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Imagine for a second that you're Jimmy Eat World. You've already made the most ambitious, and arguably best album of your career, in 1999's Clarity. You've already made your most pop-oriented album of your career, in 2001's Bleed American. You're currently being held responsible for creating one of the most anticipated follow-ups to a success story that almost never was (seriously, do you think "The Middle" would have been such a smash had the band signed to an indie? Think again.). So with all this pressure put on you by fan and critic alike, what do you do?

You freak out, fire the producer that made you/you made (depending on who you ask), hire a dude who's had his thumb in both the indie-cred and radio-friendly pies, and then create the most well-rounded album of your career.

(I'm talking about Futures here. Try to keep up, please.)

The 11 songs on JEW's fourth proper album toe the ever-so-thin line between commercial success and artistic integrity, due mainly in part to producer Gil Norton, who's cool enough to be the guy who oversaw pretty much everything the Pixies put to tape, but is able to create commercial successes, as evidenced by the gold and platinum Foo Fighters and Counting Crows records hanging on his walls. It's because of this dichotomy - remarkably mimicked in JEW's career -- this album works so well.

The band remind their potential audience that they are a rock group first and foremost, with the opening blast of the bouncy title track followed by the biting, dark "Just Tonight...," a song strongly reminiscent of the Static Prevails-era Jimmy. Slowing the disc down slightly are the next two songs (and obvious potential singles), "Work" and "Kill." While "Work" is a peppy pop-rockers with guest vocals from Liz Phair, "Kill" gets the nod as one of the best songs JEW's ever composed, both lyrically and instrumentally, and will easily become the next "For Me This Is Heaven" for a new generation of emotionally-frustrated 17-year-olds worldwide.

Live favorite "The World You Love" is up next, delivering an anthemic "woah-oh" chorus that will soon have thousands singing along, fists in the air. The album's halfway point is first single "Pain," easily one of the most unaccessible tracks on the disc. It's hard, it's dirty, and paired with "Just Tonight..." it makes for a hell of a downer lyrically. That depression sinks in even more with the next track, the six-and-a-half minute "Drugs Or Me," a rather soul-baring, straightforward slow-jam of JEW frontman Jim Adkins' struggles with a drug-using friend. It's almosta bit too cheesy as he croons "I need your haaaaaaaand," but the guy is so sincere that you can't fault him for not using a thesaurus.

"Polaris" kicks the album back up a few notches on the rock chart, with some neat guitar effects, throwing back to Clarity. "Nothingwrong" is this album's "Get It Faster," a straightforward 4/4 angsty rocker, complete with guitar freakouts and background screaming. It's basically "Get It Faster" v2.0, in a good way. As the last refrain of "We've done nothing wrong!" rings out of your speakers, a soft "ooh" melody begins to eminate, signaling the start of "Night Drive," another rather upfront lyrical account that at first glance sounds like a late-night rendevous, at second listen sounds like a late-night breakup, and finally upon further inspection is a confontrational song about a significant other in Adkins' life being an alcoholic, as evidenced through lyrics such as "Pour us a road, we'll both drink and drive," "Your lips go dry but there's sweet inside / wine must go right to your head" and the final belting of "Quitting alone will never get you dry." If nothing else, Futures reveals a far more troubled personal life of Adkins than anyone ever suspected.

Drawing the album to a close with the inspirational anthem "23," Adkins sings the powerful chorus of "You'll sit alone forever if you wait for the right time / what are you hoping for?" You hardly notice that this song breaches the seven-minute mark, mainly because it's so fucking good Anyone can easily pick out the Clarity influence in this track, and it's a perfect way to wrap up Futures as a whole.

But really, this album probably would have never happened the way it did had Gil Norton not been brought aboard. While Mark Trombino is a remarkable producer in his own right, sometimes a separation is needed for both parties to blossom creatively once more. And blossom, Jimmy Eat World did, with a benchmark album. Even the band understands the importance of varied recording sessions, which is why the deluxe edition of Futures comes with a disc of the demo version of each song--and frankly, it sounds like an entirely different album. The lyrics are different, many of the song structures are different, tempos, instrumentation, the works. It's an excellent counterpart to an already-excellent album. The packaging and liner notes, where the band expounds on each demo cut, only increases the ownability of this album.

An essential release, and one of the best of 2004.



People who liked this also liked:
Alkaline Trio - GoddamnitJawbreaker - 24 Hour Revenge TherapyGet Up Kids - Something To Write Home AboutNOFX - Punk In DrublicJimmy Eat World - Bleed AmericanJawbreaker - Dear YouRefused - The Shape of Punk to ComeRise Against - Revolutions Per MinuteLifetime - Jersey's Best DancersJimmy Eat World - Clarity



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    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 15, 2005 at 12:06 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Thank you Jimmy Eat World for completing my life. This band is the epitomy of lyrical greatness. Almost every single song they compose is amazing in its own way. Polaris in my opinion is the highlight of this album. Futures has taken over my life. Thank you again Jimmy Eat World.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, February 10, 2005 at 4:05 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Change the name of the site just to shut up the idiots who think the only kind of music is punk! Why do we need genres, do away with them all then we can all get along like a jew in germany!

