The Enduring Legacy of The Get Up Kids' Seminal Album "Something To Write Home About"

The Get Up Kids' classic 1999 album "Something To Write Home About" turns 25 this year, and the band is celebrating with an expanded reissue and a tour. Co-leaders Matt Pryor and Jim Suptic joined the BrooklynVegan podcast for an in-depth reflection on the album, reminiscing about their humble beginnings, the label feeding frenzy that followed their debut, and the creative process that led to the creation of one of the most influential emo albums of all time.

Uncovering the Timeless Essence of a Seminal Emo Album

From Humble Beginnings to Emo Stardom

The Get Up Kids' journey from their 1997 debut album "Four Minute Mile" to the release of "Something To Write Home About" just two years later is a testament to their rapid artistic growth and the band's ability to capture the zeitgeist of the emerging emo scene. Pryor and Suptic reflect on the band's humble origins, recounting how they evolved from their early days into the creators of a genre-defining album that would go on to inspire countless other emo acts.The success of "Four Minute Mile" sparked a label feeding frenzy, with the band ultimately deciding to sign with the then-little-known Vagrant Records. This decision would prove to be a pivotal moment, as the longer demoing process for "Something To Write Home About" allowed the band to refine their sound and craft a much more polished and influential album than its predecessor.

The Creative Process Behind a Masterpiece

The expanded reissue of "Something To Write Home About" includes a second disc of demos, providing a unique glimpse into the band's creative process. Pryor and Suptic discuss how this longer demoing period helped shape the album, resulting in a more refined and cohesive final product.The band's headlining tour for "Something To Write Home About," with At the Drive-In as the opening act, further cemented their status as a leading force in the emo scene. The album's impact continued to grow, with the band's subsequent support tours for Green Day and Weezer exposing their music to an even wider audience.

The Mainstream Emo Boom and The Get Up Kids' Evolution

"Something To Write Home About" heavily influenced the mainstream emo boom that followed, with the band's melodic and punk-tinged sound becoming a blueprint for countless other acts. However, The Get Up Kids themselves would soon move away from this sound, with their 2002 album "On A Wire" marking a shift in their musical direction.This evolution highlights the band's refusal to be pigeonholed and their commitment to artistic growth. As the emo genre continued to evolve, The Get Up Kids remained true to their vision, constantly pushing the boundaries of their sound and inspiring new generations of musicians.

Celebrating a Timeless Classic

Twenty-five years after its release, "Something To Write Home About" remains a beloved and influential album in the emo canon. The upcoming tour and expanded reissue offer fans a chance to revisit this seminal work, while also introducing it to a new generation of listeners.The album's enduring appeal is a testament to the timeless quality of its songwriting and the emotional resonance it continues to hold. From the pop-punk-tinged anthems like "Holiday" and "Action & Action" to the piano-driven ballads and acoustic numbers, "Something To Write Home About" has proven to be a versatile and enduring classic.As The Get Up Kids prepare to celebrate this milestone, fans can look forward to more opportunities to experience the album live and discover its lasting impact on the emo genre. Whether you're a longtime devotee or a newcomer to the band's music, "Something To Write Home About" remains a must-listen for anyone with a passion for emotive, melodic rock.