CONTEST: Five and Alive: AOTY User Spot

[Adam Pfleider]

Hey guys. You know about my Five and Alive column? No? Disagree with my horrible picks?

Well, here's your chance to put up or shut up. We on staff are getting together our end of the year lists. I'm going to do the users of this site a solid, and give one of you grand writers a chance to feature your top five picks next Friday.

It's simple: Tell me why you couldn't put down your Album of the Year; your number one pick; the album that didn't leave your car's stereo; bought digitally, on CD and vinyl...

You get the point.

Go. Talk about music. Quit all the bitching. It's never too late to discover something awesome!

- love and respect.

[DandonTRJ]

ARTIST: Brokencyde
ALBUM: I'm Not A Fan, But The Kids Like It
REASONING: It's the most br00tal thing on the 8th grade playground!

[Viva Sonata]

http://www.thebollard.com/bollard/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cambiata_cover1.gif
The Cambiata - The Cambiata

The Cambiata's self-title record is my favorite of the year. They were the best thing Maine has ever bred. Sorry, Sparks The Rescue.

I have no idea how to describe this band. They were out there... waaaay out there. They remind me a lot of Thrice, the way they changed from one record to the next for the better. They started out as mathcore and went into indie rock, and then there's...whatever this record is. You're the staff member here, you'd do a much better job at describing it than I did. Their singer has the best male voice I've ever heard - he's been compare, critically, to Daryl Palumbo and Jeff Buckley. He can do just about anything - he'll tell you he's Changing Everything the first track, and croon in sympathy For Zelda Fitzgerald the next. . Their ideas and lyrical themes change on a dime - "I'm changing everything about me," "If it's me you aim to change, you can fuck right off." - and it keeps the listener guessing at first listen. The guitar work is haunting, harrowing. It adds to the idea that there's a real sense of solemnity on this record, like something's not quite right. Whether it was because they were going to break up in three months or for some far greater reason, it's kept me indulged and bewildered every time I sit down and listen.
This is my favorite record of the year.

Recommended Tracks: "Hells Kitchen," "The Gold She Gives," "Machine Of God," "Ladybug," "I-V-I"

[eggsbenedict]

Lucero-1372 Overton Park

Since I got this album I haven't been able to stop listening to it. It's unlike anything else that I heard this year. Lucero has been touring and recoding non-stop since 1998 and they've put out records before, but most of them are more a collection of songs they've written and want everyone to hear. This is the first time, in my opinion, they have put together a record. The album starts with a piano driven lead in on the track "Smoke" and tells a story of a guy coming out of a bar to find a woman sitting on his motorcycle telling him to run away with her. The song goes through the process of his trying to decide whether or not to go, and telling her back story of what led her to this point. From that point on I was hooked. There's beautiful ballads of lost love that one longs to get back but knows that it just can't be ("Darken My Door", "Goodbye Again") and there's hard hitting tracks about living the fast life ("Johnny Davis", "Sounds of the City"). Singer Ben Nichols covers topics ranging from lost love to falling in love with a stripper ("Sixes and Sevens"). There's stories about childhood friends and the album closes with a beautiful song about his mom and being away from home, but still holding her and the values she instilled in him in his heart. Perhaps my favorite line in the whole album is "She's nothing short of perfect as she's falling to the ground." This line off the fourth track "Can't Feel a Thing" is a perfectly simple image of loving an imperfect girl. Feel like no matter what she does, how she falters, she's still beautiful in his eyes. He then sums up how he fits into her life by saying "nothing short of dying's gonna bring me any peace, but I ain't really worried 'cause I can't feel a thing." That sense of hopeless optimism radiates throughout the album. A sense of knowing that what you're doing may not be right, or end up the way you want, but in the end knowing it's the best route to take regardless. Lucero's 1372 Overton Park is my album of the year.

[Metal Now]

It's All Crazy, It's All False, It's All A Dream, It's Alright - mewithoutYou.

Try to find an album with lyrics nearly as subtle or well considered as this one. I probably won't win off the back of this description but I don't think there's really anything else to be said.

[Adam Pfleider]

ARTIST: Brokencyde
ALBUM: I'm Not A Fan, But The Kids Like It
REASONING: It's the most br00tal thing on the 8th grade playground!

If this contest was based on hilarity...you'd take the cake thus far.

[Viva Sonata]

Added a bunch to my post. Sorry about that.

[owiseone35]

Sleeping At Last- Storyboards

Ryan O'Neals' voice is immaculate. Lyrics are incredible. An album that can be described as beautiful. Only downside is you have to be in the right mood. Easily though one of the best albums I've heard in the past couple years. Imagine The Fray+Copeland+Angels, but this band doesn't dedicate every song to a girl.

xh7QS4xQVIk

[lovemetal24]

A DAY TO REMEMBER -HOMESICK---For having a "verbal" breakdown...I mean come on, did you ever think you would see the day



Actually, MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA, reasoning "I can feel a hot one"

[kbi the crowing]

http://img.sharedmp3.net/files/pics/1342/1341753/img_1_pr.jpg

Portugal. The Man - The Satanic Satanist

Structured songs have never sounded so good. Portugal. really crafted a true album; it doesn't drag on for days, it captures such a feel good mood without being over-bearing, and the subtle experimentation in the background keeps it from being anything close to boring. If that wasn't enough, the art work for this album is beyond phenomenal and truly one of a kind.

[dookiedog]

House Of Heroes- The End Is Not The End

[SophGod]

Artist - Thursday
Album - Common Existence
Reasoning - Before this album came out i was a pretty big Thursday fan, but I only owned ACBTLD and WATT, both of which i absolutely loved. This was my number one anticipated release for the first half of 09, and boy was i pumped for it after i heard "Resuscitation Of A Dead Man," which sounded more of a FC/WATT song rather than A City song. But it was still a new and fresh sound, which Thursday constantly gives. So the album dropped and I loved it right away, but as the summer approached I explored other music, and into fall i was getting into Beggars and Daisy, which were my next two most anticipated releases, and i went back to Common Existence to find that neither of those albums for me stood up to what Common Existence had to offer, which was 11 tracks which all meant something to me, it was a record that i could listen to front to back, and a record i could find comfort in. It helped me get through rough times at the start of the year, and it still offers me comfort with every listen. I listen to this album all the way through at least 10 times a week, maybe even more. This is, in my opinion, Thursday's best album since Full Collapse, which is saying a lot because every Thursday album, once again in my opinion, is an absolute masterpiece.

i love it so much, it was the first album i have EVER bought on vinyl
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs119.snc3/16650_193498740799_617420799_357705 0_2655072_n.jpg

[DandonTRJ]

If this contest was based on hilarity...you'd take the cake thus far.
Only if the cake comes with a 40 oz (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoLUc6cqAOU).

On a serious note, my vote is for Anchor & Braille's Felt. I've long been a sucker for anything that springs from the mind of Stephen Christian or Aaron Marsh, and they did not disappoint on their collaborative full-length. Christian is a wonderful lyricist with a keen ear for melody, and it was nice to see the softer side of his vocals take center stage for once [we all know from Anberlin that he can belt it out with the best of 'em]. Meanwhile, in the background, Marsh's production work is consistently lush without ever becoming overindulgent, and he instinctively knows the value of tinging a work with emotion rather than straining the compositions trying to convey it. As a result, the disc, comparatively stripped down, packs more vibrancy and punch than most full bands could ever hope to deliver. Every track is art, distinctly shaped and unique amongst its peers. It met and then vastly exceeded my expectations, and I'll be first in line for the vinyl copy in 2010.

For the record, anyone who doesn't fall in love with the following song, I don't want to know.

brsVTRwsRnY

[thehereaway]

Portugal. the Man - The Satanic Satanist

When you think of Portugal. the Man you instantly think progression and diversity. It's impossible not to get excited for an album from a band who have been prolific in releasing consistently solid material, and are not afraid to try something new. The Satanic Satanist, their most recent effort on what seems to be becoming a yearly event, has once again proved that Portugal. the Man can produce quality material, no matter what direction they are going in. The album boasts a multitude of soulful hooks and groovy bass lines, all delivered in easily accessible pop structures yet still maintaining the experimental sound the band is best known for. The artwork is simply stunning and the tracks are, somehow, even better live. Definitely not a release to miss out on.

[amandais4lovers]

EMERY
In Shallow Seas We Sail

I have not stopped spinning this album since it came out. The mix of melodic lyrics and screams amongst crazy background music is phenomenal, and don't forget the positive message the lyrics have. Emery never fails to produce music I can't stop listening to, and this album is especially amazing.

