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album review
Bayside released their second full-length album in August 2005 and jumped on the road feeling stronger as a unit than ever before. Then on Halloween, their world was shattered. A van accident on the way to a show left their bassist, Nick Ghanbarian, severely injured with a broken back and their drummer, John "Beatz" Holohan, dead. Not surprisingly, the remaining grief-stricken members -- Anthony Raneri and Jack O'Shea -- dropped off the tour. However, amidst an overwhelming display of support from family, friends, and fans, they decided their bandmates would want them to continue on. Banding together as an acoustic duo for the tour's completion, Raneri and O'Shea returned to the stage to pay tribute to their fallen friends. Their acoustic sets were so well received that fans wanted to hear more -- hence, the release of their Acoustic CD/DVD. The CD is based on their live set, comprised of studio acoustic versions of many of the songs from the show. "Winter" is the poignant, heartfelt tribute to Holohan that pulls at your heartstrings with its chorus, "An angel got his wings and we'll hold our heads up knowing that he's fine." Smoking Popes' "Megan" is made especially memorable with guest vocals from none other than Josh Caterer (only on the studio version), and bonus plugged-in tracks include the previously unreleased "Paternal Reversal" and the Elliott Smith cover "Baby Britain." The only live cut of the album also appears in the form of "Don't Call Me Peanut." Some songs actually sound better unplugged, as Raneri's voice is especially compelling set to acoustic guitars, thus making the audio CD worth fans' money on its own. The highlight of this release, however, is definitely the DVD, which captures Bayside's set from the final tour date at Chicago's House of Blues on December 11, 2005. After all, it's one thing to hear a song and know the unfortunate circumstances under which it was recorded, but an entirely different dynamic to be looking at people playing and reflecting on what must be going through their minds at that moment. And considering the tragic situation, many of their songs, like "They Looked Like Strong Hands" from their self-titled effort, take on a further, deeper meaning. In addition to the DVD's live set, bonus features include the recording of the audio album and a tribute to John Beatz. Together, the CD and DVD make Bayside's Acoustic a must-have for fans. And even those previously impartial to the band won't be able to hide their sympathy and admiration as the guys push forward. ~ Corey Apar, All Music Guide
more albums by this artist
See all-
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- Bayside
- Released 2005
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- Shudder
- Released 2008
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- Sirens And Condolences
- Released 2004
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- The Walking Wounded
- Released 2007
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listener reviews
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if you...
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- By Onefatslug
- 1/12/2009 01:18:40
- gave never heard of bayside...go listen to them right now.
just discovered them about 2 weeks ago.
first get the bayside cd. then this one. then sirens.
they are great. and this is my favorite cd by them handsdown.
all of the songs are good.
and i can't stop listening.
fuck-mazing.
8/10.
and thats alot to say from me. - Be the first person to rate this review!
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