(Non) Obligatory Post about Pretty.Odd.
May. 25th, 2008 07:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wishfulclicking It has been a week since I have posted here. Obviously, I have been around commenting on journals and being ridiculous but this week gap has been my longest break to date. Anyways, I have wanted to do a Pretty.Odd. post now ever since I bought the album; but I am a horrible procrastinator.
This got especially long. As a side note, typing out Pretty.Odd. screws with my punctuation. I swear that I am coming with the music post...it actually might be later tonight. I promise that I am not a spammer.
Pretty.Odd. One Month Later (or really two but the intent was it to be a month earlier....)
I have now banned myself from discussing Pretty.Odd. repeatedly on communities. I now realize I just need to get it all out there on my journal and then move onto bigger and better things (Spencer Smith is being photographed repeatedly at the moment, and I need to get my right mouse button ready to save those pics people!) Let's talk about Pretty.Odd. and music and artists. Of course this is all my opinion, but that is what this journal is for... (and recs, and picspams).
So pretty much, I love this album. Let's get that out of the way. Plus, allow me to establish my credentials for critiquing music: I love listening to all types of music, but I am in no way a music major so you won't hear any excellent meta on the instruments besides --ukulele! spencer is being awesome on the drums again! Jon needs to play bass 4ev! Ross you little freak! Brendon---how are you real!
Pretty.Odd. is a different album from A Fever You Can't Sweat Out. If you loved the sound of Fever which then led you to tolerate the band Panic! at the disco--then you may not like Pretty.Odd. At least, you will not rave about it from first listening if you loved the sound of Fever. Pretty.Odd. has a distinctively different sound than Fever. Pretty.Odd. is not a bad album---neither is it the best thing ever. This album is (at least to me) the best album the band Panic at the Disco made for the moment.
Which leads me to if you love the band...
I don't know about you (invisible though you may be), but I really like this band. There is a bulleted list of reasons why I adore this foursome and it is not a list consisted solely of Spencer Smith written multiple times. Eventually, I will explain how I got into bandom as a fandom situation (the fic and a certain reccing comm.), but for now just know that I got into Panic in a sort of assbackwards way.
I am not going to lie. Pretty.Odd. threw me for a loop. I just bought Fever last year in December (yes I am horribly late to the party---will explain later). For an album, I really enjoy putting the CD in my car and bopping along (yes I am a dork). I love the fast pace of the album and I could list track by track what I love specifically about each song. (Actually I will do that at a later date.) When I bought Pretty.Odd. I needed to ease into the album. I did not love the album straight from the beginning, but like PStump says "the songs you grow to like never stick at first". My first reaction to the album was 'huh?' I immediately skipped to 'Nine in the Afternoon' and sung along like a happy geek and then I gave myself a preview of each song and then tossed it aside. The only songs that stuck out for me were 'Pas de Cheval' and 'Mad as Rabbits'. But my problem was that I went in expecting Fever 2.0. It took me 2 days later and then I listened to Pretty.Odd. via my IPOD on a Friday night and just let the music flow over me. That is when I fell in love with the album. Let me amend, I was listening to the album and then I hit 'That Green Gentleman' and got stuck on the awesome. Then 'Northern Downpour' stealthily attacked me with the all the greatness.
A very special thing happened that made me love this band: April 22, Honda Civic Tour, Concert of all things awesome and great. Seriously, if you get the chance to hear Panic live, do it. Really, if you get the chance to hear any music cthat you love live---DO IT! I bought the tickets early February after an operation that would have impressed James Bond with the level of thought and planning that went into it. I bought these tickets without hearing any of Pretty.Odd. because I am a freak when it comes to album leaks; and I was nervous at first. This was my first concert featuring music where I was a minority ( ok that was an issue for me, the only other concert I had been to was a Kanye West event) and I was going by myself. With all of those issues, I would do it all over again. The only thing I would change was my seat: I WANT TO BE CLOSER!! (Though that may not have been the best thing since I flipped out like a fool---especially for parts where Spencer excelled at the drumming!) Seeing them live cemented my respect and adoration of this band. ( I really need them to release a Live DVD for this tour.)
Anyways-- I want Panic at the Disco to last as a band. I really don't believe a band can last if they don't make music that they enjoy. Would they have received more success if they had stuck with the vibe of Fever? Who knows? Fact: their first album has sold over 1 million albums; while their second has only sold close to 250,000 to date. Fact: their first album peaked at # 13 on the Billboard charts, but Pretty.Odd. debuted at #2. Honestly, I don't really expect Pretty.Odd. to pull the same numbers as the first. Would I be overjoyed? Hell yes. Would I be surprised? I would throw a party. I would probably even broadcast it.
