Albums of the year, part III

Part I
Part II

#3 Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
M83

The single most atmospheric album of 2011. It delivers exactly what the title promises. This record most of all reminds me of The Suburbs from the last year, in terms of grandiosity, anticipation and achievement. Even if you're not a fan of electronic pop, close your eyes and let the music sink in. It will grow on you, I promise.

Best tracks: Midnight City, My Tears Are Becoming a Sea, Splendor



#2 Neighborhoods
blink-182

Just when I was beginning to fear that the album would never come out... Blink took their time, didn't leave anything to chance and it paid them off big time. Neigboorhoods eventually surpassed any expectations, if it's even possible, and people showed they still cared about Mark, Tom & Travis. The best thing about the whole album, though, is its lasting value. I can still spin Neighborhoods endlessly and never get bored with it. This will be the landmark album of 2011 for me.

Best tracks: Natives, After Midnight, MH 4.18.2011



#1 Welcome Home Armageddon
Funeral For a Friend

For weeks preceding the release, the number of rave reviews giving the album 9 out of 10 stars had been rapidly increasing. No wonder my expectations had been pretty high, if not unrealistically. That fact, of course, lead to me being a little underwhelmed by the final product at first. But it's not uncommon, that the best albums take time to grow on me. In the course of the following weeks, I slowly started to appreciate Welcome Home... more and more, and it eventually turned out to be that killer record I'd hoped for it to be.

It's perhaps their heaviest album to date, most of all reminding of their debut, Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation. Screaming vocals and heavy guitar riffs mark yet another change of direction for the band, who turned away from the more mainstream sound present on their last two full-lengths. The answer to whether this was a good decision or not is a resolute and loud yes.

Their last album also hit the top spot on my list of that year, so I might be a little partial here...

Best tracks: Front Row Seats to the End of the World, Sixteen, Welcome Home Armageddon

Albums of the year 2011, part II

Let's move on to the second part of my list, the quality rises, the curiosity culminates...

#13 Endgame
Rise Against

Prior to the release, there had been rumours about Rise Against splitting up. Fortunately, they didn't turn out to be true and so fans could enjoy the band's latest output. And here's to hoping that Endgame won't be their last either. Because Tim McIlrath & Co. still haven't forgotten the craft of writing urgent and powerful songs. Again, I may be "a little" biased here, because they're one of my all time favourite bands, but Endgame proves they're still one of the best punk rock bands out there...
Best tracks: Architects, Satelite, This Is Letting Go

Merry Christmas

It would be no christmas without Jimmy Eat World. Enjoy the holidays, my friends, and see you all soon :)

Albums of the Year 2011, part I

Here we go again. This is the first part of my list. Hopefully, I'll write something more meaningful later on...

#23 You & I
The Pierces

I had never heard of this female indie duo before, but that doesn't matter at all, because honestly, their newest album blows everything else out of the water. The girls possess amazing voices. Add great melodies and rich production to the equation, and what you get is an irresistible indie pop beauty.
Best tracks: You'll Be Mine, It Will Not Be Forgotten, Glorious

Immigrant Song

Watch Trent Reznor and Karen O cover of the Led Zeppelin's song. It will be featured in the upcoming David Fincher movie, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.


Did you know, that the original Swedish title means "the men that hate women"?

Turning Page

This should've made it to its own post straight away... Watch Sleeping At Last perform Turning Page live. Their/His Yearbook project is still one of the best things we've been able to witness this/last year.

Introducing: Alpha Rev

After months of wondering what to post about, trying to find the right band and the right amount of time needed to post something, I have finally figured out who to share with you guys. I figured from time to time i'd drop in with a band I enjoy that I hope you guys will enjoy as well. Some you may have heard of, others of them you won't know anything about. So, here is the first installment of st. tropez section titled "introducing".

Alpha Rev: In 08, during the myspace boom, they were ranked as one of myspace's top unsigned bands, and were even given the crown of top unsigned band in all of Texas. In 2010, Alpha Rev released their first major label CD, New Morning, to critical praise. The lead single, "New Morning" saw success on VH1, peaking at 7 on the countdown, and peaked at 100 on the Billboard Top 100. However, due to horrible push from their record label, Hollywood Records, the disc went unseen by many, even though a number of the songs were picked up by American television shows, and even the computer game The Sims. The band, since the release, has opened up for acts like Pete Yorn, The Script, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Staind.

"New Morning"


"Phoenix Burn"

When I Was Young

Another day, another music video. Watch Matthew Caws of Nada Surf play live a new acoustic song. Their new album The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy is due out in January next year.

