Customer Reviews

Ignorance Is Bliss

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(29)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I personally have loved face to face since the self-titled but have played Big Choice and Dont Turn Away and even Over It many times in my cd collection....i must say i didnt like this album i rejected it like most Face to Face fans did at first...but after a while i grew to really love it...from the harder outbreak of Overcome to the alternative melody of Prodigal(fav song) to the acoustic type music of Lost all around it is a very intellegent album backed up by a incredible vocalist... Trever Keith is one of my idols for when i sing expecially on this album..No one thought he had it in him...overall this grew to be my fav Face to Face album...though i still enjoy there punk side alot i love this style alot and i think noone will ever make another album this awesome. Face to Face wasnt afraid to show there emotional side and it made this record alot better. id give it more than 5 but i cant...incredible work by Pete, Trever, Chad and Scott.

Well, like I didn't know this album was going to have a pretty average score before even coming here...Do you know why? Because I knew the people reviewing it would be a mix of honest people, smart people, and lots of people who are just plain ignorant. It's no surprise that since Face to Face was trying something different, they were automatically labeled "sellouts" and the music was crap and etc etc etc. When will people realize that people change, therefore bands change...After doing the same thing musically for years, you might want to challenge yourself with something new. And hasn't punk rock always been about doing your own thing regardless of anyone else's opinion? The term sellout in itself is ridiculous...Bob Dylan, Metallica, Face to Face, and numerous others all through time have received the title...I bet they all couldn't care less either. Anyone with half a brain knows the truth.

In essence, Ignorance is Bliss is something very different for Face to Face. The speed punk riffs are more or less gone, and in its place is mid-tempo...well...rock music. I really don't know how else to describe it. It's not really punk, it's not alternative...They just wrote music, and all things said it turned out pretty well. The more I listen to it, the more the songs grow on me and the more I see just how beautiful some of this music is. If your mind isn't open enough to give this CD an honest listen, that's your loss. If you claim to have given it an honest listen and still don't like it, give it another try. The majority of the stuff on here is excellent.

I can relate to these guys as a musician myself. I like lots of things...So I just write music. I don't try to write in any style, I just write what I write...Whatever comes out, comes out. What does come out is a mix of rock/punk/metal and you can't really label it...And so what? F2F is a band that, in my opinion, can do almost no wrong no matter what they do, and this CD is no exception. They're just excellent songwriters. Open up your mind and you'll see...Give it a try.

man this was by far their best cd ever, i wish they hadn't followed it up with more boring punk. This was one of the more solid albums i've ever heard in my life. You can tell they're experimenting, and it was definitely successful, i wish they had made more music like ignorance is bliss...

This was the best album of 1999. Face to Face is amazing, and never stops growing as a band. They managed to create a melodic and harmonious album while still maintaining their punk roots. What more is there to say? Face to Face once again proves that they are one of the best arounds, worthy of all the support and attention they receive.

This album, next to Refused's The Shape of Punk to Come, is one of the most riveting listening experiences for me over the last year. Trever, Chad, Scott, and new drummer Pete have assembled a record that stands on its own as a strong release from an incredibly talented band. "Overcome," "I Know What You Are," "God is a Man," "Lost" and "Run in Circles" are the major standout tracks, incorporating dense guitar chords, beautiful harmonies, and poignant lyrics. While varying in tempo and mood, the album's power comes not only from the guitars and riffs, but Trever Keith's voice as well. While the more "punk" purists are having a hard time swallowing this apparent change from the stereotypical "Pennywise" beat and punk rock posturing (as if Face to Face ever did this in the first place), fans of strong, energetic music that comes from the heart will enjoy this record immensely.

I love this album. I stated that in my last review, but I must say it again. After all, Wally World aka Lycaos aka Jerry Foo aka Jeff Goldsmith aka Mark aka "a viewer" from Boston (three times!), Detroit, Denver (was that after one of your Giggles - oh I mean Howls?), Moscow, London, Orlando, Houston, and Long Island decided to launch a full scale smear campaign against this album like some jealous ex-boyfriend, so why not do the opposite and spread some positivity.

Anyhoo, great album, and REACTIONARY is awesome too.

Thanks to Wally World! Your spiteful and spurned review led me to believe that this album was not one of stagnating proportions, so I ran out and bought it! IGNORANCE IS BLISS is a wonderful and welcomed growth for Face to Face, one of punks leading voices. It is melodic and moody, thought provoking and energized. I love it. It is an album to listen to while doing all activites. If you like Sunny Day Real Estate, you'll love this album because you'll see where Sunny Day Real Estate tried so desperately to steal from (poorly though). This is not the album for psychotic fans who expect a band to rehash their sound over and over again; Trever Keith proves this, so to those, give it up. This band is growing and not waiting for you to catch up. Anyhow, Face to Face never ceases to amaze me, and I can't wait for REACTIONARY (one day left! ) Ignorance is a great album; go get it! Oh, and thanks Wally World!