Classic & Current Contemporary Non-Schlock-Rock Metropolitan Music

Fast Times at Barrington High (Aug. 19, 2008) - The Academy Is...

The Academy Is...

When Fast Times at Barrington High came out, I was blown away at what a great piece of power pop this record is. I'd been a TAI fan for awhile, but this record is their first that I would say is filled with the qualities of classic power-pop - jangly power chords, irresistible guitar licks, traditionally-scaled lush harmonies, fun lyrics, and lots of cheery energy not unlike that of vintage power pop bands such as The dB's and The Paul Collins Beat.

On July 14, 2008 - a few hours before The Academy Is... released the first song off of Fast Times at Barrington High - I sat down with William Beckett and Adam T. Siska ("Sisky Business") to talk about their pending new album. Most of the songs were written and perfected over a four-month period when they were off-tour, so when they got into the studio, it took under three weeks to do most of the recording before they headed off on Warped Tour.

Sisky and William were excited about the feel of the album's value of friends and appreciation of carefree times when you're young. With their days at Barrington High School in Illinois well behind them, Sisky and William had come to realize how special it is to be able to enjoy the moment instead of only focusing on what lies ahead in life. The more I listened the more I sensed - "yeah, this is what pop music is all about." The guys were stoked that the track "About a Girl" would be released that night at midnight on iTunes, with the full album to follow about a month later.

The Academy Is... - Fast Times at Barrington High Original Album Tracks

About A Girl Summer Hair = Forever Young His Girl Friday The Test Rumored Nights Automatic Eyes Crowded Room Coppertone After The Last Midtown Show Beware! Cougar! Paper Chase

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