Switchfoot says Hello Hurricane in California
Let us all indulge our guilty pleasures for a second, relive “Dare You To Move”, and realize Switchfoot has been recording music for the past few years. Since 2006’s Oh! Gravity, the band has been moderately present on modern rock radio, while Lostprophets tried desperately to sound like them before sucking monumentally worse. It appears that not only has Switchfoot moved to a different label, members claim they have written four albums worth of new material to be released back-to-back.
The 2009 November 10th drop date of Switchfoot’s Hello Hurricane is about to try making waves, but do not think the group is a huddle of workaholics. The tour to support Hello Hurricane was simply too support dates with Dave Matthews Band in California this year. Said tour was most likely comprised of the aforementioned infectious hit song, wrapped around A Walk To Remember OST inclusions, and some new material that encompasses a tracklist to forget.
We do give them credit for having contributed to DMB’s So Much To Save 2009 charity release and for all of those future Switchfoot records sitting “at the ready.” Next stop: Vice Verses come 2010? Go figure that the album cover for Hello Hurricane is a post-’99 Reznor photograph “wannabe” and the album titles are catchy and chock full of alliteration. We’re positive this is relevant to at least one middle school student out there, so we hope you caught Switchfoot alongside Blue October or DMB recently (echoes resound from the Old Navy fandom for pitchforks to my head, assuredly).
Hello Hurricane Tracklist:
01. Needle and Haystack Life
02. Mess of Me
03. Your Love is a Song
04. The Sound (John M Perkins’ Blues)
05. Enough To Let Me Go
06. Free
07. Hello Hurricane
08. Always
09. Bullet Soul
10. Yet
11. Sing It Out
12. Red Eyes
Switchfoot 2009 Tour Dates:
11/11 - W. Hollywood, CA @ The Roxy
11/13 - Scottsdale, AZ @ Martini Ranch
11/14 - Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
11/16 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
11/17 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
11/18 - Austin, TX @ The Parish
11/20 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
11/21 - New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
11/22 - Nashville, TN @ Exit In
11/24 - Atlanta, GA @ The Loft
11/27 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
11/28 - Ventura, CA @ Majestic Ventura Theater
I honestly had not listened to it before this news piece as this was not a review of Hello Hurricane, per se. It should be made perfectly clear however, any ragging I did on the titles/artwork/general aesthetics was dedicated strictly to that arena (mostly in jest)…not the music quality.
I think anyone who presumes to know what’s what about a record/CD before actually hearing said release is unprofessional — strangely enough, one is willing to bet the majority who mocked the Jonas Bros. review prior would not hesitate to do just that.
This is precisely why I take so much pride in the position we have at CoS. On that note, I appreciate your politeness and straightforward candor.
Well…
First, I’ve got to ask you a question: have you LISTENED to “Hello Hurricane” yet or are you going to pull a Pitchfork and hate the album just because of the track titles?
By the way, I DO think that Hello Hurricane is a poor record. I felt that the songs were unimaginative, lacking the catchy Switchfoot flavour of previous works like “Stars”. All the same, I think it’d be best if you made reference to the quality of the songs - or lack thereof - before you judged the album as a whole.
(correction: especially
Just responding again, as I’ve read and re-read, and now understand it’s not always wise to jump on a band-wagon with angry intent, espescially when it may not be totally clear to me about a writer’s viewpoint or intent. I will try to not do it again. I re-read after viewing Thaddeus’s remark, because I questioned whether I was missing something. I understand this review better now, having emailed the writer, and receiving a courteous response. Opinions are opinions, and we all need to respect each other’s. Who knows what kind of reviews will be written after Hello Hurricane is released? We are hoping they are fantastic! We SF fans may or may not like what comes out, and need to remember what this band stands for - human dignity, hope, helping those who need it, being forgiving, being gratifying, and the love of God and each other. We get what they are all about. But that doesn’t mean everyone has to love them to the same extent. When I think about it, my best girlfriends don’t care much for the music of Switchfoot, (actually i think David does) and even though I’ve tried probably too hard, they may never enjoy them like we all do! They just think I’m nuts =) We humans have different tastes, and since we are all not the same and are free people, are entitled. I will promote SF forever because, not only do I LOVE their music, I also LOVE what they stand for.
There, I’ve said it.
Instead of telling people to chill the F out, why not work on your writing/research? We aren’t even going to humor you by arguing with your opinion; just stop wasting our time with crap articles, please. Either that, or go away.
I’m a huge switchfoot fan, and I think this article is hilarious. I love it. Really enjoyed your take on everything, and I’m going to check out some of your other reviews. Keep it up Dave.
Hey David,
I would like to just apologize for my remarks. I accept full responsibility and realize I was being tactless in criticizing your article. You’re doing your job, and I understand that part of journalism is stating your opinion, no matter how unpopular it can become.
So, I would like to say that I’m sorry. Never wanted it to turn out this way. You’re right, we all should chill out. It’s just a band. Switchfoot is great, but they probably wouldn’t approve of the comments showing up here right now.