[sleepyseanzzz]

http://positivexposure.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/SetYourGoals-ThisWillBeTheDeathOfUs.jpg

This Will Be The Death Of Us by Set Your Goals

I chose this as my album of the year for many reasons. One reason being the hype on this website before the album came out got me very excited. Also, a youtube video of a new song they played live as well as a youtube video of a studio update got me very excited as well. We finally heard the first two tracks, the title track and Gaia Bleeds and honestly at first I wasn't thrilled. I'm not a great writer nor have I ever written a review of a cd so I will try for the first time right here and do my best. Upon first listening to the entire album my favorite track was the one from the youtube video I saw back in February entitled "Summer Jam" which I felt was an amazing anthem for that time in my life, especially since it came out over the summer and it is all about having fun with your friends. It is an amazing pop punk song that is incredibly catchy and very fun to listen to. Other songs I favored at first include "Look Closer" in which the band sings about not letting the government or authority run your life and dictate everything you do, you have a voice too and no matter what you have a say in what goes on in this country so let your voice be heard. It reminds me of George Orwell's "1984" in which our every move was catalogued and known by the leader "Big Brother". Another song that caught me by surprise upon first listen was "The Few That Remain" featuring a great cameo by Paramore's Haley Williams. At first I didn't like the way she came into the song but after listening so many times I wouldn't have it any other way. Her verse is so tough and awesome it makes it an immediate fan favorite. "The Fallen" is a song we heard a demo from a while before the new record came out. They cleaned it up and it sounds so much better than the purevolume demo. It is a very fast punk song with a slower bridge and a ton of fun gang vocals. Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory lent his voice to the closing track "Our Ethos: A Legacy To Pass On". I don't know what an ethos is but after listening to his verse and the gang vocals repeating it, I thought it was a great way to end the album, it could have maybe had a musical ending as opposed to the acapella chorus that closes it off but it is a great song nonetheless. I got into the original two songs "This Will Be The Death Of Us" and "Gaia Bleeds" (which both have amazing guest appearances on the bridges of each song) after I gave it my first listen but the above mentioned were the songs that stood out to me the most. I do skip over a couple songs, such as "With Hoffman Lenses" and "Arrival Notices" every now and then to get to the songs I like better but overall I think this album is a great step forward from "Mutiny!". Some fans were let down by this but I felt the exact opposite. The common theme throughout the record is to have a voice and express your opinion, don't just let the powers that be dictate your life. You have the choice to select who you want to lead you, don't let somebody or something take over your life. It's your life, so do what you want to with it and do it the best you can, have fun doing it, and don't be ashamed of it. The artwork is pretty creative and cool too. This Will Be The Death Of Us by Set Your Goals is my pick for album of the year in 2009.

As I said earlier, I've never even tried to write a review so I know this can be criticized greatly but I did my best and I just felt like this had to be considered for album of the year. Thank you.

[topher465]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21EzLj93X5L._SL500_AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B001YXXSPG/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=5174&s=music)

Paper Route - Absence

Music seems to be taking a turn; indeed its been a long and winding road (no pun intended) for music and the industry over the last few years. Many honest and talented bands have been lost in the wash of the brutal and terrifying wave signifying the rise of bands like Brokencyde and Millionaires. However, Paper Route have lived an anointed year, landing a key spot with Paramore as they tour the United States and U.K., on the success of Absence, a textured and powerful record that mimics the evenings and nights the band spent awake in a midst of writing. Catchy and smart, Absence is a record that speaks truth and showcases talent in a musical climate with furrows harvested by two guys whose only talent exists in their lessons learned in not trusting "hoes".

[zubinmoosa]

http://throughwindows.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/as-cities-burn-hell-or-high-waterjpg.jpeg

Artist: As Cities Burn
Album: Hell or High Water
The farewell record from As Cities Burn is likely the most diverse record you'll hear this year. It has been a great pleasure to watch the progression of the band from their metalcore debut to their TDAG-era Brand New-esque sophomore effort to the alternative-indie sound of Hell or High Water, each improving and evolving the former's sound. This record still holds the title of the most powerful piece of music I've listened to this year. It was my album of the year when I first heard it in April, and it still takes the cake as I'm formulating my end of the year list, coming out of nowhere to eclipse my usual staple favorite bands (Brand New, Thrice, Say Anything). The sheer emotional power of songs like "Lady Blue" and bonus track "Gates", the urgency of "84 Sheepdog", the sheer beauty of "Daughter", and the catchiness of "Errand Rum" and "Capo" are just some highlights of this classic. Although the sound and feel of each song is different, there is a surprising cohesion to the record, and one that must be experienced from start to finish. After I finish each listen and reach for the repeat button, the only negative emotion I feel is the fact that I may never get to hear As Cities Burn's follow-up to this masterpiece.

[Nick Le]

I'm still trying to pick between Relient K's Forget and Not Slow Down, Thrice's Beggars, and As Cities Burn's Hell or High Water... though I've leaned towards Beggars for most of the year and I probably didn't listen to anything more than Forget and Not Slow down, but I love the diversity and lyrics of Hell or High Water so much. At this point, I pretty much love those three equally. All three of these albums are pretty raw and organic and they have some of the most honest lyrics out of any release this year. Relient K is my favorite band and they pretty much got me into the bands covered on AP and it really bums me out that As Cities Burn broke up with the release of this album. I personally believe Thrice is one of the best bands out there today, amazing recorded and definitely live. Seeing them last week also pushed me towards Beggars being my number 1, but I'll take another day or two and a few listens to make my decision. Saving my spot for when I've made my final decision.

[Kapa73]

http://www.shedoesthecity.com/files/musicreviews/edward-sharpe-up-from-below-cover.jpg


Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Up from Below (http://www.myspace.com/edwardsharpe)


Sometimes you find yourself in a musical rut, listening to the same few artists or genre repeatedly to the point of boredom. A perfect remedy for this is to reach for something new, different, and fresh. If you're lucky, you'll end up cleansing your musical pallet to the point that all the previous records you were once tired of begin to sound new again. If you're REALLY lucky, you'll stumble upon something that makes you re-evaluate your musical pallet altogether. That is what Up from Below did for me.

I came upon this bouncy, raucously anthemic record earlier this fall while listening to NPR and haven't looked back. After listening to "Home" once I was hooked, and bought the CD immediately. I was pleasantly surprised to encounter an album that lifts you up from the beginning of the first track - 40 Day Dream - and doesn't put you down until the final note of Om Nashi Me. Delivered by a 9-piece group of rag-tag whimsical geniuses, this hour long, instrument rich, and melody driven release is surly the perfect remedy to the "same old, same old" music blues.


Recommended if you like: the Arcade Fire on anti-depressants, or the Flaming Lips if they moved to a farm.

[Chris92]

Alright, I'll do the deed...

http://onethirtybpm.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/090804-brand-new-cover.jpg

BRAND NEW - Daisy
It represents another remarkable progression for the band, continuing the one found on TDAGARIM. It is sonically leagues above any other band who is even semi-popular in rock music in its brutal impact and continued effect. Lyrically, while perhaps not as good as TDAGARIM, it is a maze of metaphors, forests, fires, hell, and inner examination. Brand New is still at the top of their game. Brand New is still the best American rock band of the 21st century.
FANBOY ALERT!

[mickmadethelist]

http://www.suburbanhorror.com/features/images/NotWithoutAFight.jpgA New Found Glory. This is their return to form, even if they never left. I had the privilege of seeing NFG 8 times this year and they always remind me why they are my favorite band. I keep going back and listening to it because it really is just that good. The band is single andedly bringing back the pop punk genre. And I mean single handedly because set your goals, four year strong and others wouldnt be around if not for NFG.

[briewer]

Do I or don't I put off my 10 page philosophy paper for another hour to write about Bitte Orca, which is no doubt going to garner a ton of shit? Decisions, decisions.

[Jake Denning]

Artist - A Day To Remember
Album - Homesick
Release Date- February 9th, 2009 (Victory)

http://www.hardcore-not-porn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/a_day_to_remember_-_homesick.jpg


After 2007's heavily popular album, "For Those Who Have Heart", there was ALOT of hype and anticipation about A Day To Remember's upcoming record, "Homesick". Hilarious "studio" videos on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECqSdywQJDk) ("Beyonce didn't take half-hour to get me my donut!"), tons of promotional ads, a leaked pre-production track led to a massive build-up of people waiting for the album to finally leak. After all was said and done, A Day To Remember found themselves with one of the biggest records of the year, which could be shown for with playing main support to The Devil Wears Prada in March-April, Consistently having one of the largest crowds every day on Warped (even though they were not a main stage band), and having a sold out headlining tour in late summer-September. Homesick improves on what Heart did to make it successful: Catchy pop-punk hooks, Mosh-Heavy breakdowns (even including a track in A#), Resonating gang vocals, and an attitude to wrap it all up. Homesick featured guest vocals from Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada, Vincent Bennett of The Acacia Strain, and Sierra Kusterbeck of VersaEmerge, which really brought the record to a new level. Homesick will continue to be a popular record coming into 2010, and i'm sure ADTR will bring something good to the table in 2011.

[hollowitout]

Ocean Is Theory
In My Blood Again

For just 4 songs, this is the best album (EP) I have heard. In that short amount of time, it feels very finished when you reach the end.
And really, an independent band going to the lengths of having Mike Sapone work on it and make it sound that great? And the artwork? Songwriting? Lyrics? Plus these kids are what.. 19 or 20?

I can't say much else - its a short listen if you need to see what I'm talking about.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m295/inthelongrun/TEMP-Image_1_3.png

[anthonydarko]

http://everydaymusic.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/fun-aim-and-ignite-1.jpg
fun. - Aim and Ignite.

