Yellowcard

Yellowcard: Where We Stand [2005 reissue]Where We Stand [2005 reissue] (2005)
Takeover Records

Reviewer Rating: 3.5

User Rating:

Contributed by: AnchorsAnchors
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on July 8th 2005I played soccer for a number of years when I was younger, and it seems like at least twice a game the ref would throw out the yellow card. It was usually a small trip or a bit of shoving that would warrant the card, where as the hard slide tackles from behind or malicious kicks to the legs were give.

I played soccer for a number of years when I was younger, and it seems like at least twice a game the ref would throw out the yellow card. It was usually a small trip or a bit of shoving that would warrant the card, where as the hard slide tackles from behind or malicious kicks to the legs were given the red card. It was because of this that I still regard yellow carding as being pretty wimpy, and Jacksonville, Florida's pop-punk notables Yellowcard have done nothing to change this tradition of wimpery. Well, believe it or not, Yellowcard haven't always been token pop-punk MTV darlings, and Where We Stand takes you back to those humble beginnings of the late 1990's.

Those humble beginnings included a vastly different sound from what the band is putting out today; it's not a complete 180, but save the inclusion of the violin in various spots, you'd be hard pressed to say they're the same band. Ben Dobson and Todd Clary had a lot to do with their sound of old, as the singer and guitarist, respectively, are no longer in the band, but it's those two musicians who put all the bite in back then that the band is currently lacking. Dobson's scruffy, rough-around-the-edges vocal approach gave this band some toughness that it's sorely lacking in their current incarnation. The gritty guitar playing fuels a lot of these songs, and instills energy and a genuine urgency that's no longer apparent. This was a much different band. There's a lot of challenging rhythms coming from Clary's direction, and he also contributes a fair amount of backing vocals throughout these 10 songs.

I'm not trying to say this is anything groundbreaking, and a lot of the recordings are a bit dusty, but at the same time they show the band in a much more genuine and talented light than they appear in now. "Time Will Tell" shows off some great guitar work from Clary, and the early integration of what's now their staple, Sean Mackin's violin work. There's a real energy and vigor to it, and it's still used too sparsely to be considered anything special, but when it's included, it has the ability to add that extra something to a song that would have otherwise been pretty generic. "Kids" is probably the best track on the album, with some great starts and stops, and extremely fluid guitar and drum interplay between Clary and their drummer. That interplay is just not something found in any of Yellowcard's later recordings, because the focus is much too formulaic to give any individual members, save the occasional violin spot, a chance to show their talents.

Navigating through a few rough patches, the band really seemed to be a solid punk rock outfit 6 long years ago. Lineup shifts and dreams of grandeur have taken their attention away from playing with bands like In My Eyes and Kid Dynamite to catering to the TRL crown when there's no new Good Charlotte video in rotation.

Also of note is the booklet accompanying the liner notes that the band has included. It's a pretty thick booklet with a good amount of full color pictures of live performances and random pictures of the members. Also included here are the lyrics to "Time Will Tell," but only "Time Will Tell." No other lyrics are anywhere to be found, so obviously the band found some importance in their words on that particular track; "See what the cause has left us, there's no strength to minimize, they try so hard to change us but we don't see out conscious eyes." Words like that seem far more profound than any recollections of "Ocean Avenue."

For you Yellowcard fans, I know a few are still hiding in the corner, you'd do well to pick this up and see where the band has come from. The rest of you very well may enjoy this as well; it's a nice jolt of punk rock with some youthful enthusiasm to boot.

Login to rate this album

People who liked this also liked:

Please login or register to post comments.What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?

Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

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

ToddAwful (September 12, 2005)

well, I'd like to thank anchors for finally saying something nice about my guitar work and vocals... i appreciate it. I'd also like to say watching Yellowcard self-destruct from the inside I can personally vouch that the changes were ONLY to get radio and tv play. that was the sole reason behind myself and bens untimely exit.Basically me and Ben didn't want to be whinny corporate sychophants and all the old school Yellowcard nay-sayers should suck a dick... neecheewa bitchs...
p.s. Ryan key.... any time, any place.... head? chest? or foot??

Anonymous (July 23, 2005)

all i have to say is, the used sucks and so do you

smallsimplesafeprice (July 13, 2005)

well, all i can say is... i like food

Anonymous (July 12, 2005)

anchors is a moron

fistchode (July 11, 2005)

I like it when there's a context given in the first paragraph. With no context, you never know what to think of the reviewers opinion.

Hopefully my reviews I wrote months ago where I swear every second word will be posted eventually. Now that's a reviewing style with spunk.

allison_le_gnome (July 11, 2005)

I've also noticed that he starts most of his reviews the same way, but I happen to like it. Until I read the comments section, I was about to post that I liked the first paragraph.

Anonymous (July 11, 2005)

bottom line, fuck anchors and fuck you all.

