Bayside

I really couldn’t explain it to you. I mean i could try, but it won’t matter. Most people make up their minds before they really give anything a chance. So i’m going to make this short. Read on or write it off. Your choice. What I am posting is Bayside’s self-titled. This was their second LP released on Victory Records (blech) in 2005. I discovered this record fittingly, in a record store while visiting family in New York. When i was finally home and able to listen to the album it blew me away. Its definitely one of those right band/ right album/ right time scenarios. I can still listen to this album all the way through and love like i did in high school. I, like probably thousands of other kids, can and will say that Bayside saved my life. Sure it’s a cliche that you’ll often hear from diehard fans of whatever band, but in complete honesty this album protected me from myself. Nights of self loathing were spent instead listening to “They Looked Like Strong Hands” or “Blame It On Bad Luck”. And i’ll admit when I first heard Dear Tragedy, I cried pretty hard. All that anger, sadness, depression, catharsis all vocalized in this album. This album is certainly one of my favorite albums of all time. Sure Bayside’s become (or to some always was) just another shitty emo punk band. They’re last two albums really let me down. But again it had to have been the timing for me. Or just maybe it could be that this truly is an emo-punk masterpiece. I’m not shouting Jawbreaker kids. I’m just saying sometimes you look back to find something to look forward to. So I present to you for your listening pleasure Bayside.

Bayside