Like many people, I was upset when I heard that The Format were hanging it up. I had just got into Dog Problems and I felt that I had missed the boat on them. Then one day I heard that Nate Ruess was starting a new project called fun., from which I got very excited and was eager to hear the product they were going to put out. That product ended up being Aim and Ignite, the one record I, for the life of me, could not stop listening to this year. This record is like the soundtrack to one of the best Broadway productions you never saw, from the opener Be Calm to the finale Take Your Time, the music here wouldn't be out of place among some of Broadway's best. I also found this record to be one of the only records that actually moved me this year, I danced to All The Pretty Girls, I remembered fond memories of summer romance with Light A Roman Candle With Me, I shed a tear while listening to The Gambler, which is by far one of the very best songs Nate has ever written. I can't think of any other record I enjoyed more then this, it reminded me that sometimes the best records aren't the ones with over the top guitar playing or heavily cryptic lyrics, they're the records that made you smile the whole time listening to it.

[bard]

mewithoutYou - it's all crazy, it's all false, it's all a dream, it's alright

It's usually a difficult thing to stomach when your favorite artist changes musical direction, and this is no exception. We were all used to mewithoutYou's alternative/rock sound with Aaron Weiss shouting/singing over spacey guitar riffs and loud drums, but when we first heard this album, we thought, "Is this Neutral Milk Hotel?" They have always said from the beginning of their music career that the sound they were creating wasn't exactly what they had in mind to do, but with this new album, they finally have. Even before their first album, the influences of artists such as Neutral Milk Hotel and Bob Dylan were obvious. Aaron himself even said that the new album is "for children."

As always, the lyrical content that fills mewithoutYou's latest album goes from praising God, to struggling with distractions/temptation, and now songs that could easily be used as nursery rhymes teaching morals.

I understand some of the lyrical content can throw some people off, but I believe that it's an album that shouldn't be missed, whether you hate it afterwards or love it.

[drewinseries]

Ocean Is Theory
In My Blood Again

For just 4 songs, this is the best album (EP) I have heard. In that short amount of time, it feels very finished when you reach the end.
And really, an independent band going to the lengths of having Mike Sapone work on it and make it sound that great? And the artwork? Songwriting? Lyrics? Plus these kids are what.. 19 or 20?

I can't say much else - its a short listen if you need to see what I'm talking about.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m295/inthelongrun/TEMP-Image_1_3.png

i thoroughly enjoy this ep. its short and sweet, but i think it builds a lot for these dudes. each release gets better and better, and this one seems like a landmark for them moving on to a new more mature style. cant for for some new tracks their working on. great dudes, super sweet, great band

[bstilldawg]

ARTIST: The Brobecks
ALBUM: Violent Things
REASON: This is the album Pretty.Odd should have been.

[DanielJames]

Artist: Parachute
Album: Losing Sleep

One of the more mainstream releases listed on this thread, but Parachute has crafted an alternative rock album that not only puts it's peers to shame, but shows that pop music can still be sensible and honest. Will Anderson has a voice that can match the best our scene has to offer, and while the band isn't exactly the most innovative in terms of their musicianship, they have found the formula to write a song that will stay in your head for weeks. Definitely one the more surprising albums of the year.

RIYL: The Fray, Jack's Mannequin, Maroon 5
Standout tracks: "She is Love", "Ghost", "Blame It on Me", "Words Meet Heartbeats"

Edit: Not my top pick of the year, but I think this is a record that should definitely be checked out, as it has a little something to offer to everybody. It might not make your list, but there will be some gems that I garuntee you'll enjoy.

[Life,I'msorry]

Grammatics - Grammatics

I was hooked from the very first spin of the CD, and i haven't been able to not listen to it. Perfection!

[Adam Pfleider]

you guys fucking rock! keep them coming! This is going to be hard...

[Jookl]

ARTIST : Bomb the Music Industry!
ALBUM : Scrambles
REASON : Such a good album by a band that is unique in all ways. I never heard an album with such an energy, from song to song, the album never stops impressing and surprising you. XQTJZ-Oix7k

You can buy all albums on their website for free (link for the album : http://www.quoteunquoterecords.com/qur022.htm ... Definetely check this band out if you like anything alternative/punk/ska.

[XenoAbe]

Emery - In Shallow Seas we Sail...

Definitely their best record yet. After such a disappointing album in I'm Only A Man (one I enjoyed, but thought was their worst effort) it was amazing that they came back so strongly. Toby and Devin improved their vocals exponentially and Dave's drumming was absolutely superb on this album. The transitions from melodic swings to deathly breakdowns was masterful. The lyrics are absolutely some of the best in the biz. This is one record I've just played and played since I got it.

[bard]

you guys fucking rock! keep them coming! This is going to be hard...
come on man, us texans need to stick together :)

[jectec21]

Brand New - Daisy

Brand New.... enough said

[S9Dallasoz]

Marianas Trench (http://www.myspace.com/marianastrench)
Masterpiece Theater

Say What you want about a scene saturated with nasally-voiced, neon, "pop/punk" copy cats. While ap.net was debating whether or not All Time Low's Nothing Personal is a pop/rock gem, or just another Fast Time At Barrington High Canadian band Marianas Trench was busy gaining popularity in Canada with their 2009 sophomore album Masterpiece Theater. An album that has performed decently so far up north and puts to shame albums from more successful Canadian bands in a similar vein like Hedley, Faber Drive, and Stereos (http://www.myspace.com/stereos). This band remains virtually unheard of stateside even though you would expect them to be stealing the show at your local Alternative Press Tour stop, or Warped Tour show by this point.

What makes this album so special is the amount of quality songs and the presence of something original. The unexpected opener, interlude, and closer, "Masterpiece Theater I, II, & III," respectively will catch anyone who checks out this album based on the radio-friendly singles, by surprise. Frontman Josh Ramsay is also incredibly underrated and his vocal melodies are the strength that the majority of these album cuts stand on, notably, "Perfect" and first single "Cross My Heart".
They slow the album down with a pair of solid tracks in "Beside You" and "Good To You", which features guest vocals from kate Voegle. The latter could be a crossover hit in Canada and in the U.S.

In a scene where Metro Station, Cobra Starship, and Forever The Sickest Kids have emerged as some of the biggest acts, Marianas Trench provide a breath of fresh air with Masterpiece Theater and allow people to forget about the neon-tinged sounds of their Canadian and American counterparts.
Yes, they sound similar to some of the bands you hate. Yes, they are on Chad Kroeger's 604 Records, but if you enjoy what we as an audience have deemed "pop/punk" give this one a listen...All the way through. You might just see how fitting the album's title really is.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v619/S9DallasOz/51blfL8EzOL_SL500_AA240_.jpg


O0rdjPW4IqE

[S9Dallasoz]

Grammatics - Grammatics

I was hooked from the very first spin of the CD, and i haven't been able to not listen to it. Perfection!

Love love love "Shadow Committee".

[SmallFrailBoy]

Propagandhi - Supporting Caste

This is the best true punk rock release to come out in 2009. Why should you listen to it? Because you probably haven't yet. It's the sleeper of the year and it didn't get ANY press on AP.net. The guitar parts are ridiculous. The vocals make you want to rant along in your car and speed up to 95 mph - albums like this have been few and far between.

This is a band that really practices what they preach - and in years passed, the preaching always turned me off. This album has hooks (although it doesn't always have refrains) and it's aggressive and melodic. You know how Set Your Goals was supposed to save punk rock and kinda fell short with their last album? This one won't let you down.

[xsinkshipsx]

http://http://tinypic.com/r/2zhf829/6

Artist: David Bazan
Album: Curse Your Branches
Reasoning:

It is hard to give a reason why i love david bazan so much. Maybe it is because of the respect I have for him being a dedicated pedro the lion fan and he had me wanting more after the polarizing Control. He demonstrated his cynical view towards love and Christianity and brought to light his alcoholism with such brutal honesty that you can't help but listen. All these themes are ever present on Curse Your Branches. From the start of the album when he simply states how hard it is to be a human being ("Hard to be") to the end where he calls God out and says maybe He "bit off more than you could chew" ("In Stitches"), he travels through the perils of living with the pressures of being brought up in a Christian home and then having to figure out what you believe on your own, which has been ever present in my life. The music is just a broad range of indie that you've come to expect from Bazan if you are familiar with any of his other work with Pedro The Lion. The lyrics make it relatable on a deep level and the music makes it catchy. It sets moods and builds up atmospheres, it takes you to a different place when you listen to it. And that is really what I look for from my album of the year. and he has the best goddamn beard in the world

[ohitsmark]

I have an album I want to nominate, but, not sure if it'll meet your guidelines, but a band out of Orlando put out a great album:

Artist: Social Ghost
Album: War Without A Gun
Release Date: May 23rd, 2009 (None)

http://g.purevolumecdn.com/cdnImages/crop_200x200/Album-92570-4343287-myspaceheader.jpg

A lot of great albums came out this year and it was hard to choose just anyone as my best of 2009. After listening to each one for about a week after their initial release, I noticed that Social Ghost's "War Without A Gun" had a distinct feature about it that. It was simply that through out the whole album, there was never a dull moment. That is right. No track I wanted to skip, no part I hated, no chorus that was annoying. The album is simply from start to finish good. Each song has catchy hooks, riffs and vocals. The bass playing of Eric is top notch and is kept in tact with both guitar and drums. For a three piece, they do extremely well and at times, wonder how there isn't a 4th member somewhere. I don't normally like "local music", but this album and this band, definitely takes the car of Album of The Year in my book.

