So when Rooney, The Click Five and Phantom Planet all had their major label debuts relatively within the same time period, I of course, supported and purchased all of their efforts. Even Phantom Planet's two follow-ups. And now, in 2007, both Rooney's new one and The Click Five's new one. I'll admit here, the back-catalogues for these three bands have sat amongst my other CD's gathering dust. But now comes "Modern Minds & Pastimes" and it simply is a fun, fun, fun record. Pop with a heavy dose of The Cars and hints of Matthew Sweet. Lots of synthesizers, harmonies, melodies. And songs about girls, girls and more girls. But between the oohs and ahhs and handclaps and echoes, damn if it's not catchy. Great to work out to at the gym. P.S. In case someone wants to hunt this one down: Jason Schwartzman left Phantom Planet to pursue his acting career more aggressively. Ironically, Schwartzman's brother, Robert, decided to pursue his music career more aggressively than his acting one - he's the lead singer/songwriter for Rooney. Well, Jason's still making films and he's not drumming for Phantom Planet. But in late 2006, he did sneak out an interesting pop record under the name Coconut Records. "Nighttiming" doesn't always work, but on many levels it is far more a pop-affair than Phantom Planet and any direction they've attempted to take. Nighttiming

Having heard a few really great tracks off this album, I decided to see how much more The Click Five could impress me. And while no songs impress me as much as "Headlight Disco," "Flipside," and "I'm Getting Over You," most of the album entertains and pleases any listener with impressive vocals and songs that try to add a little bit more depth and variety than your average pop punk album.

As with any good pop punk album, the first three opening tracks aim to please with their rockin' atmosphere. They're catchy, fun and perfect for any summer. "Addicted To Me" brings in some synths to add a 80s/new wave feel to it, but the song is mid-tempo, and isn't that exiting to listen to.

As I said in my review of "I'm Getting Over You," the song is an amazing breakup song that goes above and beyond this unoriginal type of song, and brings true emotion into the picture. But the song is needlessly short, and they could have stretched it out more. "When I'm Gone" is well-done that's a little catchy, and has some really good chords that make this a pretty good power pop/rock song.

"Headlight Disco is also another excellent highlight that begs you to move your feet in this dance tune that would fit perfectly at a skating rink. It's pretty original for this genre and is certainly a crowd-pleaser. "All I Need Is You," "Long Way To Go," and "Mary Jane" all have their good elements which make them good songs, but they unfortunately don't stick in your head very long. "Empty" closes the album out with a ballad with contains some great vocals and emotions. The song also gets better as it goes along, building to its grand finale.

Overall, this album goes beyond the call of a pop rocker's duty, and The Click Five separates themselves with some much-needed variety in their music. Add some great vocals, catchy and crowd-pleasing tunes, and you have a pretty good pop rock album which is sure to please any fan. And while they won't win over any fans outside the genre, they'll please and entertain any fan of the pop rock scene.

I purchased their first CD "Greetings from Imrie House" at the same time I purchased this CD. The first ones was good but this one is really good. Great sound, not to hard or soft. It has been a staple in my 6 change CD car player since I purchased it. Great CD!

Boy is this album disappointing.

As I write this I think it is topping at 39,000 in the Amazon list of most popular album sales. I didn't even know there were ever 39,000 albums every made.

Problem is the style is vastly different from the first record. Rather than getting something original and unique we get stale bubble gum. Yuk
This now sounds like one of those rock bands one finds playing at clubs with $2 cover charges.

Oh well - too bad

I found this CD online as I was browsing and it came up in "10 CD's you must hear" category. I listened to samples and thought it would be pretty good. It is very good. Reminds me of a variety of songs/sounds from 80's/90's which I really liked.