Ride the Tiger

"Check out the Ride The Tiger video trilogy from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds featuring new UK single 'If I Had A Gun...' plus 'The Death Of You And Me' and 'AKA... What A Life!'."

Editorial

Because I have a little bit of free time on my hands, I've been thinking about changing the blog layout a bit. I'd like to make a new background consisted only of album covers, just like the current header. So I'd like if you all threw in some ideas in the comments, because it'd be cool if it represented the taste of all of us. So please, share with me your all time favourite albums or albums you consider the most essential in general (e.g. Sgt. Pepper, Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, some Dylan's classics, Weezer's Blue Album or my favourites Antics by Interpol, Arcade Fire's The Suburbs, The Killers' Sam's Town etc., etc...)

I have enough ideas on my own, but I'd prefer if you all contributed. :)

Crashland

Crashland were the UK's next big thing for a few seconds back in 2000. They released just one album and disbanded shortly after. However, Glued is one of britpop hidden gems. If you like Ash, Blur or Razorlight, you may give it a chance.

No Light, No Light

Everyone, who hasn't checked Florence + The Machine's new album out yet, should do so asap. Ceremonials is one of the essential fall releases. Here's a little tease, music video for a song called No Light, No Light.

Everything you ever wanted to know about czech songs, but were afraid to ask

As you all most likely know, I've been listening to a lot of old songs and albums lately. And what struck me most notably during that time, was how many songs I knew from other artist that I sometimes didn't even expect to be covers. So I decided to post some examples of famous songs covered by czech artists, which are still aired heavily on local FM waves. Let me know what you think...

Manics' Army Surgical Hospital

Listen to the Manic's take on the famous MASH theme, I love it. It's also featured on their singles compilation released few days ago. I love the band and the album as well. Your thoughts?

The Buzzhorn reunion

Well, I'm very happy to announce that The Buzzhorn are reuniting.

Who are they? A little known band that once had a song on Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 game soundtrack (which also featured The People That We Love by Bush). The song is called Ordinary and even after all those years since a first played the game, it's still one of my all time favourites. It's a shame that their only major label album, Disconnected, didn't get the promotion it deserved, because they could have been a much needed breath of fresh air in the alternative rock scene. Needless to say, The Buzzhorn disbanded shortly after the release...

However, all of a sudden eight years after, they decided to reform. The line up will be "consisting of 2 original members Ryan Mueller – vocals and Todd Joseph – bass. According to their announcement the band will start rehearsing and writing new songs on the 1st of November 2011." [1]

Ordinary
I used to know the lyrics by heart...


Rhino


This news just made my day. Your thoughts?

Band Recommendation- Fono

I discovered this band after a friend threw in one of their CDs in a trade we did. They sound to me like Gin Blossoms or maybe earlier Goo Goo Dolls.

Here's one of their most popular songs, "Drift Away":



Here's another song, "Now She's 24":



Here they are performing "Collide" live:



Let me know what you think!

Midnight City

Check out new music video for M83's song Midnight City. His latest album, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, is one of this year's essential records.

Hit the jump to view the video.

I Can See Through You

Check out this new hypnotic video from The Horrors. Their latest album Skying is arguably one of the best things released this year.



I know that the blog has been looking rather dead lately. Frankly, there just hasn't been much worth writing about. Here's to hoping it will change for the better soon... :)

Electric Light Orchestra

Today, while watching David Tennant's Doctor Who episodes, one of the characters confessed to a love of a band I've never even heard of. Not sure how this could happen, because according to Wikipedia, Electric Light Orchestra (or ELO for short) "collected 19 CRIA, 21 RIAA and 38 BPI awards, and sold over 50 million records worldwide during the group's active period of recording and touring." Obviously, they were one of the biggest bands of the 1970s. Discovering them just made my day.

Hit the jump to hear some songs...

Ah, Nostalgia...

About a year and a half ago, my music blog, Awesome Rock Music was shut down. Using a link from the Wayback Machine, I was able to piece together an image of the ARM front page as it looked not long before DMCA shut it down. Here ya go!



Those were the good ol' days... RIP Awesome Rock Music 12/15/08-03/12/10

Cemetery

Charlie Simpson's new music video.

His Orchestra

Song Black Coffin, from their 2009's album Field Guide to the Wilds. Recommendation from a friend of mine, your thoughts?

Born Alone

Watch new music video from Wilco, for a song called Born Alone. Link for the album is in the shoutbox. Your thoughts?

