Customer Reviews

Atticus: Dragging the Lake 3

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Everyone needs to stop bashing people just because they "went to the same school" and whatnot...ACTUALLY HAVE A FRICKEN REVIEW!! THIS IS NOT A FORUM FOR DISCUSSION!!!

Now, with that out of the way, nowhere on the cd or packaging is there a reference to this music being referred to as punk, so YES, all of you who say it isn't punk would be correct, but tastes and genres of music are changing, as well as the types of bands as well...as much as most people would hate to admit it, Emo music is becoming a major part of the musical society...and I agree that most bands of that particular genre have a very similar sound, but the songs aren't the same, that is what sets them apart.

This particular does not have only emo music on it...it has different genres as well, from bands such as Death Cab For Cutie and Mae (refreshing music in my opinion) and Alexisonfire (screamo)...so there is a variety of different music on this cd. This is not meant to be a "Punk" music cd, so enough of the zero star reviews based on the fact that you don't know what you want and you wasted your money on this because you THOUGHT it was punk...maybe you should read into who is on a cd before you buy it. THAT WOULD BE SMART!! Anywho, the reason that this cd deserves 5 stars is because it covers such a wide spectrum of bands, whether they be popular currently or up-and-coming, that it is worth the little amount of money required. Think about it this way, $8 divided by 24 songs = approximately $.33 cents a song...YOU CAN'T GO WRONG!! If you are into this music, I also suggest anything from the Warped Tour Series (also under $10, but with 2 cds included in each of the 2002-2005 compilations) and the Punk-O-Rama series (some are better than others, some with 2 cds, a cd/dvd combo, etc.) which isn't as good, but has better punk ties on it...in either case...this is a great Christmas gift to buy for those who are strapped for cash. My synopsis: IT IS WORTH THE 33 CENTS A SONG!!

People need to take this for what it is and not get so bent out of shape over genres and labels. I'll admit that I don't like all the songs on the CD, actually I can probably dislike half of them, but considering there is over 20 tracks and it cost me around $7 that isn't bad at all. It is definitely worth it, because the tracks I did like introduced me to bands I have never heard before. Which is precisely the point of compilation CDs. Personally, I liked the second Atticus compilation much better, but if you liked that one then you'll still probably enjoy this. It took me two or three listens until I warmed up to any of the tracks, so don't be quick to judge it.

If you are just angsty because you thought you were going to get something you didn't, get over it and give the CD away to friend or relative. If you are really worried about getting your investment of $8 back, sell it to one of those used CD stores. However, I doubt that will be necessary.

This cd is, in my opinion, the best out of the 3 Atticus albums. I picked it up because I own the other two and this cd delivers what it always has. With a few familiar bands on the list such as taking back sunday, blink 182 and fall out boy, many songs are from little known bands that have great tracks. Some songs are lighter than others, and others... well opposite of light would be a good word. I enjoy #8, #13, #17, and #24 (a pure acoustic track). All of these songs are very different than the other, and this gives me a chance to really explore and expand the solid bands that are harder to find.

7 bucks for this cd is one heck of a deal. this cd is amazing and continues in the atticus line of awesome compilations, though in a different, less punk way. with quirky bands such as bedoiun soundclash and the sounds and piebald this cd gains a new element. i cant really put it into words, but this cd is refreshingly new. some of my favorite include the songs by the sounds, bedouin soundclash, lucero, taking back sunday, rise against, MxPx, murder by death(this song represents a lot for me), lydia, gratitude, and pretty much everything on here. even if you buy this and find that you like only half of the songs (by the way every song here is uniquely different, something you dont find as much on the first two) it is still well worth the money. gotta love these compilations keep them coming

I originally picked this up on a whim, seeing as it included Blink 182 and Death Cab for Cutie, and I'm very glad I did.
As with any compilation, there are some hits and some misses on this album. The theme is definitely punk, but it runs the gamut of Blink182's brand of pop-punk to the classic punk style of The Bled, and just about everything in between. While my personal preferences lean more to the pop-punk end of the spectrum (classic punk, to me, sounds like melodic screaming), there's enough variety for anybody who likes punk to find *something* they will like. However, that also means that just about everybody is also likely to find something they don't like. I think this album achieves what it sets out to do: collect a wide variety of punk styles. However, because it is such a wide variety, the theme isn't as cohesive as it could be. All in all, I recommend this as a good introduction to a variety of bands using the many different incarnations of the "punk" sound.

