So Long, Astoria

In February 2001, The Ataris released their third album End Is Forever through independent label Kung Fu Records.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/end-is-forever-mr0000660001|title=End Is Forever - The Ataris {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|author=Jeffries, Vincent|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218181543/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/end-is-forever-mr0000660001|archive-date=February 18, 2018}} In May, vocalist/guitarist Kris Roe revealed that the group would start writing for their next album later in the year.{{cite web|url=http://ataris.com:80/news/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021221040728/http://ataris.com/news/|title=News|publisher=The Ataris|archive-date=December 21, 2002|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=dead}} In June, guitarist Marco Peña left the group due to creative and personal differences. He was replaced by their guitar tech John Collura, formerly of the band Beefcake.{{cite web|url=http://www.ataris.com:80/bandinfo/faq.cgi?id=12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020409040957/http://www.ataris.com/bandinfo/faq.cgi?id=12|title=What happened to Marco Pena, the old guitar player?|publisher=The Ataris|author=Roe, Kris|date=August 7, 2001|archive-date=April 9, 2002|access-date=February 1, 2018|url-status=dead}} Roe said Collura "definitely brought us back to [being the] best of friends", as well making them "realize that this band has got a lot of life in it". Also in June, the group contributed a new track to the Warped Tour 2001 compilation, "Looking Back on Today". The band signed with major label Columbia Records in July. Roe explained: "We wanted to go somewhere where we knew that even if our record didn't do well, that we would have a career still as a band".{{cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/2003/04/26/shooting-straight-and-forward-ataris-make-major-label-jump-but-keep-it-personal/|title=Shooting straight and forward|work=The Morning Call|author=Sculley, Alan|date=April 26, 2003|access-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119054345/http://articles.mcall.com/2003-04-26/features/3475089_1_roe-band-kung-fu-records|archive-date=January 19, 2016}}

Later in July, Roe revealed that the group would be releasing their next album in mid-2002 and that it would be in the musical style of their second album Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits (1999). In October, Roe said the album was tentatively titled Don't Ever Compromise What You Believe. In December, the group said they had 13 songs that they were working on, and were planning to record in March 2002. In January 2002, the group contributed a new song to the Orange County soundtrack. In April, Roe said the group were expected to begin recording in May. When looking for producers, bassist Mike Davenport said a few names came up: "Lou [Giordano] was always my choice. Ric Ocasek said [']I don't get it.' Mark Trombino told us to keep writing."Farinella 2010, p. 143 Davenport pushed for Giordano, "and the minute [Roe and Giordano] spoke, it worked." In early July, Roe said the album would be titled So Long, Astoria. Later that month, Giordano was enlisted as the album's producer and that recording would finally occur in August.{{cite web|url=http://www.ataris.com:80/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020725150321/http://www.ataris.com/|title=Producer for our new record.... etc.|publisher=The Ataris|author=Roe, Kris|archive-date=July 25, 2002|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=dead}}

Demos were initially tracked at drummer Chris Knapp's house in Hollywood, California. Roe said they "never got anything done" and subsequently went to Orange Whip Recording in Santa Barbara, California to record more demos. With the aid of Angus Cooke and Thom Flowers, demos were recorded live-in-the-studio with minimal overdubs. Roe said they spent "a lot of time fine tuning" the songs before the album sessions.{{cite web|url=https://theataris.bandcamp.com/album/complete-demos-so-long-astoria|title=Complete Demos: So Long, Astoria|publisher=The Ataris|author=Roe, Kris|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218161633/https://theataris.bandcamp.com/album/complete-demos-so-long-astoria|archive-date=February 18, 2018}} He added that the demos "capture[d] a certain honesty" and toyed with releasing the demos in lieu of recording a proper album. The group went into pre-production with Giordano, despite him thinking that the songs were "already pretty complete '"as is'", according to Roe. Recording began on August 19 and ended on November 1. Sessions took place at Ocean Studios in Burbank, California, Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood, California and Orange Whip Recording.

Giordano produced all of the songs except for "Looking Back on Today", which was produced by Thom Flowers, Elissa Meihsner and Eric Palmquist. Bradley Cooke, Andrew Alekel and Flowers acted as engineers with assistance from Jason Nelson, Dean Cupp and Dave Ashton. Giordano mixed all of the songs, except for "The Saddest Song" and "My Reply", at Larrabee Studios in Hollywood, California. "The Saddest Song" and "My Reply" were mixed by Jack Joseph Puig. Additional tracking was done by Angus Cooke and Meihsner at Orange Whip Recording, while additional tracking was done by Ashton at Larrabee Studios. Several other people contributed to the album: James Muhawi (piano on "The Saddest Song"), Angus Cooke (cello), Jonathan Cox (programming), and Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Mike Herrera of MxPx and Tim Pagnotta of Sugarcult (backing vocals).

