Panic At The Disco's Pretty. Odd: The Gigwise Verdict

by Ben Eagles
Thursday, March 13, 2008
filed in: Indie

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Atlantic Records were so paranoid that Panic At The Disco’s new album ‘Pretty. Odd’ would inevitably leak online that they literally only printed one hallowed copy in the UK. Luckily, Gigwise was invited down to the label offices this week to get a sneak peak. Here’s our track-by-track guide to the album and our initial thoughts…

1. We're So Starving
A short intro track with a crescendo of lo-fi guitar and vocal that tempts you into the first full song. "You don't have to worry, we're still the same band" is the main lyric, and one that provides the first hint that the next 48 minutes will prove that Panic At The Disco are anything but.

2. Nine In The Afternoon
Current single and probably the most radio-friendly track on the album. If you haven't heard it just listen to Xfm for more than ten minutes.

3. She's A Handsome Woman
A slightly plodding slab of soft rock with strong overtones of Beatles-inspired psychedelia that shows a delicate touch towards the end, with some nicely layered instrumentation and vocals.

4. You Know What I'm Seeing?
Four minutes of sun-lashed folk in the vein of The Decemberists. It's simple, apart from the string section backing, but probably the most instantly likable track on the whole album.

5. That Green Gentleman
The first piece of music on the album that is aurally identifiable as the Panic At The Disco we got to know in 2005 and 2006. Definitely shares some genes with their debut album but lacks the killer chorus or riff that made them famous. Pleasingly complex towards the end.

6. I Have Friends in Holy Places
Barely a minute-and-a-half long and, depending on your point of view, a pointless exercise in matching a ukulele with some classic jazz noodlings or a brave glimpse into the brain of a mixed up musician.

7. Northern Downpour
A sleazy guitar ballad with grit (if you ignore the lyric "Hey moon, please forget to do down/Hey moon, don't you go down") One of several slow songs on the album.

Panic At The Disco - Pretty.Odd 8. When The Day Met The Night
The track everyone will want to see the band play live. It's brass backing and glorious string-based crescendo are that of Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys; this one will definitely be raising a few arms in the air this summer.

9. Pas De Cheval
Has the pace and power of I Write Sins Not Tragedies with a bellowing chorus and ripping guitar solo. One of the stronger tracks on the album.

10. The Piano Knows Something I Don't Know
More horns and more strings combine to make a decent album track with an extended breakdown outro reminiscent of Panda Bear.

11. Behind The Sea
A dense three minutes thirty seconds with more bells and, for a bit of variety, some marching drums. After all, the song mentions marching drums so they'd better be included in the music too, along with what sounds like a sleigh bell on this downbeat ditty.

12. Folkin' Around
Sounds like an indie square dance party gone wrong but has the catchiest chorus of all fifteen tracks and is probably the best on the album, despite being under two minutes long.

13. She Had The World
The weakest track on the album; it's Victoria merry-go-round sound effects are dire and the horn/string accompaniment is, once again, all over this track like a redneck with sunburn.

14. From A Mountain In The Middle Of The Cabins
Some rousing honky tonk piano rips into a basic composition that proves to be entirely forgettable towards the end.

15. Mad As Rabbits
Another track that takes the essence of the first album yet fails to deliver something really memorable. More horn sections join in but the end result is a bit of a mess and only slightly likable.

Any popular band that tries to move their music in a new direction, one that they find satisfying and they hope their loyal fans will like, are making an admirable move – however, when the end result is simply unrecognisable as coming from the musicians in question, then it's probably a step too far. Most of us have witnessed or heard the essential DNA of Panic At The Disco yet the essence of that band seems to have drifted away on this release, leaving a mass of different sounds and styles that bear no positive relation to one another. Tracks one, six and fifteen probably demonstrate this confusion the best, but most of the new material sounds like a band struggling to bring together their musical ambitions and the mark set by their first release.