David, you probably think I’m an asshole and won’t accept my apology, and I will understand if you don’t. Just wanted to say it anyways, just in case.
Sorry dude.
- Job
Opinions need not be backed by anything, and anything spoken as a fact in this article is indeed fact — the tour, the schedule, the albums both at present and in the near future. The point about middle school students was that Switchfoot has both introspective lyrics and a sensibility that caters to younger listeners (though obviously there’s an extensive fan base beyond merely that, and a much older one no less).
You can say what you want, but I don’t have to take anything if I choose not to. Childish? Hardly, I simply defended myself on mature grounds sprinkled with some language you children might be capable of comprehending. Sorry your life was ruined or time stolen, it is unfortunate some people make a priority out of chastising blogs on music sites. Do you fun-loving, oh so positive hipsters go around harassing Rolling Stone for their classic album lists because Foghat didn’t crack the Top 20? Is this a hobby for you during snack breaks?
Yes, I liked the earlier work of the band and the work ethic — but the song titles alone here? The “hip to be square”, lone stallion act Switchfoot utilizes while backing this new release? Feels hollow and last minute, even if I do believe they worked really hard on the songs themselves (no doubt they work as can be seen by the recording process alone).
I blasphemed lostprophets for trying to (very badly) imitate this band, whereas everyone seems hell bent on making me a pariah over bashing Switchfoot. Get a sense of humor and a massage, I’m not ashamed for defending myself, I refuse to placate your allegations. Outrageous flaming is sad and disappointing, and I apologize to the editor and readers on behalf of Job, Bryant, Dude and everyone who turned molehills to mountains on a whim…
…all I ask is that everyone chill the f*** out. None of this is worth arguing over, frankly.
Re: Joy - Platinum status by the RIAA doesn’t constitute a great album, just one that sold well. Thriller sells a s***-ton of copies, but I personally think Bad and anything by MJ circa 1972 was much better. Sales do not mean everything, but glad you saw The Beatles as I know many writers here would be jealous. Want my music list? E-mail me if you’re still curious.
So far, while I think you were unnecessarily harsh in the retort, you appear legitimately concerned and come off most mature — Brava!
*note that “likely” should in reality be spelled “lightly”, stupid type-o.
in regards to your “hard work”, i think it sucks and you should go hit up the books and learn to write like a real writer. apparently, in order to be good at anything, you have to be working hard all the time. and just because switchfoot took their previous tour lightly doesn’t mean that they aren’t working hard. nothing is freaking wrong with taking things likely. especially when they are preparing for their own tour.
just for your childish reply alone, you should be booted.
in your case, when life gives you lemons, you can just suck it.
“This is a news article…”
Ok. It isn’t so much what you said about the band. But good journalism demands that you back up facts and be professional about your writings, even when opinions are said. That being said, your “defense” was pathetic and childish at best and makes me want vomit.
“harmless jokes about a band which I happen to like, believe it or not.”
Please. When you write stuff like “guilty pleasure” and “wannabe” about this band, while essentially calling them irrelevant, don’t give me crap about somehow liking them. At least be a man and have the balls to stand by what you originally said and take the “hate.”
En respuesta apropiada, me disculpo si cualquiera de usted era fatal wounde… que significo, ofendido por este artículo. Apesadumbrado para ese deslícese para arriba, porque un minuto I pensado quizás alguien leyó esto y sentía realmente desfigurado físicamente y dañado por palabras meras en una página.
¿Grite sangriento la vez próxima, no usted? Somos inseguros de independientemente de si la población de club-lupulización, arrastrar-atando a reinas del drama le dejará adentro entre las filas con tales réplicas débiles. El mensaje aquí en mi artículo (y a título de indicación, el intentar sudar mis redactores sobre esto es algo bajo) se exagera para un razonamiento de la razón-uno que era al parecer absolutamente eficaz sin embargo un tad dirigido mal. Los puntos hechos eran:
- las bromas inofensivas sobre una venda de que suceda tener gusto, la creen o no.
- el señalamiento cómo cada cinco minutos los fanboys de Switchfoot “la pierden” si cualquier persona tira hacia fuera una opinión que pone este acto en luz negativa (juzgando para de la opinión y no del hecho es tosco).
- la declaración hecha sobre las ilustraciones estaba solamente sobre las ilustraciones, nosotros considerará sobre el expediente cuando llega.
- observamos el trabajo duro de la venda en vista de la registración tanto material derecho a través para de cuatro álbumes totales.
No se preocupe, usted son perdonar-uniforme si aparece que uno cuida en todo alrededor sus numeritos, cuál no hace. ¿Afloje para arriba, usted gente? Esto es un artículo de noticias, no los diez mandamientos de mierda.
*note that “Switchfoor” should in reality be spelled “Switchfoot”, stupid type-o.
In proper response, I apologize if any of you were fatally wounde…I mean, offended by this article. Sorry for that slip up, for a minute I thought perhaps someone read this and actually felt physically disfigured and harmed by mere words on a page.
