The All-American Rejects (3/5)
We've covered the story of the band and who the members are, so now it's time to look at the actual music.
A few of these songs, you can hear on the website, and I do have all the .mp3s; if you desperately want something, email and let me know and I'll get it to you. Also, you should know that I am synaesthetic, and that creeps into my song notes sometimes. All links are streaming, nothing downloadable, so don't slap my wrists or anything plz. And buy the albums! Believe me, they're worth it.
Same Girl, New Songs
This is Nick and Tyson's demo CD from 2001. It contains demo versions of some songs from the eventual first album, plus some tracks that never made it past the demo stage.
1. One More Sad Song [You wish you could be // Alone with you, alone with me // What can I do, I cannot breathe // My heart is torn for all to see]
This is very much the demo version of this song; it didn't change between this and the album proper, but it's demo quality. I still have immense fondness for it.
2. Drive Away [I wish I could drive away to the sunset // Back to the day that we first met // Only believe the things I wrote // I'll put it in a note, yeah // I'll cross my t's and dot my i's // Better say hello, don't you dare say goodbye // I'll write 'Sincerely yours' and sign my name // P.S. I love you, forever and today]
This one's pretty much the same as on the album proper, and I still love it as much on both. It's totally adorable.
3. Too Far Gone [Please speak slowly, my heart is learning // Teach me heartache, stop this burning now]
The vocals and guitar notes on this aren't as polished as on the album proper, but all the same, it's Too Far Gone and this song gets me right in the heart. The synthed string solo! The pattern of guitar notes at the start! The lyrics! Oh heartclutch.
4. Don't Leave Me [Give me one more chance // To make things last // Ring around the roses and you'll see // Leave me once, leave me twice // Kiss goodbye, that will suffice]
I am going to have to admit that I am not fond the over-synthed drums in this song. It's probably my least favourite Rejects song, for that reason -- but I still love it! There isn't a Rejects song I don't love! (I like to pretend The Future Has Arrived never happened.)
5. Her Name Rhymes With Mindy [From two 'til six we talked, we kissed // The night was perfect bliss // And I never felt like this]
This is one of the most adorable songs that has ever existed. It's just so fucking cute I could hug a kitten! It's all about a teenage boy in teenage love and it never fails to make me smile.
6. Fembot [Went to bed with a smile // Bragged to my friends for a little while // And I wished for another date]
Another cute teenage love song! With guitars! What, I ask you, is not to love?
7. Pillsbury Doughgirl [Back in the day, we'd come and play // But now you're asking if you may // Can't you see that she's not the one? // She can't even see the sun // The nights that we just missed // The things that you promised // They never stay (stay) // She's never seen the sun // She wears shorts and I run away // He's dating Casper and he's afraid to ask her for his manhood back // Please give me my friend back // He's dating Casper, his heart races faster, just for her // Why can't we be like we were?]
OH MY GOSH, um. This is one of my favourite songs of all time, no joke. It is also the gayest song in existance. Whenever I am down, all I need to do to cheer up is play this song on repeat. I am physically incapable of hearing it and not grinning like an idiot! Nick and Tyson's camp voices at the start! Shah-nay-nay! Tyson says "baby" twice! It's all about a guy who wants his best friend to dump his girlfriend so they can go back to the way they were! Nick sings and is completely adorable and seriously, I am dotty in love with this song.
8. She Mannequin [You look at me // My heart is race // Not even real yet // I fall for you]
This is a song about falling for a shadow/dream/fantasy! I kind of adore the cool concept of it.
9. Girl Of My Dreams [You leave me hard and lonely // You are my one and only]
I have endless and true love for this song. It's a duet between Nick and Tyson! A duet! It contains the line "you leave me hard and lonely"! I will never, ever stop being amused by that line. I still can't decide which would be funnier, if he'd sung that to make Nick laugh, or if he'd been really earnest about his hard-on. Either way, that is never going to get old, okay? Never.
