"So Long, Astoria" by The Ataris has aged like fine wine
"So Long, Astoria" is an all time pop punk classic. The Ataris don't get enough praise for this album. It ranks right up there with other staples of the genre like Fall Out Boy's "Take This to Your Grave" or Blink 182's "Enema of the State."
This LP is damn near flawless. No skips. Even the most mid songs on here are better than anything some more well known bands in this genre have ever written.
There are MULTIPLE tracks on this record that still bring me to tears. "Takeoffs and Landings" hits me particularly hard because it reminds me of a mutually painful breakup with an old girlfriend who chose to return to Canada and continue her humanitarian work over our relationship. All the lyrics on this album are earnest, evocative, and come straight from the heart. All these songs dredge up real, raw, visceral emotions. Truly inspired songwriting.
I can't believe this band didn't blow up into a household name on the strength of this record. It's so sad that most people only know them for the cover song (which is fantastic, but probably only the fifth best song on this effort). The Ataris deserved so much more for delivering this masterpiece.
Every few years, songs from this record randomly start popping up in my head and get stuck there. I am then compelled to give it another listen. Every single time, I'm delighted to find out that it only gets better.
I'm not even a huge Ataris fan. I (regretfully) never kept track of their projects after this record, but this album will always have a place in my eternal rotation.
"So Long, Astoria" is timeless. The moment the opening riff from the titular track kicks off, I'm instantly transported back to those awkward middle school years. It's a bittersweet, emotional plunge into nostalgia that few albums force me to experience.