Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Top 25 Best Albums of 2010
As I do every year at this time, it's top for my favoritre records of the year. I've expanded the list from last years 20 to 25. While people continue to complain and bicker about the music industry and how music is getting worse and nothing worth listening to is coming out, I would argue that because the digital age has made music so cheap, available and disposable, that nothing's getting a real fair share. Along with the 25 records posted below, there are at least another 25 records that are worth giving a listen to that were released this year.
I want to give a special shout out to Facedwon Records who released a ton of quality albums this year. Between Facedown, Strike First, and Dreamt Music I could have put together a list of 25 albums worth checking out. Minus three records I thought were below par (A Plea for Purging, Onward to Olympas, and Letters to the Exiles) everything that came out on the Facedown Family was good.
Enough talk, more music. Let the countdown begin
25. Jimmy Eat World – Invented
Love them or hate them, it’s hard to deny that Jim Adkins and the rest of Jimmy Eat World knows how to write killer, catchy songs. Invented is start to finish quality rock and roll. Great songs top to bottom. Best Jimmy Eat World record since Bleed American, and I might say it’s better then that.
24. Deftones – Diamond Eyes
Deftones make heavy music sexy. Deftones have always had a sound all their own and Diamond Eyes pushes them in a new direction. It’s a sexy record.
23. As They Sleep – Dynasty
The best Christian tech death metal record since Embrace the Eternal? Maybe. Heavy, fast, no overly complex that one gets bored of listening to guitar player’s show off their skills. A little short on actual guitar solos but that doesn’t deter my enjoyment of this record.
22. The Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
My lone pitchfork, indie, hipster, record on the list. Catchy indie rock. The Arcade Fire captures what was so good about Funeral and what was missing from Neon Bible, soul. The Suburbs expands and takes the Arcade Fire out of the ranks of quirky indie rock band to just a good rock band. The songs are fun and have a lot of heart and the band kicks out some great four on the floor rock jams.
21. Brian McBride – The Effective Disconnect
The Effective Disconnect is Brian McBride’s soundtrack to a documentary about bees, which I did not know upon my first listen. Upon my first listen I did however find myself enraptured by the beautiful simplicity of the strings on this album. Beautiful ambient music to warm your heart.
20. Tumbledown – Empty Bottle
Looking for a country record with punk attitude? The second full-length from Mike Herrera’s new band Tumbledown, loses some of the country flair but cranks up the bad boy punk attitude.
19. Starflyer 59 – The Changing of the Guard
Starflyer 59 has always released great albums and the band’s 12th full-length is no different. While some might argue that the band has lost something over the years, I would say Jason Martin’s constant growth and change points to an artist not wanting to ever be stuck or get boring.
18. Kaki King – Junior
Kaki King has transformed herself from guitar virtuoso to indie pop darling. And her latest album, Junior, King is really trying to just write rock songs. While there are still pretty instrumental pieces, Junior is full of rock flare and punk styling. Growth and change isn’t always a hindrance.
17. The Showdown – Blood in the Gears
Blood in the Gears came out of nowhere because the Showdown have been a band I’ve never been impressed with. But Blood in the Gears is pure metal. Throw up your horn, bang your head, and enjoy. A little southern flare thrown in there but mostly just straightforward metal.
16. Gifts From Enola – Gifts From Enola
Gifts From Enola third album shows the band continuing to improve and move their sound in new and different directions. Their self-titled release is heavier then their previous work but this isn’t your normal, post rock/post metal album. Gifts from Enola play with DC punk sounds, and have a lot of nice drums grooves on this record.
15. Your Memorial – Atonement
Well “Christian Misery Signals” would be a quick and cheap way to sum Your Memorial’s Atonement, I still hold to the theory that it’s not completely fair. While the comparison is there, Atonement is still a solid melodic hardcore record and Your Memorial deserves credit for the growth and change from their debut, Seasons.
14. Call to Preserve – Life of Defiance
Call To Preserve brought back all sorts of great memories of late 90’s/early 2000’s Florida hardcore. Life of Defiance was a huge step for Call to Preserve. Super solid production and great songs. A throwback to a time when hardcore didn’t need a verse, chorus, verse, chorus structure.
13. Arthur – Watch the Years Crawl By
The second MxPx side project on the count down. Watch the Years Crawl By is a throwback to the mid 90’s emo scene. You know, before Dashboard Confessional was MTV. It reminds me of the great early Jade Tree and Deep elm releases.
12. Messengers – Anthems
A lot of records that are throwback to great old school periods of music, and Anthems is no different. Messenger’s Strike First debut is a throwback back to old school thrash/hardcore. Fans of Pantera and All Out War will love Anthems. It’s hardcore done right.
11. Living Sacrifice – The Infinite Order
The return of Living Sacrifice was just as good as advertised. The Infinite Order, while lacking the percussion of The Hammering Process and Conceived in Fire, which I love, is a continuation of where the band left off in 03. The Infinite Order is more thrash oriented in spots but then Living Sacrifice some of the most melodic songs the band has ever done. An excellent return for one of metal’s best.
