Best of 2009

Looking back at my best of 2008 list, I realized if I were to make that list again it would be completely different. It's funny how much you can change in a year. Since last year, I've discovered new music, my musical tastes have shifted, and I've started to appreciate more than just the music that can get itself embedded in my head. With that said, here's my shred of recognition for what I feel is the best of 2009.

1. Relient K - Forget and Not Slow Down

2. The Fold - Dear Future, Come Get Me...

3. Owl City - Ocean Eyes

4. Barcelona - Absolutes

5. Deas Vail - Birds & Cages

6. Switchfoot - Hello Hurricane

7. The Almost - Monster Monster

8. We Shot the Moon - A Silver Lining

9. This Providence - Who Are You Now?

10. Philmont - Attention

What Should I Call This?

A lot has happened since the last time I wrote anything since it's been so long. It was over three months ago. I went to two concerts since then. The first one was Mae with Tokyo, Barcelona, and Person L opening. That was pretty awesome. What I heard of Tokyo was good, Barcelona was hilarious, and Person L was good too even though their music isn't normally the kind of stuff I normally like. It's better live, I guess. The second was Relient K (again) with Deas Vail, Rookie of the Year, and Owl City opening. They were all amazing. I wasn't really paying attention to Deas Vail since I was trying to find a place to stand, but I wish I had. I got some of their music later and it's really good. Rookie of the Year was good even though they didn't play my favorite song by them. They did play another one of my favorite songs by Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes, side project of Relient K's lead singer. Owl City played two of my favorite songs by them and another that's now one of my favorite songs (I'd never heard it before then). Relient K played three songs off their new album coming out this October. I got Adam Young from Owl City to sign my shirt after. I got Owl City's new CD a few days ago and it's amazing. If you're reading this, get it. You won't regret it. You probably won't be able to find it in stores so get it on iTunes. You get a couple extra songs that way anyway.

Top 10 of 2008

I decided to compile a list of my favorite albums released this year, since I have nothing better to say and again it's been over a month since I last posted. So, here's to the best of 2008. Sorry about the lengthy commentary about each one. I couldn't help myself. Ignore if you wish.


1. House Of Heroes - The End Is Not The End
Aweseome album. I might be a little biased from seeing them live, but every song on here is great. Most of the tracks have a World War II theme, which sounds weird, but it actually plays out really well. Get some of these songs. They're amazing.


2. Relient K - Nashville Tennis EP
Not actually a full-length album, but since a) I'm biased (Relient K is my favorite band after all) and b) it's longer than most full-lengths anyway, I decided to include it. It's not cohesive at all, but it's packed of great songs. And by the way, this is part of The Bird and the Bee Sides, but I only counted the EP songs.


3. Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger
I happen to like their first album better, but this one's great, too. Good variety of songs while still working together. I love piano, and dang, this guy can play. Good album.


4. Every Avenue - Shh. Just Go With It
I only discovered this band a couple of weeks ago, but I'm a fan. Great, catchy songs. This isn't an album you get bored of listening to very easily. There isn't a song on here that I dislike at all. But I have to say the picture gives me a headache.


5. The New Frontiers - Mending
Sadly, this band is breaking up, which is really crappy, since this is some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard. Not a very exciting album and there were times I was a bit bored, but it's unbelievably pretty. Good relaxing music.


6. Sing It Loud - Come Around
Another album loaded with fun, catchy songs from another band that I recently discovered. Not much else to say about it, but it's definitely an album worth giving a chance.


7. Hit The Lights - Skip School, Start Fights
Nothing really stands out on this album, but on the other hand that means that everything's good. It's not boring to listen to. It keeps me entertained. Check it out.


8. Capital Lights - This Is An Outrage!
It's like the one above it - not too much stands out, but it's a really good album overall. You won't be bored. Unless you just don't like this type of music, in which case you probably shouldn't be taking music advice from me.


9. Forever The Sickest Kids - Underdog Alma Mater
More of the same. If by some odd chance you actually listen to anything I have listed and you like it, try this one too. It won't disappoint.


10. The Academy Is... - Fast Times at Barrington High
This album is more hit and miss, but there are definitely more hits than misses. There's only one song I actually dislike, and that's just because of the beginning. Other than that, great songs.

Honorable Mention:


Anberlin - New Surrender
Anberlin is one of my favorite bands, so it makes me kind of sad that this album wasn't that great. Not to say that it's bad, it just doesn't make the top ten. Good songs, but they all sound kind of the same, and it's not as good as some of their older stuff.


Ruth - Anorak
A good CD, but nothing that special. Slightly boring at times, but for the most part enjoyable.


Cute Is What We Aim For - Rotation
This would probably be #11 if I was doing that. Good album. It would probably help if I had actually listened to it more than once. Then it would probably be higher. Pretty cover art.


Ludo - You're Awful, I Love You
Unfortunately for Ludo, seeing them live didn't have quite the same effect as seeing House of Heroes live. There's some good songs on here, and then there's quite a few really strange ones. But if you like that kind of thing, go for it.