Lifetime

Lifetime: Two Songs [7 inch]Two Songs [7 inch] (2006)
Decaydance

Reviewer Rating: 4

User Rating:

Contributed by: SloaneDaleySloaneDaley
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on November 21st 2006Can a person truly be nostalgic about something they were not a part of originally? I couldn't tell you. Although I was introduced to Lifetime's music well after their original breakup, if I had to describe a feeling that encapsulates this record upon first listen, that would be it. From the moment .

Can a person truly be nostalgic about something they were not a part of originally? I couldn't tell you. Although I was introduced to Lifetime's music well after their original breakup, if I had to describe a feeling that encapsulates this record upon first listen, that would be it. From the moment a friend of mine played me "Knives, Bats, New Tats" I knew there was something unique about the music I was hearing. It was a torrent of energy and grit that could send a multitude of bodies into a frenzy but it was combined with an equally strong foothold in pop sensibility (like, even your little sister could enjoy it). Those were two things that hit me when I first threw on this record, but also with a sense of new and freshness to break the dreaded cloud of a purely 'nostalgia' act.

After nearly a decade of not being a band it would be easy to conclude the same group of guys might be a little rusty. If you have been keeping up with guitarist Dan Yemin at all you would soon realize that none of the projects this man has been associated with has been sub-par. Essentially it would appear he is the main creative force musically, and he hasn't changed that aspect one bit. In terms of actual sound, the band opted to not use long-time collaborator Steve Evetts on the production end this time around (though he did mix the songs). To be honest these recordings do sound cleaner than their past records to a degree but that does not mean the production is bad or laminates Lifetime's music with slick industry gloss. As for frontman Ari Katz, he hasn't had quite as much practice using his voice and his last project, Zero Zero, was less than stellar. His voice doesn't have as much grit as it once did, but that is understandable; in any event, I'd argue he seems far more confident than ever before in his vocal ability.

"Haircuts and T-Shirts" occupies the first side of the single and starts things in classic Lifetime fashion. There is a short drumstick intro before the guitars come in and then the full band explodes together. For portions of the two-minute blast the guitars are fairly subdued relying largely on the drums. This is quite effective because Scott Golley's fast-paced rhythms anchor everything and become the centerpiece. Of the two songs on the 7", I'd say this is the least straightforward of the two. That doesn't hinder the song because Lifetime's specialty is not necessarily relying on the classic verse/chorus/verse pop song model while still ensnaring your mind through a strong sense of melody. Ari's last final repeated words of "you're the only one for me, I told you already" cast a melodic specter in your mind that you'll hope and pray to take up permanent residence.

The album's B-side, "All Night Long" is one of the band's most accessible songs to date. Actually, when I first heard the song, I feared due to its slower pace that the band had lost some of their edge. Of course, songs like "Bobby Truck Tricks" and "Hey Catrine" worked in some slower territory but the cleaner production leans an added emphasis on the pop side of things. As if sensing this expectation of softness, true to their veteran form they pick things up for one final pit-rousing go-of-it during the last 30 seconds of the song. The verses are largely based around a simple but memorable chugging riff that really helps bring out Dave Palaitis' bass work. As I mentioned before, Ari sounds confident as ever; he always had the ability to make words mix sometimes unexpectedly into a melody that didn't even sound like English sometimes, but with this song his sense of melody has been honed to a practically unrivaled degree.

Both songs are of a personal relationship-based nature, but if the band started talking about something silly like politics we'd have to cry sellout. Sure, they might be more accessible than ever but with each release up 'til now Lifetime has navigated that path anyway; thus, this is a logical progression. If they prove one thing with this release it is that they are a relevant, fully functioning band. Nostalgia is for suckers.

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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.

notfeelingcreative (January 21, 2007)

I'm getting into Lifetime way too late. I've always thought they were a good band, but I never payed them much attention. Then I started getting tired of the style of music they play so I only listened to thrash and hip-hop. Now, i'm starting to really dig them.

Problematiclogic (December 9, 2006)

I enjoyed it. Hopefully the LP will be of the same quality or better.

Anonymous (November 30, 2006)

Isn't this the band opening up for fall out boy and new found glory next year? I think it is. I know it is.

Anonymous (November 27, 2006)

To the guy 4 down from me, come on man, give Lifetime a break. I listen to Jersey's Best Dancers on a regular basis, and Lifetime hasnt really changed their style, regardless of their label, and whoever might be running it. If you didnt like Lifetime before, you probably wont like them now. So Lifetime writes songs about girls, sorry they hang around/have relationships with girls. (I write songs about women cause I think they are awesome, sorry you like to write about dudes or whatever). Ive wasted enough time here, Im gonna go listen to these 2 songs again, and again.

Anonymous (November 22, 2006)

I saw Lifetime play when I was in high school ( yeah, I know, I'm old) and I've been a fan ever since. The 2 songs here are, in my opinion, classic Lifetime - powerful, catchy, and poetic. I can't wait for the full length.
Also, I'm with the minority here. I just could never get into KD. They just sounded like run of the mill punk rock, where as Lifetime's music just seams to have more depth. KD's vocals sound too much like Against All Authority for my taste.