10. A Hope For Home – Realis
I loved A Hope For Home’s debut, the Everlasting Man. Realis is so much better then The Everlasting Man that it’s not even funny. Both super heavy and uber melodic, Realis is post-hard goodness all around.
9. Children 18:3 – Rain’s A Comin’
While Rain’s A Comin’ doesn’t have the same fun and upbeat spirit that Children 18:3’s debut had, Rain’s A Comin’ is a growth record. How to pull off pop punk without repeating themselves, and they did it well. Even the moments of fun and joy have a serious undertone lyrically that shows a lot of growth. A variety of styles and variations on this record so you won’t get bored.
8. My Epic – Yet
My Epic is another band whose second album really impressed the heck out of me. Yet is a band really stepping up their game and giving people something different to listen to and make you rethink the band. It’s a killer rock record. Lower Still is such an amazing song and the record as a whole balances between chaos and beauty.
7. Queens Club – Young Giant
Queens Club’s debut full-length is a record that actually took me by surprise because I had every intention that I was going to hate everything about this record before giving it a spin. But I fell in love with Young Giant pretty quick. A great dance rock record. Catchy hooks, great grooves, memorable choruses, just a lot of fun.
6. Haste the Day – Attack of the Wolf King
Having never been a big Haste the Day fan and having ignored their last 2 records, I was shocked at how much I loved Attack of the Wolf King. The best metalcore record of the year. Each song is super catchy and after the first listen I could sing along with the choruses. Great songwriting trumps genre pitfalls.
5. Norma Jean – Meridional
At this point I would say Norma Jean is the most consistent band in metal. Meridional is phenomenal. The band did a good job at getting back to some of their heavier roots while not loosing the great melodic songs and guitar riffs that their previous 2 records were full of. Cory Brandon has one of the best voices in metal and Norma Jean always has really good, memorable guitar riffs.
4. For Today – Breaker
For Today’s Breaker grabbed me about 10 seconds into Devastator. By far the heaviest record released in 2010. While I know the bass drops will not be everyone’s cup of tea, I hate bass drops, but the songs are so good and heavy that’s it’s easy for me to overlook the bass drops.
3. Hammock – Chasing After Shadows… Living With the Ghosts
Hammock continues to impress and I would even say they continue to get better. While Chasing After Shadows goes back to a fuller sound of the band’s first two full-lengths, the songs are different. All the ideas are full, every idea is realized and sees completion. Chasing After Shadows is an amazing record.
2. Demon Hunter – The World Is a Thorn
While I’ve been growing to like Demon Hunter over the last couple of years and records I still didn’t think they could deliver anything super impressive. But they knocked it out of the park with The World is a Thorn. Demon Hunter really breaks free from that nu-metal stereotype they’ve had to fight against since their debut. The World is a Thorn shows the band headed in a different direction. There’s less ballad driver, melodic metal songs and more thrash, good guitar solos, while keeping the catchy hooks the band is known for. Two new guitarists add a different dimension to the sound and Ryan Clark being the lone songwriter really shines.
1. House of Heroes - Suburba
As soon as Suburba started playing I thought to myself this is the record of the year and as the months have passed that opinion has only strengthened. Rock and roll is back. I probably would’ve put Suburba number 2 on this list based solely on God Save Us the Foolish Kings, the best song I’ve heard all year. But this record is full of great songs start to finish and is worth you picking up and giving a spin.
I want to give a special shout out to Facedwon Records who released a ton of quality albums this year. Between Facedown, Strike First, and Dreamt Music I could have put together a list of 25 albums worth checking out. Minus three records I thought were below par (A Plea for Purging, Onward to Olympas, and Letters to the Exiles) everything that came out on the Facedown Family was good.
Enough talk, more music. Let the countdown begin
25. Jimmy Eat World – Invented
Love them or hate them, it’s hard to deny that Jim Adkins and the rest of Jimmy Eat World knows how to write killer, catchy songs. Invented is start to finish quality rock and roll. Great songs top to bottom. Best Jimmy Eat World record since Bleed American, and I might say it’s better then that.
24. Deftones – Diamond Eyes
Deftones make heavy music sexy. Deftones have always had a sound all their own and Diamond Eyes pushes them in a new direction. It’s a sexy record.
23. As They Sleep – Dynasty
The best Christian tech death metal record since Embrace the Eternal? Maybe. Heavy, fast, no overly complex that one gets bored of listening to guitar player’s show off their skills. A little short on actual guitar solos but that doesn’t deter my enjoyment of this record.
22. The Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
My lone pitchfork, indie, hipster, record on the list. Catchy indie rock. The Arcade Fire captures what was so good about Funeral and what was missing from Neon Bible, soul. The Suburbs expands and takes the Arcade Fire out of the ranks of quirky indie rock band to just a good rock band. The songs are fun and have a lot of heart and the band kicks out some great four on the floor rock jams.
