Monday, September 21, 2009

Skelanimals

Long have I been dreading the day.  The day when I would discover a new trend and think, "Kids these days!"  Methinks this day has come.

Now, look, I'm only 25.  25 = not old.  I realize that.  But I just can't help but feel that way sometimes.  or at least feel like I'm gradually stumbling my way there.

I caught wind of this new Family Force 5 single that was releasing exclusively through Target called "Keep The Party Alive."  So I went to Target and sought it out.  I was dismayed (and irritated) that it was an EP of six FF5 songs for $5.99, three of which are on Dance or Die and two of which are on Dance or Die With A Vengeance.  So basically, since I already have BOTH of these albums, buying that EP would be a waste of six bucks (as it most likely also would be for anyone who likes Family Force 5 enough to care about one new song).  Needless to say, I put it back on the shelf and bought a bag of chips instead.

Some of that is irrelevant to the point I'm trying to make.  Possibly all of it.  Sorry.  But in case you're wondering, it's this new brand called PopChips.  They're delicious.

I wondered why they had a single releasing already.  John Reuben is releasing a new single per month for four months, but that's because he has a new album coming out.  But FF5 is still on the heels of a remix album, and they have a Christmas album coming out soon.  I like FF5, but I don't think I can handle this much of them.  But come to find out, "Keep The Party Alive" is all part of this big Halloween ad campaign for Target and these things called Skelanimals.

Now I had heard the name "Skelanimals" before in association with FF5, but never put any research into it to see what it was.  Well, JfH had a News Short with the promo video in it, so I watched it.  And, unless I'm missing something, Skelanimals are just little cartoon animals that have all black bodies except for the skeleton of the animal.  That's it.  Don't get me wrong, they're freakin' adorable.  But yeah, that's all they are.  And they've somehow become a sensation with emo kids, young kids (two ten-year-old-looking girls passed me by at Target wearing Skelanimal apparel while talking about their Skelanimal clothing and frantically searching for the Skelanimal section...no exaggeration) and they even have Skelanimal bands on their website.  FF5 is included in that section, along with bands like Meg & Dia, Silverstein, Chiodos, and even As I Lay Dying (which may be the weirdest one to me.  I mean, why would a metal band be all about some cutesy little animals?)

I'm not trying to sound angry, or be a jerk or anything.  If you like these guys, that's perfectly okay.  I just would like someone to explain to me if there's some validity in this, or if it's just another passing fad like Trolls, Pogs and slap bracelets?

Or am I just getting old?

Posted by Scott Fryberger at 7:26:31 PM in JFH Staff (108) | Comments (18)

Comments

1. John DiBiase said...

I had no idea it was a fad at all. ha. I had only heard about them from FF5 as well, and with trying to find the EP myself at Target to get the new song, I was surprised how much skelanimals stuff was at the store. So I dunno. Maybe the fans have more insight in this.

Also, you're a bit harsh on the FF5 EP. I think it's good exposure for them. Fans of Skelanimals will get a good taste of their music from picking up the EP. Plus the EP has the video for "Dance Or Die" and the Skelanimals Target commercial on it in addition to the 6 songs on the EP. I agree it's a waste for most fans, but I think it was just a good promo opportunity they seized, and it was a good idea. I wouldn't be surprised if the title track would make it to their next album or at least eventually appear on iTunes some day. So I doubt it's entirely exclusive to this EP (but then again, I'm entirely speculating).

Lastly, I have a feeling anyone into Skelanimals have no idea what Trolls, POGs, or slap bracelets are :)

9/22/2009

3. Matt said...

In response to the comment above, the single "Keep The Party Alive" is available on Amazon.com, which means it isn't exclusive to the EP anymore :-) I actually spent half an hour at Target looking for that exclusive EP the day it came out, and they didn't have it. I'm glad I held off from going back. I wouldn't have paid $6 for stuff I already had, haha.

I love Family Force 5, and they are actually my favorite band, but I don't really understand the Skelanimals thing either. I'm glad, though, that they are becoming more popular and are being exposed to mainstream audiences.

And I don't mind that FF5 is coming out with a lot of music so fast, as long as the quality and uniqueness is still there. I don't mind their new stuff, but I kinda wish they would go back to their style from "Business Up Front, Party In The Back."

9/22/2009

5. Allyson Reed said...

I have to say, I am not a "diehard" FF5 fan but I do like some of their songs (especially "Get Your Back Off the Wall"). I agree with John that it sounds like you are being a little too harsh about the EP. I think it is a good way for the band to gain some new fans who may not listen to CHR Rock radio. I like the title song and think it could be a big hit on rock stations. As for Skelanimals, I had no idea what they were or that they were a "fad" until reading this. I do not shop at Hot Topic because I do not like what they represent. After checking them out, I am not impressed. They are WEIRD! But who knows? These could be this decade's Beanie Babies.
God bless,
Allyson Reed
By the way,
although I am 20, I do know what Trolls, Pogs, and "slap bracelets" are. :)

9/22/2009

7. Christine said...

haha, i liked skelanimals before i even i knew about ff5's association with them :) actually i liked them before i even liked ff5... haha.

9/23/2009

9. John DiBiase said...

Christine, we have a page on the site with all the track info for the EP, but basically it's the new song plus a couple of the remixes from "Vengeance" and a couple tracks from Dance Or Die. And then the Dance Or Die video and the Skelanimals commercial featuring the new song.

9/23/2009

11. John DiBiase said...

No need to apologize! It's ok. :)

9/23/2009

13. Allyson+Reed said...

Where can I listen to and/or buy this EP? There is not a Target very close to where I live and it is not streaming on the band's Myspace. Any tips?
God bless.

9/23/2009

15. Ian said...

I think these creatures are just a phase that will pass like how Twilight is right now but not even close to being as popular. I am pretty sure that the Skelanimals have actually been around for a few years now. They kind of remind me of Hello Kitty gone Emo. I don't get why FF5 is supporting them but I guess it might draw more listeners and then from there to Christ which would be good.

Allyson+Reed- Family Force 5 is actually Streaming the "Keep the Party Alive" song on their Myspace but not the EP. That's alright though because the EP only has that one new song that is not on previous albums. Hope that helps! I would also recommend looking at the Target and/or the Amazon websites for the EP.

If anyone is looking for the EP in store, I looked and its not in the music section there but the Skelanimals area with the Halloween stuff.



As for POGs, Trollz and slap bracelets I do remember them, and I think they are all awesome!

9/24/2009

17. Abby said...

Last year when FF5 hopped on bourd for the Skelanimals Halloween show they did in California I was irratated. I don't know why they are involving themselves so much with it. FF5 is my favorite, band I jut don't understand their motives in this. And it does seem redundent on their part to keep releasing the same songs over and over again with different album titles.

10/2/2009