Sans Automobili

the lengendary dmitri (the red pt cruiser) is no more. unfortunately (and quite surprisingly, considering the supposed lack of severity of the accident) it was totalled by myself last sunday in an attempt to drive back to school from work in a light rain. tres unfortunate.

by far the best car i've ever owned, i'll certainly miss it. i'm about to go by and get my stuff out of it (like my copy of Joe Dirt on vhs) and bid it farewell... then get a rental car. oh, that will be exciting. but that's okay, these things happen. then a new(hahaha) car, i'm thinking maybe i'll go back to the brand that started it all, volvo. it sucks, but it's life and i'd be ridiculous to get depressed or have a meltdown over a car. the Lord provides always and i'm just thankful i get the dang blessings that i do. but in the words of the legendary (dethklok member) william murderface, "pobody's nerfect". yep.

so merry Christmas! it's in like a week. that excites me. i have the first half of my Genesis winter-class (with dr. naugle!!!) done and i'm ready to get back to it after Christmas.

in other news, "we are holiday elves" might be the worst "christmas" (the one not about Jesus) song/invention of all time... but it's so dayum catchy. pure evil, it's just gotta be.

-the albatross

Music of 2007 Part 6: Blood on the Roots/Branches

5. Haste the Day- Pressure the Hinges (Solid State) March 20

For the longest time this year, I didn’t see anything beating this album. Since it’s starting off the last batch of albums, it’s obvious that it in fact didn’t take the cake, but it’s still one of the most solid and enjoyable albums from the year. Brutal Zao-ish (think incredibly throaty, raspy, and terrifying) vocalist Jimmy Ryan left the band to pursue other interests. This can often devastate a band, but Haste the Day decided to keep trucking and enlisted Stephen Keech, fresh out of High-school to join them on their European Tour. Dang. I graduated and went to Europe, but not with Haste the Day, and not with the knowledge that I might never have to go to school again, either. The new album still contains the power and feel of Haste the Day, while the screaming vocals are totally different. Keech doesn’t in any way try to be a copy of Jimmy Ryan, he knows and respects his place as a new front-man, and really mixes it up. Why it’s up here: it’s incredibly solid and, with Keech’s singing and screaming and the excellent harmonic singing provided by band members Brennan Chaulk and Mike Murphy really get to shine on this album. Another reason this album is so high up here is the band’s unstoppable live show. I think I’ve seen Haste the Day more than most other bands I’m into these days, and every time is something totally sick and awesome. Why it’s down here: The albums above this one just outshined. That’s the only reason. If you like hardcore, go buy this album. Jam This Song: “Chorus of Angels”, “White Collar”, “The Minor Prophets”

4. As I Lay Dying- An Ocean Between Us (Metal Blade) August 21

I’m not such a big fan of metal giants As I Lay Dying, but they sure do have a bunch of fans. When this album came out, countless flocks of dude-bros and metal kids were lauding it with praise at every opportunity. Being the self-appointed metal/hardcore guru that I am, I decided to give An Ocean Between Us a chance, even though I was less than impressed with the summer ’05 Shadows Are Security. What I found was easily one of the most solid metal albums to come out this year. With the new addition of a bassist that handles clean vocals (Josh Gilbert), this Los Angeles band that graduated from our local Pluto Records makes a brutal and heavy metal album that has a catchy and relatable hook in almost every song. Why it’s up here: It’s heavy as all get-out, and a bunch of the songs are pretty memorable. I’m also relatively sure that this album will top lots of people’s Top 10 Metal albums of the year list… just sayin’. Why it’s down here: I’m not big on this band historically, as I dunno, but I’m just not wired with their music. It’s great and everyone in the band (especially guitarist extraordinaire Nick Hipa and downright brutal vocalist Tim Lambesis) is incredibly talented, it’s just not my fave. Jam This Song: “The Sound of Truth”, “Forsaken”, “An Ocean Between Us”

