Posted by The_Wayfarer on 2008-02-07 16:01:26
My Score:

I was at this show, and it was simply the best Against Me! show I had seen. Amos' Southend is a fairly small sized venue, despite the great facilities, air conditioning and larger status of it. I have only grown to love Against Me! more and more as they have grown, and you really hit the nail on the head with the analysis of the reactions to New Wave.

I've seen Against Me! twelve times since the Crime EP was released and never had more fun than this time. To all the morons who would soon slander them for now including their older songs, they actually did "Baby, I'm An Anarchist" in this set, which is something I hadn't seen them do in a while. But overall, the performance was fine-tuned and right on, and the song selection was awesome. Though, while they did play a good bit of songs from New Wave, it wasn't that much. Maybe 5 out of the 10 songs. But other than that it was mostly songs from the Reinventing Axl Rose and < i> As the Eternal Cowb y era.

The Gaslight Anthem is one of my favorite young bands. My old band, God N Moses, played a song with them in Greenwood, SC. And they're good guys, really cool. I suggest everyone check them out on their tour with the Loved Ones.

Posted by Jesus_H_Christ on 2007-09-10 16:04:59
My Score:

I was at this show. It was pretty damn good. I even saw Andrew lean back on top of these two drunk kids in the front during the encore.

Regardless of what all the pricks say this band is still fucking brilliant.

Posted by HOISTDATRAG on 2007-08-27 22:57:08
My Score:

Iv seen against me many times over the years but i do admit im not happy with the choice to join a major label mainly because they are now playing much larger venues and i cant picture an against me show not in a small club. And i also cant picture an against me in a large venue being nearly as good as in a small one. Not to mention new wave was a pretty poor album. id say only half the album is worth listening to. As the eternal cowboy is the best in my opinion!

"I am seeing Against Me! and The Flaming Lips both next month, and Against Me! is going to cost me $8.00 less than The Flaming Lips. I can understand The Flaming Lips charging a bit more, seeing as how they have an extremely elaborate stage set including lights, video screnes, costumes, tons of props, etc. How the hell is Against Me!'s show worth only eight bucks less? What am I paying for, more black American Apparel t's for the boys?"

i am seeing against me in a week and a half, and paying 15 dollars for a show doesnt seem to be that big of a deal, especially if your willing to shell out money for a band like the flaming lips

The non-ironic "fag" bombs are really becoming a bummer on this site. Don't you guys have like Puddle Of Mud or ICP message boards to tend to?

You forgot groups 4, people who are essentially contrarians to group 1, whom were going to like what they do at all costs to prove they were not group 1 (could also be you). Group 5, mainstream new fans who are offended by the implication that they are somehow not hip for not having known who they were before, and not having discerning tastes as they like them now when they supposedly are no longer good. And let us not forget the new group most important to their marketing strategy; mainstream industry types (Rollingstone writers, MTV, label jerks, and musicians who never had a soul to sell in the first place). They have no choice but to embrace them, and defend them. In doing so they defend themselves, their very existence. Like the CIA might coddle a new double agent, with bands like Against Me, who switch sides in a Pop Culture vs. Subculture war that's been going for decades, they have a grasp at relevance. Sparse company come cold weather.

hey, way to write a review that is so blindingly fanboy-bitter that it is almost irrelevant.

blah blah blah, against me did not sell out, blah blah blah.

sell out or otherwise, the new record sucked. it sounds generic. it made me like "Searching For A Former Clarity" by comparison. and i hated the sound of that record.

how about no more fanboy reviews get posted. i am not going to submit a review for a Screeching Weasel record, due to obvious bias. on that point, all the little "OMG Against Me! FTW!" kids should not submit reviews about Against Me...

in summation: this review is retarded, the reviewer is retarded, and if you are writing a review, do not be a biased prick.

also, feel free to suck my ass if you are not cognizant of the fact that a review and fucking propaganda are 2 different things.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 7:15 PM (EDT)
My Score:

i find that the comments of the armchair punx rawkers amusing. like you could have an opinion on what its like being a touring band (and before you respond, 'i'm in a touring band, i know how hard it is boo hoo, yay for anarchy and eating taco bell every day for months on end') and barely covering your bills, leaving your family to basically be a touring bum, playing for whiny fuck heads all of the globe that instead of coming to see your band and listen to your songs would rather spit on you, even though they just paid to get in.

are they ever going to play Yall Dont wanna step to dis live... cause then I'll go see them.

