Reggie and the Full Effect has a new album titled Songs Not To Get Married To and they are definitely songs I would not get married to.
James Dewees is the multi-instrumental, singer, songwriter and creator of Reggie and the Full Effect. He is also the keyboard player for emo- rock heroes The Get Up Kids and drummer for Coalesce.
Dewees got the band name from his friend’s father’s dog “Reggie.”
Later “the full effect” came from his desire to explore a full spectrum of music. He tampers with genres and takes from each to make a diverse overall sound and theme on his albums by using techno beats, emo lyrics and hardcore guitar to name a few.
His ability to explore different sounds especially shines on Songs Not to Get Married To compared to older albums such as Greatest Hits 1984-1987 in 1998 and Promotional Copy in 2000.
Going from one song to the next, it’s hard to tell it’s the same guy singing and writing the music if you are not a hardcore fan, but after second listen to the album it’s easy to catch on and see there is a method to his madness.
At first listen to “Take Me Home Please” on Reggie and the Full Effect’s web site I jumped up out of my chair and started shaking my butt to the techno-influenced dance beat. The song consists heavily of keyboards, which I personally love and think it adds a soft touch to the hard techno beat.
Reggie’s pleading lyrics “Anna please get off the phone now I’ve got to let you know now its time for you to take me home” make the song super singable and complete.
Fans of heavier music should try the harder sounds of “The Trooth” and “Dethnotronic”.
Songs Not To Get Married To drops on March 29, so look out. Until then you can check out sample songs on vagrantrecords.com.

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