Customer Reviews

So Long Astoria

5 star:		(172)
4 star:		(65)
3 star:		(26)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(24)

 

 

If you are (like me) frustrated with all the 'so called punk bands' they play on the radio all day long, then you will really enjoy the new Ataris album. This is the real deal ! And even their new album is more rock than punk, it is probably their best release so far. These songs are full of emotions and the craftsmanship of the songs and the production is outstanding. The cover version of 'Boys of Summer' became instantly one of my all time favorites - but all their original material is fantastic, too. The sound of this CD is somewhere between the 'Goo Goo Dolls' (producer Lou Giordano used to work with them) and the excellent first 'Third Eye Blind' album. It's a straight forward rock album with strong punk influences. As long as there are bands like 'The Ataris' and CDs like 'So Long, Astoria' there is hope for music.

When I learned that the Ataris were releasing a new CD under the major label Columbia Records, I was excited but worried at the same time. The demise of some of my favorite bands came as a result of leaving the indie scene, including New Found Glory and Blink 182. But once I listened to this CD, it became clear to me that the Ataris were not about to sell out anytime soon.

This CD definitely has a different sound than their previous releases, with more melodic guitar riffs and more heartfelt songs. But the distinct sound of Kris Roe's vocals are still present, and you can still feel the emotion in every note. Some of the best songs on this CD are the title track, "My Reply," "Unopened Letter to the World," "The Saddest Song," and "Summer '79." I also enjoyed the remake of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer."

Basically, I love this CD. I wouldn't necessarily call it the best of their releases, but it still totally awesome and I love it as much as the rest of their CD's. I would recommend it if you are an established Ataris fan in order to fully appreciate it. If you are new to them, pick up "Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits" or "End is Forever," then try out this CD. They set the bar high with "Blue Skies," and they are still reaching it, even on a major label. I am confident that they will keep up the good work.

As any punk rock fan would be, I was worried when I heard the Ataris, one of my favorite bands, was signed to a major label (Columbia). This is often the kiss of death for these types of bands, as they start producing poppy, lyrically-cheezy music in exchange for a spot on TRL and a chance to be on the Civic Tour (yes I am talking about New Found Glory) but back to the subject at hand, the Ataris released a new CD on Columbia, "So Long, Astoria" and although it's not nearly as 'punk' as their older CDs, it's still an amazing album. Usually it's bad when bands mature, but Kris Roe and the guys have matured while making sure they remember their roots. Almost the entire CD is about his teenage years. Anyway, here's a rundown

1. So Long Astoria- great opener, catchy riffs, heartfelt lyrics. 9/10

2. Takeoffs and Landings- another catchy song with really meaningful lyrics, would be a good single. 9/10

3. In This Diary- shouldn't be a single, but is still a great song, in fact sounds a little 'too' tailor-made for radio, the only song on the CD that does. 7/10

4. My Reply- Not about the typical 'boy wants girl' mantra we've come to know Kris for, but a very emotional song. It rocks. 9/10

5. Unopened Letter to the World- this sounds most like the older Ataris stuff, so naturally it's great. 9.5/10

6. The Saddest Song- very emotional, about Kris' daughter, but the piano just doesn't sit well with me. 6/10

7. Summer 79- Kris tries to be a little too much like Bryan Adams. The lyrics don't sound very emotional, just a fun-in-the-sun type song. We call this filler. 4/10

8. The Hero Dies in This One- now the lyrics and music here are great, and Kris' ending to the song (listen to the song) is amazing and you can really tell he means it, not like Good Charlotte. 10/10...one of the best on the CD

9. All That You Can...- long title, but pretty sweet song that once again strays from the 'boy/girl' lyrics of the old Ataris. 8/10

10. The Boys of Summer- not many bands can take a cheezy, synthesizer-vamped 80s arena rock disasterpiece and turn it into a upbeat punk rock song. The Ataris can, though. 10/10