3. Between The Buried And Me- Colors (Victory) September 18

Eight Tracks. Two Songs. Over an hour of non-stop music. One of the most amazing albums of 2007. All of those descriptions work very well for the very talented and ever-experimental progressive metal band Between the Buried and Me’s new album, Colors. “Foam Born” is the intro of the CD, comprising the first two tracks and clocking in at seven and a half minutes. Heck of an intro. The rest of the album, entitled “Sammael”, takes the listener on a magical journey through nearly any musical style that can be imagined and mixed into a wild and wide-ranging metal(ish) act. Why it’s up here: One of the most creative and innovative acts of music that I’ve ever heard. The sound is flawless and the live show is every bit as relentless and dedicated. It is very easy to get lost in the music here, especially in the 13-minute fifth track, “Ants in the Sky” which ends in a nice banjo/fiddle-driven hoe-down. Why it’s down here: No reason, it just didn’t top the two albums before it. Jam This Song: “Prequel to the Sequel”, “Sun of Nothing”, “The Backtrack”. Bonus Award: Most Original Album

2. August Burns Red- Messengers (Solid State) June 19

If you weren’t fully convinced that August Burns Red was a metalcore force to be reckoned with by their first Solid State release, Thrill Seeker, you are not alone. I mean, I loved “Barbarian” more than the next guy, but I just didn’t see ABR getting much bigger or much better. I’ve since accepted my mistakes. Messengers is a great album for ABR, full of intense breakdowns, an all-out assault by the drums, new vocalist Jake Luhrs provides some great screams, sick guitars, and bass explosions that you won’t soon forget. Why it’s up here: This is some excellent music to throw down to. Bass blasts and awesome breakdowns (a couple quite dissonant) will tear you to pieces. Also, the band tends to mix things up quite a bit, like the almost-death-metal “Black Sheep”. GO! Why it’s down here: This album’s number 2 mainly because number 1 is flawless, and the track “An American Dream” is super-repetitive and kinda slugs down the vibe. Jam This Song: “Truth of a Liar”, “Back Burner”, “The Eleventh Hour” Bonus Award: Album of Quarter 3 2007 (even though it came out in Q2)

Aaaaaaaaaaand finally…

1. The Chariot- The Fiancée (Solid State) April 3

Here it is, folks: my top ranked album of 2007. What makes it the best? Well, clocking in at just under half an hour, this CD will stop at nothing (and won’t stop very often) to tear you apart entirely… except for when they’re doing something else. What I mean to say is that parts of this album are so “hard-core”, brutal, and chaotic, that it’s almost comforting that it’s so short. Think grindcore but much more of the core than the grind. Also, the band mixes it up so much by integrating seemingly unrelated sounds and styles into the music in a seamless fashion. One track has guest vocals from a full Sacred Harp choir (those are those old style Gospel choirs that sing a capella and bend notes for a really cool old sound) after a brutal assault on the ears and face. Another guest vocalist is Paramore front-girl Hayley Williams, adding some gorgeous vocals side-by-side to chaos-driven vocalist Josh Scogin on the track “Then Came To Kill”. Scogin hails from the outer regions of Atlanta, but most of the band members (since he’s the only remaining original member) are from different places, like Kansas City and Omaha. Josh also used to front the mega-popular (in the Christian forum of music) hardcore act Norma Jean. Hey, you’ve probably heard of that one! They infuse their southern roots with a hardcore format that’s so chaotic and technical that really creates the feeling of “Wow… What just happened???” after jamming out to this album. Give The Chariot a try, but it’s definitely not for the weak of heart or eardrums. Except for the last track but SHH it’s a surprise. Jam This Song: “Back to Back”, “And Shot Each Other”, “Forgive Me Nashville” Bonus Award: ALBUM OF THE YEAR

And that’s it! Hope you enjoyed my look at the music of this year. Also, I might soon be putting up a few of the releases that didn’t make it up here, almost-made-it albums or just plain stinkers. Keep tuning in, we’ll see what happens. Also, previously mentioned, if you’d like to hear any of this music, feel free to go to myspace.com and search for the bands, or talk to me, I can probably hook you up if you’re interested.

Music of 2007 Part 5: But I Was Not Consumed!!

next to last entry... there's some great stuff here. make sure you check out any of the bands' myspace pages... there's some GREAT stuff to be heard. okay, until next time (and when i'm gonna blog about my recent lame-ass wreck)...