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at 1:21 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    bad jimmy eat world. bad production,
    bad lyrics,

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 11:49 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    he is of the best bands of our time

    Posted by Not-To-Regret on 2004-10-26 03:09:39
    My Score:

    Jimmy hungry... Jimmy eat World! Mmmm...

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 25, 2004 at 6:19 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    umm... now you're just yapping.

    if i want to be an art history major or work in a museum i'll look at some rembrandt's.

    if i want to experience art that compells, moves, and excites me i'll look at some diego rivera's. and my buddy might like mark rothko. you're just talking jive.

    Posted by JiveSide on 2004-10-25 12:16:46
    My Score:

    Yes, this is what I like, some intelligent discussion on this site! I love it. In response to the interpretation of what I said to know the masters, well yes and no. Yes, know who really has it, who really plays well, who writes really well, and spend your time gettin' yr head around what it is that's effective, and then deconstruct it as best you can, to find out what is necessary or what is required to BE effective (think of this...rhythm, harmony, melody...how are these arranged and could it have been different, should it be different, or how did they come to think of doing it like that?). There are solid in stone works that express and exhibit the most effective ways of doing this and those are the works that one should spend their time with. These works are made by young and old, but NOT exclusively one, so with that said, my suggestion; finding the roots of a band is the way to put at least fifteen years of music into a few records, because if you think about it, the good works are a combination of what was done before mixed with the personalities of the musicians...you must learn to read before you can write, y'dig what I'm sayin'? Maynard James Keenan listens to Joni Mitchell, and although, superficially, the influence is not clear, dig and you'll see it. Listening to Joni and studying her was necessary for him to do what he does, for example. Muse listens to Radiohead, but what they do is completely based superficially on what Radiohead does. If you can't read between the lines here, write me an email and I'll go further, but think outside the box, come up with your own examples. Best one, actually, The Beatles...they began by learning Chuck Berry and Elvis before they made something new out of their foundation and their personalities. This takes time, very few bands on their first through fifth will actually have something, if anything. And don't limit yrself to the record store, there are great musicians playing every night somewhere, and even more great bands that Borders would never carry. Let's empower ourselves people, let's become better consumers and a more involved audience. If you like something, figure out why and how to express it without yrself as a part of the equation, that musician doesn't know you, so what about IT. Thanks fr reading folks, that is all. Latr.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 25, 2004 at 11:56 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    the furthest thing from punk?

    the FURTHEST thing?

    are you sure about that?

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 25, 2004 at 1:00 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This gets a halfie just for the two songs that sound like music from Mega Man games.
    (Just Tonight and Pain)

    Other than that, this album is worthless and the lyrics are retarded-ape dumb.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 11:50 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    what the fuck is crappy, MTV radio friendly shit being reviewed on a site called "punknews.org!" Yeah, punknews.org, right!

    jimmy eats schlong is the furthest thing from punk or talented for that matter. shit i dunno what these supossed sophiisticated music critics and kiss ass music plankton see in them it all just flies over my head for that matter;i suppose crappy cookie cutter bands like them make me appreciate real balls on bands even more (leftover crack, dilinger 4, etc.)

    Kevin Shelley
    Secretary of State, State of California

    P.S. all y'all better tell Debra Bowen and all those stupid bitchesnhos in Sacto that they chose the wrong playa to fuck wit ,Mothafuckas!

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 7:17 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Not-To-Regret,
    No one was talking about psychology. And no one was "debating." And no one seems to think they're so educated.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 6:50 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This score is for Gray Davis. It should be no surprise, however, that this album is nowhere near as good as he says it is. Huh. Who'd have thought Gray Davis could ever be wrong?

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 6:28 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    ***Official press release from former Ca. Gov. Gray Davis***

    So much has been said during this election about the candidates--so much hyperbole, back-talk and soundbytes, that it seems really hard to determine what anyone stands for. Well, I think it's time for some straight-talk--I think it's time to get real.

    I wholeheartedly endorse and support the efforts of Jimmy Eat World, and especially their new album, Futures, in fighting crime and the War on Terror, and fighting for all working families and children.

    Great emotional songs such as "Kill" and the somber "Work" are a great departure from the overall poppiness of their last album, "Bleed American." "Kill" and "Work" are just great heart-wrenching numbers that prove effective in fighting crime and lowering taxes.

    Other songs just ooze the greatness of the "Clarity"-album era, such as "Nightdrive," "Polaris," "The World You Love," "Drugs or Me" and "23." "Nightdrive" is a really slow number matching light acoustic guitars with sensual beats. "Polaris" rings of spacey-echo tones that accentuate into a cavalcade of pop bliss. Clearly, these songs are just what the State of California needs to support our overburdened health-care and education systems.

