i've read so many lists this year (more than i've ever read before), and i see so many albums, and EPs, that i've fallen in love with this past year, and others that i haven't really cared for too much. but i thought i'd let you all see what i think about the way '08 went, and the way '09 is shaping up to look. now i know that my '08 list mostly EPs, but i can listen to them over and over without caring that it's only a few songs. so here we go...
[these are in no order]
Fireworks
Adventure, Nostalgia, and Robbery EP
now i know that "We Are Everywhere" came out in 2006, but for some reason i had never even heard these guys until '08, and when i finally did i was so mad at myself for never finding them. these guys are one of the catchiest pop punk bands i've ever heard.
Polar Bear Club
Sometimes Things Just Disappear
i had the privilege of catching these guys at Bernie's in Columbus. it's a really small bar venue in a basement. the only word i can really use to describe the show was explosive. being the kind to stand in the front and yell every word, i was surrounded by a bunch of other guys doing the exact same thing. this album spins every time i get into my car and i can never seem to get it out of my head. oh yeah, and they just signed to Bridge 9 Records, so you know it has to be good.
New Found Glory
Tip Of The Iceberg EP
what can i say about this other than, i love NFG, and this EP only made me love them more. this is definitely a departure from the steps that they had been taking on the last couple albums, being that it is heavier, harkening back to their hardcore roots. check this out for sure if you haven't yet.
the Wonder Years
Won't Be Pathetic Forever EP
let me just say that i love these guys. this 4 song, well, 3 song with an intro, EP really blew me away. their debut, Get Stoked On It!, is exciting, fun, and full of pirates, zombies, and ninjas. but this new EP shows how real things can be sometimes. Soupy sings about his life, fucking up, and the realities of touring. kick ass EP and some real awesome dudes.
Paint It Black
New Lexicon
i recently started listening to Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, and Armalite, which all feature Dan Yemin. and '08 featured yet another release from the band he fronts, Paint It Black. this album amazes me every time i play it. it's another must have from the Dan Yemin collection.
Title Fight
Kingston 7"
this set of 3 songs might be some of the best pop punk that i've ever heard. it's definitely heavier than your run-of-the-mill pop punk, but it's catchy for sure. after a couple listens you won't be able to forget it.
Me vs. Hero
S/T EP
this is the only non-US band on my list, but these dudes really deserve it. i had this EP playing almost all summer and i can just never get sick of it. they are VERY comparable to Four Year Strong, so it must be good. from super poppy verses, catchy choruses, and heavy breakdowns, it's worth a shot.
Fight Fair
Settle the Score EP
from beginning to end this power pop punk... hardcore? is so catchy and infectious that you'd think that you were listening to a radio pop station, until the breakdown that is.
Transit
This Will Not Define Us
i saw these guys January, 1st in Cleveland on tour with the Wonder Years, and they blew me away. they're all still pretty young and they sound better than a lot of bands i've heard anyway. they really know what they're doing, and if this album was any indication, they're headed places for sure.
the Gaslight Anthem
the '59 Sound
of course this would be on here. i saw these guys at the show with Polar Bear Club i mentioned earlier, and i'm SO GLAD i did. they'll never play in a place that small again. this record is good from start to finish with a good old rock revival sound. of course, the obligatory Bruce Springsteen reference has to be made, but they do it right, so forget about "Born In The U.S.A."
TOP LOCAL BANDS TO SEE
Two Hand Fools
Wreak Havoc
Reaching Your End
the Sidekicks
'09 MOST ANTICIPATED
this is my only explanation. this is going to be a big year in music, you better be buys some of these albums, because i know i will.
Fake Problems - It's Great To Be Alive
Transit - Stay Home
New Found Glory - Not Without A Fight
the Wonder Years/All Or Nothing - Distances
Bomb the Music Industry! - Scrambles
Fireworks
Broadway Calls
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