Early in the writing process for the record, Roe found a book that gave him the theme for the album. The book, which was Go Now by Richard Hell, contained a chapter "where he had a quote that said memories are better than life ... I wanted this record to portray, that life is only as good as the memories we make." Roe said the group "focus[ed] on writing good songs [and] straightforward rock songs". Musically, the album's sound has been described as pop punk, pop rock, punk rock and rock, drawing comparison to Blink-182, Green Day, Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, Lit and A, with Roe sounding like A frontman Jason Perry. All of the songs were written by Roe, except for "The Hero Dies in This One" and "All You Can Ever Learn Is What You Already Know" by Roe, Collura, Davenport and Knapp, and "The Boys of Summer" by Don Henley and Michael Campbell.

"So Long, Astoria" is about Roe writing songs in his bedroom in Anderson, Indiana. The track was reminiscent of Matchbox Twenty; its name is a reference to the town Astoria, Oregon in the film The Goonies (1985). "Takeoffs and Landings" deals with saying goodbye to a long-distance partner.{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2022/02/best-emo-love-songs/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214153619/https://www.spin.com/2022/02/best-emo-love-songs/|title=The 40 Best Emo Love Songs|work=Spin|author=Braun, Laura Marie|date=February 14, 2022|archive-date=February 14, 2022|access-date=February 15, 2022}} "In This Diary", alongside "Summer '79" talk about nights out in town and pulling pranks. Discussing "In This Diary", Roe said he attempted to "encapsulate one of the most fun summers we’ve had".{{cite web|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2014/03/01/the-ataris-reunite-to-celebrate-so-long-astoria/|title=The Ataris reunite to celebrate 'So Long, Astoria'|work=Orange County Register|author=Fadroski, Kelli Skye|date=March 1, 2014|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218162033/https://www.ocregister.com/2014/03/01/the-ataris-reunite-to-celebrate-so-long-astoria/|archive-date=February 18, 2018}} Roe wrote "My Reply" about a fan who was in a hospital and close to death. "Unopened Letter to the World" details the life of American poet Emily Dickinson. "The Saddest Song" is about Roe's relationship with his estranged daughter and his upbringing without a father.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1477189/ataris-releasing-their-saddest-song-when-summer-is-over/|title=Ataris Releasing Their 'Saddest Song' When 'Summer' Is Over|work=MTV|publisher=Viacom|author=Wiederhorn, Jon|date=August 25, 2003|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218181543/http://www.mtv.com/news/1477189/ataris-releasing-their-saddest-song-when-summer-is-over/|archive-date=February 18, 2018}}

"Summer '79" sees Roe reminiscing on days when spent as a teenager sneaking into drive-in theatres and listening to Queen. "The Hero Dies in This One" refers to past girlfriends that had been left behind. Collura said "The Boys of Summer" was included due to Roe's nostalgia for it, and "it just kind of fit into the rest of the record." He altered one line, switching a reference from Deadhead to Black Flag. "Radio #2" was indebted to "Radio" by Teenage Fanclub. Roe wrote "Looking Back on Today" about his wife, and called it the sole relationship-centric song on the album. Roe said "Eight of Nine" is about a number of "really close calls that we've had with death."{{cite web|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/apr/11/for-the-ataris-music-is-much-more-than-a-game/|title=For the Ataris, music is much more than a game|work=Las Vegas Sun|author=Patterson, Spencer|date=April 11, 2003|access-date=February 20, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220213751/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/apr/11/for-the-ataris-music-is-much-more-than-a-game/|archive-date=February 20, 2018}}

