Sum 41 "Screaming Bloody Murder"

 Comparisons were made with a band that wrote their mega-hit concept album, that not only inspired the production of a live show of the same name (possibly a movie) made for the American Idiot, or people who like their punk rock concept albums! Is it ok to call them punk rock or will I be lambasted? I'm talking about their album for the Underclass Hero. The slightly orchestral intro to the opener with that huge clock , and the slow rhythm that starts before they kick it into gear for about a minute until they end the song with a piano and discordant acoustic give me "Reason To Believe" that hey have not only matured, but wussed out as well? The title track has the drums "Screaming Bloody Murder," but based on this title they seem like they are pissed as 'Skumf*k.' What is that supposed to mean anyway? Not only is the title misleading because it sounds like an angry mofo, but it starts dreary and melancholy for the first minute and a quarter, but then we are bombarded by a bouncing vaudevillian piano-led rhythm with drums that kinda shoot like machine guns and some (nice) harmonies.It reminds me of the style on that aforementioned record; which I really did enjoy. The next song sounds like it has taken a shot of classic punk and then kinda threw it up in a modern blender... Maybe it's "Time For You To Go." I don't know if you would like what they're serving next, or do you want to wait and see? A shot with a chorus I'm still waiting for, that has an angry breakdown, and based on the pace I swear I should have received this shot quicker than I have! The service is terrible here! Will "Jessica Kill" me, or will I be ok? (she's the bartender[ess]) "What Am I To Say" about this song other than the fact that it is one of those sappy" I need you, but I thought It would be best for me to leave you" retrospects; with some dark and depressing lyrics. Am I in a drunken stupor or am I really hearing a mini epic such as this? It is a "Holy Image of Lies" with several tempo changes, trumpet inclusion,tender moments, and tension filled drum-line. It starts all angry and a few short seconds later we have a bouncy-piano rhythm; f-this I'm sick of listening to all these records and I'm "Sick Of Everyone" that make them. In fact, I may need a "Happiness Machine" if I want to be able to constructively criticize any more records, and sadly this song doesn't help because the irony in the relationship seems to be just a ploy to help make them seem better than they are. The chorus' first few lines add a layer and the last verse is the icing on the cake. What a way to become a man, indeed! Instead of falling in love with this record I think have just fallen, but after that "Crash" that the relationship had between Whibley and his ex Lavigne (Avril..have you heard of another songstress with the last name of Lavigne around the same age?) The most notable quality is Whibley's stellar vocal performance, and slight croon. He might have fallen too, but in hate as he proclaims "So I'll leave it all behind, but I'm leaving with blood in my eyes." Hate is such a strong word, but he is seeing red I do believe, and I feel I have "Blood In My Eyes" as well for different reasons.You cannot deny that he was affected, even when he proclaims that the feelings are dead in the song; he just forgets about being nice and just lets that pent-up anger out before it damn near kills him. There is a lot to like in the song though sound-wise, but the first lines...YIKES! The next song sounds like a half-a**ed b-side, but also sounds like a tongue-in-cheek," let's goof off, and f--- your scrupulous criticism you idiotic loser" song. So what do I think? "Baby You Don't Wanna Know" Ooh Oooooh Ooh Ooooh! This next track put me 'Back Where I Belong,' and maybe where they belong too, in their own show entitled Half Hour of Power. Maybe the previous track should be showcased there, and this one should be showcased on All Killer No Filler. Well, as 'Exit Song' proclaims that there is nothing left to say, I agree, now please keep your anger at bay. BYEEEEE! Favorites: Reason To Believe, Skumf*k, Jessica Kill, Sick of Everyone, Holy Image of Lies, Baby You Don't Wanna Know, and Back Where I Belong