All-American Rejects
The first album, self-titled, recorded by just Nick and Ty in New York in 2002, for Doghouse Records.
1. My Paper Heart [This wait for destiny won't do // Be with me please I beseech you // Simple things that make you run away // Catch you if I can]
I kind of like this one more live, but still, I have a large amount of affection for it. Synaesthetically, it's all block colours and cute spirals, and it makes me smile lots.
2. Your Star [I need you to help me see this through // There she goes (there she goes, there she goes) // I picked out your star // Turned night to day // A simple whisper from your voice // And I fade away]
This song is mine and decor_noctis (my boyfriend)'s song, so I kind of adore it a whole lot. I'm a sucker for piano in rock songs, and the guitar parts are just awesome, and the lyrics! I love everything about this song.
3. Swing, Swing [Wish cast into the sky // I'm moving on // Sweet beginnings do arise // She knows I was wrong // The notes are old // They bend, they fold // And so do I to a new love]
This is the song that got them noticed, The Big Single, and it is one of my favourites by them. I missed it when it was all over the place (I had shit going down in my life and wasn't paying attention to the current music scene; I was busy listening to a lot of Queen and Eric Clapton and trying to stay sane) but a lot of people fell in love with them from this song. And I can see why! It's a great song! The underlying riff right at the end makes me go aj;kgsajgb;skrjbg;akeb;eerhgha;
4. Time Stands Still [You epitome of perfection // She's lost her will // Time is standing still // He walks her home // Now he walks alone]
This is the first song from this debut album that grabbed me by the ventricles and demand I play it on repeat. I love the mix of guitar sounds, the keyboard bits -- just, I love all of it.
5. One More Sad Song [Stay, don't go away // The hardest thing is letting go of you // What can I do? // Alone with you, alone with me, what can I do]
I love this song! Synaesthetic fact: in the Too Bad For Hell live DVD, when they play this song, the colour of Nick's chucks and the way he stamps on the pedals sound particularly awesome with this song.
6. Why Worry [I worry, I wonder all the time why worry // It's killing me, forget about it // I whisper, remember what she did, don't miss her // Set me free, she won't allow it]
There are times when I need the lyrics of this song on the backs of my eyelids. Also, I love the whole part with the guitars and the riffs and the notes. Yes.
7. Don't Leave Me [As the days go by, I am asking why did you leave // You left me alone and then you walked out on me // I don't care, I don't care // Thinking of days, thinking of ways, thinking of things to you that I should say // I wanna be with you and that's the only way]
This is another I kind of prefer live, in a way, though I love it on the album too. But on the DVD, it makes me bounce in my seat and \m/. Will you let go, Tulsa?
8. Too Far Gone [I should warn you // Things you're feeling aren't normal now // Think you need me // It's not easy, let you go somehow]
GAH, THIS SONG. From the opening notes through the verses to the chorus to the middle eight and beyond, I just. This song has my heart, man. It has my heart.
9. Drive Away [She's gone away, but still they stay together // People call me crazy, crazy // My thoughts progress, I think about forever // My mind tells me maybe, maybe]
There is nothing I can say about this song that isn't delighted flailing. Seriously. Delighted. And - and flailing.
10. Happy Endings [She'd be the one that would know // That I did do what I've done // And I wouldn't call it cheating // I'd just say I was leading her on // Why walk while I run away]
For this song, my bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite. ...ahem. I adore this song, okay? Adore.
11. The Last Song [My foot is out the door and you can't stop me now // You wanted the best, it wasn't me, will you give it back? // Now I'll take the lead, when there's no more room to make it grow // I'll see you again, you'll pretend you're naive // Is this what you want, is this what you need? // How you end up let me know]
Oh my gosh, this song. Whenever I hear it, I have to crank up the volume and play air drums. It would be the most fun song to drum to ever! One of my favourite memories is sitting in Oxford House with eleanor_lavish, rocking out to this song, making \m/ hands at each other and mouthing along. AAS I GO, REMEMBER ALL THE SIMPLE THIINGS YOU KNOWWW \m/ >.< \m/
Move Along
The first album featuring Chris and Mike on the recording! An excellent, excellent album, done in 2005 for Interscope, in Maryland and LA.
