My Top 20 Albums of 2013

1. The National-Trouble Will Find Me

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

I Should Live in Salt // Demons // Don’t Swallow the Cap // Sea of Love // This is the Last Time // Hard to Find // Pink Rabbits //

I Need My Girl // Graceless // Slipped

 

2. The Head and The Heart-Let’s Be Still

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Homecoming Hero // Another Story // Gone // Summertime  // Shake // Let’s Be Still // Cruel

 

3. The 1975-The 1975

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Chocolate // Sex // The City // Settle Down // Heart Out // Girls // Robbers // Menswear // She’s Way Out

 

4. Daughter-If You Leave

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Winter // Youth // Still // Lifeforms // Human // Touch // Amsterdam

 

5. Sigur Rós-Kviekur

Noteworthy Tracks:

Isjak // Brenneistein // Kveikur // Rafstraumur 

 

6. Portugal. The Man-Evil Friends

 

Noteworthy Tracks: 

Plastic Soldiers // Creep in a T-Shirt // Modern Jesus // Hip-Hop Kids // Holy Roller (Hallelujah) // Evil Friends // Atomic Man // Purple, Yellow, Red, & Blue // Someday Believers

 

7. All The Bright Lights-The Wind & The Waves

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Steps // People Made of Wind // The Wind & the Waves // Still Beating // Versus the Dark 

 

8. Volcano Choir-Repave

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Bygones // Comrade // Acetate // Alaskan // Tiderays 

 

9. Cold War Kids-Dear Miss Lonely Heart

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Miracle Mile // Lost That Easy // Loner Phase // Fear & Trembling // Bottled Affection // Jailbirds

 

10. Counterparts-The Difference Between Hell & Home

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Lost // Ghost // Outlier // Compass // Cursed // Witness 

 

11. Haim-Days Are Gone

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

The Wire // If I Could Change Your Mind // Days Are Gone // My Song 5 // Falling 

 

12. Local Natives-Hummingbird

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

You & I // Heavy Feet // Breakers // Wooly Mammoth // Bowery 

 

13. Meadows-Of Miles & Mountains 

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Houselight // I’m Only A Man // Drown Me

 

14. Lorde-Pure Heroine

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Tennis Court // 400 Lux // Royals // Ribs // Buzzcut Season // White Teeth Teens // Glory and Gore

 

15. City & Colour-The Hurry and The Harm

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

The Hurry and The Harm // Of Space and Time // The Lonely Life // Two Coins

 

16. CHVRCHES-The Bones of What You Believe

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

The Mother We Share // We Sink // Gun // Lies // Under the Tide

 

17. Dustin Kensrue-The Water & The Blood

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Rock of Ages // God is Good // Grace Alone // It’s Not Enough // It is Finished

 

18. Iron & Wine-Ghost On Ghost 

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Joy // Low Light Buddy of Mine // Grass Widows // New Mexico’s No Breeze // Lovers’ Revolution

 

19. Bastille-Bad Blood

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Pompeii // Things We Lost in the Fire // Laura Palmer // Bad Blood

 

20. Deafheaven-Sunbather

 

Noteworthy Tracks:

Dream House // Irresistible // Vertigo // Violet

Best Albums of 2012…In My Opinion

Alright, so I’m gonna write/blog/rant/whatever about the best albums of 2012 in my opinion cause honestly there is already 10+ blogs about this subject and those 10+ blogs are all read a lot more than mine is. So… Also, I’m gonna try not to come off as snobbish as some of these blogs, even though I can be over music. But anyways, I’m not gonna list these in any particular order. They are just albums that I enjoyed over this past year. So…Here we go.

Passion Pit-Gossamer 

 

Oh Passion Pit, the band who has the singer that sings higher than any man should but its freakin’ catchy so who can blame him. This album is the followup to Manners which came out in ’09. This album is goes in a directional lyrically than their first. Gossamer lyrically is deeper and more mature where I feel Manners was more about having fun. However, the indie electronic pop element is still there full of 808 hits and synths galore.

