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| The Big 10: Year 2000 |
Introduction: As the decade comes to a close, I thought it would be cool to relive the past ten years and discuss my favorite selections from the years 2000 until this very year we are in right this second!
Now, to preface this, these are not my all-time favorite albums or what have you -- these are merely my top picks for "Album of the Year" from 2000 to now. Each week, I will post another year and another album, just to start up a little reminiscing and get some talk going around the water cooler... or Facebook or forums or wherever the hell you talk casually with friends. Or you can just read it and that's it.
First on the list...
2000: Alkaline Trio's Maybe I'll Catch Fire
Some people prefer early Alkaline Trio: dark, gritty, fast and unapologetic. Seriously -- listen to how pure and raw their sound is on those first three records. Not to mention how deeply disturbing and painful Matt Skiba's lyrics are. For what is technically their second release (count the self-titled compilation if you want), Maybe I'll Catch Fire is slowed down but still oozes with some of the best overall work the band has provided in their ten-plus years together.
Read like the best entries from a lost diary, every word Matt Skiba squeezes out articulates his own hostility and sadness, his own distress toward his own self-worth, and every phrase cuts like the dull side of a bloody knife (I'm not nearly as gifted with harsh wordplay, so bear with me). Some songs echo lost romance ("You've Got So Far To Go") and then wish it all away with distinct sentiments of a "go fuck yourself" variety ("Radio"). As a cohesive work, it's honestly one of the smarter punk releases of all-time.
How can you not sit with jaw wide open as you listen to Skiba nearly cry out when he says, "You won't catch me behind the wheel of a Chrysler ever again" on the eulogy "Fuck You Aurora." What's so wonderful about a track like this is it captures all the gut emotion of a tragedy and puts it all into words that are poetic because they don't sound concocted -- they sound instinctive, which is what creates a bare-knuckled approach to early Alkaline Trio material. "She Took Him to the Lake" is a horrific tale of insipid lust and what more can you say about "Radio," a track that literally stands on its own as an anthem of love, hate, murder and misogyny all in four minutes? Jesus, when Skiba rips his vocal chords on the chorus, you actually feel uncomfortable for who he is singing to ("I'VE GOT A BIG FAT FUCKING BONE TO PICK..."). Plus, is there any better opening line than, "Shaking like a dog shitting razorblades"? Deeeee-lish!
The band obviously moved on in a slightly more mainstream sound after their third release, but their obsession with so-called "gothic" themes and lyrics hasn't changed all that much -- it just isn't as grounded or off-the-cuff as it comes across on this record. In ten songs, it hits all the right notes of a darker-themed world than all the pop-punk, nu-metal or boy bands ever achieved when this was released. Edgy, sincere yet still very melodic, it was just different from everything else coming out at the time -- something we hadn't seen since perhaps the late-80's alternative boom.
In a year that saw fine releases from At the Drive-In, The Juliana Theory and (on a lighter note) New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio took all the ingredients of what made those records special, and blended them together for one of the more infinitely honest albums to come out this decade.
Next week: Year 2001! Will it be the high-school anthems of blink-182?! The breakthrough of Jimmy Eat World?! The humble beginnings of some band named Brand New?! The answer might actually surprise you... | | Tags: alkaline trio, the big 10, year 2000, maybe i'll catch fire, end of the year |
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| | Saw You At the Post Office, Didn't Say Hi ... NOTHING PERSONAL! |
I had an awkward moment of staring at someone who I thought I recognized today. Whenever that happens, I always feel like an idiot.
I was in the line at the post office earlier and there was a guy in there who looked exactly like Alex from All Time Low. Given that their tour schedule runs them through this area around today (I checked), it very well could have been him. He gave me a look, but I think it was because I was looking at him like, "Is that the dude from All Time Low in the post office? In Ellensburg?! What the hell..." This isn't exactly a city people just stop by for kicks. If somebody knows him, they should confirm whether or not this happened or my mind is playing tricks on me.
Random, but I kind of wonder if he recognized me because I tend to talk a lot of shit about his band and their friends. I guess I'm a little critical of the band, but hey -- they have a few pretty good guilty pleasure hooks I think are worth jammin'. Nothing personal? Right? | | Tags: all time low, my life is lame, nothing personal |
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| | Let Me Explain Something to You... |
Do all bands, managers and publicists expect every album review to be full of praise and positive marks that label it the "best album of the year"? That's the feeling I get whenever I write a review for any album that's under 80% on the ol' scorecard.
