Customer Reviews

Here, Here and Here

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Long lasting Meg & Dia fans beware: this album is very different from their previous albums. If you loved their original, hollow, acoustic, detailed-vocals sound, you will be in for a surprise when inserting this disc into your player. From the opening track "Going Away" to the final "Here, Here and Here" this album keeps jamming and experimenting with new instrumental sounds and muted vocals. The songs, as a whole, are showcased- not the vocals/ instruments/ lyrics in a separate manner.

"Going Away" is catchy, with a slightly ska feel to it. The sound is bright; bolsterous even. The vocals are sweet, but do not carry the same ear catching loneliness that Meg & Dia once carried. In this track, I am tuned in to the violins, the drums, the feel of the music. I could easily find myself listening to this while driving down the highway, on a summer's day, the wind blowing through my hair- while I too go away.

"Hug Me" has wonderful lyrics. The lyrics, I feel, are a bit lost on the surrounding music. I didn't realize how fantastic the words were until I'd pulled out the cd jacket and read them. "I'm just a girl learning to act as planned. I was programmed to be Catholic but I ran." Although it is a slightly overwhelmed "music vs lyrics" song, it is still very catchy and very memorable. It is a very mainstream song. It has a bit of a 90s feel to it- ala "Letters to CLeo" (known for their input on the "Josie and the Pussycats" soundtrack) This might be a song that will launch these girls into the pop/ rock culture of today.

"What If" is another high energy song that latches onto your hips and makes you sway. No, "they don't make em like us anymore". This would be a great one to see in concert. It has a bit of a Japanese inspiration to it- ala "The Pillows". Another song to speed on the highway to- cruisers beware.

"Are There Giants Too, In the Dance?" has a groove that is unforeseen. There's an electric guitar, another bout of ska-felt background music. It definitely has a 90s feel to it too, but in a really good way. It is easy to listen to, and easy to groove to. They lyrics are supported, though a bit drowned out. It is a heavy song, but with the music, it is all taken very lightly. Also includes a guitar solo in the middle, which is such a nod to 80s hairband music.

"Inside My Head" reminds me of Poe- the lyrics are fast, the sound is heavy but catchy- the background vocals are distorted and mocking. It's a new spin on the 90s stuff. Great sound.

"Black Wedding" has clapping, drums, great lyrics, catchy sound, and some really great lyrics. This is the song that is on the sticker on the front of the album- though I haven't actually heard this one on the local radio yet, I'm sure it will be on the charts. Those stations that play "My Chemical Romance" and "Paramore" will have "Black Wedding" blasting through their speakers for months. This song actually reminds me of "The Pink Spiders" as well- another up and coming band.

"Bored of Your Love"- finally, a song that showcases the beautiful, melodic yet harmonious vocals and creative and insiteful lyrics. This is by far in the top three songs on this cd. It is a duet shared with "Plain White Ts" lead singer Tom Higgenson. They are beautifully backed by each other- such a great match. This is a song that you will hum for days. It is the one that matches Meg & Dia's former sound and former feeling.

"One Sail" is reminiscent of the hit "Monster" in its original acoustic sound. It has a great rhythm and a very wide vocal sound. The chorus gathers both girls and brings the sound together. It is a wonderful song with great meaning, though I feel its a bit too mainstream-sounding. It would have been better (even if it wouldn't have fit this particular cd) if it were left in an acoustic version.

"The Last Great Star in Hollywood" has a very "Tatu" sound to it- the verse vocals are cloudy/ distorted with an English accent (?) while the chorus opens wide. It illustrates how the "real" people are much more interesting and satisfying than the "crowd-pleasing" or "plastic" people. It even has a bit of an electronica feel to it- ala "Hellogoodbye".

"Agree to Disagree" has the twang of a country song- which illustrates just how wide these girls' musical range truly is. So far on this album, they've ranged from 90s, to ska, to Japanese, to 00s new age, to electronica, to Russian, to old school country. And they do it all well! I mean, how do you get the feel of Johnny Cash, will still crooning and adding the excitement of today's drums and enthusiasm? The harmonica has "Blues Traveler's" sound. The lyrics still do not disappoint: "Dirt roads remind me of my skin- not because I'm wasting away with the gravel you've ground in." "Agree to Disagree" is very easy to listen to and to enjoy.