ChokingVictim (November 22, 2006)

I never listened to much Lifetime, but I really enjoy this 7".

Anonymous (November 22, 2006)

isnt this band a little old to be writing every other song about girls?

do they think they're still in high school?

Anonymous (November 22, 2006)

Hell yeah! Lifetime! Good to be back, eh boys? More slow songs that get fast and are about girls and haircuts! Yippitydingdongwoo! And Pete Fall Out Boy is fronting for the whole thing?! Oh hell yeah! I can't wait until Saves the Day hears this and changes their style again! Hell yes! Fucking Fall Out Boy!11!!!! All these bands are teh punxxxx!!!111

danperrone (November 21, 2006)

does anyone else hear this...

in haircuts, second verse, there's a guitar part that seems so blatantly layered on top of everything that comes in for two little parts, it just cuts in and then out...sounds so bad!!!!

anyone know what i'm talking about? why would they do that?

SloaneDaley (November 21, 2006)

I seem to be in the minority of people in that I listen to Lifetime, Paint It Black way more than I listen to Kid Dynamite. I don't hate them and their name is also a killer Squirrel Bait song but I find them in a middle ground between Lifetime & Paint It Black. Thusly I'm not as moved as I am by either of the others.

I'm not really sure how any Lifetime fan cannot listen to this and not feel good. I think this 7" was essential because it would have been a scary thing to just drop a new LP not knowing what to expect.

Royish (November 21, 2006)

I love it. Can't wait for the full length.

Anonymous (November 21, 2006)

one b-side you know will get slapped on some compilation anyway.

I like lifetime, I LOVE Jersey's Best Dancers.

But cmon, what the hell. I just don't get good vibes from this whole shebang. I'm sure ill listen to the LP, but i'm confused by how this is all unfolding.

But, if bands are regrouping in chronological order, I guess I'll sit through this to get to Kid Dynamites inevitable 2012 reunion:Mayan Apocalypse.

wyzo

Anonymous (November 21, 2006)

this review couldve just been one word:

unnecessary

boba_fett (November 21, 2006)

bad comparison, they just lost two games to one of the current worst teams in the league, the ottawa senators, back to back nonetheless.

but the ottawa senators are a lot better then they've been playing so far this season. so it shouldnt really be a surprise that the senators win.

as for lifetime: awesome stuff. can't wait til the full length.

danielsan (November 21, 2006)

Geeze, you're like the Danielle Steel of reviews, very prolific

More like the Anchors of reviews

SloaneDaley (November 21, 2006)

I agree 7" are a huge part of punk. A bulkwork of Minor Threat and Misfits material came from such 7". Also Alex, did you write 500000 reviews last week? Geeze, you're like the Danielle Steel of reviews, very prolific. Good work :)

thanks although I seem to have many a detractor out there. Actually yeah I have writen a lot recently because I was helping out Adam with his review load ontop of the things I'd normally listen to like this.

Phantom_Maggot (November 21, 2006)

Anonymous (November 21, 2006)

While I do appreciate a good band coming back to kick peoples asses, I would prefer it if Yemin reformed Kid Dynamite, I actually like them.

skeetskurt (November 21, 2006)

i just can't get into lifetime. i somewhat liked hello bastards. there other stuff just isn't that great.

letmego (November 21, 2006)

i really like All Night Long.. i tought Haircuts and Tshirts was average

sweetsuperior (November 21, 2006)

great review. can't wait for the lp.

k-dubs (November 21, 2006)

"This band is almost as good as the Sabres."

bad comparison, they just lost two games to one of the current worst teams in the league, the ottawa senators, back to back nonetheless.

Anonymous (November 21, 2006)

score is for hypocrites who bash pop-punk bands for writing 1/3 of their songs about girls, and then turn around and listen to Lifetime write an entire record about girls

marcusd (November 21, 2006)

"This band is almost as good as the Sabres"

and that is pretty fucking good. lifetime and the sares are the shiz

salsashark (November 21, 2006)

After listening to it a bunch, I love "All Night Long." I'm finally beginning to warm up to Lifetime.

Anonymous (November 21, 2006)

i wish lifetime would call one of the songs on their new record Nostalgia is for suckers.

SloaneDaley (November 21, 2006)

there is plenty of 7" material released all the time that is fully worthy of review this included. Full length,s CD/7" EPs and 7" singles are all very different beasts.

SloaneDaley (November 21, 2006)

this is hardly reviewable. how can you make 2 songs sound like they're epic masterpieces?

7" are a huge part of punk.

Anonymous (November 21, 2006)

this is hardly reviewable. how can you make 2 songs sound like they're epic masterpieces?

PatThetic (November 21, 2006)

This band is almost as good as the Sabres.

SloaneDaley (November 21, 2006)

about the Steve Evetts thing I maybe wrong I've still yet to find out but the production is cleaner like I said.