So as promised after the top 10 of 2009, here's the upcoming 2010 records I'm pumped about!!!
1. Bayside (name, label, and release date TBA)
2. The Hold Steady (Vagrant, name and release date TBA)
3. Motion City Soundtrack ("My Dinosaur Life" Columbia 1/19)
4. R.E.M. (Warner Bros. name and date TBA)
5. Alkaline Trio ("This Addiction" Heart and Skull/Epitaph 2/23)
6. House of Fools (Drive-Thru, name and date TBA)
7. Story of the Year ("The Constant" Epitaph 2/16)
8. Amy Winehouse (Island, name and date TBA)
9. blink-182 (Geffen, name and date TBA
10. Number One Gun ("To the Secrets and Knowledge" Solid State 1/26)
There you have it. Look for these albums in 2010!
Thanks fro reading!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
NFL Week 16 Picks
By the way, I saw Sherlock Holmes last night. Fantastic movie. One of the best I've seen in a while. Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams (yes, that's right) are flawless. Also, the movie opens its self up perfectly for a sequel. TBD if that's good or bad.
New Orleans over Tampa
Atlanta over Buffalo
Miami over Houston
Green Bay over Seattle
New York Giants over Carolina
Oakland over Cleveland
Jacksonville over New England
Cincy over Kansas City
Baltimore over Pittsburgh
Arizona over St. Louis
San Francisco over Detroit
Denver over Philly
Indy over New York Jets
Night Game:
Dallas over Washington
GO COWBOYS!
Monday Nighter:
Minnesota over Chicago
Thanks for reading!
New Orleans over Tampa
Atlanta over Buffalo
Miami over Houston
Green Bay over Seattle
New York Giants over Carolina
Oakland over Cleveland
Jacksonville over New England
Cincy over Kansas City
Baltimore over Pittsburgh
Arizona over St. Louis
San Francisco over Detroit
Denver over Philly
Indy over New York Jets
Night Game:
Dallas over Washington
GO COWBOYS!
Monday Nighter:
Minnesota over Chicago
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
My 10 Favorite Albums of the Decade
So, I totally stole this idea from my good friend Jordan Powers. Just wanted to throw that out there. Anyways, the music of the 2000's has meant alot to me. Some of these albums shaped me and made me who I am right now. Some of these albums I don't listen to as much anymore, but that doesn't take away what they have meant to me. Hope you enjoy.
10. The Forecast - Late Night Conversations (2005)- This is the album that introduced the Forecast to me and the world. For someone who grew up in a small, farming town that just never felt like I fit in, this album was perfect. It illustrates the frustrations of growing up feeling like a big fish in a small pond and gives optimism and hope towards the future. I've loved this band ever since the first time I heard this disc.
9. Motion City Soundtrack - I Am the Movie (2003)- Motion City's debut album, to me, is an obvious choice. "Boombox Generation," "Capital H," and "The Future Freaks Me Out" should be anthems for the decade. With they're catchy hooks and power pop riffs, they describe our generation.
8. Dashboard Confessional - A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar (2003)- This is probably the best singalong album of the decade. Riding down the street, windows rolled down, singing about your trifling exes and how you cover your feeling with alcohol... at the top of your lungs. Hell, it's how I spent alot of my time the past decade.
7. The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism (2007)- I had heard alot of hype about this group for a couple years. It seemed that when I started asking people which album of theirs to get, everyone said "Emotionalism." Now I see why. It's different. The folk, old time sound is infused with rock and roll riffs and tones. It's just an amazing musical experience.
6. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive (2008)- Just like Say Anything on the albums of 2009 list, if this album had come out earlier, it would be higher on the list. It's become one of my favorite albums ever in just a short 2 years. I love how the Hold Steady mixes and matches new school punk/indie influence with their old school/classic rock heroes. A fresh sound for the decade to come!
5. New Found Glory - Sticks and Stones (2002)- It's no secret that I'm a pop punk fan, and NFG does it better than just about anyone. This album is like a sugar high. Start to finish, it keeps you up and moving. That's never a bad thing!
4. Thrice - The Artist in the Ambulance (2003)- This is easily one of the best rock albums of our generation. The concept is intriguing. The execution is artistic and at some points breathtaking. Every song tells a story, offers originality, and rocks your face off. I don't think there's anything more you can ask from an album.
