Dashboard Confessional
The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most
On Sale Now
For $11.48

I suppose if you're reading this it's because you've vaguely heard of a band, or rather, a man named Dashboard Confessional. Perhaps you were one of the rare few who watched the MTV music awards long enough to see him win an award for MTV2's best video. Dashboard Confessional's first major album release, The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most, is an angst-filled album by some sort of psuedo punk, tattoed man named Chris Carraba. And I love it!

In a decade filled with pop stars and ghetto rappers it is nice to hear some truly intrinsic music. For what the album lacks in musical variety and lyrical depth, Chris makes up for with earnest, powerful emotion. A fan favorite, "Screaming Infidelities" is raw anger. After listening to it, you may want to question whether your "significant other" is cheating on you. Try out lyrics like this; "Missing your bed/ I never sleep/ Avoiding the spots/ Where we'd have to speak/ And this bottle of beast is taking me home". The reference to a bottle of Milwaukee's Best should make any over-indulgent college student happy. The song goes on to clearly explain what Chris is talking about- "I'm reading your note over again/There's not a word I comprehend/ Except when you sign it/'I will love you always'". Thats pretty clear Chris. This is an album with bitter-filled lyrics of broken relationships. "Standard Lines" starts out "which of the bold faced lies will we use?/I hope that you're happy, you really deserve it/ this will be the best for us both in the end". Ouch man! Did some little philly break your heart? No, it was a girl.

The album is not without its flaws of course. Since the album is primarily Chris and his acoustic guitar (other tracks feature some guys playing other instruments. Not worth mentioning) songs can be a bit redundant. If you're not paying attention you may think it's one big song. Also Chris has a voice that would make anyone think they could cut an album. You'd think somone is pinching his nipples the whole time he was recording. Additionally, the same simple lyrics that make the songs powerful also make it repetitive. I left the album feeling like I just heard 10 pissed-off songs. The final kick in the nards for Chris is his look. With his sleeve tattooes, lambchop sideburns, and rough vocals he's not pretty or smooth enough to win major market audiences, especially females. He's no John Mayer!

In the end if you want to hear someone rock on an acoustic guitar, a rare talent, and you're tired of pop, check this guy out. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Grading on a six-pack, i'd give them three and a half beers.

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