As for a major realase:

Artist: Rammstein
Album: Liebe ist für alle da
Release Date: October 20th, 2009 (Universal, Vagrant)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/98/Cover_lifad.jpg/200px-Cover_lifad.jpg

Oh me, oh my. I'm stepping out on a limb. Comments ahoy! After anticipating this album for months, we finally got a taste when the title tracked leaked. Amazing! Then we get the first single....."Pussy". Hmmm. We've heard the song. We've seen the video. Its not their best work by far. Yes, it has a catch chorus, its kind of funny. But other than that, the video is insane and just weird. But regardless, their latest album is your Rammstein we've all known. Starting off with "Rammlied", which is just about one of their best songs, it shows the band hasn't lost anything in the years between this and "Rosenrot". The album is pretty hard, rough, tough, what have you. With songs like "Liebe ist für alle da", "Mehr" and "Waidmanns Heil", the album is sure to get you strumming guitar riffs. The slower songs give the album a usual even flow, such as: "Frühling In Paris" and "Roter Sand". If you don't believe me this is album of the year, look at the following charts where it debuted at number 1: German, Austrian, Swiss, Danish, Finnish, Dutch, Czech, Slovenian, European. It also debuted within the top 5 in 9 other countries album charts while in America, coming in at number 13.


:]

[kbi the crowing]

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp284/Stomp442_photos/EveryTimeIDie-New.jpg

Every Time I Die - New Junk Aesthetic

I don't even know if this album needs an explanation as to why it deserves to be on an AOTY list.Every Time I Die is all about kicking ass and this album does so and then some. The album truly brutalizes (not br00talizes) your ears and makes you love it. The album flows better than most hardcore albums I've heard and adds a nice contrast with some lighter songs, but never loses it's energy. Also, Keith Buckley has probably the best vocals out there right now and his lyrics seem more focused this time around, revolving around a main idea each song as well as throwing in those catchy lines we all love him for.

Bottom line, it rocks.

[MartyrsCasualty]

Reading this thread has made me want to remove this site off my bookmarks... homesick? really? Where's animal collective's MPP? Where's Passion Pit? No Mew? No Manchester Orchestra? No the dear hunter? NO RX BANDITS MANDALA? NEED I GO ON?

[SophGod]

Reading this thread has made me want to remove this site off my bookmarks... homesick? really? Where's animal collective's MPP? Where's Passion Pit? No Mew? No Manchester Orchestra? No the dear hunter? NO RX BANDITS MANDALA? NEED I GO ON?

Mandala is my number 2 of the year. MO is somewhere in the top 10.

[only the clouds]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a26/Snake_and_Gabriel/evr156.jpg

Therefore I Am - The Sound of Human Lives

I've picked up a lot of great albums this year, but I always return to Therefore I Am's first LP. I think I've figured out what keeps me coming back — these guys really mean it. Every second of this album is full of so much passion, whether it comes from Alex Correia's aggressive vocals or from the guitars of Brian Marquis and Travis Alexander (who switch seamlessly between melody and crushing loudness — these guys are very familiar with the hardcore part of post-hardcore). And it all rings true, even when it comes across as anger or desperation or any other feeling you might not be prepared to embrace. I went to a TIA show last weekend and Alex spent more with the crowd than with his band. He jumped off the stage and sang right there with the rest of us, while the other four members of the band kept playing. That's the point; there's no separation between them and us. We all feel the same things — the things that are expressed on this record. Therefore I Am really get it, and The Sound of Human Lives is an appropriate title for their excellent album.

[Matt Chylak]

Reading this thread has made me want to remove this site off my bookmarks... homesick? really? Where's animal collective's MPP? Where's Passion Pit? No Mew? No Manchester Orchestra? No the dear hunter? NO RX BANDITS MANDALA? NEED I GO ON?

so you add them

[anthonydarko]

Reading this thread has made me want to remove this site off my bookmarks... homesick? really? Where's animal collective's MPP? Where's Passion Pit? No Mew? No Manchester Orchestra? No the dear hunter? NO RX BANDITS MANDALA? NEED I GO ON?
WAH I DON'T LIKE WHAT ONE PERSON ENJOYED THE MOST THIS YEAR!!! WAH HE'S NOT LISTENING TO WHAT I LIKE!!!! WAH I'M BITCHING ABOUT THIS TREAD THAT'S HASN'T EVEN GOTTEN STARTED YET WHILE NOT CONTRIBUTING ANYTHING TO THE THREAD AT HAND!!! WAAAAHHHHH!!!

x

[Genuma]

Permanent Bastards - Emericans

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3485548602_0a1b0e42cf_o.jpg


I discovered this gem of an album from a few people I know on another forum and was intrigued by their comparisons to early Against Me! From the opening beating drums of Caught in the Crossfire to the ending to the more subtle, building closer Nobody Can Ever Make Me Turn Back I knew I had come across something special. The vocals instantly remind me of Tom Gabel (Against Me!) and Joe McMahon (Smoke or Fire) while the relentless attack of signature punk double guitar and deep bass lines leave you hooked until the end. Lyrically they are quietly intense, sometimes political, but still manage to get a point across every song. They don't compromise their ideals and aren't concerned with riding the latest trend like many of their modern counterparts. After playing this album constantly for a week I made thread from them and got a little bit of attention. Recently the thread was bumped by their front man Simon who has been in contact with me since and has even sent me a complimentary copy of the album which is not yet available on anything other than digital. Overall these genuine guys just trying to make music and have fun somehow have managed to keep me entertained all year long and top off my album of the year list.

[MADSTA]

Reading this thread has made me want to remove this site off my bookmarks... homesick? really? Where's animal collective's MPP? Where's Passion Pit? No Mew? No Manchester Orchestra? No the dear hunter? NO RX BANDITS MANDALA? NEED I GO ON?
Act III is my AOTY, but I'm crap at writing reviews so I'm not entering.

[Yakacack]

No plan to enter anything like this either as I couldnt come up with a top 5 before next week, but for me the top album this year is dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion

[MartyrsCasualty]

WAH I DON'T LIKE WHAT ONE PERSON ENJOYED THE MOST THIS YEAR!!! WAH HE'S NOT LISTENING TO WHAT I LIKE!!!! WAH I'M BITCHING ABOUT THIS TREAD THAT'S HASN'T EVEN GOTTEN STARTED YET WHILE NOT CONTRIBUTING ANYTHING TO THE THREAD AT HAND!!! WAAAAHHHHH!!!

x
I rarely "bitch," let alone post on this website. I usually just read, and keep my opinions to myself. I guess I saw this thread as an AOTY thread, one in which people would look past genres and suggest albums that truly had an impact on the music scene. According to you, and you must be right because you post in forums, this is a thread talking about which albums people enjoyed most.
You see, I enjoyed Dance Gavin Dance's Happiness a lot, to the point where it could have been one of my favorite of the year. However, I know that it doesn't exactly deserve the title of "Album of the Year" due to it's hatred among many fans, and it's lack of impact on both the music scene and my music taste. When taking into account albums like MPP, which changed the music taste of me and various other friends and fans all over the word, and stretched the limits of creativity in pop music IMO, the title "Album of the Year" is more suitable. And no, don't say that this has anything to do with pitchfork, I fucking hate that site.

[anthonydarko]

I rarely "bitch," let alone post on this website. I usually just read, and keep my opinions to myself. I guess I saw this thread as an AOTY thread, one in which people would look past genres and suggest albums that truly had an impact on the music scene. According to you, and you must be right because you post in forums, this is a thread talking about which albums people enjoyed most.
You see, I enjoyed Dance Gavin Dance's Happiness a lot, to the point where it could have been one of my favorite of the year. However, I know that it doesn't exactly deserve the title of "Album of the Year" due to it's hatred among many fans, and it's lack of impact on both the music scene and my music taste. When taking into account albums like MPP, which changed the music taste of me and various other friends and fans all over the word, and stretched the limits of creativity in pop music IMO, the title "Album of the Year" is more suitable. And no, don't say that this has anything to do with pitchfork, I fucking hate that site.
Well this thread IS for what people think is THEIR AOTY, not what they think changed music as we know it. The albums here are what people enjoyed the most, the albums they could just not get enough of. If you strongly feel that MPP is your AOTY, then write about how you enjoyed it and why, while letting other people choose whatever they feel is their AOTY and move on.

[sleepyseanzzz]

Well this thread IS for what people think is THEIR AOTY, not what they think changed music as we know it. The albums here are what people enjoyed the most, the albums they could just not get enough of. If you strongly feel that MPP is your AOTY, then write about how you enjoyed it and why, while letting other people choose whatever they feel is their AOTY and move on.

took the words right out of my mouth

[trappedintime]

Band: Emery
Album:...In Shallow Seas We Sail
Release Date: June 2, 2009

http://xgangstax.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/5-emery-in-shallow-seas-we-sail.jpg

Emery has seen their share of success but unfortunately, their own share of rejection. After the 2007 release of I'm Only A Man, many fans were turned off to their new "progression". Some fans remained loyal and approved their new sound but never really called it Emery's best work. After two years of constant touring and working their asses off trying to hold their title, Emery went back into the studio. They went into the studio, not with the sense in mind that they only had to stick with what their fans accepted, but with the idea of going back to their roots and reviving that genuine Emery sound. The finished product was released and many critics considered it Emery's best work, while others considered it a return to the "scene". As for me, Emery never left. Emery was always that band that worked their asses off, put on their best show every night, and did so from the bottom of their hearts. I stayed up half the night until I could buy the single off of Amazon and I was blown away as the beginning notes and Josh's screams rang in my ears. The chorus was absolutely phenomenal and I needed to hear the full album before I went crazy. Once I got my copy of ISSWS, I could not put it down. It's vivid instrumentation backed with it's beautiful, strong melodies was something addicting. Emery had not only delivered but they had proved the world that they're here to stay. Do yourself a favor, if you have not heard this album, run out as soon as possible and pick it up. I know we can all agree that there's never a dull moment with this release and Emery needs to not only be accepted as one of the better acts of today, but an act that will never cease to amaze.

