SONG OF THE WEEK: 4/25/21

Song: "Divine Intervention" (live version)

Artist: Taking Back Sunday

Album: "Louder Now:  Part Two"

Year: 2007

Place Of Origin: Long Island, New York

Years Active: 1999 - present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Divine Intervention" appears to be a song about alcoholism, and the battle to try to beat the disease. At times I feel like the vocalist is talking about the alcohol as a person, displaying certain traits that draws him in. But I also feel he's talking to a person who is trying to get him to quit. The problem is the vocalist believes it will take an act of God to get him to stop. I think the line, "So if you're calling me out, then count me out", is about the friend perhaps giving the vocalist an ultimatum or something like that and the vocalist is basically choosing the booze over his friend. I chose the live rendition of this song from Taking Back Sunday's 2007 album "Louder Now:  Part Two" as my song of the week. You can check out the original version on their 2006 album "Louder Now".

TAKING BACK SUNDAY DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2002 - Tell All Your Friends (Victory Records)
* #183 on the Billboard 200
* certified gold

2004 - Where You Want To Be (Victory Records)
* #3 on the Billboard 200
* certified gold

2006 - Louder Now (Warner Bros. Records)
* #2 on the Billboard 200
* certified gold

2007 - Louder Now: Part Two (Warner Bros. Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2009 - New Again (Warner Bros. Records)
* #7 on the Billboard 200

2009 - Live From Bamboozle '09 (Warner Bros. Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2010 - Live From Orensanz (Warner Bros. Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2011 - Taking Back Sunday (Warner Bros. Records)
* #17 on the Billboard 200

2013 - TAYF10 Acoustic (Sorry Records)
* did not chart on Billboard 200

2014 - Happiness Is (Hopeless Records)
* #10 on the Billboard 200

2016 - Tidal Wave (Hopeless Records)
* #36 on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON TAKING BACK SUNDAY:

Long Island, New York's Taking Back Sunday formed as a band back in 1999. Interestingly enough, one of the founding members of this band was Jesse Lacey, who went on the become the lead singer/songwriter of the band Brand New. Adam Lazarra would join Taking Back Sunday to replace Lacey and has been the lead singer every since. TBS's debut album was a success and ultimately, has sold over 1 million units worldwide. After this album however, guitarist John Nolan and bassist Shaun Cooper wound up leaving the band, replaced by Fred Mascherino and Matt Rubano respectively. This did not hurt the band as their next two albums really wound up being the pinnacle for Taking Back Sunday as far as attained success. 2004's "Where You Want To Be" and 2006's "Louder Now" both achieved gold status as well as being top 3 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. "Louder Now" features the single "MakeDamnSure" which may be the band's most successful single to date. After releasing 2009's "New Again", Mascherino and Rubano decided to part ways with Taking Back Sunday because of songwriting conflicts. There was some tension initially between the bandmates but they have made up since. In 2010, John Nolan (guitar) and Shaun Cooper (bass) returned to Taking Back Sunday marking a reunion of the "Tell All Your Friends" line-up. That line-up has been intact for their next three full length studio albums, 2011's "Taking Back Sunday", 2014's "Happiness Is" and 2016's "Tidal Wave". In 2018, founding member, guitarist Eddie Reyes left the band to try to battle his addiction to alcohol. The band has not ruled out Reyes returning to the line-up when he gets healthy but for now, they will continue as a four piece. The band hasn't laid out any news regarding a new album, but in 2018, they did celebrate their 20th year anniversary with a greatest hits compilation and a tour to support that album. Taking Back Sunday is a top notch melodic rock/alternative rock band. They have some pop punk elements to their music, but I don't really consider them to be a punk rock band. They're a melodic pop rock band is all. I caught wind of Taking Back Sunday early on with their "Tell All Your Friends" album but I really fell in love with the band on their second album "Where You Want To Be". It was after this album that Taking Back Sunday became major label material, signing up with Warner Bros. for three studio albums and three live albums. They're last couple of albums were with Hopeless Records but as of now, the band has announced that they aren't on a label currently. After Taking Back Sunday came out, it seemed like their were a shitload of bands that began coming out that were similar in style. I don't think any of them were quite as talented as Taking Back Sunday. I never found Taking Back Sunday to be over the top pop that's almost begging to get radio play. I think they just write incredible songs that happen to be catchy and hook-laden. When it comes to melodic rock/pop rock/alternative rock, Taking Back Sunday is a top notch band.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Senses Fail
The Starting Line
Brand New
The Used
Bayside

TEN TAKING BACK SUNDAY SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. MakeDamnSure
2. Cute Without The 'E' (Cut From The Team)
3. A Decade Under The Influence
4. Your Own Disaster
5. Flicker, Fade
6. This Photograph Is Proof (I Know You Know)
7. Liar (It Takes One To Know One)
8. Faith (When I Let You Down)
9. Tidal Wave
10. Sink Into Me

SONG OF THE WEEK: 4/18/21

SONG:  "Boy, You're Gonna Hurt Someone"

ARTIST:  Hot Water Music

ALBUM:  "Exister"

YEAR:  2012

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Gainesville, Florida

YEARS ACTIVE:  1993 - present

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Boy, You're Gonna Hurt Someone" appears to be a song about someone on the run for something they had done. The vocalist is just telling this person he's gonna have to run like he's never run before because people are closing in fast. This person is being hunted so he has to keep moving and moving fast to get away from them.