3. Fall Out Boy - Take This to Your Grave (2003)- Go ahead, laugh and make jokes about my sexual orientation. Go ahead. I've been hearing it for 6 years. I've never stopped liking this band as a result. Sure, they're a 14 year old girl with daddy's credit card's dream. They're the most marketable band out at the moment, but you can't deny them their talent... especially on their full-length debut. This album got me into music. It's the truth. So, I don't care how much you make fun of me.
2. Bayside - The Walking Wounded (2007)- I remember when this album was about to drop. My biggest worry was that Bayside would waste an album reflecting in sadness on a fallen friend. Don't get me wrong, it would have been understandable. I can't imagine the feeling of suddenly losing a band member while on the road. Yet, Bayside didn't let their mourning affect their sound. They rose up and made their breakout disc. Looking forward, Bayside put together a collection of songs that looked back on the past in disgust, then turned back to face forward and walk on. This is one album and one band that I'll listen to for life.
1. Far-Less - A Toast to Bad Taste (2007)- I felt obliged to make this my top album of the decade for two reasons. First, I've played it more since October 2007 than I've played most albums all decade. Second, this was a rock masterpiece that didn't get half the exposure it deserved. This band should've been skyrocketed to the mainstream with this disc. It had something for everyone. I guess everyone was too busy listening to Nickelback to notice. It's a shame. Oh well, atleast this album will stand forever as a reminder of a band that did things their way, even if it never amounted to tons of money and fame. Kudos, Far-Less.
Honorable Mentions:
Panic! at the Disco - A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (2005)
The Matches - E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals (2004)
The Bouncing Souls - How I Spent My Summer Vacation (2001)
Thanks for reading!
10. The Forecast - Late Night Conversations (2005)- This is the album that introduced the Forecast to me and the world. For someone who grew up in a small, farming town that just never felt like I fit in, this album was perfect. It illustrates the frustrations of growing up feeling like a big fish in a small pond and gives optimism and hope towards the future. I've loved this band ever since the first time I heard this disc.
9. Motion City Soundtrack - I Am the Movie (2003)- Motion City's debut album, to me, is an obvious choice. "Boombox Generation," "Capital H," and "The Future Freaks Me Out" should be anthems for the decade. With they're catchy hooks and power pop riffs, they describe our generation.
8. Dashboard Confessional - A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar (2003)- This is probably the best singalong album of the decade. Riding down the street, windows rolled down, singing about your trifling exes and how you cover your feeling with alcohol... at the top of your lungs. Hell, it's how I spent alot of my time the past decade.
7. The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism (2007)- I had heard alot of hype about this group for a couple years. It seemed that when I started asking people which album of theirs to get, everyone said "Emotionalism." Now I see why. It's different. The folk, old time sound is infused with rock and roll riffs and tones. It's just an amazing musical experience.
6. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive (2008)- Just like Say Anything on the albums of 2009 list, if this album had come out earlier, it would be higher on the list. It's become one of my favorite albums ever in just a short 2 years. I love how the Hold Steady mixes and matches new school punk/indie influence with their old school/classic rock heroes. A fresh sound for the decade to come!
5. New Found Glory - Sticks and Stones (2002)- It's no secret that I'm a pop punk fan, and NFG does it better than just about anyone. This album is like a sugar high. Start to finish, it keeps you up and moving. That's never a bad thing!
4. Thrice - The Artist in the Ambulance (2003)- This is easily one of the best rock albums of our generation. The concept is intriguing. The execution is artistic and at some points breathtaking. Every song tells a story, offers originality, and rocks your face off. I don't think there's anything more you can ask from an album.
3. Fall Out Boy - Take This to Your Grave (2003)- Go ahead, laugh and make jokes about my sexual orientation. Go ahead. I've been hearing it for 6 years. I've never stopped liking this band as a result. Sure, they're a 14 year old girl with daddy's credit card's dream. They're the most marketable band out at the moment, but you can't deny them their talent... especially on their full-length debut. This album got me into music. It's the truth. So, I don't care how much you make fun of me.
2. Bayside - The Walking Wounded (2007)- I remember when this album was about to drop. My biggest worry was that Bayside would waste an album reflecting in sadness on a fallen friend. Don't get me wrong, it would have been understandable. I can't imagine the feeling of suddenly losing a band member while on the road. Yet, Bayside didn't let their mourning affect their sound. They rose up and made their breakout disc. Looking forward, Bayside put together a collection of songs that looked back on the past in disgust, then turned back to face forward and walk on. This is one album and one band that I'll listen to for life.
