Wikipedia

I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming

I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming is the third studio album by American electropop singer-songwriter The Ready Set. It was released on June 14, 2010, through Sire Records, Decaydance, and Beluga Heights.[3] The album debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. The first single from the album, "Love Like Woe", was released on March 29, 2010, and has sold over 1,000,000 downloads in the United States.[4] The deluxe edition includes a re-recorded version of the song "Giants" from his self-released second album Tantrum Castle.[5]

I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming
Studio album by
The Ready Set
ReleasedJune 14, 2010
Recorded2009–10
StudioArchwood Music, Van Nuys, California[1]
Genre
Length25:50 (standard edition)
32:48 (deluxe edition)
Label
Producer
The Ready Set chronology
Cascades (EP)
(2009) 		I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming
(2010) 		Feel Good Now EP
(2011)
Singles from I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming
  1. "Love Like Woe"
    Released: March 29, 2010
  2. "More Than Alive"
    Released: May 25, 2010

Background edit

In November 2009, Pete Wentz signed Witzigreuter to his label Decaydance Records.[6] Additionally, Witzigreuter also signed with the label Sire Records.[6] Writing took place in Atlanta and Los Angeles, as well as recording demos.[7] The album was recorded in Los Angeles and was produced by J. R. Rotem, Matt Squire, David Siegel, Shane Stoner, Kenneth Mount, Zack Odom and Jon Brown.[8][9]

Composition edit

Witzigreuter began writing the album in 2009 and blends various music genres such as pop, techno and rock. Behind composing the album, he stated, "Some of the songs were recorded over a year ago, and then some of the songs were only recorded a few months ago."[10] He revealed that 30 songs did not make the final cut and that when he chose the final track listing, he wanted to have the "catchiest, best pop songs" he wrote for the album, with help from his management and labels.[10] Witzigreuter also played every instrument on the record.[11] He noted "Spinnin'" as the track he was the most proud of from the album, citing early 90's Michael Jackson influences.[12] He also stated that "There Are Days" was one of his favorite songs written, noting its inspirational feel to it. He stated that the song was "written from the perspective of a ghost watching the world pass by, unable to be a part of it. The ultimate concept behind it is that one day you will not be around, so living life to the fullest is absolutely important."[13]

Release edit

On March 29, 2010, Witzigreuter released his first single "Love Like Woe".[14] The song peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100,[15] number one on the Billboard Heatseeker Songs[16] and number 30 on the Canada CHR/Top 40.[17] This led to the song being certified platinum by RIAA and winning the BDS Certified Spin Award based on the 50,000 spins it received.[18][19] The second single "More Than Alive", was released on May 25, 2010.[20] The music video for both singles were directed by Isaac Ravishankara.[21][22] "Stays Four The Same" was released as a promotional single in 2009.[23] The album was made available for streaming on his MySpace page on June 8, 2010,[24] before it was officially released on June 14.[3]

Reception edit

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [1]
PopMatters          [25]
Review Rinse Repeat     [26]

I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming was met with mixed reviews from music critics. The album was rewarded a 3.5 star rating from William Ruhlmann of AllMusic. He stated, "The Ready Set features bouncy beats and hooks aplenty on every tune, and the vocals are arranged just like those of a boy band."[1] He ended off remarking, "Witzigreuter still doesn't have his craft quite down, but he's certainly on his way." M Music & Musicians gave a positive review for the album, comparing his work to Brian Wilson's solo music. They noted how the album "packs enough sonic punch to justify repeated listenings." However, they criticized Witzigreuter's use of autotune and believed "he possesses worthwhile vocal skills, not to mention a considerable gift for vocal counterpoint and harmony."[27] Stephen Haag of PopMatters gave a mixed review stating, "It comes across as everything, all the time, in the service of F-U-N, 'tween rock. However, when Witzigreuter dials it down, like he does on the piano pop of 'Melody's Song', the Ready Set could be solid late-period–albeit second-tier–power pop."[25] A negative review came from Review Rinse Repeat, noting that the album felt "shal­low and soulless," compared to his earlier albums Tantrum Castle and Syntax and Bright Lights that had more "passion." However, they praised the album's lead single, "Love Like Woe" for its catchy and poppy sound.[26]

Commercial performance edit

The album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and reached number 172 on the Billboard Top Current Album Sales chart. The album stayed 23 weeks on the Top Heatseekers chart.[28][29] To support the album, The Ready Set embarked on a 2010 fall tour with Cartel, Hey Monday, This Century, and We Are the In Crowd.[30] He also announced his first headlining tour presented by Glamour Kills, that began in February 2011.[31]

Track listing edit

The album is mixed by Jon Kaplan and mastered by Dave McNair.