1. Dirty Little Secret [I go around a time or two // Just to waste my time with you // Tell me all that you've thrown away // Find out games you don't wanna play // You are the only one that needs to know]
This is another one where I cannot say anything that isn't delighted flailing.
2. Stab My Back [It's better when I bleed for you // You walk on me // It never was enough to do // I can't get past her // Falling fast it's true // It hasn't done a lot for you]
This song has a theramin solo in it. What more do you need? The words sound like a failed attempt at polyamory, and that makes me sad, but hey. Great song!
3. Move Along [So a day when you've lost yourself completely // Could be a night when your life ends // Such a heart that will lead you to deceiving // All the pain held in your // Hands are shaking cold // Your hands are mine to hold // Speak to me, when all you've got to keep is strong // Move along, move along like I know you do]
This. You need this in your life. Yes, yes you do. If you've ever felt like things are a struggle, if you've ever felt like you're wading through treacle just to breathe, if you've ever had any kind of thing you just need to get through -- you need this song in your life. It has kept me afloat through more tough days than I could count. It's kept me sane through two CFS relapses and several 24-hour Greyhound bus rides. Seriously, this song! It is what is needed in this world.
4. It Ends Tonight [The walls start breathing // My mind's unweaving // Maybe it's best you leave me alone // A weight is lifted // On this evening // I give the final blow // When darkness turns to light // It ends tonight]
There was a time, when the Rejects were working on this album in Maryland, when Tyson was sharing a room with his old guitar tech and BFF, Tooker Baggins. (That is, obviously, not his real name. His real name is Sean.) Tooker (or, rather, Sean) became depressed, and Tyson stuck around, not going out with the other guys or anything. And he got kind of lonely, and depressed himself, so he wrote this song about how he'd like to smother Tooker with a pillow. ...some people see it as a boy/girl breakup song. Mike often ends the on-stage introduction to it by saying, "Yeah, and it's about a dude." Ahahaha, so much love ♥
5. Change Your Mind [Sit down, you're sinking // There's no one to watch you // Skip town, you're thinking // There's no one to stop you]
I have nothing to say about this song that isn't an immense solid weight of love. Also: strings \o/
6. Night Drive [I know you so better than the city in the rear view // I drive to eliminate the ball that I'm chained to // Take me break me // Every mile further there's a part of me that slips away // One day you'll see // Even if you got down on your knees you couldn't make me stay]
I have such love for rhythmic songs like this! I love the story in the lyrics, too, and it nicely captures that feeling of frustration so physical that you just need to physically remove yourself from a situation. Hearts, such hearts.
7. 11:11pm CST [Sweet sedation // Sweep the issues // And the clock's about to strike // Did it call you down // Are you back just yet // Waiting now please come set me free // And the only sound is a minute left // This could be, this could be the last time]
I can't really put my love for this song, the lyrics, the music, the execution, everything about it, into words. So I shall just say: ♥ ♥ ♥.
8. Dance Inside [You don't have to move, you don't have to speak // Lips for biting // You're staring me down, a glance makes me weak // Eyes for striking]
Um. This song is porn. The drum and bass parts are heartbeats; the guitar solo contains an orgasm played on guitar, and then there are, y'know, the words. *hand motions*
9. Top of the World [When hearts are beating // Say what you want them to do // Wasting away, I see you // When the top of the world falls on you]
This song makes me grin big. I love what it has to say, and I love how it says it. Plus, there is some fracking awesome guitar work \o/
10. Straightjacket Feeling [Etched with marks, but I can deal // And you're the problem and you can't feel // Try this on, straitjacket feeling // So maybe I won't be alone // Take back now my life you're stealing // Yesterday was hell // But today I'm fine without you // Run away this time without you]
Holy crap, this song is so sad. Synaesthetically, it feels like tears! Seriously! The sound of it tastes and feels like crying. But god, it's gorgeous. The lyrics get me right in the heart, right where it's all tender, you know? Gah, gah, gah, this song. ;__;
11. I'm Waiting [I've been here before, and I don't care where I'm going // So I'll be, waiting // When I'm waiting // I'll tell you once more // That as long as you're gone // Then I'll stay]
I have endless, endless love for this song! For the guitar riffs and notes especially, they're just. Man, they're just perfect.
