Ignorance Is Bliss [Import]

Face to Face | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 3, 2004)
• Original Release Date: July 27, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Beyond
• ASIN: B00000JJKM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (127 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,742 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest Tragedy in Punk Rock History, March 19, 2008

By 

I keep a diary (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ignorance Is Bliss (Audio CD)

The California punk rock of the mid-late 90s that I loved is dead. And not tragically so, either. Personally, I like the way that it has evolved. It has grown up in the same way that many of us who were fortunate enough to be in our late teens and early twenties at that time have.

I have always thought it sad that Face to Face got caught in the middle of that evolution with no straight way forward through a hypocritical fanbase that was resistant and unwilling to change.

The fact is that this album was, at the very least, breathtaking. It should have gone down in history with albums like "Something to Write Home About", but instead was honored with hatred and even violence, simply because people couldn't accept that a band they loved could evolve and grow up.

I was at an indie record store the other day that deals in used albums and I happened to come across this album...8 copies of it. It's not the first time I had seen several copies of it in a used bin. Every time I see it, I can't help but think of how great Face to Face could have been. Here's a funny thought - Face to Face was further from "selling out" at that time in their career than any other.

Ignorance is Bliss weaves the dying California pop-punk and vocal hooks into an expansive emo masterpiece. Poignant thoughts on relationships and growing up are poured heavily throughout the record, and are accented by reflections of self. From beginning to end the record is a voyage from anger to guilt (Overcome; In Harm's Way; I Know What You Are), introspection to sadness (Prodigal; Lost; Nearly Impossible), resurrection to redemption (The Devil You Know; Maybe next time).

The lyrics are better, the melodies are catchier, the music is more ambient, expansive and amazing than on any of their other albums.

This record is truly amazing. I encourage every F2F fan to go back and rethink it if you're the reason I keep finding it in used bins. They deserved a better shake than they got in the Great Evolution. So did this album. All of their other work pales in comparison, as does much of the work of many others. To have missed out on this album is truly tragic.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If only you could understand, June 3, 2005

By 

T. ihle "tommy michaels" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ignorance Is Bliss (Audio CD)

First of all i gave this only 4 starts because in my opinion there are less than 100 albums ever released to deserve five stars. This album is near perfection. I have been a face to face fan for a long time now and i own almost all of their work. I love the regular punk face to face has to deliver just like everyone else. My favorite album is probably self-titled or big choice. I read a lot of reviews on hear from idiots that bash this album. These idiots do not understand change, artisitic integrity, or a simple desire to try something new. This album is a big change for face to face. But it only shows you the capability of an amazing band. This record is near flawless for the type of music it delivers. It is a masterpiece of its own creation. If you can not understand that then you shouldn't be listening to this band in the first place. because if you listen to face to face's overall style, thats exactly what it is. A masterpiece of its own creation.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ignorance Is Bliss . . . And Perfection, April 4, 2003

By 

ClosedOpenMind (Vanilla Iceland, where there's Snow (get it?)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ignorance Is Bliss (Audio CD)

I can't believe that this CD has such a low avg. cust. rating! When a punk band musically reforms so that they can express their emotions, thoughts, and ideas, it's because they want their fans (who I assume have grown older with them much like I have) to better understand three things: The band itself, the world in which we live, and the listener him/herself . It's something that they felt was right to do. It didn't involve money, and they're still a 'punk rawk' band, so there's really no reason to not see this album for what it is. This CD came out in '99 and sounds very ahead of its time. In fact, I wouldn't be suprised if this is what made Saves The Day and New Found Glory decide to play whatever style of emo that they do.

"Burden" is simply beautiful. The string arrangments soar over the already impressive guitar playing and bass lines. And the lyrics can apply directly to about 95% of those who live in a first or second world country. "In Harm's Way" and "Overcome" can be interpreted in two ways: F2F realize what's at stake with this 'different' CD, or they just want to grow as individuals, with or without anyone's support. And "Prodigal" is a very positive song especially for those making the jump from teen to adulthood.

This basically has it all - punk songs, modern rock ballads, and most importantly, heart and soul. Perhaps one of my top 3 favorite albums ever. Give this one a chance, people! What wasn't punk then is definitely punk now.