"Fighting for Nothing" is a great song that, again, showcases the lyrics and the vocals. This is the stuff that I value. This is the song that is beautiful- has the catch of the re-made "Monster" and "Roses". It has both the great alternatice music, while still having the chance to demonstrate those lovely lyrical sounds. Again, those words are so beautifully creative and insiteful: "Make you see that some things are worth bruising for."

"Kiss You Goodnight" is almost a pop love ballad. Though I sense this song is much deeper than the typical ballad, it still carries that easy flow. Dia sounds hollow and empty- like a lovesick fool does, or an emotionally dying girl. "If all that you take from this is courage, then I've no regrets." The violins are lovely- gotta love that vibrato.

"Here, Here and Here" is the title track, and deserves to be. It is quiet at first, but breaks in very nicely. "I laugh often so, I suppose I'm gonna be fine." And the quote of Mozart, and the title "Here, here and here. He pointed to his heart and mind and ears." This song displays their beautiful guitar riffs and demonstrates their musical instrument talents. This is one of those epic ballads that "My Chemical Romance" or "Yellowcard" are so famous for. The music transports you. Then, you've got that wonderful, so inpirational, lyric "Here, here and here- he pointed to his heart and mind and ears." This song is my favorite.

Though "Meg & Dia" is highly changed due, I'm sure, to more financial backing and the "My Chemical Romance's" producer's insites, they are still one of the greats of this decade. If my life were a movie, this would be the soundtrack. It's catchy, it's brave, and it's mainstream sounding- but it still has the lyrics that display heart, talent, and such wonderful observations.

Get this cd and shout it out to everyone you know. These girls deserve to be on the radio- their hardwork and gorgeous talent needs to be heard by all.

I love this album. Yes, it sounds different, but were you expecting them to make the same things over? The girls are young and growing as both people and artists. They display their range on this one,with emo-alt-rock songs to pop-y ballads and even the country like twang on 'Agree to Disagree'. These songs on this album are about them, and how they feel, they said this one was not going to be just about books(although hug me is). The songs have a sleeker sound but the same sort of feel(especially in the lyrics). If you were a fan of the band, not just their sound, this is just another great effort from the Meg and Dia Band.

also check out dia's blog about the album on their myspace(myspace.com/megdia), it will change the whole experiance of the album.

Well, it took a while but we finally have Meg & Dia's sophomore release, Here, Here and Here. Feelings are sure to be varying amongst longtime fans, but at the end of the day I think it's safe to say that this CD caters to almost everyone.

First off, I applaud the fact that they didn't just make a Something Real pt. 2. I never like when a band does that. But, if there's anyone holding up the sell-out flag, I could honestly understand where they were coming from. This is, for the most part, a fairly accessible record full of catchy choruses and nice vocals. However! As was the case with Something Real, the lyrics are where Meg & Dia shine brightest.

A lot of the songs on Here... are sung so fast that you can't really soak up the little treats amongst each track so you kind of have to read the lyrics yourself. It is obvious they have had some questions about religion, someone not believing in them, and even falling out of love. So until you read the lyrics, you might not truly see the beauty that Here, Here and Here possesses.

I'll be blunt, Here... isn't as good as Something Real. The change in overall sound is pretty drastic and the songs sound almost too poppy sometimes. But when Meg & Dia DO capture the things that made us all love the first record so much, it is nothing short of amazing. I'm Going Away, Black Wedding, Bored of Your Love, One Sail, and Fighting For Nothing are the songs that will please us devotees. Hug Me, The Last Great Star In Hollywood, Kiss You Goodnight, and the title track are all sure to please everyone else (and for the most part the older fans as well).

But incubus1! What's the best song? you may be asking. Well dear reader, that honor goes to the gorgeous Fighting For Nothing. Its really a kind of perfect mix of something old and something new and sums up the entire record pretty well at that.

