(8.5)
I'm going back to New Jersey, I do believe they've had enough of me
I'll be the first to admit that lyrics are not a huge deal with me. Bad or good lyrics, meaningless or meaningful, it doesn't matter at all. I'm usually to into the music of whatever the hell is in the background to even notice what they're singing about. Not Titus Andronicus.
Talk about your drinking album. This is a a tough scruffy country/punk New Jersey concept album that revolves around themes from the American Civil War. Weird, I know, but the album probably wouldn't have been half as good with out it. From the beginning lines of in the album opener A More Perfect Union, you know it's that raw, raging energetic punk sound you haven't heard since the 90's. You even get a few Springsteen homages in there too. The songs areas long and epic as the battle of the Civil War, and the pull the load of one.
Once again its the lyrics and themes that make this album. Theme From "Cheers" is the highlight of the album. Just try and listen to it without wanting, needing a beer. It must be that twangy sound and all the booze references and "fuck it" quotes. It transitions perfectly into the most beautiful piece of the album, To Old Friend And New where the band get help from an unknown female singer (I think she's from Vivian Girls, fuck yea) who lends her emotional vocals for a great change up of sound.
The closer Battle of Hampton Roads is the "final battle scene" with some of the best lines on the album. Is there a girl at this college who hasn't been raped / Is there a boy in this town whose not exploding with hate / Is there a soul on this earth who isn't too frightened to move? It may sound shocking but it'll make the hair on the back of your neck stand up when you hear it. The only down side of the The Monitor is it lacks a tad musically, then again, it's a punk album.
You're going to feel really good listening to this album in that revolting youthful way. It's something you just have to hear to believe. Now when I drink, I will drink to excess.
Sounds Like
Backwoods punk
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