-gabe saporta

Anonymous (July 9, 2005)

"you're the reviewing equivalent of Pennywise."

no matter how you feel about anchors reviews....

you gotta admit thats funny.

Anonymous (July 9, 2005)

Fair enough. I'm not taking issue as such, I'd just come in from work when i posted first, i was tired and pissed off, it just bugs the hell out of me when I read your reviews and they sound like a junior thesis of some kind, before kicking into the meat of the review. I have no beef with you as such, as there's at least 500 people who have submitted to this site who's writing is more flawed than yours, it's just there was one day where the only reviews posted were yours, and every one had that kinda intro. Since then, it's just pissed me off.

I'm not 'taking issue' as such, it's just i couldn't keep quiet when theres a big section at the bottom of the reviews begging me to comment. It annys me when people rip my reviews for no reason, and while i could have gone about my comments more constructively, I do feel I have a valid point.

Anchors (July 9, 2005)

I realize what you're saying, and yes, the majority of my reviews adhere to the same type of introductory formula, but I find that in other peoples reviews, that I read, I prefer that style over "This is Pennywises 8th record, their first on blahblah label, and they've finally managed to blah blah blah."

I've always done things this way, many times it gives readers a story they can relate to, because it's something they did or thought, or what have you. It's a more personal style.

I'm not saying it's right, I'm not saying it's better, but that's how I like to write the majority of the time, and while my reviews do get bitched about, like anyone elses, you're the first to really take issue with those introductions.

Anonymous (July 9, 2005)

But having a writing style doesnt mean you have to write every single review to the same jelly mould. I read every review on this site, so i'm not gonna skip over yours just because you're the reviewing equivalent of Pennywise. I'm just saying, think about mixing it up a bit.

Ross

8dollarclarinetsolo (July 9, 2005)

hahah i agree with ross, look at all this guys reviews

Anchors (July 9, 2005)

That's my writing style, don't like it? Don't read it.

Couldn't be more simple.

Anonymous (July 9, 2005)

Christ, Anchors, must you introduce everyone of your bloody reviews with a whimsical paragraph tenuously linking the band in question to your forthcoming babblings? Everyone is something along the lines of 'I remember when children weren't allowed to buy explosives ... in fact, talking of Kid Dynamite....' or 'Once upon a time, it used to be said that you couldn't fuck your friends ex, in fact, you could call it an Unwritten Law ... alluding to which, here's their new album.....'

Do you have a review generator or something?!

(And don't accuse me of pussying out and not logging in, im just a casual observer)

Ross

Jesse (July 9, 2005)

Whoa, whoa -- what kind of sandwich are we talking here? Bologna? 'Cause I'm a pussy, I mean, vegetarian.

Anonymous (July 9, 2005)

A sandwich says that this band is worse than "Lethal Rejection". Yes, even worse.

And yes, I'm wagering a sandwich.

-BSD

Anonymous (July 9, 2005)

"jesse jocks the icarus line. 20 bucks says he wont now that aarons not in the band."

whats wrong with liking a good band like the icarus line?

they dont meet the high standards that yellowcard set?

Anonymous (July 9, 2005)

jesse jocks the icarus line. 20 bucks says he wont now that aarons not in the band.

Jesse (July 8, 2005)

"Dude.

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE.

Come on."

I think El Vaquero's comment couldn't have said it better. I mean, seriously. Plus, your link title was super lame. You're only supposed to make funny link titles if you bash the album. I mean, if you're going to rip off my techniques, you're going to have to do it in a respectable way.

When are you going to realize that without me you'd be nothing!?!

You can tell how bored I am.

I reviewed about 3-4 records that don't even come out for another month. I miss getting bitched at a couple of times a week. It gave me something to do. Now I'm stuck commenting on your reviews. Stalking you like a pervert. By the way, what are you wearing?

shakey_jake (July 8, 2005)

wank
and wank

bloodbrothersburnpiano (July 8, 2005)

"I don't know the YC guys any better than you do (though I have met most of them, SWOOOOON, haha), but I've maintained the belief that with their last two albums (the Lobster one is the one that launched them, no doubt), it was never a matter of playing for TV or radio... it was about writing a terrific pop/rock record. If the media would follow along - gravy - but given the talent of the members involved, their musical education (which is well documented), etc. to me, there was no shift with an intent to appeal to the masses, even if it was obvious that the caliber of the material would make for great singles. I may be splitting hairs, but it's the same difference between a band like Greenday, and say... a band like Papa Roach, where with the latter, it's obvious that their disc wouldn't be getting released if the songs didn't have a specific formula to them, and a well amplified chorus at just the right place. My point is that it's not always so clear that just became a band is accepted by the mainstream media, that such is a byproduct of the band's intent in their songwriting/existence."