I think there were several factors concerning the album sales. First, when Fever came out, they were the Next Big Thing. You could go nowhere without hearing 'I Write Sins Not Tragedies' either on MTV or on the radio. They were riding the wave of Wentz and Fall Out Boy. Everyone knows the purchasing power of teen girls. Now, Panic is not the Next Big Thing. Also, their music has grown up. Panic got a ton of press for this album which they probably would not have received if they were not previous platinum sellers.
Second, have you looked at the economy lately? In the U.S., everyone is sort of PANICKING (haha--I had to!) about gas prices and the injured house market. People have less money for leisure. Usually music and entertainment are not hit by economic slumps, but this time, I think there is an effect. Everyone is selling less records: Madonna, Mariah Carey, etc. Guess what: The Honda Civic Tour is selling out at many venues and the show I went to was so awesome. Everyone in the atmosphere had an excellent time. Even the reviews from people who are not addicted to Panic refer to the band's growth in live performances.
All I do know is that Panic obviously had issues with their first album by the end of the Nothing Rhymes with Circus Tour. In the DVD, Jon even said that they were looking into changing their sound. The one constant of all the interviews and other press for this album is how they all love the music they are doing now. Third, the internet. This may be unpopular, but I do believe that downloading has an effect on initial sales. Ok--if you are broke and really want to listen to an album but you also need clothes or food, then what are you going to pick? There have been times where I picked the music--and I was hungry and looking busted until the next paycheck :) Some people pick the necessities. Panic at the Disco have no problem with that: Ryan has explicitly said that he would prefer someone download their album if that is the only way they can hear the music. Spencer has thanked the internet for their popularity and gave his blessing for downloading while hoping Lars Ulrich does not come and kick his ass. I, too, download music. Eventually, I go and buy those artists that I really like. Panic may have lost some inital sales, but I don't think they are hurt from it.
Track by Track: Pretty.Odd. -- The Experience (random thoughts by a random person on an awesome album)
1. We're So Starving -- I think this was a great opener. It's not too serious but it does have intent. They are the same band---though I would think different after this album.
2. Nine in the Afternoon -- This was the first single and I adored it from the beginning. It is Most Played Track on my IPOD and I don't see it being overturned anytime soon. I love singing along to it and every time it just makes me grin this completely happy grin. I have never not cracked a smile/grin when I hear this song. Every time I see the video I have to stop what I am doing and watch. Can I take a moment and just meditate on Spencer Smith in that video? He grins! I love the outfit. Brendon is such a hyper spaz in that video---I LOVE IT! Jon Walker's room of sunshine is always golden to me. I adore Ryan too.
3. She's a Handsome Woman -- I am not really sure what this song is entirely about (what is new about Ross's lyrics?). I love the opening though-- Yeah! Also, Jon's bass makes me squeal every time I hear it.
4. Do You Know What I'm Seeing? -- I prefer the alternate version; but I do love this song. The whole chorus just gets me and I find myself quoting it every time I encounter Florida's spastic weather. A flock of birds? Seriously. Say no to sound machines!
5. That Green Gentleman -- This was the song that solidified this album for me. I got stuck on it for a week and I got it on my 25 Most Played in a night. I listened to it on repeat for an entire night! My standout parts are when Brendon sings 'pretty.odd.' and that pseudo yodeling part towards then end. I love this song live too.
6. I Have Friends in Holy Spaces -- I used to skip this song because it was before 'Northern Downpour' and I love that song. It is not my favorite but I do love it too. I like the old feel of it and how I envision Brendon in black and white with slicked back hair singing it into a microphone. This song makes me want Brendon on a stage dancing like Gene Kelly. I'd like it a lot...if the sun would come out and sing with me. I love the whimsy of that line. Brendon!!!
7. Northern Downpour -- I don't think I need to explain my love for this song. I really think this is my favorite song on the entire album. Brendon's voice. The lines. The harmonies. You are at the top of my lungs. I missed your skin when you were east. I could quote this entire song. I reference this song to get people to like Panic. Words can't justify the sheer feeling I have for this song.
