Angels and Airwaves - Oh! How They Offend Us All...

August 24th 2006 18:44

"I'm trying to inspire people … to think that if they change their own view of the world, not only will they change the world for themselves — they'll change it for everyone else as well."

Tom Delonge from Angels and Airwaves

Why does Tom Delonge's opinion matter more than anyone else's? His view of world politics is no more valid than this column's, or anyone's at all. So why should he be allowed to push it on the public so forcefully? From the rhetoric he spouts to the words he writes, he makes no attempt to let the audience decide for themselves. He assumes dominance over them, and he assumes that they are incapable of making their own minds up. The truth is, young people buy into Angels and Airwaves for two reasons: they think it's important without knowing why, and because it is the nearest thing to a pop-punk 'supergroup' in the popular domain. It can't fail. With young America encouraged to think that war is bad and nothing beyond that, Angels and Airwaves release their music into the perfect climate to capitalise on this nameless foe. It is preaching to the converted in its purest possible form. That the only article to be found in the review section of their website contains no opinion whatsoever is not surprising in the least.

Music, for Angels and Airwaves, appears to be about creating the most epic sounds possible because, in Delonge's mindset, only the truly epic can be capable of any substance. If there are enough U2-esque wibbling guitar noises and surprising clashes of drums over the simplest chord progressions, you're on to a winner, sire. As far as their live show goes, Delonge recently said the following in an interview with Kerrang magazine: "What we're planning for our headline shows, though, is going to be totally larger than life theatrical events and I think it's going to raise the bar of live shows forever." Such sweeping statements are the gibberings of a man so deluded as to assume superiority over all rivals, with only a handful of shows under his belt that were only made possible through the bankability of his previous band. With lyrics as inane and derivative as "I wanna have the same last dream again, the one where I wake up and I'm alive" it is hard to distinguish the line between ridiculous self-indulgence and misguided attempts at political statement. They just don't make any sense.

What's even more disturbing is the proposed feature film that Delonge & co. have in the pipeline. Described as a sweeping metaphor, the film focuses on a love story during the Second World War. Delonge says it's a metaphor for today, and the way that people are in love in contemporary war as well. So by metaphor, he actually means EXACTLY THE SAME. Trailers for the film are available to watch on the band's website, and show very little promise of moving above the elementary level attained by their simplistic, bland, pointlessly anthemic music.

So what can we glean from the body of evidence against the band? Simple. Angels and Airwaves suck terribly.

102

Vote

Add To:

subscribe to this blog

follow this blog on Orble

start your own blog

[ Link ]

Posted By: DanielR - Category: Article

Related Posts:

Relate This Post

Recent Posts:
      ROOTS OF THAI ART
      THE UNSPEAKABLE ITCH
      Rome studio announced for emerging SA artists
      Twin Shadow

[ Previous - Jason Molina - Let Me Go Let Me Go Let Me Go ]

[ Next - New Lemonheads Track Unveiled ]

Comments

52 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Cibbuano

August 24th 2006 23:43

Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak

I didn't want to read this post because it was about Angels and Airwaves, but I see. Your point is, they suck.

great!

Comment by DanielR

August 24th 2006 23:49

yeah, that post could have been a LOT shorter...

but then what would i do with my afternoons if i can't be unpleasant to pop stars?

Comment by Cibbuano

August 24th 2006 23:58

Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak

I dunno... bathe the lepers?

Comment by DanielR

August 25th 2006 00:02

start an after-school club about why my opinion counts more than other people's? OH RIGHT, tom delonge already does that one...

failing that, introveinous drugs it is.

Comment by Luke

August 27th 2006 00:43

Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior

I can't get over how different he looks... where did all his piercings go?

Comment by DanielR

August 27th 2006 09:33

i believe the new image came in at about the same time the horrific over-confidence did.

now he looks like one of those guys that hangs around at the back of gigs waiting to say 'eeeey.... i'm in a band, so....' and turn up in the celebrity spotted columns. he makes me want to physically throw up on his face and family.

Comment by Luke

August 27th 2006 12:58

Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior

he looks like he could be in Eskimo Joe now.

Comment by Anonymous

January 14th 2007 22:58

horrible review...

Comment by DanielR

January 14th 2007 23:53

... for a horrible artist. i love fair discourse.

there are so many things wrong with this band that i literally can't contemplate discussing them for more than a minute. the live experience says it all, there's nothing humane or justified about proclaiming one's innocence when they intentionally join an army constructed on principles of destruction. delonge is misguided and ill-informed.