12. Can't Take It [This welcome is gone and I've waited long enough to make it // And if you're so strong you might as well just do it alone // And I'll watch you go]
jsgbsj;agbjrbag;erahgebhkbkjhbtjkeahb;ejktbh;tkjsbh;jh;sbh -- this -- this song is entirely strings and voice and piano. No, no, see, I love stringed instruments above all else, and I adore it when rock bands do unexpected things, and a fecking gorgeous strings/piano/voice song is just. I am madly in love with it! Gah! The violins!
b-sides
The Cigarette Song (acoustic) [The day is gone // The sky is blue // I know you're all alone // And the sky is blue // Come back to me // The sky is blue]
I am an enormous, enormous sucker for acoustic songs. This one never made it past the acoustic stage, and I don't care either way because this is gorgeous. The very last bit makes my heart squeeze.
Bite Back [And I live for the things I love // Sad, but maybe it's true // Push you back's what I'll do // And it's just enough to keep you back one second longer]
I have a ridiculous amount of love for this song. The solo! The lyrics! The drums and bass! There is nothing I do not adore about it.
Kiss Yourself Goodbye [I've done wrong // I've been gone // (It's the one you love) // Drink down and your candle's burned away]
This one is liable to get stuck in my head for approximately four days at a time, but it's one of those that I don't mind being stuck there for any length of time. I heart it :D
Eyelash Wishes [Green eyes, everything I see // Green skies, if left up to me // And I know, and she knows // This is it // And shadows blend one last time (save those kisses) // Your picture speaks on this time (eyelash wishes)]
js;gjdgj;ahjhjhrtjh SJ;GJAGH;JABH;KJTABHETAJ sjgk;ajhg;reajbe;abheajtb;bhkj I -- I -- I gave my entire heart to this song the moment I heard it, and it makes my heart squeeze and glow whenever I hear it, it's my favourite Rejects song, and and. "Your heart gives mine reason to beat now" ♥ ♥ ♥ !!!!!!!
Photograph (live Def Leppard cover)
Last year, they got to play VH1's Rock Honours for Def Leppard. I think Nick may have almost passed out at some point. I know I flailed myself almost into a coma when I saw it. Anyway, this is a great cover of one of the best songs there has ever been, thank you and goodnight. (If I say anything else, it would just dissolve into wild arm movements and hand gestures, I ADORE DEF LEPPARD SO HARD, that will be all.)
acoustic
My Paper Heart
I mentioned I'm a sucker for acoustic stuff, right? Right! Good, excellent, hooray. I love this version of this song.
Swing, Swing
Tyson had a sore throat when this was recorded, and it's kind of adorable. Also! Acoustic version, yay!
Too Far Gone
This song kills me just in its album version, and then there is this and I will be over here, hiding under the desk and curling in a ball around my heart and loving it rather a feck of a lot.
The Last Song
...Nick says "ass" right at the start, which is rather random and always makes me giggle. Anyway. Acoustic version of one of my favourites = HOO AND RAH.
Dirty Little Secret
Shake it, Chris! Shake it, baby!
Move Along
Please note that THIS IS AMAZING.
Night Drive
Chris on bongos! Tyson sounds vaguely stoned! There is nothing I do not love about this version of this song!
