I saw 31 concerts this year. This is more than most people see in a lifetime, so I have compiled a list of the 10 best I saw this year.
1.We the Kings, The Cab, Valencia, Charlotte Sometimes Iowa City, April. Tops in part because talking at the bar with Charlotte until 1.30 was awesome, in part because Valencia's "Mick" merch guy was awesome, and in part because The Cab and We the Kings we amazing. WTK played a cover of "Sweetest Girl" by Wyclef and kept referring to the lead singer as a "ginger". I only wished I had gotten my camera by then...
2.Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Thrice, Gaslight Anthem - Maplewood, November. This would be the top spot if not for the venues poor sound system and people wanting to trash more than rock out. Every band was amazing except Alkaline Trio and I was hoping to hear a couple of songs. Plus daytrip with Seth was a lot of fun. So was being in the second row of almost 4000 people.
3.The Faint, Shy Child, ???? Des Moines, July. Shy Child was good, but I didn't know many songs. The faint was killer, minus that whole waiting until midnight for them to start. And they played a song from Media...they never do that. I was again up front, by Dapose. I also enjoyed that this was my 7th tour kickoff show.
4. Breathe Caroline, Brokencyde, The Morning Of Iowa City, October. Probably the most chaotic show I have seen all year. This was the end of their tour, and at one point all the bands got on stage and were joined by about 20 fans...I have video of it, we definitely broke code. Brokencyde was alright, but they were cool guys and gave me stuff for free. Breathe Carolina was more awesome, I was just bummed I couldn't go on tour over break with them (since they decided to not tour). And hearing Josh from Spin Cycle refer to Jessica as Sexica was funny too.
5.Saosin, Armor for Sleep, The Bled, Meriwether Des Moines, February. When I left this show, my lungs hurt. Not like running in the cold, like the actual cartilage...it was awesome. Too bad the bled sucked. I screamed my heart out for Saosin and Armor for Sleep. There is something about a hardcore show that heals the soul, and after the previous year I needed it.
6.Cobra Starship, We The Kings, Delux Iowa City, Flood Time. I was worried I might not be able to get back from the show, but decided to go anyway. Delux had some of the best banter ever, WTK killed it... again. And Gabe rapped Travie's parts because there was and I quote "a fucking natural catastrophe" although him almost stealing my camera when he leaned on me for support was less cool.
7.Metro Station, Forever The Sickest Kids, The Cab, Danger Radio Des Moines, May. This one was weird because a month later "Shake It" blew up. Danger Radio was iffy but it was like their 5th show ever so whatever. Everyone else was good, Alex (the Cab) even reached out to a girl in the crowd during "Take My Hand". Might have been higher, but Mason was sick, and it took me two sets to get up front, who leaves the front for the headliner? Plan ahead and if it's too hot don't go up to start with.
8.The Faint, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head Minneapolis, November. Went on a whim and it was worth it. Same as above with the faint, but the venue sucked hardcore.
9. Panic At The Disco, The Hush Sound, Phantom Planet, Motion City Soundtrack West Des Moines, May. Honda Civic Tour. Thanks to that whole Small Towns/Danny thing, I was able to get backstage without a ticket. It was a lot more fun hanging with MCS now that Justin is not a raging alcoholic. Phantom Planet was lame, but everyone else was worth it. And seeing Ryan (of PATD) do coke was fantastic, except when security deleted everything on my camera. Just because I don't do drugs and was laughing hysterically taking pictures doesn't give you a right to be a Johnny-No-Fun dude.
10. The Hush Sound, The Cab, Steel Train, Morning Light Des Moines, June? So the Cab made it up here three times (hint?) Probably the most mellow show I saw all year (except Owen, but we was drunk). I forgot my camera though, so that sucked.
As for next year? I already have plans for 4 in January, 3 in February, and 1 each in March, April and May. Should be a good time.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Top Ten Albums 12-12-09
1. Forgive Durden's "Razia's Shadow:A Musical" - WOW!!! Barring any late comers this will be my album of the year. So I like concept albums? Near the end of most songs the narrator comes on and expands on the story from the song. Yeah, I know, A NARRATOR??? 14 guest appearances, each with their own characters, one of which is Max Bemis, who plays the Spider Barayas, embodiment of evil. Everything about this is brilliant and if it doesn't end up on a stage I will be pissed.