Overall, despite how disappointed I was upon my first listen, I can honestly say that after repeated spins it does, in fact, grow on you immensely. Afterall, this IS still Meg & Dia so it's going to be at least decent. Recommended!

I got this album last week. I'll just start by saying I really liked this one. It's not perfect, but it's one of my favorite albums and it's the only one in my car now. Think: "catchy, fast-paced, indie rock."

Their first album Something Real, was terrific and I played it a million times. Here, Here, and Here is a worthy and refreshing sequel to their first. They're not only adding new tunes but new techniques. The music sounds a little more polished, but hasn't moved too far from its indie roots. Lyrics are very bizarre and fun to hear as usual :) Over half of the tracks totally blew me away -- the other half are decent and fun to listen to. As for dud tracks, maybe there's 1 or 2? But as I wrote earlier, I really like this album.

By the way, if you like their music, Meg&Dia are performing on the nationwide Vans Warped tour concert series. You can still buy tix. I got mine.

On their sophomore effort, Meg & Dia show listeners just how much they have evolved over the past three years. `Here, Here and Here' departs from the mainly acoustic/softer debut album, `Something Real (with the exception of "Monster" & "Roses")' and enters the realm of creative musical gold with heavy instrumental usage. Here we find their best, most grown-up, and most poetic lyrics to date. The vocals and range have strengthened and are beyond superb. Once "Going Away" beings, one can already tell there is no disappointment. The Frampton sisters and the guys experiment with upbeat piano layering and banging drums to deliver their best songs yet. This work of art features some of the catchiest songs written in years--"What If" is a high-energy, pop-rock track that throws questions right in the face of the condescending naysayer, and "The Last Great Star in Hollywood" pokes fun at fake, plastic girls, and prides itself on the fact that being natural and real is beautiful, featuring 80's-new-wave-meets-electronic verses and an extremely infectious chorus. "Hug Me" and "Black Wedding" also join the upbeat songs. "Bored of Your Love," is a duet ballad with Plain White T's front man, Tom Higgenson. "Agree to Disagree" has a fun, country-bluegrass feel, and "Inside My Head" comes out heavily rocking in the chorus. "Are There Giants too, in the Dance" begins with strong guitar riffs and slides into a disco-like chorus. "Kiss You Goodnight" displays some of the most passionate vocals. "One Sail" is a beautiful, mid-tempo track combining elements of the sea and weather in a metaphorical union. The album-closing title-track brilliantly reflects on composing music and life, mentioning Mozart. "Fighting For Nothing" is the best song on the entire album, accompanied by the best vocals and most beautiful lyrics! It is clear that every member of the band has brought their A-game for this project, and it has paid off. If this doesn't launch Meg & Dia directly into the mainstream this time, then something is definitely wrong. This is one of the strongest discs of this year so far. If you enjoy bands like Paramore, Brand New, and Eisley, then this album is worth the purchase and repetitive plays. `Here, Here and Here' is a must-have.

When I first heard 'Meg & Dia' it was their song Monster and I thought they were great, something different and fresh - when I purchased 'Something Real' I felt only several songs stood out to me, then, when I heard they had released another album I immediately listened to "What If" and "Fighting For Nothing" and I fell in love - this album is amazing, it's different is nothing like I've ever heard before, each song stands out to me and has it's own meaning, after listening to this album I went back and re-listened to "Something Real" only to find it had grown on me. This band is AMAZING, they are clever with their words and smart with their music, they don't conform to anything or anyone else they do their own thing.

MEG AND DIA are honestly one of my favourite bands.

The sophomore studio album of band Meg & Dia it proved to be their last with the label Warner Brothers. Rediscovered after the recent runner up finish of their lead singer, Dia Frampton, on The Voice. So who was Dia Frampton before the Voice? Why did her band near stardom with their previous album, Something Real, but fade with this album? Not nearly as punk as Something Real, this album is filled with sonic exploration. Each song is a different soundscape, filled with textures and styles. Some have a little honky tonk twang, like "Agree to Disagree" while others, like "Black Wedding", recalls their more punk past. The only common threads between songs are the quick pace and Dia Frampton's distinctive voice.