Beautiful (Christina Aguilera cover)
Sometimes, when the nights are cold and lonely and I'm feeling down, all I need to feel warm again is Tyson Ritter telling me I am beautiful in every single way. ♥
I hope you enjoyed! And if you did, you should buy the albums :)
[ Band history | pictures | music | video footage | teh gay]
A few of these songs, you can hear on the website, and I do have all the .mp3s; if you desperately want something, email and let me know and I'll get it to you. Also, you should know that I am synaesthetic, and that creeps into my song notes sometimes. All links are streaming, nothing downloadable, so don't slap my wrists or anything plz. And buy the albums! Believe me, they're worth it.
Same Girl, New Songs
This is Nick and Tyson's demo CD from 2001. It contains demo versions of some songs from the eventual first album, plus some tracks that never made it past the demo stage.
1. One More Sad Song [You wish you could be // Alone with you, alone with me // What can I do, I cannot breathe // My heart is torn for all to see]
This is very much the demo version of this song; it didn't change between this and the album proper, but it's demo quality. I still have immense fondness for it.
2. Drive Away [I wish I could drive away to the sunset // Back to the day that we first met // Only believe the things I wrote // I'll put it in a note, yeah // I'll cross my t's and dot my i's // Better say hello, don't you dare say goodbye // I'll write 'Sincerely yours' and sign my name // P.S. I love you, forever and today]
This one's pretty much the same as on the album proper, and I still love it as much on both. It's totally adorable.
3. Too Far Gone [Please speak slowly, my heart is learning // Teach me heartache, stop this burning now]
The vocals and guitar notes on this aren't as polished as on the album proper, but all the same, it's Too Far Gone and this song gets me right in the heart. The synthed string solo! The pattern of guitar notes at the start! The lyrics! Oh heartclutch.
4. Don't Leave Me [Give me one more chance // To make things last // Ring around the roses and you'll see // Leave me once, leave me twice // Kiss goodbye, that will suffice]
I am going to have to admit that I am not fond the over-synthed drums in this song. It's probably my least favourite Rejects song, for that reason -- but I still love it! There isn't a Rejects song I don't love! (I like to pretend The Future Has Arrived never happened.)
5. Her Name Rhymes With Mindy [From two 'til six we talked, we kissed // The night was perfect bliss // And I never felt like this]
This is one of the most adorable songs that has ever existed. It's just so fucking cute I could hug a kitten! It's all about a teenage boy in teenage love and it never fails to make me smile.
6. Fembot [Went to bed with a smile // Bragged to my friends for a little while // And I wished for another date]
Another cute teenage love song! With guitars! What, I ask you, is not to love?
7. Pillsbury Doughgirl [Back in the day, we'd come and play // But now you're asking if you may // Can't you see that she's not the one? // She can't even see the sun // The nights that we just missed // The things that you promised // They never stay (stay) // She's never seen the sun // She wears shorts and I run away // He's dating Casper and he's afraid to ask her for his manhood back // Please give me my friend back // He's dating Casper, his heart races faster, just for her // Why can't we be like we were?]
OH MY GOSH, um. This is one of my favourite songs of all time, no joke. It is also the gayest song in existance. Whenever I am down, all I need to do to cheer up is play this song on repeat. I am physically incapable of hearing it and not grinning like an idiot! Nick and Tyson's camp voices at the start! Shah-nay-nay! Tyson says "baby" twice! It's all about a guy who wants his best friend to dump his girlfriend so they can go back to the way they were! Nick sings and is completely adorable and seriously, I am dotty in love with this song.
8. She Mannequin [You look at me // My heart is race // Not even real yet // I fall for you]
This is a song about falling for a shadow/dream/fantasy! I kind of adore the cool concept of it.
9. Girl Of My Dreams [You leave me hard and lonely // You are my one and only]
I have endless and true love for this song. It's a duet between Nick and Tyson! A duet! It contains the line "you leave me hard and lonely"! I will never, ever stop being amused by that line. I still can't decide which would be funnier, if he'd sung that to make Nick laugh, or if he'd been really earnest about his hard-on. Either way, that is never going to get old, okay? Never.
All-American Rejects
The first album, self-titled, recorded by just Nick and Ty in New York in 2002, for Doghouse Records.
