New Found Glory's 2000 self-titled second album was what really catapulted the Coral Springs quartet into bona fide national stardom. Released before "emo" had become a dirty word, the mood of the album's boisterous but sensitive pop-punk was perfectly encapsulated on its cover. A collage of faded photos included images of things like video games, roller skates, but also condoms, perfectly encapsulating the record's lyrical and sonic dance between teenage romantic naivete and real adulthood. The single "Hit or Miss," with its plaintive but bouncy tale of waiting by a never-ringing phone. reached the Billboard Modern Rock charts. The album itself was eventually certified gold. 
Photo by Matt Grayson
The band's star has only risen since then, and has lasted so long that they've now entered the pantheon of millennial new-school-punk legends. To celebrate, they've launched an extensive national tour to celebrate the record's tenth anniversary, and a reissued edition with bonus tracks. (They're also still technically touring behind their latest album, last year's Not Without a Fight).
In the spirit of their scene's camaraderie, New Found Glory's brought along longtime pals as tour support. Saves the Day is the biggest name among here, helmed by the only remaining member (but always the band's main creative force), Chris Conley. Boasting some 15 years of performing, the 29-year-old's musical self-evisceration remains compelling and honest rather than corny. After all, he helped create the template for the host of lesser imitators who later clogged up the Warped Tour merch tables.
New Found Glory and Saves the Day. With Hellogoodbye and Fireworks. 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 9. Revolution, 200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $18.99; 954-727-0950; jointherevolution.net
New Found Glory - "Hit Or Miss"
This is the original version of the video, back when the band was still on Drive Thru ... This isn't the MTV version you probably remember. Blame Geffen for tangling the official version up in that Vevo crap on YouTube that just serves to obscure the fact you can't share the videos.
UPDATE: A press representative from Vevo wrote to me seeming slightly offended by my phrasing above, and pointing out that all Vevo videos are embeddable. I appreciate the clarification. The problem is, they can't be shared directly from YouTube, but rather directly from Vevo itself. I followed the link to the Vevo version of New Found Glory's "Hit or Miss" video, and got a site whose main frame cut off the video screen. I also had to watch a McDonald's commercial first. You can do the same thing here. To be fair, the videos are very good quality, but it still seems like the major labels' late and misguided reaction to YouTube, and an attempt to catch more ad impressions.
