Pretty. Odd. is the sophomore album by Panic at the Disco (formerly Panic! at the Disco). I know what you are thinking: “Aren’t they the guys who dressed up like circus clowns and 1920s strip club patrons in their videos with long titles and absurd lyrics?”
Yes. Yes, they are.
I’m not embarrassed to say I enjoyed their over-the-top theatrics. But this album is both a parody, an impression and an homage to the Beatles.
Its an attempt to try be Sargent Peppers with all of the ridiculousness of the Beatles weirder hits like “Yellow Submarine “and “I Am the Walrus.”
Some have lambasted Panic for this album as way too much of a departure from their emo-antics, and others say they are shamelessly ripping off the Beatles. I happen to enjoy singer Brandon Urie’s voice a lot in this album. He sounds older, but retains hints of his youthful whine, while the notes he belts out linger in your head. I like the variety in the album, the harmonicas, brass sections, military drum corps, western-Johnny Cash sounds, and choppy British distorted guitars.
One of the best qualities of Pretty. Odd. is shocking for an (former?) emo band. IT’S BRIGHT AND HAPPY!
Imagine that! A record full of songs about happy relationships with women, positive friendship, hope and more. Its youthful in its naivety, but its also a great break from most of the brooding music out today.
Check it out. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Rating: 3/4
Here’s a link to the album’s first music video: Nine in the Afternoon
Tags: Beatles, Brandon Urie, cd review, Panic at the Disco, Pretty. Odd., Sgt. Peppers
August 14, 2008 at 9:01 am
Awesome review!
I like Pretty. Odd. alot,
but, I don’t know,
I still love A Fever… more.