Hell Or High Water

 

New As Cities Burn came out today. It’s great. Sad that it’s apparently their final album.

 

First Listensss

The new Ace Enders & A Million Different People album was released today. Really solid. It’s a bit different than the songs released on his free album that came out early last year. A bit less mainstream maybe? Not sure. Just different. Couple of those tracks made this album and they gel well with the new material.

Smooth, melodic rock. I am digging it.

 

And I finally received the new MC Lars album, ‘This Gigantic Robot Kills’, in the mail yesterday (Monday). I’ve listened to it all the way through numerous, numerous times. It’s got some of the best songs he’s ever released. The title track has got to be the best song he’s ever put out.

And I’m not into the whole ska scene but maybe I should be. The song features someone (…) from The Aquabats, has horns… all that stuff. It’s classy.

Then there is a song with Weird Al… It’s incredible!

And I hate Weird Al…

 

Not Without a Fight

Only seven songs in, but I’m loving this. 

 

 

What Am I Listening To?

I was finally able to locate, and pick up, the new Appleseed Cast album, Sagarmatha, yesterday.  I’ve been hearing how wonderful it is, many comparing it to Explosions in the Sky. I wouldn’t go that far. Explosions does stuff no other band does, but Appleseed Cast have created an interesting, spacey album. Guitar work is awesome. Vocals are minimal. While I like that it’s nearly all instrumental, I do miss the layered vocals. Appleseed Cast work that so well into their albums, and while it’s in a couple tracks, it’s downplayed quite a bit. I miss it… Still, I can’t complain. 

Now, the other band I’ve been listening to is one that I’ve been hearing about for quite awhile. The Gaslight Anthem are kind of a modern day punk / Bruce Springsteen-esque rocknroll band. Much impressed. Watch them on Letterman below and blow your load.

 

AOTY – 2008

I know this is completely out of date now that it’s February, but I thought I’d post my favorite albums of 2008 since I haven’t yet done so. These are just my personal favorites, not necessarily the best.

Enjoy.

001.
> The New Frontiers – “Mending”
– Released in January, The New Frontiers debut showcased the Texas natives perfect blend of piano driven rock. Mending is a near masterpiece from beginning to end, and quite possibly, the best album The Militia Group has ever released… and that’s saying quite a bit. It’s a shame they broke up later in the year…
*Key Track:  ‘Who Will Give Us Love?’

002.
> Joshua Radin – “Simple Times”
– Expanding on the sound and success he created with his debut We Were Here, Radin’s sophomore album is a beautiful surprise, exceptionally better than it’s predecessor. Not only that, but it somehow features vocals from Radin that leave the listener with an obvious image of him smiling as he sings. Sounds weird, but it’s true. 
*Key Track: ‘I’d Rather Be With You’

003. Alive In Wild Paint – “Ceilings”
*Key Track: ‘Children of Divorce’  

004. City & Colour – “Bring Me Your Love” 
*Key Track: ‘Against the Grain’

005.
> Ryan Adams & The Cardinals – “Cardinology”
– My personal favorite singer/songwriter continues to pump out record after record. Some people will argue that massive amounts of material don’t mean it’s good. I disagree. Cardinology shows Adams and the Cardinals at their best, mixing songs that would have fit perfect on both Rock n Roll (“Magick”) and Adams previous outfit, Whiskeytown (“Crossed Out Name”)
*Key Track: ‘Evergreen’

006. Kanye West – “808s and Heartbreak”
*Key Track: ‘Street Lights’

007.
> Coldplay – “Viva la Vida”
– Easily Coldplay’s best, and most concise work to date. Short and to the point. Not sure if they can top this record.
*Key Track: ‘Death and All His Friends’ 

008.
> Fall Out Boy – “Folie a Deux”
– When a bands album opener is so good that you repeat it over and over again, not wanting to move on the second track, it speaks volumes for what’s to come. There is also no denying that Patrick Stump has the best voice in the scene. 
*Key Track: ‘Intro / Disloyal Order of the Water Buffalos’

009. Anberlin – “New Surrender”
*Key Track: ‘Haight Street’

010. Death Cab For Cutie – “Narrow Stairs”
*Key Track: ‘Cath…’