Codeine Velvet Club

Codeine Velvet Club was another Jon Fratelli band, which he formed with singer-songwriter Lou Hickey right after The Fratellis went on hiatus. They released just one self-titled album and two singles before both of them moved onto their single projects. If somehow you like the aesthetics of post-war era Hollywood, you might as well like them. Hit the jump to view music videos...

The Elms

The Elms are a Christian Indie band that I like. Here's a couple of my favorite songs from their self-titled EP:

Goodnight Rosa


Lifeboat


If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

The Horrible Crows

Check out new Brian Fallon's (the frontman of The Gaslight Anthem) project. Stream The Horrible Crows' album Elsie. Your thoughts?

Called Out In The Dark

Watch a new Snow Patrol music video for the song Called Out In The Dark, which will be released as a single track and as part of an EP on September 4. I find it highly addictive, your thoughts?

The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie

Red Hot Chili Peppers are back, yay! Their new album, I'm With You, is due out on August 30th.

Jon Fratelli

Some nine months ago, I was moaning about The Fratellis being on hiatus, but meanwhile, their frontman was obviously working on his first solo album.

I stumbled upon it while doing nothing better than browsing Drowned in Sound's reviews, and it instantly made me happy. The album, Psycho Jukebox, was released on August 2nd and sounds very much like The Fratellis, which made me even happier. Here's a little taste.

Young Pilgrim

Finally, we've been given a chance to listen to the much anticipated Charlie Simpson's debut album, so it struck me wondering why we still don't have a single post or even a label dedicated to him. Well, here it is. Express your love in the comments. What do you think of the album, which are your favourite tracks?

One thing is certain, though. The man sure loves walking...

Anxiety

Say whatever you want, but I like Tom DeLonge's band better and better with each album. This song is taken from the AVA upcoming album Love Part 2 and its video is kinda cool. Something tells me, that J.J. Abrams would dig it too...

Radial Angel

I discovered this band nearly 5 years ago after recording a bunch of songs off a local Christian Radio station. I had forgotten about them until I found that mixtape and looked up the song lyrics. I have since fallen in love with their music. They sound like TRAPT, with elements of Lifehouse in their softer songs.

She (one of their softer songs)



Falling



Not Beautiful



My favorite song by them is "Love", but it doesn't seem to be available on youtube. Please let me know what you think. I know I'm in love... :)

The best of 2011 so far, st. tropez's picks

Top 5 so far of 2011
5. This Love "At War"


4. Matt Wertz "Weights & Wings"


3. The Boxer Rebellion "The Cold Still"


2. Augustana "Self Titled"


1. The Dangerous Summer "War Paint"


4 CDs yet to come I'm more excited for
1. MUTEMATH
2. Ed Sheeran
3. There Will Be Fireworks
4. Jack's Mannequin

3 biggest surprises
1. Mads Langer "Behold"
2. Eastern Conference Champions "Speak-Ahh"
3. My Epic "Broken Voice"

2 best EPs to date:
1. Coyote Theory "Theory"
2. The Cape Race "Now, Voyager"

Biggest disappointment so far
1. Death Cab for Cutie "Codes and Keys"

st. tropez

The best of 2011 so far, Memphis' picks

Well, I thought about this post before, but never really got down to it, and since st. tropez suggested the same idea, I finally decided to proceed with it...

This year has been quite rich in good music so far and the albums that caught my attention haven't been few. This is the best of the first six months of 2011.

First of all, there was the sophomore White Lies album, panned by Pitchfork but eventually pleasing most of their fans.


Then came Beady Eye with their debut, which some people even called "the best Oasis album since Morning Glory",


or The Vaccines with their extremely catchy indie rock tunes.


But then, there came a buch of pretty good hard rock albums, from bands such as Funeral For a Friend,


Thursday,


Rise Against


or Foo Fighters,

that I've been spinning over and over ever since. But I could not forget the folk rock goodness that was The King Is Dead by The Decemberists. Especially its first track is "musically all over the place".


Neither could I forget this year's indie pop discovery, Cults


So that's about it for now. I obviously couldn't hold myself back, again, but still, these "few" albums are, for me, the most interesting/important of the first half of the year. Hopefully, there will be a few more lists from you guys and certainly one big from me at the end of the year.

A message from InnerPartySystem

"We find ourselves struggling to find the right way to start this statement to you all. Maybe a clever anecdote, or short story with some witty but true moral is in order? Nah, lets just stick to the facts. You all have been beyond amazing to us, and you deserve nothing less than the honest truth.

innerpartysystem is going on indefinite hiatus. We aren't breaking up nor do we hate each other. As a matter of fact, we are all great friends. BROTHERS. Our experiences with this band and the people we've met over the past 6 years have shaped us into who we are today. We will without a doubt look back on these times with nothing but positive thoughts and feelings.