21. Brian McBride – The Effective Disconnect
The Effective Disconnect is Brian McBride’s soundtrack to a documentary about bees, which I did not know upon my first listen. Upon my first listen I did however find myself enraptured by the beautiful simplicity of the strings on this album. Beautiful ambient music to warm your heart.
20. Tumbledown – Empty Bottle
Looking for a country record with punk attitude? The second full-length from Mike Herrera’s new band Tumbledown, loses some of the country flair but cranks up the bad boy punk attitude.
19. Starflyer 59 – The Changing of the Guard
Starflyer 59 has always released great albums and the band’s 12th full-length is no different. While some might argue that the band has lost something over the years, I would say Jason Martin’s constant growth and change points to an artist not wanting to ever be stuck or get boring.
18. Kaki King – Junior
Kaki King has transformed herself from guitar virtuoso to indie pop darling. And her latest album, Junior, King is really trying to just write rock songs. While there are still pretty instrumental pieces, Junior is full of rock flare and punk styling. Growth and change isn’t always a hindrance.
17. The Showdown – Blood in the Gears
Blood in the Gears came out of nowhere because the Showdown have been a band I’ve never been impressed with. But Blood in the Gears is pure metal. Throw up your horn, bang your head, and enjoy. A little southern flare thrown in there but mostly just straightforward metal.
16. Gifts From Enola – Gifts From Enola
Gifts From Enola third album shows the band continuing to improve and move their sound in new and different directions. Their self-titled release is heavier then their previous work but this isn’t your normal, post rock/post metal album. Gifts from Enola play with DC punk sounds, and have a lot of nice drums grooves on this record.
15. Your Memorial – Atonement
Well “Christian Misery Signals” would be a quick and cheap way to sum Your Memorial’s Atonement, I still hold to the theory that it’s not completely fair. While the comparison is there, Atonement is still a solid melodic hardcore record and Your Memorial deserves credit for the growth and change from their debut, Seasons.
14. Call to Preserve – Life of Defiance
Call To Preserve brought back all sorts of great memories of late 90’s/early 2000’s Florida hardcore. Life of Defiance was a huge step for Call to Preserve. Super solid production and great songs. A throwback to a time when hardcore didn’t need a verse, chorus, verse, chorus structure.
13. Arthur – Watch the Years Crawl By
The second MxPx side project on the count down. Watch the Years Crawl By is a throwback to the mid 90’s emo scene. You know, before Dashboard Confessional was MTV. It reminds me of the great early Jade Tree and Deep elm releases.
12. Messengers – Anthems
A lot of records that are throwback to great old school periods of music, and Anthems is no different. Messenger’s Strike First debut is a throwback back to old school thrash/hardcore. Fans of Pantera and All Out War will love Anthems. It’s hardcore done right.
11. Living Sacrifice – The Infinite Order
The return of Living Sacrifice was just as good as advertised. The Infinite Order, while lacking the percussion of The Hammering Process and Conceived in Fire, which I love, is a continuation of where the band left off in 03. The Infinite Order is more thrash oriented in spots but then Living Sacrifice some of the most melodic songs the band has ever done. An excellent return for one of metal’s best.
10. A Hope For Home – Realis
I loved A Hope For Home’s debut, the Everlasting Man. Realis is so much better then The Everlasting Man that it’s not even funny. Both super heavy and uber melodic, Realis is post-hard goodness all around.
9. Children 18:3 – Rain’s A Comin’
While Rain’s A Comin’ doesn’t have the same fun and upbeat spirit that Children 18:3’s debut had, Rain’s A Comin’ is a growth record. How to pull off pop punk without repeating themselves, and they did it well. Even the moments of fun and joy have a serious undertone lyrically that shows a lot of growth. A variety of styles and variations on this record so you won’t get bored.
8. My Epic – Yet
My Epic is another band whose second album really impressed the heck out of me. Yet is a band really stepping up their game and giving people something different to listen to and make you rethink the band. It’s a killer rock record. Lower Still is such an amazing song and the record as a whole balances between chaos and beauty.
7. Queens Club – Young Giant
Queens Club’s debut full-length is a record that actually took me by surprise because I had every intention that I was going to hate everything about this record before giving it a spin. But I fell in love with Young Giant pretty quick. A great dance rock record. Catchy hooks, great grooves, memorable choruses, just a lot of fun.
6. Haste the Day – Attack of the Wolf King
Having never been a big Haste the Day fan and having ignored their last 2 records, I was shocked at how much I loved Attack of the Wolf King. The best metalcore record of the year. Each song is super catchy and after the first listen I could sing along with the choruses. Great songwriting trumps genre pitfalls.
5. Norma Jean – Meridional
At this point I would say Norma Jean is the most consistent band in metal. Meridional is phenomenal. The band did a good job at getting back to some of their heavier roots while not loosing the great melodic songs and guitar riffs that their previous 2 records were full of. Cory Brandon has one of the best voices in metal and Norma Jean always has really good, memorable guitar riffs.