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Love Like Woe"
  • J.R. Rotem
3:20
2."More Than Alive"
  • Squire
3:24
3."Limits"
  • Witzigreuter
2:40
4."Stays Four the Same"
  • Witzigreuter
  • Keneth Mount
  • Zack Odom
3:16
5."There Are Days"
  • Wizigreuter
  • Squire
3:09
6."Spinnin'"
  • Witzigreuter
  • Jon Brown
  • Brown
3:23
7."Melody's Song"
  • Witzigreuter
  • Mount
  • Odom
3:26
8."Upsets and Downfalls"
  • Witzigreuter
  • Siegel
  • Stoner
3:12
Total length:25:50
Deluxe version bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
9."The Ghost of Los Angeles"3:03
10."Giants (originally on "Tantrum Castle")"3:55
Total length:32:48
iTunes bonus track[32]
No.TitleLength
11."Love Like Woe" (Digital Dogs Radio Mix)3:51
ShockHound bonus track[33]
No.TitleLength
11."Unender"3:24

Personnel edit

Credits for I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming adapted from AllMusic.[9]

Charts edit

Chart performance for I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming
Chart (2010) Peak
position
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[28] 3
US Top Current Albums (Billboard)[29] 172

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Ruhlmann, William. "I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming – The Ready Set Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  2. ^ Jessica Letkemann (June 6, 2011). "The Ready Set Covers The Wallflowers". Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  3. ^ a b "I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming - Album by The Ready Set". Apple Music. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  4. ^ Brian Baker (March 11, 2013). "The Ready Set". Cincinnati CityBeat. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  5. ^ "The Ready Set - Giants (Re-Recording)". Genius. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  6. ^ a b James Shotwell (November 24, 2009). "The Ready Set signs to Decaydance Records & Sire". Underthegunreview.net. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  7. ^ Robert Fayette (April 5, 2010). "Interview: Jordan Witzigreuter of The Ready Set". SoCalMusic Today. Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  8. ^ "Bamboozle California Q&A: The Ready Set". Alternative Press. May 6, 2010. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  9. ^ a b "I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming - The Ready Set Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Divya Gunasekaran (June 23, 2010). "Interview with Jordan Witzigreuter of the Ready Set: The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of". The Aquarian Weekly. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  11. ^ Cara Carriveau (November 9, 2010). "The Ready Set Interview". Chicago Music Guide. Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  12. ^ Sara Brown (November 3, 2010). "The Ready Set is a go". Blast Magazine. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  13. ^ Maxine Shen (June 14, 2010). "The Ready Set is raring to go". New York Post. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  14. ^ "Love Like Woe - Single by The Ready Set". Apple Music. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
  15. ^ "The Ready Set Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  16. ^ "The Ready Set Chart History: Heatseekers Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  17. ^ "The Ready Set Chart History: Canada CHR/Top 40". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  18. ^ "Love Like Woe - RIAA Certification". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  19. ^ "BDS Certified Spin Awards November 2010" (PDF). p. 24. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  20. ^ Nadine Cheung (May 25, 2010). "Exclusive Song Premiere: The Ready Set, 'More Than Alive'". JSYK.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  21. ^ "Love Like Woe - Version 2 by The Ready Set". IMVDb. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  22. ^ "More Than Alive by The Ready Set". IMVDb. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  23. ^ "Stays Four the Same - Single by The Ready Set". Apple Music. Archived from the original on April 6, 2010. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
  24. ^ Tim Karan (June 8, 2010). "The Ready Set Streaming Debut Album". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on February 9, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  25. ^ a b Stephen Haag (September 13, 2010). "The Ready Set: I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming". PopMatters. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  26. ^ a b "The Ready Set - I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming (Review)". Review Rinse Repeat. June 17, 2010. Archived from the original on July 15, 2010. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  27. ^ "Reviews: The Ready Set - I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming" (PDF). M Music & Musicians. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  28. ^ a b "The Ready Set Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  29. ^ a b "The Ready Set – Chart History: Current Album Sales". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  30. ^ Jessica Norton (September 15, 2010). "Ready, Set, Go!: The Ready Set". Seventeen. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  31. ^ James Miller (February 3, 2011). "The Ready Set Celebrates First Platinum Single With Headline Tour". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  32. ^ "iTunes - Music - I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming (Deluxe Version) by The Ready Set". Itunes.apple.com. 2010-06-14. Retrieved 2012-02-24.
  33. ^ "The Ready Set - I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming (ShockHound Exclusive Deluxe Version)". ShockHound. July 4, 2010. Archived from the original on July 4, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
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