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Against Me!

Searching for a Former Clarity

  • AMG Review of Searching for a Former Clarity

    Amg
    Corey Apar
    All Music Guide

    Against Me! is a band closely tied to their independent and underground roots, yet after the attention paid to 2003's As the Eternal Cowboy, they found themselves teetering on the edge of the mainstream spotlight -- and dealing with the possibility of signing with a major label. Perhaps reflecting this situation, Searching for a Former Clarity finds Against Me! issuing their most introspective album to date. In both subject matter and song composition, they expand upon elements of previous releases without being afraid to veer away from expectations -- the lively opener "Miami," after all, features a horn section. The band has always slightly defied genre classification, and this disc further proves they can run the stylistic gamut and barely miss a step -- from the weary rock-bottom mosey of "How Low" to the stylish, dancey -- though somewhat annoying chorus of -- "Unprotected Sex with Multiple Partners." Along with biting lyrics commenting on the current climate of both the political and punk scenes, this disc explores the band's softer and more intimate side further. For every sarcastic "we took the movement to the market...we totally sold out the scene" ("Mediocrity Gets You Pears"), there's the acoustic, content stirrings of "Joy," and the soothing, somber drumbeats of the AIDS-oriented title track. Bush-era frustrations fuel energetic songs like the guitar-driven, tongue-in-cheek tune titled "From Her Lips to God's Ears," whose taunting chorus asserts "Condoleeza, what are we gonna do now?" On the whole, the album may be a bit more sober and resentful than previous efforts, but the passion, energy, and urgency Against Me! is known for is no less present. Instead, Searching for a Former Clarity is a more developed effort that is not only one of the best punk releases of 2005, but further establishes the band's growing importance within the punk scene.

Against Me!(or why Gainesville is the new Village SOHO)
over 2 years ago
Blog post image preview

Okay if you arent in Gainesville , im sorry.What up with Gainesville, besides our total domination of NCAA sports ala Gator Nation?1.Against Me! -tonite , with the Draft ...im gonna work off the touch like 'Buddy Revell".2.Free...yes FREE ... Flaming Lips and The Rapture (White Dwarf and Stardeath) outdoors , day show - bring the dogs! 3. ALL WEEKEND : THE AIRSHOW , i lOVE THE A10'S ....Teh Spr...

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and then Christmas came early
over 2 years ago
For all of you that had a tough week
over 2 years ago

Here it is Friday, and this week on MOG seems to have been a difficult one for a lot of my fellow moggers. I have read some great posts that deal with everything from bad days to loved ones passing away. I know its tough, and I hope that all of you do what ever you need to in order to get through your ordeals. I just wanted to post a song that reminds me when times are tough not to get to down...

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Best use of a swear word in a song
over 2 years ago
Slap This
over 2 years ago

After reading the post of who needs a MOG slap, and even handing out my own slap to Axl Rose, it got me thinking. Or maybe it was my discussion with a fellow mogger last night and the fact that it's the holiday season. Some people hate Christmas, and all the rituals that go into it. I do not feel this way. I have always loved December, and the time spent with my family at this time means a lot ...

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How Low Can You Go Before You Can't Turn Around?
over 3 years ago

I absolutly love Against Me! I've loved them for about a year now, and their power chords and punk- esque screams keep me coming back for more. The first tim I ever saw them was at Warped Tour this past summer (I also saw AFI, Anti-flag, FATA, among others...). They are so casual and charismatic, but their sound consists of old- school punk vocals with new-age notation."How Low" is about a self...

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So I lost my virginity last week
over 2 years ago

Hello MOG, thought I would take this time to tell you about my first. I have been on MOG for close to a year, and almost everyone who knows me knows about this site. I have pleaded with people, telling them to just try it out and for the most part I have not had any takers. Then over the weekend I get a message from a friend who finally decided to take the plunge. Alas, I had lost my cherry and...

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Punk Tuesdays? Not today
over 2 years ago

Things have a funny way of happening. After having one of the greatest weeks of my life, I got shot down yesterday. While watching the 10 o'clock news I saw that one of my former students was arrested for the murder of another 16 year old kid. Apparently no one knows what it was about, but it was caught on tape by the camera placed inside the metro bus they were both riding. I knew this child w...

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Best use of a swear word in a song
over 2 years ago
For all of you that had a tough week
over 2 years ago

Here it is Friday, and this week on MOG seems to have been a difficult one for a lot of my fellow moggers. I have read some great posts that deal with everything from bad days to loved ones passing away. I know its tough, and I hope that all of you do what ever you need to in order to get through your ordeals. I just wanted to post a song that reminds me when times are tough not to get to down...

More >
and then Christmas came early
over 2 years ago
Against Me! Coming Home Again...
over 2 years ago
Blog post image preview

Sun 8-19: Against Me!, Two Gallants,The Gaslight Anthem $10Early show! Doors at 6Woo Hoo! Chul and Kev , you guys in?

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Slap This
over 2 years ago

After reading the post of who needs a MOG slap, and even handing out my own slap to Axl Rose, it got me thinking. Or maybe it was my discussion with a fellow mogger last night and the fact that it's the holiday season. Some people hate Christmas, and all the rituals that go into it. I do not feel this way. I have always loved December, and the time spent with my family at this time means a lot ...

More >
Against Me!(or why Gainesville is the new Village SOHO)
over 2 years ago
Blog post image preview

Okay if you arent in Gainesville , im sorry.What up with Gainesville, besides our total domination of NCAA sports ala Gator Nation?1.Against Me! -tonite , with the Draft ...im gonna work off the touch like 'Buddy Revell".2.Free...yes FREE ... Flaming Lips and The Rapture (White Dwarf and Stardeath) outdoors , day show - bring the dogs! 3. ALL WEEKEND : THE AIRSHOW , i lOVE THE A10'S ....Teh Spr...

More >
I missed it
over 2 years ago
Blog post image preview

I cant believe I missed these guys when they came through Santa Cruz CA, a week or so ago. I was turned onto Against Me! by my little brother and sister. Which makes feel a little old, but I cant get enough of this band. Its great sing-along rock, once you decipher the lyrics from the screams.

More >
How Low Can You Go Before You Can't Turn Around?
over 3 years ago

I absolutly love Against Me! I've loved them for about a year now, and their power chords and punk- esque screams keep me coming back for more. The first tim I ever saw them was at Warped Tour this past summer (I also saw AFI, Anti-flag, FATA, among others...). They are so casual and charismatic, but their sound consists of old- school punk vocals with new-age notation."How Low" is about a self...

More >
Against Me: Don't lose Touch!
over 2 years ago

Just got a glimpse of this band at Coachella Fest.. nice sound!

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