Disposable Americanised toss
I don't really see the point in this. This split EP between Fall Out Boy and My Awesome Compilation is peculiar in the fact that it consists solely of previously released material, with 'Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy' and 'As Always' being lifted from FOB's 'Take This To Your Grave' LP and MAC's debut mini-album 'The View Is Amazing' respectively. I'm not against split EP’s in principle; quite the opposite in fact, but in this instance it just seems like they felt the tracks weren't strong enough to be released on their own merit, so they've been lumped together in an attempt to create a more appealing overall package. It's especially surprising when you consider that FOB were ranked second in Rolling Stone's 'bands to know in 2005' list, were the first band to hit 1,000,000 plays on PureVolume.com, have been named as headliners on the 2005 Warp Tour and also won an MTV 'Woodie' (whatever that is) for the video of this very single. 1-2-3 Ooooooh. Still, the Americans like having pancakes and syrup on the same plate as eggs and sausage meat for breakfast, so what do they know.
Well one thing they do know is how to make insipid college-rock. Just when you thought New Found Glory had scraped the bottom clean off the 'cheesy heartfelt songs about girls' barrel, FOB come along with lyrical gems like "Where is your boy tonight, I hope he's a gentleman. Maybe he won't find out what I know, you were the last good thing about this part of town" to prove that isn't true. I could go on listing these literary treasures, but even someone who drowns puppies for fun wouldn't be so cruel. It's fairly obvious why FOB have enjoyed such enviable success; their music is commercially inoffensive and they are very good at what they do, it's just too disposable to be anything more than early teen chart-fodder.
MAC aren't much better, and the first time I listened to the sun-kissed harmonies of 'As Always' I actually thought I was listening to the American band – they certainly don't sound like they're from Leicester. Thankfully they’re more Taking Back Sunday than New Found Glory, and at points even sound a bit like Hundred Reasons – the playful synth that dances in the background is just like HR single 'Silver'. I remember when I first heard MAC with 'Our Lives: The Sequel' on the Ampwire UK comp, but listening to them today is like listening to a completely different band. The jangly intricacies are gone, and what's replaced it is infinitely less exciting and enjoyable - a real disappointment.