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Heartsickle Lyrics
Heartsickle Reviews: http://www.scenepointblank.com/reviews/1416 I first heard The Unlovables on Crafty Record's New York vs. New Jersey Punk Rock Battle Royal compilation. They were one of the bands that didn't blow me away on first listen, but after repeated spins their songs were among my favorite and I quickly picked up Heartsickle, their second full-length. The Unlovables play mid-90's style pop-punk, featuring powerful female vocals with plenty of catchy hooks and melodic guitar leads. Vocalist Hallie Bullit has a voice that immediately commands attention and is easily recognizable without sounding quite like any other pop-punk vocalist. Their songs have a saccharine and polished sound without veering into the over-produced territory that many mainstream pop-punk bands fall prey to. Bullit writes about pop-punk staples such as relationship problems and the frustrations associated with growing up, but as a clever lyricist these familiar topics are examined with a witty and personal spin. On “Let's Not Fight” she mourns relationship arguments: You and I could be out riding bikes / Or record shopping down at generation /…Or rifling through old tapes and CD's / And singing Clash songs at the top of our lungs / Let's not fight / Life's so short there's so much to do On “Disaster,” another standout track, Bullit confronts growing up still immersed in punk rock while peers pursue careers: You prefer security / I like ambiguity / I don't want to make a plan / I don't want a minivan / And you don't understand it / But it's working out ok for me /…I don't ask why you spend eight / Hours a day at a job you hate / I'm not pointing my finger / At you and your high blood pressure / And neither of us knows if we'll regret / The choices that we've made Ideally, I would have trimmed this album down to ten or eleven tracks, as “Have You Ever?” and “No Way” fall a little flat and result in a slight drag toward the end. With that said, it is a minor criticism of an album otherwise packed with infectious songs. Heartsickle serves to further establish The Unlovables at the forefront of the current pop-punk revival. As someone who lived through the initial pop-punk explosion and had The Queers, Screeching Weasel, and Tilt on constant rotation, I highly recommend giving this album a spin if you currently or used to love pop-punk. The Unlovables will likely be one of the bands reminisced about and recommended to younger generations when this era of pop-punk concludes. ************************************************ "The Unlovables' Heartsickle is one of those rare albums that transcends genre. Sure, pop-punk fans will love it. But so will your aunt, your aunt's hairdresser, your aunt's hairdresser's boyfriend, your aunt's hairdresser's boyfriend's little sister.....Although it reprises the upbeat, high energy thrust of 2004's superswell Crush*Boyfriend*Heartbreak, the brand-spanking-new Heartsickle is really more about songs than sound. No doubt it's pure pop-punk gold, but I envision an audience extending far beyond genre devotees like me. I'd push this title on modern rock kids, Top 40 types, indie-pop people, emo freaks, songwriter enthusiasts, Buzzcocks fans, and pretty much anyone else who enjoys music. If you cannot relate to Hallie's songs, you've probably never fallen in love, been in a relationship, or had your heart broken. Hallie has become for me now what Dr. Frank and Dave Parasite were for me a decade ago - a love song writer of such skill and appeal that listening to one of her albums is like spending quality time with a good friend. The musical formula has not been seriously altered, and the lyrical themes are pretty much the same. But this time around, said themes are explored with greater intensity and added maturity. And as a songwriter, Hallie has crossed the threshold from good to great. Heartsickle does not eclipse Crush*Boyfriend*Heartbreak. Instead it's a logical next step, the second chapter in a book that could probably go on forever and still not get dull. Musically, Heartsickle is full of more of what you've always loved about The Unlovables. Frank's fat, blasting riffs and Mikey's racing drum work are pushed high in the recording mix, stoking a sunny, buoyant vibe even when the songs themselves aren't exactly happy. Mat's mellifluous leads are the perfect complement, like peanut butter icing on chocolate cake. Hallie's singing, while more assured and feisty, still radiates a brightness and enthusiasm that are guaranteed to get you feeling good. Her multi-tracked harmonies do the work of an entire group of backup singers, and have seemingly grown more sophisticated. And the songs, of course, are