4. For Today – Breaker
For Today’s Breaker grabbed me about 10 seconds into Devastator. By far the heaviest record released in 2010. While I know the bass drops will not be everyone’s cup of tea, I hate bass drops, but the songs are so good and heavy that’s it’s easy for me to overlook the bass drops.
3. Hammock – Chasing After Shadows… Living With the Ghosts
Hammock continues to impress and I would even say they continue to get better. While Chasing After Shadows goes back to a fuller sound of the band’s first two full-lengths, the songs are different. All the ideas are full, every idea is realized and sees completion. Chasing After Shadows is an amazing record.
2. Demon Hunter – The World Is a Thorn
While I’ve been growing to like Demon Hunter over the last couple of years and records I still didn’t think they could deliver anything super impressive. But they knocked it out of the park with The World is a Thorn. Demon Hunter really breaks free from that nu-metal stereotype they’ve had to fight against since their debut. The World is a Thorn shows the band headed in a different direction. There’s less ballad driver, melodic metal songs and more thrash, good guitar solos, while keeping the catchy hooks the band is known for. Two new guitarists add a different dimension to the sound and Ryan Clark being the lone songwriter really shines.
1. House of Heroes - Suburba
As soon as Suburba started playing I thought to myself this is the record of the year and as the months have passed that opinion has only strengthened. Rock and roll is back. I probably would’ve put Suburba number 2 on this list based solely on God Save Us the Foolish Kings, the best song I’ve heard all year. But this record is full of great songs start to finish and is worth you picking up and giving a spin.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Dingees - The Rebel Soul Sound System
The Dingees were always a part of the underground ska/reggae/punk scene. They weren't consistent enough in sound song to song let alone album to album to really gain much mainstream success. They released three fantastic records on Tooth and Nail, each one different and really good in their own way. After the Crucial Conspiracy the went dark and dropped off the public radar.
Well a year or two ago I noticed that the band was still active and had new music on the internet and the promise of a new album. So it take me by complete surprise to see that the Dingees had in fact released a new album for free download.
The Rebel Soul Sound System is different. It's a bad comparison but I'm going to make it anyway. Remember when Bad Brains stopped being a hardcore band and were doing their reggae/rock thing? Remember how weird that was at first? That's kind of what this is like.
The album is mostly a reggae record with punk roots. At times I find myself thinking of The Clash but at times, the record is something different all together. While the reggae influence the Dingees have always had is the driving force of the album, there are some rock moments (Blackout!) and a punk moment that sounds like a tribute to the Bad Brains (Capital Imperial).
Late in the record are the two nicest moments of the record, Port Royal Sound and Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement. Port Royal Sound is a really nice, low key, I'd guess you'd call it a ska song. It's that laid back, drink on the beach, ska. Not the frantic upbeat, skanking ska we all love. Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement is an acoustic track that's just nice. And there's nothing wrong with just an enjoyable song.
The Rebel Soul Sound System is a good record. It's a low-fi reggae record with a bunch of nice rock, punk, and ska moments. It's different for the Dingees but the Dingees never conformed to any one style. If you're looking for something different, this is a great record to give a spin. And it's free.
You can download The Rebel Soul Sound System here http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/75806
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Top 10 Favorite Christmas Albums
I think we all know by now that I'm not super big into your traditional music and not your traditional Christmas music. With that being said, here are my top 10 favorite Christmas albums. Of course there are some new ones in here.
10. Project 86 – This Time of the Year
Not a traditional Christmas record in any sense of the word. Project 86’s venture into holiday music was a dark twisted, wonderful ride. It’s a little more goth oriented then anything else the band has done and it’s just a new twist on Christmas music.
9. White Christmas OST
While not full of Christmas songs, it is the soundtrack to one of my favorite Christmas movies. I loved watching White Christmas growing up and I still do. Great songs.
8. Happy Christmas Volume 1
The very first of Tooth and Nail’s Christmas compilations was really what got me loving Christmas music. Songs from the Supertones, Five Iron Frenzy, Starflyer 59, Plankeye, The Huntingtons, Joy Electric, Switchfoot.
7. Relient K – Let It Snow Baby… Let it Reindeer
Relient K’s Christmas album is really what made me a fan of the band. Their covers of the classics mixed with some great original songs make this album a nice listen. Not too goofy but never completely serious.
6. Sufjan Stevens – Songs for Christmas
Sufjan’s Christmas boxset is a thing of brilliance and insanity. It’s so simple and understated at times yet full of Sufjan’s madness. From hymns, to carols, to originals, there is something for everyone.
5. Leigh Nash – Wishing for This
I love Leigh Nash. Her voice is amazing. I loved it in Sixpence None the Richer and I love it on her solo albums. Wishing for this is just good Christmas music.
4. Rosie Thomas – A Very Rosie Christmas
A Very Rosie Christmas is also good Christmas music. Quite possibly the most beautiful Christmas album ever. From the arrangements of the songs, down to Rosie’s voice, it’s just a well done music.
3. MxPx – Punk Rawk Christmas
Punk Rawk Christmas is a compilation of the Christmas songs MxPx has released through their fan club over the years, but it’s good to finally have them on one album. Not a classic Christmas song on the album. Just MxPx original Christmas tunes.
