The Menzingers - After the Party (February 3, 2017) Album • Page 34

My hot take of the day is that CW is only okay. I understand this won't be the consensus haha.

 

My hottest Menzingers take: Sun Hotel #2 should have closed OTIP. It's essentially a Leonard Cohen cover but it flawlessly wraps up the album

 

Greg >>> Tom, but Tom has some of my favorite Menzingers songs. Mea Culpa Cabana, My Friend Kyle, Male Call, No Ticket. What he lacks in vocal range he makes up for in songwriting, and while Greg is one of my favorite vocalists ever, I may give writing ability to Tom by a hair.

 

Shame

 

It's their best song ever.

 

I like Greg songs more, but it's less that I think he's better at songwriting and more that all of his songs lyrically are great story telling songs, especially OTIP onward. Chamberlain Waits has both of their songs at about even and part of that seems that both Tom and Greg we're sticking to a similar lyrical style as each other. OTIP works as a stronger piece (imo) partially because you get that mixture of songwriting styles.
Also love the track list as is but yeah sun hotel # 2 would also be a great closer as a cool reprise.

 

yeah don't know how you could think Tom is a better lyricist... practically all of the lyrical imagery and vocabulary synonymous with The Menzingers comes from greg

 

No Ticket may be my favorite song of theirs, lyrically. Nice Things, Male Call... all great instances of punk lyricism. I love Greg's more nostalgic style as well, but Tom is responsible for just about all of the political side of their catalog and I think he is very, very good at it.

 

That song as a set opener was the best set opener I've seen them done though

 

I do like the political songs on Chamberlain, that's true enough. Tom is good at those. I like their personal is political way of writing, too.

Can't remember if someone said so here or in the band thread, but are the CWS songs Brothers and Shoddy Workmanship actually about Greg or is brother used more in the fraternal loyal friend way?

 

If I recall correctly, Brother is about Greg helping Bobby out when he was depressed.

 

Thanks! That song has some very vivid lyrics + both the vocalists enunciate very clearly so that one stuck out to me

 

I love Freedom Bridge as a closer and OTIP is about as perfect a record as I've heard.

Completely agree with those who said Chamberlin Waits is the best closer in their catalog, too. It's my 2nd favorite Menz song behind Casey.

 

"Sunday Morning" by The Menzingers is Greg reaching out to Bobby during his well documented depression, hence the "dont worry brother, this will blow over" refrain. Bobby returned the favor with "Brother" which essentially echoes what Greg had said to Bobby. "Shoddy Workmanship" brings everything full circle, with Bobby essentially saying "you were right, this did blow over and things are better" and, while still having a depressing bent to it, also has a hopeful light at the end of the tunnel.

Its actually really sweet. Two of my favorite musicians, who have created two of the best rock albums this decade, helping each other out with some brotherly love.

 

Shoddy workmanship is the best song by either band

*ducks*

 

i kind of agree...........

 

idk Gates gives it good competition tho

 

I respect both of your rights to be wrong

 

no it's not.

CWS is too whiny for me though.

 

Mexican Guitars is the best song in The Menz catalogue and I'd prob have to go with Anina or Brother in the CWS catalogue. Brother was on repeat during a real bad time for me and one of my best friends.

 

Got me listening to The Future Is Cancelled today. Still adore that album.

 

Idk why, but Mexican Guitars is one of my least favorites on OTIP

 

Writing a song

 

This hurts

 

Sun Hotel 2 > Sun Hotel