The Classic Crime

The Classic Crime

When I am passionate about something, I love talking about it, or in this case, writing about it. Normally, I like to discuss my personal faith journey, or sports, or family and friends. This blog is dedicated to a different area though, but one I am still very passionate about. I've find myself in new waters, this time talking about music. The topic of choice - The Classic Crime.

The Classic Crime formed in 2004, with all of the original members still around, except for Justin DuQue, who left on good terms with the members. They first released an EP, called We All Look Elsewhere in 2004, and then released their first Album, Albatross, in 2006, with 4,000 sales in the first week, the most ever for Tooth & Nail Records. Albatross was just the starting point, releasing The Silver Cord, Acoustic Seattle Sessions and Vagabonds, all on the Tooth and Nail Records. By 2010, in just a four year span, The Classic Crime had released three full length albums and an EP.

I first learned about The Classic Crime years ago, on my friends Myspace page. I liked the sound, and got a few of their songs. I didn't consider them one of my favorite bands, but I listened to their songs from time to time. I only had heard a small sample of their music, and it seemed like that might have been where it would end. Then my brother, an avid music fan, one who looks for music instead of letting music find him, bought The Classic Crime's newest CD, Vagabonds. He let me listen to it, and I really liked it. Then I started to love it. After that, my friend hooked me up with his copy of Albatross and I found myself loving all there songs, and the Seattle Acoustic CD was no different. Oh, and The Silver Cord? Loved all those songs as well.

I went from a small fan, to deciding that The Classic Crime was my favorite band. Every song that The Classic Crime puts out, I really enjoy listening to. I don't know what it is, but they're so good. Besides their talents on the stage, they seem to be really good people and I'm not just saying that. Most people only see them as a band, but they are real, selfless men. Why do I say that? Because of this:

All of the members of The Classic Crime went to Haiti, just months before the Earthquake, to do some mission work. I don't think most punk rock bands would do what they did, and it just shows what great men they are. I was blessed enough to go to Jamaica for mission work this past Christmas, and what I found out very quickly is that I received way more from the Jamaican people then they could have possibly received from me. I'm sure that The Classic Crime members felt the same, and I'm sure they came back better men then before.

The Classic Crime did not just go on the mission trip and then forget about the Haitian people, but after the earthquake, they gave the proceeds of their new CD, Vagabonds, to Haiti Relief Organizations. They truly grew to love the people there, and I'm sure their hearts went out to all the people they met. Because of this, and also the fact that they write and produce wonderful music, I find myself a huge fan of The Classic Crime. The music on my Ipod is now almost strictly Christian, because I've decided I don't need to listen to  music with lyrics about things I don't support or that are just vulgar, but The Classic Crime remains as one of the few non-christian bands. Why is this? Because although they don't label themselves as Christians, their actions speak loud enough. They are Christian men, just trying to do the right thing. In a culture that tells us we should do what is best for us, or just do what feels good, that tells us put your faith aside and just live in the moment, The Classic Crime is one of those bands that gives a better message, a different message. They understand that there is more to this life, and they all pursue it.

Now, just two years removed from their last album, The Classic Crime finds themselves releasing their fourth Album, Phoenix. This album did not come the traditional way, opting to use the website Kickstarter to fund the money, but none the less, the Classic Crime is back, and it is a breathe of fresh air. The Album consists of 13 songs and has a somewhat sad message to it, but I see this as more of a humbling side to the band. The band speaks about how they look at where they are, and they say that their accomplishments are so much smaller then they thought.

Besides seeming to have a humbling message, they seem to talk a little bit about not knowing where they are headed. In the song "You and Me Both," they talk about how they need something to remind them why they are alive, or ask themselves what they are living for, because it is not as clear as it once was. I see this as a maturity from the band, understanding that what they thought was once so important, really is not. The songs "Young Again" and "Beautiful Darkside" stick with this message, showing that the band has changed and things are different then they once were. The lyrics reveal that they have a tough time always seeing things in the right light, but they're trying, and that it is not easy to follow the right path.

As the songs continue, they follow along the same lines. To me, I see this CD as very reflective, with the band members taking a look at themselves and noticing that they might not be the men they should be, or have always wanted to be. In a way, it seems that they've come to a realization that things haven't gone according to plans. Whatever they wanted to get out of The Classic Crime has changed; Not automatically a bad thing or a good thing, but just different. The song "Glass Houses" talks about this, with the lyrics saying. "we naively believed that our ship couldn't sink, but it did." Things have not gone as planned, but sometimes trials better a man.

Overall, the CD is honestly Classic CC. The lyrics are great, the melodies smooth, and nothing to really complain about. A great CD from a great group of guys. I urge all my readers to at least look up one of the songs and give it a listen. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Unless great music is not your thing, then I understand and I'm sure the radio is filled with the stuff you're looking for...


"He died for me, so I will live for him."