out of this world. "Samantha", I think, is the best Unlovables song yet. "Everything's Overrated" and "Sweet Sweet Boy" boast melodies to die for and hooks sharper than a Ginsu knife. Quite simply, Heartsickle is the work of a band on top of its game. At a time when even some of the best pop-punk groups slavishly imitate other bands, The Unlovables sound more and more unprecedented with each release. There have been lots of female-fronted pop-punk bands before, but The Unlovables don't really sound like any of them. Perhaps, though, we'll someday be hearing dozens of groups that sound like The Unlovables. I could deal with that." - Lord Rutledge (Now Wave Zine) ------------------------------------------------- "THE UNLOVABLES – Heartstickle When I first started getting seriously involved with NYC's pop/punk scene about two years ago, the Unlovables were the yardstick against which everything else was judged. Even with rising stars like the Ergs, Steinways, and Tattle Tales pushing the envelope (all of whom, ironically, either share or have shared members with the Unlovables at some point,) 2004's Crush Boyfriend Heartbreak stood as the scene's ne plus ultra, its proudest achievement to date. As you might know, there's been nothing less than a pop/punk Renaissance going on during these last three years, as a raft of talented new bands and a small army of fans flooded the scene. So there was a lot riding on the Unlovables' ability to follow up with nothing less than a masterpiece. I'm happy to report that they more than met the challenge: The Unlovables didn't try to reinvent the wheel, they just did what they do best and let it roll.: Heartsickle's bubblegum hooks and ear-tickling harmonies comprise a non-stop collection of endearing, and heart-winningly catchy pop tunes that will nestle in your record collection right alongside dog-eared copies of My Brain Hurts and Revenge Is Sweet.. And even if your CD pile isn't already heavily littered with Screeching Weasel and MTX titles, the pure pop evanescence of Hallie Bullitt's vocals (and brilliantly constructed vocal harmonies,) Frank Leone's crunching guitar changes, and Mikey Erg's simple, straightforward drumming will tickle your ears , rub your belly, and have you purring with delight. Although Heartsickle has more than its share of broken-hearted romance tunes (wisely leavening its high sugar content with a few tears and regrets,) the upbeat "Samantha" may just be the best Unlovables song ever, an ebullient ode to a dear friend that Hallie knocks out of the park with passion and verve. "Dance Party For Two (Your Room, 3 a.m.)" will have you pogoing in your bedroom like a 13 year old discovering the Buzzcocks for the first time, while "Sweet Sweet Boy" frames a perfect bubblegum love song amid chiming Buddy Holly-ish acoustic guitars and subtle bass. The Unlovables are still the yardstick against which all other pop/punk is going to be judged; they've just raised the bar a little." – Jim Testa (Jersey Beat) ----------------------------- "It can be argued that the perfect album is the album that sets forth a specific set of stylistic goals and then proceeds to fulfill all of them. By its own standards, then, the second album by New York pop-punk outfit the Unlovables is absolutely perfect. There is little real difference between Heartsickle and the trio's 2005 debut Crush Boyfriend Heartbreak, but the two years' worth of musical and emotional maturity gives the album just that tiny bit more depth. Hallie Bullit's appealingly girl-next-door vocals and sweet and sour lyrics are as effortlessly adorable as before, but this time, lines like "You're a sweet, sweet boy and I'm trying not to screw this up" sound a bit more heartfelt. Musically, Heartsickle is as manic and poppy as the debut, filled with ultra-catchy two-minute pop-punk gems made for AM radios across the beaches of America. In a style that hasn't really been the same since Lookout! Records went belly-up and the Mr. T Experience's Dr. Frank moved to writing novels instead of pop songs, the Unlovables are now pretty much the gold standard of pop-punk." -Stewart Mason, All Music Guide ---------------------------------- "Pop-punk heroes The Unlovables have finally delivered the follow-up to 2005's "Crush*Boyfriend*Heartbreak" with "Heartsickle," a piece of pop-punk gold that surpasses their full-length debut on virtually every level. That's not to say that "Heartsickle" is a total departure from "Crush" - quite the contrary. It's clear the Unlovables know who they are and don't try to change. But they are growing, and "Heartsickle" proves a logical next step. Most of the songs on "Heartsickle" follow the "Crush" formula lyrically and musically. "Heartsickle" is about