It is kinda hard to watch We're never going home and then see them in a big bus, in big venues.

Being in a band myself, I have no problem with them making a living, its just kind off hard after what tehy stood for.

This could have all been forgivable in the name of good music, to me its just about the music.. if only New Wave wasn't bland and boring.

That being said, maybe this will force them to try harder next time. Its almost as if they didn't try, its so bad.

when they played in tulsa, i think they played 6 songs from new wave. a good mix of all their releases though.

Posted by fuckyouoioioi on 2007-08-22 22:08:39
My Score:

i expect my favorite band to give 60%...

Anyone else see the Against Me! We're Never Going to First Grade DVD? Tom clearly states his disgust of girls labelling them as "Icky." Fuckin' hypocritical sellouts.

I respect the band. (I like them better now than in the beginning... Although the live album was my favourite)

I respect the detractors and the critics. Even if they're only angry about the major label deal, their beliefs give them the right. I don't want to change them. But please, leave the band be and stop crying sell out. They have their reasons as well.

And finally, let's stop fighting. Come on guys, it's the internet. And it's just music. Who's with me?

I'm with ya there. kind of a jump the shark moment.

I'm in group four:

I love the band, love their live show I think everything they did was awesome, peaking with Searching For A Former Clarity. I think new Wave has some really good songs but isn't a really good album.

Just a thought on people talking about We're Never Going Home. On the back of that DVD, Tom wrote this message:

"i'm not going to make any apologies, or try to explain any decisions or actions. It is what it is, an accurate representation of one month in time. One month on tour, one month driving around the country playing Rock and Roll with some really good friends, one month drunk. I'm sure we say some stupid shit, I'm sure we do some stupid shit, and Id like to think that maybe somehow, in some way, there were moments of brilliance and beauty in that.
...
So as I said, this isnt meant to be a representation of who we are as people. Just who were were right then."

That said, I think New Wave just wasnt that good, Id say maybe 4 really good songs and the rest is meh. Its too bad that this band isnt what it used to be, but what are you gonna do. I still say they put on a great live show, but I think even those days will soon be over.

Yeah... seemed like the whole point of "We're Never Going Home" was to emphasize the band's total rejection of major labels and what they stood for.

I think it'd be easier to take signing to sire in stride if it weren't for this album being so boring. The guy who did a review of "New Wave" here on punknews did a solid job. This review however is more about the cred of having seen against me.

Now, were he reviewing the Alley Katz show which was overbooked out the ass and where Tom's guitar got broken I could imagine him preaching this "they haven't lost it" line. However, with Mastodon they were unimpressive and aloof... and with their recent tour de force in the mags I've become even more unimpressed with their demurring and turning their backs on their fans (such as in blender where tom said "We keep moving up because we can't go back...")

A band this popular doesn't need Sire or Butch Vig... they just need a good tour manager.

Who knows... maybe they'll make a better album on the next go-round... but I'm not holding my breath. And besides, these people who keep claiming to be better fans or better punks (or whatever the fuck) are the type I'd be liable to just beat the shit out of in a pit, so I guess the shows are out now, too.

Was "I coulda been a contender" a Dillinger Four cover?

Nope.

anyone else see the against me! we're never going home dvd? Tom clearly states his disgust of those arrogant pricks who tour in tour buses. way to be you hypocritical bastards

Saw this show Monday night except Two Gallants wasn't playing.
Gaslight Anthem is amazing and if that new song they played is any indication of what the EP is going to sound like that it is not going to disappoint at all.
Against Me! started out with a good mix of older songs, then went into the searching for a former clarity and new wave mix, ended by playing Born on the FM waves, 3 song encore including What We Worked For and then We Laugh at Danger. Stage got rushed for We Laugh at Danger and before the end of the song Andrew just handed his bass to the kid next to him and replaced Warren on the drums