[princesschad]

http://cdn.pitchfork.com/media/veckatimest200.jpg


For 3/4s of this year, MPP was my album of the year. No question. Sure, I was struck by Grizzly Bear and their evolution from a low-fi one man band to mesmerizing full band folk-indie-pop-harmony-fuck-yeah awesome. Veckatimest was a lock at number two. I did some more listening. And by gum I realized something. Without hyperbole, this album just may be the most beauteous thing I have ever heard. The harmonies! The melodies! The ambience! The atmosphere! The vocals! The guitar! The band hones everything they introduced on Yellow House into a blend of pure rad. Every fucking song on this album is a thing of wonder. It flows together so well that it's almost like a dream to listen to. More accessible than even the most accessible of MPP's tracks, this album has slingshot Grizzly Bear into the public eye. Accessible, yet challenging. I can dig.

[fly_guy]

RT:

http://cdn.pitchfork.com/media/veckatimest200.jpg


For 3/4s of this year, MPP was my album of the year. No question. Sure, I was struck by Grizzly Bear and their evolution from a low-fi one man band to mesmerizing full band folk-indie-pop-harmony-fuck-yeah awesome. Veckatimest was a lock at number two. I did some more listening. And by gum I realized something. Without hyperbole, this album just may be the most beauteous thing I have ever heard. The harmonies! The melodies! The ambience! The atmosphere! The vocals! The guitar! The band hones everything they introduced on Yellow House into a blend of pure rad. Every fucking song on this album is a thing of wonder. It flows together so well that it's almost like a dream to listen to. More accessible than even the most accessible of MPP's tracks, this album has slingshot Grizzly Bear into the public eye. Accessible, yet challenging. I can dig.

[Zachariaahh]

ARTIST: Oceana
ALBUM: Birtheater
REASONING: read an old review on mine

Oceana are a complicated yet intricate act to say the least, they use a wide array of techniques in their songs. One minute they can be brutalizing with a constant wave of sound and distortion, or shooting you through carousel of the most poppy chorus known to grace a band of their genre. If I was to best equate them with somebody else, I would say take A Day To Remember, give them whatever they seem to not be able to get right, and you've got Oceana.

In every dimension of they're songs they're miles ahead, where they're getting angry with you, like the opening track Breather II. they're bleeding your ears out with piercing screams that bridge into metalcore. They may wanna switch things up a bit, give you a little breathing room and go poppy, well they bring it in well, it's quick guitar jabs and pulsating drum beats, mixed with graceful clean vocals battling with screams of agony, that's all in the chorus of the song, The Family Disease. Lest us not forget what makes this tennis match, between the first 3 songs and us being the ball, provided by the band isn't complete without The Constrictor which is just one complete tirade of a song; employing everything we've come to love about the 'new' Underoath with more emphasis on the electronics.

Ah, but enough about the perfect 1-2-3 punch that I near bantered on about earlier, this album contains several more masterpieces this world might not be ready for. Oceana sure are the master manipulators, as they build the tension about as good as a Michael Jackson video. The perfect example of this found in, The Abortion Plan which uses the most depressing vocals I've heard on a record for quite sometime. There's such a brooding tone flowing through the chorus that it's quite infectious, he's just rambling for its 30 second entirety, but works perfectly with the cryptic riff offered by Alex Schultz, stalking the entire presence on the song. This, my friends, is what I like to call the BEST song on the album.

What else can they do!? Well, am I glad you asked that, because we're now embarking on what Oceana does best, some may call them breakdowns, but they're not. I like to call them journey's. They do this several times, but I'll call to your attention their best one, Boa which absolutely stops the track in its steps. I mean, this song is moving from the get go, it's a complete sonic boom of aggression, and then 1 minute in we're taken on a journey, of just great musicianship provided by Denny Agosto on drums, and the beautiful interweaving of Brennan Taulbee and Keith Jones screaming their poor little hearts out. Albeit this song wouldn't be anything if it didn't include what they're master of, the tension is built up several times here, before explosions of what only be described as sound/noise.

Alas, what does this band do wrong then to not garner that fantastic 5 or even 4.5 rating? Well, they're not truly that original. Halfway through the album I hit my head for not noticing that through most of Mr. Jones' blood splattering screams, he resembled somebody else, oh too familiarly, Wayne Static. Also they rely on their formula too much to work for them before they start crossing over into predictability and we expect what's coming, we enjoy it, but still. Kind of like watching Titanic, which transitions perfectly into saying that it's unfortunate to see the band capitalize on their few mistakes and truly come back to astound us.

[Vismund_Cygnus]

http://www.parasitesandsycophants.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/funalbum-300x300.jpg

fun. - Aim And Ignite

This album is full of beautifully crafted melodies with clever and entertaining lyrics. Simply of the best pop albums of 2009.

[pinkzeppelin182]

Prurient
Rose Pillar

"This album is not an attack, it's a cry for help." It is true art. Rose Pillar is a new approach for glimpsing into Dominick Fernow's mind. It is more than music, it is a thunderstorm in your bedroom at 4 am. I would recommend everyone listen to this, not just Adam.

[Adam Pfleider]

just got home from work and catching up on reading these. Just for clarification: This isn't the "best" album of the year overall, that's music, and my choice is different than your choice. The point of this thread was to get people excited about music, something I've seen going south on this site in the past few years (not just as my recent stint on staff)...It's been quite a year to end this decade...let's convince each other that music is still alive and well...this thread isn't merely just about winning a stupid contest to see your 15 minutes on AP...it's about discovery...that's why I'm proud to be a part of this site...I'm getting older-- don't let me or anyone else become stagnant and stubborn...damn the man, save the Empire!!!

love and respect. keep it up!!!!

[stereokiller]

http://everydaymusic.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/fun-aim-and-ignite-1.jpg
fun. - Aim and Ignite.

Like many people, I was upset when I heard that The Format were hanging it up. I had just got into Dog Problems and I felt that I had missed the boat on them. Then one day I heard that Nate Ruess was starting a new project called fun., from which I got very excited and was eager to hear the product they were going to put out. That product ended up being Aim and Ignite, the one record I, for the life of me, could not stop listening to this year. This record is like the soundtrack to one of the best Broadway productions you never saw, from the opener Stay Calm to the finale Take Your Time, the music here wouldn't be out of place among some of Broadway's best. I also found this record to be one of the only records that actually moved me this year, I danced to All The Pretty Girls, I remembered fond memories of summer romance with Light A Roman Candle With Me, I shed a tear while listening to The Gambler, which is by far one of the very best songs Nate has ever written. I can't think of any other record I enjoyed more then this, it reminded me that sometimes the best records aren't the ones with over the top guitar playing or heavily cryptic lyrics, they're the records that made you smile the whole time listening to it.

can i plagiarize and use this as my entry? if yes, then this.

if no, then i vote this.

lol.

[drewcifer]

Polar bear club - chasing hamburg.

If you based your pick of the year on production quality, originality, and merit how could you choose a pop punk album by anybody else? These guys are talented enough to pull off basically whatever they try. This album is loaded full of amplified guitar worship and insane tone from start to finish. The lyrics are biting as always and they speak to the fans on a level any dissillusioned punk kid can relate to. The vocals are so diverse and truly carry the emotions in this album, the singers iconic yell makes you want to jump on stage and share the mic for every chorus. Each track is as catchy as the last and none fall short of the anticipation I had for this album after "sometimes things just disappear". If you haven't picked up this album yet, give it a spin. You will not regret it.

Also recommended: trapped under ice-secrets of the world.

[tpnations]

Looks like I've got alot of albums to pick up...

[spiderbesider]

HORSE The Band
Desperate Living


Their most progressive release to date. Seems as though they put together all of the loose and wacky elements from their previous albums molding them into a perfect combination of sass, aggressiveness and most important of all NINTENDOCORE

[TachyonEvan]

i love it so much, it was the first album i have EVER bought on vinyl


This is false. Your first album on vinyl was an Avenged Sevenfold album.

[bard]

poperating system?

[TachyonEvan]

Album of the Year - P.O.S. - Never Better
http://monkeyboxing.com/files/POS-Never_Better_b.jpg

I've never heard an album like this. Upon its release, I decided he was my new favorite rapper about 45 seconds into the single. I've argued for this album's role as "album of the decade" before, but I've since abandoned that. However, it may very well be, as far as I'm concerned, the greatest hip-hop album of all time. The lyrics are raw, fresh, intelligent and relatable. He has heart. The beats are incredibly musical and different than anything anyone else is doing in the genre. The album defies traditional categorization, recalling Mike Skinner's debut being considered "punk." It's just hands-down an album that you can feel in your bones. It talks about modern times. It talks about all of us and who we are, and how we're united. It promotes being yourself. It's a perfect album, genius to the last drop.

