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DONALD DUCK!
I really only use this for blogging. However, i would love to get to know you.
I love Circa Survive.
Most Anticipated Summer 2008
So far, the new album's of 2008 have been somewhat lacking. Sure, we saw the completion of Thrice's epic four-ep Alchemy Index, and A Skylit Drive finally released their debut album. Yes, Secret and Whisper turned some heads with "Great White Whale." But so far, nothing too earth-shattering. Why, you ask? Because the scene has been preparing a Summer for the ages. Time for a Top 5? It just feels so right.
5. Cure Is What We Aim For: "Rotation"- Alright, admit it: you're a closet CIWWAF fan. Despite their girly themes and incredibly unecessarily long name, the guys of Cute turn out some catchy tunes. Like it or not, you'll have at least one of these songs stuck in your head all summer.
RELEASE DATE: June 24
4.Sky Eats Airplane: "Sky Eats Airplane"- Sky Eats Airplane have come from an online-only project that needed myspace more than it needed guitars to the brutal five-peice it has become today. With the backing of Equal Vision Records, the best name in the scene looks to become the best metal band around.
RELEASE DATE: July 22
3. Emarosa: "Relativity" and Dance Gavin Dance: (Name TBA)- Getting a new lead singer is never easy. Especially when your old singer is as vocally gifted and Johnny Craig. Now, on the other hand, imagine being in a band in need of a singer with Craig on the market? That, my friends, is how band rivalries are born. Now, Craig's old band is set to release in August, while Emarosa's new album drops in early July. Though no word has been given of a rivalry, it's safe to say both bands will be paying close attention to eachother's sales.
RELEASE DATES: July 8 (Emarosa) and August 19 (Dance Gavin Dance)
2. Hit The Lights: "Skip School Start Fights"- Hit the Lights made a huge splash with their groundbreaking debut "This is a Stick-up... Dont make it a murder." Now, one singer and a few years later, they're set for world domination with their beautifully crafted pop-punk.
RELEASE DATE: July 8
1. UnderOATH- "Lost in the Sound of Separation"- Yes, it comes out when everyone goes back to school. No, I do not care. Underoath's album will be the best album to come out this year, hands down. They've proved themselves to be a staple in today's Christian/Metal/Emo/Whatever scene. Expect huge first-week sales, among many other accolades from this Florida sextet's (sextet is a funny word) latest outing.
RELEASE DATE: September 2
OTHERS TO WATCH FOR:
Norma Jean: "The Anti-Mother"
Gym Class Heroes: "The Quilt"
The Sound of Animals Fighting: "The Ocean and the Sun"
Bayside: "Shudder"
Anberlin: "New Surrender"
Album Review: Secret and Whisper- Great White Whale
In February 2008, Secret and Whisper broke their full-length virginity with Great White Whale. On Sunday, March 2, I was fortunate enough to buy the album. Since doing so, I have not stopped listening to it. Well, I didn't when I slept, but that's a minor technicality. In short, Secret and Whisper have created the first great album of 2008. Each song is a journey, in which Anthony Green-era Saosin-esque vocals meets the peak of musicianship. The album, which can be loosely described as a concept album (the band have stated it deals with the novel Moby Dick in terms of lonliness, among other themes in the classic), has so much depth you need water wings, and the themes become more complex and beautiful as the album progresses, ending with the epic title track. Songs like "XOXOXO," "Spider Besider," and "You Are Familiar," contain radio-ready choruses, while the first song mentioned contains incredible guitar work.
I'll put this as simply as I can: You need to buy this album, if you haven't already. Hell, I'd even lend it to you. Either way, I would strongly recommend getting it, or at least downloading a couple songs.
RATING (out of 5 stars): 4.5- The first great album of 2008, and my clear favorite for the biggest surprise of 2008 as well. I couldn't not blog about this album.
Best of 2007
2007 started off with a bang (Sonny Moore's departure from FFTL) and ended with a big "wtf?" (the ongoing train wreck of a former superstar that is Britney Spears). From Deal or No Deal to Stan's dad dropping the n-bomb on Wheel of Fortune (you should know what that means), even television stepped up its game. But after a hell of a year that showed even Bret Michaels can still get down (sort of), ten albums stood out above them all to define 2007 in music. they are:
10. Thrice- The Alchemy Index, Vols. 1 & 2: Fire and Water: Now, don't get me wrong here, Thrice's new album is great. But with this being only half of their elemental ep series, I feel its only fair to judge the album with the oher two elements. So there.
