Music
Store

In general, however, I have quite a bit of trouble identifying with a lot of pop punk music (the exception being Screeching Weasel). I mean, it's usually catchy and fun, but rarely does any pop punk album become the kind of thing that I listen to obsessively because it's THAT GOOD. This should not be particularly surprising. I think there is a disease that inflicts the male writers of pop punk music-that somehow they're emotionally 10-15 years younger than their chronological age would indicate. Descendents are sort of a funny exception to that pop punk rule. Sometimes their songs can be emotionally inspirational almost to a fault (see: Bikeage). Other times they can be completely silly, bordering on incomprehensible (see: The All-o-Gistics). This sort of inconsistency, though leaving their music open to a very diverse fan base in age, can sometimes make their albums seem, well, inconsistent. I sort of decided that they just aren't an album band-they write great songs, but can't put together an album. Until...

Until Cool to Be You. The Descendents have clearly grown into themselves. The beauty of this album is that it becomes clear that the Descendents and I grew up together. The silliness is still there, but it seems somehow more productive (?). I find "Mass Nerder" very inspirational. It is simultaneously an attack on the culture of stupidity and a celebration of not only being "smart," but also being good at school. Only Milo could find a way to make getting A's seem like the coolest thing ever. I also identify very much with "Nothing with You." There are few things in life that can be enjoyed more than watching some good TV with the one you love. "Blast Off" is just inexplicably enjoyable.

This album is quite a bit more heavy on the darker side. And the dark moments are substantially darker than they have been in the past. "Anchor Grill" is completely heartbreaking. And it is the song on the album that most shows the band's age. While the vast majority of pop punkers are pining over girls, in "Anchor Grill," Bill Stevenson laments the lack of freedom that comes with being an adult couple. The song identifies such issues as a lack of time and money that can take a toll on an otherwise healthy adult relationship. But the absence of topical idealism doesn't make the song any less romantic or sweet. Now, THAT'S writing!!

I don't really have the space to gush any more about particular songs. Suffice to say they're all great. The point is, they didn't want to grow up. Now that they did, I for one am really glad.


Disappointing   July 13, 2004
 6 out of 9 found this review helpful

I really like "Everything Sucks" and "Milo Goes to College", but this album is just boring and bland. Of course, it's much better than what poses as punk rock nowadays, but this is certainly the Descendents' worst album. I tried really hard to like it, but it's just not happening. I am a big fan of the Ramones, Misfits, Necros, Damned, etc. and have been a Descendents fan for almost 10 years, so I know what I'm talking about. I'm just hoping that they release another album to make up for this one!


Bad note to go out on   October 18, 2005
 6 out of 12 found this review helpful

Milo and co. have made it pretty clear that this album is to be their last, but what a bummer of an album to go out on!

I thought the 1996 album (Everything Sucks) was not only the punk rock comeback album of the century... but I'd even go so far as to say neck-in-neck with "Milo Goes To College" as their best album ever... and hands-down the best punk album of the 90's... but this one was NOT worth the wait.

I've been listening to the Descendents since about 1982-83. I've pretty much grown up on this band. I thought much of their post-"Milo Goes To College" recordings in the 80's were spotty at best... one or two great songs amidst a pile of clunkers. There was a nine year wait in between the album "All" and "Everything Sucks"... a nine year wait that paid off in a major way when that incredible album finally saw the light of day. Then there was another eight year wait between that album and this one, but the feeling this time is disappointment rather than exhilaration.

When "Everything Sucks" came out, the Descendents were showing all of these pale "pop-punk" imitators the way it's SUPPOSED to be done and reaffirming their rightful status as masters of the genre. With "Cool To Be You", they just come off as if they're trying to imitate all the bands who have been trying imitate them. This album just goes through the motions with almost no trace of passion or inspiration. It's well-recorded and the performances are tight... but it's formulaic and bland.

They should have left "Everything Sucks" as their legacy, not this one.


Worth the Long Wait   August 18, 2004
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is the first Descendents album since 1996's "Everything Sucks" and it was definitely worth the wait. The record is full fast, catchy, and fun songs that are mostly easy to relate to. Some of the subjects include girls, being a nerd, watching T.V, all written in typical Descedents fashion. The whole band sounds great, especially Milo whose vocals sound like he hasn't aged much and Stephen's riffs and solos which are sure to stick in your head. The best track is probably "Cool To Be You" which rivals the classic "Hope" for my favourite Descendents song. Other standout tracks are "Talking", "She Don't Care", "Merican" and pretty much everything else on the album. This is a must have for fans of the band or punk in general.


not to impressed   March 28, 2005
 4 out of 16 found this review helpful

i had never heard of descendants before, but im a nerd, and i like punk, so i bought it. i just wasnt that impressed though. first it really sucked, then i warmed up to it and now like three or four songs; still though, if i dont like every single song of a CD it makes me sad. i think i just didnt like the bitterness. it makes me sad and a little angry, like they are just mean and judging everyone unfairly. maby i would have liked it better if i had heard some of their other stuff first, i geuss ill never know. i just dont recomend this for first time listeners of this band.