Everyone’s a Little Emo

August 26, 2011

There is no logical explanation for me to admit this secret to you, other than the fact that I just really like some Emo bands.

Several years back I had a friend who loved all that Screamo- Emo- Wah-My-Girlfriend-Dumped-Me stuff that drove me crazy. I’d never understood the attraction to that genre, why would anyone want to sulk in a baby voice?

As time went on I learned to sift through the masses to find a few that really stood out. In a way, Emo is a revamp of 80’s New Wave/ Goth bands like The Cure and Depeche Mode.

Today I’m sharing some of my favorites, and please don’t judge me too harshly– I’m from California dude.

Reggie and the Full Effect are all over the place. Their music is electronic pop beats mixed with Emo, Punk vocals. Some songs sound more like dance hits of the 90’s, and others like death-metal ballads, making for an erie mix of opposing styles.

This first song is probably the most memorable for me. The first 30 seconds just get you going and make it hard to change the song. Luckily I found this super-cute video to entertain you while it plays. I’m not normally a fan of video games, except in rare occasions like this.

Get Well Soon, Songs Not to Get Married to (2005).

Thanks for the Misery (2005).

Saosin has a more serious tone with harmonic layered vocals, heavier metal-based chords and faster paced drums. What I like most is the buildup in the songs, slower parts leading into faster ones. The variety makes it more interesting.

Seven Years, (2005).

Fall Out Boy gained popularity after the release of their second studio album, but in my opinion it’s their first major release, Take This to Your Grave (2003), that’s the best. This is the first “Emo” band I got in to, after listening to this album it’s easy to see why. It’s not too annoying, the right combination of angst and optimism.

This is the first track off the album, I used to listen to this while I ran at the gym– and let me tell you, I’ve never run as fast as I did when this song was on.

“Tell That Mick He Just Made My List Of Things to do Today”

“Homesick at Space Camp”

Of all the Emo bands, this is my favorite. The Academy Is… reminds me of the rock bands from the 60’s and 70’s, maybe that’s because the lead singer, William Beckett, looks like Mick Jagger, maybe it’s the tight jeans and androgynous sex appeal reminiscent of Led Zeppelin.

It’s more than just good looks, the band pulls off some pretty sweet rock ballads that entice you to sing along at full volume no matter who hears you. To see them play live is quite an experience as well. The energy level is off the charts.

Here are some songs from their first album, Almost Here, (2005).

“Black Mamba” “So save your breath when the money is spent, go work in retail spend the suspense… just don’t take chances on anything at all”