My Favorites Of 2010

So I figured I would just throw out some of my favorite albums from the past year cause I am rather bored at the moment lol. These are in no particular order so bear that in mind.

#1: Circa Survive- Blue Sky Noise/Appendage EP
Blue Sky Noise was the actual album put out by the band and the EP was another 5 tracks that didnt quite make the cut and I have no clue why. To really understand some of this album you must first know that the lead singer, Anthony Green, had checked himself into a mental institute while writing it. Anthony Green's lyrics have always been pretty good in my opinion, but this record took things to a new level. There are some heavier tracks that seem to deal with self struggles, particularly the song Get Out. There are also some very good slower songs like Frozen Creek or Dyed In The Wool. Overall this may just be my top pick of the year.

#2: The Gaslight Anthem- American Slang
This is certainly one of the best bands to come around in a while, it is like the punk rock love child of Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. Every track on this cd brings a different feel and for only being a 10 track album, it is solid gold. I had the privelage of seeing them live in September and they were just as good live as on their records. This band is definetly one of the best things to come out of New Jersey ever.

#3: Deftones- Diamond Eyes
Now I only just recently got this cd but it really seems to be an amazing piece of work by the Deftones. There hasnt really been a Deftones album that I can listen to straight through and love every track besides this one. There are the heavier, scream influenced tracks that I really enjoy but also the slower songs are quite good. I must say the song Sextape is one amazing song and I suggest everyone check it out.

#4: Haste The Day- Attack Of The Wolf King
This probably wont be for most people due to the fact that it is hardcore at its best. Haste The Day is a christian screamo band that started in 2001, sadly this cd was their last before breaking up. The drums are heavy, the guitar parts give me a warm feeling inside, and overall I just enjoy it.

Corey Taylor

Been a while since I have written anything here but I feel as though Corey Taylor is a certain fit for this one. Corey Taylor is the lead singer of the band Slipknot and Stone Sour. Lately both bands have been in my head, from the intense raw metal aspect of Slipknot to the more subtle and pop-ish aspect of Stone Sour. This man's voice has been a distinct voice of metal since 1999 when Slipknot self titled album came out but recently you can hear his voice in a slower, less scream influenced way. From hard hitting pieces like Sic and Disasterpiece of Slipknot, to slower, almost ballad-like pieces such as Bother and Imperfect of Stone Sour. It seems as though Corey Taylor has a way to put you on your feet or drop you to your knees, and its only going forward for such an influential man.

Now That My Computer Is Up Again

This is the first post in quite a while and its actually not about music for once.

I recently watched a film entitled Remember Me that I found to be about the saddest movie I have seen in a long time. There have been mixed reviews on this film but I seemed to really enjoy it. The film stars Robert Pattinson, famous for the sub par Twilight films, and Emilie De Ravin(Best known as Claire from Lost). This is a film centered around the loss of loved ones and the struggles that follow. Robert plays Tyler who lost his brother to suicide and Emilie plays Ally who lost her mother due to a New York subway murder. The film has its ups and downs, some funny moments, and some heart breaking moments. The end of the film is probably the most controversial I have seen in a while and I really didnt see it coming. All in all, I havent been moved by a film since I saw The Wrestler and this particular film just about had me in tears after watching it. Go see it and please dont judge Robert Pattinson from the Edward Cullen effect, he has talent and I hope it starts to really come through at the demise of the Twilight films.

The Florence Recap

So the the day started with drinks in Seattle, eventually I ended up at a bar attached to the showbox. I never knew but me buying a drink there got me early entry into the show. I was one of 15 people to get in right away which got me front and center. The first band, Holy Hail, was not the greatest sadly. They were somewhat entertaining but the over use of a vocal processor got pretty old quite quickly.

Then the main attraction, Florence+The Machine, was up. With loads of flowers attached to mic stands, drums, and amps, the lights dimmed. A huge ovation was given as the machine(the entire backing band) came out, then the sold out show roared as Florence Welch came out.

Opening with Howl, Florence's voice sounded perfect as she beat a floor tom while singing. Going through the setlist, the band played every song off of Lungs with the exception of one(Girl With One Eye). Instead they chose a song from the deluxe 4 disc box set not yet available in the US entitled Hardest of Hearts. They played You've Got The Love before leaving the stage for a few minutes.

For the encore, Kiss With A Fist was the first of two. The final song played was Rabbit Heart in which I had the opportunity to hold Florences hand while she had her leg posted next to me on the barricade.

In conclusion, any Florence fan should catch her live because it was amazing. From dancing, an entire crowd jumping for Florence's entertainment, Florence crowd surfing, and just a great live show. I even managed to walk away with a drumstick, though I'll never forget this concert. I just hope Florence's first time in Seattle was as good for her as it was for a sold out showbox crowd.

Top 5 #1

So I've been thinking lately about some of my favorite albums. I have no particular order here but this is the first of five. Vheissu by Thrice is easily one of the greatest albums I've ever here from start to finish. With an opener that makes you feel like part of a revolution titled Image Of The Invisible. Vheissu was surely a sign of things to come for Thrice with the proggresive, synth driven riffs. It puts the older, heavier vocal style of Dustin Kensrue with a very soothing softer voice. Some of the slower songs( Atlantic, Red Sky) really stand out with a powerful chorus and softer verses.

Broken Frames

the wind is walking
Blowing softly
Through the fingers
Of my made up friends

I am seeking
A brand new city
To make my own
Build it up and burn it down

When we meet again
Miles of men will gather
They say "Praise the day"
I say "Curse the frame"

You're a picture in my head
A blacked out idea of desire
Taking slowly, taking everything I own
You're the picture
Burning in my hands

On top of mountains
I will take in the melodies
String them through my ears
Weave this notion
Made of my fears

This desolate earth
Im covered in sand
Torn flesh from the vultures
I bake in the sun
With hidden memories

You're a picture in my head
A blacked out idea of desire
Taking slowly, taking everything I own
You're the picture
Burning in my hands

Experimental Melodic Folk

So first off, this takes a bit of patience to really sit and listen to this stuff. Now that we have that cleared....Six Organs of Admittance is something else. The intricate guitar work with spacey background sounds really seems to take me to nirvana while I listen to this stuff. Granted I only own one album so far(The Sun Awakens), it was enough to make me want more. Some of the songs on these albums are over twenty minutes long but there are some shorter songs as well. This is a very guitar orientated project, lyrics are on some songs but are lacking a bit. The main and only true member of the band goes by the name of Ben Chasney. He seems to be a very busy man, being a member of a band known as Comets On Fire as well as contributing to many other bands both on recordings and live shows. I would advise everyone to really sit down and listen to a few songs, slip some headphones in and close your eyes.