This is one of the better truely pop albums that i have heard in a while. The song structure is quite simple and the time signature not all that complex. but it's a very refreshing change from bands that try to showcase complexity and forget their average listener. The songs are undeniably catchy without having the lyrics being too intuitive. while they don't sound exactly like copeland they are similar and if your a fan of copeland or mae it's pretty good bet that you'll like these guys too.

First of all, I just want to let the reviewer a number of reviews below that I have heard Mae and Copeland (in fact I have albums from both of them right here), and I agree that The Rocket Summer DOES NOT sound like them. However, I disagree with your idea that because Bryce does not sound like Mae or Copeland than he sucks. It is close-minded to listen to not like a singer because he doesn't sound like the typical singer you enjoy. Bryce has an incredible voice. My best description is that he sounds like Michael Jackson on crack. That may sound like an insult, but Michael Jackson on crack sounds awesome! He is an amazing songwriter and has put together some incredible music here. It is unfortunate that one critic thinks that anyone who likes this music must be musically ignorant. Well, I am not musically ignorant. I am a musician and I listen to a varied music selection. Music is very deeply apart of me. I don't like every band or singer I here. This particular person, Bryce Avary, has amazing talent. The fact that there are people with closed-minds and a chip on their shoulder doesn't negate the fact that this is truly music. It makes sense that negative people would want to attack music that is extremely positive. What kind of person that is living a sad life wants to come on and congradulate someone who is full of positive energy and enthusiasm. They would most likely despise him, and thats sad. I don't mean to judge the first of the critics below, but I've seen many, many similar critiques (if they can be called that) of other artists by sad, unhappy people.

Buy this album, and the latest "Hello, Good Friend". Give it a chance to grow on you. If you are very passionate about music, like me, then I'm asking you to trust me. This one is well worth it.


(sorry for any errors. I tend to skip words without realizing it)

Were it not for the fact that this album is quite listenable - and indeed enjoyable - I would be tempted to give this five stars just to spite Adam Lindsley, the profoundly closed-minded and musically stunted spawn of the 1970's music scene who gave it one star in his review. He lambasts this album, citing the decline in music sice the 90's (when, presumably, he listened to such musically intellectual bands as INXS or some such repetitive dance music nonsense).

I might feel a modicum of guilt for giving this album a good review simply for the sake of argument. Thank God that the Rocket Summer deserves the five stars it seems to be almost universally getting. What Lindsley passes off as garbage is simply a new and different style that obviously does not appeal to him. And that's just fine... or it would be if he kept his disrespect off of a forum such as amazon.

This album is quite a pleasing listen, nice, warm, and laid back. It is peaceful music, and, as another reviewer noted, it is for those who haven't been jaded into thinking that upbeat and optimistic lyrics are a sign of immaturity. I would highly recommend it for anyone searching for something new, something that they can feel good while listening to. Just say no to disgruntled 70's-music-wannabe's and pick up this album. You won't regret it.

this is definitely an amazing cd. i love it so much! if you're into indie, get this. please, get this. the lyrics might be high school level but it's just an amazing CD that almost everyone can rock out to. seriously, get it. it's just a great CD.

I recently stumbled acrossed this band a few days ago. I would have to say that I'm quite impressed with their effort. I have yet to hear their first cd or the new one that came out a fews days ago, but if they sound anything like Calendar Days, then I'll be buying them as well.

If you like the indie rock, emo sound then this is a cd to get you started.

Well most people will say and i'll agreel Lyically they aren't as good as someone such as Copeland or Mae, but then again they sound completely different all together. With the expections of "cheap shots and TV family" most of the lyrics seems to be writted for high schoolers. The song titled Saturday says it all. The tracks just have a carefree, immature style to them. But hey it still works... for the most part. It's a great cd to pop in the car and just drive.

The vocals aren't as clean as I think they could have been. Some peopole complain about the lead's whining, straining. FOr me it's actually what i liked about the songs. He sings his heart out, in tune or not. Another great thing, is something that I find rare; the music(the tempo, sounds etc) actually supplments the lyrics and the vocals. It's seems the wrote the lyrics to a track, rather than adding a track to lyrics if that makes sense.

Stand Out tracks: TV Family, Mean Thoughts and Cheap Shots, What we Hate We Make, and This is me.

There are 1 or 2 filler tracks on the cd, but tother than that, I think the cd is pretty good. I would somewhat recommend.