The Wonder Years - Sister Cities (April 6, 2018) Album • Page 178

Yeah, I had always assumed that the feature and song in general were mostly well liked by people. Stained Glass Ceilings may be my favorite song on NCTH (it's at least up there with C&S and Hemmingway). I think JAB was the perfect choice for the song, both regarding the lyrics and the music

 

Not to mention his experience growing up bi-racial in the United States. It's a good perspective to have on the track.

 

The "3/5ths a man makes half of me" line is still fucking fantastic. Butler's such an inconsistent lyricist but when he hits the mark he's pretty jaw-dropping.

NCTH > Sister Cities

 

that verse is so bad, doesn't fit in with the rest of the song and the vibe just never worked

we look like lightning does a similar thing so much better

 

Counter point: that verse is great and makes the song. Both the lyrics and delivery are top notch.

 

I liked letlive. and thought JAB's feature on that Pierce the Veil song was great, but I do not vibe at all with him on Stained Glass Ceilings.

 

Those lyrics are a total gut-punch and JAB delivers them perfectly. It's such a raw and emotional moment, with a lifetime of experience behind it. I don't know how people could not be moved by it, but that's just me.

 

Maybe I'm alone in this, but lyrics aren't as impactful if I don't enjoy how they're delivered. He just doesn't sound good on it, it's really that simple for me.

 

I like two letlive. albums and JAB’s lyrics are great but sonically, that’s a really jarring moment on the record. I like Dan’s chorus a lot but I wish the track resolved differently.

 

Lyrics are great, delivery sounds like a mouthful of marbles. And I like his vocals and most of what else he does. I don’t think it’s weird to say “hey this sounds bad” about something I think could have otherwise been amazing

 

Yeah I like the lyrics a lot in that verse, but really can’t stand the voice. Doesn’t sound like a Wonder Years song at all and totally takes me out of it.

 

Honestly every letlive album has like, one or two things that holds it back from being great. Even Fake History doesn’t hold up super well. They’re a band I think could have been absolutely gigantic in the rock world with the right album (and probably the right producer)

 

TBB has everything right except the production/mixing/mastering, whatever. Songs are fantastic though.

 

The build up to his verse is fucking phenomenal and probably one of my favorite TWY moments ever, I constantly get his lines stuck in my head too.

Also I think A Song For Patsy Cline is top tier and I feel like that's an unusual opinion it seems.


Guess there's a reason I've never really discussed my opinions on The Wonder Years haha

 

Ah dang, we bought ours in a local record store so I can't imagine that'll happen for us. Maybe we'll shoot hopeless records an email and beg for a code. Strange that they would slap a big sticker on the book saying "Download Card Included" and then not include one.

 

Yeah, I think that foreboding instrumental break, followed by Dan's part of the bridge – especially his last line before Jason comes in "Not knowing, growing up, what it's like to belong here in America" – leads to Jason's part perfectly. And Jason's delivery is so passionate, and the back and forth with Dan in that part is fantastic.

 

I still think Hostels & Brothels is top tier TWY. I mean, Soupy worked “cockblock” into a semi serious song. That’s awesome.

But I agree with the sentiments about Stained Glass Ceilings. Another really great song from NCTH is I Wanted So Badly To Be Brave, honestly such an overlooked song.

 

never knew the meaning of that line before I just looked it up, or anything about JAB, it makes much more sense now

For a loooong time Hostels and Brothels was my favourite TWY song. Defo top tier

 

Sister Cities (the song) is still a jam. The harmonies in the bridge are perfect.

 

I might have a spare download code from the pop up shop, have to ask the girlfriend if she wants it. If you don't hear anything back today I can maybe PM it to you.

 

For sure, Dan and Jason's call and response stuff here gets me so amped and into it. I love the fact they chose such an emotional vocalist and one that's more gruff but without outright screaming. I know alot of people complain that it is so jarring but honestly I think that's the point to magnify the emotion and intent.

 

Care to share what the meaning is? I'm awful at interpreting things like that

 

Three-Fifths Compromise - Wikipedia

 

I like that TWY tackled some more social/political issues on the last album. Dan speaking about racism couldve came across as preachy on Stained Glass Ceilings but the fact that he tied it into the story of when a kid stole his bike and the polices response was to "buy a gun" makes it all the more authentic. this album also has some subtle political undertones here and there.

 

Thanks! Definitely makes sense