11. Radio #2- Great song about how much the radio plays the same stuff over and over. Extra points for the guest appearance by MxPx's Mike Herrera, it's good to know the Ataris are staying true to the scene (not like Simple Plan who collaborated with Mark 'When Do We Get Paid?' Hoppus). 9/10

12. Looking Back on Today- Kris wrote this about the same girl he wrote "Summer Wind..." for on "End is Forever." That was useless info, since the song is great and has a really cool riff.
9/10

13. Eight of Nine- An awesome song but doesn't work as an album closer. It would be better if it was in the middle of the CD. 9/10

the extra tracks, fan-favorite oldie "I Won't Spend Another Night Alone" and acoustic version of "Saddest Song" are good extras, making the $... necessary to purchase this CD worth it. The Ataris have not sold out. But they've grown up.

The Ataris are back in full force. This cd is incredible and shows off how much they have come in the years. Sure, the music is slower then previous releases, but many of the songs retain that same Ataris song we all have come to love. Instead of focus their energy in negative ways by singing about break ups and heart break, the band sings about the good times of growing up and the nostalgic feeling we all get at times. Songs like "So Long Astoria," "Looking Back on Today" and "The Hero dies in this one" are the three best examples of this. If you are a fan, you will enjoy this record greatly and I wish people would stop crucifying an amazing band like this because they have changed. They were never really fast, furious punk rock. This album is better then most pop-punk albums by ... bands such as Good Charlotte and New Found Glory. Buy it now, you won't regret it.

I've been a fan of the ataris since their cd, blue skies, broken hearts.. next 12 exits, came out - To tell you the truth I was really worried about So long Astoria came out because I LOVED the rest of their songs and albums and i didn't want that to change. Also I was worried that the band was "selling out." March 4th came around and I bought it as soon as I could and i was extatic with the album. The lead singer/song writer of the Ataris, Kris Roe, went deeper into his soul in producing this album. This band went through a great maturation period between their previous cd, End is Forever, and So Long Astoria. Although the single "In this Diary" is currently being played on the radio, I am not upset by this at all! These guys are awesome and they deserve radio play. This is a cd that every Ataris fan and every pop-punk/emo fan needs in their CD collection. Go out and buy it now! KEEP THE ATARIS PRIDE ALIVE!

"Life is only as good as the memories we make" - The Ataris

1. So Long, Astoria
2. Takeoffs and Landings
3. In This Diary
4. My Reply
5. Unopened Letter to the World
6. The Saddest Song
7. Summer '79
8. The Hero Dies in This One
9. All You Can Ever Learn is What You Already Know
10. The Boys Of Summer (Don Henley cover)
11. Radio #2 Album
12. Looking Back On Today
13. Eight of Nine
14. I Won't Spend Another Night Alone (New Version)
15. The Saddest Song (Acoustic)

The long-awaited major label debut from The Ataris has been anticipated by many and appreciated by all. These guys, regardless of what stereotypes placed or assumptions formed, have long-since payed their dues, releasing 7 CD's (including the remastered and rereleased version of Anywhere But Here) up to So Long, Astoria. The band's growth is phenomenal, as they have remained true to their pop-punk roots but developed more of a pop-rock taste.

The infectious Ataris sound is still present, with great solid rock songs and catchy pop hooks. Clearly the most notable change from past albums is the more impressive layered guitar work and solid combinations of clean / distorted guitars. The overlays of a second guitar can be clearly noticed and appreciated, adding a new dimension to the band's sound.

Along with the new guitar sound, the lyrics have a clearly much more distinct depth. Kris Roe's personal influence and sincerity is a key factor on this disc, and his growth has transcended his musical ability (the singing is solid as ever) and as a person he opens up beyond the "world of girls" his old songs were accustomed to. For example, My Reply is a response to a letter written to the band from a kid who was on his deathbed and it's clear in the lyrics that Roe was touched: "I got your letter and the poetry you sent me, postmarked in December of last year..I really hope you're doing better, all your friends close by your side, one step closer to recovery.."