Comment by anonomous

April 21st 2007 03:16

that is the stupidest thing i have ever heard!! i don't know what reason you people have for hating AVA and tom so much, but its just stupid! they are an awesome band and you just need to go hate on someone else.

Comment by Anonymous

May 10th 2007 11:35

Angels and Airwaves have grown on me recently and their new material is twice as good as their first album, which was actually alright in places.

There is great potential in this band.

Comment by Anonymous

June 29th 2007 16:14

Angels and airwaves are awesome, and so is Tom Delonge, his opinion matters because he is a legend, loved by many people.He is a talented guy and has the right to have his say.Anyone who disses AVA or Tom Delonge are stupid fucks.

Comment by Anonymous

July 3rd 2007 18:44

"Anyone who disses AVA or Tom Delonge are stupid fucks."

Oh the maturity of naive AVA fans...

To anonymous AVA fans: listen to, oh i dunno, a post-rock band like sigur ros or mogwai, and you'll realize you've been wasting your time listening to AVA's fodder.

DeLonge thinks he's on to something b/c he's never listened to anything other pop-punk and believes no longer limiting his work to whiney harmonies and 3 chord melodies is revolutionary.

Comment by Anonymous

August 7th 2007 07:27

ANGELS AND AIRWAVES IS AMAZING! LISTEN TO I EMPIRE

Comment by Anonymous

August 7th 2007 07:50

"...when they intentionally join an army constructed on principles of destruction."
WTF are you talking about.

I Empire is about making your own empire, and about making your own vivid imagination come to life, and make everything your own.

Epic Legend... really really bad review

Comment by Anonymous

August 25th 2007 19:32

Everyone needs to settle the fuck down. If you don't like the music than just shut the fuck up. To each his own. If you don't like Tom then why the hell do you waste all your time complaining about him? AVA is a good band, let them do what they want. : )

Comment by Anonymous

August 28th 2007 16:49

I have been a music fan for over 20 years.., over that time I have listened to brass bands right through to being a die-hard Marillion fan, and throw in the Ozric Tentacles as well...

I wasnt a great Blink fan, I liked one or two of their tracks I certainly wouldnt have bought any of their albums.

And then I heard AVA, I have never been so blown away with any album ever before, and I have a few......I think Tom DeLonge is a total genius and deserves so much more acclaim.

" I'm hurting bone thin from the love thats been starved"

What a lyric, the man has it....

Comment by Anonymous

October 4th 2007 21:01

I

E
M
P
I
R
E

O
W
N
S

Comment by Anonymous

November 30th 2007 11:58

i would have never found this site if i didnt search for images on tom delong and ava. after reading everything people have written so far i would like to say this, if you don't like the music, then dont listen. if you like, then rock out. who gives a fuck if he or isnt telling his listeners what is and isn't, it's media and that is what media does, celebrities, new, billboards, wake up. we are surrounded by it. it is what it is and you dont need to get all butt hurt because someone is making money off of music. after all money is what we are all after.

peace

Comment by Anonymous

December 8th 2007 22:50

New album is incredible!

All you haters might want to listen to it before flaming him.

Comment by Anonymous

January 3rd 2008 14:09

Wow, AVA is just ... HORRIBLE!

Delonge epitomizes the term "douchebag."

Comment by Darth Spoon

January 24th 2008 13:33

This review is simply awesome. I can't believe all of the defensive AVA fans on this message board who, by a bizarre coincidence, are all anonymous in their comments. If you cared so much about your precious shitty U2 tribute band, one would think you'd at least take the time to register.

However, if I was an AVA fan, I'd probably want to be as anonymous as I could be. It's sort of like admitting you liked Poison back in the late 80s; definitely not a band that has stood the test of time.

My personal theory is that people who like this kind of shit really just don't like music, period. ...or, would rather be told what to listen to rather than find some decent tunes on their own. I'll give you a hint; think indie. Alot of good bands are rockin' the indie scene these days; Of Montreal, the Shins, Bloc Party, Band of Horses, Postal Service, the Oohlas, the Submarines, etc. Google that shit and you will probably find that a lot of modern music is way friggin' better than this synthed-out shit.

