Most Anticipated 2011 (w/ a special guest)

*Editor's note: If you can recall my last posts about the year end music lists for 2010, there was actually going to be some potential help. However, schedules got in the way and the list became a solo effort. But the ambition to team up was still there and fellow music blogger Mike and I collaborated to bring you our thoughts on The Most Anticipated Music of 2011 (according to us haha). There were five albums that we both had in our top ten so you will see both of our comments on those sections. Then, the rest of his picks will be displayed followed by mine. I hope you enjoy.

Collaborative Selections

blink-182 - "TBA" (April/May 2011)

Mike: It’s been over a year since blink-182 teased fans with the prospective single “Up All Night,” complete with Tom DeLonge making Pink Floyd comparisons. That’s all right though, even if the suspense is killing fans who’ve been waiting for new material since 2003. While the fanfare surrounding the group’s reunion/reunion tour seems to have pushed their record to the backburner, that seems to be changing in 2011. Cryptic Tweets from Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker allude to the band actually recording, rather than just yammering on about how fun it is to jam together.

Matt: It’s a classic tale of band gets together, makes punk music for the kids, gets a little older and makes music for the older kids, gets wildy successful and then inevitably break up and form two decent bands in their own right, have one member survive a fatal plane crash that brings them all together again, decide to go on tour and think “hey, this could work” and end up teasing a new album for nearly two years. Ok, maybe it’s not such a classic tale, but it’s nearly a sure bet that new blink music will come out in 2011. Personally, I’m happy they didn’t rush into it and worked at their own pace. Hopefully the music will reflect the dedication.

Dr. Dre - "Detox" (2011)

Mike: Hip-hop’s answer to Chinese Democracy: Detox is Dr. Dre’s decade plus labored opus, rumored to be his final album as an MC. While the record’s mythical status is as famous as its penchant for delays, there’s still reason to hope that it sees the light of day in 2011. Dre dropped the hazy, synth-heavy “Kush” late last year as the record’s first official single. Though it’s a bit of a regression towards his spaced-out 2001 era sound, it’s refreshing to hear him paired with Snoop Dogg again. Expectations are high though and if Dre doesn’t deliver, he risks souring his fan base in true Axl Rose fashion.

Matt: I was six when The Chronic came out, though I admittedly know “Nuthin But a G Thang” like every other white 90s kid. Then, a 12-year-old version of myself picked up 2001 because everyone was starting to get on the Eminem kick and he was featured on the “Forgot About Dre” track. What I didn’t know was going to happen was that I was going to get sucked into the music of who I thought, based on my limited knowledge at the time, was just an old rapper who was big back in the day with some group. I am now 24 and have been waiting on Detox since it was first announced for release in 2004! With all the wakas and flockas running around trying to be the king, it’s going to be nice to have the ace back.

Death Cab For Cutie- "Codes & Keys" (Spring 2011)

Mike: Ben Gibbard has gone on record saying Codes & Keys is less guitar-driven than Death Cab For Cutie is typically known for. While that might scare some listeners, it’s hard to imagine the group coming out with a Kid A or Adore type experiment. Guitarist Chris Walla tastefully employs keyboards on all the albums he’s produced, as well as his solo offering, Field Manual. If anything, expect fragile songs with lush atmospheres, something Death Cab For Cutie has always excelled at.

Matt: I'm just going to let bassist Nick Harmer explain why this album should be on most anticipated lists (from stereogum): “The emotional spectrum feels much wider this time,” says Harmer. “The last record was much darker and was much more closely connected to what Ben had been going through in his life at the time. I think there is a lot more light in this record. Of course, Ben will always gravitate towards certain bittersweet material in his songs, but this record has a lot of expansive, soundscapey kinds of things. Thematically and musically, it’s just much more varied. We also have string sections on this record, which is very exciting for all of us. We’ve always wanted to hear that texture in our music, but it never really worked out before.” And on the statement of less guitar work: “Oh, there are definitely guitars on this record,” he says, “there are just less of them than before and we’re using them in different ways this time. Ben was really inspired by writing on acoustic guitar and on a piano, so often those parts become voices or keyboard lines, rather than guitar parts. We really experimented with piecing the songs together in different ways and using the studio differently, so this a much less guitar-centric album than we’ve ever made before.” That's what I like to read.

