Andrew Jackson Jihad- Knife Man ALBUM REVIEW

[@josephrivas4762]

The message I get from a lot of AJJ albums is "humans are shitty, but I'm a human too so let's be shitty together and try to make the best of it."

[@christopherdorner8975]

The songs People and Personal Space Invader convey kind of the opposite. it's really nice and it's been making me re-think a lot of stuff.

[@Dharmaville]

Lucas Wilson "And welcome to this world, have as much fun as you would like while helping others have as much fun as you are having. Be kind to those you love, and be kind to those you don't. But for Gods sake you gotta be kind, and respectful because we're all one soul. Be the best fucking human you could be!"

[@christopherdorner8975]

Dharmaville that shit really got to me.

[@awordfword8266]

Lucas Wilson Somewhere in an interview Sean Bonnette said he wrote "People" one day when he was in a shitty mood... and he wrote "Bad Bad Things" after a great day...that really puts an interesting spin on it.

[@стрелок-ч7р]

I don't get AJJ. Their albums seem kinda samey to me.

[@jehovahchrist5582]

People talk about the whiny vocals and the over the top lyrics like they're just an interesting part of AJJ. They're the point. The lyrics and their over the top hyper sadness and bleak satirical elements are pretty much the only reason most people really appreciate the band. The music is good, it's important, and it is interesting, but seriously. The vocals are the selling point.

[@theworstpear6080]

Plus they're folk punk. It takes a special type of person to appreciate that sound and it's energy

[@ppgang1694]

@@theworstpear6080 seriously

[@josephhalbohn5962]

“You don’t have it any better, you don’t have it any worse, you are an irreplaceable human soul with your own understanding of what it is to suffer. And that’s a huuuuuuuge BUMMMMMEERRRR” That line imo is these guys at their peak. Go from something very serious to just make it incredibly silly to prevent things from seeming too heavy.

[@MaccaroniAndMemes]

"I hate whiney fuckin songs like this but I can't afford a therapist sorry guys, here's a solo [guitar solo]"

[@CairoCreations]

Honestly that’s part of why I like their music so much.

[@TwistedUnicorn1]

I loved back pack. It's not the best track musically, but there's something to be said when a song can inspire a visceral emotional reaction in the listener, which that song did, in fact, I found the imagery to be repulsive and nauseating,

[@cstubbssubs7746]

TwistedUnicorn1 first time I heard it, it gave me physical pain

[@ljwester]

you mean the punpun song?

[@cultofdeer3114]

It's funny everyone always forgets or dislikes backpack on their first listen but it seems like it just grows on everyone like crazy the second and third time around

[@bakerbrown6]

Backpack is a lot to take in on first listen... as is Big Bird. But two very good songs nonetheless

[@ilovecody7514]

Cult of Deer Honestly I loved it on first listen. I found how it was tackled really biting but funny because of the main vocals delivery.

[@JesseK.Robbins]

i was instantly in love the first time i listened to it

[@Eli-ux3wr]

It's one of those things that's kind of bitter but you can't forget it and it keeps drawing you back. It's also kind of interesting once you start getting at what it's saying.

[@Lightspeedloser_]

My first listen it was my favorite

[@Margimax1]

i hate whiny fuckin songs like this, but i cant afford a therapist sorry guys heres a solo love this record so much

[@ilovecody7514]

Margimax1 He hates himself so much to a hilarious degree.

[@josefjahnke]

Guys who get offended by American Tune are hilarious.

[@ttdmax5711]

Asjfkng OK yea, it’s a lil bit too white male guilt-ey for my taste but no need to get offended tbh

[@ttdmax5711]

Denis Borzov I’m just saying that the tone of it comes off a little bit white guilt-ish, it’s fairly subjective and I’m not really implying that this is what the song is about

[@Thenumber12pwns]

@@denisborzov3603 the very notion of white privilege demands that white people feel guilty about it. Particularly "straight white men"

[@Thenumber12pwns]

@@juginstin straight and cisgender lol

[@MintiMintness]

I don't think anyone gets offended by it tbh...

