Rooney

Growing up or not growing at all?

The whole fan video brought this up to me (again)....

I really feel like this band isn't moving forward/maturing like they should be. It brings back eerie memories of some crap that the boy bands in the late 90s would do. What is the purpose of having your fans do a BAD video, lipsyncing, and dancing to your songs? I would think that the band would want their fans to mature with them but somehow I feel myself and others are starting to be stuck in a world of 14 year olds and wannabes. I'm sick of it and I'm sick of the ways the band tries to promote their music. I'm terribly afraid that one day they are going to realize that they don't have a hardcore group of fans because of the way they are being marketed.

Despite all of this...I love their music and I can't wait for the cd.

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ...

 bullcat2002 wrote:

 letsmakesomenoise wrote:

{q a=[[killersvictim17]]}
does anyone know how much the s/t sold first week? i wonder how CTW will compare and if all this touring will have really garnered more fans.

I don't remember the album even cracking the top 100. Might be wrong...it's been a long time. I really don't think this album will sell any better or worse than the self titled one. I haven't seen any evidence (in my area) that they are getting anymore publicity or popularity than they did back in 03.

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Re: Guys???......

Would love to hear what the band think of their album and direction. Any of them care to take a stab and give the fans some insight?

(BTW...ELO, Rush, Queen...to name a few were great legendary rock bands w/ loads of synth, harmonies and back up vocals). :)

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Re: umm

umm..i think the band has their own direction and their own tunes with their fun- upbeat- harmony chorus-songs. IMO i think they keep a good standard of pop retro band. i still love their backup vocal, catchy verse, keyboard syn , and so on. its rooney-ism way. i prefer to see them like this.

but yeah ..i still wonder why r they going to skateboard shop :)

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Re: Re: Re: Re: ...

 letsmakesomenoise wrote:

{q a=[[killersvictim17]]}
does anyone know how much the s/t sold first week? i wonder how CTW will compare and if all this touring will have really garnered more fans.

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Re: Re: Re: ...

 killersvictim17 wrote:

 vintageboots wrote:

as a fan who's actively been around since early 02, i'd have to say that Rooney's not growing at a pace that I once thought they could. Back in '02 and '03, they had so much potential. They were on tour with the Strokes, the Sounds, Weezer, etc. I mean to say they had the opportunity to become the next best indie rock thing , and for a brief moment they were. They were the first band to play on the OC and later, Death Cab and even the killers were featured on the OC. Their debut album was solid and i they had a strong following from a strokes/phantom planet fanbase.

But then, they took a break to write the lost album stuff and chose to go on tour with Kelly Clarkson. I thought that was a wrong move in terms of their original touring habits. Then they got a lot of new fans from Kelly, which really boosted their populatiry with a more consumer friendly fanbase.

I thought that was the prime moment for them to release an album. But, years passed and still no sophomore album.

Now we have the sophomore album 4 years later and they're on tour with Fergie. What growth is that? They're still an opening act to mediocre pop music?

With that said, I love Rooney to death. I don't neccesarily think it's the boy's fault. I def. think it's a managerial or label problem. They need some direction, and four years to release a sophomore album is way too long! Especially from a consumerism point of view. IF you orignally went on tour with Kelly CLarkson to bring in a larger fanbase, howcome it took you 4 years to release an album? Now, with Fergie, it's like moving back in time... I just don't get it. And from an artistic point of view, the album's not certainly the best they ever made. I can understand the four year gap between the albums, if the band went thru major line-up changes or was determined to make the "best record of all rock-n-roll," but Rooney has never even said that was their mission.