Panic At The Disco obviously haven't sat back stylistically during the making process of ‘Pretty. Odd.’, but they may have missed the second album benchmark by quite a long way. Inevitably, this will probably upset their fans more than if they'd made a record that sounds even slightly warm and familiar.

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(39)

a band should be allowed to change & panic themselves have said that they have changed. im not going to judge the album yet, but from what ive heard, there not bad songs.
~ by Catherine 3/13/2008
Completely disagree with this. Making another album which is in essence the same, would be plain boring. I’ve heard previews of all the tracks, and heard a few played live. It’s more honest and reflects the band in its true form. The band have even admitted themselves their first album isn’t what they’re about. How about you re-write this article and actually judge the album itself, instead of what the band’s music has stuck to, in the past. I hate to think why they
~ by Dalian 3/13/2008
oh my god. you stupid mfs. you’re totally being harsh, and you know what? the guys who reviewed this probably listen to shit, not real music. i love these songs, so far i’ve just heard them live or the short clips, but seriously. you guys are stupid. and do you not edit your shit? ”we write sins not tragedies”? god damn. i’ve been a fan forever. and i still love them to death. most of the fans will stand by panic at the disco no matter what. and gawd. harsh much?
~ by chichi 3/13/2008
- I totaly agree. People who dont stick by panic are not realy fans evidently.
  ~ by Jess 3/23/2008
- Admit it, you would have bashed this reviewer if he said anything but ”Panic at the Disco hits liquid gold again with their new album! It’s so good! Two - no, wait - THREE thumbs up! WOOOOO FOR PANIC!” Don’t attack the guy for having an honest opinion about an album that YOU HAVEN’T LISTENED TO YET. Grow up.
  ~ by Shaun enjoys the Disco 3/23/2008
saw them live last night and agree totally they are trying to shrug off the previous tags they were given. I never quite understood why they were lumped in with the ’emo scene’ possibly only because of their relationship with Pete Wentz. I actually hope they do secure a new fanbase instead of the current demographic of young teen females. They pull off a really good live show which will only get better when they can start dropping some of the tracks from the first album.
~ by GlamBurglar 3/14/2008
Thanks for your comments. Any review is subjective and I wrote down my honest feelings about the album after giving it a damn good listen, start to finish. I like the band and have nothing against them, some of the tracks on Pretty. Odd. are good but a majority are forgettable at best and indulgent rubbish at worst. A band attempting something new is a positive thing but not when the end result simply isn’t any good.
~ by Ben Eagles 3/14/2008
- what a boring album, they are not good enough to try to change into this music gender. they are a good emo band, but they got too greety trying to resemble the beatles.
  ~ by mac b 3/27/2008
- mark my words this album is brilliant, its a grower you have to listen to it a good few times for it to hit you, i commend them for their brave delve into new territories!having said that if you only like panic for their previous sound you’l be dissappointed but try and embrace their expression.......
  ~ by chris 3/27/2008
Touche Ben Eagles
~ by hsjdkf 3/14/2008
And I’d really want to listen to the trash you like! All the songs you said were ”forgettable” were some of my favorites. I can’t wait til the album comes out and the REAL reviews come in... from big name people and the actual LISTENERS. Oh and your probably gonna hear a lot of the singles in a couple weeks, the same ones you said were boring.
~ by Ashley Daiquirii 3/14/2008
I also disagree with this a little. Just from hearing Nine In The Afternoon, We’re So Starving and all the previews, I think this album is much more melodic, honest, memorable, and just overall better than anything on their first album. And also... ”That Green Gentleman” has no killer chorus? Are you crazy?! Thats like one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in years! Anyways, this was a good track by track and I respect your opinions =)
~ by ElScorcho 3/14/2008
Im being surprised by this band in a good way. I heard their first album and thought it was boring and crappy, then they released ”Nine In The Afternoon” which is an amazing energetic song and really upbeat, So i bought the single and it has 2 alternate versions of tracks from their new album and they sound awesome too. So i know this album will be worth hearing despite my dislike for ”A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out”. Oh yeah that Ryan Ross guy is a great singer too.
