Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Off With Their Heads - Hospitals



Unadulterated PUNK ROCK. There's nothing else to say, it's an EP: 15 and a half minutes of face pounding energy. Somehow through it all, they still incorporagte cohesion, message, and melody, which is amazing considering how quickly this record goes by. Sorry the picture is so small, couldn't find any better album art. Thanks for requesting this EP, it's awesome.

1. Die Today
2. Theme Song
3. S.O.S.
4. Your Child is Dead
5. Idiot
6. Hard to Admit
7. Heroin in NYC
8. Jackie Lee

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?3nxgkukmkyk

Arkells - Jackson Square



This Canadian rock outfit just released this album that has a definite rock 'n roll attiutde, but with a backwoods bluesy feel...somewhere between the CWK and Limbeck, with open chords and rhythmic beats that really speak volumes for their ability to come together with passion and energy. If you're not sucked in after the opening track, well then this album is probably not for you. But you should give it a shot, because it's solid all-around.

1. Deadlines
2. Pullin' Punches
3. Oh, The Boss Is Coming!
4. Ballad Of Hugo Chavez
5. Tragic Flaw
6. No Champagne Socialist
7. Abigail
8. Heart Of The City
9. I'm Not the Sun
10. The Choir
11. John Lennon
12. Blueprint

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?wmi5yzwjonq

Google Ads and the Top Albums of the Year


Hey everyone, sorry I added the Google ads to the right, but other than the blogspot account, most of my hosting sites are being paid for (both to get the music, and then on the mediafire account to allow the massive amount of traffic each day). So instead of incurring all the cost, I'm going to use whatever little money I get to help defer those costs. Yeah, I know, I'm selling out to the man, but hey, money doesn't grow on trees and holiday season is coming up.

Oh, and I'm starting to compile my "Top Albums of '08" list, so leave a comment below and let me know which albums you think should be on it. I have a few on it already, but there was so much released that I don't want to leave anything out that I feel deserves to be on it.

More music is on the way as well.

Counting Crows - August & Everything After



Well, when this album came out I was 8 at the time, and the impact this release had on the music industry at the time was WAY beyond my comprehension. "Mr. Jones" put them on the map, and songs like "Omaha" and "Rain King" have kept the record pretty popular even after all these years. As far as mainstream successes, Counting Crows are definitely one of my favorites, and although I have not seen them live, it's definitely one show I'd want to see. Many of you probably know the hit tracks from the album, but you really have to get the entire thing to really appreciate it for what it's worth.

1. Round Here
2. Omaha
3. Mr Jones
4. Perfect Blue Buildings
5. Anna Begins
6. Time And Time Again
7. Rain King
8. Sullivan Street
9. Ghost Train
10. Raining in Baltimore
11. A Murder Of One

Link:
RIAA Nazis...

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Right Away, Great Captain! - The Eventually Home



As the year winds down, I find myself pondering what the greatest releases of the year are...and every now and then, an artist will sneak one in right at the very end: enter Andy Hull's side project Right Away, Great Captain! Most of you know Hull as the voice behind Manchester Orchestra, and the album plays like a collection of Manchester acoustic b-sides. I don't mean that in a bad way either, they're convey more feeling since Hull relies upon nothing but the occasional chorus and his trusty acoustic. And on songs like "Once Like You," he REALLY breaks it down to the bare essentials: a few simple chords, and deeply personal lyrics. Definitely a consideration for one of the best albums of the year...

