Motion City Soundtrack Album: “I Am the Movie”

I usually don't give pop punk (if you want to slap a genre on this, that one seems fairly accurate) much of a chance. I find most of the lyrics to be cliched, and most of the hooks to be boring (and to sound like most of the other bands).

However MCS manages to have really well written lyrics, and compliments them with an unique voice from the lead singer. The hooks on this album are incredibly catchy, and I tend to find myself whistling them throughout the day. The keyboard also ads depth to the typical rock band set up. But instead of being gimmicky (like most of the eighties revival stuff around) they have real personality.

Really what it boils down to is that MCS is different. In a genre that has mostly trite and boring content (in my opinion) Motion City stand out. I think that people really respond to the uniqueness of MCS's sound. A wide selection of the people I know enjoy them, and their songs get a lot of play time on party mixes, and in car stereos.

The album itself is well sequenced, for the most part. It keeps high energy throughout its length. The songs tend to have a similar sound, but they all are distinct enough so as to not make the album drag.

Motion City is a good example of a band that's able to find commercial success as well as establishing an unique sound. Commit this to memory is good as well (more 4 star good than 5), and I hope that MCS keeps up the good work.

I'd reccomend seeing them live as well. There's even more energy than on the album, the singer has an excellent voice (note to fallout boy: pick a lead singer who can perform well without the help of a producer), and they really get the crowd into it.

Motion City Soundtrack is the kind of band that fills the space that you didn't know existed until they come along. I first came across their music when I heard My favorite accident on the Burnout 3 soundtrack (an excellent game btw!), and it immediately caught my interest. When I heard the whole album I fell in love. The combination of catchy melodies, great involving lyrics but still a bit rough is was appeals to me. I am very glad that this band exists. Their music sets me in a good mood and makes me see the good things in life and see things from a distance. One of the best 10 albums ever made.

Motion City Soundtrack has a very unique sound. You can't really say it's pop, but you can't really say it isn't either. It's just good music. They're great live too.

First of all, let me preface this with the fact that I have now listened to this album 3 times in a row and still love every single track. It is that amazing.

I first heard of this band on the Warped Tour Comp with the song, "My Favorite Accedent". That song hit me with its teasing piano intro, its powerful and moving lyrics, and its amazing production (check out the bridge section with the overlaid vox). That prompted me to download some more of their stuff and that prompted me to purchase the album. To say the least, this album rocks. It is the most creative and interesting punk/emo/indie album since Benjamins "The Art of Dissapointment." The album also flows so well, and the production is excellent (something I usually don't pay too much attention to).

I heavily suggest this album to any emo/indie fan, especially those who like The Get Up Kids and Benjamins. Prepair to have your mind blown!

Call them EMO or Post-Punk or just Rockers, this is GOOD stuff. The songwriting is excellent, witty lyrics, upbeat energy bursting from each song; mostly missing the wasted negative energy so often found with many of the pissed off punkers, but that doesn't detract from the urgency in songs like "Don't Call it a Comeback" which recalls the Offspring. Songs like "Red Dress" sound alot like Dashboard Confessional. Throughout this release there is refreshing dashes of different musicial stylings, some 80s guitar and synth as well as the classic Green Day strummed power chords. Lastly, the lead vocals of Justin Pierre are really compelling. Reminds me of why I love Feeble Weiner, ie, just earnest as hell, with a touch of irony and humor. My Favorite Accident is an excellent rocker that recalls the Ataris. Bottom line, buy the album, don't make the mistake of downloading a track or two. They're all good and different in there own way. Can't wait for the Sophomore release!!