An American Paradox (2002) was the first complete Strung Out album I purchased, and remains my favourite album to date. Today I have the entire back catalogue.
But here, in no particular order sits my 5 favourite songs;
"The Kids" (An American Paradox, 2002)
- This was the first song I had heard from this album, and at that point, it spoke to me as a confused 16 year old kid who was pissed at the world and society. This is possibly the first Strung Out song that I ever loved.
"Swan Dive" (Exile in Oblivion, 2004)
- The bridge is the most amazing part of this song. "When you ask me what went wrong", I'll tell you "No one here is doing fine, we're all f**ked up, and due in time". I also find common wisdom in this song with lines like "Now we don't always walk the line and broadcast how we hurt sometimes". This is a song I seek solace in regularly.
"More than Words" (Prototypes and Painkillers, 2009)
This is another song that speaks wisdom to me. It also sums up the past 10 years of my life at this point, relationships, broken hearts and all. How this song didn't make it to any of their full length albums has left me scratching my head on multiple occasions.
"No Voice of Mine" (Rock Against Bush Compilation Volume 1, 2004, Exile in Oblivion, 2004)
This is a song that relates to my frustration with John Key and the National Government after their 2010 re-election, making promises, than turning 180 degrees. Another "song to listen to when you are pissed off, and can't do anything about it".
"Calling" (Blackhawks over Los Angeles, 2007)
The opening song to this album is a killer. Unfortunately due to the fact that this song was licensed out to mainstream media outlets including Freestyle MX films and the Nitro Circus TV show, many consider this to be the point where Strung Out sold out. But not me. The opening to this song is eery, with Mexican style guitar and whistling before breaking out into the familiar distorted guitar rhythm that Jake Kiley is associated with. The instrumental in the middle shows how amazing simple bass can sound. Definitely what I'd define an eery song, and that's the reason why I love it. No emotional attachment, just a great song.
Next time, I might do the same for NOFX. Then again, I might not....
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ReplyDeleteAn amazing band with amazing talent. Is and will always be my favorite. I got a tattoo of the astrolux, the whole nine yards. I couldn't count the number of times I've seen them play live, but if I had to guess I'd say somewhere around twenty-five or thirty. Growing up in southern California afforded us many opportunities to go out and see em' play. My friends and I got into strung out when I was about 15 or so. Another Day in Paradise was the only record out at the time. Fat Wreck Chords first compilation Fat Music for Fat People featured the song In Harms Way(RIP Jim Cherry), and from that moment I was hooked. That's where my heart stuck, their early albums...there and Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues. Were they their most talented, most technically sound albums, not in a million years.. but still they blow my mind and instill joy in me each time I listen to them; this nearly twenty years later. They are so fun to sing along to and they take me back to some of my most cherished moments as a teenager. If you aren't as familiar with them, I'd highly recommend purchasing them. It used to be six dollars for a show and not only would we see strung out, but they'd be playing with a litany of other street punk band like Pennywise, Ten Foot Pole, Face to face, or Guttermouth. Good times. Anyway, thanks for your article. I found it interesting and full of heart. I'd share my favorite five, but I can't do it. I don't think I could find 5 songs I dislike.
ReplyDeletePatrick
Hey Patrick, thanks for the comment and man, I totally hear you when you mention the memories attached.
ReplyDeleteI've only seen them play once, around 2004 to a crowd of about 150 in a crowded little bar here in my home town of Christchurch, New Zealand, one of the negatives of living in a little country on the other side of the world I guess.
Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues was the second record I purchased, which exposed me to their early sound. "Sonombulance" and "Never Good Enough" would have to be my favorite tracks off that album, but I loved just how raw that whole album sounded.
Like you, I can't find five songs that I dislike, let alone one. It's just not possible...
I am very much looking forward to the new album due out next year, like every new Strung Out Album.
Ben (SoW)