003)

Are you sure that 1*15*96 isn't the day that they introduced the 4 Buck pizza thing at Pizza Hut? See, because he's a fat tub of goo.....

Anonymous (March 18, 2003)

Ok...this album I feel is really a great piece of work. The people who think that lyrically this album is not as good as the ohters...wake up and realise that Kris does not go through the things that are talked about on the previous albums anymore. This is a more mature release and I am loving how it is sounding. 1*15*96 is the date of his daughter Starla's birthday but is about how he left his ex to pursue his musical dreams.

FortyMinutesWest (March 18, 2003)

These guys never were good, whether they were an indie label band or not.

Anonymous (March 17, 2003)

amazon.com did a pretty decent review of this cd. basically it said its a very good light weight cd. drop the whole punk schtick. these guys aren't a punk band and aren't trying to be. this is pop-rock and its damn good pop-rock.

Anonymous (March 17, 2003)

One of the worst pseudo-punk acts, ever.

Anonymous (March 17, 2003)

I recommend this if your favorite show is blues clues or if you are completely deaf.

FortyMinutesWest (March 17, 2003)

A 13 year old wouldnt be a pre-teen.

Anonymous (March 17, 2003)

I like 13 year old Hymens...Nothings better than making my penis look like a cherry popsicle after digging it into some pre-teen's mound. FUCK YEA.

This album kicks ass, and agree with the other kid. The 13 year old thing (I assume) was sarcastic letting you all know to lighten up. Good disc. Pick it up.

Anonymous (March 17, 2003)

"Alright. There are too many people pissing me off for this review. People say they sold out, when in reality, they did. But you know what? All you dudes out there that consider yourself punkers would love to have the love from the fans that they do.

Columbia Records = HUGE
The Ataris = Huge
13 year old fans = bound to happen

Who the fuck cares? Hell, if my band had 13 year old listeners, I would love it. Because youre reaching another whole age group. I would die to have a large group of 13 year old girls walk onto my doorstep and let me stick it in their tight little behinds. That would kick so much ass.

Truth be told, this album is more than amazing. If you have the CD, youll know that Kris Roe went back to his hometown to revisit his childhood, and write all the lyrics, in remembrance of it.

"Being grown up, isnt half as fun as growing up" Its fucking true, and all you hardcore fags need to get over it. Yall need to chill out, smoke a bowl, and listen to this CD. IT IS TOP OF THE LINE. "

If this guy is an Ataris fan, then I know that I will never be one. I would give up the chance to hear the greatest band in the world just to be sure that I have NOTHING in common with this incredible loser.

Anonymous (March 17, 2003)

"I would die to have a large group of 13 year old girls walk onto my doorstep and let me stick it in their tight little behinds. That would kick so much ass."

Filthy prick.

waste_elite (March 16, 2003)

kris thinks he's blake schwarzenbach

krowdsurf (March 16, 2003)

I'm going to pass up commenting on this album to say that some of these posts are among the funniest goddam things I've ever seen in print.

Carry on.

Anonymous (March 16, 2003)

Kris succeeding in having the first anal birth.

Anonymous (March 16, 2003)

Actually, Moron, 1*15*96 was the date of his kids Birthday, Not the Day Kris moved to Cali.

turdcorn (March 16, 2003)

Any of you guys remember that game "Joust" for the 2600? I use to play that shit all day. I almost failed the the 1st grade cause of that game.

Anonymous (March 16, 2003)

amen brotha! the comment below is one of the few intelligent comments ive read on here.

Anonymous (March 15, 2003)

my complaint with this record was the lyrics didnt evolve out of "girl" songs I mean Kris Roe does have some politics i mean obviously in the reviews and I really didnt like all the "re done" songs most of us had a forth of the cd before it became available just from collecting compilations, but i guess that guys with any ataris release. I can't find a song on here that compares with anything on "anywhere but here" or "blue skies" but the music is pretty rad, just the lyrics arent as cool as they once were, it sounds as if his "luck" is running out there. and i personaly perfer "looking back on today" accoustically KRIS Roe should trade jobs with CHRIS Carabba Kris would be better accousticall and Chris would be better in a punk band

Anonymous (March 15, 2003)

you idiot 1-15-96 is the date he moved to cali from INdiana to start his musical career. NOT the day his girlfriend left him or whatever..he actually left her..he eventually got a band together with Joe escalante (vandals, kungfurecords) and there you go, now therye huge

Anonymous (March 15, 2003)

You only like the Ataris if:

1.) You live in white, middle-upper class suburbia.

2.) You frequent Hot Topic.

3.) You like being stupid.

4.) You are a 14 year old girl, or, have the mentality thereof.

5.) You like men.

* NOTE: Applies to the Ataris as well.

