“So Long, Astoria” is the major label debut for former indie rockers The Ataris. Having several independent releases under their belts with sales in the hundreds of thousands, Columbia Records has given The Ataris a shot. This move will most likely pay off big for Columbia and give The Ataris much more fame, notoriety, and airtime.
“So Long, Astoria” is basically fast food-type music that will strike a chord with the younger crowd. Cliched lyrics, repetitive chord changes and an unoriginal style are sure to win over the likes of the MTV generation and power pop radio station fans.
The band tells stories of their past, youth, and personal experiences with predictability and good pop sensibility. One thing to understand when listening to this record is that each song sounds like the next but can be enjoyed if one is in the mood for loud power chord pop.
Although at times there is difficulty in deciphering one song from another, there are a few that stand on their own. First up is the compact disc’s single “In This Diary,” which tells a story of growing up. Lyrics like “Being grown up isn’t half as fun as growing up, these are the best days of our lives,” demonstrate that the band wants to connect with younger fans. No Lennon/ McCartney here but clever songwriting nonetheless.
Another track that will catch one’s ears and is certain to find radio time is “My Reply.” The chorus belts out lyrics sure to thrill those listeners still driven by teen angst: “If you just hold on for one more second, just hold on to what you have, just hold on, just hold on.”
Another highlight on the CD is The Ataris’s fun, punk-style cover of Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer.” Even though this stuff is not what I tend to listen to, I couldn’t help enjoying these tracks.
The problem with this record is that there is not much variety or musicianship. Most songs feature little change, breaks, refrains or even guitar solos and tend to all carry the same tempo. As a whole, the record is well made and has some pretty good songs, but it is nothing ground-breaking or unique.
“So Long, Astoria” may not cut it with musically hip or mature audiences, but it will be enjoyed by the masses. It should be taken for what it is-loud, fun, mindless, pop music. The Ataris will make for good party music for the younger generation and the easy to please.
Andy Pappas can be contacted at [email protected]