[Burn That Shit]

^^ lol

[FueledByFrodo]

http://everydaymusic.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/fun-aim-and-ignite-1.jpg
fun. - Aim and Ignite.

Like many people, I was upset when I heard that The Format were hanging it up. I had just got into Dog Problems and I felt that I had missed the boat on them. Then one day I heard that Nate Ruess was starting a new project called fun., from which I got very excited and was eager to hear the product they were going to put out. That product ended up being Aim and Ignite, the one record I, for the life of me, could not stop listening to this year. This record is like the soundtrack to one of the best Broadway productions you never saw, from the opener Be Calm to the finale Take Your Time, the music here wouldn't be out of place among some of Broadway's best. I also found this record to be one of the only records that actually moved me this year, I danced to All The Pretty Girls, I remembered fond memories of summer romance with Light A Roman Candle With Me, I shed a tear while listening to The Gambler, which is by far one of the very best songs Nate has ever written. I can't think of any other record I enjoyed more then this, it reminded me that sometimes the best records aren't the ones with over the top guitar playing or heavily cryptic lyrics, they're the records that made you smile the whole time listening to it.
I don't think I'm gong to do a write-up on this record anymore. Also, see bold. You had "Stay Calm." It's "Be Calm."

[ThisIsNotDan]

Set Your Goals - This Will Be The Death Of Us

http://positivexposure.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/SetYourGoals-ThisWillBeTheDeathOfUs.jpg

This is not an album that is going to change the face of music as we know it. What it is, though, is one of the most fun, anthemic albums I've listened to in a long time. Is it quite as good as Mutiny? no. Is it a hardcore album? no. Have they EVER been hardcore? nope. I do miss the youthful energy of their older material, but they have tightened up on their musicianship and songwriting to create a more cohesive effort and an excellent dose of "modern" pop-punk. This is my go-to album for when I go for a walk/jog around campus, or in my neighborhood, and when I'm down it puts a huge smile on my face. Great hooks, still fast-paced, and very energetic, and sometimes that's all I really need in an album. While the jaded kids bitch about this album, how they "sold out" (who hasn't nowadays?) and about how there will be another Reset, most of whom thought this band was hardcore in the first place, I will continue to listen to this album and enjoy life.

Cave In - Planets of Old EP

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tmBHETut_7o/SmWBAGb7voI/AAAAAAAAAe4/fJ4RvuPMCsQ/s320/00+artworks_small.jpg

yes I added an EP, because if this was a full album I am almost positive it would be my #1. It is no secret on these boards that Cave In is my favorite band ever. I was overjoyed to hear that 3 years after being on hiatus they got back together. Initially though I was worried. The cassingle EP they released on tour in 05 was meh at best, and the first song released from this EP, "Retina Sees Rewind," initially turned me off to hearing the rest. I listened to the whole thing and although my first thoughts were "I waited 4-5 years for this crap?" lo and behold the album grew on me. It was magical. Each track carries a different vibe, and reflects each members' side projects (i.e. Zozobra, Clouds, Brodsky's solo material), yet is still undeniably Cave In. They sound better than ever, from the lurching stomp of "Cayman Tounge" to the face-melting "The Red Trail," they have not lost a beat at all. I cannot wait to see where they go with their next release.

[wendjiqn]

I'm gonna do this when I can get to a computer

[wendjiqn]

Album of the Year - P.O.S. - Never Better
http://monkeyboxing.com/files/POS-Never_Better_b.jpg

I've never heard an album like this. Upon its release, I decided he was my new favorite rapper about 45 seconds into the single. I've argued for this album's role as "album of the decade" before, but I've since abandoned that. However, it may very well be, as far as I'm concerned, the greatest hip-hop album of all time. The lyrics are raw, fresh, intelligent and relatable. He has heart. The beats are incredibly musical and different than anything anyone else is doing in the genre. The album defies traditional categorization, recalling Mike Skinner's debut being considered "punk." It's just hands-down an album that you can feel in your bones. It talks about modern times. It talks about all of us and who we are, and how we're united. It promotes being yourself. It's a perfect album, genius to the last drop.

Bahahaha

[TotalCollapse]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_60m6cx9kryA/SXC3ELO4UCI/AAAAAAAAAME/VwI4zkcn6iA/s320/folder.jpg

Thursday - Common Existence

I was a big fan of Thursday before this album came out, but I wasn't quite sure what to expect out of this album. As we all know, A City By the Light Divided was significantly different from Full Collapse and War All the Time. I preferred FC and WATT over ACBTLD, but I still enjoyed ACBTLD. Common Existence combines those three albums. There are songs, such as "Resuscitation of a Dead Man" that sound more like a FC or WATT song; however, there are others that sound more like songs off of ACBTLD, and then there are many songs in between. There is not a dull song on this album and it is easy to identify each song when played since no two songs sound completely alike. This album has the fast, high energy songs, slow songs like "Love Has Led Us Astray", and songs like "Circuits of Fever" that are not exactly a fast nor slow song. The songs on this album have a haunting sense to them that captures the listener so easily. Like the majority of Thursday's songs, the lyrics are excellent and regard serious subjects. This album has helped to remind me why I love this band so much in the first place. Since it was released in February, I've listened to this album at least once a week and not once have I doubted it being my AOTY. On a side note, the five songs additional songs released in the deluxe edition are also fantastic.
Favorite tracks: "Love Has Led Us Astray", "You Were the Cancer", "Beyond the Visible Spectrum", and "Fake Nostalgia" (from the deluxe edition).

[Genuma]

Bahahaha

^^ lol
hahaha agreed

[threepunchjim]

Album of the Year - P.O.S. - Never Better
http://monkeyboxing.com/files/POS-Never_Better_b.jpg

I've never heard an album like this. Upon its release, I decided he was my new favorite rapper about 45 seconds into the single. I've argued for this album's role as "album of the decade" before, but I've since abandoned that. However, it may very well be, as far as I'm concerned, the greatest hip-hop album of all time. The lyrics are raw, fresh, intelligent and relatable. He has heart. The beats are incredibly musical and different than anything anyone else is doing in the genre. The album defies traditional categorization, recalling Mike Skinner's debut being considered "punk." It's just hands-down an album that you can feel in your bones. It talks about modern times. It talks about all of us and who we are, and how we're united. It promotes being yourself. It's a perfect album, genius to the last drop.

fucking a!

"It seems we've fallen out of favor, the era ended on us
Now the money's just paper, the houses all haunted
We had a hell of a run before it caught up
For all the corners cut we got an avalanche of sawdust
Life of the party, we're death of the novel
The glass is half-empty so pass the next bottle
It's flight of the salesman, death of the bumblebee
Nothing left for the attorneys and the tumbleweeds
They say that God's on the right, so goes the rhetoric
But I think that cross is like a kite that left a skeleton
and I think that Russell was right, but that's irrelevant friend
For all I know there'll be nothing left to defend tomorrow
Sugar in the gas tank, nothing in the cashbox
Thought that we were so sick, looking like it's smallpox
The bullets are still on the shelves
But when the armory empties, we're melting down the bells"

[threepunchjim]

House Of Heroes- The End Is Not The End

that right there is a perfect record. also, it's hands down the best sing-along-while-driving album. Well, that and Razia's Shadow.

[Matthew Tsai]

If this contest was based on hilarity...you'd take the cake thus far.

Do you honestly think what he said was funny?

[anthonydarko]

I don't think I'm gong to do a write-up on this record anymore. Also, see bold. You had "Stay Calm." It's "Be Calm."
Whoops, good catch there, I went and fixed it. I'm not sure why I put it down as Stay Calm, I guess I just wasn't paying attention when I wrote it.

[MattDennis]

http://www.scenepointblank.com/reviews/covers/02714.jpg

BARONESS - BLUE RECORD

The second full length album by Baroness isn't even my top album on the year, that distinction goes to Thrice, but this contest is apparently about discovery. With that in mind I figured I'd plug these guys as they are not nearly as popular on this site and could very well be my #1 by the time 2009 comes to a close. These guys have created their most ambitious yet still accessible album to date. After two lengthy EPs and one full length they have come into their own and out of the shadows of similar minded bands like Mastodon. With each release slowly but surely refining and streamlining their unique mix of southern-tinged sludge, progressive metal, and classic rock. The mood rises and falls effortlessly and interestingly between huge moments of epic aggression and lush psychedelic interludes. The musicianship is airtight and the album art beautiful. It's a record that reveals something new to you everytime you listen to it, a musical journey that I need to experience over and over again.

Standout Tracks: Swollen and Halo, A Horse Called Golgotha, The Gnashing

[JustAGirl01]

Do I or don't I put off my 10 page philosophy paper for another hour to write about Bitte Orca, which is no doubt going to garner a ton of shit? Decisions, decisions.
YES

[Sarcasm]

State Radio - Let It Go

http://www.musicsnitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/State-Radio-Let-It-Go.png


Being a longtime Dispatch and State Radio fan, I really loved the third full-length release from Chad Urmston and company. Pre-ordering a signed copy of the album, I was not disappointed. Bringing the politically infused reggae-rock that dominated their past two albums, Let It Go brings strong music with equally strong ideas. The band is constantly working on bettering others, as shown with their organization "Calling All Crows," for which one song is named. Combined with their strong opinions on current world leaders ("It's a peculiar situation/When the leaders of the wealthy nations/Don't know all the damage they done.") State Radio's music is inspiring, covering a wide range of topics; from their hometown of Boston (Knights of Bostonia) to staying silent on global issues (Still & Silent). The lyrics are deep and the musicianship is really great. The music on this album (and their previous ones) really stick with me.