1. Down To Your Soul
2. Devil Dressed In Blue
3. Cutting Off The Blood To Ten
4. Once Like You
5. What A Pity
6. Father Brian Finn
7. Anna No
8. Memories On A Shore
9. I am a Vampire
10. I was a Cage

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?ftcu21nmiyd

Rancid - Life Won't Wait



After ...And Out Come the Wolves, this was my second Rancid album I bought. For those of you who are just browsing the site and never knew, Rancid is definitely one of my favorite bands...ever. The mix of energy, emotion (not in the emo-sense, but raw EMOTION), melody, and raging guitars are amazing. But the coup de grace are Lars and Tim's back-and-forth lyrics, constantly providing a rich and full backdrop to the lyrics. This album is great, not as hardcore as other Rancid albums, but displaying their ability to move from ska to reggae to more of a traditional punk. Regardless of who you are, chances are you'll enjoy this music.

1. Intro
2. Bloodclot
3. Hoover Street
4. Black Lung
5. Life Won't Wait
6. New Dress
7. Warsaw
8. Hooligans
9. Crane Fist
10. Leicester Square
11. Backslide
12. Who Would've Thought
13. Cash, Culture And Violence
14. Cocktails
15. The Wolf
16. 1998
17. Lady Liberty
18. Wrongful Suspicion
19. Turntables
20. Something Wrong
21. Corazon De Oro
22. Coppers

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?fmlhz2jytmm

Dustin Kensrue - This Good Night is Still Everywhere



Christmas reminds me of home, so when I hear Christmas music, I know that going home is just around the corner. Dustin Kensrue, on the other hand, reminds me of...well, alt-country, which I also like. And when Dustin Kensrue covers some Christmas songs? It's a pretty happy day in my life. Kensrue really delivers on this album, but how could he not? It's a Christmas album. In any case, it's cold outside, snowed yesterday, and it's fairly early in the morning, so this album is pretty much perfect for the mood I'm in right now.

1. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
2. Christmas Blues
3. Blue Christmas
4. Fairytale of New York
5. This Good Night Is Still Everywhere
6. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
7. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
8. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
9. O Holy Night
10. This Is War

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?nzl4mogwfn0

Secret Machines - Ten Silver Drops



I had never heard of this band until someone had pointed them out on the shout box to the left (yes, I do read those comments), and I must say, this is a great find. Granted this album is sort of old ('06), it still has an ambient rock quality that I'd like to compare to the Silversun Pickups. The band does well with their particular niche in rock, calm vocals and tightly collected riffs and drums. There's no preview track since each one is roughly 10MB+, and my limit is six for individual songs. But again, think Silversun Pickups. Or hit up Myspace.

1. Alone, Jealous and Stoned
2. All at Once (It's Not Important)
3. Lightning Blue Eyes
4. Daddy's in the Doldrums
5. I Hate Pretending
6. Faded Lines
7. I Want to Know if It's Still Possible
8. 1,000 Seconds

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?fgygnmngdiy

Various - All Aboard: A Tribute to Johnny Cash



I'm a pretty big fan of the Man in Black, and most of the bands on this album as well. To surmise it without going into great detail of every track, some bands/artists take the more traditional approach to covers (Chon Travis "Folsom Prison Blues" and Joe McMahon "Let the Train Whistle Blow") while others come up with unique takes on classics, like the Gaslight Anthem and the Dresdon Dolls. Familiar voices abound, and all-in-all, it's a great listen.

1. Man In Black: The Bouncing Souls
2. Country Boy: Fallen From The Sky
3. Wreck Of The Old ’97: Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music)
4. Let The Train Whistle Blow: Joe McMahon (Smoke or Fire)
5. Delia’s Gone: Ben Nichols (Lucero)
6. God’s Gonna Cut You Down: The Gaslight Anthem
7. Cocaine Blues: The Loved Ones
8. Give My Love To Rose: OnGuard (feat. Jason Shevchuk of Kid Dynamite and None More Black)
9. I Still Miss Someone: Casey James Prestwood (Hot Rod Circuit)
10. Hey Porter: MxPx
11. Cry,Cry,Cry: The Flatliners
12. Ballad of a Teenage Queen: The Dresden Dolls feat. Franz Nicolay of The Hold Steady
13. Folsom Prison Blues: Chon Travis (Love = Death)
14. There You Go: The Sainte Catherines
15. I Walk The Line: Russ Rankin (Good Riddance, Only Crime)