2. Happy Christmas Volume 2
The Second Happy Christmas album T&N put out is by far the best. While Sixpence None the Richer’s You’re a Mean One Mr Grinch is super amazing, it’s the only “weak” spot on an album of great song after great song. MxPx, All Star United, Viva Voce, Lost Dogs, Starflyer 59, The Deluxetone Rockets. A killer Christmas compilation
1.Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas
Was there any other option for number 1? Come on guys, it’s A Charlie Brown Christmas! Christmas without Charlie Brown is worse then Christmas with Santa.
10. Project 86 – This Time of the Year
Not a traditional Christmas record in any sense of the word. Project 86’s venture into holiday music was a dark twisted, wonderful ride. It’s a little more goth oriented then anything else the band has done and it’s just a new twist on Christmas music.
9. White Christmas OST
While not full of Christmas songs, it is the soundtrack to one of my favorite Christmas movies. I loved watching White Christmas growing up and I still do. Great songs.
8. Happy Christmas Volume 1
The very first of Tooth and Nail’s Christmas compilations was really what got me loving Christmas music. Songs from the Supertones, Five Iron Frenzy, Starflyer 59, Plankeye, The Huntingtons, Joy Electric, Switchfoot.
7. Relient K – Let It Snow Baby… Let it Reindeer
Relient K’s Christmas album is really what made me a fan of the band. Their covers of the classics mixed with some great original songs make this album a nice listen. Not too goofy but never completely serious.
6. Sufjan Stevens – Songs for Christmas
Sufjan’s Christmas boxset is a thing of brilliance and insanity. It’s so simple and understated at times yet full of Sufjan’s madness. From hymns, to carols, to originals, there is something for everyone.
5. Leigh Nash – Wishing for This
I love Leigh Nash. Her voice is amazing. I loved it in Sixpence None the Richer and I love it on her solo albums. Wishing for this is just good Christmas music.
4. Rosie Thomas – A Very Rosie Christmas
A Very Rosie Christmas is also good Christmas music. Quite possibly the most beautiful Christmas album ever. From the arrangements of the songs, down to Rosie’s voice, it’s just a well done music.
3. MxPx – Punk Rawk Christmas
Punk Rawk Christmas is a compilation of the Christmas songs MxPx has released through their fan club over the years, but it’s good to finally have them on one album. Not a classic Christmas song on the album. Just MxPx original Christmas tunes.
2. Happy Christmas Volume 2
The Second Happy Christmas album T&N put out is by far the best. While Sixpence None the Richer’s You’re a Mean One Mr Grinch is super amazing, it’s the only “weak” spot on an album of great song after great song. MxPx, All Star United, Viva Voce, Lost Dogs, Starflyer 59, The Deluxetone Rockets. A killer Christmas compilation
1.Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas
Was there any other option for number 1? Come on guys, it’s A Charlie Brown Christmas! Christmas without Charlie Brown is worse then Christmas with Santa.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Arthur - Watch the Years Crawl By
When Arthur released Loneliness is Bliss in 1999, the album didn't seem to be much more then a way for the boys in MxPx to show a softer side and release music that wasn't MxPx. And to any MxPx fan and music collector, Loneliness is Bliss is a fantastic little 90's emo record. MxPx on ritalin if you will.
So upon hearing in mid-November that Arthur would release a new full-length December 7th was a bit of shocking, albeit welcome news to me.
Watch the Years Crawl By is an amazing throwback to the mid-90's emo scene. Think that early Deep Elm sound. It's pretty amazing actually.
The production on Watch the Years Crawl By is solid and has a nice clean, full sound that was missing from the band's debut. Mike Herrera has written some of the catchiest songs of his career. The album is a nice mix of straight ahead rock songs (Cold Outside, America) and very nice ballads (Be Still, To Have And to Hold) and everything in between. Heartache and You Bring Me To My Knees sound like songs that could've fit on any of the last 3 MxPx records. Tie Me to You sounds most like the band's debut and Thought A Lot, the opening track of Loneliness is Bliss, is redone on the new record.
Top to bottom Watch the Years Crawl By is a great record. Anyone looking for a solid rock record should really check Arthur out. Don't let any MxPx hatred stop you from picking this up. While the similarities will be there simply for the fact that Mike is singing, Arthur has a different sound and I don't think a dislike of MxPx will mean you dislike Watch the Years Crawl By. It's a late year addition to the best of the year.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The Meltdown 1.16
More holiday cheer from Mxpx, Relient K, Rosie Thomas, SIxpence Non the Richer, and more.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Top 10 Favorite Christmas Songs
Christmas season is here and in full swing. I for one absolutely love Christmas music! Every year I can't wait to bust out the collection and start singing my favorite holiday tunes. Here are my top 10 favorite CHristmas songs.
10. Silent Night
There’s something so beautiful about Silent Night. One of the classic Christmas songs that if done right, is so soothing.