    That's not to say that this album doesn't have its harder, edgy sounds. Songs such as "Just Tonight," "Pain," "Futures" & "Nothingwrong" The drum-heavy, crushing guitar chorusese & sarcastic overtones "Nothingwrong" along with the uber-heavy, sexual overtones of "Just Tonight" (reminiscent of the heaviness of the song "Bleed American") diversify this album with actual rock that doesn't have to be of the garage-kind. Along with the biting hit single "Pain" and the super catchy "Futures," these songs will work feverishly to fight Wal-marts & energy-hording corporate barons and protect our environment.

    Overall, I think its an obvious choice for all Californians to make, to fight for families, interests and values that we all share. We need Jimmy Eat World and we need "Futures."

    Please join me, Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggar, State Controller Steve Westly, State Senators Tom McClintock, Kevin McCarthy, John Burton and Joe Dunn in supporting and electing Jimmy Eat World's "Futures," and let's keep fighting together for brighter California "Futures"!

    Thank you and God bless.

    "My name is Gray Davis and I endorse this message."

    Gray Davis

    Posted by swingline on 2004-10-23 06:03:16
    My Score:

    "Jimmy Eat World is on TRL, if you're happy being that target demographic, that consumer, well we won't cross pathes and I'm okay with that."

    and what demographic would that be? people who like good music? mainstream can't get it wrong ALL the time.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 2:35 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "Jimmy Eat World is on TRL, if you're happy being that target demographic, that consumer, well we won't cross pathes and I'm okay with that."

    Then stop trying to convert people on a message board. If it's inevitable that some people will like this, then do as you say, and be "okay with that." Leave it be, if you're as unconcerned as you say.

    Posted by Not-To-Regret on 2004-10-22 22:16:56
    My Score:

    It's a freaking pop album... we don't need a complex pyschological analysis of why we consume or purchase certain CDs. Jesus christ if you're so educated why are you debating on an internet chatboard at a punknews website?

    Posted by some1 on 2004-10-22 19:54:30
    My Score:

    i'll take a good "old" band over most of the stuff that comes out today. I just don't care if anyone else does. and you're not gonna change anyone's mind.

    and anonymous comments on this board used to say posted by Someone. thats why.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 6:13 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    JiveSide,

    You say "You're going to spend 15 bucks on the new Jimmy Eat World? Spend that 15 bucks on London Calling, Houses of the Holy, Raw Power, Illmatic, Dark Side of the Moon, Remain in Light, In the Jungle Groove etc. etc."

    Basically appealing towards history and "the great works" sort of theory. The "everyone should read Herodotus, Sophocles, Plato, and Aristotle" business. And maybe it's true. But I feel like intellectualism and music preference are different. You need to have read Marx and Hobbes to understand modern political theory, but I fucking hate Led Zeppelin.

    It's like Isaac Newton said... "If I have seen further (than certain other men) it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." But when I want to listen to music, I want to see far and listen to what I think rocks. And in some instances, it's the "roots" - I love The Clash and I love Joy Division. But other times, well, I can appreciate that some bands were important for bands that I like, but I would much rather listen to Kid Dynamite than Fear, or whatever. I can dig James Brown, but I'd rather throw in "Clarity."

    I happen to think that, for the most part, and I'm not saying this is across the board, music is better now than it was 10, 25, 50 years ago.

    Mozart was rad, but he had influences and when he was rocking out (Rock Me Amadeus, sorry for the joke), people wanted to hear what he was doing rather than what the guy before him was up to.

    I think that it's important to know where things have been and where they're going, but at the same time, maybe people should be less worried about demographics and, at least for appreciating art on a more human and emotional level (rather than intellectual "point A to point B" history), just rock out.

    XXX

    Posted by JiveSide on 2004-10-22 16:07:42
    My Score:

    Have you ever stood in front of something you knew nothing about and was moved by it? Yeah, case in point, with music, there doesn't have to be words, it doesn't have to be in a language you understand because rhythm, harmony, and melody can only be pieced together in a finite number of ways period. Do you know what Germany was like when Mozart wrote? Do you have to? Do you know what heroin is like when Lou Reed wrote with Velvet Underground? Do you have to? No, of course you don't, and if you do need, and I say NEED to have a context, then the work itself is not strong enough. Sure, we are all suckers for gratuitous knowledge, but it's just that, gratuitous. How many of you read music, have any music theory or have actually handled an instrument in a deliberate manner? With context in mind you wouldn't be able to enjoy, appreciate, or state anything about music without having these, and let me tell you, reading music is far more important than the political climate or the drug abuse that the music was made during. It's like psychology, there are lots of reasons why someone feels a certain way, but who cares, they feel that way, but how much and how truly is that emotion? Do you see what I'm getting at? And if you are okay with wasting time and money wherever it may be wasted, go ahead, but know that the best of the best never do and never did. I am not claiming, nor do I claim to be such and such, but I do see the picture in a bigger frame than most and I'm just trying to give you something to challenge you and make you more than your everyday consumer. Jimmy Eat World is on TRL, if you're happy being that target demographic, that consumer, well we won't cross pathes and I'm okay with that. But if you wish to not be there, here are some things to tackle that will aid in giving you more control for yrself which is what it's all about. Thanks fr reading. That is all, email me with anything further.