1. My Paper Heart [This wait for destiny won't do // Be with me please I beseech you // Simple things that make you run away // Catch you if I can]
I kind of like this one more live, but still, I have a large amount of affection for it. Synaesthetically, it's all block colours and cute spirals, and it makes me smile lots.
2. Your Star [I need you to help me see this through // There she goes (there she goes, there she goes) // I picked out your star // Turned night to day // A simple whisper from your voice // And I fade away]
This song is mine and decor_noctis (my boyfriend)'s song, so I kind of adore it a whole lot. I'm a sucker for piano in rock songs, and the guitar parts are just awesome, and the lyrics! I love everything about this song.
3. Swing, Swing [Wish cast into the sky // I'm moving on // Sweet beginnings do arise // She knows I was wrong // The notes are old // They bend, they fold // And so do I to a new love]
This is the song that got them noticed, The Big Single, and it is one of my favourites by them. I missed it when it was all over the place (I had shit going down in my life and wasn't paying attention to the current music scene; I was busy listening to a lot of Queen and Eric Clapton and trying to stay sane) but a lot of people fell in love with them from this song. And I can see why! It's a great song! The underlying riff right at the end makes me go aj;kgsajgb;skrjbg;akeb;eerhgha;
4. Time Stands Still [You epitome of perfection // She's lost her will // Time is standing still // He walks her home // Now he walks alone]
This is the first song from this debut album that grabbed me by the ventricles and demand I play it on repeat. I love the mix of guitar sounds, the keyboard bits -- just, I love all of it.
5. One More Sad Song [Stay, don't go away // The hardest thing is letting go of you // What can I do? // Alone with you, alone with me, what can I do]
I love this song! Synaesthetic fact: in the Too Bad For Hell live DVD, when they play this song, the colour of Nick's chucks and the way he stamps on the pedals sound particularly awesome with this song.
6. Why Worry [I worry, I wonder all the time why worry // It's killing me, forget about it // I whisper, remember what she did, don't miss her // Set me free, she won't allow it]
There are times when I need the lyrics of this song on the backs of my eyelids. Also, I love the whole part with the guitars and the riffs and the notes. Yes.
7. Don't Leave Me [As the days go by, I am asking why did you leave // You left me alone and then you walked out on me // I don't care, I don't care // Thinking of days, thinking of ways, thinking of things to you that I should say // I wanna be with you and that's the only way]
This is another I kind of prefer live, in a way, though I love it on the album too. But on the DVD, it makes me bounce in my seat and \m/. Will you let go, Tulsa?
8. Too Far Gone [I should warn you // Things you're feeling aren't normal now // Think you need me // It's not easy, let you go somehow]
GAH, THIS SONG. From the opening notes through the verses to the chorus to the middle eight and beyond, I just. This song has my heart, man. It has my heart.
9. Drive Away [She's gone away, but still they stay together // People call me crazy, crazy // My thoughts progress, I think about forever // My mind tells me maybe, maybe]
There is nothing I can say about this song that isn't delighted flailing. Seriously. Delighted. And - and flailing.
10. Happy Endings [She'd be the one that would know // That I did do what I've done // And I wouldn't call it cheating // I'd just say I was leading her on // Why walk while I run away]
For this song, my bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite. ...ahem. I adore this song, okay? Adore.
11. The Last Song [My foot is out the door and you can't stop me now // You wanted the best, it wasn't me, will you give it back? // Now I'll take the lead, when there's no more room to make it grow // I'll see you again, you'll pretend you're naive // Is this what you want, is this what you need? // How you end up let me know]
Oh my gosh, this song. Whenever I hear it, I have to crank up the volume and play air drums. It would be the most fun song to drum to ever! One of my favourite memories is sitting in Oxford House with eleanor_lavish, rocking out to this song, making \m/ hands at each other and mouthing along. AAS I GO, REMEMBER ALL THE SIMPLE THIINGS YOU KNOWWW \m/ >.< \m/
Move Along
The first album featuring Chris and Mike on the recording! An excellent, excellent album, done in 2005 for Interscope, in Maryland and LA.
