Things have changed--Emo mainstream for the kids

[Ayo]

In my last years as a juvinile, the kids (MTV) were listening to a split of hip hop, pop and a tiny pinch of rock (korn, limp biscuit, papa roach)

I turned on MTV this morning and it's like...wow. That Hot Topic bullshit it wholly mainstream now. Everywhere I go around my way (now that it's summer), I see the little skater kids going around and they didn't seem to exist when I was a little dude. I'm happy for the skater kids today since they have their own sucky music to listen to in the mainstream.


As for hip hop...unfortunately, it still exists. I'm beginning to think that hip hop will never be destroyed by the righteous purifying fires of social change and justice. Oh well...for every suburban jock in an SUV and a school sports team uniform, there will be "D4L" and...um..."Dem Franchise Boys?"

But back to "rock," I'm glad that of all the sissified, declawed, neutered genres of music to appear on MTV, that "pop punk" and "emo" are fully represented.



In other news, I just heard "manga" in a television commercial. Kids these days...kids and their comic books...from Japan...

[SMKSPY]

I still have no idea what emo actually is...guess I need to google it...after I put a bullet in my head.

[Ontir]

In my last years as a juvinile, the kids (MTV) were listening to a split of hip hop, pop and a tiny pinch of rock (korn, limp biscuit, papa roach)

I turned on MTV this morning and it's like...wow. That Hot Topic bullshit it wholly mainstream now. Everywhere I go around my way (now that it's summer), I see the little skater kids going around and they didn't seem to exist when I was a little dude. I'm happy for the skater kids today since they have their own sucky music to listen to in the mainstream.


As for hip hop...unfortunately, it still exists. I'm beginning to think that hip hop will never be destroyed by the righteous purifying fires of social change and justice. Oh well...for every suburban jock in an SUV and a school sports team uniform, there will be "D4L" and...um..."Dem Franchise Boys?"

But back to "rock," I'm glad that of all the sissified, declawed, neutered genres of music to appear on MTV, that "pop punk" and "emo" are fully represented.



In other news, I just heard "manga" in a television commercial. Kids these days...kids and their comic books...from Japan...

I don't know what half of that even meant!

I need definitions for "Emo," and "Hot Topic."

Since a great deal of hip-hop is about justice and social change, it's odd you'd be looking for those things to burn it away.

By "sissiefied" and "neutered," are you referring to boybands?

I guess this is why I just watch the Tube. It's what MTV was, back when they still played music.

[Adam Crocker]

I need definitions for "Emo," and "Hot Topic."

I had to look up Hot Topic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Topic). Apparently it's a chain story for teenagers that sells punk, goth, and emo fashions (and many others) for this age group.

Emo on the other hand, originally referred to a substyle of music that basically meant "emotional hardcore." The first bands to be considered Emo were Rites of Spring and Embrace (who would later fuse to form the mighty Voltron that is Fugazi), whose style of music was basically the hardcore punk of the 1980s though with a more melodic edge and a focus on personal matters rather than simply anger with the world. They owed their music though to Husker Du, the amazing Minneapolis band that fused hardcore with pop songwriting and personalized lyrics.

In all cases their music was considerably harder edged than what is seen as Emo now. Husker Du in particular were downright lacerating in their musical approach and lyrics in the earlier stages of their career. And when they became more melodic and skilled, their songcraft was among the best of the 80s underground.

What is referred to as Emo now has some roots in this music, though it's considerably more polished and bubblegum in execution, owing to the influence of Weezer as well as the increasing mainstreaming of the style. It often betrays influences of 90s pop punk, 90s grunge, heavy metal, and in My Chemical Romance's case, some goth. From what I've heard of it's mostly pretty dull music overlaid with incredibly cringing angst, and pretty lacklustre songcraft. (Even Britney's had better pop hooks that My Chemical Romance's formless thrash.)

And is with all such things it's also a fashion conscious youth subculture, but couldn't say much about the fashions involved.

Since a great deal of hip-hop is about justice and social change, it's odd you'd be looking for those things to burn it away.

Yes, but is it the case with most mainstream hip-hop?

By "sissiefied" and "neutered," are you referring to boybands?

No. Boybands are whitebread blue-eyed soul acts. He's referring to pop punk and Emo.

[zombie]

Sunny Day Real Estate is still the greatest emo band ever. It makes me sad that most of these emo kids today have never heard of them.

[Adam Crocker]

Sunny Day Real Estate is still the greatest emo band ever. It makes me sad that most of these emo kids today have never heard of them.

There, there Zombie. Think of how many punk kids these days have probably never heard of the Clash or the Voidoids. We can commiserate their ignorance together.

[zombie]

There, there Zombie. Think of how many punk kids these days have probably never heard of the Clash or the Voidoids. We can commiserate their ignorance together.

The Clash they've probably heard of, but the beauty of Richard Hell is most likely lost on them. You damn kids, with your spikey hair and torn clothes! You're wearing his fashions! Learn some history!

[Pepsigirl]

I had to look up Hot Topic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Topic). Apparently it's a chain story for teenagers that sells punk, goth, and emo fashions (and many others) for this age group.