Comment by Anonymous

February 19th 2008 01:47

angels and airwaves sucks. if your a boy over 17 and you like angels....sorryy

Comment by Anonymous

February 19th 2008 01:47

angels and airwaves sucks. if your a boy over 17 and you like angels....sorryy

Comment by Anonymous

February 19th 2008 01:47

angels and airwaves sucks. if your a boy over 17 and you like angels....sorryy

Comment by Anonymous

March 6th 2008 05:31

Tom Delonge, STOP WORRYING ABOUT THE WORLD AND GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER!

Comment by b1indj0y

March 26th 2008 01:41

As pointed out several times throughout this...forum?, Tom DeLonge sucks. AVA sucks. And I'm very glad that this review was made, because I was starting to think I was alone, and I give props to whom ever pointed out the rising indie music, great shit man! Plus the ANON who keeps writing about AVA, could you please have some balls and write a DECENT defensive statement, despite being the ONLY defense you really have NOTHING to support your love for these people who call themselves a band. well I don't know how I got here, but glad I did, do yourself the favour kids EXPLORE THE INTERNET it's got some neat shit and some pr0n, have fun, don't get caught and well...try to cause as much trouble as you can ^__^) peace!

X_x ~|31i|\|dj0y~

Comment by Anonymous

April 2nd 2008 20:50

i was a pretty big blink 182 fan. and i don't have a problem with either of the bands that have stemmed from blink. but why is everyone so incredibly against this band? tom isn't spoonfeeding you this music by force, so if you don't like it then don't listen to it. my favorite bands are brand new, sigur ros, bright eyes, the faint, the postal service and modest mouse. and while i don't really see what point the (apparently) expert "darth spoon" is trying to make by citing a lot of my favorite bands, i will reiterate i do not have a problem with this band. why? because no one is forcing me to listen to it. did i like blink 182 better than AVA? yes. do i think that tom turned into someone who thinks he's better than everyone? maybe a little. but what do you hope to gain by calling him on it and swearing and not making much sense? he's got fans for a reason. their age has nothing to do with it. i'm a 21 year old male college student in ohio and i think that everyone here that is bitching about the fact that music they don't like is being made (duh) to simply not listen to it. (and p.s. "darth spoon" do you really think the postal service is more 'modern' than this band? could have sworn most of their songs were produced electronically, idiot.)

Comment by Anonymous

April 10th 2008 08:33

its so sad

it seems like ava has brainwashed their fans honestly if you listen to what they say

oh its about building your own empire
and tom delonges opinion matters WTF?! what kind of shit is that? honestly its bull shit

i completely agree with this article

Comment by Anonymous

April 10th 2008 08:33

Comment by Anonymous

May 24th 2008 11:34

This post is completely subjective and the writer should go stick his/her head back up his/her ass.
Angels & Airwaves is a great band, and I applaud Tom for wanting to inspire people with his music (especially "Secret Crowds").
Go and listen to some hip hop lyrics if you want meaningless bullshit.

Comment by Anonymous

October 2nd 2008 23:45

First off you need to get a life. Tom is very talented, and nothing less. He is one of the few people in this world trying to make a difference. And F.Y.I. not everyone just takes this music to be his bad opinions, which they are not. His sounds are timeless, and his lyrics are amazing. Question....when was the last time you have had a conversation with Tom..hmm? How do you know his intentions are to grab all the minds of young teenagers and make them think the way he does? Did he tell you that over lunch? Next time write a blog with facts, actually just stop witting blogs. Nobody wants read this nonsense. Angels & Airwaves are by far the best band to ever hit the scene. You are obviously are one ignorant person, who has bad taste in music and cannot back up anything they say. I hope Tom reads what you have written, then writes a song about how people <like you> are ignorant.

Comment by Anonymous

October 2nd 2008 23:55

ohh and heyy Darth Spoon up there. ummm yeah i'm anonymous for the fact that there are many creepers out there....that i don't trust. so i'll have you know....that if this world was a safe place id highlight my name across this whole page and let everyone know that i LOVE Angels & Airwaves....so you can just go back to where ever you came from...and stop assuming why people do things.

Comment by Anonymous

October 3rd 2008 07:04

a bit hypocritical of you anonymous
your talking about him assuming a reason for you not having your real name
but then you assume that you cant trust people online and that many are creeps
you should be less hypocritical and more trusting if you ask me =]]]

Comment by Anonymous

October 3rd 2008 16:16

you make a very good point....about what i said anonymous...but still i'd rather not take the chance....i mean everyday you hear about somebody somewhere doing something creepy...and i'd rather not be a part of it...but thanks for pointing that out =)

Comment by Anonymous

October 4th 2008 02:47

true true i can see where your coming from
but just to let you know if i did know your real name i would not do anything creepy =]
hope thats reassuring...or was it too much...anyways straying aside from the subject have a good one

Comment by Anonymous

October 7th 2008 00:47

haha hmmm....you can have my nickname....AJ...and yours?