    Posted by JiveSide on 2004-10-22 15:55:13
    My Score:

    Ironic that your user name is "some1", what, was "any1" already taken?

    Posted by JiveSide on 2004-10-22 15:54:27
    My Score:

    Who gives a fuck? Like I said, out of 50, 2 will be worth your time. So, I now have 49 to go before I find 2 that are worthwhile. Thanks for helping in the best way you can, you're a great statistic for the cause. Who gives a fuck? The few who care about themselves, their education, their entertainment, basically the few worthwhile.

    Posted by some1 on 2004-10-22 15:49:21
    My Score:

    who gives a fuck? no one is gonna listen to you.

    Posted by shraps on 2004-10-22 15:48:18
    My Score:

    Jiveside:

    You speak as if you have no understanding of economics or historical context. If you want to write as if you are educated (which I have no doubt that you are, or at least that you are well read) please make sure you that you are knowledgable about what you are speaking of. Historical context has an incredible impact on the way people appreciate numerous pieces of art. On another note, just because someone chooses to purchase something that will provide only temporary satisfaction does not mean that they cannot also appreciate something that is of a more lasting value. This has nothing to do with the intelligence of consumers. People should never go to any type of service, such as a car wash, skating rink, or amusement park if we are judging the value of the good merely by its longevity.

    -shraps

    Posted by JiveSide on 2004-10-22 14:34:35
    My Score:

    I will gladly go further, and I'm glad you mentioned that it most people seek things that temporarily satisfy and isn't that what most people want. Yes it is, and because most people are just looking to wet their respective whistles rather than hydrate their body is why most people are the same consumer (need proof? just look at our economy, we are without a doubt a homogenous consumer culture, admit it or not). The very fact that people get excited over something being new and purchasing it because of that fact means that they purchased it over it being "good". Now, you asked what is something that is good for you? There are a lot of options out there, but the way to spot something good for you is anything that stands outside of context; comparisons are irrelevant, the politics of its time are irrelevant, it should be something that is impressive as it is, if it's music you put it on, sit in front of it and let it do what it does without any influence outside of it. Now, with my comments concerning time and money, that's really all we have to call our own, to completely manipulate and since time will pass and money will be spent, man, take that seriously. You're going to spend 15 bucks on the new Jimmy Eat World? Spend that 15 bucks on London Calling, Houses of the Holy, Raw Power, Illmatic, Dark Side of the Moon, Remain in Light, In the Jungle Groove etc. etc. You like a band a whole lot? Instead of looking for other, "newer" bands kinda like that band, find out what music made those musicians get together in the first place. What have they built their vocabulary on? Any musician who is inspired by The Clash or James Brown will tell you that they are nothing compared to them, and even if you think, and everybody else thinks, that the musician in question is the greatest, well they were inspired by something greater, just as James Brown and Joe Strummer were inspired by something greater, and so on. Check the influences, not the peers, for out of a group of 50, maybe 2 will be worth your time...apply this to everything, you'll be more satisfied than you can imagine. Rather than collect all kinds of crap that may be fun for a week or a month, find those things, and they are out there, that will be more than just fun for your entire life. If a band you like has no influence past fifteen years and there isn't at least one definitive influence, move on, all they want is your money because they are not as invested as they should be. Music is about manipulating sound; the skill, performance, content, these are the things that give it depth and there is certainly a lot of music out there that is all meat, so go seek it and sink your teeth into it for the remainder of your life. Don't seek quick little sugar fixes, it's an expensive and empty pursuit. Email me personally if you'd like me to go even further because I can and I will. Thanks folks, this site is great and it can be even better, and as consumers, we ain't bad, but we can be far more empowered. Why not strive for more, demand more, and find ground that you firmly stand on. Thanks fr reading, that is all.

    Posted by Ringer0007 on 2004-10-22 14:32:33
    My Score:

    I love jerking off to this CD.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 2:29 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    doesn't this cd sound like the shit chevelle would put out, or hoobastank, but only more emo-ish? Am I alone on this?

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 1:53 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    JiveSide,
    You seem to acknowledge that the new Jimmy Eat World will temporarily satisfy... isn't that what most people want?

    You then encourage people to consume something that's good for you." What might that be? Something satusfying, that they enjoy? I'm not being an ass, just trying to get you to go further. Thanks.

    XXX

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 1:11 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Run-of-the-mill indie pop.

    I'd rather listen to Volante.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 1:09 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Jimmy Eat World is a crappy band, but Modest Mouse has been making music long before their recent hit. Their old stuff is at least five times better than what is out now. Franz Ferdinand were out on an indie before Epic even showed interest. Everyone likes pop, just sometimes its better than usual. I would aggree though that Green Day is a shitty band.

    Posted by Big_Guy on 2004-10-22 12:36:47
    My Score:

    "How long is the new Strung Out album?"