~ by Merth 3/15/2008
It may sound odd or different or adventurous, in other words, different to what we are used to. But correct me if I’m wrong, isn’t the album’s name ’Prett.Odd.’? They are trying something different.
~ by Ninth 3/16/2008
I haven’t listened to the album yet, but I hope the band took a risk. I think they are trying to dispose of that emo tag they got. I just hope they weren’t doing that while recording. Who cares what people think they are. If theyre ”emo” then they can be. If the music’s good thats all I care about.
~ by Panic? at the Disco 3/16/2008
ok the end of my comment was cut off. it was meant to read, and got this far! I also wanted to say, i went to one of their gigs last week in leeds, which was amazing and i was also very very lucky and got to meet them in a small group afterwards. they are really nice people and they really care about their fans! It frustrates me when people insult other peoples work, they have worked very hard and deserve everyones support not insults! x
~ by Cat 3/17/2008
Nobody was dissing the ’band’ the guy reviewed the album, it was his honest opinion, that is what ANY reviewer does. You wont always read what you want to read, get over it. I will buy the new album, I am curious about the new direction. I am also old enough and mature enough to say if I do or dont like it. Getting back to my young teenage female comment - some will just adore regardless, a version of the Bob the Builder theme song by them would still get the teenies peeing the
~ by Glamburglar 3/17/2008
I love how mad the little kids get at an album review. I have loved panic since i first heard their demos. I am afraid that this is a pretty accurate review. In my opinion, they should have stuck to familiar ground with the second album. You have to establish yourself before you start going 9 different ways with your music. Thanks for your review Ben.
~ by Jacob Spurger 3/18/2008
Well i was just given a copy of the album.. its on the Internet now if your asking.. and its a strange album..its like panic mixed with jack johnson and a bit of mraz thrown in for good luck.. very very odd
~ by bill baily 3/18/2008
just listened to it last night after finding a leaked copy online and i was totally bored the entire time - the lyrics are laughable and the music was blah - it all seemed like a huge letdown and the final nail in the 2005poppunk coffin. hopefully the general populus’ taste has progressed enough musically to see this for what it is - a forgettable and overhyped commercial garbage release pandering to mindless myspacers... anyone who eats this shit up should not call themselves a fan of m
~ by Dallas TX 3/19/2008
all pretty.odd songs are sooooooo boring, except nine in the afternoon.
~ by chanklor 3/20/2008
i have the album pretty odd. and its pretty crappy. i loved thier first cd and went to see them live. but this album sucks. The whole reason I fell in love with Panic(!) in the first place was because of their high energy mix of rock, pop, electronica and techno. This album does absolutely nothing for me. Bring back the exclamation point. Bring back the circus. Bring back the innovation.
~ by robert v 3/21/2008
Sounds like the patd teenie defence force are here! I was a really big fan of the first album I still listen to it loads it never grows old! If you’ve got any sense you stick with what you’re good at for a second album till your fan base will listen to any old rubbish. Patd must have a real personality complex if they take worrying about labeling to the point where they completely destory their music style, p*ssing over their fan base (me) with some very experimental (cr*p)
~ by Matt Bennion, Stafford, UK 3/21/2008
Just listened to the album. It’s like they are a completely different band. A band I don’t like.
~ by Xander B North West UK 3/21/2008
This review was one of the least professional ones I’ve read of Pretty. Odd. PATD have tried something new, and they are highly successful as well. The album is great, not a single weak track. But then again, I wasn’t a huge a fan of ”A Fever...”, which the guy who wrote the review seems to have been.
~ by Tommy 3/24/2008
naah they butchered the beatles!
~ by zJFEx 3/24/2008
The album seems shallow both musically and lyrically. theres nothing that keeps people coming back to listen over and over.
~ by toe 3/25/2008
