The Wonder Years Band • Page 107

I’m liking this V2 songs so much more then V1

 

This is fantastic. Love the layered vocals. Love this band.

 

The “and they did” got me
Can’t wait to see them live again soon

 

I'll always have a special place in my heart for this record. I love this iteration of WSP and it reminded me that I never ordered a vinyl copy of Vol 2! Fixed that immediately. I hope it's not too long for a follow-up to Sister Cities... but I'd love to put off the next record for a ten-year tour of The Upsides.

 

Awesome. Wasn’t sure what WSP would sound like. The “they did” is nice.

What Bleachers song was covered? Did a copy ever surface?

 

I believe it was Don't Take the Money, and it is only for SDPS subscribers so I doubt it will surface.

 

That is definitely a great take on the original

 

I’m sure it will hit a charity compilation eventually, especially since SDPS is over.

 

Yeah this new version is absolutely fantastic.

 

Finally listened and holy shit that is insanely good. I got some shit in here for saying I really love that album and think it stands up better than most pop punk of that time, and I stand by it.

 

Did Mike Kennedy and his fiancé break up? I noticed that she disappeared from his social media. Can't help but be curious.

 

Gonna come in with a hot take and say it always sounds like Dan is on the verge of sobbing when he sings new material and, specifically on older tracks, it bothers me. (with the exception of the end of this song specifically)

That trend, regarding his vocals, was first apparent when he kicked off Aaron West. At that time, it wasn't an issue, but it has worn on me extensively across the last few releases..

On a positive note, I like everything else about the re-imagining of the track.

 

On that subject, based on the video they shared for the reimagined version of WSP, I was really not into Dan's vocals. Kinda puts me off the idea of the EP, but I'll probably still peep it eventually

 

Yup. His delivery kills me now.

 

He is a bit one-note in his delivery. I think it worked for Sister Cities, but he should change it up for lighter fare.

 

Yeah. Completely understand artists growing and experimenting with their work but it does become a bit much. Be cool if he goes back to the way he was singing on TGG; peak Soupy and TWY

 

Sadly I agree, I find it distracting

 

Dan covering All too Well by Taylor Swift is up on Spotify now. My first time hearing it was this morning and holy shit it is so good. Is he doing anything else/a full cover album or anything or is this just a random one off? Just curious with the album art on Spotify

 

I agree it is fantastic! He originally did it as a contribution to this compilation album. All proceeds go to charity

 

I had no idea this was even a thing! Thanks!

 

Oh shit that cover is great

 

For a long time, I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but you've nailed it. The delivery just doesn't click for me that much. Not a criticism or anything, but I had been struggling to figure out why I haven't connected with the new material and this is a large part of it (among other things I suppose).

 

I still love the band. Thought Sister Cities was really good. The almost-crying vocals do irk me though. And I don't think they do the band any favours in general. I have a friend who loved the trilogy but had kind of drifted from TWY. I span Sister Cities for him and he asked straight away why Soupy sounded like he was sobbing the whole time. My wife asked the same thing. (To be more specific, she'd always happily listened to TWY with me without actually getting into the band. But when I put on Sister Cities she was instantly like "what is this sad boy music?" I told her it was TWY and she asked why he sang like that now.)
I hope others feel differently. Obviously Soupy likes the sound because he seems to be sticking with it. The rest of the band seems happy with it too. In my expierence, it has been an alienating choice for long-time and more casual fans.

 

I'd noticed, but I didn't think it was much of an issue.

I think if he tried to sing Sister Cities songs in the style of the Upsides it would have sounded really awkward. I don't think he sounds like he's crying or about to cry, just using his voice to carry the weight of emotions he's feeling.

 

If you can listen to Cigarettes & Saints without getting emotional, you are a robot.