the song "ocean avenue' is clear proof that they have written music merely to appeal to the mainstream masses

Big_Guy (July 8, 2005)

I know what you mean. I'd like to punch him and the violin player in the face.

stevejonestherealbones (July 8, 2005)

everytime i see the current singer's picture....i just want to punch him...i dont know..he's just got that kind of face. plus i'm jealous of his fame and money

- jones the bones

- stevejones8770@yahoo.com

OverDefined (July 8, 2005)

Did anyone see the www.punkrocks.net review of this? That website sucks really really bad now. They never update and think they're funny. I keep telling myself I'll never go there again, but I'll check just to see how bad its gotten. It's a shame they still get ad money.

pastepunk (July 8, 2005)

that the change in style was a bid to be on radio/TV

--

I don't know the YC guys any better than you do (though I have met most of them, SWOOOOON, haha), but I've maintained the belief that with their last two albums (the Lobster one is the one that launched them, no doubt), it was never a matter of playing for TV or radio... it was about writing a terrific pop/rock record. If the media would follow along - gravy - but given the talent of the members involved, their musical education (which is well documented), etc. to me, there was no shift with an intent to appeal to the masses, even if it was obvious that the caliber of the material would make for great singles. I may be splitting hairs, but it's the same difference between a band like Greenday, and say... a band like Papa Roach, where with the latter, it's obvious that their disc wouldn't be getting released if the songs didn't have a specific formula to them, and a well amplified chorus at just the right place. My point is that it's not always so clear that just became a band is accepted by the mainstream media, that such is a byproduct of the band's intent in their songwriting/existence.

Anonymous (July 8, 2005)

Wharf Rat, stop plugging that shitty comp, for the love of god.

Wharf_Rat (July 8, 2005)

I heard their violin player does flips.

Get the best FREE comp CD ever! Unreleased tunes by Joe Strummer, Face to Face and more!

ChokingVictim (July 8, 2005)

In unrelated news, the new Wilhelm Scream CD is amazing. Except for some slow song towards the middle called "In Vito Veritas II". It kinda disrupts the faster feel of the album.

And good review, but I can't say I will ever find ambition to check out a Yellowcard album.

Anchors (July 8, 2005)

"Unnecessary, unwarranted cynicism."

Jordan, you're a guy who's opinion I honestly value quite a bit, so if you could, further elaborate on that?

I'm not saying that they "sold out," when they got a major label deal, but judging by their recording progression, it seems to me anyway that the change in style was a bid to be on radio/TV. That's just how I'm seeing things, cynical as it might appear.

Anchors (July 8, 2005)

The best way to approach this album is to just keep thinking this;

This band, is not Yellowcard.

If you go into it on that basis, all you kids who enjoyed mid-90's Fat and Epitaph bands will probably actually like this. You can't judge this on what they've done now, it's not the same band anymore. I abhor Yellowcards current incarnation, as much as Simple Plan, but this isn't bad stuff.

rkl (July 8, 2005)

i liked this album when it came out. then again, i was a naive high school kid.

XmeepX (July 8, 2005)

i thought it was pretty funny.

pastepunk (July 8, 2005)

Lineup shifts and dreams of grandeur have taken their attention away from playing with bands like In My Eyes and Kid Dynamite to catering to the TRL crown when there’s no new Good Charlotte video in rotation.

--

Unnecessary, unwarranted cynicism.

Anonymous (July 8, 2005)

this band loves to eat at Hooters! you can catch em at the location where St. John's meets A1A.

slippy (July 8, 2005)

I liked your intro paragraph Anchors....but I can't stand this group.

sickboi (July 8, 2005)

I equally hate all Yellowcard albums, songs, and for the most part, fans.

theundergroundscene (July 8, 2005)

i like new yellowcard more than old yellowcard

ElVaquero (July 8, 2005)

Dude.

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE.

Come on.

Anonymous (July 8, 2005)

oh fuck another less than mediocre band

swingline (July 8, 2005)

gay sex on the beach.

bloodbrothersburnpiano (July 8, 2005)

the underdog ep wasn't bad

fallingupwards84 (July 8, 2005)

i may get crucified for saying this, but i love the new Yellowcard albums and i think its much better than this cd.

yea, i know its pop. and i know its marketed to 14 year old girls who watch mtv.
but i still think its really good and better than most of the other shit you see out there today.

Anonymous (July 8, 2005)

Yellowcard?! fuck you anchors

Anonymous (July 8, 2005)

Well, believe it or not, Yellowcard haven’t always been token pop-punk MTV darlings

That may be true but one thing is clear, they have always sucked!!!

Dante3000 (July 8, 2005)

It's strange, I will admitt that their older work is stronger (though still nothing to blow your load over). BUT, there is no way they could have gotten as big as they are now if they kept their old sound. It's almost as if their rise to fame required a fall to generic and mediocre.
-Dante