10. Demon Hunter- Storm the Gates of Hell (Solid State) November 6

Demon Hunter was a definite heavy hitter in my early days of metal exploration, helping pave the way for many a favorite today. However, for some ridiculous and unexplainable reason, I have had a recent trend of pushing them down my “favorite bands list” for the claim that “they were good but don’t have lasting value.” That’s just not true. What’s probably more accurate is I’ve listened to all of their material so extensively that it’s burned into my skull. This new album (that honestly came as an end-of –year surprise to me) is certainly going to be no exception. Why it’s up here: These guys’ metal is so technical and breathes so well (they’ve learned to chill down, sing, and rock, and at times keep it heavier and more brutal than ever) that it’s just… greatness. Their message of Christ and His love is also really apparent in their lyrics, which I really appreciate when tastefully done. Why it’s down here: It hasn’t quite soaked in as much of the following nine albums have been able to over the course of this year. Jam This Song: “Storm the Gates of Hell”, “Sixteen”, “A Thread of Light”. Bonus Award: Album of Quarter 4 2007

9. Project 86- Rival Factions (Tooth & Nail) June 19

Let me start off by saying that Project 86 is, and probably will remain to be for quite some time, my favorite band. Rival Factions is their sixth album, and is unbelievably their most unique release. The band lost a LOT of fans with their third (arguably my favorite) album, Truthless Heroes, because they didn’t want to make a “sequel album” and wanted to make the music that they were feeling at the time. Whiny fans really annoy me, let bands make the music they want to make! I’d be a lesser man if I had two Drawing Black Lines but no Truthless Heroes. That having been said, Rival Factions is a million miles away from those albums. The difference is in the lack of beloved drummer Alex Albert (due to marriage) and excellent keys provided in recording by the infamous Jason Martin. Why it’s up here: It’s Project 86! Also, the fun and dance-y feel mixed with the anger and energy that is uniquely P86 blends together for such a full sound and rad feel to just keep the music moving all the way. Also, Andrew Schwab is THE vocalist extraordinaire. Why it’s down here: It’s only ten tracks long. Their only other album to be that short would be… the first one. And last I checked they weren’t rap-rock anymore, where that’s acceptable. Jam This Song: “Pull Me Closer, Violent Dancer”, “Normandy”, “The Forces of Radio Have Dropped a Viper into the Rhythm Section”

8. Dethklok- The Dethalbum (Williams Street) September 25

If you don’t know about this band, you’re in for a treat. Dethklok is a fake metal band featured in the amazing Adult Swim cartoon Metalocalypse. They’re the most popular band ever, they’re the twelfth richest economy on Earth, they’re allowed to establish and mobilize their own military police, and they’re very, very brutal. Though it’s a silly (read: hilarious) and disturbing cartoon about 5 crazy idiots who are in an AMAZING band, the music (done by the series creator Brendon Small and VERY metal drummer Gene Hoglan) is brutal, massive, epic, dirty, and BRUTAL. Why it’s up here: Any fan of Metalocalypse would have killed half of the people on their street to get an actual Dethklok album from the cartoon world to our real world. Also, while being incredibly technical, brutal, and just great, the lyrics are HILARIOUS. Murderous mermaids, lost Vikings, and brutal tax evasion stories ensue. Why it’s down here: A couple of the songs were “deleted” by vocalist Nathan Explosion in the recording process, and I wouldn’t really have minded if they’d stayed that way. Jam This Song: “Bloodrocuted”, “Dethharmonic”, “Duncan Hills Coffee Jingle (Bonus Disc Only)”

7. Becoming the Archetype- The Physics of Fire (Solid State) May 8

To compare the new Becoming the Archetype album to 2005’s Terminate Damnation would be an unfair comparison in a million ways. Also, it’s just MUCH better (and wiser) to enjoy them both as much as possible. In between the two albums, BTA lost two members but gained a new one back in form of the incredibly talented Alex Kenis (of rather well-known Christian Metal band Aletheian) and changed styles greatly from dark metal-core to a path-less-traveled style of technical death metal. What does that mean? Brutal deep screams, some insane keyboards used to emulate harpsichord or pipe organ, absolutely RIDICULOUS guitar solos, one of the fastest and most intense drummers I know of, and a completely unforgettable live show. Why it’s up here: They’re one of my favorite bands and the flow of the album is VERY nice. There’s a sick guitar solo by Kenis in pretty much every song and whenever guitarist/keyboardist “Count” Seth Hecox grabs those keys, magic ensues. The lyrics are also awesome, as it’s a concept album about God’s power and the Holy Spirit being fire, and the Devil’s grasp over the world of man is personified as ice. It’s a cool and elemental look at good vs. evil, and the lyrics are very straightforward, especially at the end of the closing track “The Balance of Eternity”, claiming that “every knee shall bow before His flame, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, forever.” Why it’s down here: The songs don’t stick with you as long as those on their aforementioned previous release. Some of the epic feel is lost with the new sound (and if you’ve heard the new album that statement must blow your mind) but overall, of course, this is a GREAT album. Jam This Song: “Immolation”, “The Monolith”, “The Balance of Eternity (The Physics of Fire, Pt. IV)”. Bonus Award: Most Anticipated Album

