HANDWRITTEN: your impressions, comments, and declarations of love

snakester wrote:

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

njguy99 wrote:

I finally gave in and listened once through to the streaming version.

Initial thoughts (and I apologize if anyone's already said this...I've been avoiding this thread)...

4) The track I'm most confused about is Keepsake. The lyrics are beautiful and it's a powerful song, but it almost sounds....overproduced? I want to hear Brian crying out, with less angry guitar. I have to listen to it a few more times. Plus, did anyone else notice that intro sounds a lot like "Mary Jane's Last Dance"? (I'm not accusing them of ripping it off - it's just an interesting sidenote...)

5) The track I like the least at this early juncture is National Anthem. I understand completely why some reviewers said this album was covering "the same ground," because that song sounds a lot like earlier ones. I also dare to say it doesn't sound honest to me - almost like he felt he had to write this kind of song because there's one on every record. Maybe it's how it was performed; maybe I'm comparing it to tracks off Elsie. I know Brian is capable of writing heart-breaking end-of-love songs much more powerful. But again, I need to listen to this track again.

No flames please

That's interesting what you said about Keepsake. I can totally see where you're coming from. I took it though as the angry guitar is more indicative of where he's at with this aspect of his life. Like he's not "crying" about it so he's not gonna "cry out". I saw it more as like as a mature adult looking back, he's still angry and he's saying calmly, "you know, I got these things on my mind and I'm gonna say them to you and then I'm done. That chapter is closed". So I saw it more as that angry but calm undertone than a sad sort of moaning. That's my take.

I kind of agree with you on National Anthem. I mean I enjoy the song a lot and I think it's a good tone to close the album on but I get what you mean when you say it doesn't sound honest. I think it's because for the most part Brian writes about himself, and looking at the lyrics I don't think he's writing about himself at all in that song. He got away with it with Bring it On because he was still apart of that mess just not necessarily the guy singing it. I think he's trying to do (shoot me now for the Springsteen comparison) what springsteen does in writing about other people or from other perspectives and I feel like I didn't buy it simply b/c it's not what he usually does.

He wasn't singing about himself in here comes my man either and that song turned out pretty awesome.

You make a good point. I think it's maybe more of he had a specific idea in mind there. He took on a very specific perspective and it was a perspective that could easily have been that of a man (more importantly himself) too. I think National Anthem felt more distant from the character(s) he wrote about. Still love the song though.

It's weird. I think the way I feel about the last two songs on the record is just slightly confused. I don't dislike either of the songs (I'm referring to Mae and National Anthem) but they don't sound like Gaslight songs or something like that. I can't even put it into words because it's more of a gut feeling that I get. They just...confuse me.

JackStreetcar wrote:

It's weird. I think the way I feel about the last two songs on the record is just slightly confused. I don't dislike either of the songs (I'm referring to Mae and National Anthem) but they don't sound like Gaslight songs or something like that. I can't even put it into words because it's more of a gut feeling that I get. They just...confuse me.

Mae really really does sound like a horrible crowes song. I can totally see where you're coming from.

Keepsake and Handwritten still my favorite," Desire" reminds me of "Spirit of Jazz" for some reason, "Mae" reminds me of "Miles Davis and the Cool". This is shaping up to be the best year of music in my 33 years of life. With Handwritten, Exister, On the Impossible Past, Chris Robinson's new one, Skiba, Japandroids, and the heavily underrated Kasey Anderson & the Honkies released, we still get new Dylan, Wallflowers, KIllers, Two Gallants, Green Day and Bob Mould. Can't stop listening to the Ryan Adams "Live as Deaf" acoustic, one of the best voices along with Brian!

My CD came today, and I can honestly say that this is the best album I have ever heard. I will post a coherent declaration of my love for this album tomorrow, but I am crying through this whole album and wondering how Brian can write such beautiful words that pierce my heart and soul in a such a way that makes me feel like he understands exactly how I feel about life and all of the things I have gone through. So far, my top three tracks are Handwritten, Mulholland Drive, and Too Much Blood, but Here Comes My Man, Mae, and National Anthem are way up there too. And Keepsake tore my heart out.

Who am I kidding? All of these songs are so incredible, I don't even know what my favorites are at this point. I'm just going off of what songs made me cry the most. I have had the highest expectations for this album, it was just ridiculous, and these songs have blown all of my expectations out of the water. I couldn't have even imagined a better album. Not in my wildest dreams.

Shannon that was my exact reaction! I'm so happy we weren't disappointed.

Also, my mother told me to take a day off from listening to Handwritten because she said it was making me an emotional wreck, haha.

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

Shannon that was my exact reaction! I'm so happy we weren't disappointed.

Also, my mother told me to take a day off from listening to Handwritten because she said it was making me an emotional wreck, haha.