Best Song: "The Flame Deluge" and "Kings Upon the Main"- the last songs of their respective eps, thrice shows a simple format for these two songs, which are the most powerful on the album.
9. Amber Pacific: Truth in Sincerity- Over the years, Amber Pacific have become a staple in the AIM profiles of every teenage couple with moving hits like "Gone so Young" and "Poetically Pathetic." With such great pop-punk songwriting on the first album, you' thnk Amber Pacific would have to change everyting up, right? WRONG. Truth in Sincerity gives everyone the romantic lines AmPa fans have come to love, with a kind of maturity that hints that Amber Pacific's album is yet to come.
Best Song: "You're Only Young Once"- You could really pick any song for this title, but this one rises above with the way Matt Young seems to rally the teen spirit in everyone on this track.
8. Atreyu: Lead Sails Paper Anchor- Atreyu got to the land of metal dominance by bein one of the bands who perfected the scream-sing method. But with Lead Sails, the band show they're kinda sick of not being well-known. Throwing away much of the screaming that got them where they are, Atreyu still have an indescribable knack for creating larger than life choruses, as seen on "Doomsday," "Honor," and "Becoming the Bull." Besides, even on A Death-Grip on Yesterday, with ther two songs "Ex's and Oh's" and "The Theft" shying away from the screams. Sure it sucks that they don't scream, but Atreyu's lyrics and music keep them among the ranks in the metal scene.
Best Song: "Becoming the Bull"- The true gem of the album, this song was totally worth having a game to try and figure out how it sounded.
7. As I Lay Dying: An Ocean Between Us- The best metal album anyone's put out in a while. AILD have proven that they're still the best up-and-comers in the metal scene, and An Ocean Between Us's #8 debut on the billboard hot 200 albums proves. Haters beware: with anthemic tracks like "An Ocean Between Us," "Nothing Left," and "Forsaken"(a song that sparked the AILD fan club, by the way), As I Lay Dying are here to stay.
Best Song: "Forsaken" The breakout album's shining star, "Forsaken" starts off relentlessly and never stops. This one also shows off the songwriting skills of the band as well.
6.Paramore: RIOT!- Say what you want: "They're all over MTV." "They performed at TRL, twice." "They got nominated for a Grammy." All of these statments are true. But they don't add up to any assumption that Paramore has sold out. With RIOT!, the band have asserted themselves as one of the best pop-emo bands out there. Let's get one thing straight- Hayley Williams can sing with any of the big boys (watch your back, Howard Jones).But who knew she could write the catchiest album of 2007? This album was quite a pleasant surprise.
Best Song: "That's What You Get"- The catchiest and most powerful song on the album, and the song that separates Hayley Williams from any other female vocalist out there. Take notes, Britney.
5. Mayday Parade: A Lesson in Romantics- The surprise album of 2007 from this 5-peice, dual vocalist band out of Florida. Mayday Parade take the best parts of any pop-pnk band out there and make it into their own. The funny thing is, they do it better than anyone else.
Best Song: "Walk on Water or Drown"- Killer title, and an all-around great song. This is another album that is strong throughout, so any song reallycould be here and I'd be okay with it.
4. Chiodos: Bone Palace Ballet- Chiodos are the rulers of the emo world. Well, not yet, but they're getting closer thanks to their epic sophomore effort. I've always loved this band, and I was one of the proud people who made their album debut at #4 in its first week of sales. With even more killer one-liners for your profile and violins scattered throughout the album, Chiodos are on a blazing place to the top of the game. And newsflash: they deserve it.
Best Song: "The Undertaker's Thirst For Revenge Is Unquenchable (The Final Battle)"- This song really has everything. Killer vocals? Check. Creepy keyboards? Check. A poem at the end? Check. Ridicuously long title that could be about 7 words shorter? Mega Check. The last song of the album truly shows how good of a band Chiodos is, and how good they are going to become.
3. Bayside: The Walking Wounded- A few years back, Bayside was just a tiny four-peice trying to make it big. Then, everything changed. A horrendous van accident claimed the life of their drummer, John "Beatz" Holoman, and some of the other members were in critical condition. However, the band pressed on, finding a new drummer, and putting out one of the best albums of 2007. 2007 is a testament to not only how good of a band Bayside is, but what men can accomplish after a tregedy like this band has endured. With arena-ready anthems like "Duality," "The Walking Wounded," and "Landing Feet First," Bayside prove that Beatz is lost, but the band refuse to let him be forgotten.
