5.RADIOHEAD – In Rainbows
This is Radiohead’s most straightforward, organic-sounding
album since The Bends. It finds the band shedding melodic,
accessible songs, a departure from the computerized music of previous three
albums on Kid A, Amnesiac and Hail To The Thief. A gorgeous, if
understated return to form
4.ALKALINE TRIO – Remains
A collection of B-sides, Split-series and rarities, Remains
proves that Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano are without doubt some of the most
talented song writers’ punkrock has ever seen. Some of the material here could
have been a top quality song on any of their previous album. And If only the upcoming Trio album is anything
near ‘From Here To Infirmary’, I would die happy.
3.LIFETIME – Lifetime
Considered one of the most influential bands in modern punkrock today, many questioned whether Lifetime should tarnish their legacy by
releasing their first new LP in over 10 years. Luckily, these New Jersey
natives did, and delivered a record that picked up exactly where the godfathers
of melodic hardcore left off. They knew better than anyone of the high
expectations and old cynics yelling ‘cash-grab’ but Lifetime tread carefully
yet confidently and put fears to rest. Now, I am stoked for Dan Yemin’s other
band, Paint It Black’s new album ‘New Lexicon’ due out this February.
2.BIG D AND THE KIDS TABLE – Strictly Rude
Boston’s Big D and The Kids Table is arguably the current flagbearer of Skapunx with the release of
Strictly Rude. Now on a much larger platform with indie giant SideOneDummy, they
have taken one giant leap forward. Creating music that blends a melody of
sounds and instruments providing a full demonstration of punk, third wave ska
and traditional ska influence , this is definitely the party album of the year.
1.AWILHELM SCREAM – Career Suicide
Heard about the hype of this album way before it was
released, and it certainly blows (wrote
bout it in previous post here). Coming off
pretty damn good albums in ‘Mute Print’ and ‘Ruiner’, AWS is the new darlings
of Melodic Punk/Hardcore. Constantly
challenging the boundaries of Punk, ‘Career Suicide’ shows AWS in top form. The
musicianship is tighter than your pants, with technical songs laden with solid
guitar work, spectacular drumming and timed changes, and the newly-found stomping
bass dept. Currently within my heavy
rotation, this is my pick as the album of the year. (and I am not alone, apparently
this certain community agreed with me)
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