Manchester Orchestra- "Simple Math" (March 2011)

Mike: While Manchester Orchestra helped Kevin Devine and singer Andy Hull craft a true diamond in the rough with last year’s Bad Books, anticipation is running high for their forthcoming Simple Math. Hull recently debuted the album’s title track at an acoustic radio show, but the group has been tight-lipped about what the album will sound like. They’ve jokingly referred to it as a “spiritual miscarriage” in interviews, but that probably translates to songs that will get under your skin in very personal ways.

Matt: I really don't know what to expect from the Manchester Orchestra's third studio album. Like A Virgin Losing A Child had more low moments than the intensity heavy Mean Everything to Nothing, though both contained a good mix of pure rock music and down tempo storytelling. Then, the group taps into their folk side with Kevin Devine and the Bad Books side project. Throw in a hand full of EPs and the fact that the title track for Simple Math is online as an acoustic version and there is no telling what we are going to get. If Manchester Orchestra stays on the path they are on, they could go down as one of the most respected groups out there. With more attention on them than in the past, I fully expect the Atlanta group to come through shining.

Taking Back Sunday- "TBA" (2011)

Mike: When John Nolan and Shaun Cooper left Taking Back Sunday, it seemed like everyone hated each other. Team Adam (Lazzara) and Team Nolan both alluded to their falling out through thinly veiled lyrics and bitter interviews. Yet nearly seven years after their separation, they seem to have put the past behind them. After a bout of writing in El Paso, TBS’s “classic” line-up is hard at work on a proper follow up to the mega-smash Tell All Your Friends. The group has teamed up with producer Eric Valentine, suggesting that they’d like to capture the same effervescence that punctuated 2006’s Louder Now.

Matt: It's back to the future for Taking Back Sunday as the band returns to its 2002 lineup for the acclaimed Tell All Your Friends. If I can speak honestly, it creates a dilemma. I have no shame in admitting that TBS is my favorite band, but I do wonder if 24-year-old me would feel the same impact from TAYF that 17-year-old me felt. As the band has progressed, I have progressed with them and I honestly don't want a TAYF 2. However, as much as I don't think New Again sucked, it definitely could have been better. And it does seem like having the lineup that introduced them to the scene has sort of rejuvenated the band. A demo leaked by Adam Lazzara himself seems to keep the intensity while the band as a whole still makes the transition from emo band to rock band. And it made me completely wear out the play button, a result that will hopefully happen when the album is released.

Mike's Most Anticipated:

The Beastie Boys- "Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2" (Spring 2011)

Originally due out in 2009, The Beastie Boy’s Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2 was delayed indefinitely when Adam Yauch discovered a cancerous tumor on his vocal chords. Thankfully, Yauch seems to be recovering, which means we might be seeing these songs crop up early this year. Leaked cuts like the posse-heavy “Too Many Rappers (Feat. Nas)” and the punk-hop explosion of “Lee Majors Come Again” show the Beastie’s continued inventiveness and flowin’ prose. Plus, who doesn’t want to hear a track titled “Funky Donkey?”

Foo Fighters- "TBA" (2011)

The Nirvana faithfuls are salivating over the idea of Dave Grohl recording with Krist Noveselic again for the first time since 1994. Yet they should really get excited for Grohl’s reunion with Nevermind producer, Butch Vig. Though the Foo Fighters have stated this is their heaviest record yet, Vig is a master at focusing band’s vision, adding variety to their albums with crisp production and small flourishes of strings and piano. In short, it’ll be interesting to see the Foos continue to evolve from their well-crafted Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace with some old friends to help out.

Lady GaGa- "Born This Way" (05.23.2011)

The Fame Mons†er was a half-baked, unfinished effort. Though it sported pop-blockbusters like “Bad Romance,” its sequencing and unfocused nature made it forgettable. Born This Way seems to be GaGa’s proper follow up to The Fame, an album that’s had time to fully gestate before being dropped like an atom bomb. Her recent interviews suggest that she’ll be incorporating bits of metal and hard rock into her sound, which sounds like she’s decided to take real risks again.

Radiohead- "TBA" (2011)

Things have been quiet in the Radiohead camp for a while, but fans are anxious. Of course there’s the occasional “Yes, we’re working on songs…” from band members like Ed O’Brien and Phil Selway, but no timetable regarding the follow up to the meticulously textured In Rainbows. There is a bright spot though. Thom Yorke teased fans with some works in progress on his last tour, most notably the chilled-out, finger-picked “Lotus Flower.” Maybe it was a hint for fans: Chill out and let us do our thing.