While we will always treasure our time as innerpartysystem, we as individuals have chosen a path different from the one the band originally set out on. We can't stress enough that this is a very positive move for us. As we've grown, we want to move on to new projects that keep us excited about making music. Such is life. We promise, there will be music coming from all 3 of us separately, at some point.

So, with that being said, here's some facts...

Will there be a last show(s)? Of course! We want this send off to be a party! We are playing August 26th at Building 24 in Reading, a special outdoor show in Hoboken on August 27th, and we're making a trip out west to see our friends in Denver at the Bluebird Theatre on the 28th.

Can I cop any IPS swag at a super sweet discounted price? Absolutely. There will be a mega indefinite hiatus sale at both our US and UK merch stores starting early next week.

"Indefinite Hiatus"? What the hell does that even mean? It means we are taking a break from Innerpartysystem. Beyond that we don't really know.

Until next time. . ."



What can I say? I loved this band, was expecting their new album soon, I'm really bummed right now. They could and should have been huge. Gonna miss them, although I will certainly keep an eye on their future projects.

[ß~×|łŁ*#???

Chino Moreno, the frontman from Deftones, has started a new sideproject, called ††† (crosses, I guess there's no way I could write it on my keyboard). You can download his first EP for free below or from his facebook profile. It's definitely worth checking out. Your thoughts?

 

Days Are Forgotten

Check out new Kasabian song, Days Are Forgotten. Their new album Velociraptor! is due out September 19, 2011.

Busy Bein' Born

I just found out that Middle Class Rut released a new music video last month. I keep an eye on the band since Sam introduced me to them.

All Is Not Lost

OK Go keep the tradition of having the funniest music videos around. Remember that html5 video for We Used to Wait by Arcade Fire? This should work similarly, but you have to view it in Google Chrome. (I don't know how it looks, because it still takes immense amount of time to load, but it should be awesome.)



Your thoughts?

The Death of You and Me

Noel >>> Liam, nuff said. :)

Maybeshewill, maybeshewon't

There is a recommendation from a friend of mine, instrumental post-rock band Maybeshewill from Leicester, UK.



You can stream stream their new album, I Was There for a Moment, Then I Was Gone, in its entirety here. Your thoughts?

His racing thoughts

Check out new Jack's Mannequin's song...

ODD SOUL

New music video from Mutemath.

Drown

Finally, brand new music video for the first single from the upcoming Carolina Liar's album. I love it, both the song and the video. Your thoughts?

I Touch a Red Button

Interpol recently colaborated with David Lynch and the result is this animated short film. It features the band's song Lights. Typical Lynch.

Carolina Liar

Aaaaand here we go again, free download of Carolina Liar's new song. Their sophomore album, Wild Blessed Freedom, is due out September 27 and it's one of this year's  most anticipated for me.

(Don't Wanna Be Your) Facebook Friend

"Afraid of Figs" is a local band I'm friends with. Long story short, the sax player's wife is friends with my mom and they play together in the Boeing Employees Concert Band. Here is their song "Facebook Friend (Don't Wanna Be Your)"

Stream Scenes from the Suburbs

You can stream the short movie from director Spike Jonze here. Music by Arcade Fire.

Shuffle

Expect new Bombay Bicycle Club album, A Different Kind of Fix, to arrive in August 29th. This is the first single and I like it. Your thoughts?

The Dragster Wave

I just finished watching the movie "Taken" starring Liam Neeson. Great movie, might I add. But in the end credits, this song was playing, and I just had to share it with you. Here's Belgian band Ghinzu's song "The Dragster Wave" put to a video montage from the movie:


I think they're my new favorite foreign band!

Vice Verses

The new album from Switchfoot is scheduled to be out September 27th. I'm pretty anxious to hear it. Here's the title track performed live:


Your thoughts?

Cut City

Well, here's a recommendation. I didn't know this swedish band until few hours ago, a friend of mine recommended them to me and I have to say I really liked what I've heard so far. So now I'm passing it onto you... Your thoughts?


Sadly, it's their last album. They're breaking up. I'll add some more info later. Stay tuned...

Make It Stop

Endgame is an amazing record, perhaps not as good compared to the band's older material, namely The Sufferrer and the Witness, but still very good and deserving attention. Rise Against have just released a new music video for the song Make It Stop (September's Children) concerning problems of the LGBT minority. Your thoughts?

