Couldn't agree more. Crash the Gates was a huge bummer for me. The bridge is so....nothing. F&D onward is great.
Having back loaded albums isn't a new thing for Yellowcard though, it's the same on Paper Walls (though I like the front half of PW more than the first few songs of LaS).
I've always felt October Nights was this bands most underrated song. It's what got me into listening to the band before Ocean Ave came out. I think it was the first real glimpse into that sound from the band that they've carries on, their ability to write a single, and what got them signed to a major to start label and really kick off a long list of amazing albums and songs.
I love the production on Lift A Sail so much. Most of the songs give me goosebumps and how huge they sound has a lot to do with it.
I can see why. It's in the vein of what they still do as well, like October Nights. I could tell back then that the band had massive potential. Just glad that they lived up to and exceeded expectations
This is exactly how my story as a fan of Yellowcard started as well. October Nights and Sureshot, and of course Rough draft. After that, the Underdog EP really convinced me that this band was something special.
I gotta be honest here, I'm more stunned that Fake Your Own Death hasn't leaked yet lol. Vk's slacking!!!
Because of timezones. I also get midnight releases a few hours earlier than people in the US. They just leaked information for this single.
I mean it works for listed iTunes singles and albums with a specific set date. Sum 41's and YC's songs haven't even been announced, so I won't expect a leak (on VK).
Typically they have the audio 3-5 days in advance on VK. But it's interesting that YC hasn't even released any info on the single at all.