2. Belle and Sebastian's "The BBC Sessions" - Very well the last studio album from the Scottish wunderkids. They have a soundtrack for a movie written by Stu coming, but this it is. "Shoot the Sexual Athlete" is probably my favorite, a pseudo-rap. Even though some of the songs are formerly released demos ("Sleep around the Clock" and "The State I am In", I'm looking at you) you could never tell. Though they are definitely at an advantage since it is a double disc and they are Belle and Sebastian.
3. Right Away, Great Captain's "The Eventually Home" - I'll save my last bits on this for my best of 2008 list. Sorry to ruin the surprise, but if you listened to this you already knew that.
4. Son, Ambulance's "Someone Else's Deja Vu" - Everything about this reminds me of Elliot Smith. All the synth works is done by Jacob of the faint, and it features a certain Tilly and the Wall person as well. Half of the songs were not actually written but done "stream of consciousness". One can only hope that Jacob plays with them next week, though I doubt it.
5. All American Rejects' "When The World Comes Down" - Their most mature album to date, Another Heart Calls is clearly the standout on the album, a duet even with one of the girls in The Pierces, maybe a tri-et with both? The Wind Blows and Mona Lisa are also strong
6. Fall Out Boy's "Folie a Deux" - "Gold Standard" and "27" are about 5 feet taller than anything else on this album. Lyrically, is their best effort yet, superlatives be damned. "American Suitehearts" and "w.a.m.s." are weak sauce though, they should have used Alex Suarez's remix of the former. And if rumors are correct they might be playing a club show in Des Moines over break. Something about getting back to their roots. You know I'm down since I saw them on their first tour in 2003.
7. Breathe Carolina's "It's Classy, Not Classic" - The perfect blend of dancey synths and growls. Plus they put on one of the best live shows I've seen, and I was very disappointed when they decided to not play shows over break (and me thereby not be merch dude).
8. Underoath's "Lost In The Sound of Seperation" - I think this is the first metal/true hardcore on the list since I started it. I can't help it, I love Aaron's voice. Reminds me a lot of the most recent Saosin album and I can't believe I almost deleted it. This just proves (as did "Viva La Cobra) that you might not be in the right mind to enjoy an album, give yourself some time and come back to them.
9. The Spin Cycle's "The Victory EP" - Very likely the last appearance of synthpop on my lists until 2009.
10. Spinnerette's "Ghetto Love EP" - At four songs, this is at a huge disadvantage, but once again is a case of songs shining so bright you forget about length. A great case for bands releasing EPs every couple of months, like I hear Mae is going to do.
http://petewentz.com/post/63389396/heres-the-unmastered-americas-suitehearts-remix
2. Belle and Sebastian's "The BBC Sessions" - Very well the last studio album from the Scottish wunderkids. They have a soundtrack for a movie written by Stu coming, but this it is. "Shoot the Sexual Athlete" is probably my favorite, a pseudo-rap. Even though some of the songs are formerly released demos ("Sleep around the Clock" and "The State I am In", I'm looking at you) you could never tell. Though they are definitely at an advantage since it is a double disc and they are Belle and Sebastian.
3. Right Away, Great Captain's "The Eventually Home" - I'll save my last bits on this for my best of 2008 list. Sorry to ruin the surprise, but if you listened to this you already knew that.
4. Son, Ambulance's "Someone Else's Deja Vu" - Everything about this reminds me of Elliot Smith. All the synth works is done by Jacob of the faint, and it features a certain Tilly and the Wall person as well. Half of the songs were not actually written but done "stream of consciousness". One can only hope that Jacob plays with them next week, though I doubt it.
