(no subject)
25. Wolf Parade - Apologies To The Queen Mary
24. Rammstein - Rosenrot
23. The International Noise Conspiracy - Armed Love
22. Funeral For A Friend - Hours
21. Every Time I Die - Gutter Phenomenon
20. Team Sleep - Team Sleep
19. Dredg - Catch Without Arms
18. Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene
17. The Decemberists - Picaresque
16. Nine Inch Nails - With Teeth
15. System Of A Down - Mesmerize
14. New Order - Waiting For The Siren's Call
13. Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better
12. Coheed & Cambria - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV....
11. 30 Seconds To Mars - A Beautiful Lie
10. Cave In - Perfect Pitch Black: With Cave In being one of my favorite bands in recent years, I may hold some bias with this pick. Either way I put it in my top ten because I feel that the band showed that they can do whatever they please musically and does it well. Their first release after being dropped/ leaving RCA, they took a more stoner rock approach one might say. While it doesn’t quite hit you the way other albums do, it still holds its own with stand out tracks “Trepanning,” “Paranormal,” “Ataraxia,” and “Tension In The Ranks.” If you felt Antenna wasn’t aggressive enough, you may enjoy this album more.
9. Nada Surf - The Weight Is A Gift: As a follow up to Let Go this album gives off a nice vibe. It doesn’t match up to it however but still helps promote the fact that Nada Surf is not a one hit wonder. This album is more upbeat and not as great lyrically as previous ones but still good enough to be in my top ten. It has that playback for days where you’re just hanging out around the house or need something upbeat to listen to while driving. Songs that stick out are “Always Love,” “Do It Again,” and “Blankest Year.”
8. Finch - Say Hello To Sunshine: This is a pick that I wouldn’t really expect in my top ten and honestly it sticks out like a sore thumb. The thing about Finch that people either love or they hate is the fact that they are a catchy blatant rip off of someone who does it better. They don’t do anything out of the ordinary but in my opinion does it well. This album takes a much heavier approach when compared to What It Is To Burn, with the main vocal influence being Mike Patton. During screaming or intense parts the Patton rip off is so thick it’s ridiculous. I don’t mind it though, and that’s probably what pushed this into my top ten. Stand outs are “Brother Bleed Brother,” “Ink,” and “Fireflies.”
7. Oasis - Don't Believe The Truth: Any bad Oasis album is still better than probably 2/3 of music that exists today. That’s not saying that Don’t Believe The Truth is a bad album, it actually is a lot better than one would think. Heathen Chemistry was somewhat of a letdown to many, so this is definitely the lighter fluid on the Oasis fire. This of course is the typical Oasis album that you’ve all grown to love still heavily influenced by the Beatles, still full of motivational lyrics, and just 100% rock. This album definitely gives anyone who likes Oasis (which should be everybody) a reason to smile. Check out “Lyla,” “Keep The Dream Alive,” and “Guess God Thinks I’m Abel.”
6. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm: In a year where everybody wanted something good to dance to, Bloc Party delivered one of the best albums to do so. For some reason the Europeans know what they’re doing over there with this kind of stuff yet Americans are still too wrapped up in the latest hot track from 50 Cent or whoever is popular now. Bloc Party gave scene kids all over a way to attempt to be better than each other but also ultimately come together for one thing and one thing only: to dance. It also helps that Pitchfork gave it a high ranking so you know how the kids react to that and they gained similar success that The Arcade Fire received last year. Either way, even the slow songs on this album make you want to move. So if you haven’t checked out this album yet you should with “Banquet,” “She’s Hearing Voices,” and “This Modern Love” being the tracks I recommend in particular.
5. Eels - Blinking Lights And Other Revelations: If you know me, you know I have a weird thing for early 90s rock. I started to get into the Eels last year after downloading Beautiful Freak and Electro Shock Blues and really enjoyed both. When they released this double album this year I sought it out and was pleasantly surprised that they didn’t change their formula for success or lack thereof. This album is a really mellow one with more than half of the tracks being practically acoustic. The songs that aren’t acoustic really stick out though creating a real nice listening experience. The Eels are one of those bands that like to use practically everything in their music. I guess I’d compare this album to Beck but not as upbeat I suppose. If you need something to just relax to and really enjoy while doing so, this album is a high recommendation. Check out “Hey Man (Now You’re Really Livin’!),” Old Shit, New Shit,” “Trouble With Dreams,” “In The Yard,” “Goin’ Fetal,” and “Losing Streak.”
4. Depeche Mode - Playing The Angel: There is always that debate of who is the best new wave band and everyone has a different answer usually with The Cure being the main one that people say. I’ve always felt that they are somewhat overrated though and have been impartial to Depeche Mode. When this album came out, I was like a kid in a candy store. It’s what Depeche Mode fans have been waiting for since Exciter was deemed a disappointment. Hell fans haven’t been this excited about the band since Violator really. This album helped/ is helping resurrect the career of this band and hopefully popular opinion will egg them on to continue creating music this good so late into their career. What other bands that is still around can make something like this after existing for the better part of 25 years? Listen to “John The Revelator,” “Precious,” “Nothing’s Impossible,” or the whole thing and see what everyone should be talking about.
