Thursday, December 24, 2015

2015: A Year In Music

I understand that people's favorite albums list can become monotonous at times. So I want to clear the air. The only real reason I make these lists is because I believe music is made to be shared; not to make you feel like my taste in music is superior. I do this to create an opportunity for people to find some new/different music. In light of that, the reason I included the albums I did is because I connected with them in some way or another. This is not a contest of who I thought made the best music. This is merely the albums I listened to and felt a connection with emotionally, and that's why I put them in a list. I also put them in a list because I desire structure in all things.

So the format is this; I will provide the genre as defined by iTunes and also what I would say it is in parenthesis, A couple of links to songs I think you should listen to if you're interested, and also a link to the full album stream (In some cases I could only find YouTube links to full album streams) And a link to their webstore where you can purchase a physical copy of the album, and/or some merchandise if you desire. I also will have a little blurb about my top few albums.

I also included a list of EP's to begin with because all these EP's are great, and I didn't want to leave them out, but couldn't justify putting them into the full list.

Thanks for reading. Here we go:

EP's

5. This Wild Life - Clouded Atmosphere Edition

Genre: Alternative (Acoustic)
Listen To The Full Album Here
(New songs are Stay Up Late, It's Alright and Alone With Me)
or buy it at their Webstore

4. The Devil Wears Prada - Space
Genre: Rock (Metalcore)
Listen to the full album here
or buy it at their Webstore

3. Modern Baseball - The Perfect Cast
Genre: Alternative (Pop-Punk)
You can listen to it on their Bandcamp
or you can buy it at their Webstore

2. The Venetia Fair - Death Is The Poor Man's Doctor

Death Is The Poor Man's Doctor cover art
Genre: Rock (Circus Rock)
This is the band's final song release before they break up. I listened to their old album (Every Sick Disgusting Thought We've Got In Our Brain) so much that I got a little bit sick of it. I'm genuinely a little heartbroken about their dismantling. They were some of the nicest band guys I have ever met. At any rate this isn't for purchase, but you can go jam it here and I highly suggest you do. It'll make you dance. If you wanna buy a shirt or old release, you can find their store here. (Do it.)

1. My Iron Lung - S.O.S.
Genre: Rock (Post-Rock/Experimental?)
Some of you might be asking: "Jake, Wasn't My Iron Lung your #1 album of 2014?" To which I say: "Yes." These guys are constantly putting out good tunes and have another LP on the way. I went and talked to these guys after their set on their tour with Silverstein. They were all incredibly nice and grateful for my small purchases of merchandise. This album provides a bit more clean (background) vocals, but still rips. There is only 2 songs, but both are really good and worth purchasing. You can listen to it here. Or go buy it on Bandcamp.

Okay, now we'll move onto full lengths. Working backwards.

LP's

20. nowHere - Hell Knows I'm Miserable Now
Genre: Spoken Word
I can't find a full album stream, so here is my favorite song. But, you can buy physical copies here.

19. State Champs - Around The World And Back
Genre: Pop-Punk
I like the songs Secrets and All Or Nothing
Listen to the full album here. or buy a Physical copy here.

18. Knuckle Puck - Copacetic
Genre: Pop-Punk
I like the songs Disdain and True Contrite
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

17. August Burns Red - Found In Far Away Places
Genre: Metalcore
I like the songs Ghosts and The Wake
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

16. Coheed And Cambria - The Color Before The Sun
Genre: Rock
I like the songs Colors and Eraser
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

15. Idlehands - Dena Mora
Genre: Alternative
I like the songs Mellow Christ and Youth, Too Late
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

14. Foxing - Dealer
Genre: Alternative
I like the songs Night Channels and The Magdalene
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

13. Better Off - Milk
Genre: Rock
I like the songs Unhappy and Dresser Drawer
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

12. Silverstein - I Am Alive In Everything I Touch
Genre: Post-Hardcore
I like the songs Toronto (Unabridged) and A Midwestern State Of Emergency
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