In October 2002, it was announced that So Long, Astoria would be released in March 2003. On January 12, the group posted the songs "Takeoffs and Landings" and "In This Diary" online.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5050/two-new-ataris-songs|title=Two new Ataris songs|work=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=January 12, 2003|access-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218181544/https://www.punknews.org/article/5050/two-new-ataris-songs|archive-date=February 18, 2018}} "In This Diary" was released to radio on February 11.{{cite web|url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16771|title=FMQB Airplay Archive: Modern Rock|publisher=Friday Morning Quarterback Album Report, Incorporated|access-date=October 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142732/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16771|archive-date=March 22, 2013}} So Long, Astoria was released on March 4 through Columbia Records.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/so-long-astoria-mr0001424051|title=So Long, Astoria - The Ataris {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|author=Ruhlmann, William|access-date=February 23, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223232415/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/so-long-astoria-mr0001424051|archive-date=February 23, 2018}} The Japanese version included the bonus tracks "A Beautiful Mistake" and "I Won't Spend Another Night Alone", an acoustic version of "The Saddest Song", and a cover of the Ramones song "Rock 'N' Roll High School".{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/so-long-astoria-bonus-tracks-mr0001866289|title=So Long Astoria [Bonus Tracks] - The Ataris {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|author=Ruhlmann, William|access-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218181543/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/so-long-astoria-bonus-tracks-mr0001866289|archive-date=February 18, 2018}} A music video for "In This Diary" was posted online on March 3,{{cite web|url=http://www.ataris.com:80/news/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040207032656/http://www.ataris.com/news/|title=News|publisher=The Ataris|archive-date=February 7, 2004|access-date=February 20, 2018|url-status=dead}} directed by Steven Murashige. Roe said the video was mainly crowd-focused as the group wanted to channel their stage performance and energy.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1473549/ataris-channel-nirvana-with-their-new-heart-shaped-video/|title=Ataris Channel Nirvana With Their New Heart-Shaped Video|work=MTV|publisher=Viacom|author=Downey, Ryan J|date=July 3, 2003|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104203801/http://www.mtv.com/news/1473549/ataris-channel-nirvana-with-their-new-heart-shaped-video/|archive-date=November 4, 2016}} On May 19, "In This Diary" was released as a CD single. It featured "A Beautiful Mistake", a demo of "Eight of Nine", a live version of "In This Diary", and "Rock 'N' Roll High School" as B-sides.{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Ataris&titel=In+This+Diary&cat=s|title=The Ataris - In This Diary|work=Australian-charts|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410033944/http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Ataris&titel=In+This+Diary&cat=s|archive-date=April 10, 2014}}

"My Reply" was set to be the group's next single,{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1472201/ataris-plans-zapped-by-radio-stations-who-cant-lay-off-their-boys/|title=Ataris' Plans Zapped By Radio Stations Who Can't Lay Off Their 'Boys'|work=MTV|publisher=Viacom|author=Wiederhorn, Jon|date=May 30, 2003|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218181543/http://www.mtv.com/news/1472201/ataris-plans-zapped-by-radio-stations-who-cant-lay-off-their-boys/|archive-date=February 18, 2018}} but "The Boys of Summer" was released to radio on June 3 instead. This was a result of the K-Rock and KROQ radio stations playing the track, with others following shortly after. Collura said the group did not want to release the track as a single. He added that they were naïve to assume it would be released as such, since it wasn't promoted as one, "That was all American radio doing that on its own". Roe revealed Columbia Records had warned the band about including the track on the album in the first place as there would be "a chance that somebody's going to put it out as a single". The video treatment for the song's music video, which was directed by Murashige, was initially intended for "My Reply" until it was adjusted for "The Boys of Summer". Roe said the video was about "the story of a darker summer" and features "a girl trying to let go of a lot of the things she had in the summer."

The Ataris released their first video album Live at Capitol Milling in July 2003, which featured the music video for "In This Diary" (directed by Marc Smerling), the making-of video, and live performances taken from music video shoot.{{cite AV media notes|title=Live at Capitol Milling|others=The Ataris|year=2003|type=sleeve|publisher=Columbia Music Video|id=CVD 55810}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/live-at-capitol-milling-mr0002662166|title=Live at Capitol Milling - The Ataris {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=March 19, 2021}} In August, Davenport revealed a music video had been filmed for "My Reply", but was "so far from coming out". He added, "It's animated, and it's like A-ha meets White Stripes." On September 8, "The Boys of Summer" was released as a CD single. It featured live versions of "Takeoffs and Landings" and "Unopened Letter to the World", "A Beautiful Mistake" and an acoustic version of "In This Diary" as B-sides.{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Ataris&titel=The+Boys+Of+Summer&cat=s|title=The Ataris - The Boys of Summer|work=Australian-charts|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407095434/http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Ataris&titel=The+Boys+Of+Summer&cat=s|archive-date=April 7, 2014}} "The Saddest Song" was released to radio on September 9. In February 2004, the band released the live album Live at the Metro, which had been recorded the previous October. In addition to the show, it featured acoustic renditions, one of which was from So Long, Astoria.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/8107/ataris-to-release-live-album|title=Ataris to release live album|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=January 16, 2004|access-date=March 19, 2021}}

