Fears and Aspirations (Against me!)

    
    First off I'm going to share link to against me playing with new/fill in drummer Jay Weinberg, Here courtesy of Punknews.org.  I'd have to say, completely objectively I really like watching him play with these guys and can only hope he is a positive influence on a band that was once my favorite.  I certainly don't think anyone can ever replace that amazing style that Warren had but I think he fits better the George Rebelo did (BTW how stoked am I  that George and the rest of Hot Water Music are working on a new album?! STOKED).  Completely ignoring the subject of Tom's hair cut, this is the first footage of them I've seen in a long time where I feel like they genuinely had some of their older chemistry.  Tom, the long haired hippie, actually seems like he's enjoying himself and having fun during these recordings.  I will try not to bash a band for changing up their sound and heading in a new direction.   It happens, every new album cannot be better or the same as the last.  I will try not to play holier than thou and judge, for whatever reason a band chooses to join a larger label and evolve their sound, this is their decision to make.
   With that out of the way, I  found New Wave and White Crosses to be completely lackluster, dull, and uninspired.  Butch Vig and Sire records are who I mainly feel are responsible for this. Maybe, I'm naive and optimistic, or perhaps I'm just a fanboy trying to rationalize an influential band's demise.  Now that they've left Sire and it seems logical they won't be able to afford Vig's production cost if  there is anytime to be optimistic about the band's future it seems like that time is now. I'm not going to expect the next album to be another Crimes or Reinventing Axel Rose but I think for the first time in a long time this band is once again relevant to my interest.  Also, OUTTA THE CAR LONG HAIR!

Top Albums of 2010

I'm not putting these albums in order since I would kill myself debating which is better than and why. Instead these are the  albums this year that I had the most fun listening to. Enjoy and always, these are just opinions folks.

Arcade Fire - Suburbs

More of the same from a fantastic band. Although I don't think anything they do will match Funeral this album was a great piece of work.

Menzingers - Chamberlain Waits

2010 was my first time hearing the Menzingers and all I can say is WOW. This album just truly rocks, filled with punk songs with that folk edge I just love. Every track seems to be one that makes me want to get up and move while I sing along.

Mixtapes - Maps

Short and awkwardly sweet this band writes songs and plays in them in a way that is hard to resist. As far as I am concerned, Mixtapes get new band of the year for 2010. Between this album and the "Thoughts about growing up" EP their poppy fun style is unbeatable.

Gaslight Anthem - American Slang

Obvious comparisons to the boss aside, this album captures an era gone by perfectly.  Brain Fallon gives you the sense of an indomitable spirit through every song. I don't think I will ever get tired of listening to this band.

Dopamines - Expect the Worst

 This album is the epitome of everything I love about pop-punk.  I smile every time I hear this band. This is easily my favorite pop-punk album of the year. There really is nothing else to say.

 Defiance Ohio - Midwestern Minutes
Defiance Ohio has long been the flagship band for folk punk in my eyes.  Though slightly less "edgy" perhaps than their previous releases those anarcho punks really put out a solid album that had some phenomenal tracks on board.  From start till finish they never really seem to lose track of the feel of this album.

Dr. Dog - Shame, Shame

This album was recently turned on to me by a friend of mine. I haven't stopped listening to it since.  Instrumentally it is the best parts of the flaming lips while the lyrics tend to be slightly less silly.  Psychedelic rock at its finest right here people, you can groove along to this album for days.

High On Fire - Snakes for the Divine

In my opinion this band now suffers from the same issue that will always plague Arcade Fire, not being able to top a previous release.  In High on Fire's case it is 2007's quintessential Death Is The Communion. With that aside, whats to be said about this album?  It's frikkin sweet! Matt Pike's distinctive sound comes raging through to you crystal clear.  This is the sound to go to war to.