So, Thomas and I saw Streetlight Manifesto in Chicago last night. Needless to say, it was fantastic. All those gorgeous horn parts felt so perfect live and the crowd was about as involved as it could be (funny how gang vocals do that to people). I've been to few shows that made me as happy as that one, and it got me thinking about how I could love a band so much that's so different from everything else I listen to. But I don't like genres. I don't know how to describe what my taste in music really is, so I never limit myself to what I let myself enjoy, and thankfully, that's probably how I got so big into Streetlight Manifesto.
Some bands become like parents in the way we listen to them religiously as we grow up, and Streetlight is one of those bands to me. Some of my favorite memories are of driving around Goshen in my beat up Jeep blaring Somewhere in the Between with my friends. It's funny to think about all of the things that have happened over the brief five years or so since I discovered this band, and it's funny to think about how much people change in that short a period of time. Anyone that has ever used the phrase "the soundtrack of my high school years" knows exactly how I feel, even if I'm not quite portraying it in the same way you would. But recommending a band that got me through high school is difficult, mostly because if I know you now, you're probably not in high school anymore and even if you are, their music might not be the same to you. That being said, Streetlight Manifesto's newest album is ridiculously good and I think anyone with just a little love for ska could spend a few beautiful weeks (at least) with it. I suggest you give Streetlight Manifesto's The Hands That Thieve a try and maybe make a few good memories with it.
Now you've read this far, and I'm afraid you've learned very, very little about the album I'm writing about. I would apologize, but I'm not really trying to describe the album to you. I'm afraid even a brief description of what Streetlight is all about would turn most casual listeners off, and that's terrifying to me. Please. Throw it on, and let yourself enjoy what you're listening to. It can seem overly bratty or angsty at times, but that's part of the fun. The horn parts might be a little overwhelming or silly sounding at times, but try to get used to it. I get chills consistently from the bari sax solo on "Toe to Toe," the little fugue thing and the chorus on "If Only For Memories," and pretty much every other song on the album if I'm in the right mood. Music doesn't have to be challenging or groundbreaking to be good, and I think a lot of people forget that. Appreciate all music, and you might get a little bit more out of your listening every now and then.
The title track- Enjoy! <3333
-Kane
PS: It might be worth mentioning that Streetlight Manifesto is currently boycotting themselves, so they would much rather you buy from them directly or pirate the album than contribute to Victory Records and their shenanigans. You can find all the details on their website, which I'll link below, specifically with the announcement of their boycott.
http://streetlightmanifesto.com/streetlight-manifesto-proudly-boycotts-itself/
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