Customer Reviews

North

5 star:		(112)
4 star:		(41)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

With North, Something Corporate demonstrates their amazing ability to mature as artists- something very few bands achieve in such a short amount of time. Andrew McMahon's (as well as Josh Partington's) lyrics have always belied his age, but they evolve now more than ever. While it is obvious that this is the bands "on the road" album, they don't make it as blatant as most. Here is a synopsis of each song and my opinions on it. I'll try to keep it as unbiased as possible, but I am a mad zealot of SoCo, so it won't be completely impartial. :)

"As You Sleep"- At first, this song will make you drift off to sleep. You may think it is because it's boring or plain at first, but then you realize- this is the perfect lullaby. And that's what it's supposed to be: a lullaby of a goodbye that Andrew sings to his loved one before leaving on tour. The lyrics are lovely, the music is soft and sweet, and Andrew's vocals are so melodic.
"Space"- Josh's songs are definitely better in past albums, in my humble opinion, and Space is to me one of the weaker tracks on the album. However, this upbeat song still has a fun tone to it, and it doesn't necessarily disappoint. I imagine the song is about trying to break up with a girl. But only because of that time-honored jackass line "Give me space".
"Down"- Another kind of sad, longing song from Andrew. Absolutely gorgeous lyrics and music. This song feels so far removed from the old, pop-punk Something Corporate.

"Only Ashes"- This one takes a little bit of getting used to. It's Josh's once again, but this track is a little stronger. The message is very thought-provoking and the music is pretty cool.
"Me and the Moon"- Arguably the best track on the album, about a suburban wife killing her abusive husband. So heartbreakingly beautiful this song is, especially the line "I am a butterfly, but you wouldn't let me die".
"The Runaway"- This song's lyrics are questionable at times, but the music and hook are delightful.
"Ruthless"- I love this song. Everything about this song is amazing and wonderful. This song is truly the epitome of unrequited love, and I'm not even sure if it's about that.
"She Paints Me Blue"- Written by Andrew, this may very well be the most personal song on the album. It is even inscribed, "to Kelly". Whoever Kelly is, she is one friggin lucky girl and I think I hate her. While Ruthless is the epitome of unrequited love, this song is just the epitome of love period.
"Break Myself"- At first, this one is relatively unforgettable. But upon listening closely, despite ambiguous lines, this song can be rather moving.
"I Won't Make You"- Now this I can applaud Josh for. While this song could very easily be called "I Won't Rape You", Josh makes it...romantic.
"21 and Invincible"- This song has a greak hook/chorus and it really does depict that age clearly. This song does feel somewhat out of place of the album, though, with the rest of the songs being somewhat tender and sad.
"Miss America"- a gorgeous, heartbreaking ending to a great album. It appears that SoCo must always end their CDs with the saddest song possible. (Globes and Maps of Leaving Through the Window, Walking By on Audioboxer, Konstantine on Ready...Break)

On a side note, Something Corporate is one of the only bands I know of that make drugs, sex, and alcohol sound appealing and romantic.

I waited monthsfor this CD and the moment I listened to it, I was spellbound. Yeah its different to the last CD but this is definitely an improved, more mature album. I loved 'Leaving through the window' but they sounded a lot like any other generic pop-punk band, only with a piano. Not so on this album. There are hardly any punky songs on this album, mostly soft chilled out songs that are more in the style of 'the astronaut' and 'cavanaugh park'. Andrew's songwriting and piano has developed really well, and instead of the piano being somewhat of a novelty, it flows perfectly with the guitars and vocals. If you wanted an album full of 'If You C Jordans' then you'll be disappointed. My favourite song is 'Me and the moon', I think its one of the best songs SoCo have ever done. The only thing bad that I have to say about this album is that the second half of the CD sounded a bit samey, but once you've listened to it a bit you get into it better. Even though I'm 14 myself, I think this album would probably appeal to older people more, but personally I love this album and its one of my favourites.

Somehow, Something Corporate has managed to outdo themselves. After one of the best debut albums I've ever heard, the guys follow it up with a much more mature album both melody and lyric wise.

The pianos mesh much better with the surrounding instruments, thers a perfect balance. The lyrics talk about specific situations in detail and alltogether the band sounds beyond their years.