Posted by doomcloud on 2007-08-22 13:50:56
My Score:

i saw this tour in st pete, i missed the first band, thought two gallants were pretty boring despite respecting what they were putting out. am! blew me away with an incredible set. I was disapointed in the amount of NewWave songs especially some of the weaker, annoyingly repettative ones. would have loved to hear " You look like i need a drink". Their enthusiasm was unmatched and played with huge smiles on their faces which was unavoidably contageous. overall would have like to have seen a better "tour" but am! killed it.

one thing i definately don't like about am! is the fact that they used to us stage banter a lot. it was sometimes awkward, probably to stall time, but at least they talked to us. when i saw them in may i wanted to scream out "why don't you talk to us anymore," but there wasn't any silence b/t songs. what a bunch of rock stars

Oh, and he got you there Colin. You will totally use a review to express your distaste for a band, with an obvious bias already in place. But that's the beauty of a review (that one's for you Heisel), I mean, it's not like I'd say this shit in an article. Comments and reviews are where even 'Org staff can be assholes like the rest of you.

-chris

Wow. It's a review. You know, opinion, thought, idea....?

Furthermore, learn to read. I wasn't bashing everyone that dislikes them now, only those that have done so with such a closed mind, and honestly, never really giving them a chance.

Up the "punX" indeed.

-chris

"come on guys, if there's not at least half a smidgen of trying to stay objective around here, there'll be nothing different than jason tate's bag of morons over at absolute punk. between this and jesse's surprise five star akimbo review, i almost want to go outside."

THANK YOU.

against me! playing with dave dondero in bloomington. that should be interesting.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 1:56 AM (EDT)
My Score:

Was "I coulda been a contender" a Dillinger Four cover?

The end is nigh. Make the most of your short time here and avoid listening to burnt-out bands like these who've run out of interesting things to say, musically and lyrically.

"Colin, you're not one to talk about biased or shitty reviews... mister "i'm going to review all the obviously bad mtv albums like FOB and MCR and give them 1/2 star without even listening to them""

Haha, true. Every time I read a Colin review, I think, "Congratulations! You've grown out of a band that makes music for 15 year old girls."

Colin, you're not one to talk about biased or shitty reviews... mister "i'm going to review all the obviously bad mtv albums like FOB and MCR and give them 1/2 star without even listening to them"

But I don't talk blatant shit on them for breaking the 11th commandment of punk rock.

-chris

Bullshit, you've done it (H20)

"sickboi you know i love you but this was a terribly biased review.

it's biased to the extent of me being surprised it was posted. i mean when you're referring to a group you stereotype in order to denegrate a popular opinion of the band ("punX"), you've already lost any average reader on account of the fact the band's cock seems already in your mouth. the bolding of "professional musicians" is sort of an icing on the cake of this review.

it's an incredibly one sided look at the band, almost as if it's a personal argument in the current debate on the against me selling out deal (which is old, by the way), and simply using a review as a method of getting your gospel out there.

by the same note the comment system could be seen as the same thing, but since you're staff and also the reviewer, more should be expected.

come on guys, if there's not at least half a smidgen of trying to stay objective around here, there'll be nothing different than jason tate's bag of morons over at absolute punk. between this and jesse's surprise five star akimbo review, i almost want to go outside."

Lucky for Sickboi, there is nothing about a review that must remain objective. By definition, it requires a certain amount of the writer's own opinion, and to scream 'bias' at something this trite is simply your own misdirected outrage that maybe some people can still listen to a band, despite their own career choices.
Additionally, your decision to call this 'one-sided' was also foolish, considering these reviews are not usually written by panel, and are, in fact, the reviewers thoughts and feelings towards a particular work or performance.

I love the fags who say the review is "immature", yet they're the same ones that are bitter over Against Me! not being their little secret anymore and not releasing the same record over and over.

Of course, whenever Pennywise releases an album, they recieve shit for releasing the exact same album.

Yet, those same terms don't seem to apply towards A Wilhelm Scream, Bad Religion or any of the "Org-Core" favorites.

