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Fever to Tell (by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Rock)

common sense media says

Some good stuff, but also much self-absorption.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this CD may inspire a "Hey, I can do that!" reaction in teenagers, which is good. But the songs are unimpressive, with just enough gratuitous profanity for a parental advisory sticker, and not enough to bother providing an edited version.

Positive messages: Some unsettling lyrics about romantic obsession.
Violence: A few violent images.
Sex: Lots of posturing; mostly innuendo.
Language: Just enough for a parental advisory; apparently not enough for an edited version.
Consumerism: Nothing to speak of.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A few references to drinking.
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More on Fever to Tell

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how important it is that the integrity of the lyrics supports the quality of the music. In this case, the performers show a lot of talent in the way they sing and play their instruments, but weak lyrics bring down the end result.

What's the story?

What's the story?
The Brooklyn-based Yeah Yeah Yeahs might sound a whole lot like the band that rehearses in your garage -- the one with your kids in it. And though your kids might not play or sing as well as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, they just might write better songs. FEVER TO TELL brings us Karen O., an impressive lead singer who wraps her big voice around unimpressive lyrics, but her slightly hysterical edge grows tedious after a while. Nick Zinner is an accomplished and uninhibited guitarist with an ax to grind, and Brian Chase is a powerful, passionate drummer. But the songs are simplistic and monotonous, and the lyrics so self-consciously edgy that some sound like self-parody: "We could do it to each other/we're like a sister and a brother" could almost work as part of a Saturday Night Live sketch.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
There's a lot of potential here, if the Yeah Yeah Yeahs can learn to get over themselves and come up with some better material. If you're looking for what's good about Fever to Tell, it's probably its accessibility. If teenage rockers hear this CD and think, "I can do that," that's a good thing.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: April 29, 2003
Label: Interscope Records
Genre: Rock
Parental advisory: Yes
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

rie97
teen, 14 years old
12
 
One of my favorite albums
There isn't a whole lot of swearing in this album, even if it carries a Parental Advisory sticker. The tracks "Maps," "Y Control" and "Cold Light" stand out to me, though the whole album is good.
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Forknose
adult
 
Yeah they are self-absorbed
YYY is a good band. They have a great deal of potential. Maps is an absolutely remarkable song, as is Y Control and Modern Romance. Some of their stuff is just ok but when they go for the Night Club rock style they hit it off really well. The songs are REALLY easy to play too.
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rachelemae
adult
 
They are a good band
They use some swear words. But when they do it's in a more artistic form, and not just using it to be "cool".
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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