Say Anything keeps it simple on self-titled album
Jaclyn Gallo
Issue date: 12/11/09 Section: A&E
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Though many Say Anything fans in the past did not care for In Defense of the Genre (2007), I enjoyed most of it. That being said, front man Max Bemis has outdone himself again.
Say Anything returned to a simpler form. Most of the new songs consist of the basic band structure with some strings and brass occasionally-magnificent, yet simple. Not many bands can pull off such a stunt as to alternate between in-your-face, unprecedented music and back to a more "straightforward" structure.
This doesn't mean that they don't still mess with time signatures and conventional styles of music-there, they don't disappoint. Bemis surely works the eccentric music with easy to remember melodies.
Many of the new lyrical references are a little difficult to take seriously, and almost inspire humor in the wrong way. For example, the bit about Will & Grace that begins "Do Better" ("Life is not a spark in space, an episode of Will & Grace, Controversial yet mundane, Debra's Messing with your brain").
Notable points of the album include "Hate Everyone" and "Death for my Birthday." They are both danceable and full of malice-they follow the same trend of upbeat music with bummer lyrics and the repetition that seems to be everywhere on this CD.
In the track "Cemetery," Bemis' wife (the wonderful Sherri DuPree of Eisley) makes a guest appearance for a back up vocal part. No one could have done it better.
Bemis has created what could be one of his strongest proclamations so far, all the while keeping the sense of mockery that defines his music.
It seems that Bemis has always had an overgrown ego, as sensed in his words and articulation, but he makes it a point to direct some of his travesty at himself (as well as others.) His cleverness keeps me from considering him an insensitive, cocky jerk.
Most importantly, Say Anything remains unique and settles for nothing less-I never expect their music to display anything except exactly who they are.
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