Example: Raditude. The score is hardly a representation of my feelings for Weezer or the album itself. Do people even read anymore? Skimming is all fine and dandy, but don't just glance over it, be shocked by the numerical score and come up with your assessment of what I think.
Each reviewer here spends a lot of time writing these reviews, listening to both good & horrible albums, and hoping to get a fair word out on what their opinion/critique is.
There are certainly exceptions for when a low score matches my sentiment (Bowling for Soup, Plain White T's), but why give an album high marks that doesn't deserve to be called creative, long-lasting or worthy of any true distinguishing high grades? That doesn't necessarily make the album suck, it just isn't on the same plane as album's that spend more time on themselves over making party-rock.
In my eyes, Raditude will be an album I listen to on shuffle ... Thrice will be one I listen to as a whole. See the difference? Doesn't mean I hate the album, it's just not cohesive enough to sit with anyone. Subtle differences that people seem to always fail to recognize when I write. Just... read the damn thing and try to put your own personal bias on the shelf for a few short moments and see where I'm coming from.
I stand by the assertion that the score itself means far less than what I actually write. Hopefully you can think like that from now on, too. | | Tags: raditude, weezer, reviews, investigation, proper reading |
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| | I Like You and You Should Read This |
Finished my reviews for Weezer and This Time Next Year. Always hard for me to give Weezer a low score seeing how long I have adored their music, but Raditude is just a "filler" album: it's fun and pleasant but warrants no critical points for doing anything worthy of true merit. This Time Next Year just loses steam over time. I absolutely loved it back in August when I first received it, but as the months go by, there's just much better pop-punk being made. Still enjoy the album, just not as much as I initially did.
Expect reviews for the following this week (and weekend): Nothington (whoo!), The Larry Arms (yeah!), Strung Out (finally!), Dead To Me (meh!), Dashboard Confessional (not sure yet!), We Shot the Moon (not bad!) and Anchor Down (pretty good!) (plus two others from punk bands not many are familiar with outside of, say, Canada).
Excited to pick up the Foo Fighters' deluxe edition of their greatest hits comp. I really just want the DVD that comes with it since I already own all the albums. "Wheels" has become one of my favorite songs of the year. In terms of favorite singles... I think Weezer will win that. I'm still madly in love with "If You're Wondering if I Want You To (I Want You To)." It's fucking addicting as hell.
Gonna be working hard on getting my meathooks on Joey Cape's album here in the coming weeks. That's my goal for the month. Can I do it? Yes. Yes, I can. I am Chris Fallon damn it.
Oh, and in case you were curious... I cannot decide which album I am looking forward to most in 2010: Jimmy Eat World, Butch Walker or The Gaslight Anthem. How in the name of fuck can I choose between those three?! If 2010 is half as good as 2009, I'll be satisfied. My current top 10 for 2009 is almost narrowed down... give me another month. I can't figure out where to put a few selections. I just love some of these albums like they are my children.
Listen to Adam Carolla's podcast. I love that man and his rationale. I'd like to have a beer with him one day. Dan Patrick can come, too. As long as he brings Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison.
Here's to Philadelphia ousting the Yankees (probably won't happen) and to the Seahawks salvaging what's left of that sinking ship season they are struggling in. I miss the Sonics.
It is cold here. I think I should warm myself up with some Curb Your Enthusiasm and a blanket before sleep... or what little of it I get. Goodnight CFaithful. | | Tags: random, reviews, update, weezer, this time next year, joey cape, 2010 |
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| | What to Look Forward To |
2009 has been a busy year for my ear canals. How in the blazes am I expected to choose a favorite?! IMPOSSIBLE! My top ten is going to switch hundreds of times before I settle. Lucero may be my top pick, but Thrice and Rx Bandits are hanging in there, too. Propagandhi is still a dark horse contender.
Now that the year is reaching its end, I don't have too many albums left to be excited for. Sure, the Lawrence Arms and NOFX are releasing nifty EPs, but as for full-lengths, there are only a couple more coming out I want to listen to.