6. Surrogate- Love is For the Rich (Tooth & Nail) August 28

If anybody knew who this amazing two-man band from Chico, California was, they’d be astonished to see it on my list, especially this high up. Frontman Christopher Keene outdoes himself by not only providing vocals, but also guitar, keys, bass, and xylophone. The other “half” of the band is drummer Jordan Mallory, establishing a really chill and cool indie feel. The music is much more mellow and indie than… well, practically anything on this list. Stirring and rich melodies and clever vocals weave a gorgeous tapestry of music for all to enjoy. Now if only people actually knew this band existed... Why it’s up here: The music snagged me. I don’t even remember the first time I listened to the band. Maybe it was after Cornerstone when someone told me they were touring with Emery and got signed to Tooth & Nail… that’s reasonable. But from the moment I heard one song, a hunt began to make this album mine. I could pop this CD in at practically ANY time and listen to it all the way through (with maybe ONE track skip). Why it’s down here: They’re very new and this is their first album, and I’d never heard of them before. Being number six on my list isn’t very bad, I assure you. One last little reason is that this is the HIGHEST rated non-metal/hardcore album on this list. You can tell what my styles are, so it’s pretty HARD for an indie album to get up here. Jam This Song: “The Fence”, “Shift the Blame”, “Easy”. Bonus Award: Best New Artist

2007 in Music Part 4: Can I Get a Hallelujah?!

We're really gettin' into it now!! There are some real winners on this part of the list (15-11) so ENJOY

15.The Devil Wears Prada- Plagues (Rise) August 21 “Most Improved Band”

I used to HATE this band. A dumb name based off a book and girly movie, and whiny high vox… not a good situation. They were young and just seemed to inexperienced and over the top. Then came 2007, and the album Plagues. Their sound is more grown up, but still way brutal and massive. These kids KNOW HOW to make good metal. Why it’s up here: I just told you ALL those reasons. It cooks and it’s AMAZING. Oh, and the keyboards. And bass blasts. Why it’s down here: Not everybody can be the best, there’s been a lot of CDs this year! And honestly, I’m still not huge on the high/whiny vocals that they employ sometimes. Jam This Song- “The Scorpion Deathlock”

14. Maylene & the Sons of Disaster- II (Ferret) March 20 “Flash in the Pan”

I remember the first time I gave this album a listen-through. It was a full month or so before the album came out, leaked onto the internet. My roomies and I ate it up, listening to it all the way through several times daily. These guys are the epitome of Southern Metal, mixing hardcore, metal, southern rock, classic rock, and pure sweat and facial hair to make some astonishing music. Why it’s up here: Maylene is a force of nature on its own, and this album further proves that point. Three guitarists and the former vocalist of Underoath (ooowwweee, kids!) prove that these cats have the chops to get the job done. Why it’s down here: We got burned out on it, plain and simple. Not the highest replay value in the world, but we really did listen to it a ton. Jam This Song: “Wylie”, “Death is an Alcoholic”. Bonus Award: Album of Quarter 2 2007

13. Neon Horse- Neon Horse (Tooth & Nail) May 8 “Mysterious Sensation”

The fun about 2007 newcomers Neon Horse is that… nobody knows who they are. No members’ names are given, not even a number of members in the band. They’ve never put on a live show, but whoever and however many of them there are, were all parts of several various Los Angeles rock bands, and eventually formed Neon Horse. Speculation abounds and I personally have a few great theories (and a little bit of affirmation from one of my previously mentioned suspects) but don’t worry yourself with such notions. Just know that Neon Horse is some seriously fun indie rock. Why it’s up here: Rock filled with indie and ‘80s influences, fun and smart keys, and just a great feel and vibe make Neon Horse one of the nicer breaths of fresh air to come out of Tooth & Nail lately. Why it’s down here: The vocals are definitely an acquired taste, and being the debut album with a reasonable 12 tracks, there’s not a lot of material to satiate a craving (unless you have some more-than-decent theories on a few of the members of the band like I do). Jam This Song: “Cuckoo!”, “I Know- I Just Don’t Care”, “Crazy Daisy”