1. Far-Less - A Toast to Bad Taste (2007)- I felt obliged to make this my top album of the decade for two reasons. First, I've played it more since October 2007 than I've played most albums all decade. Second, this was a rock masterpiece that didn't get half the exposure it deserved. This band should've been skyrocketed to the mainstream with this disc. It had something for everyone. I guess everyone was too busy listening to Nickelback to notice. It's a shame. Oh well, atleast this album will stand forever as a reminder of a band that did things their way, even if it never amounted to tons of money and fame. Kudos, Far-Less.
Honorable Mentions:
Panic! at the Disco - A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (2005)
The Matches - E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals (2004)
The Bouncing Souls - How I Spent My Summer Vacation (2001)
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
My 10 Favorite Albums of 2009
2009 was full of good albums, bad albums, and people with opinions about those albums. Here is my opinion. These are the 10 albums from the past year that I have enjoyed the most!
10. Cage the Elephant - Cage the Elephant
This one actually caught me by surprise. Strategic radio play of their very catchy single, "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" conned me into buying this album. I wasn't expecting much from the disc, but it turned out to be an exceptional top to bottom album. Too bad for most of us the band seems to be picking up speed and will possibly start putting out crummy, radio-friendly crap. C'est la vie.
9. Silversun Pickups - Swoon
The first time I heard this band, I hated them. The second time, I hated them a little less. By the fifth or sixth time, I was in love. Swoon is a superb, original rock album in a time when rock and the aforementioned adjectives just don't go in the same sentence. "Panic Switch" may have been the single I played the most this year, and "It's Nice to Know You Work Alone" is also amazing. This album got a little darker than the bands previous work. That's rule number one in the "How to Get on Dallas's Top 10 Albums List." Well done guys!
8. Third Eye Blind - Ursa Major
When I first heard that Third Eye Blind was dropping a new album, I WAS ECSTATIC! These guys were easily one of my favorite bands growing up and still hold that distinction today. I love them, and I love this album. Musically, it picks up where they left off about 10 years ago. Lyrically, it's a little something fresh from Third Eye Blind. Translation: not all the songs are about drugs and sex!
7. Silverstein - A Shipwreck in the Sand
The amount of heavy/metal/hardcore music I intake went down considerably in 2009. Maybe I'm getting old. Maybe hardcore bands are getting shitty. Maybe both of the previous statements are true. Either way, the one album of said genre that grabbed me and whirled me around for a while was "A Shipwreck in the Sand." This is easily Silverstein's best work. I mean, a concept album about burning someone's house down? Who doesn't want to hear that!
6. Jonas Sees in Color - Jonas Sees in Color
In a time when alot of bands are very pessimistic and are focusing on negative undertones, Jonas Sees in Color are making music to light the way. An infusion of punk, pop, indie, and rock and roll influence, the band's self-titled full length debut is great to lift your spirits and even dance a jig to! This disc is definitely a breath of fresh air.
5. The Forecast - Alive for the First Time EP
This band is one of my favorites of the last decade. They are a perfect example of how much the music industry blows right now. Put out two great albums. Get under promoted and undersold by your douchebag of a record label because you're not screamo and don't look like you should be dead. Then get dropped by that label and not picked up anywhere else. This band has a full-length ready to drop and no one to put it out for them. With that said, this EP gets me excited and makes me hope even more that someday this band will put out that full-length album. If you're not familiar with this band, PLEASE check them out!
4. The Almost - Monster Monster
The Almost's debut, "Southern Weather," was a good album, but lacked a cohesive sound from first track to the end of the album. Now with a set lineup, the Almost has found that identity and it's a good one. "Monster Monster" is a dark but optimistic display of the talents of Aaron Gillespie, Jay Vilardi, and the rest of the band. The culmination is the final track on the album, "Monster," which I could listen to over and over and over for about a week.
3. Say Anything - Say Anything
I still remember the first time I heard Say Anything. Ahh memories! Anyways, back to the point. If this album had come out earlier in the year, it may even be higher on my list. Max Bemis continues to take everything negative anyone says about him, his band, and/or his genre, put it in his songs, and make great albums.
2. Set Your Goals - This Will Be the Death of Us
Remember pop punk? This band does. Not only that, but they are rewriting the book on the genre today. This album has ups and downs, highs and lows, but in at the end all I could think was, "Wow." I'm looking for bigger and better things out of Set Your Goals in the future. Let's hope they keep it up!