Key Tracks to Check Out: Take A Walk, I’ll Be Alright, Constant Conversations, Carried Away, Mirrored Sea, Cry Like A Ghost, & Love is Greed

 

Alabama Shakes-Boys & Girls

Okay, I may catch some flak for this one from my friends. I have a love/hate thing for this band. I love their sound & their songwriting, & Brittany Howard I’m almost sure is Janis Joplin reincarnated. The hate is their sound. It’s Muscle Shoals 1960s. I hate how everyone came out saying that they have a new refreshing sound. To all of those people I have an Otis Redding, Percy Sledge, Wilson Pickett, or anyone else that has recorded in The Shoals to show them it has been done. But anyways, enough ranting. This album is catchy and the songwriting is great. Brittany singing about relationships in a bluesy whiskey drenched voice is nothing short of great. I defiantly would recommend checking them out just for a great Rock ‘N Roll album.

Tracks to Check Out: Hold On, I Found You, Hang Loose, Rise to the Sun, You Ain’t Alone, Be Mine, I Ain’t the Same, On Your Way

 

Ascend the Hill-O Ransomed Son 

If you don’t know who Ascend the Hill is and you enjoy great worship music, stop reading right now and go listen to them. There a great band with a heart of worship. With this album the band returns with their ambient style of worship and skilled songwriting. This album is a little different sounding wise I feel. It’s defiantly heavier. I think that comes from touring with christian metal/hardcore bands from time to time and coming from a metal background. But also, you can get this album for free legally from a website called Come&Live. 

Tracks To Check Out: So Good to Us, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Power in the Name of Jesus, Hear the Sound, Heaven Came Down

 

 

Best Coast-The Only Place

I fell in love Best Coast when they released Crazy for You. I fell in love with the quirkyness and cuteness of their singer, Bethany Cosentino. The songs are simple as well as the music but its what makes the band. Their surf rock sound is addicting and I’m sure anyone who listens to them can find a track that they like. So if your looking for a cool surf sounding indie pop record, check out Best Coast.

Tracks to Check Out: The Only Place, No One Like You, Do You Still Love Me Like You Used To

 

 

 

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band-Wrecking Ball 

I LOVE BRUCE!!! It’s the bossman, how can you not love Bruce. But anyways, this album is great. The album makes you feel like there is still hope for America and Bruce has the answer on how to save it. Though the man is sitting pretty well in life, he still has a heart for the working man. I don’t know what more can I say about this album. Just check it out if your a Bruce fan our enjoy good music.

Tracks to Check Out: Death to My Hometown, Wrecking Ball, This Depression, Land of Hope and Dreams, Rocky Ground, Shackled & Drawn, Easy Money

 

 

Chromatics-Kill for Love

I’m going to be honest. I didn’t hear about this band till about the end of 2012. I’m a little upset that I’m just finding out about them cause they make some really cool music. Also, for the longest time I thought their singer was a guy who just sang really high. Well I guess I’m a sexist cause its a woman and she can sing. The album is dark and atmospheric which I love. Its a cool album and according to iTunes and a few other music providers this album was one of the top albums of the year. Shame its not up for a Grammy.

Tracks to Check Out: Into the Black, Lady, Kill for Love, Candy, Dust to Dust

 

 

Delta Rae-Carry the Fire 

Lets take a walk down memory lane here for a second. It was about a two years ago I was a miserable education major in college. All I wanted to do is listen, make, and play music, and just be around that atmosphere. I was tired of the crap that was being played on the radio and was looking for something new and refreshing. Delta Rae was the band that did that for me. I saw them in a small club in Nashville Tennessee. Lets just say I thought I knew harmonies. But Delta Rae decided to re-educate me on the subject. If you ever have this band come anywhere close to where you live go see them. They will blow you away.

Tracks to Check Out: Holding on to Good, Is There Anyone Out There?, Morning Comes, If I Loved You, Surrounded, Dance in the Graveyards, Bottom of the River

 

The Digital Age-Rehearsals E.P.

This is the band that came out of the David Crowder*Band. DC*B was a great bands with great musicians and I’m grateful to see that the members are going off to do great things. Rehearsals is mainly cover tunes from DC*B and All the Sons and Daughters, but they add their little spice to them.

Tracks to Check Out: Buy the entire E.P.

 

 

 

Dylan LeBlanc-Cast the Same Old Shadow

Imagine yourself in a dark grimy bar. Depression all around you along with the other patrons and a sad country song playing throughout the room. Thats the atmosphere that Dylan LeBlanc with his followup to Pauper Field. The album is moody like Pauper Field with great songwriting.

