I never really thought of SFAFC as being very run of the mill rock, but I can see how one would see it with New Wave. I still like it, though.

We had anarchy in the UK. It was fun for a bit.

I wouldn't neccearily call SFAFC typical 'rock' either. Course AM! never was a typical 'punk' band either. When they sold out or signed with sire however you look at it. That was when the music really lost my interest. I had no problem with Tom making some money but it was the music. Used to be about self-conflict, the struggle between youth and growing up, anarchy, ideals in general, friendship, and was filled with a strange brand of bitter sweet rage angst anger desperation with that thin layer of hope lying underneath. But their recent stuff just doesn't have it. I mean thrash unreal come on. As for SFAFC while being made pre sire, it still didn't really feel like Tom to me. Idk and Don't lose touch I hated. so I don't really have a good reason for SFAFC just never really liked it.

You hate dont lose touch?

Good Lord.





Oh, hi.

His writing ability is still there, it's just different. I didn't particularly enjoy New Wave all that much, I liked SFAFC though, not as much as the albums that came before it, but bands grow and change, and I do believe Tom's lyrical content has become more... I don't want to say deep, but something along those lines. Writing about Anarchy isn't so hard, and I also think, especially after he signed on with Sire and all those Anarchists who loved him, turned on him, (really a good majority of them turned after he signed on with Fat, but splitting hairs there) he realized that unless he stayed in the underground he'd always be the bad guy, so he kind of lost touch with the whole, anarchist movement, hence the change in his lyrical content. But that's just my opinion.

Also, Don't loose touch was a great song. It was different, but I thought it was extremely well written and fun to listen to as well.

I think the thing alot of people overlook is the simple fact that the man {tom} grew up. He went from being a dirty little punk kid, to now being a grown ass man with a wife and kid...of course the musics gonna change.

That's what I actually love about Against Me! and Tom's solo stuff, is the fact it grows. It's not stagnant. I think that's more endearing and likable than sticking to your guns, because more than likely, your beliefs will change several times before you die. Stuff happens, ideas change, but I think what's missing in every one's critical analysis of him and his music, is that his lyrics are still great.

That's always been my stance on listening to AM! is that it's amazing lyrics. I mean, Tom's a fucking poet, and a lot of times, instead of having friends listen to like, Vivida Vis or any of those older recordings, I'll just have them read his lyrics as if they were poetry, because they're failures and can't take a little grit in their music. But generally the response is either "Wow this guy can fucking write!" or "Where are all the songs about fuckin' bitches and gettin' high?"

I don't know I never really understood why fans got mad with fat and sire. I mean the way I saw it, it just meant Tom could spread the message to more people and make some money. But he changed the message. I understand people change but when he did the music went with him and lost my and a lot of other people's interest.

I always kinda look at tom with a weird respect I think deep down he's still an anarchist. Just with the wife, his friends. He wants to take care of them. Plus he's always had that self conflict thing. Always questions everything about himself. I mean u can see that clearly if u read his blog. And the fans treating him like shit. Being high and mighty cuz they're anarchists (kinda ironic). He kinda just gave it up. I know on his blog though he kinda mentions how misguided he was as a teenager but always wishes he could go back to those years of passion. I always love looking at the screens for his first demo tape where it says "Against Me! is Tom Gabel" it hasn't really changed. I mean more then almost any other band it really is down to him. I'm not mad at him for going mainstream just dissapointed. Wish him the best of luck always.

also what gets lost is how fucking amazing White Crosses is gonna be.

it's got a shot to be their best record

Truth.

How old are you?