1. New Found Glory - Not Without a Fight
In alot of ways, it's amazing to me that a band that formed in 1997 can put out the best album of the year 12 years later. In my opinion, this is a great bands best record to date. Full of clever lyrical concepts and those catchy hooks and riffs that made you fall in love with NFG as a teenager will rope you back in as an adult... well, sort of adult.
So there you have it. The ten records that I think didn't suck the most from 2009. Let me know what you think and check back for the albums I'm most excited about coming in 2010!
Thanks for reading!
10. Cage the Elephant - Cage the Elephant
This one actually caught me by surprise. Strategic radio play of their very catchy single, "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" conned me into buying this album. I wasn't expecting much from the disc, but it turned out to be an exceptional top to bottom album. Too bad for most of us the band seems to be picking up speed and will possibly start putting out crummy, radio-friendly crap. C'est la vie.
9. Silversun Pickups - Swoon
The first time I heard this band, I hated them. The second time, I hated them a little less. By the fifth or sixth time, I was in love. Swoon is a superb, original rock album in a time when rock and the aforementioned adjectives just don't go in the same sentence. "Panic Switch" may have been the single I played the most this year, and "It's Nice to Know You Work Alone" is also amazing. This album got a little darker than the bands previous work. That's rule number one in the "How to Get on Dallas's Top 10 Albums List." Well done guys!
8. Third Eye Blind - Ursa Major
When I first heard that Third Eye Blind was dropping a new album, I WAS ECSTATIC! These guys were easily one of my favorite bands growing up and still hold that distinction today. I love them, and I love this album. Musically, it picks up where they left off about 10 years ago. Lyrically, it's a little something fresh from Third Eye Blind. Translation: not all the songs are about drugs and sex!
7. Silverstein - A Shipwreck in the Sand
The amount of heavy/metal/hardcore music I intake went down considerably in 2009. Maybe I'm getting old. Maybe hardcore bands are getting shitty. Maybe both of the previous statements are true. Either way, the one album of said genre that grabbed me and whirled me around for a while was "A Shipwreck in the Sand." This is easily Silverstein's best work. I mean, a concept album about burning someone's house down? Who doesn't want to hear that!
6. Jonas Sees in Color - Jonas Sees in Color
In a time when alot of bands are very pessimistic and are focusing on negative undertones, Jonas Sees in Color are making music to light the way. An infusion of punk, pop, indie, and rock and roll influence, the band's self-titled full length debut is great to lift your spirits and even dance a jig to! This disc is definitely a breath of fresh air.
5. The Forecast - Alive for the First Time EP
This band is one of my favorites of the last decade. They are a perfect example of how much the music industry blows right now. Put out two great albums. Get under promoted and undersold by your douchebag of a record label because you're not screamo and don't look like you should be dead. Then get dropped by that label and not picked up anywhere else. This band has a full-length ready to drop and no one to put it out for them. With that said, this EP gets me excited and makes me hope even more that someday this band will put out that full-length album. If you're not familiar with this band, PLEASE check them out!
4. The Almost - Monster Monster
The Almost's debut, "Southern Weather," was a good album, but lacked a cohesive sound from first track to the end of the album. Now with a set lineup, the Almost has found that identity and it's a good one. "Monster Monster" is a dark but optimistic display of the talents of Aaron Gillespie, Jay Vilardi, and the rest of the band. The culmination is the final track on the album, "Monster," which I could listen to over and over and over for about a week.
3. Say Anything - Say Anything
I still remember the first time I heard Say Anything. Ahh memories! Anyways, back to the point. If this album had come out earlier in the year, it may even be higher on my list. Max Bemis continues to take everything negative anyone says about him, his band, and/or his genre, put it in his songs, and make great albums.
2. Set Your Goals - This Will Be the Death of Us
Remember pop punk? This band does. Not only that, but they are rewriting the book on the genre today. This album has ups and downs, highs and lows, but in at the end all I could think was, "Wow." I'm looking for bigger and better things out of Set Your Goals in the future. Let's hope they keep it up!
1. New Found Glory - Not Without a Fight
In alot of ways, it's amazing to me that a band that formed in 1997 can put out the best album of the year 12 years later. In my opinion, this is a great bands best record to date. Full of clever lyrical concepts and those catchy hooks and riffs that made you fall in love with NFG as a teenager will rope you back in as an adult... well, sort of adult.
So there you have it. The ten records that I think didn't suck the most from 2009. Let me know what you think and check back for the albums I'm most excited about coming in 2010!
Thanks for reading!
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