Scream bloodily next time, won’t you? We’re unsure of whether or not the population of club-hopping, drag-trussing drama queens will let you in amongst the ranks with such weak retorts.
The message here in my article (and for the record, trying to sweat my editors over this is rather low) is exaggerated for a reason–a reasoning that was apparently quite effective though a tad misdirected. Points made were:
- harmless jokes about a band which I happen to like, believe it or not.
- pointing out how every five minutes the Switchfoor fanboys “lose it” if anyone shoots out an opinion putting this act in negative light (judging for opinion and not fact is uncouth).
- the statement made about the artwork was only about the artwork, we’ll see about the record when it arrives.
- we did note the band’s hard work in regards to recording so much material straight through for a total four albums.
Don’t worry, you are forgiven–even if it appears that one cares at all about your antics, which one does not. Loosen up, would you people? This is a news article, not the f***ing ten commandments.
this article is a complete piece of crap!! can you die now, please??? that would be a huge favor for this world
este artículo es un pedazo de porquería!!! te puedes morir ahora, por favor??? sería un gran favor para este mundo
estoy seguro que siendo mexicano escribo muchísimo mejor que tú en Inglés…tus enunciados no tienen sentido alguno y eres un pedazo de caca!!!
púdrete!! con todas sus letras!!! P-U-D-R-E-T-E!!!!!!
ok maybe I got a little carried away….but i was pretty ticked
It’s not necessarily support for…. Switchfoot. It’s pointing out that you should be ashamed of such a weak article.
David- that is DISGUSTING!!!! you call yourself a writer?!?!?! everything in that ‘article’ was FALSE!!!! switchfoot is the most hard working band I have ever seen and you just watch, this album and their other 3 that they will be releasing will be incrediable!!! they’ll show stupid people like you how amazing they are!! hello hurricane will be a HUGE success!!
sorry if you took any offense of this but what can I say - that sucked and you deserve it!
So much support for… Switchfoot.
I am ‘ditto-ing’ all of the comments given before me! And now I’ll move on to my own reply, as I’ve been a rock ‘n roller for many years. Having seen The Beatles in 1966 (front row seats) when I was in middle school puts me in that catagory. Here goes…
Whoa David - where in the world are you coming from? Do you really think this band directs their music to only middle-schoolers? Maybe it’s your bad taste of music, or lack of insight that made you write such an opinion. My opinion is that Switchfoot is a very hard working band, that tries to reach people in all walks of life. I am certainly NOT middle-school aged. Being born in 1954 puts me waaay beyond those years. My daughters (twins), 19 years old, are responsible for introducing their music to me, and I am thankful for it. We enjoy going to their concerts together, the guys always put on a fantastic show, of which those in attendence want more, More, MORE! They give, Give, GIVE. I have worked behind the lines for this band, have met and talked with them briefly on many occasions. They are thankful for their fans and followers, and make it known to them. Their music and lyrics actually mean something. I, for one, am glad this band is alive and kicking while I’m still on this earth! They get their point across about “justice for all” and peace to all living creatures. And, they would probably forgive you for trashing them the way that you did. Get your facts straight before you write about other bands that maybe don’t satisfy your taste buds. I would be interested in knowing what music you think IS good, David Buchanan!
Thank you Job, for alarming us to this writer. I’ll be watching for his name out there in review-land.
Article fail
*correction, “I’m not even a Switchfoot FAN”, not band. I shouldn’t try to type when I’m frustrated.
Alex, are you really going to back up David Buchana on this one? Before you bash a fan leaving a comment… realize that he’s backing up Switchfoot as being a hard-working band and he believes that they WILL put out a well-received album. That WILL part is a prediction.
That being said, I’m not even a Switchfoot band, but I have heard several times that they put on a great live show… It’s expected that a writer state his opinion on a band, including his likes/dislikes; but this juvenile writing has gotta go. This article could’ve been written by a 3rd grader who had 5 minutes before class to hand in a paper. Please, at least try to sound intelligent.
“And you need to research your facts, they have been hard at work and this album WILL be remembered.”
How is this a fact? Remind me…
piece of crap! I’m sorry, but you have not written a proper article, it does not even make complete sense ! And you need to research your facts, they have been hard at work and this album WILL be remembered. Just wait til the release and you’ll see how wrong you were when the album hits Platinum+ RIAA Status
David, is there any chance that NME turned you down as a writer?
Wow. Not only do you not know what you’re talking about, you can hardly write intellible sentences. Congratulations.
Do your research no one works harder than these guys you should really get your facts straight
Trash!!!
are. you. serious?? why do you even write?
let me reiterate what job said in my own words: “this article sucks face with crap, probably written at 2am after a night of 12 beers.”
their tours the past couple months were planned the way they were, because they were preparing for their fall tour.
seriously though, just quit writing and find something else to suck at.
shiiit article
That was one of the most poorly written, least researched articles I have ever read in a long time, music or not. Way to go.