So, here's a song I didn't get at first.

I bought this album from Best Buy when they had a bunch of new music for 6.99. I listened to it because, c'mon: that's a great freakin' band name. And A Fever You Can't Sweat Out? That's a good title, too!

What I didn't look at was the song titles. I popped the disc in, and CDDB took over. iTunes got the song titles and I thought something was wrong. Besides today's track, there's also:

-"London Beckoned Songs about Money Written By Machines"
-"Lying is the Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off"
and
- "There's A Good Reason These Tables are Numbered, Honey, You Just Haven't Thought of It Yet."

oh, and don't forget their hit song: "I Write Sins Not Tragedies."

I kind of thought that was unforgivable. I don't know why, but I think this kind of pretension should be reserved for, like, French bands or something. I hit play, and there it was: a huge blast of emo. I don't have time for emo. There was no emo when I was growing up. We had to pen up our discontent until it turned into angst. Those were the days...

I realized that I couldn't even get my money back on selling these guys on half.com. Guess I'll keep the CD, said I.

Last month, Spin named the lead singer of this band one of the hottest stars under 25. So I thought I'd give the disc another spin. Kinda glad I did.

Yes, the emo moments still make me think that these guys should spend a minute or two with the "Oi!" guy that used to do Energizer commercials. (If you remember him, shout it out!!!). And yes, the titles are still very pretentious. And I don't like their "hit" song at all...But I can forgive some Freshman mistakes if they are willing to grow on their next album.

And the hope I see is "The Only Difference..." It sets the tone of the album, actually asking for audience participation, but then, bullishly proceeds even if they don't get it. It lets us know that the album is a story, and even acknowledges that they are "desperate for attention."

Multiple listens of this track show off that the band can make a lot of something out of a lot of nothing. Break this down, and there's a lot of discord, but somehow it's wrangled, hammered, and twisted, through key changes and rhythmic variations, until it turns into something relevant, hopeful, and a good amount of fun.

If I have to listen to an album of young punk emo-esque guys, I'll choose Relient K over these guys. But right now this song's got my attention.

And you?

All assail!