Emo on the other hand, originally referred to a substyle of music that basically meant "emotional hardcore." The first bands to be considered Emo were Rites of Spring and Embrace (who would later fuse to form the mighty Voltron that is Fugazi), whose style of music was basically the hardcore punk of the 1980s though with a more melodic edge and a focus on personal matters rather than simply anger with the world. They owed their music though to Husker Du, the amazing Minneapolis band that fused hardcore with pop songwriting and personalized lyrics.

In all cases their music was considerably harder edged than what is seen as Emo now. Husker Du in particular were downright lacerating in their musical approach and lyrics in the earlier stages of their career. And when they became more melodic and skilled, their songcraft was among the best of the 80s underground.

What is referred to as Emo now has some roots in this music, though it's considerably more polished and bubblegum in execution, owing to the influence of Weezer as well as the increasing mainstreaming of the style. It often betrays influences of 90s pop punk, 90s grunge, heavy metal, and in My Chemical Romance's case, some goth. From what I've heard of it's mostly pretty dull music overlaid with incredibly cringing angst, and pretty lacklustre songcraft. (Even Britney's had better pop hooks that My Chemical Romance's formless thrash.)


Screw you, Adam! I just typed up this whole history of Emo thing, and just before I clicked to post I saw you'd written this! :D To add to yours...

In the 90s "2nd Wave" Emo, Post-Emo, or just plain Emo was influenced not only by Hardcore bands, but also by Indie Rock, Pop-Punk, etc. A lot of great bands came out of the 90s scene, but this is really when it started to go downhill. Bands like Jimmy Eat World and The Promise Ring brought Emo to a much wider audience, and inadvertently brought about a "3rd wave" of Emo. Everything post-90s is usually what most people think of when they hear the word "Emo." Whiny Pop/Rock music about how some guy's girlfriend broke his heart, sung by guys in tight clothing with angular haircuts.

However, making the term Emo even more confusing, in a recent interview, Ian MacKaye stated, "I don't recognize that attribution. I've never recognized 'emo' as a genre of music. I always thought it was the most retarded term ever. I know there is this generic commonplace that every band that gets labeled with that term hates it. They feel scandalized by it. But honestly, I just thought that all the bands I played in were punk rock bands. The reason I think it's so stupid is that - what, like the Bad Brains weren't emotional? What - they were robots or something? It just doesn't make any sense to me."

There's also Screamo, which, despite the name, doesn't always involve screaming. It came about in the 90s, and tends to be more melodic than 80s Emo, but not as poppy as the rest of 90s Emo. Like regular Emo, MTVcore kids have latched onto it and made it all sucky. There are a few "real" Emo bands still around today, and most are bands left over from the 90s or Screamo.

Oh, and everyone knows that Jets To Brazil are the best Emo band.

[zombie]

Pfft, Jets To Brazil. Maybe they're the best for people who lack ears!

As for the term "post-emo," I've used that once or twice when talking about Brand New and Thursday. Their last albums both sounded like attempts to broaden what could be done under the emo banner. Or that's how it sounded to me.

[Buried Alien]

I have a twelve-year old tutoring student who's abandoned Emo for Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly under my guidance. There is hope.

Buried Alien (The Fastest Post Alive!)

[Pepsigirl]

Pfft, Jets To Brazil. Maybe they're the best for people who lack ears!

As for the term "post-emo," I've used that once or twice when talking about Brand New and Thursday. Their last albums both sounded like attempts to broaden what could be done under the emo banner. Or that's how it sounded to me.

Sunny Day Real Estate wish they were Jets to Brazil!

I agree that the new Thursday is miles ahead of what most "Emo" bands are doing right now. Haven't heard the new Brand New, though. I'll have to check that out.

[Adam Crocker]

Screw you, Adam! I just typed up this whole history of Emo thing, and just before I clicked to post I saw you'd written this! :D To add to yours...

Actually you seem much more qualified to handle a history of Emo, than I since you can actually cover the second wave and maybe give more detail than I did on the first.


I have a twelve-year old tutoring student who's abandoned Emo for Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly under my guidance. There is hope.

God bless you B.A. *Sniff*

[zombie]

Sunny Day Real Estate wish they were Jets to Brazil!

Now that's just silly talk. You're talking silly, silly talker.

I agree that the new Thursday is miles ahead of what most "Emo" bands are doing right now. Haven't heard the new Brand New, though. I'll have to check that out.

Well, by new Brand New I meant their last album, Deja Entendu. I hope their new one comes out this year. It's not as different as Thursday's latest, but it still has this different vibe and atmosphere to it, and some of the songs are a little out there compared to normal modern emo subject matter and style.

[Generic Eric]

All the music described as Emo that I've listened to has sounded like lame pop music. It's not really a surprise to me that shit is all over MTV.

I don't know why everyone gets all upset and precious about MTV anyway. You say MTV is bad because of what it has on now. Maybe the sad truth is you had bad taste in music and television when you were younger and refuse to admit it. Sure MTV was way bettter back then. When the fuck has pop culture been about taste and quality.

[Adam Crocker]

Pfft, Jets To Brazil. Maybe they're the best for people who lack ears!