9. Holly Jolly Christmas
When Burl Ives sings Holly Jolly Christmas on Rudolph it’s awesome and cheerful. When Bon Voyage covered the song on the first Happy Christmas compilation, I feel in love all over again.
8. I Celebrate the Day
A newer song. Relient K wrote this song and the first time I heard it, it was like a punch in the gut. And when I still listen to this song I tear up. Just talking about the song, I get emotional. Just a beautiful Christmas reflection.
7. O Holy Night
A other classic song that slays. Seven Day Jesus has probably the best version of the song but I haven’t heard a bad version of O Holy Night. Just a killer song.
6. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Speaking of songs without a bad version. The first time I heard this song I was sold. Catchy as all get out.
5. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
There’s something simple about Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. It’s just a classic song.
4. Christmas Time is Here
Of course a song from Charlie Brown was making the list. Christmas Time is Here is beautiful, the instrumental version and the vocal version. Plus, Rosie Thomas did a cover that will make you cry.
3. Last Christmas
While it’s probably considered a cheesy song and yes, George Michael’s version has some mild lame factor to it, Jimmy Eat World, Leigh Nash, Hawk Nelson, and countless others have made this a great song.
2. Christmas Day
MxPx has delivered amazing original Christmas song, after amazing Christmas song. Last year they released them all on one album. Christmas Day is the first track I ever heard and I was of course hooked instantly. I love MxPX and their Christmas songs are amazing. Christmas Day freaking rules.
1. All I Want For Christmas Is You
The first time I heard this song it was love. I know it’s Mariah Carey but Christmas music allows you to enjoy and love different things. House of Heroes covered this song last year and their version is just as good, if not better then Mariah Carey’s. Great freaking song!
10. Silent Night
There’s something so beautiful about Silent Night. One of the classic Christmas songs that if done right, is so soothing.
9. Holly Jolly Christmas
When Burl Ives sings Holly Jolly Christmas on Rudolph it’s awesome and cheerful. When Bon Voyage covered the song on the first Happy Christmas compilation, I feel in love all over again.
8. I Celebrate the Day
A newer song. Relient K wrote this song and the first time I heard it, it was like a punch in the gut. And when I still listen to this song I tear up. Just talking about the song, I get emotional. Just a beautiful Christmas reflection.
7. O Holy Night
A other classic song that slays. Seven Day Jesus has probably the best version of the song but I haven’t heard a bad version of O Holy Night. Just a killer song.
6. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Speaking of songs without a bad version. The first time I heard this song I was sold. Catchy as all get out.
5. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
There’s something simple about Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. It’s just a classic song.
4. Christmas Time is Here
Of course a song from Charlie Brown was making the list. Christmas Time is Here is beautiful, the instrumental version and the vocal version. Plus, Rosie Thomas did a cover that will make you cry.
3. Last Christmas
While it’s probably considered a cheesy song and yes, George Michael’s version has some mild lame factor to it, Jimmy Eat World, Leigh Nash, Hawk Nelson, and countless others have made this a great song.
2. Christmas Day
MxPx has delivered amazing original Christmas song, after amazing Christmas song. Last year they released them all on one album. Christmas Day is the first track I ever heard and I was of course hooked instantly. I love MxPX and their Christmas songs are amazing. Christmas Day freaking rules.
1. All I Want For Christmas Is You
The first time I heard this song it was love. I know it’s Mariah Carey but Christmas music allows you to enjoy and love different things. House of Heroes covered this song last year and their version is just as good, if not better then Mariah Carey’s. Great freaking song!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Meltdown 1.15
A very special Christmas episode featuring holiday music from House of Heroes, Emery, MxPx, and Queens Club
Top 10 Favorite One and Done Tooth and Nail/Solid State Bands
Next week I'm going to rock Top 10 Christmas theme lists. This week it's my favorite bands who only released one album on Tooth and Nail and Solid State Records.
Honorable Mention: Spitfire
Spitfire is a great band. Their 3 post Solid State albums are absolutely phenomenal and Please Don't Go Out Tonight from The Dead Next Door is one of my favorite metalcore songs ever. But to be honest, The Dead Next Door has never been an album I loved.
10. Too Bad Eugene
While Too Bad Eugene was promoted as a pop punk band who was formerly signed to MxPx’s label, Rock City, the band was much more then a cheap MxPx punk knock off. Moonlighting was 3-5 years ahead of it’s time. A couple of years later when bands like Fallout Boy and Motion City Soundtrack started hitting big and Too Bad Eugene could’ve been a big ticket for T&N.
9. Poor Old Lu
It only made sense that Poor Old LU would eventually put out a record on the Nail. Christian’s alternative rock giants released one reunion album on T&N, The Waiting Room. With two catchy singles in Revolve and Crushed, The Waiting Room brought Poor Old Lu new fans.
8. Waking Ashland
Composure is probably the best record Tooth and Nail has put out that you haven’t heard. Piano driven adult rock/emo, I’m a little shocked this record didn’t do better then it did, although it did help the band land a deal with Immortal records. While lyrically a little hollow at times, musically Waking Ashland is what I had always hoped Mae would be. Just catchy and beautiful songs.
