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This album makes me shake my ass.

Mates Of State's third disc [and second on Polyvinyl], Team Boo, is their strongest yet. The songs contain more surprises in tempo and style than ever before, Kori and Jason's vocals are as sweet as can be, and the words are more poignant than anything else the duo's written.

But before I jump too far into the review, here's a crash course on Mates Of State - MOS 101, if you will. Boy [Jason] meets girl [Kori]. Boy plays drums, girl plays organ. Boy and girl form band together while falling in love. Boy and girl get married, and continue to write love songs about each other. It's the sweetest thing in the world, honestly.

Okay, history lesson's over. Now it's time for me to profess my love to this disc. From the second "Ha Ha" kicks into high gear to the mellow organ drone of "Separate The People," Team Boo takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, letting you take a peek into a married couple's psyche. But unlike the pair's last album Our Constant Concern, this album seems to have a much more upbeat feel to it. "Sound It Off" is a total rocker [as much as one can be with organ and drums]. "Parachutes" is a gorgeous piano ballad, with suburb use of handclaps. "Whiner's Bio" is a sort of "Uber-Legitimate" part two, with liberal use of trumpet to bolster the song's sticky sweet melody.

Quite possibly the best thing this band has going for them is their wonderful vocal harmonies. They're always a third apart from each other, and they're always as predictable as hell, but in a good way - you can sing along with the harmony the first time you listen to the song just because you know it's coming.

From the visual perspective, the album's artwork and packaging is beautiful. The colors are perfect for it's autumn release, and the inclusion of one of those fortune teller/"cootie catcher" things you used to make when you were a kid puts this CD over the top on the adorable scale.

A lot of big albums come out today. Many of you will go buy the new Saves The Day, MxPx, or Thursday discs today after you get off work. You might be pleased with what you get for your 12 bucks, or you might be let down by one of your favorite bands. But if you take a chance on this little drums-and-organ duo from California, I guarantee you that you will fall in love with this disc just as I have. This is by far the most diverse, most unique, and all-around best album to come out today. Don't sleep on it.

MP3
Ha Ha

REAL AUDIO
Ha Ha

Stream four songs here



People who liked this also liked:
Death From Above 1979 - You're A Woman, I'm A MachineMock Orange - Mind Is Not BrainCougars - Nice, NiceTexas Is The Reason - Do You Know Who You Are?Bear Vs Shark - Right Now You're In The Best Of Hands. And If Something Isn't Quite Right...The Cardinal Sin - Oil And WaterLifetime - Jersey's Best DancersLifetime - Hello BastardsNo Use For A Name - Making FriendsFoo Fighters - In Your Honor



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    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 4:08 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    One of the best fucking bands today along with RILO KILEY, BRIGHT EYES,DESAPARECIDOS, AND RAINER MARIA.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 22, 2003 at 8:31 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    dignin = hahaha

    -c22

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 22, 2003 at 8:19 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Best song on Boo = Fluke

    Posted by dignin on 2003-09-22 01:01:10
    My Score:

    "Ok, I just thought that when people say "Oh my God" they were imploring their God for some assistance or something. I guess you have just taken any meaning right out of the phrase."

    Yeah, you thought wrong

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 21, 2003 at 6:41 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    this guy loves his wife? that is sooooooo gay

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 21, 2003 at 1:54 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    you're fucking hilarious. that "fucking" and "hilarious". not some guy named Fucking Hilarious.

    Posted by jwinter on 2003-09-21 12:05:35
    My Score:

    Ok, I just thought that when people say "Oh my God" they were imploring their God for some assistance or something. I guess you have just taken any meaning right out of the phrase.

    Oh, and it's "Christ's sake". It's possessive... for his sake. But I have seen the name Sakes before. I thought you might be referring to some guy you knew named Christ Sakes. My mistake.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 20, 2003 at 8:16 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    any MOS album deserves a full 10. they produce really great, creative pop music. listening to them is like listening to joy. who know two people could produce such noise?