In November and December 2002, the group went on a US tour with Sugarcult, Autopilot Off and Rufio. During the tour, the group premiered material from So Long, Astoria.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2002/10/07/ataris-taking-their-2600s-and-friends-sugarcult-on-the-road|title=Ataris Taking Their 2600s And Friends Sugarcult On The Road|work=The Fader|author=Goldstein, Jeremy P|date=October 7, 2002|access-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218181543/http://www.thefader.com/2002/10/07/ataris-taking-their-2600s-and-friends-sugarcult-on-the-road|archive-date=February 18, 2018}} In late December and January 2003, the group embarked on the Australian leg of the Kung Fu Records Tour with the Vandals.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/4909/kung-fu-invades-the-planet|title=Kung Fu invades the planet|work=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=December 18, 2002|access-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218181543/https://www.punknews.org/article/4909/kung-fu-invades-the-planet|archive-date=February 18, 2018}} The day following the album's release, an in-store performance was held at a record store in Tempe, Arizona. However, due to 1,000 people showing up, the performance was moved to the Arizona State University campus.Weingarten 2003, p. 38 In mid-March, the band appeared on Total Request Live and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5514/bands-on-tv-week-of-3-10-03|title=Bands on TV - week of 3/10/03|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=March 10, 2003|access-date=March 4, 2021}} Following this, they toured with the Juliana Theory and Further Seems Forever on a two-month tour of the US.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5295/upcoming-juliana-theory-tour-news-w-snapcase-ataris-more|title=Upcoming Juliana Theory tour news w/Snapcase, Ataris, more|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=February 11, 2003|access-date=March 4, 2021}} On May 8, the band appeared on The Late Late Show.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5984/bands-on-tv-week-of-5-5-03|title=Bands on TV - week of 5/5/03|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=May 5, 2003|access-date=March 5, 2021}} In mid-June, the group performed at KROQ's Weenie Roast festival.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1472717/pink-teams-with-transplants-good-charlotte-unplug-for-weenie-roast/|title=Pink Teams With Transplants, Good Charlotte Unplug For Weenie Roast|work=MTV|publisher=Viacom|author=Corey, Moss|date=June 16, 2003|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504104127/http://www.mtv.com/news/1472717/pink-teams-with-transplants-good-charlotte-unplug-for-weenie-roast/|archive-date=May 4, 2015}}