[@Bowler6611]

The best line is 'Its harder to be yourself than it is to be anybody else' which is repeated a few times...

[@New-Entertainment-TV]

On previous albums sean also says a similar thing: nobody knows what it’s like to be anybody but themselves.

[@electricowl9912]

My favorite song is definitely big bird

[@knitz]

sooo good

[@ChrisGnosis]

Sorta sad that he didn't talk about the big, almost theatrical finish that was the last track/title track. Always happy to see AJJ get good reviews.

[@lettuceshredder9225]

I find it funny that you used the phrase "a tear in your beer type sad song" because in Sad Songs(Intermission) Sean sings the line "could you please sit over there I dont want you cryin' in my beer"

[@Chloe-rs8nv]

I thought it was "Please sit over there, I don't want you crying in my ear?"

[@LInktheherooftime999]

I always thought it was crying in my mirror.

[@cody1964]

This is one of the first NeedleDrop videos that I had seen, turned me onto an album that I still occasionally revisit.

[@snoristerlison]

The singer for AJJ is one of the nicest guys i have ever met.

[@dontchewglass]

You should review some music by Pat the Bunny, whether it be his solo career, or any of his other projects, like Ramshackle Glory, Wingnut Dishwashers Union or Johnny Hobo

[@heyitsmed4556]

dontchewglass I fucking love pat and all his bands, all of the folk punk industry seems to get a miss from mainstream critiques, and it's a tad disappointing you know.

[@lordoftherats8215]

Thatd be amazing

[@kezisthename]

i want this but also if he gave it anything below 8 i'd be obligated to murder the man

[@StudioScarecrow]

I love Back Pack. It's really powerful. I've heard it's about the ideal vision of America and how it's been destroyed by politicians and the far-right. Knife Man is probably one of my favorite albums of all time. Not a bad track on it.

[@ahoy6310]

Leavemealoneabout Usingmyname In a live concert he said Backpack was about having a girlfriend who had depression.

[@BuTTerJaFFaS]

@@ahoy6310 in an interview he said it was just a reference to die hard 2 LMAO

[@JH-dr4xo]

Okay so what’s this song REALLY about? I want sources!!!

[@jonathanscott5932]

@@JH-dr4xo Sean in interviews before has said that a lot of his songs are just shit he makes up. He uses song writing for literal storytelling. So it really wouldn’t surprise me if it was just a die hard ref. People put their own deep meanings on songs which is cool I guess.

[@simunijima3327]

Is it still?

[@sladewoodward273]

What do I think? Best band I've heard in a long time! Clever, poignant, and easily able to listen to it again. I especially like Big Bird and Brave as a Noun (though it is not on this LP).

[@suhweet984]

Curious as to why he didnt like backpack

[@dangeroftime]

Same, that's one of my fav's

[@CorrosiveColin]

Sean Bonnete's voice is perfect for the music he plays. Raw, self-loathing, aching. He sounds what the lyrics say. He sees how everything around him is shitty and is tearing at the seam. How people are horrible, and how the good is few and far between. I am so incredibly hooked on AJJ because of the lyrics and the dark humor that is interlaced within them. This band is for the outsiders. The people that are a cog that doesn't really fit in anywhere, nor really attempts to. Big Bird is my song.

[@aecbandit]

Disappointed you didn't mention Big Bird, probably the best album closer I've heard in a long while. I do like the distinction made between their old, folksy stories, and these new, more powerful anthems or pleas. "I am a knife" hits like a truck every single time I hear it.

[@xXbutters1234]

I AM A KNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFE i want to see that live so bad damnit good review anthony oh and +lumpymexican 's comment is dead on. I think there's one crucial lyric that makes this song not as basic as a song just about how white males have it better. "I can get a girl pregnant, and just as easily flee. Just like my straight, white male dad did to me." This implies that being a straight white male does not exempt you from crippling family problems. And everyone's life is shitty.

