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Nearly a decade ago Hopeless Records founded Sub City, a record label
that raises funds for non-profit organizations. In its time it has
donated over 1 million dollars to various charities. Part of that
success can be attributed to the creation of the Take Action
volumes. Each year a new album is put out, containing the hottest
up-and-coming artists of the scene. The idea behind the music was
the mission to create a better world, one voice and one action at
a time. As of today, over $450,000 has been raised through these excellent
compilations.
When I received the newest volume of the Take Action series,
I already had a little history in mind, but really didn't have any
expectations. Therefore, I was really rather impressed by this CD.
Sure it helped that the artists fit into the genres that I generally
listen to, like Alternative, Rock and maybe Emo. Silverstein,
now there's a band that fully exemplifies the Emo I mentioned. Chalk
full of sympathetic emotions, set to the tone of almost angry guitars
and an occasionally high note or two, the tempo pretty much remains
the same throughout the song, but then again that allows you to move
along. Next is Chiodos which is a newly-found and absolute
favorite of mine. The song they chose to include, "Teeth The
Size Of Piano Keys" might not have been my first choice of theirs;
though no matter which song, it's going to be genius. This song is
definitely more Alternative, as the emotion is stronger and more pronounced.
Craig (vocals) knocks out the choruses and harmonies just perfectly.
A little farther down is a song from Emery. Now I have been
an Emery fan in the past, but really only for a song here and there
off of Studying Politics. But after hearing "The Party
Song" and getting the lyrics "But you party on/get your
party on" stuck in my head, I had to take another look at them.
There are so many dynamics to Emery's music, it's incredible. It's
like a chameleon of genres. At one point in the song it's Rock, the
next a melodic trip into Emo and then back for furious guitars and
Alternative attitude. Another band that can attribute my fascination
with them to this compilation album is All Time Low. The album
has "Dear Maria, Count Me In" which is really a true fun
song. ATL fits nicely into the pop punk genre with bands like Relient
K and Plain White T's. Their music is very upbeat, laced
with bouncing drums and chords much higher than any previous band
on the album. I'll go down to another band/song that's a good reason
to buy this CD. "All Over You" is the Spill Canvas'
most recent hit off of their newest album. After you hear it once
it's easy to get why. It's right up there with All Time Low in the
upbeat tempos. But this song all by itself is amazing. It's not just
a song that makes your body move, but rather forces you to dance.
I mean when they break into the chorus with those electric guitars,
you'll realize that your booty is inexplicably moving. Sure the lyrics
can attest to an Emo influence, though I can't put them there. There's
too much energy in this song to have a label like that. It just wouldn't
be natural. Near the end of the album is one of my favorite songs
of 2008. Yes, the album that it comes on is fairly fantastic as well,
but this song all by itself leaves the listener awe-struck. The song
to which I am referring to is "Digital Sea" off of The
Alchemy Index: Vol II: Water from Thrice. After seeing
them perform this song live, I can no longer listen to this song at
a soft level. The depth to this song covers so many layers, from the
eerie piano, to the effects that make their way around your stereo
creating a 3D feeling and the haunting voice of Thrice lead singer
Dustin. It was a smart move to put this song on the album.
My appreciation and respect for the efforts that Sub City has been
making naturally makes me want to have many great things to say about
any Take Action CD. Yet after actually been given the chance
to check one out, I can now say those great things without any effort.
I wish there were more people who were using music to support a cause
like they are.
-Rachel Fredrickson
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