    Around 45 minutes

    Posted by JiveSide on 2004-10-22 12:32:39
    My Score:

    Man, this shit has guilt in its veins, the guilt of top 40, no way can you, in good conscience, give this record a review as glowing as this one. This is so safe, so completely sterile, and it will sell which is why it's been released into the world in the first place. For the rock audience who look down on Korn, Disturbed, and all the other "heavy" hit makers, the industry says, here's some Modest Mouse, some Franz Ferdinand, some Jimmy Eat World, same consumers, different personalities. Protect your time, money, and intelligence folks, this is the same crap, different name, and if you respect yourself, especially your time and money, don't even bother with products that have been tailored to our basic demands and taste. Everyone will forget about this record and it will collect dust on every shelf it lays on in less than a year. I only open my mouth and pick on Jimmy Eat World because they happen to be the most recent insult to your wallet, Green Day was the most previous, and there will be a lot to come before we die, so don't go with the flow and surrender to the system; if we are to be consumers, why not be a smart one, consume something that's good for you, not something that will temporarily satisfy, y'dig? That is all.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 10:33 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    score is for the over producing.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 10:08 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "becuase boston is so rural and all....nice one you bewildered idiot"
    learn how to spell before you call someone else an idiot. Dummy.

    Posted by poopypants on 2004-10-22 09:40:15
    My Score:

    the more i hear this the more i like it. tracks 8 and 9 aren't that great but the rest of it is golden, especially tracks 1,3,4,6,7,10

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 8:43 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Imagine for a second that you're Scott. You've already blown your load over Jimmy Eat World and asked to be cuddled. And you've also written a wacky intro to a review for their new album.

    Consider... in this review, you call

    Clarity = the most ambitious, and arguably best album of your career

    Bleed American = the most pop-oriented album of your career.

    Futrues = the most well-rounded album of your career.

    Doesn't it sound kind of wacky to preface each album description by placing it within the context of "your career." For instance, calling Clarity the "most ambitious and arguably best album of JEW's career" you're saying what exactly- that it's more interesting and better than Static Prevails? Every piece of the pie can't be used in comparison to others in the catalogue if they all have their own superlatives. If Bleed American is the most pop-oriented JEW album, then it clearly is (by default) the most pop-oriented album "of their career" because it is put up against a small handful of other albums that all seem to be the most whatever of their career. It's not like we're talking about the Rolling Stones with 20 albums and pointing to what was their poppiest album and what was their most experimental, etc.

    It makes sense to say something like "She's Gonna Break Soon" is the most shit-oriented anti-ska and hands down worst song by Less Than Jake in their career.

    But this? It's like calling "Deja Entendu" the most ambitious album in Brand New's career. (oh really, you think?) That implies that "Your Favorite Weapon" was ambitious and that there's more to consider by giving it such a title. Besides "Your Favorite Weapon" was the most pop-oriented album of their career.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 6:17 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "someone from arizona ruined my life"

    If it was me, I apologize. Unless you did something to deserve it. You aren't a French girl by any chance?

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 6:13 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    How long is the new Strung Out album?

    Posted by swingline on 2004-10-22 00:44:03
    My Score:

    was it god?

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 12:31 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    someone from arizona ruined my life

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 12:23 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This album is great. A must if you enjoyed clarity!

    i only read the first paragraph of this review and it sounds remarkably familiar to a review i read in my roomates guitar something magazine ... not good.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 11:32 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    america, fuck yeah

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 9:18 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "This review kind of sucked."

    Actually, this review was really fucking good. Go back to sleep, you 9 year old moron.

    Posted by primeevil7 on 2004-10-21 20:51:08
    My Score:

    Edit: Decide for yourself.

    Posted by primeevil7 on 2004-10-21 20:50:16
    My Score:

    Does anyone notice a slight similarity in cover art between this and Midtown's Forget What You Know?

    Both of these are looking into something and have the cd titles and names across the top. Maybe I'm looking too deeply into this.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 7:49 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This review kind of sucked.

    Posted by Not-To-Regret on 2004-10-21 19:01:19
    My Score:

    Someone asked, so... I got the new gimme gimmes and it's great. Obviously not an album you buy to hear something ground breaking. You buy "Ruin Johnny's Bar Mitzvah" for a joke-filled cover album. It contains 2 hidden tracks with special suprises. I recommend the new gimme gimmes it's a live album filled with some funny commentary between songs and some pretty decent covers (ie: Heart of Glass).
    As for this album... I could care less. The only mainstream rock band I like is Incubus.

    Posted by jeff024punk on 2004-10-21 18:41:26
    My Score:

    best fucking cd i have heard in years. im not usually pleased by releases from bands these days, but seriously on first play of this cd on a long drive from vegas to tucson.. i almost nutted my pants.. fantastic cd and one that will stay in my player for years to come.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 5:42 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    becuase boston is so rural and all....nice one you bewildered idiot

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 5:29 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    The red sox are still dirty hicks who only won because the yanks collapsed.

    Posted by swingline on 2004-10-21 17:28:23
    My Score:

    you're not the boss of me!

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 5:18 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Technically you are. Self-plagarism does exist, but who cares.

    I'm pretty sure he asked for his own permission to use the material.
    -Chinatown

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    Ahhh... maybe you didn't read that kid's post correctly. There IS a thing called self-plagarism and, obviously, if it exists it's not going to be something as ridiculous as making sure you have your own permission.