Joey Cape (obviously!), Motion City Soundtrack, Dead to Me, Weezer (even though "I'm Your Daddy" is one of the worst songs I've heard from them) and even Dashboard Confessional. I'm not as excited for Say Anything as I would have been four years ago, but I'll admit "Hate Everyone" has grown on me with every listen. The "rapper in the Lexus" part always gets me.
I'll be reviewing Weezer and DC once I hear them. I'm one of the biggest Weezer nerds/defenders in the world, so you'll be getting a very honest opinion from a harsh critic. I think they might be the only band I have every recorded song of... at least I think I do.
Now all I have to do is sort my end-of-the-year list and see what to look forward to in 2010. I think Jimmy Eat World will be topping my "most anticipated" list. Seriously, could they ever do anything wrong?
Answer: never. | | Tags: 2009, anticipation, weezer, year-end, jimmy eat world |
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| | In the Same Candlelight |
Not really allowed to say who this is, but this song has been in my head for weeks now. Reminds me of my girlfriend, who has always had this effect on men (including lucky ol' me). I can't transcribe one or two words in the chorus, however, the words are so sweet and simple, I couldn't help but share. When the band or artist in question release said album, I think you'll enjoy it, too.
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To know her, is to love her. I'm going undercover to catch a glimpse, but not get caught. But to see her could be worse if I don't get my head straight first. On second thought, I guess I'm not.
She's almost brighter than the sun; seems to me to be unfair, when you consider everyone who pales when they compare. When they compare...
Can't hold a candle to her, 'cause all the moths get in the way. And they'll begin to chew her inside _____ until it frays. She outshines anyone who ever might dare to bask in the same candlelight.
Oh please don't seat us in the back with all the insects and the trash. She is the lady, I'm the tramp. Collecting stares from pairs close by, then flutters in the butterfly. You're just a moth drawn to the lamp.
She's like an ancient artifact, something you're lucky to have found. She'll pinch the nerves in all the necks when she turns those heads around. Those heads around...
Can't hold a candle to her, 'cause all the moths get in the way. And they'll begin to chew her inside _____ until it frays. She outshines anyone who ever might dare to bask in the same candlelight. Who may dare to bask in the same candlelight!
She's almost brighter than the sun; seems to me to be unfair, when you consider everyone who pales when they compare. When they compare...
Can't hold a candle to her, 'cause all the moths get in the way. And they'll begin to chew her inside _____ until it frays. She outshines anyone who ever might dare to bask in the same candlelight. In the same candlelight! | | Tags: lyrics, secret, girlfriend, mystery |
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| | First Impressions: Banner Pilot - Collapser |
Imagine Dillinger Four getting together with the Ramones to play Kerplunk! with the production style of post-Goddammit Alkaline Trio.
Catchy melodies, definitely hearing classic influences all over this one. However, I really dig it. Fat Wreck scores again. "Write It Down" is my current favorite. Comes out September 1st. Check that shit. | | Tags: first impressions, banner pilot |
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| | | First Impressions: The Swellers' "Ups and Downsizing" |
Like My Everest on hyperspeed, The Swellers have basically tightened their sound and matured as vocalists & songwriters for their Fueled by Ramen debut. At nearly 40 minutes, you've got some songs that will bring in swarms of new fans ("Fire Away," "Sleeper"), anthems ("Feet First"), some old-school-feelin' pop-punk jams ("Do You Feel Better Yet," "Welcome Back Riders"), speedy skate-punk ("2009," "The Iron") and even a song that approaches six minutes in length! My favorite of the demos I heard early this year, "Sleeper," is even better than I remember, and if "Fire Away" doesn't get them some exposure, it will surely be a crime.
All in all, this album sounds fantastic (more bands need to hire Mark Michalik) and if you enjoyed My Everest... this one will not disappoint.
September 29th... get stoked! | | Tags: first impressions, the swellers, ups and downsizing, fueled by ramen |
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| | At The Bottom |
| Yes, I love the new Brand New track. I listened to it a number of times a few days back, and I love how deeply raw & aggressive it is. Like a sequel to "Sowing Season," it contains some memorable lyrics over a flurry of static noise and screams. Love it. | | Tags: brand new, at the bottom |
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| | Review Update |
Thrice. Farewell. MUTEMATH.