TO sum that ^ heap of words up: taking too long to release a sophomore record could possibly end up being a fatal mistake. I might eat my own words later in life, but that's the way i feel right now.

c'est tout.

yes yes and yes

im afraid the boys MAY have entered the sophmore slump era
well, we will just have to see how it sells

as said before, some of their songs on their albums werent so good and some were 'gems'
i know the believe this album is their best, but im sure if they took some from this one and some from dos, then the album would have been slighlty better

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Re: Re: ...

 vintageboots wrote:

as a fan who's actively been around since early 02, i'd have to say that Rooney's not growing at a pace that I once thought they could. Back in '02 and '03, they had so much potential. They were on tour with the Strokes, the Sounds, Weezer, etc. I mean to say they had the opportunity to become the next best indie rock thing , and for a brief moment they were. They were the first band to play on the OC and later, Death Cab and even the killers were featured on the OC. Their debut album was solid and i they had a strong following from a strokes/phantom planet fanbase.

But then, they took a break to write the lost album stuff and chose to go on tour with Kelly Clarkson. I thought that was a wrong move in terms of their original touring habits. Then they got a lot of new fans from Kelly, which really boosted their populatiry with a more consumer friendly fanbase.

I thought that was the prime moment for them to release an album. But, years passed and still no sophomore album.

Now we have the sophomore album 4 years later and they're on tour with Fergie. What growth is that? They're still an opening act to mediocre pop music?

With that said, I love Rooney to death. I don't neccesarily think it's the boy's fault. I def. think it's a managerial or label problem. They need some direction, and four years to release a sophomore album is way too long! Especially from a consumerism point of view. IF you orignally went on tour with Kelly CLarkson to bring in a larger fanbase, howcome it took you 4 years to release an album? Now, with Fergie, it's like moving back in time... I just don't get it. And from an artistic point of view, the album's not certainly the best they ever made. I can understand the four year gap between the albums, if the band went thru major line-up changes or was determined to make the "best record of all rock-n-roll," but Rooney has never even said that was their mission.

TO sum that ^ heap of words up: taking too long to release a sophomore record could possibly end up being a fatal mistake. I might eat my own words later in life, but that's the way i feel right now.

c'est tout.

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Re: Re: wrong

To bullcat2002: I've had these thoughts on my mind lately, and your post sparked me to finally write them out.

 LouieStoleMyPickle wrote:

Rooney didn't tour with Kelly Clarkson four years ago. It was last summer, and I've heard several times that they only signed on for that tour because they thought they were promoting an album, but then Dos didn't come out.

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Re: You're probably right Lucie.

The synth is pretty prevalent, but in previous recordings Louie always seemed to get drowned out. I'd rather hear Taylor and Louie's stuff though, so I'm pretty satisfied with that aspect of the album.

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Re: i hate required subjects

To rooneys angel: You said everything I was basically trying to say but much more eloquently.

I completely agree that my frustrations aren't directed at the boys themselves. I blame both the label and management. That's why I think we've seen the big change in types of tours. I don't think the boys could possibly be excited to tour with Kelly or Fergie from an artistic stand point.

Also, when I first heard the lost album two-ish (I think) years ago I didn't really enjoy it but the more I listen to it the more I enjoy some of the songs. It showed growth to me. While I haven't heard this whole album, the clips I've heard haven't impressed me that much. I'm holding out since the first one I heard the album version of everything except Terrible Person before the release. Took away some of the excitement for me.

Someone stated that no matter what their day is like they can put the cd on and want to dance. I think that is what has kept me a fan.

I agree with the person that stated that rooney has always been more of a pop band with a rock twist instead of the other way around.

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Re: wrong

Rooney didn't tour with Kelly Clarkson four years ago. It was last summer, and I've heard several times that they only signed on for that tour because they thought they were promoting an album, but then Dos didn't come out.

And Jen, I think it might be the notched-up synth coloring these opinions. I'm in the camp that would rather hear Taylor and Matt. And I don't particularly care for Ned's backup vocals. Or so much of them, rather.