Thus, you'll have a bunch of "anonymous" posters circle-jerking over subpar records from the Falcon and Smoke or Fire. Or, continue to talk shit about Rancid, yet still worship the solo album of Tim "Marble Madness" Armstrong.

m/ Org-Core 4Eva! m/

sickboi you know i love you but this was a terribly biased review.

it's biased to the extent of me being surprised it was posted. i mean when you're referring to a group you stereotype in order to denegrate a popular opinion of the band ("punX"), you've already lost any average reader on account of the fact the band's cock seems already in your mouth. the bolding of "professional musicians" is sort of an icing on the cake of this review.

it's an incredibly one sided look at the band, almost as if it's a personal argument in the current debate on the against me selling out deal (which is old, by the way), and simply using a review as a method of getting your gospel out there.

by the same note the comment system could be seen as the same thing, but since you're staff and also the reviewer, more should be expected.

come on guys, if there's not at least half a smidgen of trying to stay objective around here, there'll be nothing different than jason tate's bag of morons over at absolute punk. between this and jesse's surprise five star akimbo review, i almost want to go outside.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 8:22 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Is this a show review or an application to be Tom Gabel's personal assistant?

Take out the dramatic adoration and gushing, where's the damn review?

Don't just call to say I love you.

wyzo

I usually dig Chris's reviews because our tastes match. I can't quite place why but I do not like this review.

I feel like Against Me! and I have grown apart. I don't hold anything against them (if the pun can be forgiven) but I really have no interest in listening to New Wave (I just find it boring and... not good) or seeing them live again. The video for "Thrash Unreal" really made me realize what they want to be as a band just isn't what I like in bands... it was a good ride while it lasted.

Oops, there should have been a before the "Baby, I'm ......"

Wow, I'm a little surprised at the lack of comprehension with the "punX" comment. I clearly state that the definition is of kids that base their opinions solely on their success. Group 2....people that don't like the band or music based on personal tastes?

If someone doesn't like them, or New Wave, cool, but I'm talking about those that act like they were mislead or betrayed. People grow up, develop new tastes and set other priorities. If you don't like the album, or don't care for the band, cool; there are plenty of bands I don't like. But I don't talk blatant shit on them for breaking the 11th commandment of punk rock.

-chris

Great show, good review. The selist was basically that from American's Abroad - Miami - Turn Those Clapping Hands - Axl Rose - You Look Like I need a drink Baby, I'm an Anarchist all of New Wave except FM Airwaves and Up the Cuts.

I agree w/ the one guy about wishing they would vary their setlist a little more. I want to hear We Did it all for Don, Unsubstantiated Rumors, Slurring the Rhythms, Holy Shit, Pretty Girls, and Joy once in a while.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 7:56 PM (EDT)
My Score:

This is a really bad review. All the references to "punX" comes off really stupid and immature. You shouldn't review a band by saying why the people who don't like them are stupid, just say what was good about the show.

Warning: This post contains bitching about Against Me!

I am seeing Against Me! and The Flaming Lips both next month, and Against Me! is going to cost me $8.00 less than The Flaming Lips. I can understand The Flaming Lips charging a bit more, seeing as how they have an extremely elaborate stage set including lights, video screnes, costumes, tons of props, etc. How the hell is Against Me!'s show worth only eight bucks less? What am I paying for, more black American Apparel t's for the boys?

You get Gaslight Anthem and I get fucking Matt and Kim as an opening act? That blows for me.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 7:36 PM (EDT)
My Score:

While I still like Against Me! (I own "New Wave" and will be seeing them for the second time this year next month), I think the way you classify those who will not like any music they put out now as "ignorant" is pretty stupid. Let's be honest, it's not as if "Reinventing Axl Rose" is some sort of musical masterpiece. People were drawn to this band because of their values and what they stood for. You can go to any bar in America and find a band that writes catchier songs, has stronger vocals, and plays their instruments better than early Against Me! did. If you were drawn to the band because of what they stood for, seeing as how they have made a 180 degree turn, not liking them now regardless of their sound is the opposite of ignorance.

hear ye hear ye, against me! sucks, against me! sucks!

Posted by conduit on 2007-08-21 18:32:29
My Score:

Score is for Against Me's "We Did It All For Don", a song they will probably never top.

Also, Everybody likes to act like kids have no say in what a band does. When they are the people putting the money forward so the band can go out and do what they want to do without having to worry about paying for bills or working some shitty 9-5 job when they get back from tour.

It is one thing to change your sound. It is another thing to be the complete antithesis of what you used to stand for.

