Wow. Both the albums released by these guys so far have been by far some of the best modern hardcore punk I have heard. They now how to seperate whiny lyrics from hard, ass kicking music. We don't need to hear somebody screaming about being dumped all the time, and for the record, that is NOT what you'll hear from the Bronx. They are above that. Now that we have cleared off some of the connotations of the words "Hardcore Punk" let me go on with the review. If you want to hear a band that sounds every bit as tough and pissed off as they want to, go for the Bronx. Don't fall for would-be rockers like Three Days Grace. These guys aren't steeped in mainstream drollery like so many others.

Put simply, they kick ass, and take no names. I know, thats a cliche. But it's a true one here.

I must say that this is one of my very favorite albums of all time. What else would draw a comparison to SDRE? This album correctly conveys all my thoughts, feelings and passions in a nutshell. There are many lasting qualities to this album that allow it to take on a timeless upkeep. Catchy anthems such as the title track "Clarity" are precursors to the band's upcoming mainstream smash hit self titled CD, and moody tearjerkers such as "For Me This is Heaven" (my personal favorite) give the band a totally different dimension from most bands in their time. They can rock hard, but they aren't afraid to show some emotion either. This is why many people have labelled the band "Emo". I am of the opinion that Emo isn't even a real genre of music, because all music is emotional. The fact that Jimmy does it better than most other bands is applaudable to me.

And really, that is what this album is about. Raw emotion. And fans of Jimmy, like myself, have been waiting on a return to the style of music they played on this masterpiece. Sure, songs like The Middle are great to party to, but it is within the power of Clarity to rock and still insight strong inner emotions. I guess that is kind of what the band has become popular for. It is worth mentioning that even though there are many immensely depressing verses on this disc, Jim Adkins remains above the level of simple "whining". There is something about all of Jimmy Eat World's music that stays above that line of criticism. I can't explain it because it is not possible. But I can tell you that you will agree when you listen to this CD. It's strong and emotional, but not whiny. And I love it for that.

One of the most popular and highly touted bands to ever come out the pacific northwest is also one of the most talented. Of course I am speaking of Sunny Day Real Estate (NOT Foo Fighters! Sheesh) Many like to call these guys "Emo" but I couldn't disagree more with that label. Sure, there was an amazing amount of emotion put into to every single song they performed, but that is nothing more than a showing of the true songwriting talent they possessed. Songs the likes of "Every Shining Time you Arrive" and "The Shark's Own Private F*ck" stand a whole head length taller in depth than that of the leading alternative competition. And if you invest enough time into studying the lyrics you will come to the conclusion that there is just as much happiness and hope in each song as there is sorrow. There are a few other factors that really seperated Sunny Day Real Estate from bands of their generation. During the 1990's, a lot of bands sported singers that, for lack of a better term, could not hit notes all that well. I'm not saying they were all untalented, but when compared to the work of vocalist Jeremy Enigk, the competition often could not keep up. Along with enhancing the emotional feeling of his songs, Enigk also left many of us aspiring singers in awe with his confidence and sheer ability to belt out notes that are certainly not easy to hit. I can honestly say that if I can ever sing like Jeremy Enigk, I will be as far as I could ever wish to go with the art. Good vocal-driven songs like "The Prophet", "Song about an angel" and so many others stand as a testament to Enigk's ability.

The creativity of drummer William Goldsmith is something oft brought up by casual listeners of the band, most notably on the first two albums, Diary and LP2. Goldsmith can correctly accomplish some extremely difficult lines; I will simply leave you to find out what I mean for yourself.

Personally, I was one of the few people who felt like balling when I heard that Sunny Day was officially broken up for the very last time, following the release of perhaps their greatest collective album, How It Feels to be Something on. Many people do not know that the band's fate had an awful lot to do with bassist Nate Mendel's departure to the Foo Fighters following LP2, and his refusal to ever rejoin the band. However, it is mostly yet anotheer testament to the band that they were popular and acclaimed enough to be a part of another extremely successful group. Jeremy Enigk, Nate Mendel and William Goldsmith would eventually have a sort of reunion with a one time album, going by the name Fire Theft. The only member missing from the Sunny Day lineup was guitarist Dan Hoerner. This was also a very beautiful album, rated by critics as one of the quiet greats of 2003.

