(Ed. Note: I’m reposting this with updated information, so if it looks like you’ve read this, you have — but now you can go buy the record)
I’m so sick and tired of all the bullshit, aren’t you?
I am so tired of being force-fed the idea that clowning on a style that you used to do is supposed to be clever and cool. Weezer’s completely over-hyped and under-delivering 2008 release, aka the Red Album, is getting one mention in this column and one only: every time you see another article hyping Weezer, remember that there’s a conspiracy out there of people trying to steal a piece of your soul. With all due deference to Weezer (a band whom I have loved and admired for many years), the new record just didn’t cut it, boys. I know that next great Weezer record will be here someday.
But today is not your day.
Meanwhile, only through some modern miracle did the byline of a reformed Smoking Popes happen my way this morning along with a copy of their new album, entitled Stay Down. Now, you know something? I have always liked Smoking Popes & I’ve always felt like they were treated like redheaded stepchildren to Rivers & Co., turning out a series of records and touring incessantly, putting on energetic live shows that were consistent. Smoking Popes have finally made the jump to legendary status, and you should sit up and take notice. More after the jump.
Smoking Popes – Welcome to Janesville
The core of the band is a family affair, one that consists of brothers Eli, Josh and Matt Caterer. The brothers decision to split the band in 1997 (and brother Josh’s subsequent conversion to Christianity) threatened to be the end of what was, and is, an incredibly influential part of the 1990′s pop-punk movement. However, after a few additional reawakenings and off-shoots, the band reformed to little fanfare in 2006 and began touring and playing a series of Josh’s new songs. In April, Neil Hennessy from The Lawrence Arms joined them on drums. That pretty much brings you up to now.
What I can tell you about their new album, Stay Down is more than just the masterpiece of power pop that I want it to be. It’s an album filled with well-written songs, unshy about its influences and proud of them. It makes it hard, after listening to this album a few times, to put on records by those with lesser talents or vocal mastery than the brothers Caterer.
I feel strongly that this is one of those albums that people should be calling “the album of the summer 2008″ because, unlike the red-headed step child that a certain other band gave birth to, Stay Down comes across as what it’s meant to be: a truly inspired and long overdue piece of work.
It’s signature pop-punk blended with these gorgeous Sinatra-influenced three-part harmonies that Smoking Popes have always been known for. But unlike some of their earlier recordings, I really hear Josh’s voice in full clarity. What sets Stay Down apart from previous Smoking Popes albums (as I remember them) is the overwhelming consistency of the quality here. The time signatures and guitar work, the songwriting and the performances really highlight how soul bankrupt other recently-released pop-punk albums are.
Do yourself a favor, Weezer fans. I’m a Weezer fan, too, ok? I find it a crime against nature that Weezer is allowed to do an album that is just average & have it praised to the high heavens while, just days before it’s released, I can’t find a single piece of press about this unbelievable new Smoking Popes release. Stay Down is so good, it might make you forget about…..uh…what was that band called?
Furthermore, I want to apologize to the Caterer brothers for going on and on, throwing up the comparison between the two records; however, in my own defense, I feel like it’s the only way I can get anyone to blow the smoke out of their eyes, to find this needle in the haystack of the internet and pay attention to the incredible album you’ve created.
Now that I’ve drawn you the best picture I can, I’m going to give you a sneak peek at one of the tracks from this album. As soon as I can tell you where to buy it, I’m going to do it right away. If you love pop-punk, indie pop or anything of the like, you would be doing yourself a favor to find Stay Down somewhere and buy it immediately. This album is waiting, needing to be heard so badly.
Smoking Popes – If You Don’t Care
I guess you can visit Smoking Popes on their MySpace page for updates until I find out what’s going on.
UPDATE: I guess this is available from iTunes by clicking here — NOW GO GET IT 
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Finally, someone else talking about this record. I was beginning to think I would be the only one buying it.
Here’s what I know: They played a release show on June 7 @ Metro in Chicago. They’re signed to Appeal Records which used to be Curb Appeal Records, which appears to be going through a transition of some kind (their website is just an empty directory). Some sites list the release as June 17 but I haven’t found any kind of preorder or prerelease info that seems official for it at all.
Same here. I have seen nothing directing me on how to tell people to get this record. It could have been involuntarily delayed, but I would love to know more to be sure.
This is definitely the best Smoking Popes album. It’s just the kind of summer driving record I love.
It’s available on iTunes!
It available on iTunes!
Wow. Couldn’t have said it better myself. The road taken to get from “Destination Failure” to “Stay Down” is certainly a more natural sounding progression than the road from “Pinkerton” to “Green,” or from ANY weezer album to “Red.” I’m a huge weezer fan myself, and I’ve defended the band to a fault in the past, but even I have to admit that there are unforgivable mistakes made on Red. I love Rivers & Co., but (in my opinion) there are certain things that should never be heard on a weezer record (e.g., “Heartsongs” lyrics, the ever-present rapping, having to pay extra to get “Miss Sweeney” and “Pig”). The Popes make no such missteps on their new offering. Growth has occurred, to be sure, but the growth witnessed here sounds like about what one would expect from the Caterers, 10 years down the road. Upon their return to the spotlight, weezer abandoned the signature sound and spirit that made them so beloved in the first place. Luckily for us, the Popes didn’t make the same mistake.
popes RULE!
It is completely plausible that Rivers Cuomo just replied to this post and if that’s the case, you’re a good sport for not getting pissed at me.
Long time popes fan. Yes, its not as quirky as previous albums, but the songwriting, harmonies, and feeling of every song makes this underrated band elevated once again.