2010 blew. For real. I graduated, had to go back to a job I hated four
years ago when I started it, could not longer be a WCDB DJ, and did I
mention I graduated? Anyway, 2010 was a pretty awesome year for music.
Here’s my favorites. So here’s to you 2011, because if it sucks anymore
than 2010, it’s Snooki at the Superbowl.
1. Iron Chic – Not Like This: This album took the top spot from Titus kind
of unexpectedly. There’s a raw honestly, and positivity to this band that
just isn’t seen anymore. Lyrically they’re fantastic and they’re fun live.
Great, great band.
2. Titus Andronicus – The Monitor: So, hey, let’s make a concept record
about the civil war happening today in New Jersey! What? Really? That was
my reaction to the idea, but it ended up being a pretty good idea. This
album is awesome. The singer is clearly wasted on some tracks, and the
passion this band conveys is literally unreal. I’m still kicking myself
for missing them at Valentine’s.
3. The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang: Anyone who followed my WCDB
Career knows how much I love this band. This record was no disappointment.
The guys are maturing and making their own headway now, and I couldn’t be
happier for them. Radio City Music hall was literally PACKED with fans.
They rule. Awesome dudes.
4. Off With Their Heads – In Desolation: People complain that this record
is too polished. Fuck you. If it sounded dirty you’d say it wasn’t
authentic because they get a huge budget from Epitaph. So yeah. Really
depressing lyrics, with up tempo pop-punk akin to D4. I love it. You
probably don’t.
5. Make Do and Mend – End Measured Mile: So Small Brown Bike broke up a
while ago and I was sad. Hot Water Music also broke up and I was sad. If
these bands didn’t get back together this band would have almost filled
the void. These guys tour relentlessly and are a real gem. Check this shit
out
6. Crime In Stereo – I Was Trying to Describe You To Someone: This is
radically different from anything these guys had done, and it’s wonderful.
There are no synthesizers on the entire record, and everyone sound and
tone is made through effects and whatnot, but no pre-recorded nonsense.
It’s a terrible shame they broke up—it’s an even bigger shame that I
wasn’t let into the last show even though I had a ticket. Still waiting
for that make up show, guys.
7. End of a Year – You Are Beneath Me: Albany’s take on dischord era
nonsense. This band is criminally underrated and this record solidified
that to me. Awesome shows, awesome record, and Pat’s advice blog is funny.
8. RVIVR – LP: It has ex-members of Latterman and female vox. Get into it!
9. Rocky Votilato – True Devotion: I loved falling asleep to this album. I
wish Rocky wasn’t so sad though. Wompwompwaaaah
10. Sister Kisser – Vipers: Gruff melodic pop-punk from long island. There
must be something in the water down here, because the scene’s coming back
(kind of).
What almost certainly would have made this list if I didn’t hear it so late:
Deerhunter – Halcyon Daze
Defiance, Ohio – Midwestern Minutes
Honorable Mention:
The State Lottery – When the night comes
Circa Survive – Blue Sky Noise
Wax Phantom – Don’t Fool With A Phantom
Bands that will be huge next year:
Captain, We’re Sinking
Make Do and Mend
Touche Amore
Daytrader
EPs:
Rvivr – dirty water
iAttention!
Captain, We’re Sinking
All Pigs Must Die
Biggest Let Down:
Broken Social Scene – When the last record came out I literally couldn’t
stop listening to it. This record couldn’t have been more forgettable
Record Label:
Panic Records
Band I Can’t Figure out if I like:
The Wonder Years
Band I still Don’t Get:
The Arcade Fire – their albums aren’t bad, I just don’t see the second
coming of Christ in them.
Saddest Break up:
Crime in Stereo
Best show:
Rvivr/SIster Kisser
The Gaslight Anthem at Radio City
Crime In Stereo in Brooklyn / Troubled Stateside show on Long Island
Most Anticipated Releases:
The Agent
Rivivr
Radiohead (?)
The Lawrence Arms
Touche Amore
Bane
Owen
Lemuria
Japandroids
Many of these albums are available for free at ifyoumakeit.com. You should
check that site out. Seriously. There’s a lot of good shit on there. Why
are you still reading this? GO!
WCDB Airwaves 