Expect all three reviews up Tuesday & Wednesday (hey, don't wanna overdo it!).
All three have positive buzz from me. I suppose it's just been one of those summers where nearly each record I hear is just that good. | | Tags: review update, thrice, farewell, mutemath |
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| | First Impressions: Farewell |
For as much as I love me some straightforward pop-punk like Broadway Calls or The Swellers, God help me, I just can't deny a good hook when I hear one.
For instance, I would personally score Nothing Personal around a 75% or so: fluffy, empty-headed, but still full of pleasant melodies ("Break Your Little Heart" and "Sick Little Games" are big-time guilty pleasures).
For my money, Broadway Calls recorded the best pop-punk album of the year. Set Your Goals is another choice favorite; New Found Glory recorded a fun record, and if the demos reveal anything, The Swellers will be up there with a hell of a follow-up to My Everest.
But come September 1st, one of the bigger surprises for me is Farewell's Run It Up the Flagpole. I received this album a few weeks back, and after a few occasional spins, it hit me how good this record is. As a follow-up to Isn't This Supposed to Be Fun, it kicks that record's ass. Sure, there's no "Zelda," but it has plenty of boisterous tunes that deliver a spoonful of sugar without the gut rot.
It's very heavy on the pop element of the pop-punk formula, but it doesn't come across as cliche or cookie-cutter in the way we've seen with so many scene bands. The lyrics are quite fun, the hooks come fast and it's just a carefree dose of pop-punk that actually sticks its nose up at the current trends.
All 11 tracks are just out of this world catchy, and while I won't call this the best pop-punk disc of 2009, it's up there. Been listening to it a lot between Thrice (oddly enough), so I'm earning a nice dose of seriousness and summer fun. | | Tags: first impressions, farewell, pop punk, run it up the flagpole |
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| | Some Thoughts on Upcoming Releases |
Had the chance to indulge in many advances lately (although a couple have leaked and a few more I have reviews for this Sunday/Monday/Tuesday, which are not mentioned here), so I figured I'd jot down my initial feelings on these albums. In case you're wondering. I hope I can score some more sweet advances down the road soon. I'm not Jason Tate or Drew Beringer or even a Julia Conny... but I am striving to be! Maybe if I wear something revealing, labels/bands will fork them over to me... not because of my professionalism, but because of my sex appeal. I am very superficial, FYI.
We Shot the Moon - A Silver Lining: Lush piano rock that's a little bit orchestral and heavy on melody. The perfect kind of music for the fall season, this will likely be a big sleeper hit for pop music fans. Won't be available until this fall, but anyone who digs piano-based rock or anything Jonathan Jones has done... you'll love this to pieces. Dare I say it's better than Fear and Love? I just might.
The Used - Artwork: Like going from super-intelligent humans to monkeys who get excited every time they see their hand move, The Used have gone from being one of the top bands to a sludgy Aiden-like dinosaur of uncreative & dull cock rock. Maybe dumping Feldmann for Squire was a mistake, because the only worthwhile song off this travesty is the first single. Rummaging through the other tracks is simply a waste of time.
Nightmare of You - Infomaniac: Despite the fact this already leaked awhile ago, it's not officially coming out for a few more weeks. I am still a huge fan of this band's self-titled debut, so while this one fails to stack up to it, I still like it a great deal. It does have some boring moments and it's darker in many places, but since it is so different... I guess that's why I enjoy it. Been getting mixed reviews from people, and I can't say it will be a Top 25-er, but every so often, it will be a nice alternative to the jauntier spirit of the debut.
fun. - Aim and Ignite: Yes, this is one more confirmation that Nate Ruess (The Format) is a phenomenal creator of pop music. In 2006, Dog Problems was not only my favorite album to be released, but also one of my favorite pop records in the last ten years. Aim and Ignite is no different, combining everything we miss about the Format with everything we love about Steel Train. Perfect summer music, and easily one of the better pop releases in years.