Jónsi

The Sigur Rós frontman released his debut solo album last year and also provided a song for the movie How to Train Your Dragon, which I thoroughly enjoy. I also recommend the film's orchestral score from John Powell, which was nominated for an Oscar.



John Powell
Forbidden Friendship

Arcade Fire again

Below, you can watch Arcade Fire perform "Sprawl II" and "We Used To Wait" with new musical arrangements. I could never get enough of them...

It's a Party

NME just revealed, that The Subways will be releasing their new album in September. They've also made a great new track available for free... Your thoughts?

Gone Again

New music video from Best Coast.

Burning Hearts

New music video from Silverstein.

Walk

Dave Grohl doesn't like Coldplay... And just when I tought he couldn't get any cooler. Anyway, here's a music video for Foo Fighters' new single, Walk. Did anyone say Falling Down?

Cults

Cults are without a doubt one of the most interesting new bands. Their self-titled debut just feels like a perfect summer album. For fans of Camera Obscura or female fronted indie bands in general.

Switchblade Smiles

This year, Kasabian will be back with a new album, Velociraptor!, so it's about time they released a new track. So here it is and it's... Well, different.



But I can't say I don't like it. However, I'm not quite sure if this is the big rock tunes they've been talking about.

City Don't Care

New music video from Mansions.

Iridescent

New music video from Linkin Park for a song that will be featured in the next Transformers movie. What I've Done was amazing, New Divide was very generic but still kinda okay, Iridescent, on the other hand, is just bland and boring...

Little Shocks

I've never been a huge Kaiser Chiefs' fan, to say the least. But the instant I saw their new music video, I got very interested in their new LP, which is due out some time in the summer. Your thoughts?

Suck It and Stream

Head over here to stream Arctic Monkeys' new album Suck It and See.

Broken Foundation

Funeral for a Friend's newest record is a serious AOTY contender for me. Check out their brand new music video...

Culture War & Speaking in Tongues

Listen to two new Arcade Fire songs...

Culture War


Speaking in Tongues

What I know

Parachute's new record, The Way It Was, is certainly one of the pop rock highlights of this year and everyone should check it out. You can stream a new song below...

Ferris wheel and fireworks

In Flames are one of my few melodic death metal pleasures and they've just premiered a new music video for a song Deliver Us. The song itself is alright and the fireworks are kinda cool. Check the video below...

Death Cab for Cutie

Death Cab's new album is due out in a few days and there's already a low quality rip lying around on the internet. Below, you can see them perform two new songs You Are a Tourist and Codes and Keys on Jimmy Fallon. Personally, I couldn't be more stoked for the album...

Total Clarity

Against Me! will release Total Clarity on May 24th through Fat Wreck Chords. The record is a collection of demos and unreleased songs back from when the band was working on Searching For a Former Clarity.

Well, although I prefer the newer Against Me! and I love their last two albums, this is a sweet effort nonetheless. They will be streaming a song every day on their MySpace page until the whole record is streaming on May 21.

Ocean is Theory - Best Intentions

I found this band through Facebook and have been following them for a while. Here's a song from their upcoming EP "Future Fears".



Get it free here!

Smarter

New music video for Eisley's song Smarter. Enjoy...

Promises

Finally, a new song from my beloved band Saosin. Well, it's only a demo but still, better than nothing. Their last album was generally considered a major letdown, the lead singer left, again, and it wasn't quite certain whether the band would carry on. They did, and will hopefully release a new album or an EP later this year. The vocals are provided by Tilian Pearson, formerly of Tides of Man, who appears to have bacome a permanent member of the band.

"Please, don't lose your faith in me."

As they say at the end, this is not a music video, it's just some random things to watch while listening to one of the new Taking Back Sunday's songs, Faith.

Foxy Shazam

Well, this is the only music video I found, where the lead singer, Eric Sean Nally, doesn't look extremely gay...



Anyway, Foxy Shazam released their latest eponymous album last year and it garnered them a lot of attention. Although I didn't care for it back then, after seeing this Bing commercial, I finally found time to check it out and instantly fell in love with it.

With their overblown Queen-like image and a great deal of confidence, they're just highly addictive and lots of fun at all times.

Bye Bye Symphony


Unstoppable


Oh Lord


Band's MySpace
Official Website

Taking Back Sunday

I count myself as one of the Taking Back Sunday's newer fans. I started listening to them by the time Louder Now came out and was one of the few people to thoroughly enjoy New Again. However, I never really got into their earlier stuff except for some songs on Where You Want to Be.

