Description:Though much has been made of their move to a major label, that doesn't appear to have affected the Ataris as much as good old-fashioned maturity. So Long, Astoria, their fifth album, is packed with more of the emo punk hooks and open-hearted earnestness that earned them legions of fans while signed to Kung Fu Records but now their souThough much has been made of their move to a major label, that doesn't appear to have affected the Ataris as much as good old-fashioned maturity. So Long, Astoria, their fifth album, is packed with more of the emo punk hooks and open-hearted earnestness that earned them legions of fans while signed to Kung Fu Records but now their sound is bigger, brighter and cleaner. Most noticeable, though, is the thematic maturity of singer Kris Roe, as he expresses a depth that sets him apart from his peers--just try to imagine Blink 182 delivering a line like "Being grown up isn't half as fun as growing up" ("In This Diary"). Elsewhere, Roe shows his age on "The Saddest Song" (an open apology to his young daughter), "Summer of '79" (his memories of a time before most Ataris fans were born) and the title track (which is inspired by the classic 1980s film The Goonies). And it's not just the lyrics that show the Ataris are all grown up: the twinning of chiming lead guitar and simple, sturdy bass in "My Reply" is reminiscent of U2 around the time of The Joshua Tree, before it explodes into its more familiar pop-punk glory. They even do a decent rendition of Don Henley's mid-life crisis anthem "Boys of Summer". Emo--it ain't just for kids anymore. --Robert Burrow... (more)(less)
Manufacturer : Columbia Release date : 3 March 2003 EAN: 5099751053026
"Obviously the Ataris makes the top of my list. I love this album. There is not a single song on here I don't not like. "In This Diary" is by far the most awesome song ever, and "My Reply" is a great song about real life. "The Hero Dies In This One" is another great song that is sung with so much passion it makes you stop and contemplate your own life. Other favorites are "Looking Back on Today" and of course "So Long, Astoria" If I haven't already influenced you, go check this album out."
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