Customer Reviews

Sing the Sorrow [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD]

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I first purchased this, I doubted whether or not I had made a sound purchase. Of course I hadn't watched the DVD yet, so that was just stupidity on my part. I mean I already had the regular edition and the packaging itself, while very nice, isn't worth the money. Then I actually watched the DVD, what a novel idea!? Clandestine. Where do I begin? I don't think I will. I have several ideas what its about, but I will leave them inside my head so as not to offend anyone. I will say that it manages to be ingenious, funny, and haunting at the same time. I was creeped out half the time and laughed out loud at one point. Jade's soundtrack is the definative one, but personally I like Hunter's, I have a soft-spot for good bass-work! So, in short, great item to have. Certainly not one of my favorite pieces of cinema, but I'm glad I have it. Now, the main attraction. 5.1 mixes of Death of Seasons, Silver and Cold, ...but home is nowhere, The Great Dissapointment, and Reiver's Music. While having Reiver's Music is technically the real kicker, these songs are the best use of 5.1 audio I have ever heard. These mixes are simply [insert cliche positive adjective here]. A must have if you don't already own Sing the Sorrow, but also worth getting if you do have it, if you're a huge AFI fan.

Alright, I'm going to review this in 2 parts, owing to the 2 discs:

1- Tha Album
Sing the Sorrow is AFI's most polished, fully-realized work to date. Their newfound major label status hasn't done anything to their sound that they weren't already doing anyway, it just gave them the funds and producers to make it sound better than ever. The lyrics are top-notch, as is the music. This is, hands down, AFI's best album thus far.

2- The DVD
I'll be frank here: Clandestine (the short film by the band) is somewhat bizarre. A silent, nigh-Lynchian effort, with alternate soundtracks. I prefer Jade's, myself. But it's creative, and interesting to watch. As for the music tracks, the 5.1 mix is excellent if you've got the system for it, and just getting the bonus track (Reiver's Music, from the Now The World picture vinyl) is worth it.

Also, the hard-bound book (containing the lyrics and pictures of the band) is very nice, and well-suited to accompany the album and DVD.
All in all, the Special Edition is a must-have for hardcore fans of AFI. However, casual fans may wish to simply get the standard edition, sans DVD and book.

I wasn't exactly sure what i was getting myself into with a "limited edition w/ Bonus DVD" thing. but, i haven't regreted it one bit! this package gives you Sing the Sorrow, a beautifully illustrated book, and a DVD which contains a short film (done by AFI, acted by AFI) and great sound enhanced versions of some of the songs off the album and one not on the album, riever's song. yea, it's definately worth the extra money. because now, you have a copy for in your car and in your house...i do not joke, it's actually quite smart. If you are skeptical about the short film, well, let me put it this way, it's very college-film-school-esque, but it's the best i've ever seen. It is a silent film, but dear lord, stop being dumb, and get it, it's amazing.

I had no qualms paying fifty bucks for my copy of this, but then, I am a complete and utter devotee of all things AFI. Granted, I am a relatively new fan, but still no less devoted than the ones who have been around since their inception. Since I've already written a review of STS from a musical standpoint for the CD, I will go by the DVD. Clandestine is a companion piece to the album, meant to guide you in your path of discovering its meaning. It's rife with clues and hints that tie in directly with songs. AFI in no way spells it out for you, you have to figure it out on your own. But I tell you, once it hits you, it's mind-blowing. But this edition is really only going to appeal to the die-hards. The casual fan just doesn't care about the underlying theme of this album, and therefore will just be wasting their money. Otherwise, it is WELL worth the money and time spent on this. OH, and let's not forget the 5.1 remixes of some of the songs, and the fact that you get Reiver's Music, which is only otherwise available on the 336 vinyl (also out of print and hard to find). Anyways, if you love AFI as much as I do, get this as soon as you can get your hands on a copy.

this cd is absolutely amazing. i cant deny i still miss the "answer that" afi, or the "very proud of ya" afi, but i am really loving what they have become over time. This cd mixes many elements of great music such as metal (jade's got a metal solo on "dancing through sunday":) ), techno, hardcore, something many would consider poppy punk (bleed black and girl's not grey are very poppy by my standards, haha), and a lot more. I love every minute of it, and you will too, as long as u like good stuff.
Also, im kinda dissapointed. They release a ... limited edition and do not include the cut songs (reiver's music, now the world, and synesthesia). That kinda bums me out, but you still get this other stuff to make you happy::

DVD with the short movie Clandestine featuring the band. It's kinda weird, and its only around 8 minutes, but its cool too. The dvd also has some tracks mixed in 5.1 surround sound which is cool if ur into great sounding music (this actually does include reiver's music;unlike the cd)

and there's a hardcover 60 page lyrics book. It's kinda dumb, unless ur a huge poetry/lyric [fun] such as me. Then you will absolutely love it.

That's the end of my rambled review. If you're into getting a few extras that im sure many could live without, buy the cd. If you're an afi [fan], and u need this; you definately should!

Ok, first of all, I would give the CD itself 4 stars. But since the DVD "Clandestine" is also in the mix, I had to give it 5 stars. The "Sing the Sorrow" CD is not the best AFI CD (in my opinion the best was "Black Sails in the Sunset"), but a very good and pleasing way to change their style of music. The band seems to have become a little more creative (ok, so some of the songs are very 'radio friendly' but so what? everyone needs to make money). Personally, my favorite songs on this album are "Death of Seasons", "The Leaving Song Part II", and "This Time Imperfect." I also want to say that Jade's guitar work is amazing on this album, especially in "Dancing Through Sunday." Also, I always thought Davey was the best lyricist there was, and this CD shows me nothing less than lyrical perfection. You can listen to it when you're happy, sad, [angry], heartbroken... It's just an all around great CD.

And the DVD... the 5.1 remixes are great, although "...But Home is Nowhere" is one of my least favorite tracks off the CD. All the songs sound great in 5.1, makes me feel like I'm at a live AFI show again and again. "Clandestine" is quite odd, and I came up with a few conclusions about "the box", but I'm not going to say anything. Watch it for yourself. This special edition version of "Sing the Sorrow" is great to have if you're a big AFI fan like myself... But like someone else said, if you're not that big of a fan, and you just want to see what the CD is all about, then you're better off getting the regular edition (especially now, since all of these are out of stock).

I tried so hard to go on without purchasing this special edition, but just couldn't! I am so glad I was able to get this brilliant album/DVD. Not only do you get Sing the Sorrow, AFI's best album to date, but a totally sweet short film done in 2 different soundtracks *Jade's and Hunter's* You also get 5 songs done in 5.1 surround. But, the best part is the 60+ page hardcover book. It's so lovely. If you have the cash, I suggest you buy it the second you can. It is without a doubt rad. <3

Totally worth the extra money, the bonus album artwork is superb. Definitely recommended for a hardcore fan.

This cd is awesome. Not only does it have the Sing the Sorrow CD (With a hidden bonus track), and a huge lyric book, the dvd had 5.1 Songs, and the short film, which just could not be any better. Even if you already have the AFI Sing the Sorrow cd, get this!

i bought the last copy remaining in hot topic and it is really awsome, i wasnt an afi fan until i heard this album, it's better than what i thought it would be, these guys arent your typical punk band, these guys break away from the norm, there is actual talent within this band, and it isnt pop-rock either, just plane talented musicians, the bonus dvd is great it has a short film, and it has audio mixes. the book is awsome, it comes with great artwork and pictures, really cool to look at, this is an awsome buy!