The standout track on North is definitly "Me and the Moon" Its a breathtaking ballad with a beautiful feel good chorus. This track takes the place of "Cavenaugh Park" on their last album.

I also love "Down" which has another great piano section and "Runaway", another track with a great chorus.

Considering all the hype these guys had to live up to, they did an excellent job and I'm not disapointed in the least bit.

This is a great album. If you are buying this just for the bonus tracks, you can download the tracks in the Audio section at www.soco-online.net

`North' is the sophomore offering from Dana Point, CA punk/pop quintet Something Corporate. This album is everything the first album was, and conversely everything the first album was not. The music remains catchy and hook-laden, mostly built around the very capable musical and lyrical abilities of pianist/frontman Andrew McMahon. `North', however, is more sombre, more introspective, and more grown-up than `LTTW'. The lyrics tend to be more poignant and cynical, and the tone of the album is generally somewhat darker than their previous release - thanks in no small part to the fact that it was recorded during a dismal time of the year in Seattle. By no way does that mean the album is of lesser quality than the first - in fact, this is a much better body of work. The writing is much more intricate and mature, the lyrical lows are more gut-wrenching and the lyrical highs feed the soul much more than the first album. The songwriting talents of guitarist Josh Partington come more to the forefront as he contributes four tracks to the album including the first official single, "Space". In all, while the first album might be called a "fun" album or a "party" album, this is much more representative of the potential of the band, and should go a long way to segregating them from the slough of So-Cal "punk" knock-off bands that seem to be everywhere these days. That's not to say there aren't a couple of fist-pumpers on this one though - `Space' will be sure to be heard on dance floors across North America, and '21 & Invincible' is a cynical anthem to young adulthood. These are counterweighted with the lovely `Me And The Moon', a questioning look at mental breakdown spawned by an article McMahon read about a woman murdering her husband, and `Miss America', yet another lament for the intense stress that being on the road places on a relationship.

Having a decent producer in Jim Wirt has definitely paid dividends here - production quality on this album is better, much better than `Leaving Through The Window'. The musicianship has improved, and so has the vocal quality. This disc is everything I expected it to and to my pleasant surprise, much that I didn't expect it to be.

now...ive had this album for a while...but i have been ok a reviewing kick today, and i listened to this album and i might as well review it. so here it goes song by song.

As You Sleep- 5/5 i was amazed when i heard this song...its got beautiful piano and vocals..i really loved it the first time i heard it. Shows how they have matured.
Space- 5/5 A faster track here...more guitar based...catchy...i enjoy it...one of the more rockin' tracks on the album.
Down- 4/5 Another great song....not much else to say about it...but i like it alot!
Only Ashes- 4/5 another harder song...its really good.
Me And The Moon 5/5- I think i could give this song higher than a five. the most beautiful song ever written about a woman who kills her husband! Andrew just sounds great on this. For heavy subject matter it is a mellow and beautiful song. Its very Ben Folds Five-ish I think musically.
The Runaway-4/5 good song, maybe not one of the stand out tracks but it is good..faster than previous track so it is a good change of pace.
Ruthless-4/5 great song...its kinda angry-like...at an ex or something.
She Paints Me Blue- 5/5 another slower piano based song with once again great vocals and lyrics. very very nice.
Break Myself-3.5/5 not a standout track...its still good though but ptobably least memorable.
I Wont Make You-5/5 i love the lyrics...the music is great also...its a slower song also
21 and invincible-4/5 this song sounds alot like anything off of "leaving Through the Window" fast, upbeat
Miss America- 4/5 good way to end album...another slower song...really nice

It seems like this album is filled with slower songs, and it is. But they are all very very good songs, and its a really mellow CD for the most part. But SoCo shows they have matured a great deal on this album. HIGHLY reccomended.