Best Song: "They're Not Horses, They're Uncorns"- A fast paced, angst-driven song that should have been on guitar hero 3, Bayside appeal to every angry teenager (and some of the older kids as well), with this one.
2. The Receiving End of Sirens: The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi- It's herd to argue how much Casey Cerenzo, singer/guitaris/progamming extrardiaire, meant to TREOS. So when he decided to leave the band to purue his solo career, The Dear Hunter, speculation of how TREOS would carry on without him soon followed. The answer, which was in a form of the bands 2nd masterpeice we humans call CDs, The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi, was simple: a resounding "just fine." This album is crafted beautifully, with all the great things we've come to expect from TREOS: complicated themes, creepy background vocals, incredible lyrics, and killer live show to back it up. Sorry, Casey but you're missing a great ride.
Best Song: "The Crop and the Pest"- The one song that could have benefitted from having Cerenzo's screaming, this song lyrcally is a cut above the rest, and a must download- if ou haven't already.
Drumroll.......
1. Circa Survive: On Letting Go- Anthony Green's been a busy guy lately. Whether its helping put Saosin on the map, donning a dress for the sweaty, huddled masses of Bamboozle, or creating a great album in Juturna, you'd thnk he'd be poised for a letdown. And that's where you're wrong. Instead, he crafted the instant classic On Letting Go, thrusting him and his band into the spotlight, and establishing himself as one of the scene's greatest vocalists. Buy it, borrow it, download it, or even steal it- just make sure you get every song from this masterpeice on it. You won't be sorry.
Best Song: Every song. Every single freakin one.
Albums Also Considered:
The Devil Wears Prada: Plauges- Excellent sophomore effort from this Christian metal band, but not enough varitety in their songs.
Say Anything: In Defense of the Genre- Two discs, twenty-seven songs and a slew of famous guests put Say Anything at the top of the scene. However, the album drags at points.
Anberlin: Cities- Anberlin are possibly the best group of people ever, and they're third album was so close to the list.
Coheed and Cambria: No World For Tomorrow- Claudio Sanchez completes his saga, and sticks to the formula. This was the unofficial #11 of the list.
COMING SOON: Most Anticipated 08
Bamboozle 2007 Preview
Over the years, the Bamboozle Festival has made quite the name for itself, and this year's festival has the look of a champion to it. With the concert area doubled and guests pouring in week by week, it's quite obvious that the Bamboozle has become a premiere event for the masses. This year, the layout has changed, comedians have been added to lighten the mood of the wait for bands, hell, they've even added a lounge area for when you jus can't go on. However, there are quite a few familiar names returning to the glory of the festival. Circa Survive, Taking Back Sunday, Bayside, Hit the Lights, and countless others hope to build off of their performances last year while newcomers Norma Jean, All Time Low, Killswitch Engage and others hope to make a lasting first impression. With the coming of the Bambooozle Festival 2007, there are plenty of stories surrounding some headliners, and some lesser knowns. Here are a few things I'll be keeping my eyes on on Sunday, May 6th.
1. From First to Last's (hopefully) Triumphant Return: After a year of setbacks and letdowns in 2006, the band will make it's first appearance on stage in 2007 without the likes of Sonny Moore, the band's ex lead singer. Though Moore's departure could prove to be crippling, the band looks to press onward and prove to their fans they can still be the band they've come to love.
2. Linkin Park: After the announcement that the band was headlining, many were excited for the news. However, I'm left with some question marks. This will be the band's first show in three years, and a disappointing close to the festival from the sextet would leave many with a sour taste. Also, the band's Mike Shinoda (aka Fort Minor) has just come back from a solo career. Will he want more of a part in the creation? Only time will tell.
3. Secrets are Always Fun. With the festivities almost under way, many are still wondering about the "Fake Bands" that are scattered amongst the line-ups of both days. Some speculation has circled around the bands' true identity, and some have even been secretly confirmed (Sunglasses at Knight=Motion City Soundtrack). The bands may cause a problem, as inquisitive fans may miss good sets to see the identity of those bands with fake names. Want a list of possibilities? Here's a hint: it could be anyone not scheduled. Have fun with that.
4. Will the amusement rides, comedians, and other attractions be too over the top? I know these improvements are all great news, but when does beyond comparison become too over the top? kiiep in mind this festival is a music festival, not just some whacky carnival scene.