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?yg1gnzndamz

Friday, November 21, 2008

Chris Wollard - & the Ship Thieves



Chris Wollard is an indie-folk singer/songwriter whom many of you know from Hot Water Music (a personal favorite of mine). On this, his first solo album, he takes the best of southern rock and combines it with his own personality and tonality to create a great, great alt-country album that's perfect for just kicking back and tapping your foot. Definitely a solid all-around album, and I'm glad you guys pointed me in this direction. On a genre-related note, I'll have up the Johnny Cash tribute tomorrow morning.

1. No Exception
2. Reason in My Rhyme
3. Same to You
4. In the Middle of the Sea
5. Up to the Moon
6. All the Things You Know
7. Oh Whatever
8. You Always Leave
9. The High Water
10. Hey B

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?wtjufodlzzy

Jimmy Eat World - Clarity



Classic JEW, before the craze of being on MTV and movie soundtracks. Really though, the band hits up more emo-enthused tracks and relies on quiet harmonies (vice the faster paced Bleed American. It really is remarkable how the entire album can be one long mixtape, so if you're looking for a solid emo-record that isn't over-produced and has a that homely feeling, look no further than here.

1. Table for Glasses
2. Lucky Denver Mint
3. Your New Aesthetic
4. Believe in What You Want
5. A Sunday
6. Crush
7. 12.23.95
8. Ten
9. Just Watch the Fireworks
10. For Me This Is Heaven
11. Blister
12. Clarity
13. Goodbye Sky Harbor

Link:
Comments

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

SORRY!!!

Friends, fear not, I am not dead. I've just been inundated with work, but I'm basically going to be sitting in front of my computer handling requests and posting all weekend. Comment on some stuff you'd want me to find for you. Thanks for your patience, and keep rocking.

ps: A Fine Frenzy was taken down within a day of being posted, which I think is some sort of record. Usually it takes about a week, but the link is in the top right.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

AFI - The Art of Drowning



By far this is my favorite AFI album, and I'm a pretty big fan of AFI. This record served as a transition album as the band moved from a hardcore fast-paced punk to a more alternative-punk sound and combines the unique sound of each branch into a nicely packaged into a 41 minute song-fest. There's so many good songs, I only picked the one that was playing at the moment for the preview, but you could pick any of them and chances are you'll like it.

1. Initiation
2. Lost Souls, The
3. Nephilim, The
4. Ever And A Day
5. Sacrifice Theory
6. Of Greetings And Goodbyes
7. Smile
8. A Story At Three
9. Days Of The Phoenix
10. Catch A Hot One
11. Wester
12. 6 To 8
13. Despair Factor, The
14. Morningstar

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?4eunwziiok0

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Smoke or Fire - This Sinking Ship



I forget where I first heard them, but it was a few years ago and I can't believe that I haven't posted this yet. I've had this band on rotation for a couple years now, partly because they're what I grew up listening to and every time I put it on, it's like a throwback to the olden days. It's basically punk rock with a melodic hook, a la Rise Against or newer Anti-Flag. Full choruses and harmonic riffs keep the record focused around the vocals, while the beat plow a path of energy throughout the entire album. Amazing, amazing record.

1. What Seperates Us All
2. Patty Hearst Syndrome, The
3. Melatonin
4. This Sinking Ship
5. Irish Handcuffs
6. Little Bohemia
7. I'll Be Gone
8. Shine
9. Breadwinner
10. Life Imitating Art
11. Cars
12. Folding The Pages

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?nlmgmyhtiml

Bright Eyes - Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground



Yes, I know, more indie. But the masses have spoken, and this was requested. People either like or hate Mr. Oberst's Bright Eyes. Perosnally, I like the raw feel of his songs, invientive lyrics, and the way he constructs vignettes within the confines of each track. This album in particular encapsulates his classic slow-to-quick tempo, and the accompanying vocals only furthers the story he's trying to push through your speakers. To me, this is by far the best Bright Eyes album released to date.