1. Dirty Little Secret [I go around a time or two // Just to waste my time with you // Tell me all that you've thrown away // Find out games you don't wanna play // You are the only one that needs to know]
This is another one where I cannot say anything that isn't delighted flailing.
2. Stab My Back [It's better when I bleed for you // You walk on me // It never was enough to do // I can't get past her // Falling fast it's true // It hasn't done a lot for you]
This song has a theramin solo in it. What more do you need? The words sound like a failed attempt at polyamory, and that makes me sad, but hey. Great song!
3. Move Along [So a day when you've lost yourself completely // Could be a night when your life ends // Such a heart that will lead you to deceiving // All the pain held in your // Hands are shaking cold // Your hands are mine to hold // Speak to me, when all you've got to keep is strong // Move along, move along like I know you do]
This. You need this in your life. Yes, yes you do. If you've ever felt like things are a struggle, if you've ever felt like you're wading through treacle just to breathe, if you've ever had any kind of thing you just need to get through -- you need this song in your life. It has kept me afloat through more tough days than I could count. It's kept me sane through two CFS relapses and several 24-hour Greyhound bus rides. Seriously, this song! It is what is needed in this world.
4. It Ends Tonight [The walls start breathing // My mind's unweaving // Maybe it's best you leave me alone // A weight is lifted // On this evening // I give the final blow // When darkness turns to light // It ends tonight]
There was a time, when the Rejects were working on this album in Maryland, when Tyson was sharing a room with his old guitar tech and BFF, Tooker Baggins. (That is, obviously, not his real name. His real name is Sean.) Tooker (or, rather, Sean) became depressed, and Tyson stuck around, not going out with the other guys or anything. And he got kind of lonely, and depressed himself, so he wrote this song about how he'd like to smother Tooker with a pillow. ...some people see it as a boy/girl breakup song. Mike often ends the on-stage introduction to it by saying, "Yeah, and it's about a dude." Ahahaha, so much love ♥
5. Change Your Mind [Sit down, you're sinking // There's no one to watch you // Skip town, you're thinking // There's no one to stop you]
I have nothing to say about this song that isn't an immense solid weight of love. Also: strings \o/
6. Night Drive [I know you so better than the city in the rear view // I drive to eliminate the ball that I'm chained to // Take me break me // Every mile further there's a part of me that slips away // One day you'll see // Even if you got down on your knees you couldn't make me stay]
I have such love for rhythmic songs like this! I love the story in the lyrics, too, and it nicely captures that feeling of frustration so physical that you just need to physically remove yourself from a situation. Hearts, such hearts.
7. 11:11pm CST [Sweet sedation // Sweep the issues // And the clock's about to strike // Did it call you down // Are you back just yet // Waiting now please come set me free // And the only sound is a minute left // This could be, this could be the last time]
I can't really put my love for this song, the lyrics, the music, the execution, everything about it, into words. So I shall just say: ♥ ♥ ♥.
8. Dance Inside [You don't have to move, you don't have to speak // Lips for biting // You're staring me down, a glance makes me weak // Eyes for striking]
Um. This song is porn. The drum and bass parts are heartbeats; the guitar solo contains an orgasm played on guitar, and then there are, y'know, the words. *hand motions*
9. Top of the World [When hearts are beating // Say what you want them to do // Wasting away, I see you // When the top of the world falls on you]
This song makes me grin big. I love what it has to say, and I love how it says it. Plus, there is some fracking awesome guitar work \o/
10. Straightjacket Feeling [Etched with marks, but I can deal // And you're the problem and you can't feel // Try this on, straitjacket feeling // So maybe I won't be alone // Take back now my life you're stealing // Yesterday was hell // But today I'm fine without you // Run away this time without you]
Holy crap, this song is so sad. Synaesthetically, it feels like tears! Seriously! The sound of it tastes and feels like crying. But god, it's gorgeous. The lyrics get me right in the heart, right where it's all tender, you know? Gah, gah, gah, this song. ;__;
11. I'm Waiting [I've been here before, and I don't care where I'm going // So I'll be, waiting // When I'm waiting // I'll tell you once more // That as long as you're gone // Then I'll stay]
I have endless, endless love for this song! For the guitar riffs and notes especially, they're just. Man, they're just perfect.