Farewell - Run it Up the Flagpole: That old-school '90's pop-punk sound has not died just yet, I promise you. Despite people claiming All Time Low are the ones doing it... well, frankly, that isn't true. Farewell obliterate their debut with this album (dropping Sept. 1st), and really make up for all the Warped Tour "pop-punk" that's been cluttering the record store shelves for the past couple years. This isn't an album I was expecting to enjoy this much, but for any pop-punk enthusiast, you might be surprised by this one.
Chuck Ragan - Gold Country: Eric's review hit the nail on the head, as this album is an exceptional piece of honest folk music from a very well-respected musician. It doesn't top Feast or Famine, but this album really knocks it out of the park. Top singer-songwriter record of the year for me. I'm waiting for Ragan to make this generation's Nebraska. I know he has it in him.
Broadway Calls - Good Views, Bad News: As previously mentioned, this is going to be the go-to pop-punk/punk rock record to go to. Hey, I love me some Set Your Goals and all, but while that album gathers loads of praise, this sneaky devil will slowly pull people in through word of mouth (hopefully I can be the main spout). Tons of energy, lots of moxie, and plenty of thoroughly enjoyable fun, Broadway Calls is my band to keep an eye out for this year.
Other releases I am stoked for, but have yet to grab an advance of are: Third Eye Blind, Relient K, Mute Math, Thrice, The Swellers, Strike Anywhere, Brand New, AFI, Moneen, Pearl Jam, Muse and Every Time I Die.
Also, expect me to talk about Broadway Calls and The Swellers a lot. I plan on promoting the hell out of these bands, because they deserve it. There are a few others bands I want people to latch onto as well, but those two are my main focuses because, well, I love their music and what they do. | | Tags: upcoming releases, review, first impressions |
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| | Tribute to the King |
He not only recorded Thriller and Off the Wall, but he was an icon of legendary status that will never be achieved by any other musician again.
For all the shit we've given him throughout the years since he started his fascination with plastic surgery, loving children (to whatever extent) and dangling babies off balconies, the self-proclaimed King of Pop was untouchable. Despite all his humiliations, I commend his vast achievements and what he did for pop music in general.
Remember -- he made Thriller, the best-selling album of all-time. An album that will forever hold that title, an album everybody knows. Think about this for a moment: Michael Jackson is a name and an individual every person knows. No matter where you live, who you are -- every single person knows this man and his music.
Jackson 5, Off the Wall, Thriller, Moonwalk, the Glove, Bad -- FREE WILLY! C'mon, we could all go on and on.
The reason I'm taking this moment to reflect is because I love music, particularly the popular music that has brought us to this point. Whenever I hear modern-day popular music, I am torn and disappointed that we will never have someone like Michael Jackson, a man who crossed over genres and reached out to every fan of music, sold ridiculous amounts of albums, and in general, paved a very big path for future musicians. Who comes closest these days? Usher? That's about it -- and he doesn't even touch the base of the mountain that the King conquered long ago.
No matter what your feelings on his personal life, go back and enjoy the music the man created. It still holds value and continues to be a constant in our lives. He did for popular music and R&B what the Beatles did for popular music and rock. He was not only a pioneer and an icon, but a man of immense talent and someone who continues to speak to music fans everywhere.
That's saying something.
I was not alive when John Lennon was shot, but I imagine this echos that day. He will be missed, forever and always. Now, with all due respect, beat it. Rest in peace, Mr. Jackson. | | Tags: michael jackson, king of pop, tribute |
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| | Record Talk: Volume Three |
I think I have a problem. I'm starting to buy vinyl nearly every time I leave the house haha
No problem with loving something awesome, amirite?! Okay, enough of me trying to be all Blake Solomon-y over here. Just peep the new additions - one of which my cat thought would be fun to start clawing ... thankfully he didn't do too much damage. Or he would be dead.
The Beatles - Abbey Road (1969)
The Who - Who's Next (1971)
The Eagles - Hotel California (1977)
Def Leppard - Hysteria (1987)
The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound (2008)
Metallica - Death Magnetic (2008)
Stick around -- I have a bunch more arriving this week: some more classic stuff and the start of my punk selections (thank you Fat Wreck for $10 LPs)! Wait until pay day arrives -- I'm gonna blow my wad haha. It's my new favorite hobby for a pretty lax summer in rural Washington. | | Tags: record talk, collection, records, vinyl |
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