8. When the Day Met the Night -- Apparently this was a song they were doing earlier, I wouldn't know since I got into the LJ community late because I am lame. This is a fairytale set to music. I love it. One of my favorite parts though is the drums. They are not overpowering or anything, but they add to the song in important ways. I want this song to have an animated short to go with it.
9. Pas de Cheval -- DRUMS!! HORSES!! That is all. I love the spirit of the song and that guitar part. This song used to be my go to song, and it is excellent live. PANIC LIVE DVD!!! IT NEEEDS TO HAPPEN!
10. The Piano Knows Something I Don't Know -- I love Spencer Smith. My love is obvious (icons...comments in some journals....pic spams...etc.) but if he did not write another lyric again, I would be ok with that. 'I won't cut my beard....' that line is ridiculous. It makes me laugh so usually I skip the first 55 sec and then enjoy the rest of the song. Ryan's fixation on Keltie's dancing is so there, it makes me happy all the time.
11. Behind the Sea -- Ryan's song. I really prefer the alternate version as a song more; but I cherish the album version for entertainment. Waves of wooden legs! There is one part where Brendon jumps in that I love. The line 'we're all to small to talk to god' just makes me sigh every time.
12. Folkin' Around -- Brendon's song. I had to love it anyways because it is Brendon's song. It is not my favorite, but I respect the meaning behind this song for the band and for Brendon. This song just feels like Brendon: it is fun and states it meaning without layered complexities. I just wish it was longer. It kind of makes me want to do a jig when I hear it.
13. She Had the World -- This song is not one of my favorites; but it has grown on me. Though I really love the line 'I don't love you, I'm just passing the time. You would love me. If I knew how to lie. But who could love me? I am out of my mind.' Ryan Ross!!!!
14. From a Mountain in the Middle of the Cabins -- This is the song that is most reminiscent of Fever for me. In a review, the writer even stated that this one had a similar vibe to their first album. I really love the tone of Brendon's voice in this and the line 'go spin circles for me'. This title is really long so that is a throwback to Fever. Did anyone else think that they actually stayed in a more rustic cabin? When they released the pictures, I was like 'ok, my definition of cabin needs to expand....greatly.'
15. Mad as Rabbits -- The lyrics for this song makes no sense...but it is so awesome! Spencer is really great in this...and I think he wrote his own drumming part. There is a spirit of carefree liveliness that I just love so much. The interplay of verses just makes me grin all the time. This song was the closer for my show and it was just so fantastic. WE MUST REINVENT LOVE!!!!
I have now banned myself from discussing Pretty.Odd. repeatedly on communities. I now realize I just need to get it all out there on my journal and then move onto bigger and better things (Spencer Smith is being photographed repeatedly at the moment, and I need to get my right mouse button ready to save those pics people!) Let's talk about Pretty.Odd. and music and artists. Of course this is all my opinion, but that is what this journal is for... (and recs, and picspams).
So pretty much, I love this album. Let's get that out of the way. Plus, allow me to establish my credentials for critiquing music: I love listening to all types of music, but I am in no way a music major so you won't hear any excellent meta on the instruments besides --ukulele! spencer is being awesome on the drums again! Jon needs to play bass 4ev! Ross you little freak! Brendon---how are you real!
Pretty.Odd. is a different album from A Fever You Can't Sweat Out. If you loved the sound of Fever which then led you to tolerate the band Panic! at the disco--then you may not like Pretty.Odd. At least, you will not rave about it from first listening if you loved the sound of Fever. Pretty.Odd. has a distinctively different sound than Fever. Pretty.Odd. is not a bad album---neither is it the best thing ever. This album is (at least to me) the best album the band Panic at the Disco made for the moment.
Which leads me to if you love the band...
I don't know about you (invisible though you may be), but I really like this band. There is a bulleted list of reasons why I adore this foursome and it is not a list consisted solely of Spencer Smith written multiple times. Eventually, I will explain how I got into bandom as a fandom situation (the fic and a certain reccing comm.), but for now just know that I got into Panic in a sort of assbackwards way.