11. alone. - Somewhere In The Sierras
Genre: Alternative
I like the songs Close Without Closure and Maternity Leave (Funeral March 28th)
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

10. Wind In Sails - Morning Light
Genre: Alternative (Acoustic)
I like the songs Push And Shove and Hanging Over You
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

9. Dance Gavin Dance - Instant Gratification
Genre: Post Hardcore (Experimental)
I like the songs Variation and Death Of A Strawberry
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here. (Some cool, cheap cassette tapes still up)

8. Neck Deep - Life's Not Out To Get You
Genre: Pop-Punk
I like the songs Rock Bottom and Gold Steps
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

7. Between The Buried And Me - Coma Ecliptic
Genre: Progressive Metal
I like the songs The Coma Machine and Memory Palace
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

6. Citizen - Everybody Is Going To Heaven
Genre: Alternative (Rock)
I like the songs Heaviside and Stain
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

5. The Story So Far - Self Titled
Genre: Pop-Punk
I like the songs Scowl and Stalemate
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

I remember going to a Story So Far show back in 2012 just before they released What You Don't See, and there was a room of about 20-30 kids. I went to their headlining show this year and there was a packed room. I listen to this album, at the very least, twice a week. They deserve every ounce of growth and recognition they have received. The music speaks for itself.

4. Four Year Strong - Self Titled
Genre: Pop-Punk (Punk)
I like the songs Here's To Swimming With Bow Legged Women and I Hold Myself In Contempt
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

I was a freshman in high school when I first heard Four Year Strong. Their debut album (Rise Or Die Trying) was playing on the speakers of Hot Topic and I asked who it was. I then went and purchased the album at FYE next door. I lost touch with the band from that album to this. In the seemingly endless array of current pop-punk, A light of hope for true to the faith pop punk fans shines through in this Self Titled album. Tag team vocals, and blistering riffs keeps the light on for those who are tired of the 5 Seconds Of Summer knock offs. Edgy punk for the win.


3. Eidola - Degeneraterra
Genre: Post Hardcore Experimental
I like the songs Humble Ledger (Gnostic States) and Contra (Second Temple)
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

If you asked who my favorite act to come out of Utah is, up until this year I would have answered "Nobody." But that isn't the reason this album infiltrated my top 5. I first heard the album and thought it was really good. I then stumbled on a track by track explanation of concept, and it blew me away. This album seems to be an all encompassing act that brings something to the table for everyone to enjoy. I have always felt like this genre is such a delicate one; these guys hit the nail on the head.

2. Counterparts - Tragedy Will Find Us
Genre: Hardcore (Melodic hardcore)
I like the songs Resonate and Collapse
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

Simply put: I have listened to this album more than any other album released this year. While on the exterior it is some of the darkest music I listen to, there is certainly more to it than that. In my opinion, this album encompasses so many emotions in so few songs its astonishing. I've had few albums make me cry (I admit that begrudgingly) and this album brought me to tears twice. If you need a powerhouse album that's one sucker punch of emotions, followed by a left hook from riff city, this is it.

1. Pentimento - I, No Longer
Genre: Rock (Post-Rock)
I like the songs Clever Reason and Gateway
Listen to the full album here. or buy a physical copy here.

I have been excited about this album since I found them and was jamming their EP "Inside The Sea" in 2013. By all measures, I was absolutely not disappointed. I originally came into Pentimento because I liked their blend of pop-punk and post rock. They have evolved from that into something that is both beautifully crafted, heartfelt, and easy to listen to rock. To put it lightly, this album rules and if you haven't jammed it, you'll more than likely enjoy it. Pentimento are some really nice dudes, and they always respond kindly to people on their social media outlets. Send them a Home Alone picture/gif; They'll love it.

1 comment:

  1. Much needed you music finding genius! But seriously thanks.

    ReplyDelete