Metric

Some people regard Metric’s Live it Out as being a total sell-out album, catering to the mainstream that the band once criticized whole-heartedly. Other people are just happy that the band finally did something right. In either case, one fact remains the same: Metric has found its way into the spotlight, and there’s no sign of that stopping anytime soon.

Truthfully, I just don’t see what all of the hullabaloo is about. The band still has the grungy sound that they were known for pre-Live it Out, so it’s not a matter of them selling out their music to become famous. It’s not their fault that the general public just happened to catch on to the Metric wave. Likewise, the idea that Metric has this newfound sound destined to take the world by storm is absolutely crazy. That being said, the album itself isn’t all that impressive. Sure, it’s good… but it’s not fantastic. In fact, it’s pretty “middle of the fence.” Allow me to demonstrate.

Good:
The tracks don’t all sound the same. The most frustrating thing in the world is when you buy an album, and track one sounds like track four sounds like track seven… I like to call it the Billy Ray Cyrus effect. It’s annoying and it blows. But there’s none of that here, which is awesome.

Not-So-Good:
Emily Haines’ voice. It’s not that it’s bad, per say… I actually kind of like it… for a song or two. But after a while, it gets very, very irritating – especially during the chorus in “Patriarch on a Vespa.” I don’t know if the moan is supposed to sound sexual, but in any case, it doesn’t. It sounds more like she’s being strangled. It’s quite disturbing actually.

Good:
The lyrics (mostly)! They’re not all lovey-dovey, or even poetic by many standards, but there’s a great use of metaphors and imagery (I really did learn something in English class, apparently)! And really, nothing can give a song more kick than the line, “coming in your pants,” like in the second single off the album, “Poster of a Girl.” That track in particular has a lot of great lyrics. What’s more, they’re in French and English. Very educational!

Not-So-Good:
“Monster Hospital.” The song’s catchy at first, which explains why it was the first single off the album. But it gets very aggravating, very quickly. Radio stations are partially to blame for that, as are all the people who still request the song a billion times a day, because part of the reason it’s so aggravating is because it’s so overplayed. The other reason I’ve grown to dislike the song ridiculous amounts can be found in one line; “I fought the war, but the war won.” I’m sorry, I believe it’s actually “I fought the law and the law won.” At least, it is if you ask The Clash.

I could keep going, but really, I think you get the point. From a technical point of view, this is a very good album. It has a solid, unique sound, and because of that, the album’s become pretty popular since its release. Some of the songs are a little… less than wonderful (“Patriarch on a Vespa” anyone?) but most of the songs – like “Poster of a Girl” and “Ending Start” – are great. Still, the album is lacking. It just doesn’t grab you by the balls and make you beg for more; I didn’t even find myself singing along with it. Despite its potential, this album has reached little more than a “fantastically mediocre” standing in my books. Ah, well. Better luck next time!  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Empty
02. Glass Ceiling
03. Handshakes
04. Too Little Too Late
05. Poster Of A Girl
06. Monster Hospital
07. Patriarch on a Vespa
08. Police And The Private
09. Ending Start
10. Live It Out

Run Time: 40:54