February 2012
27 posts
2 tags
Grouplove - "Never Trust A Happy Song"
This was a gift from Erin for my 26th birthday. I was very lucky to come across this band during the summer of 2011. It was excellent timing considering the care free attitude of the songs that fits well with the summer time. Grouplove is an excellent band name, because this really does feel like a positive group effort. I have some stand out tracks on this one. The opening track,...
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Craig Finn - "Clear Heart Full Eyes"
I purchased this at Omega Music on my 26th birthday as a gift to myself. Craig Finn has always been the focal point of The Hold Steady. His lyrics are amazing stories that seem meant more for literature than music. This album exceeds my expectations, it’s not just an a bunch of versions of The Hold Steady’s “Citrus”. There is an American root rocks and blues feel to...
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Fucked Up - "Couple Tracks"
Ever since David Comes To Life, I can’t stop infatuating over this band. I was familiar with their previous full length (The Chemistry Of Common Life). But I knew they had an unconventional past for a band with this much success. Most of the band’s history was compiled of small releases or singles. So it was nice to hear their roots that was compiled from 2002-2009. It also...
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Delicate Steve - "Wondervisions"
Do not overlook Delicate Steve. An odd name and an even odder sounding guitar. This is completely instrumental (which may be my first). I love it. It’s fun and exciting. And Arpeggios Galore! The album can be played a different times of the day because it’s sound is so versatile. I was fortunate to find this at Origami Records in LA. Inscribed on Side B is “Have A Happy...
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Death From Above 1979 - "You're A Woman, I'm A...
This vinyl is extremely rare (it’s out of print) and probably has one of the highest values in my collection. They only made so many of these and the band stopped playing together (although recently reunited). This was not an album that I only started to like recently. I love how it’s just a bass player and a drummer. It’s aggressive and groovy all at the same time. I love...
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The Dead Weather - "Sea Of Cowards"
Jack White continues to amaze me as I get older. I couldn’t stand The White Stripes at first and I didn’t understand The Dead Weather at first either. It took someone to sit down and point out it’s influences before I started catching on. This is their second album released quickly after their debut. I have to say they have added some very interesting aspects to this brand...
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Cage The Elephant - "Thank You Happy Birthday"
Love Them or Hate Them! Cage The Elephant has a lot of energy. And they know how to focus it. This album shows their ability to write radio hits, barn burners, slow jams. They can be pop or noise in the blink of an eye. This band is a lot of fun to listen to. You can either choose to believe they are phonies & rip-offs or you can choose creative & original. I’ve chosen...
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Bright Eyes - "Cassadaga"
I purchased this while visiting my friend Matt Campbell. I have been trying to find this for some time and I found it at Backside in Burbank, CA. The album is pressed on two 180 gram vinyl records and comes with an lyrics sheet and a “spectral decoder”. The lyric insert as well as the front and back cover reveals hidden artwork when looked at through the decoder. One of the...
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Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
What a great Valentine’s Day gift! I found this before work this year for V-Day. I was very excited and listened immediately after work. The songs and sounds created by Justin Vernon are some of the most intimate I’ve heard. I can really feel myself in the cabin where he wrote these songs. This was a great addition to my collection as well as another amazing gift from my...
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Blink-182 - "Neighborhoods"
They’re Back!!!! I have to commend Blink-182 for their return. Not only did they get me feeling nostalgic, but they also surprised me with pushing themselves as musicians and writers on this album. This is a double….wait triple gatefold! Both LPs come in a light blue with white splatter. Bands take notice, this is how you reunite. Bravo Blink Bravo!
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The Black Keys - "El Camino"
After the first listen I could tell, El Camino is a force to be reckoned with. The Black Keys have certified themselves as one of the best bands of my generation. This double gatefold was given to me as a christmas gift along with floor seats to see them in Indianapolis from my girlfriend. Unfortunately for her, I also was given tickets for Cincinnati for christmas as well (awesome for me)....
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The Black Crowes - "Croweology"
I spent many late nights up with my friend Carl Wyatt. I remember this one particular one, because we sat and listened and starred in amazement in this incredible vinyl release. I was never a fan of The Black Crowes, until now. I purchased this while in LA at Origami Records. It was under the used/clearance section, and I couldn’t resist. It’s a greatest hits record that is...
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Bayside - "Sirens & Condolences"
I’ll admit I didn’t like Bayside for a long time because of some of these songs. Mostly because of the similarities at the time they shared with Alkaline Trio. I’m Alkaline fan first and foremost in this situation. After rediscovering this band a few albums later, I learned to appreciate this album so much more. I’m glad I wasn’t too stubborn to not give them a...