12. Once Nothing- Earth Mover EP (CI Records) July 24 “Can I Get A Hallelujah?!”

Oh man. Now we’re REALLY gettin’ to the good stuff. Once Nothing was a Cornerstone 2007 find (though I didn’t actually see them perform, they were just really cool) that led me to a myspace page… that led me to “Put Some Stank on It”. These Pennsylvania dudes are about as Southern as they come… and I did mention that they’re from Pittsburgh, right? North of the Mason-Dixon line, just in case your geography’s a bit off. Nevertheless, the easiest way to explain this music is to take a little Maylene & the Sons of Disaster, add in a dash of August Burns Red, and mix it in with whatever you would think violence would sound like if it was music. Yes, go ahead. Try. Why it’s up here: This is what metalcore is supposed to be! It’s five LONG tracks of brutal blast-beats and breakdowns, filled with raunchy growls and screams, nasty guitar licks, catchy rhythms, and some of the sickest drum beats you’ll ever find. It’s like the drummer’s… not so much a drummer, but a master of guns, and he’s firing all he’s got straight at your face. Why it’s down here: No offense, boys! It’s an EP, only six tracks long. That having been said, their forthcoming 2008 Solid State release will probably grace the peaks of next year’s Year in Review list. Jam This Song: “Put Some Stank on It”, “Waves”, “All My Heroes Are Cowboys”. Bonus Award: “EP of the Year”

11. Life in Your Way- Waking Giants (Solid State) March 6 “Strong-Soft STROFT”

Though Life in Your Way has been churning out spirit-filled hardcore music since my VERY pre-hardcore/metal days of 2001, I hadn’t listened to them until their Solid State release Waking Giants came out. Boy, am I glad I checked them out. They have one of the roughest vocal styles I’ve heard in a long time, and just when you think you can’t take any more of the hardcore madness, the mood changes completely and the band lulls you with beautiful harmonies and melodic riffs. A great escape from their particularly brutal hardcore onslaughts, it’s well worth it when (and if) you make it to the softer parts. Why it’s up here: This album was pretty defining as far as 2007 went, and if you know much about my musical tastes (you ARE reading this), you know I really value a good blend of hard (read: heavy and/or brutal) and soft (read: melodic) music. Why it’s down here: Sometimes the brutal and harsh vocals are a bit too much even for me. I’ll be trying to play it for someone who’s not really hard music-inclined, and they usually can’t suffer through the rough stuff to make it to the pretty stuff. Jam This Song: “Salty Grave”, “Beneath It All”, “Threads of Sincerity”. Bonus Award: Album of Quarter 1 2007

2007 in Music Part 3: Make 'Em Say Uhhh!

20. Sleeping Giant- Dread Champions of the Last Days (Facedown) May/June

I’d like to thank HM Magazine for turning me on to Sleeping Giant, a new Facedown band (Facedown’s still around?!!) that brings it heavy and hard, and also mixes in… rap-style vocals? This is a sometimes thing, for sure (thank youuuu) but it’s used really well by these guys. Even so, the amount of praise and “spirit-filled” energy that this band cranks out is AMAZING. Why it’s up here: The second half of the album. Every track is completely different and keeps changing things up. It’s a pretty long album, and the last three songs are rock/metal-infused praise-and-worship songs. AMAZING. Why it’s down here: The first half of the album. It’s great but gets a little repetitive and doesn’t mix it up anywhere as near as the latter tracks. Also, it’s a little depressing that the best track on the album is the guest vocals one, and the album by the guest vocalist in reference (Impending Doom) isn’t even that amazing. Oh well, chalk it up to synergy! Jam This Song: “Blame it on the Holy Rollers”

19. The Brothers Martin (Tooth & Nail) January 23

2007 was quite possibly Drew’s year of Starflyer 59. If you don’t know what that is, this entry will be good for you. Starflyer 59, AKA Jason Martin, quickly became one of my favorite musical acts this year in all it’s shoegazer-lounge rock glory. How, you may ask, is this all related to The Brothers Martin? View the last name, goofus. Jason Martin and his brother Ronnie (remember Joy Electric? That’s him) have reunited after 14 years to put out another joint effort. In the past decade-with-some-change, both musicians’ styles have changed GREATLY, and the reunion brings much to the table, from Jason’s chill guitar and bass and rolling keys to Ronnie’s wacky synth-beats and uber-repetitive hooks. Why it’s up here: It’s pure genius, mixing shoegaze and synthpop. Nobody saw it coming. Well, maybe nobody but the Brothers Martin. Why it’s down here: Ronnie’s repetitive lines and girly voice bog it down for me just a little bit. Jam This Song: “Opportunities”, “Communication”