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Re: ...

as a fan who's actively been around since early 02, i'd have to say that Rooney's not growing at a pace that I once thought they could. Back in '02 and '03, they had so much potential. They were on tour with the Strokes, the Sounds, Weezer, etc. I mean to say they had the opportunity to become the next best indie rock thing , and for a brief moment they were. They were the first band to play on the OC and later, Death Cab and even the killers were featured on the OC. Their debut album was solid and i they had a strong following from a strokes/phantom planet fanbase.

But then, they took a break to write the lost album stuff and chose to go on tour with Kelly Clarkson. I thought that was a wrong move in terms of their original touring habits. Then they got a lot of new fans from Kelly, which really boosted their populatiry with a more consumer friendly fanbase.

I thought that was the prime moment for them to release an album. But, years passed and still no sophomore album.

Now we have the sophomore album 4 years later and they're on tour with Fergie. What growth is that? They're still an opening act to mediocre pop music?

With that said, I love Rooney to death. I don't neccesarily think it's the boy's fault. I def. think it's a managerial or label problem. They need some direction, and four years to release a sophomore album is way too long! Especially from a consumerism point of view. IF you orignally went on tour with Kelly CLarkson to bring in a larger fanbase, howcome it took you 4 years to release an album? Now, with Fergie, it's like moving back in time... I just don't get it. And from an artistic point of view, the album's not certainly the best they ever made. I can understand the four year gap between the albums, if the band went thru major line-up changes or was determined to make the "best record of all rock-n-roll," but Rooney has never even said that was their mission.

TO sum that ^ heap of words up: taking too long to release a sophomore record could possibly end up being a fatal mistake. I might eat my own words later in life, but that's the way i feel right now.

c'est tout.

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Re: What I don't get is

why people keep saying they're less rock sounding now. They were always way, WAY more pop than rock.

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Re: Re: Re: I dig ya

 mamasoto wrote:

It's great to meet you btw :)

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Re: Well...

While I can see the points brought up and respect them, I have to disagree slightly.
I think the video contest is cute and a great way for the guys to keep the fans involved.
I also think the guys have grown, maybe not further into "indie" sounds or something, but their music shows growth. So what if it's more poppy than some would like? I think it's really fun. When Calling the World or When Did Your Heart Go Missing comes on, I can't help but get up and dance and sing along. I'm 17, dealing with all that bull-shit self-consciousness, but when these songs come on, I don't care where I am or how big a fool I look, I just let go. And I think Rooney is encouraging such ways of acting/thinking with the video contest. They're not looking for a perfect video; they want something fun to go along with the song. I like the fact that they aren't taking themselves too seriously. It's refreshing and makes me love them even more.

And maybe it’s just me, but I find the lyrics of WDYHGM to be sarcastic, like the ending, which to me shows growth and maturity, just over a really catchy tune that I can’t get enough of.

Anyway, I can’t wait for the new album.

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Re: yeah

I don't know, I have pretty mixed feelings too. I dig the sound of the new record but I find myself saying oh this is so "insert band name" way more than I am saying this is so Rooney. I do hear it sometimes but I agree with daria, Taylor and Matt are drowned out by the synths and what not. I think there are some great songs on the album but I wish they still went more along the lines of the s/t & lost album. Every band tries to find a new sound for their sophomore record but some get lost and sometimes I think Rooney has just a little. I really feel like the record company has played a sizable part in the way the music is going. It is way more pop and less rock but I guess I've come to terms with how everything is going since the KC tour.

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Re: amy how i love thee let me count the ways...

I do agree with you in a lot of what you wrote. Rooney are not going in their own direction. I feel their going in the direction of how everyone else sounds right now. There record company doesn't care about them keeping their own sound or trying to experiment with a new sound. They want to keep them in their infantile stage which is quiet sad cause the guys are getting older but the music is not. I'm not saying there isn't any good songs on this able but there's a lot more that I think could be improved and improved to a different age. Cause its older age words covered by fluff.