Tracks to Check Out: Part One: The End, Diamonds & Pearls, Where Are You Now, The Ties That Bind, Cast the Same Shadow

 

 

 

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes-Here

I love Edward Sharpe. There a cool band. I look at them like the American version of Arcade Fire. On Here, the band keeps their hippie indie sound. But they also summon their inner Johnny and June sound. On numerous songs they trade male and female vocals.

Tracks to Check Out: Man On Fire, That’s Whats Up, Dear Believer, One Love to Another

 

 

 

 

Escondido-Escondido E.P. 

There is a nice little website where up and coming bands can put their music up for free download called Noisetrade. Thats where I found Escondido. There a band out of Nashville I believe that play an alternative style of country that is fronted by a woman.

Tracks to Check Out: Get the entire E.P. 

 

 

 

 

Gary Clark Jr.- Black and Blu

Gary Clark Jr. is the savior of the blues I just know it. If you don’t know who Gary Clark Jr. is by now, get out from under the rock your living and go listen to his stuff. He can shred on a guitar and can write a song that can back it up. He’s had a couple of E.P.s but this is first full length. I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s got in the future.

Tracks to Check Out: Ain’t Messin ‘Round, Bright Lights, Travis County, The Life, Please Come Home, Things Are Changin’, Third Stone from the Sun/If You Love Me Like You Say

 

 

The Gaslight Anthem-Handwritten

Alright, I’m gonna try not to come off as a fanboy because this is one of my favorite bands. But anyways, this their first album with a major label and you can defiantly tell. They hired the producer behind The Killers & Pearl Jam and I think he did a great job producing it. The songwriting on this album is a lot deeper and dealing with heavier subject matter. Failed Relationships, Family Issues, and Personal Issues. I’m just going to stop there so if your interested in checking them out you can see for yourself.

Tracks to Check Out: Handwritten, Here Comes My Man, Mullholland Drive, Biloxi Parrish, Desire, Mae, National Anthem

 

 

The Glorious Unseen-Lovesick

The Glorious Unseen are a band that I wish a lot of Christian bands would take notice and try to be like. Also, I wish they would get a lot more recognition than they do. But for this album they did the Kickstarter move to fund the album. The results is an amazing album. A heartfelt album dealing with depression and anxiety, and relying on God to see you through it.

Tracks to Check Out: The Love of God, You Have Ruined Me, Make Me a Child, Harp in My Heart, Brand New, Can a Nation Be Changed? 

 

 

Jack White-Blunderbuss

I had to put him on here. Yes he’s weird but he can write some crazy guitar parts as well as songs. He really shows out on his solo record and jumps all over the board when it comes to genres. Just showing how eclectic he is. So if your looking for a Bluesy, Fuzzy, Semi-Country album. Check out Blunderbuss. 

Tracks to Check Out: Sixteen Saltines, Freedom at 21, Love Interruption, Blunderbuss, Hypocritical Kiss, I’m Shakin’

 

 

 

Japandroids-Celebration Rock

I loved this album. Its such a fun album and it’s so simple. Just two guys rocking out and not caring what people think. But with the fun riffing and grooves, there are some great songwriting skills. Probably my favorite line off the album is this,

 “A Northern Soul In Southern Lands. Will Always Find Its Way to Southern Hands. You Kiss Away Your Gypsy Fears. And Turn Some Restless Night Into Restless Years.”

It’s a shame that this album was not up for a Grammy this year cause I believe it could have won one.

Tracks to Check Out: The Nights of Wine and Roses, Fire’s Highway, Evil’s Sway, The House that Heaven Built, Continuous Thunder

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit-Live From Alabama

This is one of the best live albums of the year. I only listened to two live albums this year I believe and this is one of them. I like Jason Isbell. I grew a love for him when I was living in Florence. He’s an amazing songwriter and great story teller. So if your into great guitar playing and songwriting check out this album.

Tracks to Check Out: Decoration Day, Danko/Manuel, In a Razor Town, Cigarettes and Wine, TVA, Dress Blues

Jude Moses-Jude Moses E.P.

