Sleater-Kinney: The Woods
Now, This band here is mostly popular for one of the members that has been casted on an up and coming TV show called, "Portlandia." Now the Show is very funny, and well worth the time. But let me tell you something, the girls in this Alt.Indie rock band really knew what was up. They took a sound that was defined in their previous albums, and made it glorious in this 12 track Fananza of Golden Jesus tears. The Album starts out with "the Fox" which first impression, left me thinking i was listening to a shitty hardcore band that didn't know what they were doing. But fuck, i was wrong, it was the beginning to some of the Abstract weird shit thats on the album. Now some people probably think the other SK albums were better, or how this one was an abomination to their entire sound. But hey when you are like 12. "Jumpers" and "rollarcoaster" stick with you forever, and for that i applaud this album
Catch 22 - Keasbey Nights
This album is a Staple in every Ska-Lovers library, but aside from really liking Ska it spoke to me on several levels. Growing up as a kid, i had to move around alot, and at a young age i totally stole this album from my brothers girlfriend, then i proceeded to use this album to teach myself the Trombone and that was my real entry to music. Now they broke up a long, long time ago. but if i ever see that girl again i again i have to give her a hug or something.
The opening track on this album is still to this day, builds up anticipation beyond any other opening song on any other album. if you dont listen to any other song off the album, listen to "dear Sergio." Now every other track has its own sound, but together it brings it all together to form a genius masterpiece that would appeal to anyone willing to take the time to listen to it. Even my parents liked this album, and they like the fucking eagles.
Like i said above, every song has its own value, so much so, that the track i would call my favorite has changed with how i changed. Like when i first listened i liked which ever song said "fuck" the most, but now i wouldnt even hesitate to say "supernothing" is the best track. But best is suggestive, as when i play a track off the album, i cant listen to anything else until i finish the whole thing.
A Note worthy fact of this album is that the lead singer of this band at the time of its recording, Toh Kay, as he calls himself. Went on to do a band called Streetlight Manifesto, which are good on their own, but they rerecorded this album. Its good, but it will never be beyond the original.
The Ataris - So Long Astoria
Say what you want about the Ataris, Clearly one of the most unappreciated bands of the last decade. They seem to be only popular for their cover of "Boys of the Summer." I could without a doubt say i know every word off this album, not because i tried, but because its one of the albums you rip to your xbox so you can listen to it while you play counterstrike and Need for Speed. Given, Boys of the Summer is on this album, and if thats your thing, its ok whatever gets the album in your hands. But the other songs on the album are so much worth while.
The Title track to this one, almost brings tears to my eyes for how much emotion i have behind it, as odd as that may sound. It also took me 10 years to learn that it was a huge reference to "the Goonies." Now its because i was really young when i started listening to it, and my music options was very limited, and i thought the guitar in the opening track was the Hardest thing ever recorded, so i didnt pay attention to the lyrics. And now from all the other tracks just remind me of this girl i had a thing with a very long time ago, maybe its just me being nastolgic, but to me this album always has that special place in my heart, And i mean that in the panziest way possible.
The Cat Empire - Cinema
Alright now i get off the Train ive kind of been on, that is the punk train. This is a Ska/Jazz/Hiphop album, its hard to really put a finger on one genre in particular. This Australian group of goofballs put together many awesome works, but this one took the cake. I cant get enough of it, its one of those albums you throw on the turntable to listen to when you clean your house, because you hate cleaning your house but the album makes it better. Alot of people might not like it, it could be an acquired taste, could be to "out there" for anyone else to handle. I cant really put any reason behind it, its just been one of my favorites since the album came out. It seems like the album tells a story of romance that even Jude Law couldnt even portray correctly. There isnt much else to say, Just please listen to this one.
Hot Water Music - Caution
If I was pulling a Tom Hanks and was stranded on an island, i would want at least this album. It hits every part of the Spectrum. Its a Post-hardcore punk masterpeice, Starting off well with a track that was on a Tony Hawk game, "Remedy" from Tony Hawk's underground. But that really isnt a good idea of how the album is, The Song "Trusty Chords" holds up the $15 i spent on the album on its own, but it didnt end there. Every Track, one after another stacks up and shows how great the band is and what you've been missing out on. Every punk that knows whats up, has their favorite HWM album, between this one and "A Flight and a Crash" is usually the verdict, but when it comes down to it. If the band plays a song from this album live, you want to get up and move it just has that energy that most bands cant dream of putting out nowadays.
Now i have alot more favorites, but these are the ones that would hit a broader audience. I hope at least a few people pay attention to this, but if you already are into the good stuff you dont need to pay attention, because what you know is posted right there.
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