1. The Big Picture
2. Method Acting
3. False Advertising
4. You Will. You? Will. You? Will. You? Will.
5. Lover I Don't Have To Love
6. Bowl Of Oranges
7. Don't Know When But A Day Is Gonna Come
8. Nothing Gets Crossed Out
9. Make War
10. Waste Of Paint
11. From A Balance Beam
12. Laura Laurent
13. Let's Not Sh*t Ourselves (To Love And To Be Loved)

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?2ddydzieznz

Page France - ...And the Family Telephone



Page France's final record abounds with warm, indie tones, with Michael Nau's singing providing the last bit to finish off the traditional folk feel of most of the songs. Trumpets and xylophones are used to accent the rest of the band, and are well placed throughout the record. I'd have to say the first band that comes to mind is the Moldy Peaches, but a bit more serious. If you like fun indie-folk, you may just like Page France.

1. Ruby Ring Man
2. Wet Dog Afternoon
3. Mr. Violin and Dancing Bear
4. Be My Pianist
5. Pigeons
6. Hat and Rabbit
7. Belly to the Sea
8. Belly in the Fish
9. Rooster and Its Crow
10. Joker's Joke
11. Here's a Telephone
12. Beggar's Table Legs
13. Circus Head (Nobody Knows)
14. Casting Day

Link: FIXED
http://www.mediafire.com/?d4zj2nnnlym

Lovedrug - The Sucker Punch Show



It's melodic with the sharp stab of heavy guitars and quick riffs that make this a larger mix of indie/new-grunge/pop that expands on the nice base that they've already built on Everything Starts Where it Ends. Michael Shepard's voice is reminiscent of a deeper Gerard Way and a few of the songs sort of sound like a smattering of MCR, the CWK, and the White Stripes. I only had Pretend You're Alive, and personally I think it' much better, both stylistically and production-wise.

1. Let It All Out
2. Only One
3. Blood Like
4. Everyone Needs a Halo
5. The Dirtiest Queen
6. Borrowed Legs
7. Broken Home
8. Fake Angels
9. My World
10. Hante’ Bruit
11. Panicked Witness
12. Dying Days

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?zzoqzidn2x2

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

I need some help from everyone...



Sorry everyone, I went home and left my laptop at school, so that explains the lack of posts over the last four days. I'll be back tomorrow with some unfulfilled requests and some stuff of my own.

As for YOU helping ME: I'm trying to put together a mixtape for a lady friend of mine, and I was just wondering what songs you'd add to one, or what you've used in the past. It can be indie, punk, emo, rap, rock, etc. Please, please help me out by leaving a song in the comment section! Thanks, and I promise more stuff tomorrow.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Against Me! - Searching for a Former Clarity



This album, when it was released, became this band's big break. The popularity of "Don't Lose Touch" could be heard everywhere, and I remember watching MTV one day (and no, I don't do that anymore), and almost spitting out my drink when I saw their video for that song. Gabel really shines on this album, and his distinct singing/yelling plays well in songs like "Even at Our Worst We're Still Better Than Most" and "Unprotected Sex with Multiple Partners." The latter just has a certain beat that gets stuck in your head and makes you want to get up and do something (much like "Don't Lose Touch"). If you want a pick-me-up, snag it.

