"On July 22, 2003 our lives were changed forever. We didn't know what 'Ocean Avenue' would become, but it is a chapter in our story that we will never forget." Yellowcard are now 10 years on from the release of their most important record, and have opted to commemorate the date with an acoustic rendition of the collection.
But, do not be fooled. Where acoustic versions often strip a song back to the bare essentials, 'Ocean Avenue Acoustic' remains an exciting piece of music, punk tinges and all.
Opener Way Away shows that the band has remained as true to the original’s spirit as they could, with the song's musical layers left intact. Throughout the record, slight changes rear their heads and are all the more noticeable given the band’s adherence to the script.
It is clear from this early stage that if the album hadn’t stayed true to the original, the songs would have lost much of what made them great in the first place. Two classics from the band's career stand out, with their acoustic counterparts almost on point with the original. The strings of Believe feature untouched, and rightly so. They truly make the song what it was.
Ocean Avenue is also just as good as the original all those years ago. View From Heaven also feels worthy of note, with a banjo included, showing that the band will experiment a little with their acoustic celebration, but not enough to risk overshadowing the songs themselves. Ten years on, 'Ocean Avenue' is still just as exciting as it was on the day of release, and this is a great excuse to listen to it even more.
Tue November 12th 2013 - BRISTOL Trinity Arts Centre, Bristol
Thu November 14th 2013 - MANCHESTER RNCM
Fri November 15th 2013 - LONDON Union Chapel
Sat November 16th 2013 - LONDON Alexandra Palace (Warped Tour) Sun November 17th 2013 - LONDON, Alexandra Palace (Warped Tour)
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