7. The Agony Scene
The Agony Scene’s self-titled debut is a metalcore beauty. Heavy Zao influence, which I love. The band put out one record on Solid State mostly because the band’s renouncing of Christianity. And while they released music post Solid State, nothing was ever as heavy or nearly as good as their self-titled debut.
6. Life In Your Way
I caught wind of Life In Your Way far past the bands break-up. People loved their record and continued to talk about it enough for me to pick it up. Waking Giants is melodic metalcore perfection. It’s what Means second record should’ve been. A good band I wish I would’ve discovered sooner.
5. AP2
AP2, the second coming of Argyle Park. While industrial was never a huge genre and it’s minor popularity had all but passed when Suspension of Disbelief came out, AP2 still delivered a musical masterpiece. Each song had it’s own personality and you never knew what was going to hit your stereo next. The vocal talents of Joel Bell and Mark Salomon are great and Resurrection of the Ravens is such a killer song.
4. Society’s Finest
Society’s Finest was advertised as the band for fans who were upset about Embodyments change in sound. And to be fair Kris McCaddon was in the band. But The Journey So Far was far more a metalcore record then the great death metal of Embrace the Eternal. While I The Drunkards took on an even more metalcore feel and was the bands best work, The Journey So Far is still a fantastic record and an underrated one.
3. Driver Eight
Driver Eight had one fantastic record and was done. Watermelon is alternative rock at it’s finest. I don’t know a whole lot about the band but I do know Watermelon is one of the best rock records T&N ever released.
2. Frodus
Frodus were underground DC punk legends before they ever signed with T&N. They put out one record with the label, and though not their best, Conglomerate International is pure DC punk frenzy. While the band signing to Tooth and Nail did and still has people scratching their heads, there’s no denying that Conglomerate International is a fantastic punk album.
1. Beloved
If you haven’t heard Failure On, you’re really missing out. Just a great post-hardcore/melodic hardcore record. While their Running EP really showcased how good Beloved could be, Failure On was one of those records that really was perfect start to finish. Great guitar riffs, heavy at moments, and just all around beautiful. It’s a shame this band never released a second album.
Honorable Mention: Spitfire
Spitfire is a great band. Their 3 post Solid State albums are absolutely phenomenal and Please Don't Go Out Tonight from The Dead Next Door is one of my favorite metalcore songs ever. But to be honest, The Dead Next Door has never been an album I loved.
10. Too Bad Eugene
While Too Bad Eugene was promoted as a pop punk band who was formerly signed to MxPx’s label, Rock City, the band was much more then a cheap MxPx punk knock off. Moonlighting was 3-5 years ahead of it’s time. A couple of years later when bands like Fallout Boy and Motion City Soundtrack started hitting big and Too Bad Eugene could’ve been a big ticket for T&N.
9. Poor Old Lu
It only made sense that Poor Old LU would eventually put out a record on the Nail. Christian’s alternative rock giants released one reunion album on T&N, The Waiting Room. With two catchy singles in Revolve and Crushed, The Waiting Room brought Poor Old Lu new fans.
8. Waking Ashland
Composure is probably the best record Tooth and Nail has put out that you haven’t heard. Piano driven adult rock/emo, I’m a little shocked this record didn’t do better then it did, although it did help the band land a deal with Immortal records. While lyrically a little hollow at times, musically Waking Ashland is what I had always hoped Mae would be. Just catchy and beautiful songs.
7. The Agony Scene
The Agony Scene’s self-titled debut is a metalcore beauty. Heavy Zao influence, which I love. The band put out one record on Solid State mostly because the band’s renouncing of Christianity. And while they released music post Solid State, nothing was ever as heavy or nearly as good as their self-titled debut.
6. Life In Your Way
I caught wind of Life In Your Way far past the bands break-up. People loved their record and continued to talk about it enough for me to pick it up. Waking Giants is melodic metalcore perfection. It’s what Means second record should’ve been. A good band I wish I would’ve discovered sooner.
5. AP2
AP2, the second coming of Argyle Park. While industrial was never a huge genre and it’s minor popularity had all but passed when Suspension of Disbelief came out, AP2 still delivered a musical masterpiece. Each song had it’s own personality and you never knew what was going to hit your stereo next. The vocal talents of Joel Bell and Mark Salomon are great and Resurrection of the Ravens is such a killer song.
4. Society’s Finest
Society’s Finest was advertised as the band for fans who were upset about Embodyments change in sound. And to be fair Kris McCaddon was in the band. But The Journey So Far was far more a metalcore record then the great death metal of Embrace the Eternal. While I The Drunkards took on an even more metalcore feel and was the bands best work, The Journey So Far is still a fantastic record and an underrated one.
3. Driver Eight
Driver Eight had one fantastic record and was done. Watermelon is alternative rock at it’s finest. I don’t know a whole lot about the band but I do know Watermelon is one of the best rock records T&N ever released.