I am so far from disappointed, I don't even know the meaning of the word. Right now I am sobbing to Keepsake. It's just... I don't even know what to say. My dad was here physically in the sense that he lived with us and was present at home when I was a kid, but not emotionally. It was tough and I don't really like to talk about it, but let's just say that I can relate to so much of this song and my heart and soul and being bled dry right now. This is exactly what I needed tonight and I love this album more than any album I have ever loved in my whole life. I apologize if this is an incoherent mess because I am so drunk tonight, but my love for this album is only going to get stronger. I know even understand how Brian was able to write such beautiful lyrics. WOW.

IrishNameAndAnInjury wrote:

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

Shannon that was my exact reaction! I'm so happy we weren't disappointed.

Also, my mother told me to take a day off from listening to Handwritten because she said it was making me an emotional wreck, haha.

I am so far from disappointed, I don't even know the meaning of the word. Right now I am sobbing to Keepsake. It's just... I don't even know what to say. My dad was here physically in the sense that he lived with us and was present at home when I was a kid, but not emotionally. It was tough and I don't really like to talk about it, but let's just say that I can relate to so much of this song and my heart and soul and being bled dry right now. This is exactly what I needed tonight and I love this album more than any album I have ever loved in my whole life. I apologize if this is an incoherent mess because I am so drunk tonight, but my love for this album is only going to get stronger. I know even understand how Brian was able to write such beautiful lyrics. WOW.

It was exactly what I needed the night I listened to it the first time too. That's why I caved. I'd had a horrible day and just needed it. I think it's wonderful to watch Brian grow as a songwriter and the band grow as musicians. I never got to witness this before as it's happening in a bands careers and it's beautiful.

IrishNameAndAnInjury wrote:

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

Shannon that was my exact reaction! I'm so happy we weren't disappointed.

Also, my mother told me to take a day off from listening to Handwritten because she said it was making me an emotional wreck, haha.

I am so far from disappointed, I don't even know the meaning of the word. Right now I am sobbing to Keepsake. It's just... I don't even know what to say. My dad was here physically in the sense that he lived with us and was present at home when I was a kid, but not emotionally. It was tough and I don't really like to talk about it, but let's just say that I can relate to so much of this song and my heart and soul and being bled dry right now. This is exactly what I needed tonight and I love this album more than any album I have ever loved in my whole life. I apologize if this is an incoherent mess because I am so drunk tonight, but my love for this album is only going to get stronger. I know even understand how Brian was able to write such beautiful lyrics. WOW.

Listen to Blue Dahlia immediately. It's on Spotify if you have trouble finding it.

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

IrishNameAndAnInjury wrote:

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

Shannon that was my exact reaction! I'm so happy we weren't disappointed.

Also, my mother told me to take a day off from listening to Handwritten because she said it was making me an emotional wreck, haha.

I am so far from disappointed, I don't even know the meaning of the word. Right now I am sobbing to Keepsake. It's just... I don't even know what to say. My dad was here physically in the sense that he lived with us and was present at home when I was a kid, but not emotionally. It was tough and I don't really like to talk about it, but let's just say that I can relate to so much of this song and my heart and soul and being bled dry right now. This is exactly what I needed tonight and I love this album more than any album I have ever loved in my whole life. I apologize if this is an incoherent mess because I am so drunk tonight, but my love for this album is only going to get stronger. I know even understand how Brian was able to write such beautiful lyrics. WOW.

It was exactly what I needed the night I listened to it the first time too. That's why I caved. I'd had a horrible day and just needed it. I think it's wonderful to watch Brian grow as a songwriter and the band grow as musicians. I never got to witness this before as it's happening in a bands careers and it's beautiful.

I feel the exact same way. Brian's songwriting just gets better and better. These songs are so emotional, I just can't get over it. It's like he's writing them to each one of us, and they are that special.

eagles1139 wrote:

IrishNameAndAnInjury wrote:

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

Shannon that was my exact reaction! I'm so happy we weren't disappointed.

Also, my mother told me to take a day off from listening to Handwritten because she said it was making me an emotional wreck, haha.

I am so far from disappointed, I don't even know the meaning of the word. Right now I am sobbing to Keepsake. It's just... I don't even know what to say. My dad was here physically in the sense that he lived with us and was present at home when I was a kid, but not emotionally. It was tough and I don't really like to talk about it, but let's just say that I can relate to so much of this song and my heart and soul and being bled dry right now. This is exactly what I needed tonight and I love this album more than any album I have ever loved in my whole life. I apologize if this is an incoherent mess because I am so drunk tonight, but my love for this album is only going to get stronger. I know even understand how Brian was able to write such beautiful lyrics. WOW.

Listen to Blue Dahlia immediately. It's on Spotify if you have trouble finding it.

I don't have Facebook ( I know, I know), so it won't let me create an account and listen. I'll have to wait for the deluxe CD to arrive. Stupid Interpunk for sending me the standard CD!

I'm on spotify, but i don't see it. i found it on tumblr though

azlisa wrote:

I'm on spotify, but i don't see it. i found it on tumblr though

I need to keep looking then!

yeah search tumblr. spotify won't let me listen to the bonus tracks for some reason.

eagles1139 wrote:

IrishNameAndAnInjury wrote:

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

Shannon that was my exact reaction! I'm so happy we weren't disappointed.