    Self-plagarism falls within most school's academic honesty policy, but I'll just simplify things for you...

    You can't submit the same paper to two different classes.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 4:50 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    What deluxe edition??

    Posted by kirbs84 on 2004-10-21 16:25:12
    My Score:

    Haven't heard this album yet, hope it's good. Anyone bought the new Gimme Gimmes cd?

    p.s. ignore the score

    Posted by stevejonestherealbones on 2004-10-21 16:05:04
    My Score:

    damn. i was hoping that was a joke kieth. by your def. almost any serious album can be a bands "pinkerton" which means your tripping balls. besides jew already wrote serious albums like clarity. so your point fails on that level too.

    godspeed,
    jones the bones

    Posted by KeithyBoBeefy on 2004-10-21 15:22:38
    My Score:

    ""pinkerton" was a raw, slightly disturbing, emotionally disruptive record. "futures" is a crisp, clean, well-polished power pop album. whats the similiarity exactly?"

    Pinkerton is the darkest album that weezer ever put out. While not nearly as dark as Pinkerton, Futures deal with a lot of things that are very serious. The two connect on that way.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 1:37 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    jimmy eat world never stop amazing me. One of their best albums by far.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 1:22 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "scott, why did you take the beginning of your AP review of this and use it again?"

    Well, it's not like I was plagiarizing or anything.

    -Scott

    Technically you are. Self-plagarism does exist, but who cares.


    I'm pretty sure he asked for his own permission to use the material.

    -Chinatown

    Posted by flamebaitnickloving on 2004-10-21 13:03:59
    My Score:

    This CD sucks my left nutsack.

    Yes, I have two nutsacks, count em - 4 NUTS!

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 12:08 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "pinkerton" was a raw, slightly disturbing, emotionally disruptive record. "futures" is a crisp, clean, well-polished power pop album. whats the similiarity exactly?

    Posted by stevejonestherealbones on 2004-10-21 11:51:18
    My Score:

    i cant see one way in which this is a "pinkerton" album, how old were you when pinkerton came out? or are you someone who listened to it years later when it was already hyped up. i dont mean to be like "oh youre young" but rather if you just heard about it years later like most...eh...fuck...its just easier to call you an idiot.

    - joneser

    Posted by stevejonestherealbones on 2004-10-21 11:48:04
    My Score:

    "Definately one of, if not the best albums released in '04. I picked this up the day it came out and I love it.

    As 'Pinkerton' was to weezer, 'Futures' is Jimmy Eat World's 'Pinkerton.'

    -keith"

    this was a joke perhaps. cause i found it amusing

    - jones the cones

    - stevejones8770@yahoo.com so you can contact me

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 6:06 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    its an ok album, not breath taking, or blinkable...cough

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 5:43 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    sox won YES fuck the yankees

    Posted by Marty_Mcfly on 2004-10-21 05:22:06
    My Score:

    Didn't they change their last cd to self titled after 9/11?

    Posted by Marty_Mcfly on 2004-10-21 05:10:00
    My Score:

    Never really got into JEW. Their last cd was decent. This one just kinda bores me. Too slow for my taste. The World You Love is a great song though.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 2:53 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Awesome record, better than the previous

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 1:58 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "they only seem to appreciate the most off the wall weird art fag shit. I'd die the day a straight up pop/rock/punk band got any respect from them."

    ted leo, the shins, guitar wolf, dillinger four and even the new bad religion and green day have all gotten good reviews from pitchfork, so commence dying..

    and the fact that you use the phrase "weird art fag shit" makes me think you're obviously above anything remotely creative or intellectual anyway, mr poopypants.

    Posted by kenjamin on 2004-10-21 01:46:59
    My Score:

    Where's the Hot Snakes review? Despite being a college student and a hopeful major in English, I could not understand the Pitchfork review. I'm being sarcastic here for all those who will enevitably call me a retard but seriously, the review is pretty funny for its lack of cohesion and obvious "use of big words for the sake of using big words."

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 12:59 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Johnny Damon sacrificed himself in the first 6 games so he could rise again in the 7th to save the game of baseball.

    Solid album. Still, the best thing they ever put to tape was their cover of Game of Pricks.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 12:12 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    sox win sox win sox win sox win
    tate, jason

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 11:19 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    yeah, this is crap

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 9:42 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "As for rock music, they only seem to appreciate the most off the wall weird art fag shit. I'd die the day a straight up pop/rock/punk band got any respect from them."

    They gave the new Green Day a relatively sparkling review for the most part, and they gave Sparta's new record a 7.6.

    But then again, I see your point, as they practically shit on the entire Get Up Kids catalouge, and I believe they gave The Explosion's s/t EP a 0.5. Ouch.

    Then again, what is your definition of rock? Each of those bands above probably aren't what you would consider rock, but I think they are have a basis in rock and roll (and enjoy them all). Whatever, maybe I'm just rambling.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 8:51 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Pitchfork - whether you agree with them and their OPINIONS doesn't matter. They're OPINIONS. Individual writers, just like on this site, expressing their...well, by now I hope you know. Either way, their reviews are far better than anything found here.
    I haven't heard the new jew so I gave the score for the review. I'll wait for the first single and see if it's simple radio pop like the last one and not buy it like the last one.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 8:32 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Wait a minute...deluxe edition?