[@snackattack98]

Word. I feel like that song is (at least sort of) ironic. In the context of the rest of the album, it would be pretty weird for him to suddenly switch gears and start talking about how great his life is because he's a straight white dude.

[@TheGamerPhan]

They always play Big Bird at the very last live. It's pretty cool.

[@sandinikt]

I saw them live. The finale, Big Bird, was probably the most dramatic moment in my life. Truly a brilliant band.

[@JebJester]

I'm glad I found this review! I just discovered this album and band, Can't get enough of this album, man. I love your reviews, Anthony. Also, I'd love to know your thoughts on Christmas Island.

[@theneedledrop]

[@GizmoFan1]

Nice profile pic.

[@Plottato]

can i still vote

[@1983Corolla]

yeah!!!!!

[@cpi3267]

@@internet11 no

[@HeroSoulEater]

Yeah

[@CachorroDoMSN]

did you biden or trump

[@happyhapsly]

Kanye

[@-jake-1408]

I first heard this album after you mentioned it in your 'top 200 albums of the decade'. And tbh, I don't think I've ever enjoyed an album so much. It's so damn good!!

[@TylerOath]

Watching this in 2020! Seeing pineappleboyfilms on that poll takes me back!!!

[@stoneytg]

Saw them play at a small club in Albuquerque a few days ago, and hearing them close with Big Bird almost left me in tears.

[@chucksawdy7283]

Still listening to this album in 2019

[@theneedledrop]

@wuz352 i think he kinda sounds like the mountain goats at times, too.

[@TheMaddWatcher]

Just finally got around to these guys. First thing i thought of as well, always loved Mountain Goats, how did i miss these guys??

[@theneedledrop]

@shellder11 if we win, we'll have a p-i-z-z-a-p-r-t-y

[@Diddlybobfishing]

Can we still have a pizza party

[@Lepstick_-]

I really want the p-i-z-z-a

[@RareBrink]

I love this album a lot but MAN is hard to be "people who eat people" for me. That album makes me listen to the entire thing every time I hear any one song off of it.

[@luthercase1665]

Float Same. I listen to that album on mix all of the time.

[@65rytg]

can’t maintain is my favorite of their albums, even more than PWEPATLPITW

[@Irreverent_bob]

I loved this album. One of my favorite bands. I'd like to see him do a Days N' Daze review on their new album. That'd be interesting. I had fun watching this, I like how balanced the critique is.

[@buffoomery]

I absolutely loved the album. One of my favorite things about AJJ is their vocals, and they have yet to fail me on that platform. Sean Bonnette is so good at vocalizing emotion from his cracking, shaking whine to his furious screaming (which I can't remember if I heard on this album or not. brb re-listening). Overall, I love this album and its' gritty, dark views on life.

[@InsertCleverNameHere0]

I only found this band thanks to this review and when he mentioned it in his Vinyl Collection, so thanks for the recommendation, Anthony!

[@211Appolo]

+InsertCleverNameHere Same here. The artwork got my attention.

[@ilovecody7514]

I'm so glad you reviewed this, but so mad I just found this review... I love AJJ!!! This album was like a collection of short stories.

[@SaintJimmySensFan]

Yeah I understand why this band gets hate but honestly I love them. They're so bitter and whiny, but poetic and life affirming at the same time.

[@userr9263]

I love how you gave this an 8/10 because I would probably agree with you. It's really good, and I have fun when I listen to it. But, you didn't even mention the heartbreaking song "Back Pack" even though it's one of the saddest, maybe the most saddest song on the album. (In my opinion, of course.)

[@buckleygeneration]

Damnit Anthony, by the end of this year, my top albums list of the year will be 95% directlty from your influence. I can't not like an album you give an 8 or higher. Keep doing what you do you bald beautiful man.