5. All American Rejects' "When The World Comes Down" - Their most mature album to date, Another Heart Calls is clearly the standout on the album, a duet even with one of the girls in The Pierces, maybe a tri-et with both? The Wind Blows and Mona Lisa are also strong
6. Fall Out Boy's "Folie a Deux" - "Gold Standard" and "27" are about 5 feet taller than anything else on this album. Lyrically, is their best effort yet, superlatives be damned. "American Suitehearts" and "w.a.m.s." are weak sauce though, they should have used Alex Suarez's remix of the former. And if rumors are correct they might be playing a club show in Des Moines over break. Something about getting back to their roots. You know I'm down since I saw them on their first tour in 2003.
7. Breathe Carolina's "It's Classy, Not Classic" - The perfect blend of dancey synths and growls. Plus they put on one of the best live shows I've seen, and I was very disappointed when they decided to not play shows over break (and me thereby not be merch dude).
8. Underoath's "Lost In The Sound of Seperation" - I think this is the first metal/true hardcore on the list since I started it. I can't help it, I love Aaron's voice. Reminds me a lot of the most recent Saosin album and I can't believe I almost deleted it. This just proves (as did "Viva La Cobra) that you might not be in the right mind to enjoy an album, give yourself some time and come back to them.
9. The Spin Cycle's "The Victory EP" - Very likely the last appearance of synthpop on my lists until 2009.
10. Spinnerette's "Ghetto Love EP" - At four songs, this is at a huge disadvantage, but once again is a case of songs shining so bright you forget about length. A great case for bands releasing EPs every couple of months, like I hear Mae is going to do.
http://petewentz.com/post/63389396/heres-the-unmastered-americas-suitehearts-remix
Friday, December 5, 2008
Top Ten Albums 12-05-08
1. Right Away, Great Captain's "The Eventually Home" The more I listen to this, the more I find this album climbing into "favorite albums ever". Every. Single. Song. Is. Great. From beginning to end this is a fantastic example of great songwriting and musicianship. Father Brian Finn is the standout this week, strange story, but awesome.
2. Akon's "Freedom" - I don't know why, but I enjoy Akon a lot. Oh yeah, every song here is singable. Plus he has grown up from that whole "wanna **** you" thing. The songs are expressive, and deep. From love songs to his past there is a surprising amount of heft to this CD. He got me with every hook. Line and sinker too..."Freedom" and "Sunny Day" are my favs.
3. We Shot the Moon's "Fear and Love" - The album starts off with the phrase "Hope, is all that have". A very piano heavy album, but it is done such a way that the piano is the carrier of the mood. From poppy to melodrama to sad, it is the backbone. Forgive the corn here, but this is one of the most hopeful albums I've heard in a while.
4. The Cab's "Glitz and Glamour EP" The first "special connection" pick on the list. I saw them 3 times in 6 weeks this spring and was even let on stage to sing the bridge in "This City Is Contagious". Yes I almost peed my pants, but that part was meant for my bro...he didn't go. I'm sure it is on Youtube somewhere.... This is a self-released EP, done when they were 16!!!! "Getting Old" is so classic. "Hold on to your youth cause soon you'll be old too"
5. Go:Audio's "Made up Stories - Ever what Hellogoodbye would sound like if they went all British on your ass? This. "He's Changed" is pure brilliance, a song about how famous people grow. Listen to "Woodchuck" and try not to think of "Shimmy Shimmy Quarter Turn" I DARE YOU!!!!!
6. White Tie Affair's "Walk This Way" - This was in my car's CD player for the better part of April-August. Fell out of favor because I found so much new music in August. Back because I'm seeing them in concert again on Tuesday. Very dancy, lots of synth here....and we know my synth love.
7. Motion City Soundtrack's "Even If It Kills Me" - This album holds a special place (and time) in my heart. It came out at a difficult time in my life, and it felt like it was written FOR me. But then again, Justin and I were going through the same situation. Plus they have an advantage what with the touring with them and all. And the backstage antics at this years Honda Civic Tour were priceless! FYI Ryan Ross loves the Coke....like Pacino in Scarface.
8. Dustin Kensrue's "Please Come Home" - "Pistol" is still genius "I follow your cool gun powder glare/Honey, you lay me bare. " Enough said. I really hope I get to see the "Where's the Band?" tour. If you don't like crooning then you wont like this album. And after given a more thorough listen it survives.