songwriter Hallie Bullit's love-hate relationship with the male species, with ridiculously catchy melodies and harmonies reminiscent of '60s girl groups. But Bullit's vocals, happy and boppy on even the saddest songs on "Crush," have now become highly emotional, sometimes snarling and often aggressive on "Heartsickle." Bullit also has expanded her songwriting's focus to more than just boys. "Samantha" is a different type of relationship song, with Bullit singing of her love for her best friend. "Everything's Overrated" and "Disaster" depart from relationships altogether and tackle the trials and tribulations of adulthood and life in general. "Heartsickle" is essentially a perfect pop-punk album, and it will be interesting to see how The Unlovables attempt to surpass this gem with their third release." - Ashley Tyrrel, Washington Square News (NYU Newspaper) --------------------------------------- "Hey, you. Yeah, you. Go to that box in the back of the closet and dig your goddamn Ramones t-shirt and that button-festooned leather jacket out of storage. And while you're at it, put some Blondie, Green Day, and Screeching Weasel on the stereo too. Don't look at me like I'm stupid, do it! After all, Heartsickle by The Unlovables is out! For those who don't know, The Unlovables, composed of Hallie Bullit, Frank Leone, Mat Ranauro, and Mikey Erg (yes, from the Ergs!) are one of my new favorite bands. After listening to their last album Crush Boyfriend Heartbreak for days and weeks on end, as well as catching a killer set by them a few months ago, I can't really listen to anything else to be honest. Heartsickle, out on Whoa Oh Records, is 13 songs of pure, sugar-laden and hook-insane pop-punk goodness. I've listened to it about 4 times just today so far. From the opening notes of "Leave Me Alone" to the totally dance-inspiring "Dance Party For 2 (Your Room 3 AM)", which happens to be my favorite song on the album, to going out with a bang with "Crazy Tonight", the whole thing is just one nonstop party that you really can't help but smile and wanna totally flip out and dance on the subway with your headphones on. It seems to me like good old-fashioned pop-punk is making a comeback and good thing that The Unlovables seem like they're at the head of that attack, 'cause I can't really imagine another band there right now. With them, as well as bands like The Ergs!, The Steinways, and Late Night Wallflower favorites The Measure (SA), it looks like fans of pop-punk like me are set for life. So what the hell are you waiting for? Go get Heartsickle now! It's out and can be found at your friendly neighborhood indie record store, or from The Unlovables themselves via their website." -www.latenightwallflower.com ---------------------------------------- 5 skulls (out of 5) "One of my favorite female fronted pop punk bands ever are back with a new album of saccharine sweet tunes. A natural progression from their previous album, Crush Boyfriend Heartbreak, this album has a good bit of cynical breakup afterthoughts mixed in with the songs filled with love, lust and relationship boredom. I fell in love with my favorite song on the album over a year ago when I heard it live, I'm so glad that they put Dance Party For 2 on this album so I could finally hear it again. This album is poppy goodness at it's finest, and if that's your bag, you should already have your order in to Mr. Whoa Oh for your copy." - DW, Nuthin' Zine --------------------------------------------- "Who can resist a heaping helping of the 'lovable' bubble gum pop punk that is The Unlovables? I swear to God, if this band gets any cuter I might shoot myself in the head! But thankfully, its not one those too cute deals, The Unlovables continue to be just the right amount of cute, quirky, and ferocious! You can really tell how much the band has matured since the last release Crush.Boyfriend.Heartbreak. This album, (recorded with their new line up and guitarist Mat Ranauro), really shows a new side of the Unlovables. The songs are as catchy as ever, but you can definitely hear an underlying sense of maturity that can only come from experience. The lyrics are all about growing up, getting over it, and letting go and finding love again. Hallie has a way with words and I found myself relating to each song. Of course number 4 "Samantha" will always be my theme song (even if it wasn't written for me, I like to think it is!) Overall, this album is a great example of pop punk genius. The acoustic song is bad-ass, and it doesn't hurt to have a cutie like Mikey Erg as a drummer. *cough*..Favorite line: "You're more than sour grapes, you're like a whole rotten bunch!" " -SAM (Sour Grapes Zine) |
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