Thursday- "TBA" (Early 2011)

Other than continuing to employ producer David Fridmann, little is known about the musical direction on Thursday’s new album. However, singer Geoff Rickly has stated that the conceptual themes seem to revolved around devotion, sharing a commonality to their first album, Waiting. Regardless, Thursday has always been the thinking man’s post-hardcore group and it’ll be exciting to see them follow-up the aggressive, post-rock tinged Common Existence.

Honorable Mention:

Bright Eyes- "The People's Key" (02.15.2011) - Supposedly Conor Oberst’s swan song as Bright Eyes. Hopefully it’s a little more “Lifted…” and a little less “Cassadaga.”

The Kills- "Blood Pressures" (04.05.2011) - After a ravenous romp with Jack White, Alison Mosshart returns to the jangly indie vessel that made her a star.

Patrick Stump- "Soul Punk" (February 2011) - This is the first time Patrick Stump has written lyrics since Fall Out Boy’s Evening Out With Your Girlfriend. That alone is worth checking out.

Jack’s Mannequin- “TBA” (2011) - Something Corporate’s ivory slinger has been laboring in L.A. for over a year. We’re ready for Jack’s supposedly “new direction.”

Matt's Most Anticipated

Coldplay - “TBA” (2011)

Viva La Vida was a great release for Chris Martin and company, but I did feel it was lacking something. And that something was the deep, heartfelt sound found on tracks like “The Scientist” and “Fix You.” I appreciated what they did, using a plethora of instruments to create an orgy of sound to go along with Martin's crooning voice, but I'm ready to get back to the chill out. When Martin performed “Wedding Bells” at an Apple event, I just sat there and smiled. That sound I was looking for? It had returned. Whether that track (or “Christmas Lights”) pops up on the new record remains to be seen. Though the rumors of it being a concept album turned out to not be entirely accurate, the fact that I heard something about the album going in an acoustic direction is music to my earholes.

Jay Z/Kanye West - “Watch the Throne” (Spring 2011)

Collaborations for singles happen all the time in hip-hop, but rare does it happen for an entire album. Though Jay Z has some experience in the past with R. Kelly, it will be interesting to see what happens with Mr. West. The first single, “H.A.M.”, had a hit and miss reception and my opinion of it falls somewhere in the middle as well. Also something to look out for is who else will be featured? Lil Wayne, Drake, Rick Ross... all potential guests. But time will tell exactly what two of the biggest, and best, names in music come up with.

Panic! at the Disco - “Vices and Virtues” (03.29.2011)

2005's A Fever You Can't Sweat Out is one of my favorite albums of all time. 2008's Pretty. Odd is one my top disappointing albums of all time. So this is me hoping that new material from Panic! (who officially put the ! back in when two founding members split) will at least be somewhere in the middle. It looks like we won't have long to find out as the first single should be released in February and the album in March. I'm not going to hold it to Fever's expectations, but if it is slightly better than Odd I will be one happy music fan.

No Doubt - “TBA” (2011)

I missed out on a lot of bands growing up, but I was fortunate enough to still experience No Doubt before the Gwen Stefani solo days. Any doubts I had about the group's ability as a band was put to rest after I saw them on their comeback tour in 2009. Not only were they better than expected, but were still better than some of the stuff out there today. If I can be honest, as much as I like their music, I will be happy to have some more Gwen in my life. She may be starting to show her age, but she is still one of my original celebrity crushes and to her I will always be true.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - “TBA” (2011)

It is going to be interesting to hear what the Peppers' sound will be minus John Frusciante. And also noteworthy will be the fact that, let's face it, these guys aren't getting any younger. But don't take that as an insult, I love these guys. I'm just curious to see how they are going to follow up Stadium Arcadium. If they come out with a four-disc release, I will not be mad at all. I think more than new music, I'm excited at the fact that a new album could possibly mean a new tour and RHCP are #1 on my list of bands I haven't seen.

Honorable Mention:

Lil Wayne - “The Carter IV” (Winter 2011) - Fresh off his recent jail stint, the hype machine has already started for Weezy's latest effort. Good or bad, we should hear plenty about it in 2011.

Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows - “Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows” (02.22.2011) - Though I'm not sure how serious to take the name (D.R.U.G.S.), former Chiodos frontman Craig Owens assembled a pretty good team for a debut album from a band that came out of nowhere. Time will tell if the music will match up.

Gym Class Heroes - “The Papercut Chronicles II” (2011) - I have been a fan of Gym Class Heroes for years and looked forward to Travis, or Travie, McCoy's solo album but was pretty disappointed. Maybe his bandmates will help him recapture the magic and my car will have some good jams in 2011.