Also, my mother told me to take a day off from listening to Handwritten because she said it was making me an emotional wreck, haha.

I am so far from disappointed, I don't even know the meaning of the word. Right now I am sobbing to Keepsake. It's just... I don't even know what to say. My dad was here physically in the sense that he lived with us and was present at home when I was a kid, but not emotionally. It was tough and I don't really like to talk about it, but let's just say that I can relate to so much of this song and my heart and soul and being bled dry right now. This is exactly what I needed tonight and I love this album more than any album I have ever loved in my whole life. I apologize if this is an incoherent mess because I am so drunk tonight, but my love for this album is only going to get stronger. I know even understand how Brian was able to write such beautiful lyrics. WOW.

Listen to Blue Dahlia immediately. It's on Spotify if you have trouble finding it.

I found it. OH. MY. GOSH. I don't have any words to describe how incredible Blue Dahlia is. How can I even cry this hard? How can I type through these tears? After hearing this album, I will never be the same again. Thank God for The Gaslight Anthem.

IrishNameAndAnInjury wrote:

My CD came today, and I can honestly say that this is the best album I have ever heard. I will post a coherent declaration of my love for this album tomorrow, but I am crying through this whole album and wondering how Brian can write such beautiful words that pierce my heart and soul in a such a way that makes me feel like he understands exactly how I feel about life and all of the things I have gone through. So far, my top three tracks are Handwritten, Mulholland Drive, and Too Much Blood, but Here Comes My Man, Mae, and National Anthem are way up there too. And Keepsake tore my heart out.

Who am I kidding? All of these songs are so incredible, I don't even know what my favorites are at this point. I'm just going off of what songs made me cry the most. I have had the highest expectations for this album, it was just ridiculous, and these songs have blown all of my expectations out of the water. I couldn't have even imagined a better album. Not in my wildest dreams.

I've been really touched by what you said about your reaction to Handwritten. Although I make very little connection with the life stories that Brian tells, I still make an emotional connection with his work that also reduces me to tears. I've never reacted quite like that to anyone else's work before, and that, and the fact that Brian is genuine, is no doubt why I am such a fan.

Shannon for Gaslight Anthem fan of the month!

I think they take Blue Dahlia as a bonus because it sounds to similar to a Springsteen-standard at the beginning.

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

That's interesting what you said about Keepsake. I can totally see where you're coming from. I took it though as the angry guitar is more indicative of where he's at with this aspect of his life. Like he's not "crying" about it so he's not gonna "cry out". I saw it more as like as a mature adult looking back, he's still angry and he's saying calmly, "you know, I got these things on my mind and I'm gonna say them to you and then I'm done. That chapter is closed". So I saw it more as that angry but calm undertone than a sad sort of moaning. That's my take.

I get what you're saying, completely. And I really need to hear it again with a clearer mind. What I'm really interested in hearing is the live version - because I can picture Brian really belting out the lyrics. The mix on the record seems to swim his vocals in with the guitar. I dunno... more listening required!

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

I kind of agree with you on National Anthem. I mean I enjoy the song a lot and I think it's a good tone to close the album on but I get what you mean when you say it doesn't sound honest. I think it's because for the most part Brian writes about himself, and looking at the lyrics I don't think he's writing about himself at all in that song. He got away with it with Bring it On because he was still apart of that mess just not necessarily the guy singing it. I think he's trying to do (shoot me now for the Springsteen comparison) what springsteen does in writing about other people or from other perspectives and I feel like I didn't buy it simply b/c it's not what he usually does.

This! Well said. I think you're exactly right!

why do you think brian isn't writing about himself? to me it seems like it could be him. i like the song. mae is one of my favourites too, but I agree the last two songs don't seem to fit right in terms of it being a 'gaslight' album.

Mulholland Drive is so growing on me. I love it now.

I never thought it was a bad song, but I now appreciate how good of a song it is.

I like how 'dancey' it is

strange to see a Gaslight Anthem album on sale in this week's Best Buy ad but that's another perk of signing with a major.

Blue Dahlia is incredible and it's not even on the proper album! Its one of the best songs theyve ever done and better than anything on the album.

blue dahlia is my favorite song of all time.

it affects me that much... incredible

One of the really interesting things about this album is that people seem to have very varying ideas about which tracks are the strongest and which are the weakest - with many people listing other peoples' favorites as their least-favorites and vice-versa. I know I am ridiculously biased, but doesn't it seem that Blue Dahlia is getting almost overwhelmingly positive reactions from people considering its relegated-to-bonus-track status...?

I also find it very interesting to see how the hardcore Gaslght fans have been reacting to National Anthem - a song that was almost unanimously praised in the prerelease publication and online reviews. Especially in light of it coming out that it's sort of a Brian solo song, at leas in terms of instrumentation / recording.