Something Corporate

North (2003)

Adam White

Dear Fans of Something Corporate,

You should enjoy North quite a bit.
I'm told it's a more solemn and paced record then their previous, which should
give the band that growth space that a sophomore record should be (you'll have
to forgive me for not being immediately familiar with their previous album).
You'll find lots of contemplative ballads on North, all showcasing Andrew MacMahon's
characteristic piano and smooth vocals. While you won't get your fill of sugary
adolescent pop-punk here, I wouldn't fret. You'll find that you mature past that
phase. If you're a die-hard fan of Something Corporate's past work this should
easily satisfy (that being said, if your a die-hard Something Corporate fan we
really need to sit down and have a little talk).

- Adam

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To the punks,

My friends this is one of those pop records that, largely due to label package
tours, is going to be miscategorized and mismarketed to us. This is really
something that should be a hit with the Ben Folds Five / Dave Matthews crowd,
so I don't suggest you stop spinning that Bronx record or the new Buzzocks
album for this one. I can see this getting slapped with the "emo"
tag as well, but like I've told you before I have no fucking idea what that
genre encompasses. However if you're going to get pulled in by that tag, there
should be one or two more guitar driven numbers on North that would
make decent background music. Overall though this is a pretty toothless animal,
so expect no edge or interesting eccentricities at all. Don't say I didn't warn
you.

- Adam

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Dear Mom,

These Thanksgiving leftovers have lasted an entire week! I've eaten nothing
but turkey for the past 5 days and I couldn't be more pleased. So before the
tryptophan kicks in I wanted to tell you about this band you'll probably hear
on the soft rock station called Something Corporate. If you like them I have this CD of piano ballads you can have called North. It's certainly not my thing but I wouldn't be surprised if you found it rather charming.

- Adam

ps: it's not the new Elvis Costello album, although that's also an album of
piano ballads called North. Go figure.