I am not going to lie. Pretty.Odd. threw me for a loop. I just bought Fever last year in December (yes I am horribly late to the party---will explain later). For an album, I really enjoy putting the CD in my car and bopping along (yes I am a dork). I love the fast pace of the album and I could list track by track what I love specifically about each song. (Actually I will do that at a later date.) When I bought Pretty.Odd. I needed to ease into the album. I did not love the album straight from the beginning, but like PStump says "the songs you grow to like never stick at first". My first reaction to the album was 'huh?' I immediately skipped to 'Nine in the Afternoon' and sung along like a happy geek and then I gave myself a preview of each song and then tossed it aside. The only songs that stuck out for me were 'Pas de Cheval' and 'Mad as Rabbits'. But my problem was that I went in expecting Fever 2.0. It took me 2 days later and then I listened to Pretty.Odd. via my IPOD on a Friday night and just let the music flow over me. That is when I fell in love with the album. Let me amend, I was listening to the album and then I hit 'That Green Gentleman' and got stuck on the awesome. Then 'Northern Downpour' stealthily attacked me with the all the greatness.
A very special thing happened that made me love this band: April 22, Honda Civic Tour, Concert of all things awesome and great. Seriously, if you get the chance to hear Panic live, do it. Really, if you get the chance to hear any music cthat you love live---DO IT! I bought the tickets early February after an operation that would have impressed James Bond with the level of thought and planning that went into it. I bought these tickets without hearing any of Pretty.Odd. because I am a freak when it comes to album leaks; and I was nervous at first. This was my first concert featuring music where I was a minority ( ok that was an issue for me, the only other concert I had been to was a Kanye West event) and I was going by myself. With all of those issues, I would do it all over again. The only thing I would change was my seat: I WANT TO BE CLOSER!! (Though that may not have been the best thing since I flipped out like a fool---especially for parts where Spencer excelled at the drumming!) Seeing them live cemented my respect and adoration of this band. ( I really need them to release a Live DVD for this tour.)
Anyways-- I want Panic at the Disco to last as a band. I really don't believe a band can last if they don't make music that they enjoy. Would they have received more success if they had stuck with the vibe of Fever? Who knows? Fact: their first album has sold over 1 million albums; while their second has only sold close to 250,000 to date. Fact: their first album peaked at # 13 on the Billboard charts, but Pretty.Odd. debuted at #2. Honestly, I don't really expect Pretty.Odd. to pull the same numbers as the first. Would I be overjoyed? Hell yes. Would I be surprised? I would throw a party. I would probably even broadcast it.
I think there were several factors concerning the album sales. First, when Fever came out, they were the Next Big Thing. You could go nowhere without hearing 'I Write Sins Not Tragedies' either on MTV or on the radio. They were riding the wave of Wentz and Fall Out Boy. Everyone knows the purchasing power of teen girls. Now, Panic is not the Next Big Thing. Also, their music has grown up. Panic got a ton of press for this album which they probably would not have received if they were not previous platinum sellers.
Second, have you looked at the economy lately? In the U.S., everyone is sort of PANICKING (haha--I had to!) about gas prices and the injured house market. People have less money for leisure. Usually music and entertainment are not hit by economic slumps, but this time, I think there is an effect. Everyone is selling less records: Madonna, Mariah Carey, etc. Guess what: The Honda Civic Tour is selling out at many venues and the show I went to was so awesome. Everyone in the atmosphere had an excellent time. Even the reviews from people who are not addicted to Panic refer to the band's growth in live performances.
All I do know is that Panic obviously had issues with their first album by the end of the Nothing Rhymes with Circus Tour. In the DVD, Jon even said that they were looking into changing their sound. The one constant of all the interviews and other press for this album is how they all love the music they are doing now. Third, the internet. This may be unpopular, but I do believe that downloading has an effect on initial sales. Ok--if you are broke and really want to listen to an album but you also need clothes or food, then what are you going to pick? There have been times where I picked the music--and I was hungry and looking busted until the next paycheck :) Some people pick the necessities. Panic at the Disco have no problem with that: Ryan has explicitly said that he would prefer someone download their album if that is the only way they can hear the music. Spencer has thanked the internet for their popularity and gave his blessing for downloading while hoping Lars Ulrich does not come and kick his ass. I, too, download music. Eventually, I go and buy those artists that I really like. Panic may have lost some inital sales, but I don't think they are hurt from it.
Track by Track: Pretty.Odd. -- The Experience (random thoughts by a random person on an awesome album)
1. We're So Starving -- I think this was a great opener. It's not too serious but it does have intent. They are the same band---though I would think different after this album.
2. Nine in the Afternoon -- This was the first single and I adored it from the beginning. It is Most Played Track on my IPOD and I don't see it being overturned anytime soon. I love singing along to it and every time it just makes me grin this completely happy grin. I have never not cracked a smile/grin when I hear this song. Every time I see the video I have to stop what I am doing and watch. Can I take a moment and just meditate on Spencer Smith in that video? He grins! I love the outfit. Brendon is such a hyper spaz in that video---I LOVE IT! Jon Walker's room of sunshine is always golden to me. I adore Ryan too.