Last year, Taking Back Sunday announced the reunion of the Tell All Your Friends line-up and are set to release the eponymous fifth album on June 28. Here's the music video for a new song, called El Passo.

The Avalanches

I don't know if anyone of you is familiar with this band, I just discovered them today thanks to a friend of mine. They're an Australian electronic music group, who released just one album, Since I Left You, in 2000 to huge critical acclaim.

This music video is the weirdest thing I've seen in some time, but I love it...



By the way, this is the 100th post on our blog, yay!

Wasting Light

Foo Fighters are on their way to end Adele's winning streak on the UK album chart with their amazing new album, Wasting Light. You can watch them perform the whole album below.

Interpol live

You can watch Interpol's full set at the Coachella festival.

"Waiting, fading, floating away..."

Listen to this amazing unplugged version of Silversun Pickups' Panic Switch.

Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair

A new song from the upcoming Arctic Monkeys' album.

"You Are a Tourist"

Death Cab for Cutie's new album Codes and Keys is due out May 31 a you can finally hear the first song. Head over here to stream it. It sounds very different from their older material and I just can't get enough of it. Your thoughts?

"You'll get what you deserve"

In case anyone is wondering, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus are still a band. It seemed like no one cared about them anymore after they released the vastly uninteresting Lonely Road in 2008. Don't You Fake It wasn't anything groundbreaking either but it featured a bunch of pretty catchy tracks that didn't allow me to completely forget about them... Well, they've just released a brand new song and so far, it seems like a return to form. Your thoughts?

Sucker Punch soundtrack

Well, this is interesting. You can stream the soundtrack for the upcoming Zack Snyder's movie in its entirety right here. Among others, it features the Kills' Alison Mosshart, Emiliana Torrini or Emily Browning, an actress playing the movie's main character.

What did you expect from a track-by-track guide?

Justin Long, the Vaccines' frontman, recently gave NME a track-by-track guide to the band's new album. You can read it below.

"Wreckin' Bar ( Ra ra ra)

It's about being attracted to trouble, about being out of your depth and thinking you can deal with something when in reality you probably can't. I'm fascinated by the concept of power struggles in relationships. I'm not really sure who is on top in this one. It's supposed to be positive, though.

If You Wanna

As with a lot of the lyrics on the record, I've tried to be as direct as possible. Sometimes when you want to say something it's best to not be too clever about it. The lyrics are pretty defeatist, maybe even slightly pathetic. But we've all been there. I wanted us to have a song with really downbeat lyrics juxtaposed with a poppy and upbeat melody.

A Lack Of Understanding

When you break up with someone you assume their life has changed for the better and that they're off having fun with new friends in new places. Most of the time, though, they're feeling just like you.

Blow It Up

This is about as angry as I'm willing to show people I'm capable of getting. Again, it's pretty direct. It's about someone taking himself too seriously and how that wound me up. It's me saying, "let it go".

Wetsuit

I'm petrified about getting old and I'm incredibly nostalgic. Sometimes I feel like I'm waiting for me life to begin and I always regret not making the most of things. Have any of us really had the kind of summer they experience in American high school films? This is a song about wanting to be young, making the most of it, doing silly things.

Norgaard

I wrote this about a girl I'd only met once (model, Amanda Norgaard). She was beautiful but she kissed my friend. It didn't affect me as much as the song might suggest it did but I thought it would an interesting experiment to write a song about something that wasn't beating me up. I'd only ever written about things I was obsessing over, it made a nice change and came pretty easy.

Post Break-Up Sex

I think people can work out this one! Hopefully it's interpreted as frank rather than crass. I like the term 'gloriously dumb'. We've all felt like this, but I'd never heard a song that dealt with it.

Under Your Thumb
This song talks about the idea of starting something new and being under someone's thumb, funnily enough. It was the first one I wrote for the album.

All In White

This is about jealousy and about victimising yourself. In retrospect, though, it says more about me than it does about other people.

Wolf Pack

I find talking to new people really hard. Sometimes living in London and playing music you feel like people size you up when you're talking to them. They want to know what they can take from you and I hate that. I've never really liked people who try to hold court in social situations either, especially when I haven't had a chance to get to know them. Maybe it's because I'd rather it was me. Whatever the reason, this is an ode to my good friends.

Family Friend
This song is about being lied to by someone you didn't expect to lie. It's in two parts. The first is sweet, the second bitter. So a bit like life, I guess."

Well, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes did the same. Head over here to read his track-by-track guide to the band's new album, Angles. On a related note, The Strokes revealed today, that they've already began working on a follow-up. That was quick.

