AFI-Crash Love
 

Keep in mind if you read this that I'm a) tired and b) have the plague, so if it makes no sense, that's why.

Having listened all the way through once, I think my final verdict is, eargasm. This album is what Decemberunderground should have been. It's nowhere near what I expected from them. It isn't even what I wanted from them. But somehow, it seems to be what I needed to hear from them.

Musically, from a technical standpoint, they've gone above and beyond anything they've created before. Lyrically, Davey addresses his views on society with brutal honesty that is apparent in his delivery. Instead of listening strong points (there are too many of them), all I can do is say the weakest tracks are probably Beautiful Thieves and To Shy To Scream. The rest of the album, starting with the soaring Torch Song and ending with It Was Mine (the backing vocals on this took some getting used to, but it's really a gorgeous song) is AFI at its best.

Yes, this will probably be the album that will help them break into the mainstream even more than Decemberunderground, but with the hard work they've put in over the last 18 years and the musical power of Crash Love, they really do deserve it.

I should probably add track rankings, shouldn't I?
Torch Song 10/10: gorgeous tack. I just can't describe it.
Beautiful Thieves 5/10:It's decent. Just, eh.
End Transmission 10/10: See description for Torch Song. Fantastic lyrics.
To Shy To Scream 4/10: I can't really decide why I don't like it.
Veronica Sawyer Smokes 6/10: not terribly original. Stylistically, it's The Smiths written by AFI.
Okay, I Feel Better Now 8/10: I enjoy this song. I have yet to figure out why.
Medicate 7/10: the transition to the bridge still pisses me off.
I Am Trying Very Hard To Be Here 8/10: really catchy tune, but reminds me a bit of Miss Murder.
Sacrilege 9/10: This song slapped me in the face when I heard it. Reminds me of old school AFI, but with better music. Might offend some.
Darling, I Want To Destroy You 9/10: I'm running out of things to say about these tracks.
Cold Hands 7/10: I love the lyrics. The music doesn't really speak to me as much.
It Was Mine gets 10/10: This song just builds in power and tension throughout. It's an epic closing. And I mean epic in the original sense of the word, not the way I use it all the time.

Not my best work...I know...but I haven't yet purchased the album...I've just listened to it on youtube...maybe once I actually own it I'll update this :)

[I]Gabs is a lifelong music lover, mosher & writer. Her hobbies include sarcasm, music & maintaining her menegarie of small animals. You can find more of Gabs at tightpantsmcgee(.)blogspot(.)com

So you're saying it's more of the musical style of Decemberunderground than Answer that and stay fashionable? I guess it's a pipe dream to think they would ditch the keyboard and go back to their old sound at this point.

I'm dissapointed that they stuck with the new sound they developed over the last two albums.

I'm glad they are expanding on there newer sound, **** living in the past. LOL at anyone thinking they would go back to break neck screaming hardcore. These guys are in there mid 30's for god's sake.

I'm hesitant to, but I'll listen tomorrow. I though DU was good in some parts but I'm not liking the gradual decline in quality since AOD.

Finally saw there new video for Medicate, Davey looks like Perry Farrell now lol. It's all good though, the make up was starting to freak me out.

I've heard most of the new tracks but im still not convinced to get the new album, i'm not the obsessive fan i was when i was 16 or 17.

He looks more like Morrissey to me now imo.

they were a great punk band and are now scene bitches. Is that expanding or regressing?

They couldn't go back to what they once were. Davey strained his voice, he cant pull the shit he once did.

Depressing, but true.

Expanding bro. Progressing is where it's at. Not saying there music is better than what it once was, but it is clearly appropriate for there age.I'd say they had way less promo behind this album than Decemberunderground.

I haven't heard this record, but I lost interest at Decemberunderground. I Still think their best stuff is the black sails-era and style stuff that they did.

Downloading now. i love Decemberunderground, and Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes and everything in between, so I'm sure I'll be impressed.

I think my favorite will always be Sing the Sorrow, but that's probably just because it reminds me of my childhood. Wasn't fan of DU but I'm willing to check this one out.

The haircut definitely did some good on Davey's part. Just sayin'.

This. Everything done after their punk days was half the talent, and half the effort. I also thought their main effort has been to fit in, which is why Davey has the Morissey get up.

It takes about 3 to 4 listens to get used to this album but it is worth it. Veronica Sawyer doesn't seem to fit but it's not that big of a deal. If you really enjoyed December underground like I did, you'll be disappointed and tempted to cast this record aside, but give it a chance and play it very loud. I'm thinking this is the best release of 2009 so far. My other favourites are Dredg and Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace a distant fourth.

I know I said I would download Crash Love a while ago, but I never got around to it.
However I saw them live a few weeks ago (which I forgot to gloat about on here :D) and there wasn't a single weak song I heard so I'm off to download this thing.

two words.............. fake'n G A Y

troll post

Which? Crash Love or their entire 19-year career in general?