It is worth a notation that the first two albums released by Sunny Day (with Nate Mendel in the lineup) featured a kind of grungy Smashing Pumpkins-esque sound, but the later albums (without Mendel) were much more progressive, and in my oppinion, the greatest artwork any members involved ever released. Sunny Day was also blessed with the oppurtunity to write songs for a couple hit hollywood movies, Batman Returns and The Crow. I have only a few bands and artists that I would ever give five stars, and Sunny Day Real Estate (inluding all other solo albums ever released by any involved)will always be a band I can honestly say I would give a 6/5 if I could. I can't express the full extent of the effect they have had on my life, and my love for music.

Not only are Fugazi my alltime favorite musical group, they are also my personal measuring stick for the behaviour of bands past and present. To reach the iconic level these guys reached in punk and underground culture, is something we may never get to see again, and if we do, many people will simply point out that Fugazi did it better.

It's not just the release of GREAT CD's, filled with political, emotional and technical savvy, or the catchy songs that iced the cake, such as the famous "Waiting Room". Ian MacKaye and Fugazi were and always will be more than just a band. They showed the world that profits are not always the chief motivator for a group of artists. Fugazi never jobbed to a corporate label. It's members all worked up into the upper echelons of the industry through love for music, not money. Ian MacKaye and Guy Picciotto sang out anti-authority lines long before it became the mainstream thing to do, and as such, were extremely unique in their songwriting style for their time. And we can all listen to their songs today and be sure that they tore down the authority like no other before or after them. I would give both of my arms to see these guys play a concert, and I know alot of other people who would do so as well in a heartbeat. But the fact is, Fugazi is the only band that I can think of that would do everything in their power to stop me from having to lose my arms to see them play. Ian MacKaye is a personal idol of mine, for his ability, artistry and notorious "take no guff" attitude. If you have never heard the now infamous icecream incident, I suggest you look on google for it. *Pause to wait for you to find it*

Now that we've all listened to Ian MacKaye speaking out, lets take some lessons from it as well. The sheer fact that Ian took time to stand up for the other fans at his concert is, to me, heroic. I think we've probably all been in a situation where some drunken fool is giving a display well-worth a punch in the face. But stopping things like that from occuring at their concerts was only a small part of the aura that surrounded Fugazi. Never did they support merchandising, so don't go looking on Ebay for a Fugazi shirt or poster (if you find one it is no doubt a fake or a tour poster). They didn't go in the face of merchandising just for their own personal reputation either. They did it to preserve the integrity of their music, and to prove that a punk band really can walk the walk. If you love Fugazi as much as I do, you'll be itching for a reunion tour or perhaps even a new album. But even if they never get to reunite, they have already proven and given so much to the music industry that I would never ask for any more.

Wow. This is such a powerful, refined CD to add to your collection. I am in no way overrating it when I say this has to be one of the best I have ever heard. Jeremy Enigk is not shy to releasing true masterpieces, with a wealth of great albums in his past with Sunny Day Real Estate and The Fire Theft, but if you have not yet experienced his solo perfection, than this disc is a great place to start.

Throughout the album, Enigk's famous use of emotion is not left out of the mix. "Been here before", "Canons" and the heavy headed title track "World Waits" are all fine examples of musical storytelling that will bring you to complete understanding of what Jeremy was feeling when he penned the songs. But perhaps the greatest part about this album is that there is an undoubtable hint of optimism that has been heard from before in Enigk's music, but not to the effect you will feel at the end of this CD. The optimism mentioned is mst present in the sincere faith-driven lyrics of "Dare a Smile" and "Burn". Now, I am not religious by any means, but I have no trouble listening to Enigk sing out in prayer to God. The reason it is so bearable with Enigk is that in every single line and phrase, you feel the intense dedication he is expressing. It's almost impossible for me to represent it in words. One of the most powerful and inspiring lines in the album comes from "Burn"; "Lord, although I burn I am so cold. Oh you sent me off, lord in the wind you have let me go". Again, I am not religious, and usually do not take pleasure in religious music either, but the way Enigk represents it is almost indescribable until you experience it yourself. I believe the thing that makes Enigk's songs so effective is that you feel the struggle he is having within himself with his faith, and even if you aren't religious yourself, you identify with the feelings he is getting across...

I can't describe the true beauty of this album, with it's masterful strings, horns and pads. You can only experience it for yourself. Every single detail about this album is magnificent, and at the risk of sounding like a man possessed I have to stop there. THe only thing I can say is get it! ASAP! If you love music for musicianship and beauty, you will NOT be disappointed!