Truth For the Liars

The Used frontman Bert McCracken has been called many things. Hard-working is one of them. The follow-up to 2004's In Love and Death was released this year. Lies For the Liars is the third album from the Used, and, as they say, third time's the charm.

The Used - Lies For the Liars
****1/2
Orem, Utah natives the Used return with their newest effort, Lies For the Liars. The horror house soundtrack sports all of the band's strange tastes and musical showmanship. The album's first single, "The Bird and the Worm," features flawless music with spot-on, note-for-note vocals. Its rocking rhythm sets the creative bar high for the Used. The opener, "The Ripper," is laden with effects so thick it destroys the word "original." Tracks like "Paralyzed" and "With Me Tonight" demonstrate Broadway-type beats via shred guitars, while tunes like "Hospital" and "Liar Liar (Burn in Hell)" suggest rock and metal influences. The incredible "Wake the Dead" is the perfect theme to Dawn of the Dead, with absolutely stunning guest vocals courtesy of Monique Powell. Her short due with McCracken could slice steel razorblades in perfect half. "Paralyzed" recalls the Used's roots in punk, as does the anthemic chorus of "The Ripper." McCracken's screams are used sparingly in most songs, save the harder rock beats. "Pretty Handsome Awkward" is a fluid rocker that will dominate iPods for months to come, blending the awesome guitars of Quinn Allman with McCracken's own perfect vocals. The slower tunes "Find a Way" and "Smother Me" don't suit the Used's I-don't-give-a-damn personality. Wait for a couple minutes at the end of "Smother Me" to hear the hilarious hidden rap track, "Quesadilla." At the time of recording, the Used had no drummer because of founding member Branden Steineckert's leave in September 2006, and hired session drummer Dean Butterworth to work on the album, who definitely deserves kudos for pounding the skins so brutally and ariculately (Butterworth is currently gigging with Good Charlotte). The Used later recruited Dan Whitesides formerly of New Transit Glory. This is definitely a hit from the guys of the Used. Buh-bye everybuddy!

Ian