3. She's a Handsome Woman -- I am not really sure what this song is entirely about (what is new about Ross's lyrics?). I love the opening though-- Yeah! Also, Jon's bass makes me squeal every time I hear it.
4. Do You Know What I'm Seeing? -- I prefer the alternate version; but I do love this song. The whole chorus just gets me and I find myself quoting it every time I encounter Florida's spastic weather. A flock of birds? Seriously. Say no to sound machines!
5. That Green Gentleman -- This was the song that solidified this album for me. I got stuck on it for a week and I got it on my 25 Most Played in a night. I listened to it on repeat for an entire night! My standout parts are when Brendon sings 'pretty.odd.' and that pseudo yodeling part towards then end. I love this song live too.
6. I Have Friends in Holy Spaces -- I used to skip this song because it was before 'Northern Downpour' and I love that song. It is not my favorite but I do love it too. I like the old feel of it and how I envision Brendon in black and white with slicked back hair singing it into a microphone. This song makes me want Brendon on a stage dancing like Gene Kelly. I'd like it a lot...if the sun would come out and sing with me. I love the whimsy of that line. Brendon!!!
7. Northern Downpour -- I don't think I need to explain my love for this song. I really think this is my favorite song on the entire album. Brendon's voice. The lines. The harmonies. You are at the top of my lungs. I missed your skin when you were east. I could quote this entire song. I reference this song to get people to like Panic. Words can't justify the sheer feeling I have for this song.
8. When the Day Met the Night -- Apparently this was a song they were doing earlier, I wouldn't know since I got into the LJ community late because I am lame. This is a fairytale set to music. I love it. One of my favorite parts though is the drums. They are not overpowering or anything, but they add to the song in important ways. I want this song to have an animated short to go with it.
9. Pas de Cheval -- DRUMS!! HORSES!! That is all. I love the spirit of the song and that guitar part. This song used to be my go to song, and it is excellent live. PANIC LIVE DVD!!! IT NEEEDS TO HAPPEN!
10. The Piano Knows Something I Don't Know -- I love Spencer Smith. My love is obvious (icons...comments in some journals....pic spams...etc.) but if he did not write another lyric again, I would be ok with that. 'I won't cut my beard....' that line is ridiculous. It makes me laugh so usually I skip the first 55 sec and then enjoy the rest of the song. Ryan's fixation on Keltie's dancing is so there, it makes me happy all the time.
11. Behind the Sea -- Ryan's song. I really prefer the alternate version as a song more; but I cherish the album version for entertainment. Waves of wooden legs! There is one part where Brendon jumps in that I love. The line 'we're all to small to talk to god' just makes me sigh every time.
12. Folkin' Around -- Brendon's song. I had to love it anyways because it is Brendon's song. It is not my favorite, but I respect the meaning behind this song for the band and for Brendon. This song just feels like Brendon: it is fun and states it meaning without layered complexities. I just wish it was longer. It kind of makes me want to do a jig when I hear it.
13. She Had the World -- This song is not one of my favorites; but it has grown on me. Though I really love the line 'I don't love you, I'm just passing the time. You would love me. If I knew how to lie. But who could love me? I am out of my mind.' Ryan Ross!!!!
14. From a Mountain in the Middle of the Cabins -- This is the song that is most reminiscent of Fever for me. In a review, the writer even stated that this one had a similar vibe to their first album. I really love the tone of Brendon's voice in this and the line 'go spin circles for me'. This title is really long so that is a throwback to Fever. Did anyone else think that they actually stayed in a more rustic cabin? When they released the pictures, I was like 'ok, my definition of cabin needs to expand....greatly.'
15. Mad as Rabbits -- The lyrics for this song makes no sense...but it is so awesome! Spencer is really great in this...and I think he wrote his own drumming part. There is a spirit of carefree liveliness that I just love so much. The interplay of verses just makes me grin all the time. This song was the closer for my show and it was just so fantastic. WE MUST REINVENT LOVE!!!!
This got especially long. As a side note, typing out Pretty.Odd. screws with my punctuation. I swear that I am coming with the music post...it actually might be later tonight. I promise that I am not a spammer.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-06-21 09:06 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-21 11:06 am (UTC)I am definitely going to add you back.
(Yay to having Top Chef and Panic in common!)