1. Miami
2. Mediocrity Gets You Pears (The Shaker)
3. Justin" – 3:57
4. Unprotected Sex With Multiple Partners
5. From Her Lips To God's Ears (The Energizer)
6. Violence
7. Pretty Girls (The Mover)
8. How Low
9. Joy
10. Holy Shit!
11. Even At Our Worst We're Still Better Than Most (The Roller)
12. Problems
13. Don't Lose Touch
14. Searching For A Former Clarity

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?zkdhovzwycd

Friday, November 7, 2008

This Providence - The Sunday Best EP




This Providence puts together some sugary pop-punk (think Simple Plan), but I chose to post this album over their others because I feel like it has a more unfinished edge to it that sounds like it was recorded before pop-punk really took off. It really does have a demo-like quality to it that bares some honesty in the music and how the band pieces everything together. For the most part, it's catchy and you may find yourself liking the vintage, off-key pop-punk feel of it. Oh, and I couldn't find album artwork larger than 100 pixels, so I just threw in one of the band.

1. Alpha
2. The Missing Page
3. Is This Life?
4. My Dream Is You
5. Picture Day
6. Taking Back Control
7. I Think Youre Wonderful
8. Contradictions
9. Omega

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?olm4mrnyfzm

Thursday, November 6, 2008

God is an Astronaut - God is an Astronaut



If there's one thing I can never get tired of, it's post-rock. GIAA returns with their fourth album, which actually packs a little more punch than previous efforts. Other than Explosions in the Sky, GIAA is one of my favorite bands of the genre, and actually one of my favorite bands period. There are no limits on their musical ability, and they transition from one thematic element to another effortlessly, from soothing to cruching without skipping a beat. Because there is a lack of lyrics, the band relies solely on musical talent, and somehow GIAA breathtakingly conveys the same energy and emotion as they did on their first album. To me, that level of musicianship is the most impressive part.

1. Shadows
2. Post Mortem
3. Echoes
4. Snowfall
5. First Day Of Sun
6. No Return
7. Zodiac
8. Remaining Light
9. Shores Of Orion
10. Loss

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?dkozy2lgmij

Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend



Since Nicole said "pretty please" I decided to hop on this one first. Don't worry, more albums are on the way.

This band is pretty much as simplistic as a full-band can get, and I love it. The rhymthm and tempo are varied as much as the lyrics, but for the most part, the guitar riffs hold it all together. And it's all pretty minimalistic in nature. I'm backed up on requests, so I'll leave it up to you to determine whether or not you like it, but I'm telling you, if you enjoy the lighter, subtle reggae-influenced side of music, you might find it pleasing.

1. Mansard Roof
2. Oxford Comma
3. A-Punk
4. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
5. M79
6. Campus
7. Bryn
8. One (Blake’s Got A New Face)
9 I Stand Corrected
10. Walcott
11. The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?z3hzhgjd1nj

Taking Back Sunday - Where You Want to Be



I've been trying to stray away from the conventional albums, but this one was another easy request to fulfill and I found myself listening to it a few days ago. This is an awesome album, definitely one that has its fair share of playtime on the iPod. I would say the thing that stands out the most is the harmony between Fred Mascherino's riffs and vocals, which then bounce off of Adam Lazzara's own vocals. It's not as rough as Tell All Your Friends, but for a sophomore album, it's quite impressive.

1. Set Phasers to Stun
2. Bonus Mosh Pt. II
3. A Decade Under the Influence
4. This Photograph Is Proof (I Know You Know)
5. The Union
6. New American Classic
7. I Am Fred Astaire
8. One-Eighty by Summer
9. Number Five with a Bullet
10. Little Devotional
11. ...Slowdance on the Inside

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?3gimjmyfo2h

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Circa Survive - Juturna



Anthony Green is pretty much a brilliant singer-songwriter who has many side-projects/projects, but if one were to narrow down his masterpiece, Juturna would probably be it (at least in my opinion). Musical genres are smashed together on this album, from experimental to post-hardcore and the dissonance between voice, riff, and beat regins supreme, which lends itself to more of a mathcore feel that pushes the progressive atmosphere through each track. The cacophony by itself is enough to keep you listening, with its rises and falls that seem to keep in time with the breath of the album, and Green's vocals are there to make sure that you won't stop.