This is a cool little E.P. from a cool guy. I had the chance to see these guys open up for John Mark McMillan in Birmingham and they were great. The guy walked out on stage in a sleeveless shirt, handle bar mustache, trucker hat, and a massive longhorn belt buckle. But he sang some beautiful music. The only thing that I hate is that the E.P. is so short.

Tracks to Check Out: Get the Entire E.P.

The Killers-Battle Born

The return of The Killers. It’s been way to long and Brandon Flowers album just wasn’t cutting it. This album shows a more mature side of the band. Their songwriting has gotten better and the musicianship is top notch.

Tracks to Check Out: Flesh and Bone, Runaways, The Way It Was, Here With Me, Miss Atomic Bomb, Battle Born

Melissa Helser & Jonathan David Helser-On The Shores

This was a beautifully written album. If I remember right, they did Kickstarter to fund this album. But Jonathan David Helser is an amazing songwriter. I’ve always wanted to do some of his songs during a worship service but I can never get anyone to ever commit to working on them.

Tracks to Check Out: Love Song, Faith is Rising, Wrecking Ball, Explode My Soul, Abba

mewithoutYou-Ten Stories

I was super excited when I heard that mewithoutYou was going to release a new album. They released Ten Stories, an album mixed between their albums Brother, Sister & Catch  For Us the Foxes. The album is based off a series of short stories about a train crash that was carrying a circus. Its a pretty cool concept album.

Tracks to Check Out: February 1878, Grist for the Malady Mill, Cardiff Giant, Aubergine, Fox’s Dream of the Log Flume, Bear’s Vision of St. Agnes, All Circles

The Modern Post-Grace Alone E.P. 

This is the band that Dustin Kensrue created after Thrice disbanded. The band is based out of the Mars Hill Church. They give a different spin on some great classic hymns. Its defiantly worth taking a look if your a Dustin Kensrue fan, Mars Hill fan, or just a fan of good worship music.

Tracks to Check Out: Get the entire EP

Mumford & Sons-Babel

It’s so cliche that it’s on here but can you blame me? It’s good. Its really good. The music is pretty much the same but the songwriting, The songwriting is fantastic. The band has matured so much and you can tell on this album. But they could lay off the use of the word “heart” so much. It wouldn’t surprise me if they win Artist, album of, or any award of the year at the Grammys this year.

Tracks to Check Out: I Will Wait, Babel, Whispers in the Dark, Holland Road, Ghosts that We Knew, Lover of the Light, Broken Crown

Sigur Ros-Valtari

Post-Rockers from Europe. Whats more to say. They create beautiful music even if the language is made up when they do sing. But if your looking for good music to study to, sleep to, read to, or whatever defiantly check out this album.

Tracks to Check Out: Just get the entire album

Two Door Cinema Club: Beacon

I use to wonder why everyone was crazy about this band. To me they sound like every other indie band. Delay driven guitar, quirky lyrics and a poppy sound. But then I heard This is the Life off of Tourist History and fell in love with the band. Beacon is just as good. Some of the most technical indie guitar playing I’ve ever heard. I really wish I could get some of their tones that they have.

Tracks to Check Out: Next Year, Wake Up, Someday, Sleep Alone, Settle, Beacon

The Wallflowers-Glad All Over

In my time in college I gained an appreciation for this band or anything that Jakob Dylan  puts out. This was their first album in quiet sometime and they came back swinging. I’m upset that no one is really taking notice though. Its a cool album and T. Bone Burnett produced it.

Tracks to Check Out: Hospital for Sinners, First One in the Car, Reboot the Mission, Love is A Country, Have Mercy on Him Now, The Devil’s Waltz, Constellation Blues

It’s Been a Week and a Few

It’s been a week since I walked across the stage at Flowers Hall in Florence, Alabama at the University of North Alabama and entered the real world. I graduated UNA with a degree in Entertainment Industry with a focus in technology. I also have two minors, One in Digital Media and another in History. I’ve had a hand full of people ask me how it feels to be  a graduate, and honestly  I can never tell them because honestly it hasn’t set in. There is a feeling that I never have to take another test ever if I don’t want to. I never have to turn in another paper. I never have to listen to the drunk frat guys crappy music or the “aspiring” white rapper that lived next door again. I’m looking forward to that. I’m also looking forward to finding a job. I’m currently working part time at my church as a video technician but I’m looking for something that  can be full time and begin my career.