From June to August, the Ataris toured as part of the 2003 Warped Tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1459599/warped-tour-dates-announced-17-more-bands-added/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218182024/http://www.mtv.com/news/1459599/warped-tour-dates-announced-17-more-bands-added/|title=Warped Tour Dates Announced, 17 More Bands Added|work=MTV|publisher=Viacom|author=D'Angelo, Joe|date=January 21, 2003|archive-date=February 18, 2018|access-date=June 29, 2016}} On July 11, the group appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6486/bands-on-tv-week-of-july-7th-2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218182100/https://www.punknews.org/article/6486/bands-on-tv-week-of-july-7th-2003|title=Bands on TV - Week of July 7th, 2003|work=Punknews.org|publisher=Aubin Paul|author=Paul, Aubin|date=July 7, 2003|archive-date=February 18, 2018|access-date=February 17, 2018}} The group performed at the 2003 MLB All-Star Game in late July. In August and September, the band embarked on a European tour, with Matchbook Romance.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6830/tours-ataris-and-matchbook-romance-in-europe|title=Ataris and Matchbook Romance in Europe|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=August 14, 2003|access-date=March 10, 2021}} In October and November 2003, the band embarked on the VW Music Ed Tour with Vendetta Red.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1479231/for-the-record-quick-news-on-fred-durst-eminem-jack-johnson-the-who-everlast-quiet-riot-more/|title=For The Record: Quick News On Fred Durst, Eminem, Jack Johnson, The Who, Everlast, Quiet Riot & More|work=MTV|publisher=Viacom|author=|date=September 23, 2003|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504210443/http://www.mtv.com/news/1479231/for-the-record-quick-news-on-fred-durst-eminem-jack-johnson-the-who-everlast-quiet-riot-more/|archive-date=May 4, 2017}} In November, the group went on a US tour with Planes Mistaken for Stars, Vendetta Red, Hopesfall, The Go Reflex and Squirtgun.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/7402/tours-planes-mistaken-for-stars-tour-with-the-ataris|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218182128/https://www.punknews.org/article/7402/tours-planes-mistaken-for-stars-tour-with-the-ataris|title=Planes Mistaken For Stars tour with The Ataris|work=Punknews.org|publisher=Aubin Paul|author=White, Adam|date=October 23, 2003|archive-date=February 18, 2018|access-date=February 17, 2018}} The group appeared on The Late Late Show and The Jay Leno Show on December 1 and December 29, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/7746/bands-on-tv-week-of-12-1-03|title=Bands on TV - week of 12/1/03|work=Punknews.org|publisher=Aubin Paul|author=Heisel, Scott|date=December 1, 2003|access-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218181543/https://www.punknews.org/article/7746/bands-on-tv-week-of-12-1-03|archive-date=February 18, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/7963/bands-on-tv-week-of-12-29-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218182152/https://www.punknews.org/article/7963/bands-on-tv-week-of-12-29-03|title=Bands on TV - week of 12/29/03|work=Punknews.org|publisher=Aubin Paul|author=Heisel, Scott|date=December 29, 2003|archive-date=February 18, 2018|access-date=February 17, 2018}} In February and March 2004, the group went on a UK tour with Planes Mistaken for Stars and Cursive.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/8179/no-idea-release-dates-news-and-tours|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218182252/https://www.punknews.org/article/8179/no-idea-release-dates-news-and-tours|title=No Idea release dates, news and tours|work=Punknews.org|publisher=Aubin Paul|author=White, Adam|date=January 25, 2004|archive-date=February 18, 2018|access-date=February 17, 2018}} In April, the group went on a tour of Canada.{{cite web|url=http://www.ataris.com:80/news/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040404001302/http://ataris.com/news/|title=News|publisher=The Ataris|archive-date=April 4, 2004|access-date=February 20, 2018|url-status=dead}} In May, the group co-headlined the RiverFusion festival with Something Corporate.{{cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/2004/05/15/the-ataris-something-corporate-travel-a-different-path/|title=The Ataris, Something Corporate travel a different path|work=The Morning Call|author=Moser, John J.|date=May 15, 2004|access-date=February 2, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203115110/http://articles.mcall.com/2004-05-15/features/3540000_1_radio-kroq-band|archive-date=February 3, 2018|df=mdy-all|page=1}} They then played a few shows with the National Trust, which consisted of Roe and Matt Hart of Squirtgun, and appeared at Hellfest.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/9108/tours-hellfest-2004|title=Hellfest 2004|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=May 7, 2004|access-date=March 30, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/9436/ataris-squirtgun-1-the-national-trust|title=Ataris + Squirtgun × √-1 = The National Trust|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=June 15, 2004|access-date=October 27, 2021}}

{{Music ratings

| MC = 57/100{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/so-long-astoria/the-ataris/critic-reviews|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218182327/http://www.metacritic.com/music/so-long-astoria/the-ataris/critic-reviews|title=Critic Reviews for So Long, Astoria|publisher=Metacritic|archive-date=February 18, 2018|access-date=February 18, 2018}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}} {{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/so-long-astoria-mw0000018946|title=So Long, Astoria - The Ataris {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|author=Ruhlmann, William|access-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019014828/http://www.allmusic.com/album/so-long-astoria-mw0000018946|archive-date=October 19, 2016}}

| rev2 = CMJ New Music Report

| rev2Score = Favorable Filicky 2003, p. 17

| rev3 = Exclaim!

| rev3Score = Favorable{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/ataris-so_long_astoria|title=Ataris So Long, Astoria|work=Exclaim!|author=Nay, Rob|date=August 1, 2003|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218131922/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/ataris-so_long_astoria|archive-date=February 18, 2018}}

| rev4 = Ink 19

| rev4Score = Unfavorable{{cite web|url=https://ink19.com/2003/08/magazine/music-reviews/the-ataris|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218182413/https://ink19.com/2003/08/magazine/music-reviews/the-ataris|title=The Ataris so long, astoria|publisher=Ink 19|author=Jewell, Troy|date=August 5, 2003|archive-date=February 18, 2018|access-date=February 18, 2018}}