3. Kaiser Chiefs - Employment: Originally I didn’t have this album ranked so high and was torn between this and Depeche Mode for this spot. Like the Bloc Party album above, this is an album to dance to. If listening to this doesn’t make you want to move or at least give you a good feeling then it’s quite possible you don’t have a pulse. Coming out in the beginning of the year but missing out on statewide success because of bands like The Bravery already stealing the spot they could have had, they achieved some success in the UK and even had the privilege of feuding with Oasis singer Liam Gallagher. If you get recognized enough to be made fun of by Liam, you have to be doing something right. The album has a more rock n roll dance approach than the Bloc Party album, but not as rock n rolls as says Franz Ferdinand. However if you enjoy either of those bands, you will enjoy this band as well. Check out “Na Na Na Na Naa,” “I Predict A Riot,” “Oh My God,” or “Saturday Night.”
2. The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema: While not as good as Mass Romantic, Twin Cinema definitely proves why these guys are being labeled as the next big thing. Making what some people label as Indie Pop, the New Pornographers just make really catchy tunes. This album as with the rest of their discography is perfect for driving around and singing along or just getting a song stuck in your head for the rest of the day. When I first checked them out, I automatically fell in love with the way practically every one of their songs just has such a majestic feel. I highly recommend this album and if I were you, I’d get into it before everyone else does. Check out “The Bleeding Heart Show,” “These Are The Fables,” “Sing Me Spanish Techno,” or “Streets Of Fire.”
1. ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - Worlds Apart: This album really took me by surprise when I listened to it again for the first time in like two months about 3 weeks ago. It hit me so well that I really feel that this is the best album that came out this year. Overall there isn’t really a dull moment on this record that hits you right away from “Will You Smile Again” and doesn’t really die down, and it has that feeling of being able to hold longevity over the years. This album will definitely be one that people look at years from now and wonder why they got into these guys so late. This album is one of the first ones to come out this year and has progressively gotten better with each listen. If this is any sign of what to come, everyone is in for a treat. Check out “Caterwaul,” “Will You Smile Again,” “Summer of ’92,” “Let It Dive,” or “The Rest Will Follow.” Not that anyone cares, but here is my top 25 of the year with explanations for the top ten.
24. Rammstein - Rosenrot
23. The International Noise Conspiracy - Armed Love
22. Funeral For A Friend - Hours
21. Every Time I Die - Gutter Phenomenon
20. Team Sleep - Team Sleep
19. Dredg - Catch Without Arms
18. Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene
17. The Decemberists - Picaresque
16. Nine Inch Nails - With Teeth
15. System Of A Down - Mesmerize
14. New Order - Waiting For The Siren's Call
13. Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better
12. Coheed & Cambria - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV....
11. 30 Seconds To Mars - A Beautiful Lie
10. Cave In - Perfect Pitch Black: With Cave In being one of my favorite bands in recent years, I may hold some bias with this pick. Either way I put it in my top ten because I feel that the band showed that they can do whatever they please musically and does it well. Their first release after being dropped/ leaving RCA, they took a more stoner rock approach one might say. While it doesn’t quite hit you the way other albums do, it still holds its own with stand out tracks “Trepanning,” “Paranormal,” “Ataraxia,” and “Tension In The Ranks.” If you felt Antenna wasn’t aggressive enough, you may enjoy this album more.
9. Nada Surf - The Weight Is A Gift: As a follow up to Let Go this album gives off a nice vibe. It doesn’t match up to it however but still helps promote the fact that Nada Surf is not a one hit wonder. This album is more upbeat and not as great lyrically as previous ones but still good enough to be in my top ten. It has that playback for days where you’re just hanging out around the house or need something upbeat to listen to while driving. Songs that stick out are “Always Love,” “Do It Again,” and “Blankest Year.”
8. Finch - Say Hello To Sunshine: This is a pick that I wouldn’t really expect in my top ten and honestly it sticks out like a sore thumb. The thing about Finch that people either love or they hate is the fact that they are a catchy blatant rip off of someone who does it better. They don’t do anything out of the ordinary but in my opinion does it well. This album takes a much heavier approach when compared to What It Is To Burn, with the main vocal influence being Mike Patton. During screaming or intense parts the Patton rip off is so thick it’s ridiculous. I don’t mind it though, and that’s probably what pushed this into my top ten. Stand outs are “Brother Bleed Brother,” “Ink,” and “Fireflies.”
