Song of The Day: Man Alive - Say What You Want

This band holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been a fan since 2001 or so when I first heard “Foreign Concepts” from Men of Israel Records. They were big time self promoters and got their music into my ears. I bought their early albums for sale in my store back in the day. The band was out from Israel touring the country and stopped in to play this store here in Orange County, CA. where I was putting on “I’m Your Biggest Fan Vol. 2” album release show. It was such a good time. They released “Foreign Concepts”, then “Work in Progress” (re-released a year later), then in 2005 dropped their Ed Rose produced big label debut “Open Surgery” through The Militia Group. It remains an underrated hit both in the scene and in my heart. The song “Say What You Want” was one of their “hits” that mostly slipped under the radar but there are fans who bought it and still listen. This Israeli based punk rock band had a unique place in our scene and their music certainly stirs up that nostalgic melodic punk rock feeling in fans. This track is one of their slower songs, perfect for long drives and constant sing a longs. Lead vocalist/guitarist Jamie Hilsden still makes music today and after the hiatus of Man Alive is now doing ancient worship songs in all Hebrew through his group Miqedem. The band went on to release “Access Denied EP” in 2007 “Self Titled” in 2008 and “A Light Goes On” in 2013. They even contributed a song to “Hearts Bleed Passion Vol. 1” back in 2004!