What's Tearing Up My Stereo
Although some of this music is old, out of date, and in one case, religious, it is currently what I am loving the most. If you don't care about this, then skip below, this post is all music.
Here we go!
Maximo Park - A Certain Trigger
"Maximo Park" is one of those bands that was appreciated in other countries, but the good ole USA was busying listening to that new awesome, Nelly. But seriously, this album is some fun indie pop, with some really uplifting songs, and they're all really catchy. I recommend the tracks "Apply Some Pressure," "Graffiti," and "Kiss You Better," if you want to get a good feel for this band.
Danielson - Ships
"Danielson" is a band with heavy Christian overtones and themes, which is normally something that would turn me off. They sound a bit like a blend of "Modest Mouse," "Animal Collective," and Sufjan Stevens, utilizing uncommon instruments, unusual rhythms, and a warbly voice. While this band may take a while to get into, the track "Did I Step On Your Trumpet" is very accessible.
The Thermals - The Body, The Blood, The Machine
This is the "The Thermal's" third album, and the first one that I could really get into. There really isn't a bad song on the album, although a few are less outstanding. The album is a punkish rant against religion and government, which may seem to be cliche topics, but they present their views in a catchy and lyrically-intelligent manner. The album opener "Here's Your Future" and the band's recent single "Pillar of Salt" are highly recommended.
Billy Talent - Billy Talent II
Although Canadian punk band "Billy Talent" may not be the best at thinking up creative album titles, their 2006 album "Billy Talent II" went triple platinum in Canada for a reason. From songs about deceased heroin addict friends to angry calls to the youth of the world to realize their potential, this is one album that can get you pumped enough to kick the man in the face.
For extra pumpage, try the songs "Red Flag," "The Suffering," "Fallen Leaves," and "The Navy Song." (Hey, it's a long album)
Tenacious D - Tenacious D
This album is flat out hilarious. Although "Nacho Libre" may have sucked, Jack Black and his partner in crime, Rage Cage, are dead-on with the humor on this album. Almost every song is accompanied by a short skit, usually involving Jack Black acting like a retarded douche towards his less confrontational friend Kyle Gass. This album may be old, but it sure is timeless. Check out the songs "Karate," "Double Team," and "City Hall," and fuck the two you know.
Propaghandi - Less Talk, More Rock
Yes, this is an album from the late nineties. Yes, it is the angry, blatantly anti-government rantings of a group of Canadians. However, this band is the forerunner to the indie band "The Weakerthans," and one may recognize the song "Anchorless" from their album "Fallow" (although Propaghandi's version is considerably faster and punkish). I used to hate "Propaghandi," but after becoming obsessed with "The Weakerthans," I decided to dig them up again, and it was glorious. Angry tracks "The Only Good Fascist Is A Very Dead Fascist" and "Resisting Tyrannical Government" are good songs to try out.
The Hold Steady - Boys And Girls In America
This album is all about being stupid and doing things you could potentially regret. Awesome! Although on the surface, the sing-talking that the lead singer uses can be annoying, the lyrics are the main draw here. They are powerful because almost everyone can relate to them and many are heavily satirical, and because the guitar licks and piano fills between lines are so energizing. If you appreciate any amount of piano, the simple chords on this album are too fun to hate. I recommend the tracks "Stuck Between Stations," "Chips Ahoy," "Hot Soft Light," "You Can Make Him Like You," and "Massive Night." Actually every track is good.
Here we go!
Maximo Park - A Certain Trigger
"Maximo Park" is one of those bands that was appreciated in other countries, but the good ole USA was busying listening to that new awesome, Nelly. But seriously, this album is some fun indie pop, with some really uplifting songs, and they're all really catchy. I recommend the tracks "Apply Some Pressure," "Graffiti," and "Kiss You Better," if you want to get a good feel for this band.
Danielson - Ships
"Danielson" is a band with heavy Christian overtones and themes, which is normally something that would turn me off. They sound a bit like a blend of "Modest Mouse," "Animal Collective," and Sufjan Stevens, utilizing uncommon instruments, unusual rhythms, and a warbly voice. While this band may take a while to get into, the track "Did I Step On Your Trumpet" is very accessible.
The Thermals - The Body, The Blood, The Machine
This is the "The Thermal's" third album, and the first one that I could really get into. There really isn't a bad song on the album, although a few are less outstanding. The album is a punkish rant against religion and government, which may seem to be cliche topics, but they present their views in a catchy and lyrically-intelligent manner. The album opener "Here's Your Future" and the band's recent single "Pillar of Salt" are highly recommended.
Billy Talent - Billy Talent II
Although Canadian punk band "Billy Talent" may not be the best at thinking up creative album titles, their 2006 album "Billy Talent II" went triple platinum in Canada for a reason. From songs about deceased heroin addict friends to angry calls to the youth of the world to realize their potential, this is one album that can get you pumped enough to kick the man in the face.
For extra pumpage, try the songs "Red Flag," "The Suffering," "Fallen Leaves," and "The Navy Song." (Hey, it's a long album)
Tenacious D - Tenacious D
This album is flat out hilarious. Although "Nacho Libre" may have sucked, Jack Black and his partner in crime, Rage Cage, are dead-on with the humor on this album. Almost every song is accompanied by a short skit, usually involving Jack Black acting like a retarded douche towards his less confrontational friend Kyle Gass. This album may be old, but it sure is timeless. Check out the songs "Karate," "Double Team," and "City Hall," and fuck the two you know.
Propaghandi - Less Talk, More Rock
Yes, this is an album from the late nineties. Yes, it is the angry, blatantly anti-government rantings of a group of Canadians. However, this band is the forerunner to the indie band "The Weakerthans," and one may recognize the song "Anchorless" from their album "Fallow" (although Propaghandi's version is considerably faster and punkish). I used to hate "Propaghandi," but after becoming obsessed with "The Weakerthans," I decided to dig them up again, and it was glorious. Angry tracks "The Only Good Fascist Is A Very Dead Fascist" and "Resisting Tyrannical Government" are good songs to try out.
The Hold Steady - Boys And Girls In America
This album is all about being stupid and doing things you could potentially regret. Awesome! Although on the surface, the sing-talking that the lead singer uses can be annoying, the lyrics are the main draw here. They are powerful because almost everyone can relate to them and many are heavily satirical, and because the guitar licks and piano fills between lines are so energizing. If you appreciate any amount of piano, the simple chords on this album are too fun to hate. I recommend the tracks "Stuck Between Stations," "Chips Ahoy," "Hot Soft Light," "You Can Make Him Like You," and "Massive Night." Actually every track is good.