Comment by Anonymous

October 7th 2008 06:58

lol at least you kinda trust me
well my names shane . nice to meet you

Comment by Anonymous

October 7th 2008 23:18

well hi shane...nice to meet you too. So do you like Angels & Airwaves, or do you hate them like some of the people on this page do.

Comment by Anonymous

October 8th 2008 17:08

hello well no i dont like them at all
since you like them ill keep my mouth shut

-shane

Comment by Anonymous

October 10th 2008 00:10

hahaha okay thanks lol

*AJ

Comment by Anonymous

October 13th 2008 01:14

Went to see weezer last night in Seattle. Weezer was incredible. Unfortunately I had to sit through this moron's set. AA comes across as idiotic because of the front man and over synth. The drummer is incredible as a power drummer and the bassist is also good, but their talent is BY FAR overshadowed by the overly dramatic, attention starved antics of the lead douche. Put down the laser glasses and dumb lights. You are not Wayne from the flaming lips. You are not the Edge. Give letto his fans back and stop blowing kisses to the crowd when I'm trying to bring my kid to a REAL concert. Luckily, weezer survived you sitting in on sweater song. U2 just called me and said WTF?

Comment by Anonymous

October 15th 2008 02:28

lol no problem
anyone know when they are going to make another album btw?

Comment by Holler

November 3rd 2008 21:23

Modest mouse has been around for YEARS and FYI they blow too. I saw angels and airwaves opening for weezer and guess what? EVERY single song sounded the same... hmm...what a suprise! Tom did put on a good show tho. I'll give him cred. I loved blink. I miss them dearly. I must say that they are nothing without eachother. PLEASE get back together. you are just kidding yourself with this so-called meaningful music and AVA is just going to bomb as soon as teens figure out that it's as gay as fall out boy.

all the love in my slow beating sarcastic heart,
holl

Comment by Holler

November 3rd 2008 21:23

Comment by Anonymous

November 4th 2008 00:15

i like a few modest mouse songs acutally but everything else is well agreed
btw weezer ftw!

Comment by Anonymous

November 4th 2008 00:18

sorry i cant type =[

Comment by Anonymous

November 4th 2008 00:18

sorry i cant type =[

Comment by Anonymous

November 4th 2008 00:19

sorry i cant type =[

Comment by Anonymous

August 7th 2009 17:51

Whoever wrote has no damn brain. If they researched AvA and Tom Delonge at ALL they would have seen that after the breakup of blink, Tom had a serious back problem. He went to surgery and afterwards during his recovery he needed to take drugs to help recover. Sadly, he abused them and for a short while at the begining of AvA they effected his attitudes. That is why he came across so overconfident. Btw, his music while with AvA is amazing. I dont give a crap how it was made, it is inspirational, and actually meens something. They remind me of Pink Floyd and U2.

Comment by Jon B

December 30th 2009 07:16

Well.... AVA aren't the worst thing I've heard the past 10 years (that honour goes to Green Day).

But hot damn, if this guy isn't egotistical as FUCK. I think the idea of being remembered as the proprietor of adolescent fart jokes in music kind of got to his head and made him snap. As such, he's desperate to make a 'worthwhile' record. Poor guy.

He's written some decent tunes though (The Adventure - Everything's Magic). Fun pop rock. Nothing to cry home about, though.

Btw, I think Darth Spoon mentioned something about Indie music. Let me just say, Indie music has to be the sole reason that Rock has taken a nosedive for Epic Failure the past decade.

Animal Collective
Arcade Fire
Elbow
Grizzly Bear

I mean, God, what a LOAD OF SH*T.

Comment by chruis

November 24th 2010 23:13

Good post.
You're absolutely right--I can't make heads or tails out of Delonge's lyrics. Talk about vague and incoherent drug-induced generalities!

If Mr. Delonge is not taking drugs, he should be arrested and jailed for being an overly-artsy horse's ass.

Believe it or not, I'm a big Blink 182 fan, so I'd rather not hear any hostile comments by all of the overly-protective AVA Disciples out there.
Thanks.

[ Previous - Jason Molina - Let Me Go Let Me Go Let Me Go ]

[ Next - New Lemonheads Track Unveiled ]