    Posted by KeithyBoBeefy on 2004-10-20 20:05:33
    My Score:

    Definately one of, if not the best albums released in '04. I picked this up the day it came out and I love it.

    As 'Pinkerton' was to weezer, 'Futures' is Jimmy Eat World's 'Pinkerton.'

    -keith

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 7:46 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I want to hear a few songs from the new cd before I pick it up. Any links anywhere to hear some of it? Their website didn't help a whole lot.

    Posted by sk8punx4evr on 2004-10-20 19:19:48
    My Score:

    "they only seem to appreciate the most off the wall weird art fag shit"

    have you even seen their joan of arc reviews?

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 7:19 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    because the White Stripes suck ass.

    and Hilary Duff gets the job done as one person (not two).

    Posted by Not-To-Regret on 2004-10-20 18:11:57
    My Score:

    Since pop alt-rock is being reviewed here. How come everyone overlooks one of the best bands of that genre: Local H. They're a two man band; better than The White Stripes and The Black Keys combined.

    Posted by Icapped2pac on 2004-10-20 17:45:24
    My Score:

    Great record, great review. Blows Bleed American away as far as I'm concerned, but I don't think anything could ever be as good as Clarity or better. That album practically got me through college by itself. I'm just pissed off I missed them when they came through Lansing recently.

    Posted by poopypants on 2004-10-20 17:08:52
    My Score:

    yea fuckface, I've visited pitchfork one or two times, thats how I know they do good hip hop reviews right? Did you even read my comment?

    I think pitchfork is great for hip hop reviews. Damn near perfect. If i want an idea of how the new mos def, roots or talib kweli cds are , I go there.

    As for rock music, they only seem to appreciate the most off the wall weird art fag shit. I'd die the day a straight up pop/rock/punk band got any respect from them. Unless you like hipster fag music (like the Rapture, who they gave 'album of 2003' honors to, see, I do go there more than once or twice a year dickcheese. I even remember them giving 50 Cent a 8.0 or 8.5 or whatever and loved him too) pitchfork are generally useless for anything 'not weird' or hip hop/rap.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 4:51 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "Pitchfork is a bunch of pretentious art rock assholes who jizz over the white stripes and the strokes"

    that's hilarious, i'm assuming you've visited the site all of... maybe one time? two years ago?

    and "pretentious art rock assholes" is an inaccurate description of journalists with "taste". for my money (no money), best music publication on or offline.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 4:04 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I never understood why everyone makes a big stink about these guys. They're not horrible or anything, but then again they're not the saviours of rock that these zealots make them out to be. But to each his/her own.

    -ObeyYourParents

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 3:39 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Ah, man. So fucking good. One of the best of the year for sure, and in my opinon, JEW's best work. I absolutely love this.

    As for pitchfork, well, they aren't really worth talking acknowledging.

    Posted by prankish on 2004-10-20 15:34:33
    My Score:

    JEW has been a sissy pop indulgence of mine for years now, but this record just doesn't fucking cut it. It used to be that their songwriting was catchy enough to overpower the sissiness and make you love it anyways, but this crap is all pop and no hook... if that makes any sense.

    Basically I listen to this record and I feel myself growing a vagina. Even as a JEW fan coming into it, I found absolutely nothing to like here.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 3:25 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    That Pitchfork review is an abomination - but to be fair, they've rubbished all of JEW's past work so you can't expect them to stop now. Good to see that the reviewer did his research though...

    "And then there's the would-be hipster nod to Heatmiser's "Not Half Right" on the swooning Smallville balladry of "Kill" ("like your favorite Heatmiser song said/ It's just like being alone"). Elliott Smith's only been dead for a year, guys-- a little respect, please."

    Kill was debuted live well before that unfortunate event. Dick.

    Scott - good review.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 3:12 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    The special edition with the demo versions is great. Huge difference in some of the songs. I think it's funny that the home demo versions of these songs are produced better than full lengths by many of the bands I listen to.

    Posted by poopypants on 2004-10-20 15:02:49
    My Score:

    hey mercedes is on vagrant dude.

    Pitchfork is a bunch of pretentious art rock assholes who jizz over the white stripes and the strokes. of course they'll hate this. they are only good for their hip hop reviews, which are usually dead on.

    JEW didn't change their album namein 01, the label did.

    -paul

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 2:46 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    tikki takki for changing their album's name in 2001

    hot dogs for hilary duff's new album. it's better than this and this is good.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 2:11 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    if anyone is looking for a second opinion, one drastically different from this one, try pitchfork.com. here's a taste:

    pitchfork's last sentence: "And it's hard to think of an album more mundane than Futures."

    scott's last sentence: "An essential release, and one of the best of 2004."

    interesting....

