Daily Music Dose

My Chemical Romance is an alternative rock band from New Jersey. As a lot of MCR fans know, today is Gerard Way's(lead singer) birthday and that is the reason I chose today to try to convince you to listen to MCR.

I started listening to My Chemical Romance in 2006 and The Black Parade had already come out. But the first album I ever listened to of theirs was Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, which is easily my favorite album I've ever listened to period.

The most important thing about My Chemical Romance, in my opinion, is the story behind the band.  It all started back in 2001 when Gerard Way wittnessed 9/11 and decided he wanted to do something that would change the world. The first song written by My Chemical Romance, "Skylines and Turnstiles" is about 9/11. The band recorded some of their debut album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love in Matt Pelissier's(former drummer) attic. Skipping ahead to Revenge era, the second album was made after Gerard and Mikey's(bass player and brother to Gerard) grandmother, Elena (of "Helena") died. This was the start of Gerard's drug and alcohol addiction and was nearly the beginning of the end. Gerard was suicidal during this time, but thankfully sobered up and changed his lifestyle. The Black Parade came next, which was a big change for MCR in style and sound and is probably their best known album.

If you know nothing about MCR other than what you've heard on the radio and television, then I want to convince to listen to them. Most of the singles MCR has put out are not close to being my favorite songs, especially the singles from The Black Parade. Picking up Revenge changed my life. I would not be the same person today if I hadn't listened to that album. Every single band I've listened to since MCR, I would have never listened to if it hadn't been for them. I wouldn't even be on Buzznet, if I hadn't listened to them.

Each album has a unique sound; they reinvent themselves for every album.

I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love: This is the raw, punk, basement album, although it has a couple of tender moments. This is my second favorite album and my favorite MCR song, "This is the Best Day Ever" comes off of this album. I have to say that Bullets is somewhat of an aquired taste and unless you are already like the punk/screamo sound, you shouldn't start here.

Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge: This is a concept album that focuses around the idea of revenge. It is not as rough as Bullets, but is much more so than The Black Parade. This is hands down my favorite album and I think its the best place to start for anyone interested in listening to My Chemical Romance.

The Black Parade: This is the most theatrical album of the three, which is the reason it is my least favorite. It is still an amazing album and if you are a fan of Queen, you might enjoy this album more than the others. One of my problems with this album is the singles. If all you've heard off this album is "Welcome to the Black Parade," "Teenagers" or the other singles then you are missing out. Personally I like "Mama," "This is How I Disappear" and "Disenchanted" best.

MCR is a great band to see live. I've seen them twice so far and can't wait to go see them again. You've probably heard the assuptions about this band and I want you to disregard all the negative connotations people associate with MCR. No, they are not "emo" and they have nothing to do with my my username ("emotive hardcore" people, humor me and Google it). They are not a suicide or death cult. You don't have to be fans of similar bands in order to like their music, although it probably helps. In fact, they're the only band of the "MTV scene" I listen to. I mostly listen to indie/electronic rock and MCR is my favorite band so what does that tell you?

The messages behind MCR's music are as important as the story. If you've ever heard a MCR fan say, "My Chemical Romance saved my life" then you've seen what an impact they've had on their fans. I've been obsessed with other artists before, but none of them even come close to MCR.

This is one of my favorite videos with Gerard:

This is my favorite interview:

LOTMS Footage:

Here's a guide to MCR based on the singles:

If you liked "Welcome to the Black Parade" then listen to Disenchanted, The Ghost of You and Demolition Lovers

If you liked "Teenagers" or "I'm Not Okay" then listen to Its Not a Fashion Statement, Its a Death Wish, Headfirst For Halos, Mama and This is the Best Day Ever

If you liked "Helena" then I reccomend Vampires Will Never Hurt You, Early Sunsets Over Monroevile and Cancer