Not saying I'm not going to buy it hell i'll be the first one in line. I just wish they were stil going with their darker sounds and more rock and less synth no offense to Louis but I don't hear the guitar anymore. Just Robert's voice and Louis' synth and Ned's drums. Taylor and Matthew's sound sound buried. Get rid of the pop and bring back the rock!

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Re: hey

I think that Rooney aren`t the same as they used to be. They`ve changed a lot. But in my personal opinion, they are moving the wrong direction. There`s much less rock in their music now and their latest video showed that they weren`t what i thought they were. There`s no more INDIE in their music. Actually, when lots of people here were enjoying their new video, it almost made me cry because of its meaningless spirit.
Well, maybe that`s because American culture isn`t familiar to me, but as i see, there are more people who aren`t going to agree with EVERYTHING what Rooney does even if hey love them so much.
Yeah, agree with bullcat2002. I still love Rooney. Only, maybe, not waiting for the cd that much.

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Re: Mamasoto speaks wisely....

I have been on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to this. Being 31, there are some who feel that I am too old to be a rooney fan. Then again, there are those who are older who feel that I shouldn't be attending the same David Gilmour they're at. To me, music has no true "demographic". I despise that word. If you make music that delight my ears, I will listen. I also admit that the way an artist treats their fans is a BIG deciding factor with me. Of the 5 or 6 times I have seen or met the gentleman, They have always been very gracious. As opposed to other experiences i have had (AAR-grrrrrr.) ;o)

As far as the lyrics go, I will make that decision as soon as i have my copy of the album. I will be listening during my 45 minute commute to work. It's pretty much where i make all my musical decisions.
Anyhoo, just my two cents.

Cheers
Lyndsey
:o)

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Re: I don't think the lyrics from their s/t are necessarily mature...

So I don't think the lyrics are worse, but I don't think they're better either. Robert definitely shows glints of potential, but he's pretty mediocre at this point. I guess it's a good thing his voice is enjoyable.

There were some songs that I didn't really care for on the Lost Album, but there were some gems too. I really think they should've gone with The Kids After Sunset sound. It still sounded like Rooney, but a little out of their comfort zone, which would've been a nice change for a new album. Oh well, so far I think Calling the World ain't bad at all. Sounds a lot like The Beatles to me.

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Re: Re: I dig ya

Hey rollerskate skinny...I hear ya.

I'm glad you mentioned that about the older folks being considered parents at the concert and not fans. For many of us, a 'number' is the only thing that changes as we get older, we still are mainstream consumers who appreciate all sorts of great music. And you're right Rooney really does appreciate their fans.

As any band progresses, they're technical skill can only improve - as for writing, well...that's always subjective. What may not sound like mature lyrics to the fans, is a work of art, and hard work to the band. All bands music stylings for every album change. That's part of being innovative and fresh. Wish more bands today were like that...too many copycat emo bands on the radio these days. They all sound the same to me. You know, I'm glad this album is different from the other albums (it is very 80's retro sounding to me), and yet, they've still managed to maintain their true "Rooney-ness". When I last met and spoke to the band, I remember Taylor being very excited about this being their big break. And you know... it's all good.

Yes...Duran Duran are great. =) Truly an innovative band that defined the 80's and paved the way for music videos.

It's great to meet you btw :)

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Re: I dig ya

Mamasoto: I totally respect your opinion. Even though I'm only 19, I was recently at a Who concert, and the younger kids were looked down on because no one thought they actually liked the band, and were only there to look "cool". On the flipside, when I went to a Strokes show a few years ago, the "more mature" fans were thought of simply as parents, not as fans. For me, it's not about how connected Rooney is with their fans. They really do seem to appreciate all of them and actually hear them out (check out Robert's post on the Conan thread). But I personally, was talking about the lyrics. I just don't feel like they've moved forward very much on this album from what I've heard. However, Taylor is one of the best guitar players I've ever seen. When I saw them live, I was astonished. I couldn't stop watching him play. And as a guitar player myself, I have a huge respect for him, especially since he is so young.

