Valencia - Vineland, NJ

Every year at the end of December, there are a slew of bands that play holiday shows within a considerable driving distance. Unfortunately, I usually don't get to attend these shows due to conflicting schedules. Luckily, I was able to attend the Valencia holiday show at Hangar 84 with The Wonder Years and a bunch of local bands. I really didn't pay too much attention to the opening bands for obvious reasons. I give them credit for being able to write songs and play them in front of a crowd, but there were times when I just wanted to slap the booking agent for the venue.

After about 4 local bands, The Wonder Years took the stage. I will be the first to admit that I am not a big fan of The Wonder Years. Some of their songs are catchy but I never really got into them the way I did for other pop-punk bands. I don't know if it was the lyrical content or the overall collaboration, but I never got hooked. But this was my first time seeing them live and I was impressed. They played a good set, and the lead singer got really into every song. And despite mixed reviews of the already leaked album The Upsides, I enjoyed the two of three new songs I heard. I may not like songs about Captain Crunch and the Kool-Aid pitcher, but The Wonder Years can captivate a crowd and put on a decent live show.

Valencia took the stage with the largest crowd I have ever seen in Vineland. I have been seeing Valencia play small shows in Vineland since 2004 or 2005, and it was great to see them play in the town where it all started for me. The crowd sang along with every song and the band sounded great. This was the first show I've seen Valencia play since they put out their second album and the songs they played were awesome. I really can't say enough good things about this band. All hard-working musicians, Valencia told the crowd they have written over 50 songs for their new album, and they continue to tour while preparing for an album release. These guys are something Philadelphia should be proud of and support.

Setlist:
Free
Away We Go
Holiday
Where Did You Go?
The Closest I Am to Living Life On the Edge
All at Once
Will We Ever Know How?
Safe to Say
Wake Up (new song)
The Good Life
Three Thousand Miles
Better Be Prepared

Encore:
Que Sera Sera
The Space Between

The Wonder Year's myspace
Valencia's myspace

Best Albums of 2009

There were a good amount of both surprising and disappointing albums this calendar year. From January til now, I had a plethora of music to sift through in order to narrow down my "Best of" list. But I believe I've made my final decisions, so here are my top 20 LP's and top 5 EP's of 2009. Enjoy.

LP's

20. Trapped Under Ice - Secrets of the World
Fast, heavy music from Baltimore. This group is one of the biggest in hardcore today and this album is significant proof why. One of the best hardcore releases of 2009, hands down.

19. The Thermals - Now We Can See
Another solid release from a band that never seems to put out a bad album. West Coast indie pop that will keep your head nodding and your toes tapping.

18. Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg
Bridge Nine records newcomers bring a faster post-hardcore sound that is sure to ignite sing-a-longs. This album touches on multiple genres. Listen for yourself.

17. John Mayer - Battle Studies
John Mayer put out another soothing album with his talented guitar playing and very calming voice. The perfect album to listen to after winding down from a long day.

16. Pearl Jam - Backspacer
The Seattle grunge-rock all-stars rejuvenate their careers with this one. Best album they've put out in over 10 years. Quick, pop-influenced. Eddie Vedder still rules.

15. Iron Age - The Sleeping Eye

Head-banging, heavy thrash metal. The guitars are simply amazing and the vocals are dark and brooding, The Way Is Narrow is one of my favorite tracks of the year.

14. Real Estate - Real Estate
Light, indie surf-pop all about New Jersey culture. Easy to get into and is highly recommended to anyone from NJ. It will be sure to put a smile on your face.

13. Alexisonfire - Old Crows/Young Cardinals
One of my favorite post-hardcore bands ever. Another great album from the Canadian five-piece. The vocals of Dallas Green are flawless, as usual. Get into it.

12. New Found Glory - Not Without a Fight
The kings of pop-punk do it again with their sixth album. Another anthem about teenage heartbreak and friendship. This band can do no wrong.

11. Mos Def - The Ecstatic
There is a reason why this one got nominated for Rap Album of the Year at this year's Grammy's. One of the best hip-hop artists today, and Mos Def ain't a bad actor either. Jack Moooooosley.

10. Thrice - Beggars
Thrice continues to wow its listeners with everything it puts out. This album is more mature and has a great sound. Dustin Kensrue's lyrics are some of the best he's written.

9. The Sleeping - What It Takes
This is the best album The Sleeping has ever put out. The new sound along with some minor changes make for one of the year's best. Be sure to pick this one up if you haven't already.

8. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
This French four-piece has hit the nail on the head with this one. Catchy and extremely melodic, Phoenix is sure to gain a larger audience with this one. So many songs on this album could be on a "top songs of 2009" list.

7. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
This is what indie music should sound like. This album is sure to enthrall anyone who listens to it. Two Weeks is in my top 3 for songs of the year. A must-have.

6. fun. - Aim and Ignite
A sure-fire hit. This one is fast and slow, light and dark, hits all areas of the spectrum of emotions. The music is beautiful and Nate Ruess sounds better than ever.

5. Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything to Nothing
Probably the most emotionally deep album I've listened to all year. The instruments are entrancing and the vocals are the cherry on top. So glad I got to see them support this album.

4. Blacklisted - No One Deserves to Be Here More Than Me
A heavily Nirvana-influenced album, Blacklisted pushes the envelope here. The new sound shows a mature progression and will be talked about throughout 2010.

3. Kid Cudi - Man On the Moon: The End of Day
The best hip-hop album of 2009. The production is incredible and the themes of darkness and depression are easily relate-able to any young American. Cudi's lyrics are some the best I've heard in a declining hip-hop industry.

2. Brand New - Daisy
Brand New may go down as one of the greatest bands of our generation. This adds to an already brilliant discography. The music speaks for itself.

1. Passion Pit - Manners
This one takes the cake. Perfect for a dance party or a long car ride. The music is extremely catchy and I can't seem to ever stop listening to this one. Listen to it and you'll easily understand why it takes the top spot.



EP's

5. Foundation - Hang Your Head
Atlanta straight-edge. Heavy and angry. Perfect hardcore. Best newcomers in 2009.

4. Death Cab for Cutie - The Open Door EP
Death Cab puts out another winner here. Any of these tracks could have made it onto Narrow Stairs. Which is why I'm glad they released this EP.

3. The Hope Conspiracy - True Nihilist
Another excellent hardcore release by Deathwish Inc. Hope Con sounds better than ever with this one. Another flawless production job by Kurt Ballou.

2. Paint It Black - Amnesia
This could have very easily taken the top spot. Short, fast and loud, Paint It Black continues to make great records. Philadelphia should be proud.

1. Title Fight - The Last Thing You Forget
Perfect teenage pop-punk. They don't reinvent the wheel and keep me coming back for more. Title Fight has set the bar extremely high with this one.

Album Review #4

Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg
genre: indie/post-hardcore
released: Sep. 8 2009
label: Bridge Nine Records

After bursting onto the scene with their highly popular debut ep "The Redder, The Better", Polar Bear Club has been both very popular and successful. Their infectious sound has gotten them a record deal with Bridge Nine Records, as well as tours with some of today's biggest bands. I have yet to see this band live, but I'm sure if their live show is anything like the albums they put out, it's money. After their debut album "Sometimes Things Just Disappear", B9 wrapped this NY-based five-piece and the rest is history. A solid sophomore album, "Chasing Hamburg" is another solid release on the B9 discography.

Right away, the tone is set for the album with the upbeat and heavy "See the Wind". The raspy vocals accompany the melodic, yet quicker tempo and already the differences from their previous work is evident. "Living Saints" is another quick-paced head banger that shows how musically talented the band has gotten in their short time together. The next track, "Boxes" is very catchy with it's guitar hooks and poppy drums. The vocals are much more melodic than the previous two tracks and sets the stage for a sing-a-long with its chorus. "Take Me to the Town" keeps on rolling with a more indie feel to it, a slower pace and softer vocals throughout. Polar Bear Club really does an excellent job is dipping their artistic brush into many different genres on the album, like with "Drifting Thing". The song sounds like a Gaslight Anthem or Hold Steady track, with its powerful lyrics and chugging background guitars.

"Light of Local Eyes" picks that faster pace back up, with a poppy beat mixed over harmonic vocals and catchy guitar riffs. Another great chorus is hidden here and is sure to usher in a newer fan base, like many of the gems on this album. The next few songs don't have the same feel to me, where "Song to Persona" is a slower song that culminates in a lackluster breakdown. "The Old Fisher Burial" is a decent track, but nothing really sticks out on this song to set it apart. Granted, the song is still catchy and could grow on the listener. Next, "One Hit Back" keeps with the theme of poppy drums and melodic guitars backing the catchy chorus and lyrical prowess on the track. Lastly, the title track closes the album out on a good note, giving us a lyrically-driven song that truly seems like it came from the heart. Overall, a very well written and well produced album.