Anonymous (March 15, 2003)

the ataris were ok on conan tonight. not really good, but decent for a national performance and such

Anonymous (March 15, 2003)

this band has no originality whatsoever. this cd is weak and highly overrated

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

I've been an ataris fan for a while, and this is their worste album... But, it did come out on a major, and it's by far the best thing a major has seen in years...

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

You almost made a point up until:

"and all you hardcore fags need to get over it. Yall need to chill out, smoke a bowl, and listen to this CD."

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

listen to this CD. IT IS TOP OF THE LINE.

This line discredits all of your words.

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

Alright. There are too many people pissing me off for this review. People say they sold out, when in reality, they did. But you know what? All you dudes out there that consider yourself punkers would love to have the love from the fans that they do.

Columbia Records = HUGE
The Ataris = Huge
13 year old fans = bound to happen

Who the fuck cares? Hell, if my band had 13 year old listeners, I would love it. Because youre reaching another whole age group. I would die to have a large group of 13 year old girls walk onto my doorstep and let me stick it in their tight little behinds. That would kick so much ass.

Truth be told, this album is more than amazing. If you have the CD, youll know that Kris Roe went back to his hometown to revisit his childhood, and write all the lyrics, in remembrance of it.

"Being grown up, isnt half as fun as growing up" Its fucking true, and all you hardcore fags need to get over it. Yall need to chill out, smoke a bowl, and listen to this CD. IT IS TOP OF THE LINE.

thefirstfive (March 14, 2003)

Thanks i was kinda wondering because in inverviews and such he was talking about how he wanted people to look past the base of the lyrics. I guess thats why i didnt know. That must be really hard. Anyway its a great album.

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

does anyone listen to the lyrics? in the saddest song he says "youll be turning five" in the first ten seconds listen to the lyrics you idiots. no more stupid questions, and stupid commits like "this cd is better than blue skys" no more commits from you.

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

remember when they where good around the "look foward to failure" and "Blue Skies..." era. remember the ataris wrote a song called the "the radio still sucks." to me this band is dead.

Ramo

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

"Ok i have to know, does Kris have a fucking kid? It sounds like in the lyrics to the saddest song. if so he losses ten of wyzo's punk points because babies arn't punk."

yea, he's got a little girl i believe. she must be getting old now...

inagreendase (March 14, 2003)

yeah, kris has a kid. that is what saddest song about hence the picture

1*15*96 or whatever its called is also about kris's ex-fiancee or whoever it is breaking up with him after they had a kid. pretty sure thats the kid, i think in saddest song

siropsycho (March 14, 2003)

i think this is a good review for this album.

in my opinion, not their best work but they definately show a lot of progression.

a fan will probably like this album. a non-fan will not be persuaded by it.

FortyMinutesWest (March 14, 2003)

Babies...not punk!? They piss wherever they want, do whatever they want, and don't fear sticking their fingers in electrical outlets. That's punk fucking rock my friend.

thefirstfive (March 14, 2003)

Ok i have to know, does Kris have a fucking kid? It sounds like in the lyrics to the saddest song. if so he losses ten of wyzo's punk points because babies arn't punk.

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

Takeoffs and Landings is supposedly about Kris Roe's fear of flying and not an "about a girl" song, as I (and the reviewer) originally thought. I suppose it has double meaning though.

Anyway, whatever you feel about "selling out" (i.e. wanting to make some decent money for what you do) this album is undeniably a solid major label debut for the band. Maybe not as good as earlier efforts but it still has some good songs and shows a more mature approach to songwriting

CrAzYJeb (March 14, 2003)

I think you lost some credibility when you left the e off extremely...for emphasis or something.

Jeb

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

Ataris suck!?
you can sure tell that some people here don't listen to much music at all. this cd is in my opinion the Ataris' best one, even better than "blue skies" and "end is forever". i love this cd and am xtremely looking forward to see them on the 29th of march

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

I´m not the biggest Ataris fan out here and I´m usually into heavier music, but to sum it all up, you can`t really say that this album is bad music! If you say so you are an idiot. You can say that you personally hate it, but not that it isn`t a solid radio pop/rock album ... even all you "I´m to cool for this one guys" could find yourself singing along to this one faster then you think ... after all we would all rather have this on the radio then good old P.Diddy or such crap ... think about it ...

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

stop reviewing this album
-themuffingirl

HeyBarmold (March 14, 2003)

yeah, aside from what i thought of the cd, it didn't need another review. The mad caddies review needs a rewrite like whoa!

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

I said it in the other review, and I'll say it again here. This album is complete shit.

-sonicice

Anonymous (March 14, 2003)

Why are there two reviews for this?

All there needs to be is one...

Ataris fucking suck.

Concise.