Release Date: January 19, 2010
Genre: Alternative Rock
Language: English

After the two or two and a half year gap since their last release, the band Motion City Soundtrack unleashes My Dinosaur Life. With them signing to Columbia, a drummer with a broken arm, and a lead singer with a fair share of issues, one had to wonder how this album would turn out. As far as I’m concerned this a damn good album. It is a much more better effort than their previous album Even If It Kills Me. It is a beautiful amalgamation of the mayhem, the quirkiness, and catchy melodic qualities their previous albums each had. Justin Pierre does a wonderful job with his vocal duties which are magnificently paired with his clever, witty, and quirky lyrics. The rest of band perform their duties well and moog player Jesse Johnson gets a chance to show why synth and pop punk/alternative rock are a great combination.

1. Worker Bee

“It’s been a good year, a good new beginning” perfectly establishes this chapter of the bands career. It’s also an good start to the album and gives you an idea of what to expect. Also I kind of found it interesting that even with saying things are good that the verses all sound a bit negative. Even going to say that the resurfacing of new wounds makes him feel broken and good at the same time. Almost to say he’s become accustomed to his own shortcomings. Also the wordplay is pretty interesting on here as well with lyrics like “Carnival kings milking holiday sins comas in cashmere”. I honestly have no idea what that’s even supposed to mean while looking at it at face value. But I’m sure it means something to Justin.

2. A Lifeless Ordinary (Need a Little Help)

Another great and catchy song, this time about Justin realizing that even though he thinks he’s got it all figured out he still needs some help from others. Also while this song has a good initial pop rock vibe for the most part, I though it was pretty neat what they did towards the end. Even if in my mind it makes the song to start sound like Maroon 5 song out of no where. The melody of that part is just done so well and mixes well with the rest of the song. Also is the mention of “indoor living” supposed to be a reference to their song Indoor Living?

3. Her Words Destroyed My Planet

This song is simply amazing. This song definitely follows the structure and style the band is known for. It has quirky lyrics, catchy instrumentals, Justin’s amazing vocals, and Jesse’s moog work being more in the forefront than in the background. As far as the lyrics, it’s the typical fair of Justin’s shortcomings ruining his relationship with a girl, but this time Justin makes an effort to better himself to maybe win this girl back. Which he does so by shaving, selling his X-Box, and stopping smoking weed.

4. Disappear

I almost want to say this is angry song. Which I get with how Justin delivers the lyrics and the instrumentals. Also the lyrics seem pretty dark in context to the previous songs. With that said, it still is an enjoyable song for what it is.

5. Delirium

I like the approach the band takes on this song. I the contrast between the more explosive sounding chorus and the more subdued verses. Like the previous song, this continues the dark and brooding vibe. In this song Justin swears to pharmaceuticals, almost as a nod to his belief in medication mentioned in the song Modern Chemistry. This probably has to do with Justin’s personal problems with medication, drugs, and alcohol due to his anxiety issues. All of which seem to make their way into a lot of Motion City Soundtracks songs.

6. History Lesson

The band describe this as a “pub song”. From the lyrics and the instrumentals I can see what they mean. It definitely sounds like a group of guys are at the pub singing a jaunty little tune. Granted I personally not sure how I feel about it.

7. Stand Too Close

I love this song for the mellow vibes and hand claps. I don’t know why but they just do the trick for me. Also am I the only one that think it’s funny that they managed to somehow mention Busta Rhymes of all people? I also like the arrangement of how the song lacks an actual chorus but creates what sort of should be one towards the end.

8. Pulp Fiction

The lyrics and word play on this song are amazing. Justin’s fast delivery and pop culture references are key to a great and quirky Motion City Soundtrack song. Seriously Justin somehow manages to work in Miami Vice, Go Go Gadget arms, and silly rabbit into the lyrics. Also Jessie does some amazing moog work on this song. Also is the chorus of the song supposed to be Justin’s opinion of the movie Pulp Fiction? “The plot sucks but the killings are gorgeous”? But then again when he says “black and white cheaply put together” sounds more like Natural Born Killers.

9. @!#?@!

I will say this is a pretty cheerful song, considering the subject matter. I mean it’s like really happy and danceable, but the song is about Justin telling mother fuckers to leave him and his sensitive home boys alone. Also this might be the first time I’ve heard someone say mother fucker melodically. It’s such a fun and enjoyable song musically, yet the lyrics are so disdainful towards these people Justin is addressing. Makes me wonder if they were joking around when they made this or did this as some kind of odd contrast. I have no idea, but if this is nonsense, it’s nonsense at it’s best. I will also say I did like the Legend Of Zelda Ocarina Of Time reference. I totally had to go double check to see if that game really did come out around 1999.

10. Hysteria

I just love the energy and pacing in this song. To me it really does fit the theme of hysteria wonderfully. As the bass riff and verses have a sense of urgency that just explodes into the chorus. Also this song features more great moog and guitar work. And I haven’t brought this up yet, but for a man who had to sit out with a broken arm for song, Tony Thaxton is working his ass off on all these songs with great drum work.

11. Skin And Bones

Here Justin delivers a beautiful vocal melody over energetic instrumentals. Another combination the band does so well. The lyrics here do a great job at being a bit more meaningful and serious. Which does a great job of questioning of our own self importance in relation to our existence in the world in a very negative manner. Or I don’t know that’s what I get from it.

12. The Weakends

Interesting choice for a closure. To go from such a beautifully melodic song(and somewhat depressing now that I think about it) to such an aggressive and and brash song, but it really works. It’s very emotional and the chorus really paints a picture for me.

Final Thoughts:

While it’s hard to say this is their best work, this definitely a solid album. The band did an amazing job taking what worked from their three previous albums and integrating them together. This definitely a step up from Even If It Kills Me, and all the band members definitely brought their A game. I am definitely proud to say that Motion City Soundtrack is one of my favorite bands from this generation of rock.

Track I Recommend

- Her Words Destroyed My Planet

- Hysteria

Overall Rating

5 Out Of 5