I don't really have anything against Against Me! (pun intended), but if there is ever a band that i've seen that has truely sold out in the sense of the word, it's them. The ideals of a band that "doesn't care about how many people are counted at the door" just doesn't fucking apply anymore.

And say what you will, but Against Me's live show suffers tenfold the bigger the venue is.

Motherfucker. HTML, you will be the death of me!

-Scott

As professional musicians, I'd expect the band to growl< i> more, especially in appropriate places.

-Scott

You fags are hilarious.

I'm predicting A Wilhelm Scream will be the next "Org-Core" band that everyone will turn on.

P.S. RAR wasn't that good in the first place, "Org-Core".

Oh noes!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by ihateallofyou on 2007-08-21 17:47:13
My Score:

This show ruled, and this review ruled. I got to see lots of friends and also to see some bands totally wail. Against Me! is an amazing live band, and the songs off of New Wave a great live, better then the old stuff even.

"Tom Flew off the handle because he can't take the heat from all the critics of the new album."

For the past few years, he's been incessantly gang raped by the righteous elite who insist on crying about what a "sellout" they think he is. After years with that monkey on your back, I'd love to see how well you could deal with defaced articles.

Posted by the_other_scott on 2007-08-21 17:28:10
My Score:

fucking sellouts. and don't even get me started about Against Me!

remember when the gaslight anthem were just some band that nobody had heard of? next thing you know the're going to be finishing an entire tour without being in debt. fucking careerists.

and that kid that spit on Tom, you're going to tell me you paid money to get into the show and spit on somebody? wow.

I think most of us have watched the band grow and aren't very fond of their newest album are less distraught with the band's creative endeavours than we are with the snarky, overwrought, "holier-than-thou" horse shit we keep reading and hearing from people who are just now coming on the scene.

Congratulations, you spell "punks" with an X in a mocking tone. But fuck you and fuck this band for sitting idly by while dickheads like you and MTV mock the people who lifted them to their present position - the "punX" that kept listening without ever giving a shit as to whether or not Butch Vig produced the latest album.

Ok number one, the kid was not a ignorant "PunX" as you like to put it. Tom Flew off the handle because he can't take the heat from all the critics of the new album.

This has nothing to do with what against me! stands for "You purchase a band’s records, wear their T-shirts, you deserve to get the band at 100% when you come to their show. " purchasing a bands merch is not, dose not entitle you to shit!

You Suck!

"I love "New Wave" and have never really enjoyed "Axl Rose." I don't get what all the fuss is about that album.

P.S. That's not a joke."

You're not the only one. I wasn't into the band back when everyone in online communities raved about them. But I really started to like them when Searching came out. I think my biggest problem with Axl Rose is the screaming and poor performance, because I like the songs a lot better on the live album.

i wish this band changed their setlist more often.

I love "New Wave" and have never really enjoyed "Axl Rose." I don't get what all the fuss is about that album.

P.S. That's not a joke.

Posted by fattony on 2007-08-21 16:37:57
My Score:

I'll admit, New Wave has grown on me, but it's so far removed from their older stuff, it's pretty much a different band altogether. I listened to Reinventing Axl Rose for the first time in a long time last night and the new stuff just doesn't have the same fire or passion to it.

Still, this band fucking destroys live. Their music may be slipping, but their performances have only gotten better since I started listening to them. I might not buy their next album, but I'll always see them live when they roll through.

"I said almost the entire New Wave album. Reading kicks ass.

-chris"

I read the review, and then realized "almost the entirety of New Wave" once I already clicked my little left mouse button.

Hence, the previous apology.

I said almost the entire New Wave album. Reading kicks ass.

-chris

yeah, New Wave isn't a very challenging or interesting album

but Against Me! hasn't lost a step live, they are tighter musically then a few years ago and they're still a blast to see even if the venues are bigger

Posted by telegraphrocks on 2007-08-21 16:21:51
My Score:

Nah, that's mean. I'm sorry.
Score's for you!

Posted by telegraphrocks on 2007-08-21 16:21:24
My Score:

You listed one song they played. Good job!
Score's for the review.

hmmm

i don't think that there would be so much hate towards this band if they still put out quality music. let's face it, bad or not, the last record was booooriing.