Different, but in a good way
It took me a while to fully appreciate this CD because it wasn't what I was expecting at all; not everything was as fast paced as the songs on 'let's talk about feelings'. But after just three listens, I was in love with the album. Lagwagon develops a new sound with each album they release, and I can attest that they sound better every time. Blaze differs from its predecessor by adding some touches of Joey's side band "Bad Astronaut" (the intro to first song on 'Houston: we have a drinking problem' is very similar to Burn). And although they do change their style, traces of their old musical style can still be heard on the cd with songs like 'Billy Club' (which sounds very similar to 'Angry Days').
This CD IS Lagwagon: catchy, melodic punk music. Definitely a must have - it makes the long wait worth while.
Reincarnation of Old Lag Mixed with the New
After having this since it came out over a year ago...I finally decided to give this new Lagwagon album a real listen. It's pretty good stuff. Definitely worthy melodic punk from today. It took a while to come out and I stupidly never really listened to it til now. Joey's still a great singer with his awesome voice. They added a few old things they used to do on "Trashed" and "Duh". The thing is I love is the METAL solos! Plus it kind of has the sound of Joey Cape's new project Bad Astronaut and even the pop-punk bliss of Hoss.Song Overview:
1.Burn-}5/5. This is a sweet opener. From the slow intro to the intense old school approach w/ the nice guitar leads. A meaningful tune.
2.E Dagger}3/5. Just a joke song. It ain't too bad. Kind of funny and a little catchy. It's a keeper at least.
3.Dancing the Collapse}4/5. Cool sounding music at classic Lagwagon styling. In tact w/ a wah pedal
4.I Must Be Hateful}5/5. Cool song...because the cool jangling guitar lead. The meantioning of Jawbreaker. I love it when bands meantion other bands and it's a great tune. Pretty catchy.
5.Falling Apart}4/5. Song about getting old with funny lyrics. Cool Lag music and breakdowns. Catchy and easy to sing with.
6.Max Says}5/5. Another good good song about some kid named Max and beliefs,etc. Rocking song again with a cool jangling part and even the old school parts mixed in.
7.Billy Club}2.5/5It's an alright song. It doesn't suck, but it's probably my least favorite song.
8.Dividers}4.5/5. Old school guitar parts! It's kinda political, but the true political song is the next. Good song.
9.Never Stops}4/5 The political song about "colors of democracy/on the back of every SUV" and other cool lines. Some cool guitar parts.
10.Dinner and A Movie}4.5/5 The music just really tickles my fancy. It's fast and has a good classic lag feel with the melody and speed.
11.Lullaby}4/5. Decent tune. Using the same outburst from the quiet to the fast paced like the first track "Burn".
12.Billionaire}4/5. Cool guitar solo at the beginning and the songis pretty meaningful.
13.Tomorrow is Heartbreak}3.5/5. It's an OK song. Gets kind of tiring after a while. But it's a decent tune.
14.Baggage}4.5/5. Good closer. I like the intro ringing and music overall. Cool song.
Their Best Album
what can i say ..... just buy it ... one of the best punk albums of 2003 ...
Another great release
This album came to my surprise to be one of lagwagon's greatest.
A few songs start slow and all of a sudden burst into energetic bliss. This band is not like most of the newer bands that just became main-stream and tend to claim to be punk (e.g. Good Charlotte). The major difference is that they will never come close to the energy that is held in these songs. Also all those other bands will never have the thought that is put in these brilliant songs. This is a must buy for any lagwagon fan, or someone searching for a fun band.
Favorite Songs:(*"Never Stops")("E Dagger")("Billionaire")("Burn")
different, but still good
this cd is really good. not the best album, but still great.
2003 enhanced album on Fat Wreck Chords, their first since 1998.