HOT WATER MUSIC DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1995 - Finding The Rhythms (No Idea Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

1997 - Fuel For The Hate Game (No Idea Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

1998 - Forever And Counting (Doghouse Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

1999 - No Division (Some Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

1999 - Live At The Hardback (No Idea Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2001 - A Flight And A Crash (Epitaph Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2001 - Never Ender (No Idea Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2002 - Caution (Epitaph Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2004 - The New What Next (Epitaph Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2008 - Till The Wheels Fall Off (No Idea Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2011 - Live In Chicago (No Idea Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2012 - Exister (Rise Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2017 - Light It Up (Rise Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2017 - Keep It Together (Rise Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON HOT WATER MUSIC:

Hot Water Music formed as a band back in 1993, hailing from Gainesville, Florida. The guys in the band, Chuck Ragan (vocals/guitar), Chris Wollard (vocals/guitar), Jason Black (bass) and George Rebelo (drums), all played in local bands most notably Thread and Fossil. The four came together as Hot Water Music and started releasing several 7" singles most of which were compiled on the 1995 album, "Finding The Rhythms". Their first full length album was 1997's "Fuel For The Hate Game". The band released two more albums but by 1999, the strain of touring relentlessly almost dissolved the band. Their live album, "Live At The Hardback", was initially going to be a farewell album for the fans. Luckily, the guys decided to stick it out. In 2001, the band signed with legendary punk rock label Epitaph Records and released "A Flight And A Crash". 2002's "Caution" turned out to be the breakthrough album for Hot Water Music thanks in part to songs like "Remedy" and "Trusty Chords" which have become staples of their live shows and true fan favorites. The band followed up "Caution" with "The New What Next" in 2004, another solid album. In 2005, however, Ragan decided to step away from the band citing personal reasons. Though the band announced a hiatus, Wollard, Black and Rebelo formed the band The Draft at this time while Ragan focused on his solo career. Luckily for fans, Hot Water Music got back together in 2008 and announced a tour plus a b-sides and rarities compilation called "Till The Wheels Fall Off". By 2012, Hot Water Music was now signed to Rise Records who released their next two studio albums, "Exister" and their most recent release, 2017's "Light It Up". During this time, Wollard was forced to step away from the band for health reasons. Chris Cresswell of The Flatliners and Chris DeMakes of Less Than Jake filled in for Wollard during Hot Water live performances but Wollard has continued to perform with the band during their studio sessions. Hot Water Music is a great post punk/hardcore punk band. These guys are especially known for their high energy live performances. In my mind, Chuck Ragan is one of the best punk rock frontmen of all time. Just a great, commanding vocal. Check out his solo shit and that will prove my point. Awesome vocalist and songwriter. Also check out some of the work all the guys did outside of Hot Water. The Draft released a great album. Chris Wollard has a side band called The Ship Thieves. Ragan's solo stuff is phenomenal. Jason Black played with Senses Fail for a few years and George Rebelo played with Against Me! and The Bouncing Souls as well. I got into Hot Water Music around 2002 when "Caution" was released. I believe I saw the video for "Remedy" and they had me hook, line and sinker! This is just an awesome band that is held in the utmost respect in punk rock circles.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

The Draft

The Flatliners

Red City Radio

Dead To Me

The Lawrence Arms

TEN HOT WATER MUSIC SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Drag My Body

2. All Heads Down

3. Remedy

4. Trusty Chords

5. Radio (Alkaline Trio cover)

6. Rooftops

7. Bury Your Idols

8. Jack Of All Trades

9. Alachua

10. Freightliner

SONG OF THE WEEK: 4/11/21

SONG:  "Fourteen"

ARTIST:  The Ducky Boys

ALBUM:  "Dark Days"

YEAR:  1998

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Boston, MA

YEARS ACTIVE:  1995 - present

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Fourteen" is kinda like The Ducky Boys version of Social Distortion's "Prison Bound". The vocalist basically tells the story of how he was arrested and locked up in prison for 14 years. He went in as a young man and went out as a middle aged man. Prison basically stripped the man of his early adulthood.

