The band, originating out of Orem, Utah, formed in early 2001, playing show to show in small clubs, being kicked out for their intense spirit and violent stage antics, eventually caught the eye of Goldfinger's John Feldman, who took the boys under his wing and became producer for their 2002 self-titled summer release.

The album, 12 tracks, (13 if you count the hidden track, "Choke Me"), is a beautiful schizophrenic mess of passion, anger, heartbreak and emotion. Lead singer Bert McCracken violently wretches and stretches his vocal chords on some tracks, while creeping back to quietly whisper and melodically lull you in on others. The album caught on like wildfire, finding its way into the hearts of frustrated teens everywhere.

Playing show after show, the band; rounded out by guitarist Quinn Allman, bassist Jeph Howard, and drummer Branden Steineckert; are constantly supporting the disc, and the fans come out to the shows, hanging on word for word, letting go of everything and putting their minds and actions into the hands of this band for a rough 45 minutes of familiar songs.

Their sound is unmistakably unique, a cocktail of nü-metal-like agression and power riffs, smashed together with cellos and pianos, acoustic guitar, and gorgeously morbid lyrics that nearly anyone with a soul can relate to.

But this band's heart and soul is their live show. If you weren't a fan before, you will be, 2 songs into the set, you'll have a grin plastered on your face and will stand there, shaking, and screaming with joy at the realization that this is your new favourite band.

The Used are a different band. Being a fan myself, it's hard to explain why you hold them so high above yourself. It seems silly, the idea that a band can completely change you around, make you more than happy, and give you a reason to just be you.

Rather than living the upscale rockstar life of groupies, huge parties, limousines and mansions, the Used seem happy with video games, and occasionally defacing and smashing up a second hand automobile. That's just them, and it's so weirdly lovable, you somehow hate yourself for it.

Probably the most odd and interesting aspect of the Used is McCracken himself. It's hard to pin a tag on him, because no one really knows what or who he is. This borderline insane act he has, whether it's real or not. It's a fine line between confusingly comedic and frightening. You don't know what to feel when he comes onstage in a mini-dress and pink eyeshadow, singing along to Khia's "My Neck, My Back". It's an odd sight, but you are somehow compelled, and that's what makes you need more of the Used.

Probably what boosted the Used the most was Bert's public relationship with the Princess of Bleepin' Darkness herself, Kelly Osbourne. Their romance, which had been briefly documented on the Osbourne's MTV show, ended on Valentine's Day 2003, when Bert reportedly told Kelly he "never wanted to see her again".

Fans await the release of the Used's second album, set to be out January 2004, while the recent Live CD/Demo/DVD mix "Maybe Memories" is there to hold the shaky and impatient fans over for the wait.

The Used are more than just music really, but a lifestyle, something you put effort into, that you cry over, that you smile for and live for and love. It may sound rediculous, but honey, never underestimate the power of music.

-Hannah Johnson