[@cheesemcburger2899]

I would've never pegged Anthony for a tattoo person

[@AzimuthElectronic]

id love for you to actually see the amount of energy sean puts into that guitar and the vocals, they are folk punk. people who can eat people and theyre eps are always folk punk staples

[@theneedledrop]

@MrZombiejfk i still gotta listen to that one.

[@spudgrud5339]

Yeah, if you could review the self-titled Front Bottoms album, yeah, that'd be great.

[@mantistobaggon1626]

Hey Peter, yeah, if you could come to work on Sunday that'd be great...

[@MoonRa-dq2yj]

That album has scarred me for life because it kept appearing in my recommendations even though I already watched it

[@Taromanius]

This is one of my favorite albums of all time, together with Tool's...Uh...Anything (Ok, Lateralus. Using the fibonacci sequence is too cool). And I LOVE AJJ's vocals. I love how he isn't perfect, and I love the lyrics. Hilariously bitter and cynical describes him better than I ever could, great job with this review! I listen to so many different genres but the final song of this album, is...A masterpiece IMO. The anthem of the afraid, basically.

[@bakerbrown6]

Good review and I agree with you pretty much on everything... I would give it a solid 9 though. This was the first AJJ album I ever came across, and it remains my favorite... the others are solid though.

[@LowlyMerkit]

Young Galaxy - Shapeshifting I personally enjoyed this album. Its kind of a mix of that bubblegum indie sound with this really spacey vibe, not usually into that kinda stuff but this felt a bit different. Would be nice to see what you think of this album.

[@theneedledrop]

@badumbumpss i know, right?

[@PINK-SATIN]

love the album, love ajj, and the thing i love about their songs is what nearly every other artist is missing, its real, its inspired, its truthful and poetic which is if you think about it pretty rare, i relate to sad songs so much, i fucking love this album

[@goobertsnoobert9015]

In terms of quirky laughs I like 'Sad Songs' but 'Zombie by the Cranberries' and 'People II 2: Still Peoplin' are probably my favourites on the album. this and 'people who can eat people are the luckiest people in the world' are probably some of my favourite albums out there. I hold a place near and dear to my heart for the low budget sound of their 2007 album.

[@Shazbotben]

You're right on about the balance and importance of their self-deprecation. I feel like you can only be a good socially conscious artist if you yourself can admit to being at least part of the problem (unless you are an observant hermit).

[@theneedledrop]

@BrendanDyer1 not sure about that one. schedule is really packed right now.

[@ThePirhana11]

wish i wouldve found this band sooner, discovered it in 2016, its so good

[@marinchapuis8720]

I absolutely adore this album, and I can't express how much this review fills me with joy

[@nator998]

Can you send a new link for the "on the rise contest"? I haven't voted yet

[@themichealjordanofbirdwatc9409]

Yeah same

[@PileOfEmptyTapes]

I'm not sure whether the current Apparat album has been on your radar yet? Also, new Kate Bush album apparently drops in November. (Yes, an all-new Kate Bush album.)

[@slippyguyslim8753]

Fell in love with a girl that told me to listen to this album

[@enyafreak2007]

The lyrics on this album are very literal and conceptual and I like that-plus, I enjoyed their musical styles, great album.

[@Drunkenmasterchu]

As a metalhead who is pretty informed about his genre, I watch this channel to hear your opinions on stuff that I've already heard (and get angry when I disagree with you. I

[@willsi]

@theneedledrop Definitely, especially the urgency and just brimming over passion. Good stuff as always, Anthony.

[@bly7303]

i love how with almost every thumbnail you can see his impression of the album before even watching the video

[@migueljones4553]

this album grew on me like a tick... I've listened to it nearly every day for a month, so addicting!

[@chance3535]

This album is incredible! Thank you once again Anthony for introducing me to a great band I probably would never have otherwise checked out.

