Punk has been around since the 70’s. Getting its birth in Europe, primarily London, it was a way for musical artists to for bands that existed to express their thoughts on the geopolitical system around them as well as to stand up against the system. In a sense the punk movement gave birth to Rap, Hardcore and Angry Rock as each genre deals with fighting the man or expressing your attitude against the government.
Then you have someone like Avril – someone who called herself punk when, in fact, she was not even close and was just a spoiled brat. This of course brings me to Ashlee Simpson. This chick tried SO hard to be punk. She wanted people to think she was tougher than big sis – well – her mommy did.
The Sort falls into the Avril category. You can call yourself punk all you want but when you do not exhibit any of the traits that define the genre you are just pop music with an edge. Don’t get me wrong – I love this band. The music is great. The lyrics are great. The vocals are astounding and I love angry girls singing. Punk it is not. Alternative Pop – maybe. I do, however, recommend the Sort because the music IS great – I just dislike sliding a band, any band, into a genre where it does not belong.
Punk is dirty music. That doesn’t mean it sucks – what it does mean is that message supersedes the actual musical talent. Just look at the Ramones. I love punk because it is unclean and filled with angst. The Sort has some punkish traits with their lyrical content but not a hell of a lot. Take Valedictorian for example because it is a great song. It’s great because the music is simple – it is not overly refined and the lyrics are bitter and the vocals become an instrument of the bitterness even though they are refined.
Either way The Sort is worth a listen – just don’t expect Sex Pistols, Misfits or even Green Day punk.
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Track Names
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Mean Nouns
Found
Minus One
Apology in G Minor
Terrible Subjects and Obliging Verbs
Goodbye
Thursday
Mistletoe
Not Impossible
Sion
Remnants
Valedictorian
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Artist: Album
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The Sort: Resentment, Despair, and Other Amusements
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Genre
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Alternative & Punk
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More Information
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http://cdbaby.com/cd/thesort
http://www.myspace.com/thesort
