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Andrew’s Judgmental Album Reviews: Fall Out Boy – So Much (For) Stardust (2023)

The JAR decides to tackle the newest album from early 00s Emo veterans Fall Out Boy! Do the emotions resonate or fall flat?

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Fall Out Boy has been around over 20 years – yes I started things off that way so myself and fellow Millennials can feel even older than we already do. They were definitely a little more in that Emo/Punk vein with very early music, leaked over into more pop oriented Emo and now they’re really just the theme song of Hot Topic and girls with brightly dyed hair. That’s not to discredit them though, Limp Bizkit has a demographic, so do Fall Out Boy.

When it comes to my personal enjoyment, admittedly, they’ve grown on me over the years. I went from begrudgingly enjoying a few songs, to really enjoying Save Rock and Roll (2013) and a bunch of their more recent stuff. So I don’t know if its the direction in which their sound evolved, me getting old and nostalgic or the early signs of a stroke. Either way, this should be a pretty good album, so I’m looking forward to this listen.

Fall Out Boy is: Patrick Stump (Vocals, Keyboards & Guitar), Pete Wentz (Bass & Backing Vocals), Andy Hurley (Drums & Percussion), Joe Trohman (Lead Guitar & Back Vocals)

  • Artist: Fall Out Boy
  • Album: So Much (For) Stardust (2023)
  • Label: Fueled by Ramen
  • Total Track Time: 44:20

Love From the Other Side was the lead single for the album, and it definitely has a very similar sound to things like The Phoenix or Uma Thurman. It’s got a weird little danceable melody, dark yet vaguely introspective lyrics and some solid heavy ambiance during breakdowns and interludes. The one line also speaks to me like an old Facebook status update; “I’ll never go, I just want to be invited, oh” – the song generally seems to be about the rat race of life, a touch on the pandemic but mostly this oddly dark dance tune about things melting down. Heartbreak Feels So Good starts off with some synth and sounds like it was dragged right out of the 80s. Lyrically it frames this feeling of spending time with someone and enjoying the journey and then reveling in the catharsis of heartbreak from all of the memories. Musically the arrangement is more uptempo and dance driven, so its like dancing through the pain; and its an interesting concept. Hold Me Like a Grudge is a song I really enjoy based purely off the title. Musically it still has like nearly a Foreigner mixed with The Strokes kind of vibe. But the hook is pretty fantastic; “(You put the “fun” into dysfunction), Hold me, hold me like a grudge, The world is always spinning, and I can’t keep up, whoa, Faster and faster, can’t do it on my own, Part-time soulmate, full-time problem, yeah, So hold me like a grudge”. I can’t tell if this is a toxic relationship or just a specific kink of a song, but its groovy and I dig it.

Fake Out starts out very radio single friendly, but eventually finds its rhythm as being this depressing pop song, ala Barenaked Ladies, where its oddly positive sadness. I can’t quite tell if the relationship failed or never manifested because they were too in their head about things going bad. The line about no plans made, no plans broken; is very poignant. Heaven, Iowa is a gorgeous rock ballad. I also like how the line is ‘scar-crossed lovers’ instead of  star-crossed. It adds a unique layer of pain and darkness to an already soaring chorus. So Good Right Now opens with a little Thurston Harris homage since the Little Bitty Pretty One is very obvious here. And it sticks around through verses breaks and gives the whole song this 50s kind of vibe. That also kind of explains the rather straight forward and lack of nuance to the lyrics really. Just feeling good right now, until things crash and burn, but just enjoy it now. The Pink Seashell (feat Ethan Hawke) this little filler song uses his line from Reality Bites as an analogy for life. Definitely seems to fit the general vibe of the album since a lot of the songs have been about making the best of the hand your dealt in life.