[@NOFX207]

This album rules! I really enjoy the direction they've been taking musically on the last 2 albums.

[@theneedledrop]

@shinsouY nice comment, bro.

[@coolnesss16]

Lovin' the new needldrop website design! And once again a solid review Anothony! DEHH & TND are my favs *forever*

[@kevmanyo]

This was a great review, I love these guys and have gone to tons of their shows. Good album, great dudes.

[@deadontop]

AJJ is one of my favorite bands, glad to see good ole' Pat getting his deserved recognition.

[@soundcanal]

Your channel is awesome! Looking forward to being introduced to great music.

[@swojguy]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! WE KNEW YOU COULD DO IT! And as for Knife Man, I love this album, man. Might be my album of the year!

[@theneedledrop]

@tombrenttomb i pledge to jihad against other music nerds who refuse to jihad.

[@CugnoBrasso]

To everyone who's been to one of their gigs in Europe, how was it? I'm going to see them next week in Bern, I just hope they play more than one hour... They aren't as famous as overseas, I hope this doesn't discourage them.

[@CugnoBrasso]

***** After seeing them I couldn't agree more, they were so enthusiastic to play even for twenty or so people! It was amazing, one of the best gigs I've been to!

[@LunaZeidner]

I went to their biggest show ever in chicago. 2 hrs of playing. Events knew the eris so the whole audience was singing with Sean. Beautiful.

[@NJdaniels96]

I listened to this after really loving People Who Eat People... but I didn't like this one at all. I agree that the overall sound is a lot more generic. "American Tune" and "Zombies by the Cranberries" annoyed me a lot. "American Tune" is really corny and feels like a white dude who just learned the most surface level concept of privilege and is ready to pat himself on the back for it. Really feels like a song made for other white people to congratulate themselves on how liberal they are. The line about walking past pennies on the ground was really condescending. I guess sidewalk pennies are for us black people who aren't too good to turn them down lol. "Zombies by the Cranberries" was irritating too because yeah there's legit criticisms of the theory and practice behind Christian charity. But his problem is that sometimes they give homeless people pizza and fruit punch? Come on...

[@NameTaken1191]

As someone who loves AJJ... yeah. I think the message in American Tune went over a lot better (for white liberals anyway) back in 2011. Nowadays it feels like the barest minimum of social consciousness.

[@humand1saster]

Mister Fantano, I have a question: What do you do when you listen to a new album? Do you sit down with just the music and no distractions? Do you read? Do you drive, what's the setting? Just curious about your methods. I'm a fan and a new subscriber.

[@davisxmonster]

If you like andrew jackson's older stuff, Id reccomend Paul Baribeau. havent heard jihads newest album yet though, thanks for letting me know it exists

[@DangerBayLive]

I know you plan on reviewing The Hunter when its out, right? I was personally disappointed with what I heard, only a few songs that sounds like the Mastodon you're used to, they had a couple of shitty radio metal sounding songs.

[@trevolution69now]

wonderful review, sir, as always. i guess i could understand how certain people would be turned off by the vocals, but i personally love them. the singing sounds so honest, raw, vulnerable, unique, and the lyrics are as earnest as Hemingway. AJJ have such a great sense of humor to go with their anti establishment message. their personality is so fun to experience . and all their other records are great too, which is why i am so pumped to see them live tomorrow night at the echo. you are awesome

[@chowboy22]

Did I just get a shout out for my comment on Veronica Falls? If not I am still taking it.. LoL. Anthony, love the reviews, learning a lot from you and theneedledrop site. Voted And btw, I was not busting your balls with the laugh question.

[@333kingston]

Thanks for that review Anthony! I dont think I'd hear of this otherwise. Beautiful album, and the lyrics are pretty pessimistic but in a witty and sarcastic way...pretty like Kurt Vile I guess? Thanks for that

[@Tiphareth80]

Saturday will mark Nevermind's 20th anniversary. How about a retro review of that? You know...to celebrate...I'll be listening and reminisce a little...