Yellowcard - “When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes” (03.22.2011) - Yellowcard make the list simply for curiosity's sake. In their “reunion” album (I didn't even know they broke up), the band looks to recapture the glory that once had millions of kids wanting to be on Ocean Avenue.

Music Sunday: Top Ten Albums of 2010

#10: Neon Trees - Habits

In a year full of strong debuts, Neon Trees is at the top of the pack. A glitzy and glamorous band that looks, and sometimes sounds, like they are straight out of the 80s, Neon Trees strengths are come on catchy hooks and bouncy beats. After opening for 30 Seconds to Mars, Neon Trees went on to headline a small tour of their own (and brought the house down at a show I attended in Birmingham). Watch out for this band, as they are doing all the right things to stay relevant (iTunes sessions, Christmas singles) and should continue into 2011. (Song highlights: Animal, In The Next Room, 1983)

#9: My Chemical Romance - Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys

My Chem's long awaited fourth album would have finished a lot higher if not for some misguided tracks (S.C.A.R.E.C.R.O.W.) that interrupted a pretty nice flow. When the band turn it up, they fire on all cylinders and when they slow it down it is hit or miss (I personally am not a fan of Sing). But the high points and the theme of the experience put Danger Days in the Top Ten. (Song Highlights: Na Na Na Na, Bulletproof Heart, Save Yourself I'll Hold Them Back)

#8: Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown

Come Around Sundown is a release that should have gotten more attention. There are great songs contained on this album, it just suffered the fate of not being what people expected. KoL have taken their fans on a ride, releasing gut-wrenching albums before making it big with "Only By The Night" and instead of trying to duplicate that success they channel a sound never heard before from the Followill family. But it's a sound that works. (Song highlights: The End, Back Down South, Mary)

#7: A Day to Remember - What Separates Me From You

Perhaps no band better personifies the old saying of "it isn't broke, don't fix it" than ADTR. Sticking to what they know best (big bass breakdowns, heavy drums and guitar riffs, the perfect combination of hardcore screaming and pop-style singing), What Separates Me From You only serves to strengthen the band's discography. Different albums channel different emotions and if you need to channel the "raise a fist to the sky and stick it to everyone who has done me wrong" then this album is for you. (Song highlights: Sticks and Bricks, All I Want, 2nd Sucks)

#6: Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

In today's musical landscape, it's really hard for an album to not live up to the hype. Fortunately, that didn't happen with Mr. West's follow up. I actually don't strongly disagree with certain organizations like Rolling Stone naming it #1, but I feel it had two things against it for that spot. One was there were just simply stronger releases and the other was that he released half his album before it actually came out in stores, which was probably either smart or crazy (similar to how people feel about West himself). No matter how crazy his personal life may get, it's nice to see he can still make a name for himself musically. (Song highlights: Monster, All of the Lights, Blame Game)

#5: Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History

Going back to the theme of strong debuts, Two Door Cinema Club came on the scene with "I Can Talk" and silently came out with a strong release. It's really hard to describe the genre, but the simplest way is to refer to them as an indie band with electronic add-ons. The album is a sleeper hit in the fact that you will listen to it and not realize you like it until you go back to listen again and realize you know the words. It will be interesting to see where the band goes from here. (Song highlights: Come Back Home, Something Good Can Work, I Can Talk)

#4: Vampire Weekend - Contra

Coming out in early January, Vampire Weekend held a strong grip on the top spot for the majority of the year (that was till the next three came along). It's a change of pace from their self-titled debut, but it is still their trademark style with fun hooks and catchy beats. Contra sees VW slow it down a little more (and add in a little more auto-tune) but it is still a strong release that shows the band was not a one hit wonder. (Song highlights: Giving Up the Gun, Run, Diplomat's Son)

#3 Bad Books - Bad Books

This is truly a release that came out of nowhere. There were rumors that Andy Hull and the rest of Manchester Orchestra wanted to do something with singer/songwriter Kevin Devine, but the musical landscape wasn't ready for what the merger would produce. Bringing in the best of both worlds (at times gritty rock, at times soothing folk), Bad Books is the kind of album that a listener can just press play and forget about the rest of the world. The only downside to a side project is that it limits the future release of music, which would do the world an injustice if this was the only time we heard from this collective unit. (Song highlights: Baby Shoes, You're A Mirror I Cannot Avoid, Please Move)

#2: Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More

There is a reason that this release (though a technicality, since it was released in the UK in 09 but here in the states in February) is on practically everybody's Top Ten lists. It's one of the best albums ever made, not just from this year but in the history of music (I'm looking at you Beethoven). The power of Sigh No More is that it brings in fans of the folk genre that may have never giving it a listen before (guilty). This album is a rarity, in that it captures your attention on first listen and never fully lets you leave as the album stays in your head long after the record stops spinning. (Song highlights: The Cave, I Gave You All, Awake My Soul)

#1: The Black Keys - Brothers

Sometimes an album takes on an attitude of its own and Brothers takes on one where they know are the best without having to tell you that they are. If this release slipped under your radar, you need to check the battery life on your radar. Gritty, dirty blues mixed with down-tempo ballads provide a musical release that can make you jam in your car and contemplate on your couch. Brothers is an album that does what it's supposed to do when a band reaches the point in their career that The Black Keys have. Brothers might be listeners first or second notice of the band and it makes them hungry for more, going back to the early releases. From start to finish, Brothers is pure gold and arguably the best album of the year. (Song highlights: Tighten Up, She's Long Gone, I'm Not The One)

Albums of the Year #40-11

#40: Brandon Boys - The Wild Trapeze

The Incubus frontman let his musical experience take over, providing all the instruments that shows Boyd taking a sidestep from the band. (Song highlight: Runaway Train)

#39: Sky Sailing - An Airplane Carried Me to Bed

The project that came before Owl City strips out the electronic similarities to the Postal Service and brings in the acoustic guitars needed to make it sound enough like Owl City to bring in the same audience, but different enough where fans can tell the two apart. (Song highlight: Tennis Elbow)

#38: Wavves - King of the Beach

An old school sound with a new school style. (Song highlight: Post Acid)

#37: Best Coast - Crazy for You

See above, but switch male for female. (Song highlight: Boyfriend)

#36: Eminem - Recovery

The ultimate comeback album for Mr. Mathers, that would be a lot higher if it had a few more hits other than an overplayed single that seemingly glorified domestic violence. (Song Highlight: No Love featuring Lil Wayne. This is a track that highlights the best of both rappers and is one of my top songs of the year)

#35: Jimmy Eat World - Invented

An alternative band that shows they don't slow down with age. (I have to admit, this was one that I flip flopped on having on the main list. But I put it in the other day and realized I had learned most of the tracks. Song highlight: Stop)

#34: She and Him - Volume Two

Zooey Deschanel and M Ward return for a more polished product than their first outing, which was a breath of fresh musical air in its own right. (Song highlight: Lingering Still)

#33: The Black Eyed Peas - The Beginning

The guilty pleasure album of the year that you want to dismiss but you're too busy dancing. (Song highlight: The Time (Dirty Bit)

#32: Lostprophets - The Betrayed

The fourth studio album from Lostprophets didn't get much notice because for some reason it wasn't released in the states. However, the band came back and released one of the best records of their career. (Song highlight: It's Not The End Of The World But I Can See It From Here)

#31: Sleigh Bells - Treats

An album that takes a while to get into, it was fine debut by an alternative band with an electronic twist. (Song highlight: Infinity Guitars)

#30: B.o.B. - The Adventures of Bobby Ray

Riding off singles that featured appearances from other stars (Bruno Mars and Hayley Williams) this ATL rapper showed he could do it on his own, filling an entire album with hits. (Song highlight: (Ghost in the Machine)

#29: Terrible Things - Terrible Things

Featuring a line-up of artists from former bands (Taking Back Sunday, Coheed and Cambria, Hot Rod Circuit) this alternative super group released one of the great rock albums of the year that shows potential for when they acquire some experience together. (Song highlight: Wrap Me Up)

#28: Isles and Glaciers - Hearts of Lonely People

Another supergroup, this time from the screamo scene. Featuring members from Vic and Mike Fuentes from Pierce the Veil, Jonny Craig from Emarosa and Dance Gavin Dance and Craig Owens formerly from Chidos and currently from D.R.U.G.S., the only thing disappointing about this release was the short lenght. (Song highlight: Hills Like White Elephants)

#27: Evolett - For Your Consideration

This is a local pick as Evolett is a Paramore-resembling band from Montgomery. But they don't get special treatment, the release is honestly that good. (Song highlight: The Compromise)

#26: Envy on the Coast - Lowcountry

A great sophomore release from a great California band that is also bittersweet due to the fact the band split up before the end of the year. (Song highlight: Like I Do)

#25: Matt and Kim - Sidewalks

There seems to be a new musical takeover, with an alternative base mixed with electronic beats and Matt and Kim are the leaders. (Song highlight: Cameras)

#24: The Dead Weather - Sea of Cowards

Jack White finds success with yet another band, creating a harder blues and rock outfit than the the combined RaconStripes. (Song highlight: I'm Mad)

#23: Death in the Park - Death in the Park

Andy Jackson, formerly of Hot Rod Circuit and currently in Terrible Things, releases this solo side project that turned into a band with Dexter influences but an indie feel that sounds like it's straight out of the early 2000s. (Song highlight: Laws of Nature)

#22: Rick Ross - Teflon Don

With the spotlight on Kanye and Eminem and Drake this year, Ross provided the sleeper rap hit of the year. (Song Highlight: Aston Martin Music)

#21: New Politics - New Politics

This fun Denmark band did something that is really hard to do; make good rap/rock music. (Song Highlight: Dignity).

#20: Pendulum - Immersion

An import from Australia, Pendulum's first album was straight Drum and Bass and the second was mostly a rock effort. Immersion combines the two to provide a soundtrack for dancers and rockers alike. (Song Highlight: Witchcraft)

#19: Linkin Park - A Thousand Suns

At first listen, A Thousand Suns almost becomes one of the most disappointing albums of the year. But that's when you compare it to past albums. If you judge the release on its own merit, Linkin Park make a pretty solid album from start to finish.

#18: Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise

Anthony Green and company release their third album and while showing no signs of slowing down, they also release one of the most underrated albums of the year. (Song highlight: Imaginary Enemy)

#17: Drake - Thank Me Later

A rapper who seemed overhyped by peers and the media, Thank Me Later turned out to be one of the greatest R&B/Hip Hop albums of the year. While you go in thinking you were about to be blasted with beats and in your face rhymes, Drake actually slows it down to provide a good "put on and just enjoy the music" release. (Song Highlight: Miss Me)

#16: Motion City Soundtrack - My Dinosaur Life

With quirky lines fused with a growing alternative sound, Motion City Soundtrack provide the, uh, soundtrack to a good music filled night. (Song highlight: A Lifeless Ordinary)

#15: Pierce the Veil - Selfish Machines

After the success of their debut album, PTV came back with an album tailor made for concerts and turning up the sound in your car stereo. (Song highlight: Caraphernalia)

#14: Anberlin - Dark is the Way, Light is a Place

Anberlin release their fifth studio album at a quality that rivals people that have been in the business much longer. Much like their previous outings, Dark is the Way has relatable lyrics and smooth melodies that show Anberlin is a band that can be around for a long time. (Song highlight: Art of War)

#13: Chiodos - Illuminaudio

After parting ways with former front man Craig Owens, fans were curious to see what Brandon Bolmer was going to bring to the table. The result? A release that shockingly may have been better than any previous Chiodos albums. (Song highlight: Those Who Slay Together, Stay Together)

#12: Minus the Bear - OMNI

Minus the Bear take their chill out style, add some synthesizers and put in some suggestive lyrics to put out a record that is one of the best releases to put on and relax to. (Song highlight: Excuses)

#11: Bruno Mars - Doo Wops and Hooligans

Bruno Mars is a contender for artist of the year, as the guy was everywhere. And this release proved it wasn't just a fluke. The album title says it all - soulful vibes and fun jams. (Song highlight: The Other Side)

2010 Music - Songs, Disappointments and Albums that Didn't Make the Cut

So I finally wrote down my list of the music of 2010 and as soon as I get done with this write-up, I will get to work on my albums of the year post.

What this entry will cover are the songs of the year, "Best of the Rest" albums of the year and disappointments.

Songs of the Year

*The following are songs that are not found of my albums of the year (There will be 40 and anything in that post will not show up here). Disclaimer: I listen to an alternative station on my Sirius radio so that's why this list is so alternatively influenced. But I will throw a couple curve balls in there as well. And I know I will have most definitely forgotten some, but that happens.

In no particular order...

Metric - Black Sheep

A Silent Film - You Will Leave a Mark

Willow Smith - Whip My Hair

Young the Giant - My Body

Ra Ra Riot - Boy

Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks

Eminem and Dr. Dre - I Need a Doctor

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Beat the Devil's Tattoo

Muse - Neutron Star Collision

Yeasayer - Madder Red

Usher - O.M.G.

The Dirty Heads - Lay Me Down

Travie McCoy feat Bruno Mars - Billionaire

Coldplay - Christmas Lights

Birdman feat Lil Wayne and Drake - Money to Blow

The Drums - Let's Go Surfing

The Constellations - Felicia

Fences - Girls With Accents

Civil Twilight - Teardrop (Massive Attack cover)

Hugo - 99 Problems

Train - Hey Soul Sister

Atomic Tom - Take Me Out

Freelance Whales - Hannah

Interpol - Barricade

Albums Left Off the Top Spots (Best of the Rest)

*The following are albums that at one point or another I acquired but just didn't get into as much as everybody else or as much as I thought I would. Who knows, maybe sometime next year I will pop them back in and add them to "Albums I should have spent more time with." I know I'm going to catch some grief for leaving some of these off, and for the sake of space will let this paragraph serve as reasons why.

(Song highlights are my favorite tracks; albums that don't contain one is just from not obtaining a favorite due to not enough time spent with it)

Once again in no particular order...

The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (Song Highlight - Boxer)

John Legend and The Roots - Wake Up

Broken Bells - Broken Bells (Song Highlight - The Ghost Inside)

The Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Song Highlight - Rococo)

Emarosa - Emarosa

Brandon Flowers - Flamingo (Song Highlight - Crossfire)

VersaEmerge - Fixed at Zero (Song Highlight - Fixed at Zero)

Maroon 5 - Hands all Over

Weezer - Hurley (Song Highlight - Where's My Sex?)

Angels and Airwaves - Love (Song Highlight - Epic Holiday)

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach (Song Highlight - Rhinestone Eyes)

Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

Also, I left the following off the Top Albums post because I wanted to keep it as straight studio albums. These are good live sets, mixtapes, compilations, etc

Punk Goes Classic Rock (Song Highlight - Free Fallin by The Almost)

The Black Keys - iTunes Session (Song Highlight - Next Girl)

Taking Back Sunday - Live from Orensanz (Song Highlight - Cute Without The 'E')

Girl Talk - All Day

B.o.B. - No Genre Mixtape (Song Highlight - Lost)

Vampire Weekend - iTunes Session (Song Highlight - Holiday)

Disappointing Albums

There really weren't that many disappointments from this year, even the ones above where just ones I didn't have time to get into. But since there are only a few, I will give a brief description of why.

The Devil Wears Prada - Zombie EP; I don't know why I thought this was going to be good. I can only really stand a few of their songs, but a concept EP based on the zombie invasion sounded like a good idea. Too bad it wasn't.

Travie McCoy - Lazarus; Though I have his song "Billionaire" at the top of the post, this album was extremely forgettable. I really like Gym Class Heroes and was anticipating what McCoy would bring to the table by himself but it turns out the band does make the man.

MGMT - Congratulations; I wouldn't even begin to do justice to why this album wasn't good, so I will transfer you over to Mike who did a good job of calling them out on his own blog.

And with that, I don't want to end this post on a ranting note. Here is the new music I'm looking forward to in 2011

Cage the Elephant

Manchester Orchestra

Lupe Fiasco

Bayside

Blink 182 (hopefully)

Red Hot Chili Peppers (hopefully)

Coldplay (I think this has a better shot than the above two, but still... hopefully)

Panic! at the Disco

Jay Z/Kanye West

And I know I'm forgetting some, but the biggest one I am looking forward to, without a doubt, is Taking Back Sunday. Get ready to see plenty of talk when that album drops.

(50) Sundays of Music: #1

#1: Taking Back Sunday - Where You Want To Be

Someone asked me a short while back when I started liking music. Like, when did I get to the point I am now, where it's basically an obsession - where new music put me in a great mood, concerts are life changers and a good cd can give me a high that drugs won't be able to touch. I thought about it a second and then immediately came to this cd.

You know how some senses take you back to time periods? Like if you eat a fruit that is grown the best in a certain area or smell a perfume that your first kiss was wearing. When I hear the beginning to the opening track of Where You Want to Be, I become transported back to the early years of high school.

I went to school in a small town, but technically lived in an even smaller town. Another resident of said smaller small town would go on to become one of my best friends. One year for her birthday I got her a cd holder thing and I put the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack and this release by Taking Back Sunday in there. Being the clever guy I was, I listened to the music before I gave it to her.

And I fell in love.

Maybe it was the dual vocals, the lyrical angst, the pounding drums; whatever it was I was mesmerized. Taking Back Sunday was a band I had always heard of and after putting this cd in my player I needed to hear more. It was after this cd that I actually went back to Tell All Your Friends and prepared myself for the albums that were to follow.

At the time, I think I was just singing along to the music, but not really hearing it. To be quite honest, as much as I liked the band, a part of me felt the second half of the album was kind of lacking. Fast forward a few years later and my eyes re-opened.

A cd I first listened to in my early years of high school came back to me in my middle time period of college. I went through a long, drawn out breakup, the kind that you mix equal parts of sadness and anger. One day, I randomly put this album and it spoke to me in a whole new way.

Taking Back Sunday was the first band where I started to read into the music. And they have a way of taking words that look good on paper and make them sound even better coming through a stereo.

I think it speaks to the musicianship that I may not be in "that place" where these songs speak to me, yet I can still put this on and get totally immersed in the music.

Fight Club will always be my favorite movie. Where You Want To Be will always be my favorite album.

And to switch things up for the finale, no videos. Instead, I want to focus on what I feel are some of the best passages of these songs, the ones that I re-discover time and time again.

"Well there's a secret I've been perfecting,
I swore I wouldn't but you let me
I'm comfortably confused
(and you...) You've gotten so removed"

"Now I'm lying on the table
with everything you said
it will all catch up eventually
well, it caught up and honestly
the weight of my decisions
were impossible to hold
but they were never yours
they were never yours"

"I always hoped to avoid the issues
Got me alone so I couldn't address you
Home is where you make it, Love,
Don't get yourself confused
Besides what's it to you?
I traded my conscience for your
For your confidence
Attacked my lungs with lies to pass the time
Made states move like regular days"

"See the months they don't matter it's the days I can't take
When the hours move to minutes and I'm seconds away"

"She says live up to your first impression (Come on, just say it),
Well my best side was your worst invention (Come on, just say it),
Why can't you live without the attention (I need you defenseless, dependent),
Why can't you live without the attention (alone)."

"Well I'm blowing smoke out of your window
And you're slipping back into your dress
You know you were always such a lady
I've always been impressed
But gentlemen
They don't ask questions
Just keep quiet
She'll pay attention
Gentlemen don't ask questions
We could pay attention"

"This glass house is burning down (open all night, know it...)
You light the match, I'll stick around (open all night, know it...)
I'll give you everything you want (open all night, know it...)
And wish the worst of what I was (open all night, know it...)"

Hiatus

Ok, it's kind of obvious that I'm not posting much or showing up for other people. But this isn't one of those "need a break" posts, just one of those "hey, i'm gonna be gone for a little while" posts.

I've yet to write my post for this Sunday, but when it's up it might be my last for a good minute. The only reason is because this Sunday I will be in South Dakota.

I'm really writing this to take myself off the hook. I had a lot of "best of" posts planned, but a friend of mine just said December was kind of stressful and he is going to do his in January, so I'm taking the same approach.

So during my SD downtime, I will be working on said posts and hopefully you will see some good stuff in 2011.

Till then, here is the other reason for this post. Whether you celebrate holidays, whether you love or hate your family, whether you're going to be busy or relaxing - I hope everybody enjoys the next week or so. Treat yourself to a good time.

I know I am.

Gotta take the good with the bad

I literally just turned 24 and I already I feel like I am starting to become cynical. Case in point - I refuse to make New Year's resolutions. I've had "learn the piano" on there since 2007 and my keyboard in my room continues to gather dust.

With that said, it doesn't mean I don't have goals for the new year. It's just that I don't want to look at it it as "I am only doing this because the last two digits whenever I write down the date has changed." More like: "I need to lose weight and get in shape. So that's what I'm going to do."

Last week, great things were happening to the people around me. Very recently, one of those great things took a terrible turn for the worst. I just don't understand. People can be absolute saints and still shitty things will happen to them. And yet complete scum of the Earth live the good life. It's not fucking fair.

And I know it's a tease, but I can't really go into the details. But I feel good about that above paragraph. Just needed to vent it.

So as to not be a downer, let's try to end on some positive vibes:

*I am really liking my job

*I saw my dad this past weekend and I feel like we are getting closer. I really like it and I only wish it would have happened long ago.

*I will show up for work on Christmas Day, then come home and put some clothes in a suitcase, maybe get a few hours of sleep, then by Sunday evening I will be in South Dakota with my family. I can't wait. I need to be there.