7. Oasis - Don't Believe The Truth: Any bad Oasis album is still better than probably 2/3 of music that exists today. That’s not saying that Don’t Believe The Truth is a bad album, it actually is a lot better than one would think. Heathen Chemistry was somewhat of a letdown to many, so this is definitely the lighter fluid on the Oasis fire. This of course is the typical Oasis album that you’ve all grown to love still heavily influenced by the Beatles, still full of motivational lyrics, and just 100% rock. This album definitely gives anyone who likes Oasis (which should be everybody) a reason to smile. Check out “Lyla,” “Keep The Dream Alive,” and “Guess God Thinks I’m Abel.”
6. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm: In a year where everybody wanted something good to dance to, Bloc Party delivered one of the best albums to do so. For some reason the Europeans know what they’re doing over there with this kind of stuff yet Americans are still too wrapped up in the latest hot track from 50 Cent or whoever is popular now. Bloc Party gave scene kids all over a way to attempt to be better than each other but also ultimately come together for one thing and one thing only: to dance. It also helps that Pitchfork gave it a high ranking so you know how the kids react to that and they gained similar success that The Arcade Fire received last year. Either way, even the slow songs on this album make you want to move. So if you haven’t checked out this album yet you should with “Banquet,” “She’s Hearing Voices,” and “This Modern Love” being the tracks I recommend in particular.
5. Eels - Blinking Lights And Other Revelations: If you know me, you know I have a weird thing for early 90s rock. I started to get into the Eels last year after downloading Beautiful Freak and Electro Shock Blues and really enjoyed both. When they released this double album this year I sought it out and was pleasantly surprised that they didn’t change their formula for success or lack thereof. This album is a really mellow one with more than half of the tracks being practically acoustic. The songs that aren’t acoustic really stick out though creating a real nice listening experience. The Eels are one of those bands that like to use practically everything in their music. I guess I’d compare this album to Beck but not as upbeat I suppose. If you need something to just relax to and really enjoy while doing so, this album is a high recommendation. Check out “Hey Man (Now You’re Really Livin’!),” Old Shit, New Shit,” “Trouble With Dreams,” “In The Yard,” “Goin’ Fetal,” and “Losing Streak.”
4. Depeche Mode - Playing The Angel: There is always that debate of who is the best new wave band and everyone has a different answer usually with The Cure being the main one that people say. I’ve always felt that they are somewhat overrated though and have been impartial to Depeche Mode. When this album came out, I was like a kid in a candy store. It’s what Depeche Mode fans have been waiting for since Exciter was deemed a disappointment. Hell fans haven’t been this excited about the band since Violator really. This album helped/ is helping resurrect the career of this band and hopefully popular opinion will egg them on to continue creating music this good so late into their career. What other bands that is still around can make something like this after existing for the better part of 25 years? Listen to “John The Revelator,” “Precious,” “Nothing’s Impossible,” or the whole thing and see what everyone should be talking about.
3. Kaiser Chiefs - Employment: Originally I didn’t have this album ranked so high and was torn between this and Depeche Mode for this spot. Like the Bloc Party album above, this is an album to dance to. If listening to this doesn’t make you want to move or at least give you a good feeling then it’s quite possible you don’t have a pulse. Coming out in the beginning of the year but missing out on statewide success because of bands like The Bravery already stealing the spot they could have had, they achieved some success in the UK and even had the privilege of feuding with Oasis singer Liam Gallagher. If you get recognized enough to be made fun of by Liam, you have to be doing something right. The album has a more rock n roll dance approach than the Bloc Party album, but not as rock n rolls as says Franz Ferdinand. However if you enjoy either of those bands, you will enjoy this band as well. Check out “Na Na Na Na Naa,” “I Predict A Riot,” “Oh My God,” or “Saturday Night.”
2. The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema: While not as good as Mass Romantic, Twin Cinema definitely proves why these guys are being labeled as the next big thing. Making what some people label as Indie Pop, the New Pornographers just make really catchy tunes. This album as with the rest of their discography is perfect for driving around and singing along or just getting a song stuck in your head for the rest of the day. When I first checked them out, I automatically fell in love with the way practically every one of their songs just has such a majestic feel. I highly recommend this album and if I were you, I’d get into it before everyone else does. Check out “The Bleeding Heart Show,” “These Are The Fables,” “Sing Me Spanish Techno,” or “Streets Of Fire.”
1. ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - Worlds Apart: This album really took me by surprise when I listened to it again for the first time in like two months about 3 weeks ago. It hit me so well that I really feel that this is the best album that came out this year. Overall there isn’t really a dull moment on this record that hits you right away from “Will You Smile Again” and doesn’t really die down, and it has that feeling of being able to hold longevity over the years. This album will definitely be one that people look at years from now and wonder why they got into these guys so late. This album is one of the first ones to come out this year and has progressively gotten better with each listen. If this is any sign of what to come, everyone is in for a treat. Check out “Caterwaul,” “Will You Smile Again,” “Summer of ’92,” “Let It Dive,” or “The Rest Will Follow.” Not that anyone cares, but here is my top 25 of the year with explanations for the top ten.