The Get Up Kids Album: “Something to Write Home About [Australia]”

but, I feel I must comment on something more important. And that is, yes, I am a sellout. This is the first "emo" album I've ever bought. And yes, I bought it at a MAJOR CHAIN record store! Yes, I am a fan of Limp Bizkit and KoRn. And most importantly, yes, I LOVE THIS ALBUM! Now, I know what you maladjusted, ready-to-turn-on-your-band- as-soon-as-some- "trendy" -kid-likes-them morons will say: This isn't half as good as (insert early to mid '90s release here). You'll say that they've changed. I'll agree, because that's what a band is supposed to do. Evolve, stay fresh, and most of all not get boring. And the Get Up Kids are far from boring. Sure, it's not innovative musically, and yes, it's unbelievably catchy. So what? It's still a rockin' album, and that is all that needs to be said. If you like music, you'll like this album. If you like complaining, you'll complain about this album. But if you're smart, you'll give it a listen.

In '97 when The Get Up Kids released "Four Minute Mile", the phrase "emo" was barely used, and when it was it wasn't associated with an instinctive feeling of redundant annoyance. The Get Up Kids were bringing something to the surface that many people hadn't heard before and it was wonderful. Simple soft music played by a bunch of whiny dejected kids that had an extreme talent for poppy fun tracks as well as emotional tales of lost love and loneliness.

By the time "Something To Write Home About" hit in '99 they had absolutely perfected this sound, and the result is one of my favorite albums ever. I'm proud to say that while now (years later) I've grown really annoyed with the steady stream of adolescent singers whining about x-girlfriends, I still love this release every time I put it in.

There's something extremely sincere about what TGUK were doing then. Their songs don't feel like they were made simply to force sappy unconvincing tales of woe down everyone's throat and make them feel like they should spend all night crying about bullies or the girls that don't like them. No, it feels more like Matt Pryor and company are writing music for themselves in the way that they see fit, regardless of what is the current trend. The fact that the sound they utilized eventually became the trend isn't a reason to shun their work, but rather to give it interest and realize how great it is.

"Red Letter Day", "Action Action" and "I'm A Loner Dottie I'm A Rebel" are great fast paced poppy tunes, the first being the strongest track on the release. On the other end of the gamut are softer moments like "I'll Catch You" and "Out Of Reach" which really slow things down with soft piano and quiet singing.

Overall this is a great CD and everyone should check it out with an open mind regardless of what you think about the stuff that's coming out today. While no, this isn't the first group to have "emo" sound, they are in my opinion the first group that made it so accessible.

*On a side note: If you enjoy this at all, be sure to check out the side project of the bands singer, Matt Pryor. Its called "The New Amsterdams" and is exceedingly good. The first two releases under that name were good but not amazing, but the newest titled "Worse For The Wear" is one of the best albums in the past few years for sure. Definitely check it out!

Sure, there is nothing totally original on this album. It's not one of the best albums of all time, either. No where near it. It is, however, one of the most fun and enjoyable recordings I have ever heard.

That is why I gave it five stars. EVERY track is brimming with energy, and even the slow songs have a sense of power lurking within them. The opener "Holiday," for example, starts rocking from the start and just doesn't stop. The closer "I'll Catch You," on the other hand, is a tune you usually don't see these days. It's incredibly beautiful, and the addition of James Dewees on keyboards makes it even more spectacular.

Sure, it's not a musical milestone, but Something To Write Home About is perhaps one of the most enjoyable CDs I've heard in a long time. Get Up, and get it now.

This album is the type that makes you want to lie on the floor and stare into space while contemplating your life. it could even coerce a formerly sane person into writing in a journal or stopping by salvation army to find bargains on turtlenecks.....ok, honestly, this isn't really what the get up kids are all about. they've never claimed to be emo or anything else, that's just the category they fit best into. but the great music they make, especially on this album, is beyond comparison or labeling. emo, punk, whatever you want to call it...music like this can't be found anywhere else. the keyboards add a unique sound, not wannabe weezer! from the upbeat "10 minutes" and "red letter day" to soft ballads "long goodnight" and "i'll catch you", this cd...um...lives up to its title (can't think of any stupid metaphors right now)

These guys are one of my favorite bands along with Reggie and The Full Effect. "Something To Write Home About" in my opinion is their best album and "I'll Catch You" is the best song.