18. Eisley- Combinations (Warner Bros) August 14

Pals from Tyler, TX (yee-haw!) Eisley (formerly Moss Eisley in the Power FM dark ages) have brought us another glass of gorgeous courtesy of Combinations. If you remember 2005’s Room Noises then you can easily envision the fantastic and child-like aspects the band once held. They’ve definitely grown from that aspect a bit, crafting themselves into something fuller and a bit more elegant. Just get down for some pretty and let the DuPree family soothe your brain. Why it’s up here: It sounds LOVELY. We’re dealing with pretty girls who sing beautifully and play music (along with a couple boys) quite excellently. Not bad. Why it’s down here: I really liked the cheery and childlike feel of Room Noises, but respect the band’s new direction. Some songs don’t dig into the heart and head as deeply as other songs, however. Jam This Song: “I Could Be There For You”, “Invasion”

17. A Plea For Purging- A Critique of Mind and Thought (Facedown) July/ August

Facedown brought out some really good music this year! A Plea For Purging is a gang of goofy pranksters that love gettin’ down with some NASTY metal. It’s fun and kinda corny with really high guitars and goofy gang vocals, but man. It’s GOOD. Why it’s up here: “Make ‘em say uhh/ UNNHHH!” vocals like that, insane guitar riffs and licks, amazing chugging bass, and great drums round this band out with tons of energy, with talent to match. Why it’s down here: They’re a very new band and have lots of stuff to either polish or to just figure out. Also, the Facedown style of doing CDs might be taking a little bit away from what this band is ultimately capable of, but we’ll see in due time, I’m sure. Jam This Song: “The Betrayers”, “Resurrection of the Beast”

16. Far-Less- A Toast to Bad Taste (Tooth & Nail) October 23 “New Feeling Great”

I heard these cats when they first got signed to T&N with the single “Scorched Earth Policy”. Holy CRAP it was hardcore! The Turn to the Bright EP that followed was amazing but set the stage for what would be a more post-hardcore rock band with some heavy sounds but largely melodic and something that would journey into whatever foray it felt like checking out. The album after that, Everyone is Out to Get Us, kept plenty of the hardcore ties but took some interesting trips into jazzy, bluesy territories formerly unknown to the band. The new album is another trip down a different road, nearly erasing all the hardcore and establishing a full sound that one can easily get lost in. Why it’s up here: The new sound is definite proof that Far-Less can do whatever they want to as a band and still make excellent music. It’s easy to get caught up in the lush sounds, losing a little time to the scenery painted out by this Virginia band. Why it’s down here: This is worlds away from Everyone is Out to Get Us. They’ve basically abolished their excellent and timely use of hardcore elements, mostly probably due to a drummer change. While the new sound isn’t what it used to be, it’s still a force to be reckoned with. Jam This Song: “Gentlemen(Go To Sleep)”, “A Toast To Bad Taste”

Music of 2007 Part 2: This Place Is Evil

25. HORSE the Band- A Natural Death (Koch Records) August 28

The first band on this countdown with the word “horse” in it, HORSE the band is a very interesting hardcore band in that their keyboard player retrofitted an LSDJ and a Game Boy system together to synthesize an authentic 8-bit digital sound similar to (well, exactly like) the sounds heard from a game boy or Nintendo. Their song topics range all over the plane of ridiculous: video games (“Cutsman”, “Birdo”), comic books (“The Red Tornado”), bear attacks (“Face of Bear”), and even pizza (“Anti-Pizza”, “Crippled by Pizza (Pizzarrhea in the Pizzeria)”, “Werepizza”, “Pizza Nif”). Why it’s up here: Did the description not get you excited enough? This band’s completely insane! The songs are great, too!! Why it’s down here: A few of the songs are just… good. Normally that’s not a problem, but this is an end-of-year countdown, so with half-great half-good you can’t expect to be at the top… Jam This Song: “Sex Raptor”, “Face of Bear”

