Okay everyone. I've been putting this off over and over and over again. So I'm sitting here bored and decided I'd give it a go. Given, I'm a huge music fan. I only buy cds, and listen to the rest online. It's just how I do it. I'm not a big fan of iPods or digital music. I like something solid in my hands. Not to mention it sounds better. That being said, I listen to a lot of music. And buy as much as I can. Somehow I may be single-handedly responsible for keeping the Best Buy of Annapolis afloat.
This year in music was kind of crazy. There were albums I thought I would never like that made my top ten. There were albums I was thrilled about that were dead set on competing for worst album of the year. I try to embrace everything, but let's be honest, you won't be seeing me praise Lil' Wayne here (sorry kids, I'm not creating the "indier-than-thou records of the year" list a la Rolling Stone and Spin).
And yes, I do like hip-hop. Just saying. Now, all ranting aside, here's the juicy part:
10. Bring Me The Horizon - Suicide Season
I have to admit, I'm probably just as surprised as you to be putting this one on here. There is something about this record that just came off fresh. It's got driving guitars and heavy screaming, but it balances it out with a decent helping of the melodic. This is leaps and bounds past their last record (which I know someone's going to contend me on this one). Understandably, many will say they're selling out with this slight turn to "mainstream", but it really is accessible while not becoming too soft or changing into a completely new band. Lyrically, this album could have used work, but with the focus on the anthems, they really hit home. The crowd will easily be able to sing along with these parts, and most likely forgive the other parts... mainly because they'll probably be trying to throw down during them...
Okay everyone. I've been putting this off over and over and over again. So I'm sitting here bored and decided I'd give it a go. Given, I'm a huge music fan. I only buy cds, and listen to the rest online. It's just how I do it. I'm not a big fan of iPods or digital music. I like something solid in my hands. Not to mention it sounds better. That being said, I listen to a lot of music. And buy as much as I can. Somehow I may be single-handedly responsible for keeping the Best Buy of Annapolis afloat.
This year in music was kind of crazy. There were albums I thought I would never like that made my top ten. There were albums I was thrilled about that were dead set on competing for worst album of the year. I try to embrace everything, but let's be honest, you won't be seeing me praise Lil' Wayne here (sorry kids, I'm not creating the "indier-than-thou records of the year" list a la Rolling Stone and Spin).
And yes, I do like hip-hop. Just saying. Now, all ranting aside, here's the juicy part:
10. Bring Me The Horizon - Suicide Season
I have to admit, I'm probably just as surprised as you to be putting this one on here. There is something about this record that just came off fresh. It's got driving guitars and heavy screaming, but it balances it out with a decent helping of the melodic. This is leaps and bounds past their last record (which I know someone's going to contend me on this one). Understandably, many will say they're selling out with this slight turn to "mainstream", but it really is accessible while not becoming too soft or changing into a completely new band. Lyrically, this album could have used work, but with the focus on the anthems, they really hit home. The crowd will easily be able to sing along with these parts, and most likely forgive the other parts... mainly because they'll probably be trying to throw down during them and not pay attention to their significance. Overall, a nice little surprise, but not something that would trump other records.
9. Senses Fail - Life Is Not A Waiting Room
This was a tough one; Senses Fail has been one of my favorite bands for a long time. The new album had a lot of great parts to it, but it didn't feel like the brilliant album that was expected. It does remain in the same vein of Still Searching, but it doesn't have that full album feel. This really didn't go beyond where they were last time, aside from the tail end of the album containing a lot more on the melodic side. While the heavy parts contain everything you need - excellent leads, passionate screaming, etc - and the softer parts are well rounded, it just didn't feel as if the full package was brought out. Even one of the better tracks, for which the album is named, didn't make the final cut. Wouldn't it have been better to throw it on as the thirteenth track and end the album strong? However, as much as it sounds like this was a letdown, it really did work for me. The musicianship is excellent, and lyrically, Buddy moves in an excellent direction again. You can understand what's going through his head as he sings about life. All thoughts aside, it is an enjoyable listen, but if you weren't a Senses Fail fan before, this won't change your mind. If you were, pick it up. You'll love it.
8. Danger Radio - Used & Abused
What do you do when the bulk of bands are dance-infused pop rock, and that's what you love? You make it better than the rest, and that's just what Danger Radio did. It feels original, while not straying too far off the path of underground pop rock. A heavy dose of synth accompanied with great composition brings this album ahead of the pack. The concept may be simple - songs about relationships dominate - but even through the nasal vocals it shows off an excellent understanding of their genre. The main reason these guys are this good - and I mean this - is because they are not bland. That's the main problem that plagues this genre, and they get past it with no problem. Every song breathes a life of it's own, and, although heavily produced, it doesn't come off as pretentious or overly done. If you want a record to dance to in 2008, or just something fun to listen to, this is your ticket.
7. Kingtson Falls - Armada On Mercury
Just imagine if No Use For A Name decided to go harder and be a little more technical, and that's Kingston Falls. Once again, an album that went beyond their previous release and proved that they were creating something more than average. Comparitively, this is a great listen through and through, while the last album proved to have standout songs, but the full album was lacking. Musicianship and lyrics are well put together, and gives a listening experience that those who are into disparate styles will enjoy. Luckily, for a Christian band, they do not come off as preachy at all, a major downfall of the genre. The only thing that would hold this back from being higher on the list is that it can have the ability to get slightly stale with repeated listens, and the caliber of other albums this year.
Hopefully, we'll be hearing more of Kingston Falls soon, as they have the potential to be amazing.