BTW- I fucking love Duran Duran, too! Rock on.

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Re: My 2 cents....

I'd like to give my 2cents if I may. I'm a mom, wife, and am probably one of the oldest Rooney fans around here at 41...(no not a perv..hehe) I have my own favorite band, but my tastes in music are wide and varied. As a musician myself (bass player) and a graphic designer, I find Rooney is a fresh, up and coming band, whose music is like nothing else out there at this time, and I really enjoy them. I have also met them many times - they really are a great group of musicians.

I respect your opinion, but feel the band truly are moving forward. They are simply a band that is STILL in touch w/ their fans, and we should be grateful for that, because that is a luxury that many bands lose w/ growing popularity and record company meddling. Rooney enjoys all their fans, and likes having creative fun- this is just one way they do that. My favorite 80's band has always stayed actively involved w/ their fans, and thankfully never lost that about them. They too conducted a fan video contest not too long ago . There's no immaturity in that sort of thing at all.

And as for feeling stuck in a world of younger fans, I truly can understand that. They, like you, enjoy this band, albeit, they may show it differently. While at the Voodoo festival last winter, I was surrounded by a sea of young kids during the Flaming Lips, and vice versa, they were surrounded by a sea of older fans, during Duran Duran. Many of the older people were upset and felt they were entitled to be there upfront because it was 'their' band, they had earned the right, and these youngsters hadn't 'paid' their way enough. I was appalled and said something because they couldn't have made them feel more unwelcome and uncomfortable. Those older fans should've been grateful these young kids were even interested in them at all. That's what keeps the band and especially their music alive. It gets passed on. Music is for everyone, and developing a taste for it has to start somewhere at some age. These bands appreciate all their fans, and truly enjoy being able to reach out to as many new people, young and old, as possible.

I too am looking forward to their new CD. :)

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Re: yup yup

To bullcat2002: You brought up some really valid (and good) points. I actually agree with just about everything you said. I honestly think that Rooney dumbs it down slightly just to be considered by the "mainstream" audience. But then again, if you take the Beatles (later days), U2, or the Stones, they didn't dumb it down or simplify it at all. And they're some of the post popular bands ever. But maybe Rooney does it on purpose. I kind of compare them to cotton candy: fluffy, melts in your mouth, and makes you feel better for a little while, but a little too sweet & sugary at times. But maybe that's what they're going for. In my opinion, the first "unreleased album" was more my style.

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Re: Agreed.

The video thing I don't mind really. But everything else I agree on. It seems on this album that they've lowered their standards. The lyrics are a lot less mature than they were on the first album and the music seems a little catered to the younger crowd, for the most part. But like Jen said, Taylor has gotten so fucking amazing. And they've all improved in certain areas, I guess the writing is really what I'm talking about.

I think I'm rambling and repeating myself. Morale of the story is I feel like they're going backwards which is so fucking disappointing since we've waited four years for the album. But I know they've been working insanely hard on it so I guess I feel bad for them kind of that it hasn't seemed to turn out like they wanted it to? I think that's what I'm saying. Yikes.

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Re: You're gonna get mauled, you know that, right?

I somewhat agree. I wouldn't say their music as a whole hasn't matured because Taylor is fan-fucking-tastic, but I think their lyrics are still sorta juvenile. In a way their lyrics and their image or how they're marketed match up. Then again this is why I think of them as more of a fun band to listen to rather than a band whose music I take seriously and would use words like amazing and such to describe.

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Re: well...

it's probably also have something to do with the label too?

But since this isn't gonna be the official video for WDYHGM, so I really don't see the problem.
Anyway.. call me a wannabe and 14 year old.. Cause I thought it would be fun to do *lol* I can't submit anything tho, cause I live in Europe. But still I probably would have if I could.. Anyway, that's just me...
(I do see your point tho, just don't agree with it 100%)

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