24. Motion City Soundtrack- Even if it Kills Me (Epitaph) September 18

It’s fun and poppy FUSE-rock all the way with Motion City Soundtrack. This band is a bit more mainstream than most that I jam out to, and I’m not even too sure of how I happened onto it but I REALLY like it. It’s rockin’ but it definitely brings a bit more melancholy and pop to the table than stuff I’m usually downing. Why it’s up here: This stuff is INSANELY catchy. Even after only a few listens I was ready to sing along with plenty of the tracks and even had a few stuck in my head. Why it’s down here: No offense, but it’s just not the stuff I usually listen to, so it’s not gonna be top of the heap. This is a big list, 24’s nothing to be ashamed of! Jam This Song: “This is For Real”, “Calling All Cops”

23. Nodes of Ranvier- Defined by Struggle (Victory) July 24

Nodes (from fantastic Sioux Falls, SD) have been around quite a long time. Now on Victory Records, they come offering Defined by Struggle, and while it’s not like what they’ve done before, it’s great. They’ve got a new vocalist but the same attitude, and the sound’s changed a bit from album to album. If you come expecting Nodes of Ranvier Nodes of Ranvier… then you’re probably going to be disappointed. Why it’s up here: Even the lesser ranked songs on here are SICK. It rocks hard and keeps going the whole way through. Another big plus to Nodes is their creativity and blending abilities. The album’s intro is a great example of this, as is the opening to “Archegos” which is a clip from Pirate of the Caribbean 2. Why it’s down here: While all the songs are GREAT, it doesn’t have the “stick to your brain, make you wanna listen non-stop” overall feel to it. If you’ve heard the self-titled album before, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about. Also, the irksome (but musically awesome) “Wrathbearer” holds this album back just a little bit. Jam This Song: “Defined by Struggle”, “Archegos”

22. The Agony Scene- Get Damned (Century Media) October 23 “The False Alarm”

Me and the Agony Scene go way back, I tell you. My first summer working at a camp, The Darkest Red came out and made me a fan, so I went out and bought the Solid State-released self-titled album, which was (in my opinion, but not many others’) way better. Even though the band has abandoned their Christian title (if they ever even had it, who knows, not a big deal) and are great “scene”- core with high and brutal screaming. I heard some demo tracks for this album way back in the summer and was terrified that the album was going to suck big time. I’m not even sure why I hated those tracks at the time, because I seem to like them just fine now. Why it’s up here: It’s fast, it’s brutal, it’s dark and angry, and it’s awesome. It’s a good ride from beginning to end. Why it’s down here: The album gets a little repetitive, to the point of asking “Haven’t I already heard this song?” but it doesn’t take much away from the overall feel and sound. Also, vocalist Michael Williams has a high and piercing growl but his AMAZING scream is sadly underused in this offering. Jam This Song: “Dances With Devils”

21. Oh, Sleeper- When I Am God (Solid State) October 23 “Local Flavor”

Oh, Sleeper was made out of the carcass of the failed Tooth & Nail band Terminal (there’s a joke in there, honest). Strike One. Oh, Sleeper is from my neighboring city of Fort Worth, Texas. Strike Two. Oh, Sleeper sounds NOTHING like Terminal, has the talented Shane Blay (formerly of Between the Buried & Me) for a guitarist, and got signed to Solid State Records. Home Run! Why it’s up here: I’ll make it simple: “Vices Like Vipers” is why it’s up here. Also, can’t much hate on the great melodic blending they do throughout the album. Why it’s down here: They’re new, and not as established as most of your other Solid State bands. In time... Jam This Song: “Vices Like Vipers”

The Music of 2007: A Year in Review

This will be my reflective, end of year material. it will also be about all the great music that came out this year. here are the first ten albums, 30 through 26. Keep in mind that they're great, they're just not my absolute faves for the year. Keep tuning in for the other updates with more musics! oh, and if any of this music is unknown to you and you want in on it, let me know. i'm a pretty sharing guy with my treasures!! 25 through 21 should be posted tomorrow. or later today. let's be real.