THE DUCKY BOYS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1997 - No Getting Out (GMM Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

1998 - Dark Days (GMM Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2004 - Three Chords And The Truth (Thorp Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2006 - The War Back Home (Sailor's Grave Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2011 - Chasing The Ghost (State Line Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2013 - Dead End Streets (State Line Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON THE DUCKY BOYS:

The Ducky Boys are a Boston street punk band that got it's start back in 1995 when the guys were just graduating high school. The band's first recordings were the songs "White Slum" and "Pride". Then in 1997, they released their debut full length album "No Getting Out". After releasing "Dark Days" in 1998, The Ducky Boys actually split up. Vocalist/bassist Mark Lind formed the projects Sinners And Saints and Dirty Water during this time but in 2004, The Ducky's were back with "Three Chords And The Truth". This is the album that made a name for the band. In 2006, the band released "The War Back Home", perhaps their most political record. In 2011, Lind formed his own label, State Line Records and The Ducky Boys dropped their fifth full length on that label, "Chasing The Ghost". Some people call this album their most complete and best effort to date. The band's most recent release was 2013's "Dead End Streets". The Ducky Boys may not be a huge band across the country or the globe, but here in Boston, they are punk rock royalty. They have shared the stage with Boston heavyweights like the Dropkick Murphys and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. At their core they are a street punk band but you can definitely hear a blues rock and roll influence in their sound. They can be as much Rolling Stones as they are The Clash. Vocalist and chief songwriter Mark Lind has several other projects he focuses on besides The Ducky Boys. Sinners And Saints and Dirty Water as I mentioned earlier as well as solo projects. He also created a new punk band in the same vein as The Ducky Boys called The Warning Shots. He is also plenty busy with running his record label, State Line Records. Since 2013, The Ducky Boys haven't been very active. They play the odd show here and there but according to their Facebook page, they are definitely not breaking up. I first got into The Ducky Boys when I heard their 2004 album "Three Chords And The Truth". From the first blast of "Boston, USA" I was hooked. The Ducky Boys are a great band. These guys gotta get back in the studio and release some new music. Let's go Lind!! Do it for Boston bro!!!

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Mark Lind

Far From Finished

Born To Lose

The Blue Bloods

Pistol Grip

TEN THE DUCKY BOYS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Boston, USA

2. Tortured Soul

3. I Guess I'm Broken

4. Scars

5. Untitled

6. Damaged Goods

7. Down The Line

8. Kids

9. I've Got My Friends

10. Pride

SONG OF THE WEEK: 4/4/21

SONG:  "Slip Like Space"

ARTIST:  Armor For Sleep

ALBUM:   "Dream To Make Believe"

YEAR:  2003

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Teaneck, New Jersey

YEARS ACTIVE:  2001 - present

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Slip Like Space" appears to be a song about getting far away from everyone and everything and going somewhere that you feel like you will be accepted. Perhaps the vocalist uses space as his destination because he feels there's no place on Earth that he can feel at peace with himself and his environment. Some say the song could be about contemplating suicide as well and I can see that in the lyrics. Is it wanting to get away from life or just wanting to get away from your surroundings?

ARMOR FOR SLEEP DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2003 - Dream To Make Believe (Equal Vision Records)

* did not chart on the Billboard 200

2005 - What To Do When You Are Dead (Equal Vision Records)

* peaked at #101 on the Billboard 200 on 3-12-05

2007 - Smile For Them (Sire Records)

* peaked at #93 on the Billboard 200 on 11-17-07

MY THOUGHTS ON ARMOR FOR SLEEP:

Armor For Sleep formed as a band back in 2001, hailing from New Jersey. Lead singer and guitarist Ben Jorgensen formed the idea for this band in his bedroom before all the bandmates rounded out. Early on, Armor For Sleep got great support, especially from Gabe Saporta, frontman of the band Midtown. Saporta would actually go on to manage Armor For Sleep. In 2003, the band released their debut full length album, "Dream To Make Believe". It was their 2nd album, 2005's "What To Do When You Are Dead", that put the band on the musical map with hit singles like "Car Underwater" and "The Truth About Heaven". In 2007, Armor For Sleep dropped "Smile For Them" on Sire Records, a subsidiary of major label Warner Bros. The band's most recent release was an EP in 2008 titled "The Way Out Is Broken". In 2009, Jorgensen announced that Armor For Sleep was officially breaking up. Or were they? In 2012, the band reunited to play four shows and in 2015, they got together to perform an 8 city tour to celebrate the 10th anniversary of "What To Do When You Are Dead". In 2020, the band announced a summer tour which has since been rescheduled for 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. While Armor For Sleep have gotten together to play live, there doesn't seem to be any news as to if they are going to create new music together so perhaps they ended as a studio band and will continue on for select live performances. Some call Armor For Sleep a mix of space rock and emo pop. Some just call them an alternative rock band. Being from Jersey, these guys are heavily influenced by fellow Jersey bands like Lifetime and Saves The Day. And their style is very similar to bands like the aforementioned Midtown and Taking Back Sunday. I first heard of these guys from a compilation sampler that featured the song "Car Underwater". I instantly loved that song the day I heard it and I would say to this day it's still my favorite song by the band. Armor For Sleep is a pretty solid band. I would love to see what they would create now after 10+ years without releasing anything.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Hawthorne Heights

Senses Fail

Matchbook Romance

Taking Back Sunday

The Early November

TEN ARMOR FOR SLEEP SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Car Underwater

2. Williamsburg

3. Dream To Make Believe

4. The Truth About Heaven

5. Hold The Door

6. My Town

7. Always A Wish

8. Awkward Last Words

9. Smile For The Camera

10. Kind Of Perfect