| rev5 = Melodic

| rev5Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}} {{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=review&id=1207|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218212007/http://www.melodic.net/?page=review&id=1207|title=The Ataris - So Long, Astoria|work=Melodic|author=Roth, Kaj|date=April 10, 2003|archive-date=February 18, 2018|access-date=July 18, 2017|url-status=dead}}

| rev6 = The Morning Call

| rev6Score = Mixed {{cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/2003/04/26/the-ataris-so-long-astoria-columbia/|title=The Ataris "So Long, Astoria" (Columbia)|work=The Morning Call|author=Terlesky, John|date=April 26, 2003|access-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103024254/http://articles.mcall.com/2003-04-26/features/3475091_1_punk-astoria-emo|archive-date=January 3, 2016}}

| rev7 = PopMatters

| rev7Score = Favorable{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/ataris-solong-2495828838.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218181651/https://www.popmatters.com/ataris-solong-2495828838.html|title=The Ataris: So Long, Astoria |work=PopMatters|author=Haag, Stephen |date=March 30, 2003|archive-date=February 18, 2018|access-date=February 18, 2018}}

| rev8 = Punknews.org

| rev8Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/review/1746/the-ataris-so-long-astoria|title=The Ataris - So Long, Astoria|work=Punknews.org|publisher=Aubin Paul|author=Shultz, Brian|date=March 14, 2003|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501011151/https://www.punknews.org/review/1746/the-ataris-so-long-astoria|archive-date=May 1, 2016}}

| rev9 = Rolling Stone

| rev9Score = {{Rating|2|5}} {{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/theataris/albums/album/263465/review/5945353/so_long_astoria|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001183428/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/theataris/albums/album/263465/review/5945353/so_long_astoria|title=The Ataris: So Long, Astoria : Music Reviews |magazine=Rolling Stone|author=Magnuson, Mike|date=March 4, 2003|archive-date=October 1, 2007|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=dead}}

| rev10 = Sputnikmusic

| rev10score = 4.0/5{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/52423/The-Ataris-So-Long-Astoria/|title=Review: The Ataris - So Long, Astoria|website=Sputnikmusic|author=Atari|date=October 8, 2012|access-date=February 18, 2018}}

}}

Initial critical response to So Long, Astoria was very average. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has received an average score of 57, based on seven reviews.

So Long, Astoria sold 33,000 in its first week, debuting at number 24 on the Billboard 200.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1470492/50-cent-returns-to-1-as-fabolous-evanescence-debut-high/|title=50 Cent Returns To #1 As Fabolous, Evanescence Debut High|work=MTV|publisher=Viacom|author=Wiederhorn, Jon|date=March 12, 2003|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704162524/http://www.mtv.com/news/1470492/50-cent-returns-to-1-as-fabolous-evanescence-debut-high/|archive-date=July 4, 2017}} It charted at number 38 in Australia and number 92 in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_A.HTM|title=Chart Log UK: A – Azzido Da Bass|publisher=Zobbel|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717091817/http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_A.HTM|archive-date=July 17, 2012}} "In This Diary" charted at number 11 on the Alternative Songs chart. "The Saddest Song" charted at number 27 on the Alternative Songs chart. "The Boys of Summer" charted at number two on the Alternative Songs chart,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/alternative-songs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305112144/https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/alternative-songs|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2018|title=The Ataris Chart History (Alternative Songs)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=February 18, 2018}} number 10 on the Mainstream Top 40 chart,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/adult-pop-songs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305112144/https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/adult-pop-songs|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2018|title=The Ataris Chart History (Mainstream Top 40)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=February 18, 2018}} number 18 on the Adult Top 40 chart,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/pop-songs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305112144/https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/pop-songs|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2018|title=The Ataris Chart History (Adult Top 40)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=February 18, 2018}} number 20 on the Hot 100 chart,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/hot-100|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305112144/https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/hot-100|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2018|title=The Ataris Chart History (Hot 100)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=February 18, 2018}} number 22 on the Radio Songs chart,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/radio-songs|title=The Ataris Chart History (Radio Songs)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218181543/https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/radio-songs|archive-date=February 18, 2018}} number 36 on the Mainstream Rock chart,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305112144/https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ataris/chart-history/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2018|title=The Ataris Chart History (Mainstream Rock)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=February 18, 2018}} in the US. It also charted at number 17 in New Zealand,{{cite web | url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Ataris | title=Discography The Ataris | work=charts.nz | publisher=Hung Medien | access-date=May 23, 2011 }} number 24 in Australia,{{cite web | url=http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Ataris | title=Discography The Ataris | work=australian-charts.com | publisher=Hung Medien | access-date=May 23, 2011 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025015622/http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Ataris | archive-date=October 25, 2012 }} number 49 in the UK, and number 87 in Switzerland.{{cite web | url=http://swisscharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Ataris | title=Discography The Ataris | work=swisscharts.com | publisher=Hung Medien | access-date=March 11, 2013 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629231811/http://swisscharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=The+Ataris | archive-date=June 29, 2015 }} In August, So Long, Astoria was certified gold in the US.{{cite certification|region=United States|artist=The Ataris|accessdate=February 18, 2018}} By November, the album had sold 516,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1480577/newest-ataris-member-bringing-east-coast-feel-to-next-lp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218182646/http://www.mtv.com/news/1480577/newest-ataris-member-bringing-east-coast-feel-to-next-lp/|title=Newest Ataris Member Bringing East Coast Feel To Next LP|work=MTV|publisher=Viacom|author=D'Angelo, Joe|date=November 20, 2003|archive-date=February 18, 2018|access-date=February 18, 2018}} In March 2006, "The Boys of Summer" was certified gold in the US. In December 2013, sales stood at 693,000 copies.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5840072/the-ataris-announce-so-long-astoria-10-year-anniversary-tour-share-exclusive-video-promo|title=The Ataris Announce 'So Long Astoria' 10-Year Anniversary Tour; Share Exclusive Promo Video|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|author=Payne, Chris|date=December 17, 2013|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505154614/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5840072/the-ataris-announce-so-long-astoria-10-year-anniversary-tour-share-exclusive-video-promo|archive-date=May 5, 2016}}