[@YiddyMan]

Any chance you could do something about the break-up about R.E.M.? I remember you made a really interesting video about The White Stripes when they broke up and I'd love to see your opinions of R.E.M.

[@chookiessss]

dude how come you haven't reviewed any work by artists on the Tri Angle records label? ps congrats on the win.

[@XtylerwithasilentX]

There has been a lot of really good techo LPs that have came out in the passed month and i think you should review one!! you hardly ever talk about the club music scene at all!!! so could you possibly review either: Nero- welcome reality, Wolfgang Gartner- Weekend in America, Porter Robinson- Spitfire, or Excision- X rated. any of those would be a great review!!!

[@stilox000]

The weather's getting colder and Grouper's new album still needs a review from you, sounds like now would be appropriate. Also, are you gonna keep going outside?

[@theneedledrop]

@NaziJesus thank you, nazijesus. you pulled through once again with a stellar comment. have a nice day. shine on, you crazy diamond.

[@RandomPerson8908]

That's some nice album art they've got. Also, congrats on the Next Up competition.

[@DangerKitty]

@InTimeTraveller (cont) The album sounds like it was written specifically to accommodate the orchestra and the choir. So while yes, it is more "over produced" than their earlier stuff, I don't feel that the album suffered as a result. Just my opinion though *shrug*

[@tistatos]

Would be awsome to see a review on Steven wilson's new album coming out next week, please? :)

[@taylor975]

you mentioned far wreck chords....do you like NOFX? most people seem to either love or hate them so wondered what ur stance on the band was?

[@xlr-jf9ur]

The instrumentals on Big Bird gave a super Pink Floyd-ish feel, i wish they kept in the direction they were going, I feel like a lot of the obscene but believable grit that gave this band it's uniqueness got unacknowledged in the last two albums.

[@musicismyfavorite777]

@charmoftheseer I hope you understand that lyric is said in satire and not in context.

[@g2theis0]

Great Review! How about you review Mikal Cronin's Self Titled debut on Trouble In Mind Records? It's one of my favorites from this fall-

[@montgomery2168]

I love Knife Man, and Back Pack might be my favourite song on it, or tied. The emotion in the vocals, and the calm sadness despite the vicious lyricism match very well I feel. The simple, basic similes I think really ground the song. I also really like Fucc The Devils campfire song vibe

[@fimpson]

Hey dude, really nice job on the website!!! Can you review Modeselektor?

[@SAREmcr]

this will never get noticed but you might have heard of them but 'Soul Coughing' are a pretty gud band worth checking out, album id recomend 'El Oso' tracks to look at 'St. Louise Is Listening' , 'Rolling' , 'Circles' just thought you might like them.

[@stapledhearts]

I'm sorry you feel that way, but Back Pack is one of the greatest fucking songs they have written, lyrically and emotionally. Hate, Rain on Me is amazing. The second half of the album is practically perfect. It's one of their most musically diverse and unique albums they've released. Plus, I didn't think it was possible to have a "least" favorite AJJ album.

[@theneedledrop]

@45nothings first?

[@simondantzic1891]

This is one of my favorite albums of all time

[@danlikesmusicalot]

gotta be honest, those new video hand effects really annoy me, i'd prefer if you just used the greenscreener :-/

[@houstonfob2FOREVER]

The needle drop is going to win that competition for sure.

[@beaumaddox2559]

totally agree with the duder, his vocals are what get me going, and naturally his lyrics. in all of their releases his lyricism is gritty, raw and real. he really knows how to piss people off, and i'm glad the ones who are pissed off are the ones he is singing about. open your fucking eyes americans!

[@theneedledrop]

@Ioserbam me, too!

[@GweenOfTea]

knife man has to be my favorite Andrew Jackson Jihad album