I'm really excited about their future work, which correlates to the main idea of the thread. I highly recommend everyone to check out their discography.

[09spacejelly13]

Daisy - Brand New

Because I know you want to.

[mycuban]

http://i44.tinypic.com/azgwwh.jpg (http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=azgwwh&s=5)

The Dear Hunter- Act III: Life & Death

When you hear it you'll know why.

[_bluestOCT]

For the record, anyone who doesn't fall in love with the following song, I don't want to know.

brsVTRwsRnY
You've got me hooked on this song, Jesus. It's about time for a new favorite, thank you! :nod:

[ilovesofie]

http://bandweblogs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/plushgunpinsandpanzers.jpg

This is my sneaker of the year. It's almost as genius as the postal service, thought the lyrics aren't that good. Besides that, it's full of beautiful melodies, great singing and with every listen I discoverd something else. It's freaking addictive too, I higly reccmend to check this album out!

[nkalldayyy]

Oh, Sleeper - Son of the Morning


Christian metal at its very best. pure emotion. AOTY without a doubt, in my opinion.

[yayitsjoe]

Passion Pit
Manners

Reasoning: They make fun dance music NOT annoying. I love the voice, and I feel that it is a fresh breath in the music industry.

[yayitsjoe]

Album of the Year - P.O.S. - Never Better
http://monkeyboxing.com/files/POS-Never_Better_b.jpg

I've never heard an album like this. Upon its release, I decided he was my new favorite rapper about 45 seconds into the single. I've argued for this album's role as "album of the decade" before, but I've since abandoned that. However, it may very well be, as far as I'm concerned, the greatest hip-hop album of all time. The lyrics are raw, fresh, intelligent and relatable. He has heart. The beats are incredibly musical and different than anything anyone else is doing in the genre. The album defies traditional categorization, recalling Mike Skinner's debut being considered "punk." It's just hands-down an album that you can feel in your bones. It talks about modern times. It talks about all of us and who we are, and how we're united. It promotes being yourself. It's a perfect album, genius to the last drop.


this too. this album is amazing.

[drudo182]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61aJENR11kL._SS500_.jpg

> Kid Cudi
> "Man On The Moon: The End Of Day"

Not much I can really say about this album other than you literally just have someone listen to it. Cudi isn't afraid to write about state of mind, no matter how flawed and distorted it may come across. With the help of some narration by Common, the album flows perfectly throughout each act and genuinely gets better and better with each listen.

I would have never picked this is as my album of the year when I first bought it, but the more time I spent with it, the more I realized how creative and different it really is which sets it apart from the majority of the music being released today.

[muttley]

Do you honestly think what he said was funny?

I'm 90% sure it was sarcasm.

[wendjiqn]

Little late here. But whatever.

Holding Onto Hope - Of The Sea

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn212/thebarixagency/ddddddddddd.jpg

I'll be completely honest. Back in January of 2009 I was browsing some blog, just a random one, looking for new bands to listen to. I came across this. The band name, Holding Onto Hope, sounded interesting to me for some reason. I said "fuck it, I might as well give it a chance." So I did. Nearly 11 months later, Of The Sea is still far and away my favorite release this year. HOH mix hardcore/metalcore elements with atmospheric instrumentals and spoken word clean vocals, and are one of the most original and creative bands in the genre. To say they're my favorite new band is a huge understatement. They're signed to Come & Live records, a Christian label, and are certainly open about their faith. This album provides exactly what it sounds like it would.. hope. After listening to this for the first time, I had an urge to listen again. And again. And I did, for the past 11 months. In just short of a year, Holding Onto Hope have skyrocketed towards the top of my Last.fm charts and I play this album constantly. Not to mention the dudes in this band are some of the nicest around. I've been promoting this band non stop on this site, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Maybe you've noticed it, maybe you haven't. When this year started I had no clue who Holding Onto Hope were. I had never heard of them before. But now, at the end of the year, Of The Sea is my Album Of The Year and HOH are certainly my favorite band of the year. Give it a shot. You will not be disappointed, this is the best album you haven't heard yet.

Favorite tracks: "Speak Your Words," "Between Failure And Fraud," "We Are The Beacons."

RIYL: La Dispute, Oceana's The Tide, hope, metalcore that isn't shitty.

http://www.myspace.com/hohband

[xashkox]

Album of the Year - P.O.S. - Never Better
http://monkeyboxing.com/files/POS-Never_Better_b.jpg

I've never heard an album like this. Upon its release, I decided he was my new favorite rapper about 45 seconds into the single. I've argued for this album's role as "album of the decade" before, but I've since abandoned that. However, it may very well be, as far as I'm concerned, the greatest hip-hop album of all time. The lyrics are raw, fresh, intelligent and relatable. He has heart. The beats are incredibly musical and different than anything anyone else is doing in the genre. The album defies traditional categorization, recalling Mike Skinner's debut being considered "punk." It's just hands-down an album that you can feel in your bones. It talks about modern times. It talks about all of us and who we are, and how we're united. It promotes being yourself. It's a perfect album, genius to the last drop.

I'm glad someone finally mentioned this album. This is DEFINITELY my AOTY, and if I get some time, I'll write a review of my own. In the meantime, I second most of this.

[HometownHero]

Reading this thread has made me want to remove this site off my bookmarks... homesick? really? Where's animal collective's MPP? Where's Passion Pit? No Mew? No Manchester Orchestra? No the dear hunter? NO RX BANDITS MANDALA? NEED I GO ON?

Passion Pit belongs in the garbage can

[jbertclassic]

I'm glad someone finally mentioned this album. This is DEFINITELY my AOTY, and if I get some time, I'll write a review of my own. In the meantime, I second most of this.

My favorite rap album of the year.

Passion Pit belongs in the garbage can

Manners is in my top 5 albums of the year. This trend in electronic/experimental/ambient/glo-fi or whatever you want to call it is producing a ton of new artists noodlin on synths and laptops. I find most of these guys as not worth the time, but Passion Pit does it way better.

[MartyrsCasualty]

Passion Pit belongs in the garbage can
To think of it, i don't know why I included them. I can only stand the first 4 songs on Manners. But still, don't hate on it, they have talent, and they're turning pop music into something that doesn't suck nearly as much (not them alone, and i doubt it will last, however).

[MartyrsCasualty]

Little late here. But whatever.

Holding Onto Hope - Of The Sea

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn212/thebarixagency/ddddddddddd.jpg

I'll be completely honest. Back in January of 2009 I was browsing some blog, just a random one, looking for new bands to listen to. I came across this. The band name, Holding Onto Hope, sounded interesting to me for some reason. I said "fuck it, I might as well give it a chance." So I did. Nearly 11 months later, Of The Sea is still far and away my favorite release this year. HOH mix hardcore/metalcore elements with atmospheric instrumentals and spoken word clean vocals, and are one of the most original and creative bands in the genre. To say they're my favorite new band is a huge understatement. They're signed to Come & Live records, a Christian label, and are certainly open about their faith. This album provides exactly what it sounds like it would.. hope. After listening to this for the first time, I had an urge to listen again. And again. And I did, for the past 11 months. In just short of a year, Holding Onto Hope have skyrocketed towards the top of my Last.fm charts and I play this album constantly. Not to mention the dudes in this band are some of the nicest around. I've been promoting this band non stop on this site, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Maybe you've noticed it, maybe you haven't. When this year started I had no clue who Holding Onto Hope were. I had never heard of them before. But now, at the end of the year, Of The Sea is my Album Of The Year and HOH are certainly my favorite band of the year. Give it a shot. You will not be disappointed, this is the best album you haven't heard yet.

Favorite tracks: "Speak Your Words," "Between Failure And Fraud," "We Are The Beacons."

RIYL: La Dispute, Oceana's The Tide, hope, metalcore that isn't shitty.

http://www.myspace.com/hohband

Something about this review and your age tell me that your Arcade Fire avatar is just for indie/pitchfork cred.

[anthonydarko]

So still not contributing anything? What a surprise!

[HometownHero]

To think of it, i don't know why I included them. I can only stand the first 4 songs on Manners. But still, don't hate on it, they have talent, and they're turning pop music into something that doesn't suck nearly as much (not them alone, and i doubt it will last, however).

Like I've said before. They sound like the Chipmunks. In not a good way

[wendjiqn]

Something about this review and your age tell me that your Arcade Fire avatar is just for indie/pitchfork cred.
Definitely dude. You're totally right.









..

[MartyrsCasualty]

So still not contributing anything? What a surprise!
Father! I have failed you!

Why the fuck do you think I care what you think? And why do you have this set of expectations for me, or anybody else on this thread? And why the fuck are you still lurking on the back pages of this thread when your not even being quoted?

Stop taking the anger that comes from your boring life out on innocent bystanders.

And also, who cares what we think? Brand New or some shit like that is just going to win.

