Top 20 Albums of the Year.
Panic At The Disco-Pretty. Odd.
All of the comparisons of this album to the Beatles are completely founded. It is still amazing that the oldest member of this band is (I think) 22. The instruments are more complex but still accessible. The biggest downfall of this album is that the lyrics were what suffered. I guess trading Fight Club quotes for Beatles riffs is a pretty ok sacrifice.
Punchline-Just Say Yes
The band got off FBR and released their own album on their own terms. And Its damn Good. Having Jamie Woolford make a cameo makes it worthwhile on its own. If you can track down their cover of "It's a Wonderful World", You know why the album belongs on the list.
Empires-Howl
Thats basically a perfect album title. Its creepy yet still uplifting. And if you don't get chills with Sean chanting "I will guide you in the night," then something is wrong with you. I was nervous about the former "Academy is..." member Tom Conrad living up to his former band, but he does. And the album is free. No excuses.
Hit The Lights-Skip School Start Fights
Pop-Punk is still not dead. Colin left, but you honestly don't care. The songs are energetic and you always want to sing along. And really, how can you fuck with what may be the best album title ever? Now if only we could get them to go on tour with some decent bands...
N*E*R*D - Seeing Sounds
Kanye's album was good, but lets face it. He probably got the idea from this album. They dont hide how nerdy they are. They love toys and art. And they play all their own instruments. When Kanye can rap AND play drums live like Pharrell, then maybe he can hold a candle to this album.
The Academy Is... - Fast Times At Barrington High
Miles ahead of "Santi." Catch infectious pop tunes at it's best. There really isn't anything epic about this album. It's great for the summer and sing alongs. Despite having cameos from dudes in Metro Station it's still solid.
Less Than Jake-GNV FLA
The album brought the band back to where they began. You Have to respect them too. Vinnie parted ways with the label he created despite it being a money maker. They left the major label so they could have complete control over everything. The record sounds like a fresh start, which is a good thing sometimes.
Gym Class Heroes - The Quilt
I doubt Travis will be able to top this experience. He worked with fucking Daryl Hall (of Hall&Oates) which is the guys favorite band. You know they were listening to more hip hop around making this album. Hell, Busta even makes a cameo. The songs are just as good as "As cruel as..." only more hip hop. It explains how they got on the TI tour.
Have Heart - Songs to Scream at the Sun
This band reminds me so much of American Nightmare it's ridiculous. Fast, loud, songs with a message. It makes you want to fucking stagedive your living room couch. Oh, and did I mention fast? With 10 tracks it clocks in at a whopping 21 minutes.
Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger
Dude knows how to write a pop song. Honestly, Andrew was born to do this. With tracks like "Crashin" and "bloodshot" you can feel a much more earnest intensity than the previous album. It was worth getting pushed back 5 months if it sounds like this.
Hey Monday-Hold Tight
Cassadee Pope is fucking adorable. But let's ignore my massive boy-crush on her for a second. This album is fucking adorable. You know they are up there every night bouncing around giving it their all. They will be huge and they deserve to be. It makes me feel 16 again, in a good way. Not the awkward "girls arent yucky anymore" way.
Alkaline Trio - Agony and Irony
"Crimson" was good, but still a let down. The band picks it back up with this. Honestly, I think you can only truly appreciate it if you hear them play some of the songs live. And seeing Skiba play a Misfits cover, it's pretty hard to top that. The vinyl came with a Tegan&Sara cover. Completely backed.
United Nations - S/T
Ok, so the entire lineup is unknown due to "contractual obligations." But we do know Geoff Rickley and Daryl Palumbo are in it. Good start. They put out limited albums and vinyls because of the "offensive cover art" which is essentially...Abbey Road with all of the Beatles covered in flames. Literacy theory references, subliminal messages, and "hidden tracks". The band refers to themselves as "ultra Violent".Then, both Facebook AND myspace erase their fucking profiles. This band is fucking EPIC.
Vampire Weekend - S/T
This one definitely took my ass by surprise. I have avoided "indie" bands for so long that I had no idea bands were pumping out things like this. Its quirky, fun, and takes alot of thought to boot. And the video for "A-Punk" is pretty great.
H2O - Nothing To Prove
The world waited too fucking long for a new H2O album. And they came back full force. These are the hardcore anthems "Go!" just didn't fucking have. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Toby Morse cries while listening to a 7 Seconds album. The dude lives this shit, and there are alot of phone messages from other people on the record who feel the same way.
Rise Against - Appeal To Reason
This band doesn't back down. You know how that feel about everything. And they call out everyone in the middle of the fucking road. ("neutrality means that you don't really care because the struggle goes on even when you're not there"). Oh, and they blow up Chicago. I shit you not. They BLOW UP Chicago in the video for "Re-education Through labor."
The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
This is what Tom Petty and Springstein would sound like is they got their start at CBGB's. They don't hide their influences. Fallon is a hopeless romantic and I swear to god I have almost cried more than 1 time listening to this album. Everyone needs to listen to this album.
Bloc Party - Intimacy
This is what a band sounds like when they truly experiment. There is a song that is almost entirely xylaphone that reminds me of snowfall followed by songs with images of war. The lyrics are intense and the atmosphere is incredible. It is near perfect...except for those damn remixes.
EVERYONE, the top album of the year has come to a tie!
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
This album is fucking gut wrenching. It's eerie, creepy, and there is no right way to listen to it. It tears into your heart and pulls out every insecurity you might have. Hell, even a few you might not know you have. Undoubtably, the best thing the band has ever done. Possibly one of the greatest albums ever.
Fall Out Boy - Folie a Deux
This album is epic. Patrick's vocals are pitch perfect. Brass, Strings, Elvis Costello and Blondie. This is a true album of trying to pick yourself up, but still knowing there is nothing you can believe in. Like DCFC, every insecurity you have comes out while listening to this. The Reprise on "What a Catch, Donnie" makes you smile when you think of how far the band has come.
So, hows that for an end of the year list. Albums that may have made it had I listened in time...
Valencia, Butch Walker, Kings of Leon, Verse, Ceremony, The Cab, story of the year, the Draft, Chuck Ragan, Loved ones, modest mouse.
Most anticipated for 09...
Thursday, A New Found Glory, Paramore, +44, Green Day, Brand New, Taking Back Sunday, All Time Low, AFI, four year strong, set your goals.
Movie...the only 3 worth mentioning were Dark Knight, Nick and Norahs infinite playlist, and Wall*E.
Resolutions to myself....
1-Draw Every day
2-Buy a guitar
3-Best possible grades in school
4-cleaner apartment
5-learn photoshop
Im sure there is more to come. but leave your feedback.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment