Chuck Daley of Beartrap PR and Tiny Engines…two fine entities that I can vouch for and you should definitely check out!? Chuck once referred to me as his partner when introducing me. I did not like that.
* Friends Of Friends – Deep Search
Probably my favorite of 2009. Kind of sounds like something from the gruff / melodic No Idea stable of bands, but with lots of other subtle influences thrown in the mix as well. At times its choruses remind me of Avail’s sky-high punk anthems and other times there’s almost a 90s Chapel Hill / Archers of Loaf indie rock vibe. There are terrific lyrics and hooks galore, but it still shreds pretty hard and falls just left of being “catchy,” although it’s not a stretch to call these ten tracks unforgettable. Definitely check this one out.
* The G – Hold My Gold
Dirty, fuzzed-out indie rock with ragged punk heart, a knack for melody and a penchant for noisy experimentation.
* Juvenescent Beat! – One Day We’re Gonna Fall Through This Roof
Every year there are a bunch of bands who try to bring back that “true” mid-90s emo sound. This is definitely the best of all of them. This record is passionate, raging and jubilant all at the same time. A great record for anyone who remembers what the “E” word really means.
* P.O.S – Never Better
Hands down the best hip hop record I’ve heard in the past five years. Not that I listen to a lot of hip hop, but this just comes across as so fresh and unique. P.O.S. has a great, earnest delivery and Never Better is overflowing with intelligent, thought-provoking lyrics and really captivating beats. I dunno … maybe I like it because he comes from a punk background and throws out Fugazi references.
* Double Dagger – More
One vocalist, one drummer and one bassist? C’mon …. how arty and pretentious are you? Not very, actually. More is a really fun, upbeat, rhythm-heavy record that will blast a groove about a mile deep through your living room.
* Tigers Jaw – Spirit Desire 7″
I helped release this, so I’ll admit that I’m slightly biased. Still, Tigers Jaw is just one of those bands that seem to write music that appeals to fans of all types of musical genres. The title track is their darkest, most mature offering yet, but maybe their catchiest as well.
* Broadway Calls – Good Views, Bad News
I wasn’t sure if I liked this more than the band’s Self-Titled debut, but in the end I thought that Good Views, Bad News was the stronger overall record. This is pop punk done right – with a little bit of anger and edge and a truckload of unforgettable hooks. Seriously, I dare you to find one single part of this album that isn’t ridiculously catchy.
* What Price, Wonderland? – It Is True, It Is Shakey
The second best emo record of the year … although I’m a little hesitant to even call it that. Emo is certainly the base level here, but it tends to veer all over the place in a sloppy, herky-jerky and reckless way that totally works.
* Teenage Cool Kids – Foreign Lands
Seems like I’m diggin’ a lot of music this year that one could classify as a “throwback” to yesteryear. Summery, fuzzy, punk-tinged indie rock drenched in nostalgia, good vibes and plenty of sweet “whoo hoos.”
* Shook Ones – The Unquotable A.M.H
Okay, so this sounds exactly like Kid Dynamite, but who cares? Kid Dynamite was awesome.