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Alkaline Trio - "From Here To Infirmary"
My first exposure to ALK3 was this album. This actually my first time purchasing this album, my friend Matt burnt me the original. It was dark yet catchy. I didn’t understand why I liked it so much at times. Since then, I’ve gone on to celebrate their entire catalog. This one is a reissue with a clear green vinyl.
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ZZ Top - "Eliminator"
I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but I imagine this album is being played somewhere in the city at all times. It oozes sex, drugs, and rock n roll. It’s also jammed pack with hits. I’m not sure if this stuff is as timeless as some of their older stuff. This was my first ZZ Top album that I got with the original album sleeve at the Peddler’s Mall in Richmond, KY. Check out...
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ZZ Top - Degüello
This album is the reason I never pay over $5 for sunglasses. I only wear “Cheap Sunglasses”. I’ll be honest my dad practically raised me on the Top (do people call them that? they should). ZZ Top are known for their beards, crazy outfits and even crazier guitars. But before that, they were a blues rock band first and foremost. I purchased this album at Pop’s Resale...
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Neil Young - "Harvest"
One of the best folk rock albums ever? I may not be educated enough to say that. Either way, I have enjoyed this album so much ever since I purchased it a few years ago. Unfortunately, this album is in rough shape along with the actual record. The static can get very annoying at times, but I often try to push through and imagine it as a part of the nostalgic country feel to the record. It...
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The Who - "Quadrophenia"
There is without a doubt a level of genius that goes into creating a concept album let alone a rock opera. The Who, largely because of Pete Townshend, were able to create two. Being a fan of Tommy, I decided to try and listen to their second concept album. This album never really caught fire with me. I find it to be there most challenging album. I do enjoy the song “Love, Reign...
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The Who - "Who's Next"
Unless someone shows me otherwise. This is The Who at their best for me. All four of them straight kill. I never knew until I purchased this album that they were zipping their pants after peeing all over the statue. Extra cool points. Oh and “Baba O’Riley” has to be the most mistaken song title in the history of rock. It’s “Baba O’Riley” not...
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Wings - "Wings Greatest"
I purchased this early on in my collection. I knew very little regarding Sir Paul’s solo career with Wings. This record, which came with the original album sleeve, is a nice sampler of his career after The Beatles. I can’t say I enjoy all of his work in the later 70’s. I always wonder how awkward it is for Paul after his divorce with Linda to look back on these times when...
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The Young Veins - "Take A Vacation"
I enjoyed Panic At The Disco and especially their last album, Pretty. Odd. It was heavily influenced by The Beatles, which is always kind of cool. After their lead guitarist and chief song writer (Ryan Ross) left with the bassist (Jon Walker) and started The Young Veins, I had to take interest. I purchased this album on Record Store Day 2011 at Galaxy CD’s. It was at a very low price...
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Yellowcard - "Ocean Avenue"
This album was HUGE in 2003. A classic pop punk album now. You couldn’t get away from Ocean Avenue that summer. It never left my cd player. It was leaps and bounds better than their previous EP. They deserved all the attention they got from this album. It was too bad they could never replicate the success they had with the rest of their career. Take trip down memory lane with me and...
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Yellowcard - "The Underdog EP"
This was a very recent vinyl reissue. I was pretty excited about this instantly due to my past history with Yellowcard. This record got me into them and has a lot of early high school memories for me. It was a blast listening to it again on vinyl and remembering how crazy it was to hear a violin on a punk rock song. Below is the original album cover for super fans.
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William Elliott Whitmore - "Animals In The Dark"
My friends who have seen William Elliott Whitmore live have described his one man act as a religious experience. Although I haven’t seen him, his albums are proof enough. His voice has so much soul and history in it that it’s hard to believe he’s 33 year old white man. The album is filled with traditional folk and blues played through banjo, acoustic guitar, or sometimes...
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The Wild - "Set Ourselves Free"
An underated and unknown band that deserves more attention. They create fun roots rock influenced music that doesn’t ever feel too political. “Together Underground” is a perfect example. Everything about this band feels DIY to the bone. The album is produced by Bomb The Music Industry!’s frontman Jeff Rosenstock and The Queer’s Joe Queer. I purchased this on...
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The White Stripes - "Under Great White Northern...
I regret not seeing greatness in The White Stripes earlier. I partially blame this on their noisy introduction and their heavy artistic reliance on three colors (which now seems to have a genius to it). I purchased this a couple months before the announced their break-up. It’s fitting since it’s my only record I own. It’s a heavy double gatefold with 2 180 gram vinyl LPs...
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We Were Promised Jetpacks - "In The Pit Of The...
It’s too early to tell where WWPJ’s sophomore effort ultimately stands with me. Their debut brought a response that I had not gotten from music in a while. What I do know now, is that the band trims the band and sounds more prescise without losing their energy and aggression. And a cooler album cover.