Then my ears must not be working because I think they were a pretty good pop band.

[Royal]

And is with all such things it's also a fashion conscious youth subculture, but couldn't say much about the fashions involved.


Think of your favorite locally made shirt (like "Eat At Tom's Pizza" or "John Doe High School Gym") or shirts that show off your "cred" with the peeps (I remember seeing an A7X video where the LV was wearing a Bauhaus shirt), add some slightly torn jean, a stud belt, maybe a hercules armband and voila!

Instant emo.

I fuckin hate it.

[Pepsigirl]

Now that's just silly talk. You're talking silly, silly talker.

Nuh uh, Sunny Day Real Estate are... are totally gay! :p

I like SDRE a lot, but nothing beats JTB. Or Cap'n Jazz. Or Small Brown Brike. Or the multitude of Emo bands I like more than SDRE.

Well, by new Brand New I meant their last album, Deja Entendu. I hope their new one comes out this year. It's not as different as Thursday's latest, but it still has this different vibe and atmosphere to it, and some of the songs are a little out there compared to normal modern emo subject matter and style.

I'm just glad that there are Emo bands still out there trying to do something different with the genre, even if they are still in pussy Emo bands. :D

What'd you think of Thrice's album from last year?

[zombie]

Nuh uh, Sunny Day Real Estate are... are totally gay! :p

I like SDRE a lot, but nothing beats JTB. Or Cap'n Jazz. Or Small Brown Brike. Or the multitude of Emo bands I like more than SDRE.

Small Brown Bike are good. I listened to The River Bed 6 or 7 times Tuesday morning.

I honestly haven't heard much Jets To Brazil. I think I checked them out when I was in my emo phase a couple years ago, but haven't bothered with since. All this praise might force me to give them another listen. Or to just write you off as a crazy person. You too, Crocker. I'm surrounded by crazies.

What'd you think of Thrice's album from last year?

I didn't hear it. The last Thrice album I got was The Artist In The Ambulance, which I haven't listened to since I bought it when it came out. Was their new one good?

[Ontir]

Just checked out Sunny Day Realestate, and liked what I heard, particularly Rain Song. Will investigate further.

[Ontir]

Jets to Brazil is a little more "garage" than I was looking for, but I did like You're the One That I Want. SDR has more of the melodic stuff I enjoy.

Just wondering: Where do Sebadoh and Folk Implosion fall? Are they Emo, or just Indie/Alternative?

[Adam Crocker]

Just wondering: Where do Sebadoh and Folk Implosion fall? Are they Emo, or just Indie/Alternative?

Never heard of Folk Implosion, but Sebadoh are generally considered to be the seminal band of lo-fi 90s indie rock alongside Pavement.

[Ontir]

Some, if not all, of the members of Sebadoh, are members of Folk Implosion. They did the soundtrack to Kids, and I've got one of their more recent albums One Part Lullaby, which I loved desperately! At least some of their music is available to peruse on iTunes, and probably other music services, as well.

[Pepsigirl]

I didn't hear it. The last Thrice album I got was The Artist In The Ambulance, which I haven't listened to since I bought it when it came out. Was their new one good?

Yeah, it's much more sophisticated than anything they've done before. I'd say Thrice and Thursday are the best out of today's Emo crop, they seem to be the only bands actually trying to stretch the genre's boundaries.

Unfortunately lot of people seem to dislike it. I've heard both band's latests panned by longtime fans.

[twilight]

(Even Britney's had better pop hooks that My Chemical Romance's formless thrash.)

I like MCR.
They're fun.They got a lot of energy.

I can understand that it's not for everybody but I like 'em.

[Patient Boy]

I like MCR.
They're fun.They got a lot of energy.

I can understand that it's not for everybody but I like 'em.

If they'd released Helena as their first single off this album I think I'd like them more. Apparently their earlier oeuvre includes songs about vampires and robbing liquor stores, which sounds interesting at least.

MCR is an average band. Interesting videos though.

[elheffe]

I never understood why Jets To Brazil are always labeled "emo." To me, Jets is just Blake's natural progression from Jawbreaker. Jawbreaker's last one "Dear You" wasn't that much of a departure from "Orange Rhyming Dictionary" and "Perfecting Loneliness" was just the next step.

[twilight]

Apparently their earlier oeuvre includes songs about vampires and robbing liquor stores

True.

I myself like albums that(even if it's not stated outright) tell a story and MCR are doing just that.

Taken from the wikipedia article about Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge;

Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge continues the story from I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love where two lovers both died when their hometown was overrun with vampires.

It's told that the male went to hell, and made a deal with the devil so he could have the souls of himself and his lover back in exchange for the souls of evil men.

The album starts off with the funeral of his lover (Helena), as he goes on to collect the souls of a gay criminal (You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us In Prison), a man that kills a group of people that attend a wedding party (To The End), and a high school student that went on a shooting rampage (I'm Not Okay (I Promise)). During the soul collecting, the male has his doubts (The Ghost Of You), but in the end he gets his lover back and tells the story of how he did it (I Never Told You What I Do For A Living).

And Gerard Way is comic geek as well so you gotta accept him :D