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Fall Out Boy's Latest CD Fun, Catchy But Empty

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By CURTIS ROSS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 15, 2009

Updated:

Every month in Alternative Press magazine, the column "I Don't Know, Ask That Guy" skewers some band that had the temerity to exist before Weezer.

Oh, the stinging barbs hurled the way of Night Ranger and Eddie Money! Dear me, don't us fogies feel skewered by the "Why Your (Grand) Parents Like Them" subcategory!

Alternative Press practically deifies Fall Out Boy and its leader, habitual eyeliner offender Pete Wentz. So won't it be a juicy irony years from now when FOB gets trashed in the very same pages?

It seems inevitable. Like most of the Ribfest perennials AP sneers at, Fall Out Boy makes buffed-to-a-mirror-finish rock, big, pumped-up verses and even bigger, even more-pumped-up choruses. It's catchy and the kids love it, just like the kids loved Foreigner 30 years ago. Sounds great, less filling.

Heck, this album even has FOB's own "Waiting for a Girl Like You" with the faux soul-ballad "What a Catch, Donnie," featuring, for no discernible reason, vocals from Elvis Costello.

Me, I've got no problem with Foreigner. But no one tried to pass those journeymen off as clever or insightful or the voice of a generation or whatever laurel is being placed on Wentz and Co.'s shoulders this album.

Which isn't to say you can't get your kicks from "Folie a Deux" if you're so inclined. It's more focused than "Infinity on High," with a much better hits-to-filler ratio than "Under the Cork Tree." It's slick and fun and catchy. And basically empty.

Just don't ask it to be more than it is, OK? See you at Ribfest.

Download this: "She's My Winona"

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