So for all of you that look for the things that you don't like in a band first, like if you don't like the type of people who typically listen to a band, or the way they dress or it sounds like something else or any other stupid reasons. It is time to start enjoying life and look for the things things that you like and just have a good time listening to good music. And if you listen to the radio for your new music, its time to turn it off and put some effort into finding quality music and bands, cause 95% of the time they won't be found on the radio.
Browse through these places to find good music for yourself, cause ITS TIME TO TAKE YOUR MUSICAL TASTE BACK from the media.
Alternative2punk.net
Purevolume
Browse through myspace.com by genre
WHENPANTHERSATTACK
NOISECORPORATION
Weworemasks (for the Hip-Hop or electronic side of you)
2DopeBoyz (another REAL hip hop blog)
The Smoking Section
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So I have compiled a few short lists of various things.
TOP ALBUMS OF 2008:
1.) Foxy Shazam - Introducing
This album changed the way I look at music. In so many ways this destroyed my past view on music and turned me almost more picky about the music I listen to. Artists and albums that I thought were good, weren't that good anymore. This album heightened my musical senses.
2.) A Skylit Drive - Wires, And the Concept of Breathing
If Foxy Shazam came out a few weeks before it did, this would be number 1.
I totally did not want to like this band or album. Those were ignorant thoughts of wanting to hate this came from the old Brandon. As I just let myself get into music that was good and not trying to impress others or live up to some retarded standard of 'growing up' or whatever BS I hear from time to time. But damn after listening to this album all the way through. It just blew my f'n mind. I literally haven't been able to stop listening to this album. It's thoughtful, catchy, intense and powerful. They are so musically young but sound like they are veterans. The are so young and I don't know how they are going to top this album. The double bass drum action on this album is addicting and has always been a soft of mine. The vocals of Jag are unrivaled in the music world today.
As a side note, Jag has a very high voice (think Geddy Lee of Rush). Some love it like myself and some don't. There is a fine line between something being 'good' and someone not liking something. Good vocal talent is universal, some people choose not to like it cause its not their bag of chips, but that doesn't take away the fact that it is 'good'.
For example: Davey Havok of AFI and Michael 'Jag' Jagman of A Skylit Drive have the best male vocals in the Rock/Alternative/Emo/Pop/Punk/Indie music world today. Some people don't LIKE their voices, but that doesn't change that they are classically trained talent. Then there is the flip side of artist voices that suck technically but it works for them and people like it (which is most of the music world).
I will say though, for those not used to this type of music A Skylit Drive is an acquired taste. Much like most bands, it takes getting used to for lots of peeps just like if I wanted to get into Country music, it would take effort. It is a MUST to listen to the album all the way through like a Coheed and Cambria album (minus the stupid story line).
3.) Ivoryline - There Came A Lion
This Album really got me going on finding new music, especially of the 'Christian' genre. Every song on this album is great and 'There Came a Lion' was a staple on my ipod since the album was released. Ivoryline is straight forward about what their purpose is as a band and in their song writing. They are not ashamed of their beliefs learned how to package it so nicely.
4.) Secret and Whisper - Great White Whale
'Great White Whale' is a classic album. Their songs range from slow thoughtful ballads like 'The Actress' that just give chills like the best of them all the way to just straight ahead killer songs like 'Spider Besider' . Its just such a classic album that everyone should have. I can't wait for them to come to AZ for me to check out live. From videos I have seen they sound great live.
Its kinda funny how I am attracted to high pitched vocals from bands. Secret and Whisper, A Skylit Drive, AFI, Saosin, Coheed and Cambria and many others that are my favorites all have some form or another high pitched vocals. I don't know what it is. The sad thing is that only few can pull it off live (AFI, A Skylit Drive, Secret and Whisper). That is the true test of talent and awesomeness. Ones that don't have to use Auto-tune (Kanye West, Lil' Wayne and most other Top 40 crap) If you can't sing your own songs live without a computer program, just stay home.
5.) Why? - Alopecia
Another album and band that is not normally my cup of tea but turned out to be just a freaking masterpiece. Their unique blend of indie and just Witty hip-hop clever lyrics just blows my mind. This is one band that will never get the recognition or respect it desperately deserves.
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TOP E.P.s OF 2008:
1.) The Wedding – The Sound the Steel
Dang, words can't do justice to this EP. Its epic from beginning to end. All the songs are powerful and most important meaningful. The Wedding is top 3 of the best music acts performing today. The guys are super nice and down to earth.
2.) A Thorn For Every Heart – Pick Up The Pieces E.P.
This EP is so rad. Once again an EP where all the songs are sweet. This EP really helped me and motivated me to get through the past could of months. Especially the title track 'Pick up the Pieces'.
I am running with a heavy heartIt's like an anchor making sure I never get too farI am wounded and nearly torn apartIt feels like it's all too muchWhat do you do when you can't get up?(You take it back and start again.)There's a new day comingThere's a new day coming inWhat do you do when you can't go home?(You take it back and start again)Pick up the pieces and put me togetherTell me everything is gonna be okayGive me a reason to get up againTaken more than any one should ever take
This EP came at the right time and I'm glad I found it. And it definately wasn't on the radio. You don't find this type of quality on the radio.
3.) The Cool Kids – Bake Sale E.P.
I have been raving about these guys all year and now they are getting bigger and bigger. Hopefully The Cool Kids are the future of hip-hop in the mainstream. They are real hip-hop that I can get behind 100%.
4.) A Current Affair - Life In An Hour Glass
An awesome young christian/emo/hardcore band with sooooo much potential. They opened up for The Wedding all 3 times I saw them and they were great every time. Definatly check this album out.
5.) Everdae – Don’t Make A Sound
Another great young band with a promising sound. An EP that everyone should check out.
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MUSIC VIDEOS OF THE YEAR:
Foxy Shazam - Dangerous Man
Just straight classic.
A Skylit Drive - Wires...And the Concept of Breathing
For a low budget video this is still a great song and video. The concept is the most important though. At the end as the chick pulls the wires out of herself and the screams of "Let go of the wires" . Its an important lesson for lots to learn, but most haven't yet.
Secret and Whisper - XOXOXO
Rad video for a rad song.
The Cool Kids - What it is (Live on Jimmy Kimmel)
Such a awesome performance from the Cool Kids. Such a good song. If you haven't got the Bake Sale EP, you are sad and confused. Fer Reels.
Ivoryline - Hearts and Minds
Why? - Song of the Sad Assassin
A rad video for one of the best songs off their album newest album. Its a cool animated video. Definatly a song that needs to be listened to the whole way through.
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MOVIE OF THE YEAR:
Twilight
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