Motion City Soundtrack's My Dinosaur Life, Simple But Golden

Not that we thought otherwise, but in case you were wondering, pop-punk is alive and well. If you need proof, look to Motion City Soundtrack’s newest record, My Dinosaur Life, and you will find it, loud and clear.

Loud and clear, both great words to describe My Dinosaur Life. Loud because it is, well, loud; and clear because the lyrics are to the point and the complimenting music is specific to its goal of being simple and extremely enjoyable. The band isn’t trying too hard or doing too much and it clicks together in the most perfect sense. Though the album is relatively simple, its simplicity is vastly overshadowed by the fun, fast paced guitars, thumping quick drum beats, Beatles like harmonies, and kazoos. Yay, kazoos!!

Upon listening to the record for the first time, I immediately thought that these songs would play out wonderfully in front of a live crowd. They are fast, energetic, uplifting, and flat out make you want to go crazy and enjoy yourself; air guitar and all.

Lyrically, Justin Pierre, the bands lead singer, obviously has come out of some tough times, but it is clear from songs like “Her Words Destroyed My Planet,” “A Lifeless Ordinary,” and “Worker Bee,” that he has learned a lot and is in a very happy place now. Pierre, who historically writes about his personal life, doesn’t hold back in describing his old, or, Dinosaur life. Though his lyrics touch on some rough past memories, Pierre’s overall theme throughout seems to be that no matter how bad things were, things can get better, will get better, and are better.

The can’t miss track off of My Dinosaur Life is “Stand Too Close.” This tune is the most uplifting song on the record in which Pierre details the hesitance of the “new”. "If I stand too close I might fall in, but if I’m too far gone I’ll never win, If you believe in me I might just want to spend some time with you again." Whether he is talking about a relationship or just a new feeling in life, he simply describes the common and misunderstood hesitation that haunts many on the path of something unique. Musically, the song combines electric and acoustic guitars, pianos, and simple but necessary drumming. An overall can’t miss song and a definite high point on an album full of high points.

It will be an exciting year for Motion City Soundtrack. This record will undoubtedly be met with success in the pop-culture world as well as the independent arena because it is just that good. Producer Mark Hoppus and the band have created a pop-punk masterpiece that will stand the test time and so far is the best and most enjoyable listen in 2010.

Straight Lines Music grade for Motion City Soundtrack’s My Dinosaur Life ****1/2 out of 5