6. Secret Lives of the Freemasons - Weekend Warriors
Advertised as the underground party album of the year, I did not have high expectations for this one. While the first album was widely praised, it still suffered from the problem of sounding the same eventually, which did carry over somewhat to this album. Alas, this would be the only complaint, and not for long. After putting this one on the shelf for a while, I brought it back out, and it easily proved to be far superior than originally thought. Compounding on what they had done on This Was Built to Make You Dance, they provide a catchy, fun album from start to finish. Very much an album that sneaks up on you, though, as each part forms together as a whole and shows that they definitely succeeded in creating a much better work. And yes, this IS the party album of the year.
5. Take It Back! - ... Can't Fight Robots
Okay, I'll admit it. I bought this on a whim. And was gladly surprised of the outcome. Another Christian band that doesn't seem like it (see #7), this is a pop-punk/hardcore album, with emphasis on the hardcore part. It's nice to see someone out there doing a raw album, not focusing on overproduction or a keyboard, and instead seeing what a voice, some guitars, and some (fast) drums can do. Aside from the excellent quality of the instrumentation, the lyrics show off a talent of heartfelt words while making them sound like the anthem of every downtrodden individual who believes in pick-me-ups and not depression. This is probably best summed up in "Act Your Age, Not Your Shoe Size", when they state "it doesn't mean a thing/if you don't mean/what you say". That's about right, TIB!.
4. The Hush Sound - Goodbye Blues
Never has indie pop piano rock sounded so good. With quad vocal duties - yes, all the members sing somewhere on the album - and a classic guitar style backing up the piano stylings of THS, you get a full sound and an album that proves that you can, in fact, listen to music your parents will enjoy. From the highs (Medicine Man) to the lows (Hurricane), each track has a life of it's own that intertwines with the rest of the album. There is a connection between not only the band members, but the listeners as well. This was a rare treat, though now it would seem this should be expected from Hush Sound; let's just hope with their new members (Chris left the band recently), they can keep at it, though there aren't really any doubts here.
3. Bayside - Shudder
Ten years and multiple albums into their career, Bayside continue to evolve and bring out an amazing effort like always. This time around, however, there is a pop edge that hadn't existed before, and seems to breathe new life into some of the tracks. The best of the album still comes with their more "traditional" Bayside sound - look at A Call To Arms and Rochambo - as well as the acoustic track Moceanu. One cannot look past the new feel, and if there is ever an album that would break Bayside into the mainstream, this would be it. However, all this being said, the strong side of the album would be the lyrics. Anthony somehow makes a connection to the listener through words well after they realize they're singing along to everything. With a distinctive voice, they have proven themselves time and again to the music industry, let's hope they get what they deserve this time.
2. A Static Lullaby - Rattlesnake!
Now, I know what you're thinking. Why would this album be so high up? One thing: progress. After trying to find their path on the past few albums, ASL finally has come into their own and broken away from the rest. With Southern-rock infused hardcore, they produced a record that is not only edgy, but shows off a quality and confidence that has never been expressed for them. The lyrics have become introspective, the instrumentation more technical, the screaming more adept, and the melodic elements have been enhanced. And just in case you had thought that they would take themselves too seriously, they made an unlisted eleventh track of Britney Spears' Toxic, which is quite possibly the funniest and best cover of the year. This was an amazing transformation from what they were back in 2003 (think Faso Latido), and shows that a group can evolve to something entirely different and still retain their originality and integrity.
So this leads us to number one. And you've got to be saying, after all this, what would be up this high to be crowned the pinnacle of achievements of the year? Well, let's answer that:
1. New Found Glory - Tip of the Iceberg
Forget that it's packaged with ISHC. Forget all their past albums. Forget what you've heard about their personal lives. This was a redefining moment for not only NFG, but for pop-punk/hardcore. After hearing all that was being offered, they turn back to their roots, not only showing where they came from, but teaching these new bands what it's like to belong to this genre of music. The three originals were phenomenal, almost seamlessly going into one another. The covers were great choices, turning back the clock on the listener (the Shelter cover can blow you away). And that is why this was brought above the rest. The rest of the albums on here were great in their own ways, but New Found Glory has shown what one can do with a simple three songs and a few covers. Something of that magnitude takes the cake. And my number one spot.
So there you have it, kids. A whole year of albums, boiled down to 10. I'm sure someone out there disagrees with me. I'm also sure someone out there agrees. So let's hear it! What do you think? I'm open for further discussion on any and all of this!
This year in music was kind of crazy. There were albums I thought I would never like that made my top ten. There were albums I was thrilled about that were dead set on competing for worst album of the year. I try to embrace everything, but let's be honest, you won't be seeing me praise Lil' Wayne here (sorry kids, I'm not creating the "indier-than-thou records of the year" list a la Rolling Stone and Spin).
And yes, I do like hip-hop. Just saying. Now, all ranting aside, here's the juicy part:
10. Bring Me The Horizon - Suicide Season
I have to admit, I'm probably just as surprised as you to be putting this one on here. There is something about this record that just came off fresh. It's got driving guitars and heavy screaming, but it balances it out with a decent helping of the melodic. This is leaps and bounds past their last record (which I know someone's going to contend me on this one). Understandably, many will say they're selling out with this slight turn to "mainstream", but it really is accessible while not becoming too soft or changing into a completely new band. Lyrically, this album could have used work, but with the focus on the anthems, they really hit home. The crowd will easily be able to sing along with these parts, and most likely forgive the other parts... mainly because they'll probably be trying to throw down during them...