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Raise the Dead

(2008, Indie rock, by Phantom Planet, Label: Fueled by Ramen)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Grand garage rock that's dark and dramatic.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Citing Jim Jones, Charles Manson, and David Koresh as musical influences for this album, the band raises instant red flags, though the lyrical references to any of these cult leaders are quite vague. Some dark and depressed lyrics along with several references to death or dying.

  • Violence:

    Several macabre references such as "That boy survived a severed head" and "Your friends will scream in horror/when they find you hanged by a phone cord." The song "Geronimo" has particularly violent lyrics that seems to marry fighting with sex and includes lines such as "I know soon we'll be trading blows/hitting on floors and tearing off clothes" and "I can't stop thinking of pummeling you for another full minute or two."

  • Sex:

    The sexual references are few, but frequently laced with violent imagery. In "Demon Daughters," the subjects of the song are repeatedly referred to as "hot and bothered."

  • Language:

    You won't find much foul language aside from one instance each of "f--ked" and "bastard."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A passing reference: "Brine is finer than wine/but don't drink too much" and a metaphorical reference to party chasers looking like "theater seats around an open bar."
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Raise the Dead

Parents need to know that this band first found mainstream success via the popular TV show The O.C. where its catchy tune "California" is the theme song. Compared to previous releases, this album is a lot less light pop and much deeper, darker fare. And while there is some questionable imagery and several dubious sexual references, those sometimes take a backseat to the dramatic beat and theatrical vocals.

Read our full review by connyc

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how bands grow and evolve throughout their careers and how they find new ways to keep their music interesting and their listeners interested. Do you think it's important that bands constantly change their sound or do you expect and want a band to produce albums that sound similar to one another?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    strawbryblondy
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    their sound!

    i love the way they sing... i dont know its different because they sound like they are singing with a british accent, but they arent. and do the panic is a great song anyway...

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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