So I guess I need to catch up anyone who reads my ramblings on what has been going on in my life rather than graduation. Well here we go.

I Got A Mac Book 

Finally! I’m so glad I got this. I love this thing. I worked for 4 1/2 long years on a Dell. The Dell was a great computer for the first 3 years but this last year and half has been torture. I worked on iMac’s all day long working with audio and video editing, and then I would come home to the Dell… Needless to say it’s dying. But, my this past Monday my dad came in and said we’re going to the Apple Store and next thing I know we’re walking out with a 15 in. Mac Book Pro with Retina Display. I also put Adobe Premiere on here to work on some videos on the side.

I’m “Writing” an Album 

Ok, I’m big into post-rock, ambient sounding, instrumental music. My friend has been asking me when I was gonna sit down and pen some music down, and I kept saying when I finally got some time. Well I have time now. I’m gonna name the project Weary Saints and it’s going to be all instrumental. I’m thinking about throwing in some MIDI stuff as well. I’m gonna be pulling some influences from Explosions in the Sky, All The Bright Lights, Radiohead, & The Jezabels. I currently have three demo/working songs right now and have a few ideas in the works.

Other than those two things nothing really major has been going on other than looking for a job. I have a couple of leads on some and hoping to hear back from one after the 1st of the year. I won’t go into much detail just yet because nothing is set in stone.

I’m hoping to get back into blogging now that I have a little more time. Props to those who can do this with their busy schedules on a daily basis. (Grace I’m talking about you) Well anyways I’m gonna end this post like I do every post. Here’s what been in my rotation of music.

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals-Cold Roses

Two Door Cinema Club-Tourist History

Chromatics-Kill for Love

The Antlers-Burst Apart

The Lumineers-The Lumineers

TV on the Radio-Return to Cookie Mountain

The Wallflowers-Glad All Over

Tom Waits-Frank’s Wild Years

The Glorious Unseen-Lovesick

The Modern Post-Grace Alone E.P.

Beth/Rest

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m literally obsessed with this song. So what do I do, I blog about it and post a live video of Bon Iver playing it.

I’ve only had a few songs ever make me tear up. This is one of them.

Then my buddy Keith sent me this last night. It pretty much sums up my love for them.

I Can’t Play Secular Music…

Okay let me explain before you guitar snobs start making fun of me and posting jerk-ish comments. I can play secular music, but it takes me a long time to learn the song. See ever since I picked up a guitar I always been forced to learn Christian music. I’ll be honest I hated it. 11 year old Jeremy learning MercyMe songs. Nothing against MercyMe their just not my cup of tea. I still remember my first song I learned on acoustic. “I Can Only Imagine,” I still won’t listen to that song willingly. My joke to people when they ask how long I’ve been playing is this. “Well I started when I was 11. My mom wanted me to learn Christian music. However, my dad gave me Darkside of the Moon for Christmas and shown me the “darkside.” I usually get a kick out of this but it leaves people confused. I’m weird like that.

But anyways back to what I was saying about secular music. I have never been able to play it well. I love some secular music. Most of my favorite bands are secular bands. I’m not a fan of the bands or artist who swear a lot in every song however. But worship music and Christian music has always come easy to me when learning a part for the band or group. (except Your Grace is Enough [Chad & Grace know what I’m talking about]) Take tonight for example, I was listening to this indie band called Local Natives, their a cool band, cool sound everything. I was listening to their song Wide Eyes and was like I want to learn that. So I sat down and tried to learn it. Eventually I got frustrated and moved on to another song. My churches worship leader is on a Phil Wickham kick and wanted me to learn the lead to “All I Am.” I listened to the song twice maybe and had the lead down perfectly. After that I played through Hillsong United’s Aftermath album with little to no stopping.

I really don’t know what it is. I’ve explained it to a few people and none of them have been able to give me an explanation to me. I really think its a gift from God. I’ve really only played in worship band’s seriously since I picked up the guitar. Maybe a garage band here and there that didn’t go anywhere. But I’ve always been drawn to worship music and love the sound of it. But when it comes to worship music I live by this verse:

“Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” – Psalm 150:4-6

Hopefully this isn’t some rambling. I was just sitting at home playing guitar and thought about it, so I decided to blog it.