And by the way, if you haven't checked The Strokes' new record yet, you can stream it in its entirety on their official website.

Scenes from the Suburbs

This is a trailer for a new short film, based on the last year's Arcade Fire record and directed by Spike Jonze (Where the Wild Things Are, Being John Malkovich and lots of music videos for various artists). I'm quite curious what will come out of this...

Sing (Director's Cut)

Many people say that it's the most bland and boring song on the latest album. Well, not for me, because I obviously love it. My Chemical Romance have recently released director's cut of its music video. You can watch it below...

Brick by Brick

Arctic Monkeys unexpectedly released a brand new song, that may or may not be from their upcoming fourth album. It sure is very different from Humbug and their earlier stuff... Your thoughts?



Update: Arctic Monkeys will release their 4th studio album, Suck It And See on June 6. Brick by Brick will be track #3.

"With a cool cool breeze and dirty knees I rest on childhood memories"

The band to save rock 'n' roll or just another Strokes rip off? We still don't know since The Vaccines' debut album comes out on March 14. However, the few songs released so far give me hope, that it might be quite good. Listen to a brand new song called Wetsuit from the probably most hyped British band right now...

With Shivering Hearts We Wait

I've been waiting endlessly for some info about Blindside's upcoming album. It's been ages since they released their last material, The Black Rose EP, in 2007. The trailer for the new album doesn't show much, but the great and most important news is that we can expect it soon. It's set to be released on May 6th.

Young Guns

After last year's full-length debut, All Our Kings Are Dead, Young Guns are on their way to become one of the next great british rock bands. I hope you enjoy their brand new music video below.

Time Bomb

All Time Low will release their upcoming album some time between March and June. It's gonna be called Dirty Work and I hope I'll enjoy it at least as much as Nothing Personal. The first of the new songs, Time Bomb, certainly delivers...

Your thoughts?

Collective Soul

For my friend Memphis. I have put together this collection to introduce to you my favorite band of the post-grunge genre: Collective Soul. Hope you enjoy it!

Shine: (Collective Soul's most popular single)

Sorry, I couldn't embed the music video (which is pretty awesome) but you can check it out on youtube.

Goodnight, Good Guy:


December:


The World I Know:


Needs:


Better Now:


She Gathers Rain:


There are plenty of other great songs by Collective Soul, and I have a lot of their albums, so if you want to hear more, ask me!

Dinosaur Jr. - Been There All the Time

I love these guys.

The Scenic - Uh Oh

Another freebie, this time from Victory Records and Amazon. The video for this is kinda twisted. Love this song though.

La Roux - Bulletproof

This song has been stuck in my head ever since I downloaded the Free Single of the Week from iTunes. The video and music style are kind of a flashback to '80s synthpop. A very fun and catchy song, if you ask me. Enjoy!

The Black Keys

The Black Keys is a blues rock band from Ohio who released their latest album in 2010. It's called Brothers. I just started listening to them. Yes, they won a couple of Grammys last night, but that isn't why. The actual reason is the music video below, featuring Sean Patrick Flannery (The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, The Boondock Saints), which I at first considered to be a real trailer for some B movie and potential guilty pleasure. But to my immense disappointment, it isn't promoting any actual flick.



Tighten Up

"Just sixteen all over"

A couple of new music videos for songs from FfaF's upcoming album Welcome Home Armageddon, which is due out on March 14.





The band also revealed the artwork for the album about a month ago. Can't say I love it, though. Casually Dressed and Hours had some great cover arts.

I have the highest expectations for the album nonetheless.

"All I ever wanted, all I ever needed is here, in my arms"

How could I miss this video? Well, it hasn't been out for too long. Nada Surf's cover of Enjoy the Silence by Depeche Mode.

Pavement

In case anyone is wondering who is in the photo on the left, it's Stephen Malkmus of Pavement, great indie rock band from the 90s. The photo was taken at their last year's reunion show. Check the video for their best known song below.


Band's MySpace
Official Website

Did someone say Weezer? Anyway, just for the record, Britt Daniel of Spoon is the guy on the right. I like the Pavement picture a little better. It has a story to it.

"Sick, sick, sick"

Bayside will be releasing new album Killing Time on February 22th and I'm getting pretty excited about it. This song only proved their position on my anticipation list. I always like me some good pop punk tune. Plus, the singer has a great voice. Way to go.

Already Gone

"Dreams of long life, what safety can you find?"

I just stumbled across some live music videos of my beloved band Interpol. I've got only one question, who the hell is Fred Armisen?