PART ONE:

30. Joy Electric- The Otherly Opus (Tooth & Nail) March 20 “Years Later, Still Weird”

Joy Electric (AKA Ronnie Martin) has been putting out goofy and eccentric synth-techno whatevery tunes for a LONG LONG time. His first album as a solo band came out in 1994, after three albums with his brother Jason in Dance House Children. Anyway, I haven’t been big on Joy Electric for several years because the music’s kind of hard to get in to, and it’s VERY weird even then. The Otherly Opus is no exception on the weird-factor, but I definitely find it easier to listen to, and it’s a lot catchier than the past… oh, I don’t know, three or four LPs. Why it’s up here: It’s a solid album from a solid artist, but better (in my personal tastes) than usual. Why it’s down here: Even with the more accessible album, it’s still not the most common listen. It’s wacky electro-synth-pop stuff for sure. Jam This Song: “The Memory of Alpha”

29. Skindred- Roots Rock Riot (Bieler Bros.) October 23 “The Long Wait”

Skindred is a Welsh-British band that, to be classified, would probably be “reggae-punk-metal”. It’s a wild mix to be certain, but their first album Babylon which came out (as a re-release) in 2004 was SICK. Since it was a re-release, however, one would have expected a follow-up much sooner than in late 2007. Roots Rock Riot delivers lots of fun and good heaviness that Skindred’s good at while including the reggae-rap-ish feel that makes them unique. Why it’s up here: Skindred was one of my bands I jammed non-stop in high school. The new album captures lots of the fun that was present there and brings it back. Why it’s down here: It took FOREVER to come out. And with such a long wait, it wasn’t really worth three years (or five if you’d heard it before the re-release like me) of waiting. Jam This Song: “Rat Race”

28. MxPx- Secret Weapon (Tooth & Nail) July 17 “Return to Greatness”

Waiiiiiiiiiiit a minute. MxPx??? Tooth and Nail??? I’m pretty sure the last T&N MXPX album (the amazing Life In General) came out eleven years ago. Wait… yep! It sure did. How then, you may ask, is this little release here on my 2007 TOP 30 list?? Well, the boys from Bremerton are back on T&N, don’t ask me why, but it’s a return to greatness over several of their past albums. Now, they weren’t all bad, certainly Slowly Going the Way of the Buffalo was amazing, but someone should be held accountable for the crap-storm that was Before Everything and After. Why it’s up here: This album reminds me exactly of why I’ve loved this band! It captures the classic fun feel of MXPX but it doesn’t feel dated. Why it’s down here: While there are tons of solid tracks (sixteen in all!) to enjoy on the album, only four or five are songs I NEED to listen to whenever I’m giving the album a listen. Jam This Song: “Secret Weapon”, “Bass So Low”

27. Every Time I Die- The Big Dirty (Ferret) September 4 “Bitten by the Party Animal”

Every Time I Die is a raucous hardcore band claiming some “southern” influences but in short form, they’re just good and unique. One of the “healthiest and most effective singing/screaming styles” can be attributed to vocalist Keith Buckley, who ranges from harsh and ravaging yells to an almost apathetic slurring of the words in places. The new album brings forth what people love about ETID- from mashed-together song titles( such as “rendez-voodoo”) and a fun attitude to hardcore that keeps these guys from being like anybody else. Why it’s up here: Honestly, for the song (and video for) “We’rewolf”. The album as a whole is great and packed with fun songs, but that one song definitely takes the cake for me personally. Oh, and when someone yells “Hang ‘em high!” loud enough, it’s hard not to get excited. Why it’s down here: Not the highest catchy-factor with this here album, though it’s great. It will be hard for any ETID album to capture the fun and ferocity of 2003’s Hot Damn! Jam This Song: “We’rewolf”

26. Poison the Well- Versions (Ferret) April 3

Poison the Well is an excellent example of what I refer to as “screamo”, blending hardcore elements with rock and lighter singing and chill slowdowns and what-not that might be referred to as “emo” or whatever. Now don’t get it twisted in your heads that this is your form of “screamo” because the singing here, while pretty, isn’t girly at all. Anyway, Versions takes PTW’s recent style and adds in boatloads of guitar movement, fleshing out the overall feel from the last album, my personal fave, You Come Before You. Why it’s up here: This album is lots of fun and easy to listen through. The songs don’t sound the same, and it’s an easy “put it in and enjoy” album. Also, it rocks real hard when it has to. Don’t underestimate. Why it’s down here: Some of the tracks are less than exceptional (but all quite acceptable) and can sometimes slow down the pace of the album, which very well may have been intentional. Jam This Song: “Nagaina”

more to come soon!!