But anyways here’s what I’ve been listening to:

Kye Kye: Young Love

I saw these guys open up for John Mark McMillian in Birmingham a few months ago and they put on a great show. Check them out. Their remix album is really good as well. 

John Mark McMillian: The Song Inside the Sounds of Breaking Down Rerelease 

This is the rerelease of his second album. Great stuff with two new songs on it, “Hold On & Dancing on the Doors.” BTW the guitar solo at the end of “Dancing on the Doors is ridiculous. James Freakin’ Duke ’nuff said on that subject. 

Pretty much anything Ryan Adams

I’ve been on a Ryan Adams kick lately. 

Jude Moses: Self Titled

These guys also played with JMM in Birmingham. Really good harmonies and story telling. Plus who cannot like a guy who comes out on stage with a big ‘ole longhorn belt buckle, trucker hat, sleeveless shirt and handlebar mustache? 

Jonathan David & Melissa Helser: On the Shores

Stop reading this right now and go buy this album. This man writes some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. He has this song called “Abba” that will give you goosebumps every time you listen to it. It’s been on repeat on my drives back to Florence from Madison this week. Beautiful, beautiful music.

Well that’s about it for me. Oh I forgot to mention. My big news that I said that I had but wasn’t going to say yet until the paper work had been finalized. Well the paper work has been finalized and I am now the new video tech at my home church. I’m really looking forward to this opportunity and have been really been blessed by God with this job. This was a big prayer that was answered. The only downside is that I will be living out of a suitcase most of the week. But its a great resume builder and I’m doing something that I feel that I’m being called to do which is serve in the church through media.

but anyways have a great weekend

Jeremy

Honorably Mention

So last week I typed my top 20 of favorite artist. But I failed to mention one that I felt should deserve a spot. I absolutely love this guys music and I feel that everyone should give him a listen. Your ears will thank you.

Ryan Adams. The guy is the essence of Americana music. He writes some of the best sad songs. James Duke once said, “sad Ryan is the best Ryan” and truthfully he’s right. Just listen to “Two” off Easy Tiger. The song is about a problem with sleeping pills but it’s a beautiful song with a beautiful pre-chorus. “And I’m fractured, from the fall. And I just want to go home.” He has a number of albums under his belt. My suggestion to start would be Easy Tiger or Rock N Roll. But if your looking for something a little more rocking by him check out his band The Cardinals. Not a lot of people care for him with the band but I really like them. Cardiology is an awesome album in my opinion. “Cobwebs” is a beautifully written song and “Born into the Light” is great as well.

I would seriously consider checking him out. For some reason I’ve been really into the whole singer songwriter Americana feel lately. DBT, Jason Isbell, Old Crowe Medicine Show, Justin Townes Earle, & Jakob Dylan. It’s kinda weird considering I usually listen to NYC indie scene more than most styles.

But anyways it’s Friday and I’m glad cause it’s been along week.

-Jeremy

My Top 20

So its been a few weeks since I last posted. School has started and I’ve been busy and just haven’t had time to. That whole try to blog everyday or once a week is out the window (haha) But anyways, its my last semester and I graduate in December. I’m pretty excited and terrified at the same time, but I’m looking forward to see what God has for me in the future. I have some exciting news that I’m not going to tell y’all just yet. I’m going to wait till all the paperwork and signatures get finalized before I say. But it’s pretty exciting to me. But anyways, lets get this started shall we?

I’ve been meaning to do this post for some time now and never had gotten around to do it. So tonight I’ve decided to sit down and actually tell y’all who my top favorite artist/bands are. Maybe you’ll discover someone you have never heard of and check them out and enjoy them as much as I have. Or if you know the artist let me know if you like them or hate them and maybe we can discuss. I like to talk music and bands with people. So here we go…

1. The Gaslight Anthem

2. John Mark McMillan

3. The National

4. Bon Iver

5. Drive-By Truckers

6. The Black Keys

7. Manchester Orchestra

8. mewithoutYou

9. Radiohead

10. Pink Floyd

11. The Strokes

12. The Killers

13. Explosions in the Sky

14. Death Cab For Cutie

15. Hillsong United

16. David Crowder*Band

17. The Jezabels

18. All The Bright Lights 

19. My Morning Jacket

20. U2

Tunes To Check Out From This Week

Here’s what I’ve been listening to this week.