Ranting on about a priceless disc is worthless, so to close, the Ataris' So Long, Astoria is their most honest, sincere, and well-orchestrated disc to date, and all fans of The Ataris should get it.

Honestly, I like this album. I really do. It's just that it makes me a little sad, and that's not just because of the sad reflective lyrics and melodies that scream "emo" louder than a pair of thick rimmed glasses and a book by Kerouac. The saddest thing about this album is that the Ataris have ditched almost every bit of pop-punk and instead aimed for a radio-friendly emo-pop style. But here's the thing - as much as I would love to be a music elitist and hate this album - I can't. Even though it's obviously a desperate attempt to latch onto the mainstream emo trend, it's a well-thought out and well-written album. That's what separates the Ataris from their corporate punk brethren Good Charlotte, Simple Plan and Yellowcard - The Ataris can actually write some very good lyrics. Listen to "All You Can Ever Learn Is What You Already Know" or the title track for evidence of that. Unfortunately, the entire album isn't as consistent. Kris Roe tends to get so wrapped up in his own memories that the songs become difficult to relate to. Also, "Radio #2" may attempt to be a sarcastic take on corporate radio, but with "In This Diary" all over mainstream radio and MTV it comes off as pure hypocrisy. But in the end, the good outweighs the bad. It doesn't compare to their independent work, but So Long Astoria is probably the best mainstream pop-punk CD released in recent years.

I like "So Long Astoria," it's a good CD. However, one thing i noticed is that a lot of people say it's a "new sound" or something for the Ataris, but honestly, I don't see much of a difference from their old stuff. It sounds a lot like "End is Forever," not and not quite as much as "Blue Skies..." but it's still good. The cover of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer" is, dare I say, better than the original version, and "Summer '79" is a good track as well. Overall, it's not too terribly different from their older stuff, but it's still a pretty good CD.

I'll admit I'm a newcomer to the Ataris. Before "So Long Astoria" I'd heard of them but nothing by them. This was more or less an impulse purchase for me. I've never been happier with an impulse purchase in my life.

This cd is more or less a scrapbook of 27 year old Kris Roe's life, with entries dating back to his high school glory days and culminating at the birth of his daughter.

Details and minutiae (such as street names, hangout locations, dates) have been added to the songs with care, to reinforce the fact that these are more memoirs than pop songs. And the wonderful thing about them... is that they are almost all of an overwhelmingly positive, self-motivational nature. Instead of lamenting all his lost loves, Kris celebrates in them, and in all the experiences that have made him who he is over the years.

Lyrics are never deep or profound in nature, but that makes them no less powerful. "The hardest part isn't finding who we need to be; it's being content with who we are... Stay who you are," he pleads in the standout "The Hero Dies in this One," definetely one of the best tracks on the album.

Musically, "So Long Astoria" is full of catchy, pop-punk teenage anthems with traces of emo dropped on some of the more intense tracks. Despite the album's energy, there is a prevalent subdued tone to it throughout, making this as easy to jam to as it is to fall asleep to.

The cd's definetely a must-have. Check it out if you're a fan of any kind of pop-punk or emo.

In the words of The Ataris singer, Kris Roe: "In a lot of my lyrics, I like to encode a lot of hidden messages and whatnot... I don't want to give them just a bunch of surface lyrics that you can take at face value... Everything is really personal, every song is about something different, each song is like a page in the scrapbook of memories...."

The lyrics in this album are inspirational, emotional, and very meaningful, such as "My Reply," a song written to a girl who was bed-ridden in a hospital from a deadly disease, but The Ataris offer nothing but positive comments to her in their song. If you find these lyrics are horrible, then nothing can be good enough for you.

Energetic, fun, danceable, toe-tapping, and unique are only some of the many ways I could describe The Ataris sound on so long, astoria. "Summer '79" provides one of the many tunes that is constantly stuck in your head but you never get tired of it.

This album is one of the few new releases that are worth buying.

"I want to make sure that I let them know that 'Hey, man, there's hope out there," Kris stated, "There's a lot more beyond this life and you need to look for it."