9. Owen's "At Home With Owen" Dropped mainly because of my mood. Other than that how did I not hear this in 2006? I am always amazed when such truly great musicians fly under my radar for years.
10. Cute Is What We Aim For's "Rotation" - Even though they lost the "gift of one liners and the curse of curves". "Hollywood" and "Navitgate Me" are good. The album only has one weak song. But alas, that is not enough for this list.
You guys get one more week of new stuff after this, then comes the hard part. I will be making a year end top 25. I'm waiting so late for a few reasons, I find new music in bursts and its been a couple weeks so I should be due. Second, the new Fall Out Boy album is coming out. Heard 8 of 13(14-bonus) and I can tell it makes the list, but where....
Last, my music says I have 127 albums with 1291 songs totaling some 75 hours of music.
It is an endeavor, since this isn't based on my mood, so only the really good stuff makes the cut.
There will be 20 released this year and 5 released earlier I only just heard this year.
2. Akon's "Freedom" - I don't know why, but I enjoy Akon a lot. Oh yeah, every song here is singable. Plus he has grown up from that whole "wanna **** you" thing. The songs are expressive, and deep. From love songs to his past there is a surprising amount of heft to this CD. He got me with every hook. Line and sinker too..."Freedom" and "Sunny Day" are my favs.
3. We Shot the Moon's "Fear and Love" - The album starts off with the phrase "Hope, is all that have". A very piano heavy album, but it is done such a way that the piano is the carrier of the mood. From poppy to melodrama to sad, it is the backbone. Forgive the corn here, but this is one of the most hopeful albums I've heard in a while.
4. The Cab's "Glitz and Glamour EP" The first "special connection" pick on the list. I saw them 3 times in 6 weeks this spring and was even let on stage to sing the bridge in "This City Is Contagious". Yes I almost peed my pants, but that part was meant for my bro...he didn't go. I'm sure it is on Youtube somewhere.... This is a self-released EP, done when they were 16!!!! "Getting Old" is so classic. "Hold on to your youth cause soon you'll be old too"
5. Go:Audio's "Made up Stories - Ever what Hellogoodbye would sound like if they went all British on your ass? This. "He's Changed" is pure brilliance, a song about how famous people grow. Listen to "Woodchuck" and try not to think of "Shimmy Shimmy Quarter Turn" I DARE YOU!!!!!
6. White Tie Affair's "Walk This Way" - This was in my car's CD player for the better part of April-August. Fell out of favor because I found so much new music in August. Back because I'm seeing them in concert again on Tuesday. Very dancy, lots of synth here....and we know my synth love.
7. Motion City Soundtrack's "Even If It Kills Me" - This album holds a special place (and time) in my heart. It came out at a difficult time in my life, and it felt like it was written FOR me. But then again, Justin and I were going through the same situation. Plus they have an advantage what with the touring with them and all. And the backstage antics at this years Honda Civic Tour were priceless! FYI Ryan Ross loves the Coke....like Pacino in Scarface.
8. Dustin Kensrue's "Please Come Home" - "Pistol" is still genius "I follow your cool gun powder glare/Honey, you lay me bare. " Enough said. I really hope I get to see the "Where's the Band?" tour. If you don't like crooning then you wont like this album. And after given a more thorough listen it survives.
9. Owen's "At Home With Owen" Dropped mainly because of my mood. Other than that how did I not hear this in 2006? I am always amazed when such truly great musicians fly under my radar for years.
10. Cute Is What We Aim For's "Rotation" - Even though they lost the "gift of one liners and the curse of curves". "Hollywood" and "Navitgate Me" are good. The album only has one weak song. But alas, that is not enough for this list.
You guys get one more week of new stuff after this, then comes the hard part. I will be making a year end top 25. I'm waiting so late for a few reasons, I find new music in bursts and its been a couple weeks so I should be due. Second, the new Fall Out Boy album is coming out. Heard 8 of 13(14-bonus) and I can tell it makes the list, but where....
Last, my music says I have 127 albums with 1291 songs totaling some 75 hours of music.
It is an endeavor, since this isn't based on my mood, so only the really good stuff makes the cut.
There will be 20 released this year and 5 released earlier I only just heard this year.
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