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Sarcasm

How to Lose Your Mind (2005)
self-released

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Anchors
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on November 11th 2005

I often find that among comedians, TV shows, and movies that I enjoy, sarcasm is really one of the most effective forms of comedy, and makes for a lot of the best punch lines. Most think of sarcasm as a negative connotation, yet I use it on a daily basis, in whatever situation I think calls for it. Sure, it’s rude, but it’s the people that are offended by it that usually deserve that level of offense. However, I don’t recall the word sarcasm ever attaining as negative of a connotation as what I’m giving it for Long Island’s own pop-rock band with the same name.

If you’ve heard Story of the Year, Taking Back Sunday, Hidden in Plain View, or any of their myriad of contemporaries, then it’s pretty likely you’ve already heard the same hooks, same chord progressions, and same lyrics that appear on this self-titled EP. There are absolutely no new elements to be found on this EP; every chord, lyric, and harmony has been recycled at least 3 times before it ever appeared in this band's repertoire. It seems they can’t even deviate the song structures between 5 songs on an EP; how are they going to fill an entire full-length? After about 10 minutes, every chord just molds together, making every song sound nearly identical to the one before it.

Just for some perspective, I listened to this EP for what seemed like forever, when in fact only two songs had finished. It’s only 15 minutes long, yet it seemed that even two songs were twice that length. Every cliché you could ever want to hear is present, and in spades. The cutting out for a spoken part, the repetitious chorus that completely dwarfs the rest of the song in length, the repetition of one lyric ad nauseam... “I don’t care if I’m making a scene.” Does that line sound familiar to anyone? I bet it does to Taking Back Sunday, whose lyric “I never made a scene” appears in the song “The Union.” Though, in their defense, they’re probably better off plagiarizing than penning their own lyrics. In fact, they’re probably better recreating Taking Back Sunday’s harmonies as well, because their own completely lack execution. The press sheet promises three-part harmonies, yet I hear only a lead singer and very weak female backing vocals every once in a while.

This bastardization of clichés and recreations should have been shelved far before it left them. There’s nothing wrong with being original, adventurous, or hell, even creative, but these guys missed that boat, and were probably in the wrong harbor to begin with.

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Anonymous (November 25, 2005)

"You represent all that is trite and pathetic in the world. I hope your emotionless lonely death is everything you dreamed of."

Looks like I've hit a nerve. I'm sorry that my OPINION hurt you so much. You could turn what you just said into a song but be careful, it may sound like everything else that's out there today. That is, unless you haven't already done that. Damn.

Anonymous (November 21, 2005)

it's kinda ridiculous when people make themselves think that music sounds identical if it's origin is from the same region. When you compare a band to another one you don't like, the comparison should be more than your dislike for both of them. This album is far from perfect, but it's mostly because this band is actually better live. But a completely negative review? There's plenty of talent in this band, and even if the song writing didn't meet your expectations, something positve could have been said about their ability to play their instruments. Were you in a band that never made it and now you're taking out your pent up aggression on bands that far exceed anything you could have accomplished? Don't trash a band that's been working hard to basically make a living for themselves doing the one thing they love and can do well. I'm not saying praise every album that graces a cd, but give some credit where it's due, even if it's not exactly your kind of music. Or a better idea: Don't review an album in a genre you don't like in the first place. Everyone, this band is at least worth a listen. The central idea and backbone of the music scene is to support growing bands, but anchors was apparently out smoking crack that day in Music 101. Word.

GreenVandal (November 14, 2005)

"I know for a fact that these guys put a lot of hard work into this album and are now working even harder to get an LP together by the new year meanwhile booking shows anywhere they can. They're respected by a lot of popular, or to use your terms, "cliche" bands and continue to expand their fanbase.

It's sad that you choose to put bands down because you personally don't enjoy their music. Go kiss some more cliche band ass and maybe you'll actually get somewhere further than a mediocre news website that is obviously not challenging you enough."

You represent all that is trite and pathetic in the world. I hope your emotionless lonely death is everything you dreamed of.

Anonymous (November 13, 2005)

the cover looks like the cover of that one silverstein album

Anonymous (November 12, 2005)

I know for a fact that these guys put a lot of hard work into this album and are now working even harder to get an LP together by the new year meanwhile booking shows anywhere they can. They're respected by a lot of popular, or to use your terms, "cliche" bands and continue to expand their fanbase.

It's sad that you choose to put bands down because you personally don't enjoy their music. Go kiss some more cliche band ass and maybe you'll actually get somewhere further than a mediocre news website that is obviously not challenging you enough.

Anonymous (November 12, 2005)

"Im gangsta bitch"

"I beat bitches up"

"Im ugly, I know"

"Angel I can't inhale your beauty"

I love captions for myspace photos

Anonymous (November 11, 2005)

My girlfriend got drunk at a party and made out with the bassist from Sarcasm once, but I keep her around anyway.

These guys are so not good.

stevejonestherealbones (November 11, 2005)

sarcasm is a really really really great band

- jones the bones

- stevejones8770@yahoo.com

Anonymous (November 11, 2005)

man do they suck

Anonymous (November 11, 2005)

You should have written a really positive (but obviously sarcastic) review. Then the band would be all "Fuck yeah, Anchors likes our record!" and then they'd catch on to the fact that you were cunningly using their own band name to taunt them and then they'd probably break up in shame, leaving the world a slightly better place.

bemused (November 11, 2005)

oh man that cover art is bad!

TheOneTrueBill (November 11, 2005)

Sarcasm rules when you pull it off right. But when someone just doesn't know what they're doing it's so horrible.

As for this band, I don't care. I bet they suck.