The sound on this album is clearly different than the debut, with its faster pace and more melodic instrumentals. I wouldn't say I like the new album more or less, but it certainly does hold a special place with me. It is one of the better albums put out in 2009 and is sure to be on many end-of-the-year lists, much like their previous works. Polar Bear Club is clearly influenced by older bands while mixing in a new sound on this album, and they write some of the best choruses in music today. Every song has parts to sing along with and all the guitars make you really get into the music. I can only say that I am more than excited for the next Polar Bear Club album after this.


Favorite tracks: Living Saints, Boxes, Light of Local Eyes

For fans of: Hot Water Music, older Weezer, the Weakerthans

Polar Bear Club's myspace

Album Review #3

Say Anything - Say Anything
genre: pop/rock
released: Nov. 3, 2009
label: RCA

Say Anything has gone through a lot over the past decade. Through all the ups and downs this band has experienced, they have still managed to put out some great music. 2004's ...Is a Real Boy is what got me interested in Say Anything and if I'm being honest with myself, that album is probably in my personal top 15 or even 10. They followed with the ep ...Was a Real Boy, and in 2007, released a double album In Defense of the Genre, which was quite a project to embark on. Now they are back again with their self-titled album, sure to pick up an even larger slew of listeners than before.

The new album has a lot of positives, along with some negatives as well. The album is much more radio-friendly than their previous releases, incorporating a wider array of backing instruments in their songs. The opening track "Fed to Death" is great, and my only complaint is that the song should be longer. It is a catchy, powerful song that gets the listener excited for the rest of the album. The album's single comes up next, "Hate Everyone". I really don't like the song personally, but I can see why the song would attract more listeners with its light delivery of such a strong emotion such as hate. It was a solid choice for a single for the mere fact that it will gain a strong radio following. "Do Better" is a softer song that many people I've talked to don't like, but I think it's a fun, poppy sing-a-long. It's really simple, which is probably why I like the song so much.

The next two tracks are two of the best songs on the album. "Less Cute" took me a while to latch onto, with its trumpet-driven first stanza, but once I got past the new sound, I really grew to love the song. This would be a great choice for the next single, due to its poppy drum beats and catchy guitars and vocals. This song is the closest thing to a "Baby Girl I'm a Blur" type song for the new album. "Eloise" is simply exceptional. It's dark, passionate, strong, and shows the shear talent that vocalist Max Bemis has as both a lyricist and a singer. They don't try to do too much with this track and it's one of the better songs the band has written in the past 5 years.

The next group of songs are either going to sell you on the album or completely push you away. "Mara and Me" is great for the most part, but the circus-y tone in the beginning and the spoken word interruption really make me wonder why they didn't just cut the first minute or so out of the song. As a side-note, drummer Coby Linder's singing on this track ("Everything that you dooo...") makes me hope that he sings a lot more on future releases. "Crush'd" is a step in the wrong direction, like a more sappy, r&b meats electronica mix in the same vein as IDOTG's "Girlfriend". I'm happy that Max isn't depressed anymore, but don't write any more songs like this again. Please.

"She Won't Follow You" is another catchy song that weaves its way in and out of new and old Say Anything. The chorus is sure to keep anyone coming back to the song for multiple plays. The next few tracks are a bit of a lull for me, and I can't get into them the way I did for previous songs. "Cemetery" and "Property" are both okay, but nothing spectacular comes out of them. The end of "Cemetery" is definitely worth listening to the rest of the song for and "Property" really tanks with another pointless spoken word piece, bringing down an otherwise decent song. Next is "Death for My Birthday", another typical pop-rock song. The track runs a bit too long, keeping with a catchy beat and relying heavily on Bemis's singing. "Young, Dumb, and Stung" is along the same lines as the last song, but with more keyboards and faster/heavier with a melodic chorus.

The last song on the album, "Ahhh... Men" may be the best song the band has ever written. The guitars are the perfect backing to Max's excellent delivery of some of the most powerful lyrics he has ever composed. The song picks up halfway through, with a chorus of men belting out "Can I lie with you in your grave" while Max angrily shouts out an extremely emotional set of lyrics, culminating in an outburst, the band sounding tighter than ever, while Max screams in the background. This is the song that should be loved by all listeners of Say Anything, new and old.