[wendjiqn]

Father! I have failed you!

Why the fuck do you think I care what you think? And why do you have this set of expectations for me, or anybody else on this thread? And why the fuck are you still lurking on the back pages of this thread when your not even being quoted?

Stop taking the anger that comes from your boring life out on innocent bystanders.

And also, who cares what we think? Brand New or some shit like that is just going to win.

http://tsfiles.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/pot-kettle-black.jpg

[anthonydarko]

Father! I have failed you!

Why the fuck do you think I care what you think? And why do you have this set of expectations for me, or anybody else on this thread? And why the fuck are you still lurking on the back pages of this thread when your not even being quoted?

Stop taking the anger that comes from your boring life out on innocent bystanders.

And also, who cares what we think? Brand New or some shit like that is just going to win.
The only reason I responded was because you're being a condescending prick to people about their tastes and opinions under the guise that you're some kind of hipster indie god who knows more then anyone and that we're totally inferior to you. All you've done in this thread is be a complete cock to people, in turn making you look like a piece of shit. You shat on a kid for having an Arcade Fire avatar, claiming he's looking for indie cred on Pitchfork and you shat on another guy for his own opinion on Passion Pit as if he committed a mortal sin and you felt it was your duty to defend them when they don't need to be defended in the first place. You're anything BUT an innocent bystander.

[bouttogetfancy]

Metric - Fantasies

It's funny that I came across this thread as I put on this album when at first I thought I was heading the male singer songwriter route for the night. I was browsing through random internet blogs and one featuring Metric popped up and I had to instantly to put it in. I actually wasn't familiar with the band before this year and actually found about them through AP. I'm glad that I ended up downloading and gave it the chance to grow on me. "Help, I'm Alive" came on my shuffle one night as I was working and it made me really listen to the album. They are so good at making a simple song great. It's damn catchy all the way through and some songs really strike a cord to where I am at my life right now. "If I stumble, they're going to eat me alive" what college graduate doesn't feel like that? at least the ones who aren't going to settle. It has really held up throughout the year, I love it and it was completely unexpected.

[CollectiveConfusion]

Reading this thread has made me want to remove this site off my bookmarks... homesick? really? Where's animal collective's MPP? Where's Passion Pit? No Mew? No Manchester Orchestra? No the dear hunter? NO RX BANDITS MANDALA? NEED I GO ON?

animal collective - hipster bullshit
passion pit - nothing new or groundbreaking
mew - snoooooze
manchester - nowhere near one of the best albums of the year

other ones i can't comment on. do everyone here a favor, remove this site from your bookmarks, add pitchfork in it's place and enjoy spending your days talking about how unique you are.

edit: i actually do give you some credit, since you had already used my pitchfork insult on someone else.

Something about this review and your age tell me that your Arcade Fire avatar is just for indie/pitchfork cred.

[SophGod]

other ones i can't comment on. do everyone here a favor, remove this site from your bookmarks, add pitchfork in it's place and enjoy spending your days talking about how unique you are.

while he is being a complete and total douche, i highly recommend you check out RX Bandits - Mandala.

[CollectiveConfusion]

while he is being a complete and total douche, i highly recommend you check out RX Bandits - Mandala.

i'll definitely check them out, i've been hearing about rx bandits for years but never got around to them.

[raptorz44]

Artist: Say Anything
Album: Say Anything

This was definitely one of my most anticipated coming into the year, having heard some of the new songs Max played prior. Every time a video would surface of him playing a new song live, I would freak out and listen to nothing but that song for a month or so. Then, the album comes out. Based off the acoustic versions, I was not dissappointed at all. Even by Crush'd, a song which I appreciated even more once the album rolled out. I've laughed to the album, and I've cried to the album. Ahhh....Men is the perfect album closer. Fed to Death is the perfect intro. There is absolutely no filler in this album. Crush'd is one of those songs that makes me reflect on my life, as I think that I relate to it. Also, many lyrics have reflected my personal experiences throughout the year (When I was 10 years young my douche best friend/Decided that I was just not cool enough for him...), so if I had to choose one album to summarize my year, this would be it. It keeps on growing on me on an almost daily basis. The genius of Death for my Birthday never set in until, guess when? November 17th, my birthday. I listened to that song about 50 times that day, even sometimes in the middle of class, due to the fact that I was in a general pissed off mood, yet still somewhat happy (I love life/but life has a boyfriend...I want death/death for my birthday). This album is one I will definitely never forget and it is definitely one of the best albums of the year if not overall, but definitely for me personally.

[Burn That Shit]

Artist: Say Anything
Album: Say Anything

This was definitely one of my most anticipated coming into the year, having heard some of the new songs Max played prior. Every time a video would surface of him playing a new song live, I would freak out and listen to nothing but that song for a month or so. Then, the album comes out. Based off the acoustic versions, I was not dissappointed at all. Even by Crush'd, a song which I appreciated even more once the album rolled out. I've laughed to the album, and I've cried to the album. Ahhh....Men is the perfect album closer. Fed to Death is the perfect intro. There is absolutely no filler in this album. Crush'd is one of those songs that makes me reflect on my life, as I think that I relate to it. Also, many lyrics have reflected my personal experiences throughout the year (When I was 10 years young my douche best friend/Decided that I was just not cool enough for him...), so if I had to choose one album to summarize my year, this would be it. It keeps on growing on me on an almost daily basis. The genius of Death for my Birthday never set in until, guess when? November 17th, my birthday. I listened to that song about 50 times that day, even sometimes in the middle of class, due to the fact that I was in a general pissed off mood, yet still somewhat happy (I love life/but life has a boyfriend...I want death/death for my birthday). This album is one I will definitely never forget and it is definitely one of the best albums of the year if not overall, but definitely for me personally.

You know, there are actual geniuses out there who would probably be offended.

[drudo182]

Let the kid pick what he wants.

[i_was_a_lid]

ARTIST: MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA
ALBUM: MEAN EVERYTHING TO NOTHING
REASONING:

At the end of 2008 there were many videos popping up all over Youtube and this site of MO playing new songs. At that point in time, I thought MO were just ok. They had three great songs from I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child, and the rest were decent, but not above and beyond anything else. However, the first time I heard Andy scream "I'm Fine I'm Fine I'm Fine" on "100 Dollars" before going straight into "Pride" I knew this band was destined to produce something great. "Pride" sounded more like a lost Nirvana song than anything on ILAVLAC. When the live video of "Everything to Nothing" went up I was hooked. But it was December and the record wasn't due out until April. Thus began the growing hype over what Mean Everything to Nothing would sound like and how good would it actually be. I've Got Friends was released in February and the hype grew larger. Shake It Out and The Only One followed, thus increasing the hype, especially on this site, for what many were saying would be the defining record of this year. When the record finally leaked in early April I was never fully expecting it to live up to the enormous hype that it received. But one listen through changed everything. Each song has a different feel to it, a different sound all to itself. Andy's southern voice along with near perfect musicianship from the rest of the band lay a foundation for the fantastic sonic ride that this album takes you on. Mean Everything to Nothing is my favorite record of the year because it continues to give me the same chills I felt when I first heard the songs when I listen to them to this day, nearly 8.5 months after its release (particularly impressve in a time when an infinite amount of music is available to anyone through the internet and people change tastes and lose interest almost daily). Its the defining record of the scene, this year, because it took what was great about the current scene, and mixed it with the great elements of past artists eventually meshing into a sound unlike anything else around. I look forward to listening to this record over and over for years to come.

[Kapa73]

when do we get the verdict?

[wendjiqn]

when do we get the verdict?

Wondering this as well

[Johnnydcp]

Love love love "Shadow Committee".

Agreed.

[Johnnydcp]

Prurient
Rose Pillar

"This album is not an attack, it's a cry for help." It is true art. Rose Pillar is a new approach for glimpsing into Dominick Fernow's mind. It is more than music, it is a thunderstorm in your bedroom at 4 am. I would recommend everyone listen to this, not just Adam.

I looked for this band and didn't find anything, can you provide a link?

[Johnnydcp]

Passion Pit belongs in the garbage can

You belong in the garbage can.

[HometownHero]

You belong in the garbage can.
:rolleyes:

[fanberlinboy]

Switchfoot - Hello Hurricane

I all but wrote off this band after 2006's Oh! Gravity. They come back with an album that is hands down the most diverse of their career ranging from garage rock ("Bullet Soul") to simple pop songs ("Enough To Let Me Go") to piano ballads ("Always"). This is not the same band that wrote Meant To Live and Dare You To Move, so throw those notions out the window.

[AMAAS]

i'll definitely check them out, i've been hearing about rx bandits for years but never got around to them.


I recommend Rx Bandits as well, one of the most fun & talented bands in the scene...which is definitely a good combo for any band (being talented and fun that is)

[GautamT]

ARTIST : Bomb the Music Industry!
ALBUM : Scrambles
REASON : Such a good album by a band that is unique in all ways. I never heard an album with such an energy, from song to song, the album never stops impressing and surprising you. XQTJZ-Oix7k

You can buy all albums on their website for free (link for the album : http://www.quoteunquoterecords.com/qur022.htm ... Definetely check this band out if you like anything alternative/punk/ska.

I completely agree, might not be my top pick, but it definitely makes the list, this album never gets old, really fucking good