Record Store Day was a huge success. I ended up amongst a frenzy of fellow vinyl-lovers, eager to look through various 45s and new exclusive releases. I ended up selecting Bayside's acoustic album, The Shins' Simple Song/September LP, and The Wonder Years' The Upsides. I put on The Upsides with high expectations, which ended up being exceeded.
The record's "Everything I Own Fits In This Backpack" is totally brilliant. It's everything that you'd expect a poppunk song to be, and more. It has clever and engaging lyrics ("I'm not as sad as I let myself believe sometimes"). The guitar packs a punch that is so captivating that you just want to run around your bedroom, air-guitaring. Not to mention the phenomenal drumming. The tune is probably my favourite on the album.
I adore "It's Never Sunny In South Philadelphia". It's catchy and addictive, and has a really raw feel. I can totally imagine the band playing it live, with the crowd singing the lyrics right back at them. I love the vocals and how passionate they feel. You can sense the emotion all the way to the bass. I can't get enough of the tune; it's totally brilliant. It's entirely flawless all the way through.
"Hey Thanks" is gorgeous. The use of the uke and trombone make it totally stand out on the album. It's easy to move around to, and the vocals are amazing. I can't get enough of it, and especially the lyric "I'm not sad anymore", which is used in many of TWY's songs. It's the most diverse and interesting tune of the record.
"All My Friends Are In Bar Bands" is the perfect end to a fantastic record. I love Soupy's voice, and how incredibly intense it is. It's fun and really memorable, and has that kind of feel where you just want to sing it at the top of your lungs. I don't remember the last time I had that feeling; it's becoming more and more rare. I'm so glad I've found it again, because I forgot how much I missed it. That exhilarating sense of wanting to yell the words with your heart beating fast and a smile on your face.
I'm not sad anymore.