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 19, 2003 at 10:34 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    jwinter : hmm, the fact that I'm an atheist kinda fucks this whole thing over, huh?
    (the whole "christ sakes" thing is just like a "what the fuck" or what-have-you, nothing more)

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 9:12 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    and to think i almost bought that shit saves the day album

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 9:12 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "Polyvinyl rules by the way. I'd say that Matt Pond PA, MOS, Paris Texas, Braid, American Football, The Red Hot Valentines, Radio Flyer, and Sunday's Best don't sound the same at all."

    you forgot Polyvinyl's best band:::

    RAINER MARIA

    Posted by jwinter on 2003-09-18 19:25:14
    My Score:

    I think neither your god, "christ sakes", nor jesus himself, gives a fuck about you, mates of state or this website and its reviews.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 5:36 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Jesus christ I gave it a 10.......

    -c22

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 5:35 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Oh my god what the fuck has the world come to? For christ sakes people, this review scares me.

    -c22

    Posted by greg0rb on 2003-09-17 22:59:58
    My Score:

    these two are so great. if you dont think so already, go see them live and you will. i've heard this and it does rock, but i dont have it yet thanks to best buy sucking... tomorrow it shall be mine!
    -Greg

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 8:48 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I love Mates Of State, and this really is their best album.
    Fantastic!

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 7:38 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    dignin:

    yeah im just so pissed that no one thought i was as funny as you. GAWD! my day is ruined.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 4:58 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    it's very cutesy, but fuck i think it's good, why!!!!??? hahaha, good times, i love music, it keeps suprising me,

    Posted by annonymous on 2003-09-17 15:25:40
    My Score:

    It's not that im close minded.... it's just that this is really too cute for me....... i'm not too macho i like Element 101 and Azure Ray but this, this is just too much...i'll give it a 10th listen and see if anything happens...and i agree with what Forty says, you're being hypocritical

    Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-09-17 12:22:42
    My Score:

    You talk of being open minded and then lump anyone who doesn't like this band into the same category.

    Posted by Kurt_F on 2003-09-17 12:11:23
    My Score:

    You guys need to get over yourselves. Oh, are you too macho for MOS? Are you?

    I completely love MOS and understand and appreciate the whole married thing. I think it is (uh oh) cute, in the coolest, you know, indie way. I'm so serious.

    Maybe if all of you got out of your black Z28 Camaros, took off that backwards fitted Tar Heels hat, and discarded your Holister apparel, you just might be open enough to appreciate it.

    Polyvinyl rules by the way. I'd say that Matt Pond PA, MOS, Paris Texas, Braid, American Football, The Red Hot Valentines, Radio Flyer, and Sunday's Best don't sound the same at all.

    So there.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 9:30 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    wow, you people get upset over the stupidest things.

    Posted by RondoMondo on 2003-09-16 23:36:15
    My Score:

    While, I too, like Scott's reviews, I feel that his testicles have shrunken and that he's grown ovaries. I have another theory where I think his girlfriend, if he has one, typed this whole review while she was on his username. Anyways, I heard that Ha Ha song, and it made me go haha, because I haven't heard anything that sucktacular in a long time...well not since yesterday, since I heard MXPX's new song. I'm not buying the new Thursday, Saves The Day, or MXPX cd's, I'm waiting to spend my well earned money on the new Lawrence Arms, and while I'm there I'll pick up the new Sick Of It All.

    Posted by dignin on 2003-09-16 23:35:43
    My Score:

    "then maybe the site should change its name then. bitch.

    its a fucking punk site. i like this but its not punk in any form."

    WHO CARES? Your just pissed cause noone thought your "clever" comment was funny(if you were the previous poster)

    Posted by annonymous on 2003-09-16 22:04:19
    My Score:

    "the adorable scale"........... dude what the fuck is the adorable scale.... I usually like your reviews and most of the time if I don't agree with them I still respect them...but this cd has gone to your head man

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 10:04 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    does anyone else start singing the girls don't like boys song of good charlotte's over where the vocals first coem in on this Ha Ha song?

    Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-09-16 21:52:20
    My Score:

    Too cutesy for me. I'd also like to express my disdain for Polyvinyl.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 9:48 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    then maybe the site should change its name then. bitch.

    its a fucking punk site. i like this but its not punk in any form.

    Posted by dignin on 2003-09-16 21:32:18
    My Score:

    "one question: why is this reviewed on punknews.org? this is music that should be reviewed on littlekidslikehappynurseryrhymes.com or something."

    Why does some dumb fuck have to say that everytime something isnt punk is reviewed? First off its not funny or clever. And secondly, if this site just covered punk it would be boring, because to be honest theres really not that many good punk bands around.

    Posted by dignin on 2003-09-16 21:30:32
    My Score:

    "me likey breadsticks."

    this scores for the Family Guy reference.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 9:27 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    screw thursday, mxpx and saves the day!
    this is the shit!

    (i was joking about screwing thursday, mxpx and save the day)

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 7:36 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    but for some reason i cant stop listening to it.... wierd as hell!

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 7:35 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    one question: why is this reviewed on punknews.org? this is music that should be reviewed on littlekidslikehappynurseryrhymes.com or something.

    Posted by 501 on 2003-09-16 18:30:39
    My Score:

    ''Mates of State sucks. I hate love. Love is stupid... ''

    dude youre so gothic you make davey havok look preppy. I wish i was that ...unloving.

    Posted by funkisdead on 2003-09-16 17:29:24
    My Score:

    that score was for mxpx
    this is for mates of state
    and breadsticks.

    me likey breadsticks.

    Posted by funkisdead on 2003-09-16 17:28:15
    My Score:

    i can't believe mxpx are still making records.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 5:07 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    testicles are overrated.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 4:54 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Mates of State sucks. I hate love. Love is stupid. I hate anyone that likes this. They need balls. I have balls cause I don't like this. That's really what it's all about. Balls. And you don't have them and I do. Get some balls and listen to some real music.

    Complete intolerance. You have your tastes, other people have there's. There are no reasons to insult people with other tastes, NONE.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 3:54 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I really hate this label. They need to do what Jadetree did, diversify with some bands on the roster that actually have working testicles.

    -sickboi

    Posted by casualty on 2003-09-16 15:34:00
    My Score:

    well it makes me feel like dousing my vital organs with bleach. fair enough?

    go play some football? cuz i don't like songs that are adorable and huggy-kissy? please.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 2:43 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    quote below directed to casulty

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 2:42 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    its the way this band makes the listener feel....

    go play some football....

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 2:38 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    i've heard half of the record already and it's gonna be great. i feel sorry for all of you who buy the new MXPX instead...

    Posted by casualty on 2003-09-16 13:44:12
    My Score:

    did i just grow a vagina?! my good gravy...

    "Boy and girl form band together while falling in love. Boy and girl get married, and continue to write love songs about each other. It's the sweetest thing in the world."

    seriously, i was reaching for a large caliber handgun by now...but no! i must finish reading!

    "From the visual perspective, the album's artwork and packaging is beautiful. The colors are perfect for it's autumn release, and the inclusion of one of those fortune teller/"cootie catcher" things you used to make when you were a kid puts this CD over the top on the adorable scale."

    the WHAT scale? ADORABLE? somebody put a frilly dress on me and call me a bitch cuz i swear my balls just fell off. PLEASE keep the adorable/sweet/estrogen laden reviews to a minimum from now on. oh my.

    Posted by ramo on 2003-09-16 13:24:50
    My Score:

    "This album makes me shake my ass."

    T.M.I. dude

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 11:48 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    what exactly constitutes "suburb" use of handclap, scott?

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 11:37 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    please dont ever shake your ass

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 10:41 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Great band.

    Posted by travis on 2003-09-16 02:38:33
    My Score:

    now this is an awesome album.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 2:38 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Excellent review Scott, I'm loving this record.

    Joe
    somedaynever.com