Customer Reviews

Selling Out and Going Home

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

 

 

Come for the funny, stay for the surprising wit, musical talent, and melody. The dark lyrics and sunny tunes make you laugh, then make think, then make you smile because you've realized some immortal truth about the universe. Or something. I don't know. It's hard for me to judge this album objectively because of my familiarity with it, but I can't recommend it enough. I tell all my friends about this album, and they always tell me the same thing: they hear a couple of verses and crack up a little, thinking it's some kind of gimmick, then get smacked unexpectedly with a deep affection for the song, the writer, and anyone who happens to be in the room at the time. Put this one in your car stereo and it'll never come out.

The Good
On the chipper and upbeat opener "It's Alright," Get Set Go mastermind Mike TV exclaims that even though things may not be going his way, it's nothing devastating if he has his woman by his side. "Sweet Little Kisses" bounces along with funky beats and rhythms as Mike TV continues his appreciation for his lady; this time in more graphic detail. "It Must Be Love" explores the jealousies we feel when we realize we've taken the next big step in our current relationship. An infectious hook commands "Tighten the Verses." You also can't go wrong with an "ooooh-ooooh" section.

"You're Gonna Die Along" goes in a completely different direction that the songs that preceded it. It's quite chipper for an `up yours' song. "Thirteen" delves into the pressures and confusion that young people face today when it comes to relationships and love. Punk rhythms and chord changes come at you full speed on "Get What's Coming to You." Mike TV cuts through the BS and comes straight out with it on "F**k You" (I Want To)." I think the best park of the whole thing is that it has a Beach Boys meet Ramones feel to it.

The Bad
The rhythms can be a bit stagnant and basic at times. The production is a little weak.

The Verdict
Despite the rhythmic and production issues I have with this album, it's the brutally honest and forthcoming lyrics that make this album a winner in my book. You're also getting the most bang for your buck with 17 tracks.

A couple of years ago, Mike TV hit a rough patch. The lead singer for Los Angeles alternative pop band Get Set Go lost his band, his home and his girlfriend. He's had some time to recover, and has written a weird little album which juxtaposes an upbeat, straight rock/fake punk compositions with some of the most laconic lyrics ever recorded.

Selling Out and Going Home is the group's third record, having released their debut So You've Ruined My Life in 2003 and Ordinary World in 2006. They achieved a modicum of fame by being featured on the steaming pile of schlock TV show Grey's Anatomy, and played a limited US tour supporting Ruined. After getting crushed by sales of a miniscule 5000 discs, Mike went a little crazy and started a crash diet of many illegal pharmaceuticals and hit rock bottom.

Get Set Go's new lineup consists of hmmm... I don't know. Mike's self-absorbed press release doesn't mention anyone but himself, not a big surprise considering the poor, poor pitiful me lyrical content of the album. It's unfortunate, because the music is played extremely well for what it is- the band members deserve a lot of credit for getting through Mike's constant whine.

And what about that odd musical concept of backing up really, really depressing lyrics with high energy pop? I guess this idea is supposed to make the album novel somehow, a gritty, slice of life against pretty guitar riffs and punchy drum beats suitable for dance clubs. Puh-lease. Mike TV could stand a little less self-involvement and little more time listening to the work of Nirvana, The Smiths, The Cure, and to an extant Nine Inch Nails if he really wants to showcase his supposedly raw edge.

Still, I can see how a lot of folks might gravitate to this album. When it comes to upbeat music, the groove is much more important than what's being sung, so I'm sure Mike TV will find a small legion of tweenies who will adore this album. If you're into HelloGoodbye and other bands of this nature, Selling Out and Going Home should be added to your collection. In its own little way, the music is catchy even if the lyrics land in your brain with a thud.

But for those of us who need something a little more cerebral, you'd be wise to pass up this album. Even if you find the idea behind Selling Out and Going Home intriguing, you still might want to wait a bit. I have a feeling Selling Out and Going Home will soon be in the cut out bins at a fine local record store near you.