1. Holding Someone's Hair Back
2. Act Appaled
3. Wish Resign
4. The Glorious Nosebleed
5. In Fear And Faith
6. The Great Golden Baby
7. Stop The Fucking Car
8. We're All Theives
9. Oh. Hello
10. Always Getting What You Want
11. Meet Me In Montauk
12. (Hidden Track) House Of Leaves (Blues)

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?wgw03momzzn

The Lawrence Arms - Oh! Calcutta!



I was introduced to these guys on one of the Fat Wreck Chords compilations, and have been a huge fan ever since. I even saw them live when they opened up for Alkaline Trio down in Los Angeles in 2006. I was impressed with the musicianship, not only on their studio albums, but during their live shows as well. The vocal trade-offs between Chris McCaughan and Brenden Kelly highlight the intensity the band projects on every song. It's the kind of punk rock I wish more bands in life would strive to create.


1. The Devil’s Takin’ Names
2. Cut It Up
3. Great Lakes/Great Escapes
4. Recovering The Opposable Thumb
5. Beyond The Embarassing Style
6. Are You There Margaret? It’s Me, God
7. Jumping The Shark
8. Lose Your Illusion 1
9. Requiem Revisted
10. Key To The City
11. Old Dogs Never Die
12. Like A Record Player
13. The Rabbit and The Rooster

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?qzzqljzlmym

H2O - Thicker than Water





For some reason, I've been listening to this album for YEARS, and it never seems to get quite old. This is perhaps H2O's best release to date, and Everready is up there on my favorite punk songs of all-time list. I remember coming home from school and throwing this album on before skating over to my buddy Colin's house, only to throw it on there. Seriously, nothing like a good punk rock kick to the ears to get you going. And I digress...the music is classic skate punk, and the lyrics and guitars are timeless. It's 11 years old and still going strong...

1. Universal Language
2. Everready
3. Talk Too Much
4. I See It in Us
5. Sacred Heart
6. Innocent Kids
7. Scarred
8. Go
9. This Time
10. Friend"
11. A Plus
12. Phone Song
13. Responsible
14. Wake Up
15. Thicker Than Water
16. No Fucking Tears

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?ryhi0hhqz1y

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. - Searching for the How's and Why's



Englishman Sam Duckworth, the talent behind the cleverly named Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly., created an album easily blends his acoustic tracks with others that incorporate a fuller band sound. Indie artists that come to mind are The City and Colour and Stephen Fretwell, and a lighter version of Coconut Records. I think the most impressive thing is that he takes the electronic drum machines and production values of a more expansive band sound and compresses it down to fit the indie-vibe of the record.

1. Let the Journey Begin
2. Waiting for the Monster to Drown
3. Young and Lovestruck
4. Postcards from Catalunya
5. The Children Are (the Consumers of) the Future
6. Window of Your Mind
7. I Could Build You a Tower
8. Interlude
9. Keep Singing Out
10. Moving Forward
11. Find the Time
12. This Could Be All
13. Better Things
14. Could've Seen It All

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?egmzt1kydnz

The Virgins - The Virgins LP / The Virgins EP



After a quick first listen, the first two bands that pop into my head are somewhere between a more electronics-backed Fountains of Wayne, or a more-indie rock Cobra Starship, depending on the song. I've been working on this stupid project for the past 3 hours, and I must say, the beat of this album has kept me going for the last half hour or so...it's that good. Catchy choruses that flows with the rhythms, and right now that combo is getting me through all this work. Good request from Jamie, it's pretty much made my night.

