Spend Some "Alone" Time With Fall Out Boy

Nice to hear Fall Out Boy going old school on us all (if that's even an OK label for a band that's only been around for 12 years, toddler status in the industry). "Alone Together" currently rides on Billboard's Rock Singles chart. It has the sense of tight focus that was pretty evident when the guys uncorked "Sugar, We're Goin' Down". The speed is juiced enough that you need to follow them closely or they'll lose you at the next traffic light. By the same token you won't get any of the whiplash possible from "Thanks For The Mmrs". Getting nostalgic now? That puppy had a real death wish going. I very much appreciate how Fall Out Boy combines raw raucousness with crackling instrument playing and jocular vocals. Patrick Stump issues a direct call to the audience for not being lonely yet alone at the same time. Not only that he brings with him that very familiar temptation to stay young forever. This band has always struck me as an embraceable bunch of lugs who approach their craft with a tongue-in-cheek spirit that makes me think they have mastered the art of not taking themselves too seriously. Maybe it's the not too subtle charm of youth shining through. Beats me. In any case, Fall Out Boy continues to corner the market on their unique niche by marching straight ahead. The drums are sure of themselves at all times. All the credit goes to Andy Hurley who comports himself with all the power of someone who's been at his shtick for far longer that a decade and change. He's the embodiment of all that snap that lifts records like "Save Rock and Roll off shelves or plants them directly to iPods. Pete Wenz is his usual sterling self on bass. Patrick manages to bring his top form with guitar, too. No problem with planting the idea in our heads that feeling beautiful is a nifty way to feel. If I were to describe the overall momentum build on "Alone Together" I'd have to conclude it's one of those all access neighborhood parades that your friends will be talking about for weeks and will rip you to pieces on Facebook for not being a part. Deep thought has its place in music but so does reach for the stars electricity presented for the sake of reminding true blue music fans and casual listeners that it is in fact still possible. With "Alone Together" as part of this mix, rock 'n' roll doesn't, in any way, shape, or form, need saving.