"North" is an incredibly varied and original set of tunes. "As You Sleep" has a beautiful melody with Andrew McMahon's piano chiming ethereally throughout the track. "Balls of fire burning up the black space, falling from the landscape, exploding in the face of God," McMahon sings with a repetitive tune that nevertheless builds giving a sense of both routine and expansion. "Ruthless" is also an exceptionally good track with its wistful verses and electric chorus, "If I built you a city, would you let me? Would you tear it down?" My favorite track is "She Paints Me Blue" with McMahon's piano equally beautiful and dissonant, "You're my good feeling." "Break Myself" has a great anthematic feel to its guitar storm chorus. "North" is a great set with numerous sparkling tracks. Enjoy!

A little over a year ago my friend Michelle told me she had tickets to the Vans Warped Tour and that she wanted me to go with her. I have always been a fan of Coldplay, Guster, and Ben Folds Five, so I was very VERY hesitant, but, since I never refuse a concert, I agreed. The first band I heard play was Something Corporate - they played I Woke Up in a Car followed by Fall and instantly I was hooked. I got their autograph, I bought their CD, I harassed my friend Jon for his Something Corporate sticker - it was love at first sight. Since then they have become one of my favourite bands (and been a 'gateway' to the whole punk rock music scene which I now love)- I have gotten their autographs three times, been to five shows in two different countries, and bought North the day it came out.
I was expecting an album very much like Leaving Through the Window (which would have just been fine with me!), but I LOVED North. I felt like it honestly and seriously spoke to my heart. When I first heard Leaving Through the Window I had just graduated from high school and the songs seemed to speak to me then (fun, upbeat, searching), and North totally spoke to how I feel about life now (more mature, darker, contemplative, and reflective). In addition, I am a sucker for ballads, melodies, and pretty instramentals (Konstantine is one of my favourite songs of all time), and North totally delivered this without being too sappy and flaky. There was a perfect combination of bittersweet sentiment and rough hard edges that blended into beautiful music. I'm a singer and a pianist (9+ years on piano and over 2 years of voice lessons) and the enormity of the talent that this band possesses is impressive. Andrew McMahon has a very talented vocal range as well as a great amount of skill on the piano (and is a complete sweetheart in person too). Combined with the rougher guitar, drums, and bass, the sound is unique and catchy. The lyrics are well chosen and everything about the entire album is finely crafted. Anyone who claims that Something Corporate is not a talented band must listen to this CD and I promise you will be convinced otherwise.
The best songs are Me and the Moon, She Paints Me Blue, Down, and Ruthless. I hate to compare these guys to anyone because I completely find their sound unique and different than any band I've ever heard, but if I had to make one comparison, it's a base of Ben Folds Five shaken with Dashboard Confessional/ Juliana Theory with a touch of The Starting Line/The Ataris. Their music is gorgeous. If you like driving with your windows down on a bright sunny cloudless day in 70 degree weather, blasting music that makes you feel like the world is embracing you (as corny as that sounds), you won't regret buying this one.

I don't care what anybody says, North is an awesome CD and though I wouldn't say it's better than Leaving Through The Window, I wouldn't say it's any worse either. The two CD's are hard to compare because they are on different levels. LTTW was less mature, I guess you could say. Songs like If U C Jordan and Punk Rock Princess were awesome but not as mature as most of the subject matter on North. Something Corporate did not orchestrate "maturing" on this album, they just did because they got older! You can tell that they wrote a lot of this on the road and the fact that it's a road album is pretty obvious. The only thing I wish was on this album but wasn't was a piano ballad like Konstantine. This album is awesome. Buy it!

Let me just say that I am a huge SoCo fan, so I'm biased. When I first heard the cd, I wasn't too excited. Then I started really listening, and now I like it so much better. I fell instantly in love with Down, Only Ashes, and Me and the Moon, while other songs (As You Sleep, Break Myself) are growing on me. Me and the Moon is my favorite so far - creepy, amazing piano, good lyrics, cool string part at the end, everything. Compared to previous Something Corporate records, North is darker and more mature. As usual, terrific piano all throughout, although the album is missing a purely piano ballad :-( (like Globes and Maps on Leaving Through the Window or Konstantine, the best song ever in the history of everything). But it's also missing a bunch of pop-oriented stuff that was so prominent on Leaving Through the Window (iF yoU C Jordan), which is a good thing. So all in all, if you're a Something Corporate fan, definitely get this, you won't be disappointed. And if you're just getting into their stuff, this is a great album to start with.