1. She's Expensive
2. One Week of Danger
3. Rich Girls
4. Teen Lovers
5. Fernando Pando
6. Murder
7. Hey Hey Girl
8. Private Affair
9. Radio Christiane
10. Love is Colder than Death

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?gkzy5n4jk4m

BONUS LINK - The Virgins EP:


Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?ondm5yz2dyw

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The Killers - Hot Fuss


I'm hitting up this request during a break from work because (1) it's been a few days since I've updated the blog, and I feel like an asshole when I feel like I leave you guys with nothing to listen to and (2) I already have it. Most of you probably have this album, or don't like The Killers. I, personally, think this album is great. Despite the "radio friendly" songs-for-the-masses, I think it's genius and was one of my favorite albums for a long time. Although I've heard Mr. Brightside a million times, I still sing along everytime. Aside from Avril Lavigne, this band is probably my secret pop-vice. And now that I said this on the blog, it's probably not that big of a secret anymore.

1. Jenny Was a Friend of Mine
2. Mr. Brightside
3. Smile Like You Mean It
4. Somebody Told Me
5. All These Things That I've Done
6. Andy, You're a Star
7. On Top
8. Change Your Mind
9. Believe Me Natalie
10. Midnight Show
11. Everything Will Be Alright

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?jknwzojjzmv

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Tom Gabel - Heart Burns EP




Tom Gabel's (Against Me!) solo-album: familiar voice...yet oddly different beat. There's the distorted guitar, but a drum machine as well, with a heavy emphasis on the kick of the electronic bass. It seriously is a clash of old school country-punk and modern electronics. But somehow, perhaps since Gabel is a genius, he makes it work...quite well actually. Don't get me wrong, there are some traditional acoustic tracks that you expect on a solo-record, but the majority is electronically supported. The album is short (just 7 tracks), but hits up on all the classic Against Me! topics, mostly heartache and politics.

1. Random Hearts
2. Conceptual Paths
3. Cowards Sing At Night
4. Amputations
5. Anna Is A Stool Pigeon
6. Harsh Realms
7. 100 Years Of War

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?xnybmnimmm2

Latterman - No Matter Where We Go...!



This album has been around for quite awhile (long enough for the band to have broken up since it was released), but for some stupid reason, I had never paid it much attention. To sum up what I'm about to write for the next few sentence: THIS IS AWESOME. It's been awhile since I've discovered a band that takes the scene's "status quo," tweaks it a bit, and comes up with something that establishes a new baseline for bands to follow (I like to think I Am the Avalanche was the last group to do so). Latterman did that with this album. The record itself has just the right balance of production and raw recording, which I personally find very important. Phil Douglas seems to throw his vocals over the tight cohesion of the rest of the band, which wraps everything into a gritty package full of energy. I'm actually kinda pissed that it took me so long to realize how good this album really is, and the fact that I've had it for about a year and a half. If you like The Movielife/I am the Avalanche, I highly recommend getting this. Actually, if you like punk, you should get this.

1. My Bedroom is Like for Artists, Part 2
2. Doom! Doom! Doom!
3. Yo, Get Into It
4. This Project is Stagnant (Get it Out of My Face)
5. Dear Boys,
6. An Ode to Jon Contra, Part 2
7. Fear and Loathing on Long Island
8. Video Games and Fantasy Novels are Fucking Awesome!
9. Zombies are Pissed
10. We're Done For
11. I Wish Branca was Here
12. My Bedroom is Like for Artists

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?eg4njne1ykj

Sleepercar - West Texas



Jim Ward's (ATDI/Sparta) foray into alt-country. YES, I realize I've been posting a ton of the genre lately (for about the past month), but punk rock is soon to come, I promise. Anyways, Ward incorporates some lap steel guitar and other instruments indigenous to country music, as well as riffs and chords that support the tone of the record. To best describe it, think of it as Dustin Kensrue's record, plus a ton of instrumentation and production. It's apparent that Ward put a lot of time and effort into this record, and it shows.

1. A Broken Promise
2. Wasting My Time
3. Fences Down
4. Wednesday Nights
5. Kings & Compromises
6. Heavy Weights
7. Sound the Alarm
8. End of a Year
9. You Should Run
10. All Will End Well
11. Stumble In

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?erycrjzwkyy