Overall, the album has its peaks and valleys, but ultimately the band has created another solid release. The songs that are good, are better than the good songs on the last album. But unfortunately, the bad songs are worse than the bad songs on the last album. Luckily, the good does outweigh the bad by a considerable amount and sets the tone for some more great albums in the future. I think the self-titled effort is a step in the right direction for a band who strives to get back that magnum opus sound provided with ...Is a Real Boy. It's going to be intriguing to see where Say Anything goes from here.


Favorite tracks: Less Cute, Eloise, Ahhh... Men

For fans of: Saves the Day, Two Tongues

Say Anything's myspace

Title Fight - Cape May, NJ

The other night, I went out to see a show in a garage, featuring some local bands and the pop-punk band Title Fight. I'd say there were about 100 people packed into a two-car garage, which made everything even more interesting. First up was Hood Ratz who played a short, impromptu set that everyone sang along with. Next came Aneurysm Rats, who just put out a new 12-inch with probably the coolest album art I have ever seen. I never knew Aneurysm Rats was a side project from one of the members of None More Black, which made the experience that much better.

Next up was Black Sails, which is one of my current favorites in hardcore today. They played a few older songs, and a new song Pompeii, which was simply amazing. You can listen to it here. The energy was great and the band sounded really good as well. Following Black Sails was Dead End Path, a hardcore band from Wilkes-Barre. They played another short set, but it was very heavy. They played a new song that, once the vocals are finished, I'm sure will be awesome.

Finally, Title Fight took the "stage", so to speak. The energy level was through the roof and everyone was singing at the top of their lungs for every single song. For such a young group of guys, this band has already accomplished so much and the sky is the limit for Title Fight in the near future. I plan on seeing this band again in January before they head over to Europe, because they put on such a good, clean, fun live show.

Setlist:
Memorial Field
Evander
Western Haikus
Anaconda Spiner
No One Stays at the Top Forever
Loud and Clear
Youreyeah
Symmetry

Title Fight's myspace

Album Review #2

Blacklisted - No One Deserves to Be Here More Than Me
genre: hardcore
released: Nov. 30 2009
label: Deathwish Inc.

Arguably one of the best current bands in hardcore today, Blacklisted has been filling venues since their creation and every single release so far, in my opinion, has been nothing short of amazing. After hearing at This Is Hardcore they would be releasing a new album towards the end of 2009, I was curious as to what direction the band would go in musically. I've loved the progression of the Philadelphia-born group over the years and I immediately ordered the LP once it went up on the Deathwish Inc. site for sale. After receiving the album this morning, I cannot stop listening to each and every song.

Right off the bat, I could notice the transformation in the band's music. The opening track, "Our Apartment Is Always Empty", is a complete song, full with anger, sorrow, loud, quiet, and everything in between. Instead of sticking with the typical hardcore sound, Blacklisted immediately incorporates violins into the more melodic parts, while driving home it's heaviness with punishing guitar riffs and thundering drum beats. The next song, "Everything in My Life Is for Sale", is an instant hardcore classic. This will be the new song that sends the crowd into a frenzy at live performances. The guitars are excellent and the lyrics of singer George Hirsch are as good as they've ever been. George really encompasses a feeling of worthlessness with the following stanza:

"Maybe they're hiring scarecrows/I can sit in a field at the sun/I don't need the training/I already repulse everyone."

Following an interlude track, the album's title track picks up where the first two songs left off. This song has a great mix of hardcore and grunge, new and old Blacklisted. the vocals are begging to be sung along with, while the bass line by Dave Walling truly brings home a feeling of darkness. A trumpet-filled interlude leads us into the softest song the band has ever written, "The P.I.G. (The Problem Is G.)" The acoustic guitar and drums accompany the lyrically driven ballad which shows that Blacklisted cannot be tamed by a single label, encompassing multiple genres of music. "I'm Trying to Disappear" was the first song I heard off the new album, played by the band at two live shows I saw them at back in the summer. This song slowly pumps more and more energy into the listener, with the repeated line "Enslaved, I can't be saved" and brooding drums provided by the extremely talented Shawn Foley.

The next two songs on the album are also sure to be crowd pleasing, being the tracks that most resemble their last release "Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God". "Palisade" has my favorite guitar riffs on the album, courtesy of Jon "Bean" Nean, and also has my favorite lyric of the album, "Fix me, I'm in a fragile state". The fast tempo created here is slowed a bit in the next track, "Skeletons". This song has more great guitar and punishing drums, as George continues to amaze with his poetic lyricism. Next, "I Am Extraordinary", is a softer song that is vocally-driven and provides a great ending to an exceptional album, along with a third interlude track. All and all, Despite the obvious progression from their original sound that some may dislike, this is one of my favorite albums of the year.