2. Frodus
Frodus were underground DC punk legends before they ever signed with T&N. They put out one record with the label, and though not their best, Conglomerate International is pure DC punk frenzy. While the band signing to Tooth and Nail did and still has people scratching their heads, there’s no denying that Conglomerate International is a fantastic punk album.
1. Beloved
If you haven’t heard Failure On, you’re really missing out. Just a great post-hardcore/melodic hardcore record. While their Running EP really showcased how good Beloved could be, Failure On was one of those records that really was perfect start to finish. Great guitar riffs, heavy at moments, and just all around beautiful. It’s a shame this band never released a second album.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Rocky Loves Emily - American Dream
The Warp Tour, Pop Punk, Emo scene has passed me by. I feel really irrelevant about modern rock music. DC's two rock stations are stuck in the late 80's/early 90's. So whatever might be popular with the Hot Topic, teen scene hitting Warp tour is not something I find myself consuming on a regular. But Tooth and Nail's latest band, Rocky Loves Emily, seems like a band signed 6 months to a year behind a trend. While Tooth and Nail has had some good recent signings and put out handful of records this year from new bands with tons of potential, Rocky Loves Emily isn't one of those bands in my opinion.
American Dream is an ep of songs I've heard over the last 5 years from various emo/pop punk acts. American Dream isn't anything original or at least interesting to my ears.
But like Family Force Five, Attack Attack, and you know, every band on RIse Records, Rocky Loves Emily is a band that will probably do really well with the younger audience. While it's a trend and style of music that escapes my ears and my likes, American Dream is a well produced ep full of songs about teenage love, played in that upbeat emo rock sound that is popular.
While I wish Tooth and Nail would sign and release more records like they used, 90's alt rock and early 2000's punk aren't big money makers and Mr Ebel is running a business. While I don't enjoy American Dream, I see Rock Loves Emily being a big band for the label. Fans of We Are Kings, Cobra Starship, and other bright colored shirt emo bands will love American Dream.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
As They Sleep - Dynasty
It took me about 10 seconds to fall in love with As They Sleep's debut Blacken the Sun. A simply solid tech death metal album. Dynasty didn't grab me right away.
While my first time through the record didn't have me falling in love with the album, by the third time through I was sold. It's nice to hear a very technical death metal record and not have to hear breakdown after breakdown. A metal record with no core attached to it is very nice.
Right from the get go, Dynasty is fast and heavy. The drums keep a fast pace, and while super triggered replaced drums normally annoy me, in this genre, on this album it works for me. It's expected and that's fine to me. Aaron Bridgewater's vocals are on point. From his low death metal growls to his high pitched screaming there's never a dull moment vocally. While the riffs aren't anything to write home about, the guitars are solid. The album has just enough melodic moments to keep it from being stale, without ever losing it's heaviness. There are no clean vocals, which almost come standard on metal records these days.
While my quibbles with this record are minor, there is a couple. First is the lack of guitar solos. Attila has one and it's nice but the overall record is lacking solos and my favorite part of metal is the guitar solo. My other issue is minor and it's only an issue because it's clichés. Dynasty does have the standard, low-key instrumental track in the middle of the record. While it's not terrible and doesn't offend me, it's just so cliché that I sigh when I hear it.
Overall Dynasty is great. While I've come to appreciate deathcore a little bit this year (In the Midst of Lions), it is very nice to hear a record that isn't held in this dimension of having to have breakdowns to please the kids. It's the heaviest album Solid State has put out in year. Death metal fans will want to give this album a listen.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Your Memorial - Atonement
As I've stated a hundred times on this site, Facedown Records has killed it in 2010. It's been amazing record, after amazing record this year. There last release of the year, Your Memorial's label debut Atonement, is no different and one of the best.
Atonement is going to remind fans of Misery Signals. Instantly when the album started that's where my brain went, and that's a good thing. While fans of the band's debut Seasons will probably be disappointed with the lack of complete metal onslaught, their new direction and shift in sound as been pulled off perfectly.
Endeavor For Purpose and Hope Era kick the record off with a punch. Both super intense hardcore tracks, with some killer melodic guitar riffs that take the edge off just enough. Desolation is a nice instrumental piece that bleeds right into the title track, Atonement. If the first 2 tracks didn't remind you of Misery Signals, Atonement will. From the tom rolls on the intro, to the guitar riffs, this songs screams Misery Signals.
Surface offers a slight change of pace. The track reminds me of A Hope For Home's latest and the clean vocals on the hook of the song are done real well. My favorite song on the album.
Production is far better then Seasons. The drums sound amazing, the guitar riffs are nice and chunky and Blake's vocals are solid. This is hardcore done right.
Atonement doesn't break any new ground musically but it's done well. Your Memorial has put out a memorable album and one that should be missed. Yes, you could argue that it's a christian Misery Signals but it's not completely fair. While it's derivative, it's not a copy cat. Fans of Misery Signals, A Hope for Home, and Hands will love this album. It's a great hardcore album.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)