We are nearing the 10 year anniversary of one of the most iconic albums to debut in the 2000s: My Chemical Romance's, The Black Parade. To mark the occasion, the band has decided to re-release the album with 11 additional demos that have never been released. Living With Ghosts is the title given to this accompaniment, a perfect name considering the circumstances.
The anniversary album was released on the 23rd, and needless to say I rushed to get me a copy. I was almost late to my first class, but let me tell you it was totally worth it. The heavy and many times unbearable Atlanta traffic allowed me to listen to this album in its entirety. I cannot recall the last time I did so.
That being said, I can recall the first time I heard this album. I was in 5th grade when it came out. The memory of my heart racing when the video for 'Welcome to the Black Parade' debuted is very vivid in my head. I couldn't believe it. Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge meant everything to me back then, so to hear that they were back with a larger than life sound was a pretty big freaking deal for 10 year old me.
I didn't realize it until very recently. Although I purchased the album upon its initial release, it took me many years to become familiar with all of its songs. This was something that I never do, and I found it to be very odd. The songs of The Black Parade graced my ears exactly when they needed to. Each one had a different story relating to the one I was living. It took me years to realize this, but this album truly has a life of its own.
The music, the lyrics, the aesthetic, I cant even begin to explain the influence this album had on my desire to make art of my own. I owe much to this album and this band. For ten years, I have been living with the ghosts of The Black Parade. I just didn't know it yet. It took revisiting these songs to see that.
Maybe you, the reader, can relate on some level. Maybe there is a band that has touched you in a similar way. Maybe there is an album that drove you to finally take action on something that's been weighing on your mind. Perhaps there was a song that helped you to see the world in a different way. Whatever the case may be, the thought process is worth having.
Although the Black Parade is dead, there is no doubt in my mind that the memory of it will carry on for many years to come. Happy 10th anniversary, and happy listening.