5. What will Anthony Green wear? The circa survive singer wowed all those who saw the Philadelphia based indie band when he came out in his now infamous dress. All eyes will be green when the band returns as one of the bigger acts in this year's festival.
6. What do animals fighting sound like? Though they already played what they called "their only four shows ever," The Sound of Animals Fighting is well represented in this year's festival, with Anthony Green of Circa survive playing and Rx Bandits, who are a main supplier of members to the experimental side project, are playing as well. Could the band possibly pull everyone together and play at Bamboozle? Though it is very unlikely, this is certainly a possibility.
Well, that's enough for now, I'm sure every person going has a different certain thing they're looking for. Wanna know what happens? Don't we all. Let's see how this all turns out. If you're ready for it, like I don't know if I am, meet me in the mosh pit.
From First To Last
By now, whether you're a fan of them or not, you've probably heard something about From First to Last in the past few months. The band has quickly become one of the most popular bands in the emo scene, but have hit some speed bumps as of late.
Let's start in the beginning of 2006. The band had made it's official lineup and recorded DEAR DIARY, MY TEEN ANGST HAS A BODYCOUNT, and toured in its support as well. With all of that behind them, the band went to record the follow-up, Heroine. The buzz for the new album was audible for miles, and, for the most part, did not disappoint. The success of Heroine landed them a spot on one of Bamboozle's main stages, and a headlining spot on the Vans Warped Tour.
---Now, it's at this point I'll issue a warning: From First to Last fans, this next part may be painful for you to read.---
However, the band hit a low point just before Warped Tour, when singer- then 16 year old- Sonny Moore had a vocal cord problem and needed surgery, causing the band to drop off the tour. Moore recovered, just in time for the band to take off on the World Champiionship tour with Atreyu, Every Time I Die, and Chiodos. However, during the last leg of the tour, and right before the Saints and Sinners Festival in Asbury Park NJ, Moore's vocal cords began to hurt him again. In an attempt to stay on the tour, Craigery Owens offered to sing for the band, and Moore would play guitar. But a disagreement with Atreyu sent the band home early, and leaving some fans bitter about the situation. Moore's growing vocal cord problem led to the band also dropping off of a tour with Lostprophets and the Give It a Name Festival. The string of cancellations obviously left them with time for reflection, which produced yet another severe blow. As confirmed on the band's webpage, Sonny Moore left the band to pursue a solo career. The band, however, did not break up, with guitarist Matt Good stepping in as the lead vocalist. From First to Last is planning to record a new album this year.
--FFTL fans, the sadness ends here for you.--
In my opinion, From First to Last is making a great decision to make another album, and I will be one of the first to buy it. Though this album may not be what fans have become accustomed to, the sound may be very intriguing. However, this does not mean that I hate Sonny for leaving. The guy hasn't even hit his twenties, and was about to produce his thrid album before doing so. If he needs his time, let him. I'm sure he knows how mush FFTL meant to people, and the decision must have been extremely hard. Now, if I could make a suggestion, I'd have Sonny play with FFTL on their scheduled appearance at the Bamboozle Festival 2007. I know this sounds crazy, but after all they've meant to their genre, their fans, and even themselves, I think they should play one last show on one of the punk scene's greatest stages. But hey, this is just my opinion, and it's not likely to happen. But with the way FFTL has been in these past few months, anything and everything is possible.
samii
hahahaha aweee thats saddd.
posted Apr 07
samii
ohhhh. well hahaha that changes things i guess.
posted Mar 22
samii
aweee, that is very saddddd. stupid people need to not
break upp. hahaha [: well i have four more tests
tomorrow which i am not excited about in any wayy..
posted Mar 18
samii
uhmmm not necessarily. i had to take the high school
exit exam today so i was stressedd but it seemed
prettyy easyy
posted Mar 17
samii
it's okk. i've been pretty good. i had the bestest
dream last night i loved it. i wish i could like find
out what dreams mean you know? like have one of those
books or take a class or something. hmmm... what have
you been up to?
posted Mar 11
samii
heyyy how have you beennn? we haven't talked in a
whilee...
posted Mar 07
samii
i don't really have a kind. but i like pretty much alot
of things. i'm not super pickyy unless it's something
that will give me a headache!! haha thats never too
funn[[: but i have my first behind the wheel tonight!
posted Feb 20
samii
crisp as in sunny but cold. i don't know i just think
it's a good description[[: well oh well ahhh today
isn't such a good day :/ i don't like it. i hope the
rest of the week gets better though. i'm hoping it does
:/
posted Feb 17