The Gaslight Anthem: Handwritten

     The Antlers: Undersea E.P.

Passion Pit: Gossamer

The National: High Violet

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes: Self Titled

Arcade Fire: The Suburbs

The Flaming Lips: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

Handwritten

I’ve been meaning to finally blog about this album since it came out Tuesday but I haven’t had the time until now. So here it is, my review of The Gaslight Anthem’s Handwritten. First off let me warn you, I may come off geeky in this review. The Gaslight Anthem are my favorite band. I think Brian Fallon is the greatest front man in rock right now. Also he is one of the greatest songwriters of my generation. But anyways lets get this thing going.

The new album is called Handwritten. This is Gaslight’s first album on their new label Mercury. When I heard their first single ’45 I gonna be honest I didn’t care for it. I actually tried lying to myself saying that I did. But now that I look back at it I didn’t care for it. Brian had said that he was having a hard time writing material for it. But after hearing the entire thing through I love the album. My first take after listening to the album the first time is that its a lot fuller than their last three albums and e.p. It’s a nice to see them transform over the years since I started listening to them 5 years ago. The band came into my life during a time where I was searching for something new with music. I heard “We Came to Dance” and have been hooked ever since. But anyways enough of talking the about past.

Like I said this album sounds a lot fuller than their last three albums. Brian’s voice has aged as well. But in a good way. I look at him like a young Tom Waits with his growl and howl. Also, Alex Rosmilia and Alex Levine can be heard in the background as well. The guitars are perfect with Rosmilia’s solo work. Also a third guitar is added with the help of Ian Perkins (touring guitarist and lead guitarist of The Horrible Crowes).

The album is by Brendan O’Brien. He’s produced a few Pearl Jam records and Bruce Springsteen records (If you know anything about the band that’s a couple of their favorites.) (Also on a side note he’s producing The Killers Battle Born that I’m also super pumped about) In my opinion he has done a great job capturing the energy of the band. He also has added little things to the band that has been absent in previous recordings. For example, a mandolin (Here Comes My Man). 

I gave it some thought and I decided I’m not gonna give a track by track review of this album because I feel like I wouldn’t be giving it justice. Plus there is probably enough of those out there. But anyways here are my favorite tracks that I’ve grown to like off the album.

Handwritten

Here Comes My Man

Also check out Mullholland Drive & Mae. But in my opinion buy the the entire album because all of the songs are awesome. They also have a couple of covers at the end of the album. Nirvana’s Silver & Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers You Got Lucky. I don’t really care for Nirvana but Brian and the boys did a great job covering it. Also You Got Lucky is spot on.

Anyways buy this album you will love it. I’m glad I discovered them 5 years ago and I’m looking forward to what else they have in store for everyone.

“And still this city pumps its aching heart for one more drop of blood. We work our fingers down to dust, while we wait for kingdom come. With the radio on.” -Mae 

Have a great day and night

Jeremy

Fly or Die…

These past two months and half months have been nothing short of amazing. I love my internship. Like seriously love it. It has been really eye opening to another side of church ministry. The side people don’t see. I love working at a church and really hope to find a job doing it come December.

But the reason I said Fly or Die is because today was the last day that I get to work and shadow with my mentor. He left for vacation tonight and that leaves me in my final week by myself to run “the show.” I’m actually been looking forward to it because it gives me an opportunity to see if I can run things. I think I can do it. We will see come Thursday afternoon around 5ish.

But other than that this week has been really good as well. I’ve been reading through Galatians and that just a fantastic book. Every book of the Bible has something amazing about it but Galatians has been really speaking to me this week. Especially tonight’s passage that I read for my quiet time. Here it is:

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” -Galatians 6:1&2 

This verse really stuck out to me. I’ve been meeting with a group of guys every week and we discuss things in our life and we pray for each other. This stuck out to me because that’s what this group is, we listen to each other and lift each other up in love. Pretty cool stuff.

I’m gonna wrap things up like I usually do. The tunes that I’ve been listening to this week.

I’ve been listening to The Gaslight Anthem all week getting ready for the greatness to come out on the 24th. Handwritten. I’m super pumped for this album.

Also while at work today I came across this beauty. Enjoy.

Have a great rest of the week guys.