The album was included at number 25 on Rock Sound{{'}}s "The 51 Most Essential Pop Punk Albums of All Time" list.Bird, ed. 2014, p. 71 They later ranked it at number 97 on the list of best albums in their lifetime.Napier ed. 2019, p. 52 In December 2013, the band released demos that had been recorded for the album.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/53835/media-the-ataris-release-so-long-astoria-demos|title=The Ataris release 'So Long, Astoria' demos|work=Punknews.org|publisher=Aubin Paul|author=Strummer, Brittany|date=December 18, 2013|access-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422153037/https://www.punknews.org/article/53835/media-the-ataris-release-so-long-astoria-demos|archive-date=April 22, 2016}} In February and March 2014, the group performed the album in its entirety in the US. They were supported by Versus the World, Authority Zero, Drag the River and Gasoline Heart.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_ataris_announce_so_long_astoria_reunion_tour|title=The Ataris announce 'So Long, Astoria' reunion tour|work=Alternative Press|author=Kraus, Brian|date=December 16, 2013|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221011449/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_ataris_announce_so_long_astoria_reunion_tour|archive-date=December 21, 2013}} To promote the tour, a short documentary was made in the style of VH1's music documentary series Classic Albums.{{cite web|url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/music/2014/feb/26/weekly-interview-ataris-frontman-kris-roe/|title=The Weekly interview: The Ataris' frontman Kris Roe|work=Las Vegas Weekly|publisher=Mark De Pooter|author=Bitonti, Chris|date=February 26, 2014|access-date=February 21, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107091205/http://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/music/2014/feb/26/weekly-interview-ataris-frontman-kris-roe/|archive-date=November 7, 2016}} In June 2016, the group performed in Australia, playing songs solely from Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits and So Long, Astoria.{{cite web|url=http://music.theaureview.com/news/the-ataris-announce-first-tour-in-seven-years/|title=The Ataris announce first tour in seven years!|work=The AU Review|publisher=Heath Media|author=Morawkski, Natalia|date=April 22, 2016|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503174707/http://music.theaureview.com/news/the-ataris-announce-first-tour-in-seven-years/|archive-date=May 3, 2016}} In February 2018, the group went on a celebratory 15th anniversary tour for the album in the UK.{{cite web|url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/213364/9|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219031249/https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/213364/9|title=The Ataris Announce 'So Long, Astoria' 15th Anniversary UK Tour|work=Stereoboard|publisher=Eyedigit Limited|author=Johnson, Laura|date=December 15, 2017|archive-date=February 19, 2018|access-date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live}}

All songs written by Kris Roe, except where noted.