First off, the Atticus collections never feature great music; with the exception of the occasional song. Hate to break everyone's hearts. This one in particular is chock fulla corny, sappy, pop-punk goodness. Not that it's not fun to listen to, but (and like I said, with certain exceptions) there's nothing on here that you couldn't see on MTV and make a mixtape out of. Taking 15 bands, half of them sub-par, and putting together a collection of the only single (if you can call it that) off their latest lame album doesn't make a quality recording.

If you're looking for something a bit more edgy, try picking up the complilations put together by the indie labels themselves of the best songs from their artists. Because this is usually where you're going to find stand-out tracks that you can really appreciate for the fact that you like it, not because blink-182 says they're cool (and no disrespect because I love blink too). That's just my advice. To everyone who does really enjoy the music on here that's cool too. I'd still rather hear Dragging The Lake blaring out of someones car than the newest DJ Kay Slay or Funkmaster Flex mixtape that's for sure, or should I say, fo sho.

And to the previous reviewer who commented that the worst track on the album is Saosin's Bury Your Head; if you had any musical taste beyond Blink or MXPX because they're "frickin awesome" you'd know that Anthony Green is one of the most respected vocalists in the independant scene. Saosin's Translating The Name EP featuring Green on vocals is held by many as one of the best independant debut EPs of all time. If you want further proof, download the acoustic version of Seven Years and tell me if you can think of another emo-vocalist with anywhere near the same range. It's always better to open your ears before you open your mouth.

Of the three Atticus cds this would be my least favorite. Not as exciting not as hard but still some good bands on it (LYDIA, BOSS' BRO IS DRUMMER)I would buy it again cause I love atticus but choose for yourself. You could flip a coin on this one.

Ok, I admit, I dont own this CD. But I do own most of the songs on it (Rise Against, Alexisonfire, Taking Back Sunday, Funeral For A Friend, Motion City Soundtrack etc) those are all amazing songs and I would buy the CD if I did not own them. However if this CD was filled with Brittney Spears all except for Bury Your Head by Saosin I would still buy it. I got Bury Your Head off Itunes and it is an amazing song. Its not on a CD but it is definetly Saosin at their best, the music video is crazy as well, you can view it on the Saosin web page. So if you enjoy the bands on this cd but don't have more than half of these songs, this cd is a great one to buy, Plus its 8 bucks!

I have to admit that I was skeptical and I thought that every track would be from some mediocre screamo band...but...I was wrong. This CD is very good and it does have a variety of music on it, but they all fall under Alt. Rock. This CD will educate you of the best new bands out there, and you won't be dissapointed. I would recommend this CD to anybody who is a fan of the more popular bands on the disc, such as blink 182, Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, or MxPx.

When I heard about this cd, and its artist's I knew right away that it was a must-have. I got it for 5$ at Circuit City (Best Buy has it for 5 too this week) and I recommend NOT getting it online due to the cost of shipping and stuff..anyways it is a very good cd -- it ranges from punk to hardcore punk to emo to screamo to experimental techno rock and even one song of rockabilly.. anyways here I will rate each song to show the cds highlights and standout tracks:

1. Gratitude - This Is The Part - Emo sound with glimmers of punk; good solid start to the cd, pretty catchy - 8.5/10
2. Blink 182 - Not Now - I've never been much of a blink fan but a quality punk song by a quality band- 8/10
3. Taking Back Sunday - Number Five With A Bullet - Personally, I think TBS is overrated, I've never been that impressed by their stuff and this stand really doesn't stand out..it's too generic - not terrible, just not great - 7.5/10
4. Motion City Soundtrack - 1000 Paper Cranes - I had heard a lot about this band and was curious about them. Well I can definitely say one of the best songs on the cd; They got great energy and invigorating guitar/vocals - 10/10
5. MxPx - Grey Skies Turn Blue - Classic punk band with good punk sound - not totally my style, and their vocals do sound too much like blink in this song but good nonetheless - 8/10
6. Lucero - Bike Riders - This is such a hard song to review..are they singing rockabilly, or are they singing Irish folk rock like Flogging Molly...or both! Anyways this is a song that has to grow on you because at first listen you are trying to figure out why it is on the cd. Entertaining but strange - 7.5/10
7. Death Cab For Cutie - The New Year - Another band that I had heard good feedback about. The song has very original sounding guitar riffs and very nice emo-style vocals. Slow paced, but not boring - a good balance of singing and music - 8.5/10
8. Fall Out Boy - Grand Theft Autumn / Where Is Your Boy (Acoustic) - Fall Out Boy is a well-known emo band recognized for being consistently talented, this song is no exception. The acoustic approach is a very nice change of pace for the album, well done. - 8.5/10
9. The Bled - Red Wedding - OH YES!! NOW THIS IS A SONG TO GET EXCITED ABOUT! Wow, The Bled totally rock the cd with this one, what a song...Best Song on the cd without a doubt - great vocals/screams, riffs and breakdowns catchier than any other, I just wish it was longer - 10++/10
10. Rise Against - Dancing For Rain - It's very hard for anyone to follow up The Bled, but if anyone could, it's Rise Against..another great song. The end of the song is especially great. One of the best on the cd by the best hardcore punk band out there today - 10/10
11. Piebald - Part Of Your Body Is Made Out Of Rock - After following two of the best songs on the cd, I feel bad for this band and their song, it really is a memorable, fun song to listen to, remember to give this a chance. No, the lyrics in this song aren't the most complex, but they keep you drown in nonetheless, making them successful in the end. - 8.5/10
12. Lydia - Smile, You've Won. - Very cool sound from an interesting band, after hearing this a couple times it will grow on you big time. The way the song is executed is top-notch and the singer in the band has a mysterious, yet intriguing resonance. The guitar and bass also buzz with a purpose in this song; bravo, bravo for a band that took a risk and had it work - 8.5/10
13. Alexisonfire - No Transitory - When a song is from a band like Alexisonfire, you can't help but expect the best, and even though this is a very good song, it isn't as good as some of their other stuff. Still one of the best on the cd though..the blend of vocals and screams is done without flaw, and the drums especially fit the song as perfectly and the guitar. - 9-9.5/10
14. Funeral For A Friend - She Drove Me To Daytime Television -I have recently became a big fan of this band and this song shows why. Another of the cd's top songs with unique sounding vocals and awesome guitar - 9.5-10/10
15. The Sounds - Living In America (Andy Wallace Mix) - My first reaction to this song is ?, yes ?...this song is totally random compared to all the others on the cd..definetly a song that you could skip over when listening to the cd..I mean it would be cool if you wanted 80s electronica-rock but.. - 6.5/10
16. VCR - Bratcore - Another weird song with its own genre..I had to revise my review for this song big time because after you hear the song a couple of times it really becomes catchy and likeable. The key with this song is to give it a chance. - 8.5/10
17. The Kinison - You'll Never Guess Who Died - This song is another that I had to redo my review for because once you get used to the singer and overall tone of the song, its very appealing and pleasing to the ear. This is a good one. - 8.5/10
18. Saosin - Bury Your Head - OooOOoo Yea, Saosin is as cool as the other side of the pillow, what a great sounding band. Amazing vocalist and ever-so-catchy guitars. This redeems the last third of the cd by itself - 10/10
19. Name Taken - Cover Up - Sounds a little like some of the other emo bands on here but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Overall good song, very enjoyable to listen to, but it still can't compare to RA or The Bled - 8-8.5/10
20. Street Dogs - In Defense Of December - At first, this seems to be a very cool hardcore punk style song, with similarities to Rise Against, but after the first minute of so, it's too repetitive, the same thing over and over. It had potential but didn't finish with anything special - 8/10
21. Recover - Cigarette - This song is another that is overshadowed by the powerhouses Rise Against and The Bled, and even Funeral For A Friend, still this song does in fact have it's own feel, and is one of the better songs on the cd, well done lyrically and musically. - 8.5/10
22. Murder By Death - Until Morale Improves, The Beatings Will Continue - This band may have a very original sound to them, but I can't help feeling that the song is somewhat boring, nothing draws me in. Another song that is missing something - 7.5/10
23. Mae - This Time Is The Last Time - Yay! Mae! Mae is the sleeper hit of this cd without a doubt, they have a very crisp, fresh sound to them, and will be very successful in the future without a doubt. The song is catchy, and one could feel the beat with ease; good way to set up the end of the album. - 9-9.5/10
24. Bedouin Soundclash - When The Night Feels My Song - Sounds kind of like a reggae-pop-punk fusion with a funky bass rhythm, cool sound but probably not right for the cd. Putting this song on the same cd as The Bled just doesn't go.. - 7.5/10

Final Overall Score = 8.5/10 I am a pretty hard grader, but was generous in the scoring of this album thanks to the songs that really stood out. For the price you can't go wrong buying this cd, nearly 1 hour and 20 minutes of rock music that will keep the listener listening.
BUY IT NOW!