    Posted by Bowen on 2004-10-20 13:44:25
    My Score:

    "side note. i lvoe the album, but is it just me or is the cover art screaming vagrant records? "

    to me it's screaming Hey Mercedes

    Posted by Bowen on 2004-10-20 13:43:42
    My Score:

    This album is great, it can't top Clarity, but, honestly, it's a great record.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 1:38 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    most well rounded album!?!? if you mean half good songs, half total shit songs, then youre absolutely right. this record's got a good, strong first half, but starting with "pain" it really drops off. the "heavy" songs are just lame and the lyrics on "drugs or me" are fucking embarrassing to even listen to. "23" is a decent closer, but besides that the whole second half of this record is boring and pretty much just bad. the good songs are REALLY good, especially "kill", but they dont save the album as a whole

    Posted by poopypants on 2004-10-20 13:33:18
    My Score:

    side note. i lvoe the album, but is it just me or is the cover art screaming vagrant records?

    score is for vagrants releases this year

    Posted by poopypants on 2004-10-20 13:30:28
    My Score:

    Takes everything I like from Clarity and Bleed American and cuts all the shit I didnt like.

    Their best album. blown away.

    -paul

    Posted by kirbypuckett on 2004-10-20 12:32:29
    My Score:

    I love it.

    That is all.

    - Kirby

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 12:20 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I listened to this again this morning: and I'm sorry but I just don't understand how tracks 1-3, 7, and 11 made it on to this album.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 12:16 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    this album is fantastic...so much better than "bleed american"

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 12:11 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    scott did the same thing to this review as the band did to this cd.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 10:47 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Night Drive is a great song. In my opinion, one of the best that they have ever recorded.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 10:02 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    this album is fucking amazing

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 8:41 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "scott, why did you take the beginning of your AP review of this and use it again?"

    Well, it's not like I was plagiarizing or anything.

    -Scott

    Technically you are. Self-plagarism does exist, but who cares.

    Posted by wannabepunktony on 2004-10-20 05:37:00
    My Score:

    This album is the Goo Goo Dolls' "A Boy Name Goo," just not as good.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 2:56 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "Tsunami Bomb gets a 9.
    Now this gets a 9.

    Which shitty power pop band will be next to release a horrible album and receive a 9 from Scott? Guess correctly and win a prize!

    -Jason Tate
    (the truth hurts)"

    I'm going with fallout boy or yellowcard, myself

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 2:09 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "Well, it's not like I was plagiarizing or anything.

    -Scott"


    You should get your ass fired for dovetailing.

    Posted by colin on 2004-10-20 00:57:46
    My Score:

    solid review

    i thought the album was a little less than what you think, i think i gave it an 8 in the review i submitted, but still great.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 12:57 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    9/10 for having the initals in there name spell JEW

    Posted by swingline on 2004-10-20 00:12:00
    My Score:

    where's the duff review?

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 12:06 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    http://www.beecy.net/frank/

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 12:03 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Where's the Strung Out review Aubin?

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 12:02 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    A little girl goes to the barber shop with her father. She stand next to the barber chair while her dad gets his hair cut, eating a snack cake. The barber says to her, "Sweetheart, you're gonna get hair on your Twinkie." She says, "Yes, I know, and I'm gonna get boobs too."

    -sickboi

    Posted by greg0rb on 2004-10-20 00:02:19
    My Score:

    Great review Scott- very thorough too!
    -Greg

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 11:47 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    where's the ted leo review scott?

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 11:42 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    The Tom Waits album should be at the top of everyone's list.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 11:32 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Where is the Q and Not U review?

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 11:16 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Tsunami Bomb gets a 9.
    Now this gets a 9.

    Which shitty power pop band will be next to release a horrible album and receive a 9 from Scott? Guess correctly and win a prize!

    -Jason Tate
    (the truth hurts)

    Posted by Eddie on 2004-10-19 23:16:06
    My Score:

    So working at AP has forced you to use parentheses instead of brackets, eh, Scott? ;)

    can't wait to pick this up.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 11:01 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Fact:this record is good
    Fiction: this record is REALLY REALLY good

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 10:54 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This cd is good. should make my top 10 this year, but i don't think it's as great as some of the commentators have claimed. it's definitely not going to be my top pick of the year as there's no way this is better than [daryl]'s Ohio.
    Are we going to get a review of the new cd by the Aeffect? I know everyone seems sour about the new singer, but I'd like to know if it's worth buying anyway. The single sure isn't as good as it was originally, yet it was still pretty good.

    Posted by earth23 on 2004-10-19 22:43:11
    My Score:

    I'm so glad this album doesn't suck. After I heard they fired trombino and then delayed the album I was like, "damn, they need to pull a rabbit out of their ass". And they did. This album rocks.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 10:41 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I'm surprised AP lets you use anything you write for them elsewhere.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 10:34 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "Well, it's not like I was plagiarizing or anything. "

    i suppose that IS true..

    Posted by maverick on 2004-10-19 22:30:47
    My Score:

    "scott, why did you take the beginning of your AP review of this and use it again?"

    Well, it's not like I was plagiarizing or anything.

    -Scott

    Posted