{{Track listing

| total_length = 48:55

| title1 = So Long, Astoria

| length1 = 3:22

| title2 = Takeoffs and Landings

| length2 = 3:56

| title3 = In This Diary

| length3 = 3:54

| title4 = My Reply

| length4 = 4:14

| title5 = Unopened Letter to the World

| length5 = 2:38

| title6 = The Saddest Song

| length6 = 4:15

| title7 = Summer '79

| length7 = 3:57

| title8 = The Hero Dies in This One

| writer8 = Roe, John Collura, Mike Davenport, Chris Knapp

| length8 = 4:07

| title9 = All You Can Ever Learn Is What You Already Know

| writer9 = Roe, Collura, Davenport, Knapp

| length9 = 3:31

| title10 = The Boys of Summer

| writer10 = Don Henley, Michael Campbell

| length10 = 4:18

| title11 = Radio #2

| length11 = 3:27

| title12 = Looking Back on Today

| length12 = 3:53

| title13 = Eight of Nine

| length13 = 3:30

| title14 = I Won't Spend Another Night Alone

| note14 = hidden track

| length14 = 3:50

| title15 = The Saddest Song

| note15 = acoustic hidden track

| length15 = 4:09

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Japanese bonus tracks

| title16 = A Beautiful Mistake

| length16 = 3:13

| title17 = Rock 'N' Roll High School

| writer17 = Joey Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone

| length17 = 2:17

}}

Credits adapted from liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|title=So Long, Astoria|others=The Ataris |year=2003|type=booklet|publisher=Columbia Records|id=510530 2}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

The Ataris

• Kris Roe – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, moog synthesizer, mellotron
• Mike Davenport  – bass guitar
• John Collura  – lead guitar, backing vocals
• Chris Knapp – drums

Additional musicians

• James Muhawi – piano (track 6)
• Angus Cooke – cello
• Johnathan Cox – programming
• Glen Phillips – backing vocals
• Mike Herrera – backing vocals
• Tim Pagnotta – backing vocals

{{col-2}}

Production

• Lou Giordano – producer, mixing
• Thom Flowers – producer (track 12), engineer
• Elissa Meihsner – producer (track 12), additional tracking
• Eric Palmquist – producer (track 12)
• Bradley Cooke – engineer
• Andrew Alekel – engineer
• Jason Nelson – assistant engineer
• Dean Cupp – assistant engineer
• Dave Ashton – assistant engineer, additional tracking
• Jack Joseph Puig – mixing (tracks 4 and 6)
• Angus Cooke – additional tracking

Artwork

• Danny Clinch – band photos
• Chuck Meyer – water tower photos
• Kris Roe – other art photos
• Sergie Loobkoff – art direction, design

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{certification Table Top}}

{{certification Table Entry|title=So Long, Astoria|artist=The Ataris|type=album|relyear=2003|certyear=2003|region=United States|award=Gold}}

{{Certification Table Bottom | nosales=true}}

{{col-end}}

Citations

{{Reflist|30em}}

Sources

{{Refbegin}}

• {{cite journal|editor1-last=Bird|editor1-first=Ryan|title=The 51 Most Essential Pop Punk Albums of All Time|journal=Rock Sound|date=September 2014|issue=191|location=London|issn=1465-0185}}
• {{cite book|last=Farinella|first=David John|title=Producing Hit Records: Secrets from the Studio|year=2010|publisher=Schirmer Trade Books|isbn=9780857125101|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JeGaAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT143}}
• {{cite journal|last=Filicky|first=Brad|title=Reviews|journal=CMJ New Music Report|date=March 17, 2003|issue=805|volume=75|issn=0890-0795|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GKEU_bR6Z9oC&pg=PA7}}
• {{cite journal|editor1-last=Napier|editor1-first=Patrick|title=The 250 Greatest Albums Of Our Lifetime|journal=Rock Sound|date=April 2019|issue=250|location=London|issn=1465-0185}}
• {{cite journal|last=Weingarten|first=Christopher R.|title=Newsworthy|journal=CMJ New Music Report|date=March 31, 2003|issue=807|volume=75|issn=0890-0795|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NdeKJvpDKdgC&pg=PT37}}

{{Refend}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZFkQw6b1cfHQu_bDBCvJjSx5whtVraym So Long, Astoria] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)

{{The Ataris}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:The Ataris albums

Category:Columbia Records albums

Category:2003 albums

Category:Culture of Astoria, Oregon

Category:Albums produced by Lou Giordano