5. Isles and Glaciers – Hearts of Lonely People
I loved this album before I ever even heard it. Now, you may be thinking to yourselves, “Sara, you’re dumb. That’s not even possible. You can’t love something and not even know what it is!” LIKE HELL I CAN’T! Sorry, I got excited. Anyways, yes, I can loves something before I know what it is. Why? Well, because this particular album is a collaboration of three of my favorite vocalists, Jonny Craig of Emarosa, Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil, and former Chiodos front man, Craig Owens. Anyone who knows me is well aware of the fact that I may or may not be in love with Craig Owens. Now that I think of it, some people who don’t know me are probably well aware of this fact. I don’t hide it! All that aside, this is by far one of the best collaborations I have ever heard. These three were born to sing together. There was absolutely nothing that could go wrong with this album from the very first note. “Viola Lion” is absolutely one of the sexiest songs I’ve ever heard. I don’t mean sexy as in it has really sexy lyrics or anything, I just can’t think of any other word that I could possibly use to describe it. Basically, all I’m trying to say is that you want to listen to this album. It’s honestly just that good.
4. Pierce the Veil – Selfish Machines
In case you have not already noticed, I don’t listen to strictly indie and folk music. I like to think I’m pretty diverse in what I listen to and that’s probably why Amber Valentine keeps me around! Pierce the Veil has easily become one of my favorite bands over the past year and their newest release Selfish Machines definitely does not disappoint. From beginning to end Pierce the Veil definitely delivers. The album’s first single, “Caraphernilia”, is probably one of the bands strongest songs, both lyrically and vocally, on either of their two full length albums. Throughout the rest of “Selfish Machines”, lead singer, Vic Fuentes, shows fans what he’s really capable of with strong melodies, gorgeous lyrics, and his uncanny ability to hit notes that I’m not even able to hit.
3. Egon’s Unicat – Egon’s Unicat
I know what you’re thinking. “Egon’s what?!” There’s a story behind the name, I swear. I’m fairly certain that it’s on their MySpace, so check that out if you’re really curious. All that aside, these guys are good friends of mine and I felt that it was only appropriate that their newest self titled album appeared on my list. I honestly wish I knew how to explain what type of music Egon’s Unicat is, but I simply cannot describe it. They’re one of those bands that you just have to listen to, (or preferably see live if you’re able), in order to fully understand. These guys have put out several CDs in the past; however, this one is by far one of their best. With songs like “Raptors? No Problem!”, “Beef II (Bring on the Meat!)”, and “La Noche de los Mil Gatos” (which translates to “Night of 1000 Cats” and is also a really awful 70s horror flick you should totally watch), how could anything about this album possibly be bad?!
Egon's Unicat - Beef II (Bring on the Meat!)
2. The Dear Hunter – The Branches EP
Unless you missed my previous article about The Dear Hunter, you should already know how strongly I feel about them. However, in case you missed that, you should be aware that I feel strongly about them. Regrettably, I also feel pretty strongly about ABC’s “LOST”. I say regrettably because I have every reason to believe that show ruined my life. I’m also pretty sure that one of my professors is Benjamin Linus. Don’t ask questions. Anyways, if you’re into “LOST” and good music, The Branches EP is just the EP for you! Of the three tracks on the EP, at least the first two,”B. Linus” and “Isabella” obviously reference LOST. The third track, “Owls”, is presumably about owls. Until my very good friend, Jonathan Posch, mentioned it, I didn’t even notice that “Isabella” was a LOST reference. That boy has a sick obsession with LOST, so obviously he noticed it right away. As far as The Branches EP is concerned, “Isabella” is by far the track that you will never want to skip. It’s a slow, seductive piece that still incorporates The Dear Hunter’s gorgeous lyrics and flawless vocals perfectly. Basically, whether you have a sick obsession with LOST or not, this EP is still worth listening to.
1. Envy on the Coast – Lowcountry
If I have any regrets in life, (and I should definitely have a few!), one of them is for sure not seeing Envy on the Coast when they were on tour for this album. I really took this album for granted when it was first released and now I’m kicking myself for doing so. It pains me to say that I will likely never get the chance to hear this album live due to the bands unfortunate break up in July of this year. However, I can imagine that live, this album is just as amazing if not better than it is recorded. Much like the recently separated drmanhattan, Envy on the Coast was another difficult break up for me to experience. I stumbled upon these guys by complete accident at The Metro in Chicago a few years back. Because of them, that show will always be one of the best I’ve ever attended. Why, you ask? Let me tell you! Due to some complications, Envy on the Coast had a very short set; however, they promised to make it up to fans with an acoustic set in the parking lot after the show. The rest of the show ended and a slew of fans soon followed lead singer Ryan Hunter’s beautiful self to an open parking lot across the street. Everyone sat down on the gravel and simply listened as the band played. It was all such an amazing experience, that I immediately fell in love with this band and have been listening to them ever since.
thank you for having a good discussion on this topic
Posted by: dr dre studio black | 12/13/2011 at 01:35 AM