12. Can't Take It [This welcome is gone and I've waited long enough to make it // And if you're so strong you might as well just do it alone // And I'll watch you go]
jsgbsj;agbjrbag;erahgebhkbkjhbtjkeahb;ejktbh;tkjsbh;jh;sbh -- this -- this song is entirely strings and voice and piano. No, no, see, I love stringed instruments above all else, and I adore it when rock bands do unexpected things, and a fecking gorgeous strings/piano/voice song is just. I am madly in love with it! Gah! The violins!
b-sides
The Cigarette Song (acoustic) [The day is gone // The sky is blue // I know you're all alone // And the sky is blue // Come back to me // The sky is blue]
I am an enormous, enormous sucker for acoustic songs. This one never made it past the acoustic stage, and I don't care either way because this is gorgeous. The very last bit makes my heart squeeze.
Bite Back [And I live for the things I love // Sad, but maybe it's true // Push you back's what I'll do // And it's just enough to keep you back one second longer]
I have a ridiculous amount of love for this song. The solo! The lyrics! The drums and bass! There is nothing I do not adore about it.
Kiss Yourself Goodbye [I've done wrong // I've been gone // (It's the one you love) // Drink down and your candle's burned away]
This one is liable to get stuck in my head for approximately four days at a time, but it's one of those that I don't mind being stuck there for any length of time. I heart it :D
Eyelash Wishes [Green eyes, everything I see // Green skies, if left up to me // And I know, and she knows // This is it // And shadows blend one last time (save those kisses) // Your picture speaks on this time (eyelash wishes)]
js;gjdgj;ahjhjhrtjh SJ;GJAGH;JABH;KJTABHETAJ sjgk;ajhg;reajbe;abheajtb;bhkj I -- I -- I gave my entire heart to this song the moment I heard it, and it makes my heart squeeze and glow whenever I hear it, it's my favourite Rejects song, and and. "Your heart gives mine reason to beat now" ♥ ♥ ♥ !!!!!!!
Photograph (live Def Leppard cover)
Last year, they got to play VH1's Rock Honours for Def Leppard. I think Nick may have almost passed out at some point. I know I flailed myself almost into a coma when I saw it. Anyway, this is a great cover of one of the best songs there has ever been, thank you and goodnight. (If I say anything else, it would just dissolve into wild arm movements and hand gestures, I ADORE DEF LEPPARD SO HARD, that will be all.)
acoustic
My Paper Heart
I mentioned I'm a sucker for acoustic stuff, right? Right! Good, excellent, hooray. I love this version of this song.
Swing, Swing
Tyson had a sore throat when this was recorded, and it's kind of adorable. Also! Acoustic version, yay!
Too Far Gone
This song kills me just in its album version, and then there is this and I will be over here, hiding under the desk and curling in a ball around my heart and loving it rather a feck of a lot.
The Last Song
...Nick says "ass" right at the start, which is rather random and always makes me giggle. Anyway. Acoustic version of one of my favourites = HOO AND RAH.
Dirty Little Secret
Shake it, Chris! Shake it, baby!
Move Along
Please note that THIS IS AMAZING.
Night Drive
Chris on bongos! Tyson sounds vaguely stoned! There is nothing I do not love about this version of this song!
Beautiful (Christina Aguilera cover)
Sometimes, when the nights are cold and lonely and I'm feeling down, all I need to feel warm again is Tyson Ritter telling me I am beautiful in every single way. ♥
I hope you enjoyed! And if you did, you should buy the albums :)
[ Band history | pictures | music | video footage | teh gay]