Customer Reviews

Get Awkward

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The album itself is fantastic, just like their first one. But, the tracklist above is misleading. It's for the UK release. The US release, which Amazon is actually selling, is missing the songs "Becky," "Black Hole," and "Blow Yr Mind," and the remaining twelve tracks are reshuffled in a different order. Apparently these three songs were removed from the US version because of potentially controversial lyrics, though the album still earned an Explicit Lyrics warning even without them. Just be aware which version you are buying.

"Get Awkward" is the sophomore effort of Be Your Own Pet, a young punk band from Nashville, Tennessee. The entire album is loud and angry, but is still a lot of fun to listen to. Three of the tracks on the CD were banned from release in the United States on account of them being "too disturbing." One of those tracks is "Becky," my favorite song on the album by far, which is about a teenager who kills one of her classmates. The other songs are all pretty good, although a lot of them sound very similar. Also, many of the tracks on this album are incredibly short, less than a minute or two in length, which was a disappointing surprise. Still, "Get Awkward" is a lot of fun, and this group's peppy energy combined with the lead vocalist's killer pipes makes Be Your Own Pet a band to watch in the future.

If the gang on "Scooby-Doo" met Karen O and decided to form a punk band, it would probably sound a lot like Be Your Own Pet. Part Saturday morning cartoon, part suburban punk, Be Your Own Pet pack relentlessly raucous rhythms and frenzied attitude into twelve songs that rush by like a Japanese Bullet Train. It takes less than thirty minutes to play all of `Get Awkward,' but that's enough to leave a permanent mark.
Most of the bandmembers have reached their golden (post-teen) years since their debut album was released two tears ago, but thankfully, they haven't quite yet settled into maturity. There's still plenty of songs about feeling awkward (see the title?) such as "The Beast Within," and goofy youth fantasy tunes like "Zombie Graveyard Party," but most of the album revolves around experiences that have befallen them since their rise to recognition (or are they already `famous'?), combining lots of attitude with a generous dose of humor. "Bitches Leave" is a funny and poignant rant about girls who bring their attitude backstage. "You're a Waste" summarizes a blown relationship with an idiot ex, with these lines; "Go ahead and tell your sob story, all I have to say about it is `Blow Me'. As sung by female vocalist Jemina Pearl, the line cuts to the bone while it makes you laugh.
Perhaps the best thing about Be Your Own Pet is their ability to communicate beyond their own peer group. Anybody who listened to early Blondie or the Buzzcocks will appreciate the intelligent songcraft of this band's songwriting. If you have to grow up, you may as well enjoy it, but on "Get Awkward," Be Your Own Pet make it clear that they are too busy enjoying themselves to be bothered. Since they can make music as infectious as this, why should they? B+ Tom Ryan

From the first song Be Your Own Pet makes it clear: they are here to rock...and to have a good time while doing it. This brief, hilarious cd barely makes the 30-minute mark, but the songs pack such an intense punch that it's difficult to mind. It's truly the perfect follow-up to their first album released two years ago. The band has grown up in some respects: "Creepy Crawl," is slower, more melodic, and "You're a Waste," a also a slower, yet meaner tune about young love gone wrong, and is more mature than anything they've ever released. Tighter beats and tricker guitar riffs compliment Jemina's rough, fascinating voice. The band's sense of humore is apparent throughout--from the "Food Fight!" theme to songs like "Bitches Leave" and "Zombie graveyard party!" If you like punk with great musicianship and a dash of the hilariously bizarre, then this cd was made for you. The perfect sophomore attempt.

This album is amazing. I like it even more than their first. But one thing to take into account: the US version doesn't have all 15 songs the way the UK version does, because the label consored them. It's total BS, and those songs are amazing. So I would say download the UK version, or buy the UK version because there is some awesome packaging. All four members have a card with info about then that's hilarious.

be your own PET is back and in a big way. "Get Awkward", the bands second album, is a 30 minute rollercoaster with subjects ranging from ex-best friends, backstage groupies, nasty breakups, and food fights! The expectations after the bands debut (self-titled Be Your Own Pet) were set remarkably high, but as most fans will tell you, Get Awkward matches the expectations, if not exceeds them. Jonas Stein tears it up with amazing riffs while Nathan Vasquez puts on a clinic with his bass. John Eatherly lays down some sick drum beats and Jemina Pearl sings every song as if it's her last. Every single time I listen to this CD, I want to get up and dance (or at least sing along, now that I know the words), and I'm sure you will too. I strongly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys good music. These punks from Nashville, Tennessee are becoming stars before our very own eyes, so make sure you don't miss them!

Excellent for it's style of screamming rock. Fun to listen to. Favorite is Party in the Graveyard. If your in love with a zombie, would you let her eat your brain? Just a good CD for the collection and watch the members in the future.

I was initially worried that BYOP would have difficulty matching the stellar quality of their debut album. However, I worried for no reason! This album rocks! I've listened to it over 20 times in last few days since receiving it. Top tracks include The Kelly Affair, You're a Waste, and The Beast Within. The one thing lacking on this album (that the debut had in October, First Account) is a potential breakout hit. I'm already looking forward to their next album!

This album is amazing! I listen to it all day, every day! I listen to it when I'm getting ready in the morning, when I'm cleaning, when I'm at school, when I'm anywhere doing anything! My favorite song is The Kelly Affair. It's so much fun to dance to! I highly recommend this CD to everyone! You won't be disappointed!

After a very promising and loud debut album, I had lost touch with what was going on with this group and I almost thought they had disbanded, when suddenly they have come back into my radar. And the wait was really worth it. Again, this is loud, young, snotty punk-influenced rock. They really have an incredible punch. Really the best of their kind.