AFI - Answer That and Stay Fashionable

Their debut album on CD for the first time ever. Completely remastered & now with the bonus track 'Open Your Eyes'. 15 blistering punk anthems that crowned them the kings of the East Bay scene. Their last has sold over 30,000copies to date. Currently on tour with Sick Of It All. Album Description

 Not for everyone... including those like myself.
I guess I could understand why some people would like this. The tracks don't have a big meaning, so it doesn't wind up taking itself too seriously (which is a contrast to modern AFI). There isn't much artistic merit, as it's run-of-the-mill skate punk. And the "Resevoir Dogs" sampling is pretty cool, actually.

That being said, I don't really care for this CD. The songs don't have a whole lot of variety and doesn't have good playback value. Juvenile songs can be charming and amusing, but on here, it just makes me kind of yawn and roll my eyes at times. It's refreshing to hear a band who used to be something completely different, though, and this was literally only 1/2 of today's lineup. While it's interesting that Davey's got less of a high-pitched voice here, that actually made him a bit more distinguished, and it's hard for me to call what's on this album that. I like a few of the songs, but could have done without most of it. I think that omitting two of the songs from the CD version really worked in the audience's favor, as it wears its welcome out about halfway though.

Me, I don't like the first two CD's that much. It's all uphill from there. Especially starting in the Black Sails in the Sunset era. Punk purists (those who deem major label stuff as "sellout") will recommend you this in favor of the last two, but really I think those are awesome. But then again, you'd have to appreciate some goth & dark pop to really "get" that one. May 20, 2007

 Wingnut vs. Nitro information.......
Tracks 16 and 17 are special tracks which are only available on the 12" vinyl version of the album. On the original Wingnut release of the album, a cover of "Man In A Suitcase" (originally by The Police) was featured instead of "Open Your Eyes". April 23, 2007

 Davey Havok 1995 would totally beat the crap outta Davey Havok 2007.
It's true. Whereas Davey Havok 2007 is an overdramatic cheesy looking tranny, Davey Havok 1995 is one angry little punk. Please ignore Decemberunderground, as that is an insult to the word "music". It's lyrics do not make sense. They try to be deep in that album, but ultimately fail and sound sloppy. At least 'Sing The Sorrow' was a decent rock record and made sense.

Anyways, about this album. It's fun, fast, loud, angry punk rock. This is exactly how they should have stayed. Don't get me wrong, I love 'Black Sails In The Sunset' and 'The Art of Drowning', but this is just a lot more fun to listen to. If you just want a short, good, fun album, get this one. Ignore 'Decemberunderground', please. It sucks sucks sucks sucks sucks. Get anything before that album...anything. Including this one, 'Very Proud of Ya', 'Shut Your Mouth And Open Your Eyes', 'Black Sails in the Sunset', 'The Art Of Drowning' and 'Sing The Sorrow. DU sucks. This one and everything up to STS rocks. March 18, 2007

 Oldschool Punk/Hardcore Champions
Not much to say here that has not already been said one thousand times over. AFI can do no wrong! Fast, catchy, hardcore pop with great melodies, riffs, and ton of sing alongs. Yes, that's correct pop, but this dose not count them out of the hardcore game. Think of Minor Threat, Bad Brains, and Gorilla Biscuits , and try to deny the catchy nature and pop sensability. This CD is drenched in oldschool over tones and Davey Havoks lyrics and voice are great albeit alittle girlie. On a side note don't discount decemberunderground, and this goes to new and old fans alike. There newest release is not and I repeat NOT EMO!! It's a great disc reminiscent of 80's new wave and post-punk (goth) synthpop, complete with New Order-esc dance beats. Don't fret it can still sever up killer 2-step beats and amazing sing alongs. Not to mention, decemberunderground has Hunter's bass lines sounding full and more amazing then ever. If you like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Sister of Mercy, Razed in Black, and U2 then you will fall in love with it. Especially 37mm.

Great track off of ATASF, Two of a Kind & Half-Empty Bottle. July 20, 2006

 Great album, shows the roots of a great band.
The afi featured in this album is actually pretty much a diffrent band than we see in later albums. afi stood for anthems for insubordinates while it later stands for a fire inside. there are two diffrent band members than later on. two diffrent members makes a big diffrence. for anyone who knows anything about punk, the only diffrence between operation ivy and rancid is two members, but they are very diffrent bands. so now that ive established this cd as a "diffrent band" ill say that this is a great album. truly fantastic. it is youth energy and teen angst in music form. it basically defines every teenage loser. haha its true though, and thats what makes it fun. yes this is a FUN album. thats the best way to describe it. davey sings about cereal, and wanting a mohawk, and not wanting to get up in the morning and stupid jocks, its very immature, but that immaturity is refreshing. when compared to black sails in the sunset, or the art of drowning, this album seems meak and irrelevent. afi later would go on to make creative music that would blow my mind, but this album is always something ill come back to, because its fun. theres nothing else to it. its fun fast and punk. so when you feel overwhelemed by afis later, more intense albums just pop this in, its simply a fun album to listen to. July 15, 2006

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