"It's time to back all your big words"

Finally, two years after In Shallow Seas We Sail, one of the best current post-hardcore bands returns with a new song, called The Cheval Glass. Watch the video with lyrics below.



Personally, I think it sounds brilliant. The new Emery album We Do What We Want hits the stores on March 29th and I couldn't be more excited. Your thoughts?

The Decemberists

Wow, indie really is the new mainstream. The Decemberists' new record The King Is Dead only confirmed the fact, by selling more than 93 thousand copies in its first week and making it to the top spot on the Billboard 200. Congrats to the band, which I hadn't know before. Shame on me. The new record is great.



Band's MySpace

The World Is Yours

Color me stoked. After listening to the new single from Glasvegas, their sophomore album made it very high on my anticipation list. It's gonna be called EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\ and you can expect it to arrive on
April 4. Your thoughts?

The World Is Yours by Glasvegas

Favourite Best of albums, part II

Obligatory link to the first part.

Your New Favourite Band

The Hives

It's rather unusual when a band releases greatest hits compilation before they even have a hit. But these ever so ridiculously boastful garage rock revivalists did it and it paid them off. Your New Favourite Band features twelve songs from each of their previous full-lengths and the A.K.A. I-D-I-O-T EP and is one of the essential rock albums of the 2000's. It was the first thing I heard from them and somewhere between the initial "Wtf?" and the subsequent "Haha, awesome!" they really became my favourite band. You simply gotta love those phenomenal guitar riffs and Pelle Almquist's unmistakable howling. Hopefully, their new album will come out soon. I can't wait...

Hate to Say I Told You So

Ring of Fire: The Legend of Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash
I've never been very fond of country. Actually, I hated it for at least half of my life... But man, this is Johnny Cash. Even the most confirmed country haters have to respect him for what he's accomplished. This album might not contain everything essential from those 1000+ songs Cash recorded, but as a highlight from his long career spanning for nearly fifty years, it works very well.


Hurt (Nine Inch Nails cover)


Ring of Fire

The Monday Mornings

I stumbled across their video today and instantly liked them. Even though I don't usually listen to folk. The band is a brainchild of singer/songwriter Michael Mearns, but it also features ex-members of Lydia or The Fall of Troy. Perhaps an unlikely combination, but it works very well. The Monday Mornings are set to release a new album Fireweed Parade this January.



Band's MySpace

Favourite Best of albums, part I

Well, I've been listening to quite a few greatest hits compilations lately. A thing, I wasn't used to do before. I tend to have all the records from my favourite artists, and I usually play them as a whole. Therefore, I used to consider best of albums pretty much unnecessary. That has changed. I thought it would be a good idea to sum up those compilations that made a difference to me and ask you, my fellow music lovers, to share yours. :)

This is only the first part, because I don't have enough time and wanted to post something already. Expect the other part(s) in a week. Hopefully.

Scottish Fiction: Best of 1997 - 2007

Idlewild
I have to agree with Pitchfork on this one. Idlewild were built for such Best of compilations. Don't get me wrong, I like all of their albums, but I gotta admit, there are always three or five tracks that really stand out. I've already made my point about this band here, so I won't go any further. If I ever wanted to introduce Idlewild to someone, Scottish Fiction would do the job just fine.

These Wooden Ideas


El Capitan

Your History Is Mine: 2002 - 2009

Funeral for a Friend

FFaF released this extensive double disc compilation album just two years ago, so it is still a pretty fresh pick. Along with the band's most famous tracks from all of their albums, it also features four brand new songs. And trust me when I say that they are no fillers. Wrench, being arguably the best of them, also marks a new direction for the band, who have been re-dicovering their heavier side since then. I dare to say this is a must-have album for all their fans.

Roses for the Dead


Wrench

Sparkle's albums of the year 2010

You know that with my Alzheimer's maybe an album I was addicted to in 2010 is missing. I have made a list of albums I love anyway, the ones different from Memphis'.

A Thousand Suns

Linkin Park

I know I am the only one but this album means a lot to me and I am a huge LP fan as you know.

Feeding The Wolves

Ten Years

 

An old band that I am following since the beginning.

All American Nightmare

Hinder

 More rock and i like it.

The Constant

Story Of The Year

Another old band I am following.

Without The Hour

Chasing Avalanche

A debut album, very interesting for me.

Damage Control

Cinder Road

Vessels

Ivoryline

ABIII

Alter Bridge

I love this album's sonority.

Happy new year again, with plenty awesome music to thrill us. :)

Sparkle