So what went wrong? Unlike their latest album, Cocoon, the album feels distant. There's so much going on sonically that you can't get a good feel for the band or their lead singer. Except for the standout song "Fighting for Nothing", it never seems to slow down enough for the listener to get an intimate sense of them, which leads to a disconnect with the audience. The sonic exploration may have alienated some fans of Something Real. It's a classic problem for many bands an artists. They grow, but sometimes their audience hasn't grown with them. The heavy sonic textures actually seem to distract from some of the lyrics. The hooks, while interesting and catchy, aren't something you'll catch yourself singing along to.

This isn't to say this is a bad album. In many ways it's far better than the generic, least common denominator, same old themes and bland but hook filled writing, that fills much of popular music. To me this album is like a fascinating book, full of good writing that interests me from a technical and intellectual point, but often fails to grab my heart. Which leaves me waiting impatiently for the next go around. There's brilliance to be had here. It just needs a chance to mature.

Much like their debut album, Here, Here and Here has literary references within the lyrics, most notably to Huxley's Brave New World (found in "Hug Me") and Charles Dickens ("Inside My Head"). However, the sophomoric album differs from the first in that it's less of an acoustic sound. With Something Real, the music was simple and more tight-knit, but on Here, the band has branched out and begins experimenting with sound, tempo and different instruments such as the banjo.

However, Meg and Dia have continued writing intricate lyrics that combine melodic phrasing with depth and meaning, all conveyed through Dia's unique voice that can go from husky and lonesome to affected and melodic. A common theme running through the entire album is this idea of finding one's own way in the world. On songs like "Going Away" and "The Last Great Star in Hollywood", the sisters sing of being true to themselves. With "Going Away", Dia sings of "learning to race [herself]" and even leaving her boyfriend behind just to feel "lonely, lost and unloved." "Inside My Head" offers a darker, more sinister side of getting out of a controlling environment by portraying an abusive relationship where the "boyfriend used [her] palm as an ashtray/and that was on his good days."
Other notable songs on the record include "Hug Me" which references Huxley's Brave New World--"Hug me `til you drug me"--and tells the story of both Lenina and John's relationship in the story of being controlled by society, as well as the sisters' decision to leave the Catholic church. "Black Wedding" contains darker, Gothic imagery and feels very Poe-ish in a way. It talks of doing things for the wrong reasons as pictured by a black wedding where they "got their vows off the internet", "you could hear the organ not...what the pope was saying" and also "pray[ing] for you and cash flow too, why not?" Also Meg and Dia's first collaboration is found on this record in the form of the sweet, simple ballad "Bored of Your Love" with Tom Higginson of the Plain White T's.

However, easily the best song on the record is the last one entitled "Here, Here and Here" which is the song the record bears its name from and rightfully so. It starts off with a simple, tight-knit melody before gaining heights in the intricate guitar riff at the center of the song. Finally, it ends with Meg and Dia splitting on the chorus before again finishing where it started in a simple, sweet guitar. In the song, the sisters lament that they have no great tragedy or hardship in their lives of which to write about - "an accurate sketch of perfect health/Roof on my head, shoes on my feet,/plenty of room, plenty to eat." However, they reference Mozart when he said "There's nothing to composing. It's just here, here, and here" and he pointed to his heart and mind and ears, which makes for the chorus of the song. The theme is brought full-circle showing that art imitates life and so Meg and Dia write about themselves, their experiences and things that are unique to them. But also, life should imitate art and the girls are saying that they are also true to themselves; they do what they feel is right and believe what they feel is right through their own experiences and not in what anyone else tells them.

This record has truly shown how Meg and Dia have evolved as artists, singers, musicians, writers and people. They experiment in music and find what works for them and have done so in their own lives. It is a great follow-up to their debut album. The songs are also great acoustically and their EP Hurley Live Sessions showcases the band's real talent unplugged.

A lot of fans seem to think this album is very unlike Meg and Dia, but as a new fan, I love it very much! I saw em on a webseries (beta records tv) on youtube and i just think theyre absolutely wonderful! ESPECIALLY this album!

This is one of the great finds in Alt-Rock music. See my review of the double album for more detail.