I Am My Own Muse starts off with a John Williams style orchestra, and then we get the breakdown as the lyrics kick in. This could be pandemic related or honestly, just a series of unfortunate events that ruins an entire year; “Smash all the guitars ’til we see all the stars, Oh, got to throw this year away, We got to throw this year away like, A bad luck charm”Flu Game is not about Michael Jordan apparently. Its more of a song about faking being okay after your dreams of a world for two come disappear. There’s also a little wordplay line that I enjoy; “I can’t stop, can’t stop ’til we catch all your ears, though, Somewhere between Mike Tyson and Van Gogh”. Its a fine song, a little forgettable (ironically), but not bad. Baby Annihilation another spoken word filler song. Continues this nihilistic mindset and fits well enough in the album.

The Kintsugi Kid (Ten Years) is a pretty interesting song about alcoholism, or at least I’m fairly sure it is. Apparently it was a chemical haze for 10 years, and this is an interesting rock song about coming out of the other side, reflected more in the musical arrangement since the lyrics are focusing more on the journey. What a Time To Be Alive has a very big Disco/Soul groove and reminds me of September by Earth, Wind & Fire. I also really enjoy the line ‘everything is lit, except my serotonin’. Maybe its just my general headspace lately, but these dark lyrics with the quirky upbeat music seems to speak to me a bit. So Much (For) Stardust seems to be a song about being hard stuck in negativity. Not having the strength to pull yourself out of the bleak events and pain, being stretched thin, and just recounting how things used to be. It definitely ends the album in a darker palette which helps to remind us they still definitely have Emo tendencies; but musically the arrangements evolved to not sounding like Hot Topic chaff.

Now let me start off by saying, I did enjoy this album quite a bit. Not as much as Save Rock and Roll, mainly because they added a few weird elements. Spoken word tracks didn’t feel out of place, but they are definitely filler and there were a few songs that just hit me in a very generic way. Even if I did enjoy most of the lyrics and how they painted story of the song, I can’t overlook the redundancy in some topics. Its not really a negative for an Emo band to utilize negative emotions, so I can’t really take too many points off, just a personal small gripe.

Either way, the lyrics have a mature understanding nature to them, the music is a little more eclectic than some may expect; but its not often I get to make Thurston Harris or Earth, Wind & Fire references. So I enjoyed the sonic buffet sampling, and its a good album. Just shy of being on my higher rated albums purely because of some of the forgettable radio songs.

Final Judgment: 7.85/10

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Bandwagon Nerds #284: Mission Unlikely

The Nerds break down a tremendous Episode 8 of Daredevil: Born Again. Plus, the Sweet 16 of Villain Madness and the return of the Trailer Park!

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Bandwagon Nerds Mario

This week, the NERDS are back in full force, and there is no shortage of topics to discuss. Episode 8 of Daredevil: Born Again was filled with drama, surprises, and a stunning ending that left all the Nerds wondering what will happen next. After a few weeks’ absence, the Trailer Park returns to look at upcoming releases such as F1, a wild-looking sequel for M.E.G.A.N., another great-looking series on Apple TV (Murderbot), and the finale of the Mission Impossible series. Plus, we get to the Sweet 16 of Villain Madness! Which ultimate bad guys/gals punched their tickets to the Elite 8? All that and, of course Whatcha Watchin”?

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  • @ChairshotMedia
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PROWRESTLINGTEES.COM/TheChairshot – Makes a GREAT GIFT!!!

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Join Patrick O’Dowd, David Ungar, PC Tunney, Rey Cash, and DPP as they keep everyone up on all things nerd, and maybe add some new nerds along the way. It’s the Bandwagon Nerds Podcast!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

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About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (4/10/25)

It’s gonna be May!

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There’s been a slight change in the forecast…

There may not be a storm on the horizon, but when Wrestling Is Life, every day is unpredictable! What does HPW have planned for May Day?

 

HPW prepares for the storm ahead…

Blood & Thunder still beckons, and the Faces of Evil need to defend their HPW World Trios Championships. Therefore, Wrestling Is Life will see two qualifying trios matches! After the controversial nature of losing the titles at HyruleMania, Arrow Club is given a spot in these qualifiers. And they will be facing familiar foes in TSDQ! The Studly Don’t Quit, but will they make it through to ThunderStruck? As for the second qualifier, Los Taros Locos will return in hopes of stampeding up to the top of HPW, but they’ll be up against quite the mysterious team. Cia represents the OG Dark Forces expelled from the group, and she’ll bring her sister, Lana, with her!