just listened to the album all last night after it came out and im not a fan i read a previous review of it and i said to myself just like this article said they sound like the beatles i guess just not what im use to i liked the beat and tempo and sound of a fever but pretty odd does not compare to me its to happy and upbeat for me to label it a panic cd they use to be so distinct now i believe they have blended into the rock scene sounding alot like the hush sound minus the girl being the lead
~ by Chuck 3/25/2008
just listened to the new album it’s quality from start to finish just might be the best album out in 2008
~ by SD 3/25/2008
I really like panic at the disco, but it seems that theyve lost their fast paced electro influenced charm that got me into them in the first place. I have the album, and to be honest 13 out of 15 tracks are rubbish, and the whole album just plods along at the same pace. No hint of the panic i knew and loved when i listened to ”i constantly thank god...” and ”the only difference...”
~ by Dan Sumner 3/25/2008
well it’s leaked onto the internet, and ive got it and i’m very dissapointed, it’s more of a collection of twisted nursrey rhymes mixed with a musical on a pallete of the beatles, which is a very bad thing
~ by bill 3/26/2008
2bh i’m really disappointed with this album. The only 1 i like is 9 in the afternoon. Its so 60s inspired...i luved there old stuff i’d put their 1st album in my top 3 of the best albums eva becoz it was soooo original and now they r doin the beatles hu r known legends but rnot 2 every1s taste. I just wished they had stuck to the path they were on wit the original stuff bcoz it made them completely stand out from any1 else and they were never compared to anybody
~ by Alex 3/29/2008
I bought this thinking YAY! I love Panic!! But WHAT?!?! This is SUCH A DISSAPOINTMENT!! what the hell happened to them??????? A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out amazed me, i loved the original, unique sound, the synthesisers, the keyboards and the old fashioned accordian and organs. You won’t get ANY of that on this album or ANYTHING original for that matter. It sounds like mainstream pop with a hint of the beatles mixed in. Predictable melodys and crappy lyrics.
~ by Holly 4/3/2008
i agree completely with this review... its sooo much different from the first album - not to say thas bad. so when i wanted to get a new fix of panic as they were i was not satisfied... the albums ok but its a complete makeover to their original stuff.
~ by Mark Spunge 4/11/2008
Pretty. I understand this album. That being said, I don’t like it. All music isn’t for everyone (right away). PatD is still, at heart, expanding musically. I wish that they didn’t spend time releasing an album, that’s obviously not for the current audience, as a learning exercise. The title is a self-fulfilling failure. The self-aggrandizing videos don’t convince me the music is as great as their live performances. Disjointed, folky music, without the catchy lyrics,
~ by Jack9 4/17/2008
Right this is the third site review i have read and i dont know what peoples problem is other than its quite apparent they cant cope with change. i am new to panic at the disco and i have to say i really think Pretty Odd is very good well written and produced. Who wants to here the same or similar songs to the old stuff thats what Limpbizkit did and now where are they? People got bored of hearing ROlling RollinG Rolling over and over it was crap. another example of diversity working Penulum NewC
~ by Jimbob 5/25/2008
After reading the comments left here, it seems old fans simply arn’t fond of this new sound. Personally i love most of it. Sure i think that they could use a bit of work on their song writing skills, some of the tracks are very repetitive, but it separates them from the huge rush of more punish bands that seem to be coming out now. But then again, i’m not the biggest fan of that genre, which is why i was never too fond of their first album. What i do like from both is the unique sing
~ by GWms001 5/28/2008
Give the reviewer a break. He reviewed the album fairly and you’re attacking him, it sounds like most of you haven’’t even heard the entire album yet. All in all the reviewer is correct, this album doesn’’t have the punch the previous album did and this is shown because halfway through this CD you’’re going to put their previous album in and feel good that you did it.
~ by Hate it or love it 8/31/2008
Well I admire that they have made a change as well, they took a huge step most bands are scared of doing. Anyway I like this album because it doesn't have that same emo-ish feel like most bands have on their albums. Yes, it's probaly not as succsessful as their first, but that's because most people aren't quite use to this indie type style of music, they perfer more emo types to rock to I guess. Great album.
~ by Susie Baker 1/19/2009

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