Blacklisted continue to carry the torch and light way for the rest of the bands in the hardcore scene. After listening to this album at home in my room, I cannot wait to see this band live and watch them perform the new songs. I'm positive that many fans, old and new, will flock to any nearby venue to see and hear Blacklisted as well. They have shown with this album an interesting progression into a more mature band with an intriguing future ahead of them. George has written some his best lyrics on this album, and the band sounds tighter than ever, introducing some new instruments along the way. The hardcore world has another gem on their hands with No One Deserves to Be Here More Than Me, and I highly recommend this album to anyone who is interested in heavier music.


Favorite tracks: Everything in My Life Is for Sale, I'm Trying to Disappear, Palisade

For fans of: The Carrier, Have Heart

Blacklisted's myspace

Album Review #1

fun. - Aim and Ignite
genre: indie/pop
released: Aug. 25 2009
label: Nettwerk

Being someone who was never a big fan of the popular Arizona band The Format, I delved into this album without any real strong expectations, good or bad. But after listening to this album, I am very glad that Nate Ruess is back making music. After forming this band with Andrew Dost of Anathallo and Jack Antonoff of Steel Train, fun. has already had a big impact on the indie pop music scene, gaining a slot as an opening band for Jack's Mannequin on an upcoming North American tour. If you take the time to listen to album, you will understand why they deserve all the praise they have been receiving recently.

The album's first track "Be Calm" sets an appropriate tone for the rest of the album that follows. It starts off very slow in the beginning with an array of instruments backing the singing of Ruess. The song ultimately builds up into a frenzy over a 4 minute span, which will excite the listener for the following tracks. Track 2, "Benson Hedges", starts off with Ruess singing a choir-esque verse and goes right into a great musical collaboration that continues throughout the song. The drums set a great pace while the guitars and strings keep you nodding your head the entire time. "All the Pretty Girls" is a great choice for a single, which is a song about a boy who can't seem to get a girl out of head, no matter how hard he tries. A typical choice for a pop song idea, fun. hits the mark on the head with the extremely catchy chorus:

"All the pretty girls on a Saturday night/Let it be, and come to me with the look in your eyes/Will you break and take all the words from my mouth?/I wish all the pretty girls were shaking me down."

"I Wanna Be the One" shows a very happy ensemble of horns and drum beats that accompanies another strong lyrical performance, which is consistent throughout the album. "At Least I'm Not as Sad (As I Used to Be)", another album single, has the dueling male and female vocals which provide for a great sing-along. "Light a Roman Candle With Me" slows the pace a bit, but still keeps the listener toe-tapping with its lyrical rhymes and lighter instruments that provide a nice change. "Walking the Dog" starts off with a groove that lasts for the entire 3 and a half minutes. The "nah nah nah" that plays repeatedly will ultimately have you coming back to this song for multiple listens (I also enjoy the Boys of Summer reference in the bridge as well). Next, "Barlights" keeps with the theme of a large piano influence and poppy drums, with a calming guitar riff and more horns.

"The Gambler" is easily the prized piece of this album, and one listen will provide the proof. Ruess wrote this song, I believe, from the perspective of his mother, singing to his father. The piano and string/horn arrangement are the perfect choice to accompany this beautiful song. The lyrics alone are enough to make anyone appreciate the talented Ruess on his own, but the song as a whole really brings everything together in the end. My personal favorite on the album, "The Gambler" may also be my favorite song of the year, and if not, is a definite top 5. There aren't enough good things I can say about this song, you have to listen to it on your own to truly appreciate it. Lastly we have the 8 minute "Take Your Time (Coming Home)", which is a great end to an already excellent album. Although it is much longer than the previous tracks, it doesn't skip a beat and fits in beautifully with the rest of the album.

While fun. may not be exactly what fans of The Format expected, it certainly sets a very high bar for the rest of the bands in the genre. Aim and Ignite leaves the listener with a smile and an urge to replay the album over and over. This very catchy, poppy album is a breath of fresh air from the everyday indie pop record. fun. is exactly that, a fun band which is sure to please any listener. I suggest you go out and get this album right away. You won't be disappointed.



Favorite tracks: Benson Hedges, All the Pretty Girls, The Gambler

For fans of: The Format, Steel Train

fun.'s myspace