But who is their third partner? They didn’t name them, so who could it be? Volga? Kevin Gibdo? Or even Wizzro? Will keeping it an unknown be the key to winning?

 

Igos du Ikana speaks.

From inside his shadowy throne room, The Ruler of Ruin looks at the HPW Death Mountain Championship on a pedestal. “The HPW Death Mountain Championship. A championship created not just to commemorate one of Hyrule’s greatest landmarks, but also to commemorate one of Hyrule’s greatest wrestling promotions. Death Mountain Wrestling was a vital part of wrestling history, where legends would pave the way for a new generation, and inspire many more. Not unlike Termina Championship Wrestling.”

Igos walks past the pedestal to look to a trophy case. Igos looks to his copy of the classic TCW Championship, and even of the High Noon Championship. There are also poster sized pictures of Igos’ greatest moments, such as the first time he won the TCW title, and the last time he held it while TCW was still active. Igos continues by saying, “I say this not because you don’t know. Of course you know this. I say this so that you might understand. I say this because I need you to understand. You have great aspirations, and strong ambition, but I don’t think you understand what you’re attempting to achieve.

“You stand at the foot of a mountain, it’s shadow upon you. That mountain’s name is legacy. You want to climb the mountain. You want to reach the top and plant your own flag at the summit. You want everyone to see you, to look up to you, to acknowledge you. But this climb is more challenging than you know. This climb is more challenging than you can handle. These belts may only be ten pounds, but they weigh so much more once you put them on. You are not ready for the climb. You are not ready to carry that weight. You are not ready to push yourself, step after step, inch after inch, as the mountain only grows steeper and steeper. And you never will be.

“So I tell you this not because you do not know. I tell you this so that you may understand. You must turn back now, find another path forward, before it is too late. Before you fall… to ruin.” It is clear who this message is for, but will young Yunobo heed this grizzled warrior’s warning?

 

HPW Deep Dive: Wisdom VS Power.

The Princess of Hyrule visits Hero of Hyrule, Link, now that he’s home from the hospital. He still needs bed rest, given everything Ganon did to him. He has bandages around his head, and his sister, Aryll, checks his stitches. 13 stitches all along the hairline. They’re holding well, no bleeding. Zelda sits with Link and holds his hand. She apologizes for what happened, but Link shakes his head. Aryll agrees, Zelda’s not to blame, Ganon and his Dark Forces are. They ruined her moment, they beat Link down, so they they have to be stopped. Ganon’s coming after the title anyway, so Zelda can get payback at the same time.

Ganon says, “Like I give a damn.” The Gerudo Ace lounges in his manor, The Dark Forces all around him. That now includes Shabonne & Tali, sporting new ensembles to reflect joining up. The Faces of Evil have their HPW World Trios Championships while Ganon has the Triforce Tournament trophy in hand. Ganon then mockingly says, “YoU dEsErVe It~! YoU dEsErVe It~!” Audio from the Triforce Anniversary event is interspliced here, as well as flashes of Zelda being emotional as she has the title belt put on.

“Isn’t it strange that Zelda takes the fall at HyruleMania, but I’m the one relegated to the tournament? And she clearly has that pointy eared little simp wrapped around her finger, or else he wouldn’t have even agreed to the match. But hey, what do I know? I only beat Link one-on-one in his first defense, then beat Zelda one-on-one in my first defense. I’m the Triple Crown Champion, I beat legends of TCW, and I’m this year’s Triforce Tournament winner. No one is more deserving of that title, of whatever title there is, than me! Isn’t that right?” The group all say, “Yeah!”

Ganon says, “The Dark Forces will be golden!” The group again shouts, “Yeah!” Ganon says, “The Dark Forces RUNS HPW!” The group again shouts, “YEAH!!” The Dark Forces all raise a glass to drink it up, while Link rests his head on Zelda’s shoulder and she rests her head on his. The Princess of Hyrule may reign, but will she fail to trump the Gerudo Ace? The countdown is on until May 1st, when Wrestling is Life!


 

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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