Best Of 2015

It's that time of the year again, when I go through everyone else's best of lists to find bands I should put on my best of list. Just kidding. Kind of.

I definitely have a lot less albums from 2015 than previous years. Maybe I'll be playing catchup in 2016, but I think it was a bit of a slow year for good music. Of course it gets harder and harder to keep up with everything and find really good stuff all the time, but I think the good stuff nowadays is mostly a rehash of older stuff. Not that it can't be reworked or perfected. But I think in 2015 I was content with revisiting a lot of old stuff and trying to get my all-time favorite stuff a little more organized.

Some stuff I still need to listen to more from this year:
Negative Self - ST (ST is right, total How Will I Laugh worship.)
Meat Wave - Delusion Moon (Not sure I get all the Hot Snakes comparisons, but I dig it.)
Meatwound - Addio (More meat, only meatier. Heavy, noisy hardcore.)

* Albums *

BEACH SLANG - THE THINGS WE DO TO FIND PEOPLE WHO FEEL LIKE US
Maybe if the Foo Fighters had a touch of Dave Grohl's ubiquitous punk past in their music, they'd sound something like this. This is what a rock album should sound like. Heartfelt, urgent, sentimental. But it's not a nostalgic look back at the way things were. It's a renewed hopefulness from a fellow 40 (something) year old who's grown up, but not used up.

BUSINESS MODELS - ROOM
Alright, this actually came out a few years ago, but I just found out about it recently, even though I'm a big fan of Man Without Plan. So this is basically MWP with a 2nd singer. I believe the bassist/singer and drummer were from other well known bands, but it's Barclay's signature voice and guitar licks that reeled me in.

CHRISTIAN FITNESS - LOVE LETTERS IN THE AGE OF STEAM
Andy Falkous from Mclusky and Future Of The Left goes solo-ish with this new band. As caustic and witty as ever, but maybe a little more memorable than FOTL.

CHVRCHES - EVERY OPEN EYE
I'm still not sure if I like this better than the debut. It's a little more solid, but maybe missing the hits of Bones. But with their mix of 80's, electro, keyboards and female vocals, I'm not complaining.

DAILY RITUAL - DAILY RITUAL
These punks from Singapore sound they they belong in Portland, or Southern California circa 1981. A little Observers, a little TSOL. More solid and catchy than a lot of the other bands going for this sound.

KRISTINE - KRISTINE
I liked Carly Rae Jepsen's album this year, but a synth loving Greek woman named Kristine has created an even better throwback to catchy 80's pop. I came across this singer's work on youtube and through collaborations with retro new wave instrumentalists. Put this next to your old Madonna, Bananarama and Jets albums.

NIGHT BIRDS - MUTINY AT MUSCLE BEACH
Okay, a lot of modern punk bands get a little stagnant after 3 or 4 albums, but Night Birds keep getting better and better. They achieve that classic punk sound, mixing melody, urgency and memorable music.

PLEASURE LEFTISTS - THE WOODS OF HEAVEN
This album makes me miss the goth room of the 80's night at Cat Club, which we'd frequent often in SF. Dark and dancey post punk from this female fronted band.

RADKEY - DARK BLACK MAKEUP
Somewhere between the Misfits and Naked Raygun, but less punk, more rock. Great deep vocals, driving rhythms and tons of melody.

RED DONS - THE DEAD HAND OF TRADITION
I'll probably always prefer the Observers, but the Red Dons never disappoint. I debated seeing them again the last time they were in town, but I'm so glad I did because they're just one of those bands that bring it live. And on record, more of that catchy Wipers influenced post punk.

ROYAL HEADACHE - HIGH
This album was pretty hyped up this year, and for good reason. Catchy, garage punk with a touch of mod and Motown.

SLAVES - ARE YOU SATISFIED?
Sarcastic, aggressive, pounding punk. Like a mix of Nomeansno and Blur.

TURNOVER - PERIPHERAL VISION
Somewhere between dream pop and slick 90's emo. Very lush and layered sounding, but loud enough not to put you to sleep.

WARM SODA - SYMBOLIC DREAM
These guys continue their catchy power pop sound. If there was a benefit show to save the teen center in the movie "Over The Edge," Warm Soda and Sheer Mag would be a good fit.

* Eps *

THE BOMB - AXIS OF AWESOME
A shame to see them go, but they've had a good run and are leaving on a high note. Great melodic punk with Jeff P's trademark vocals and whoa oh ohs!

THE KIMBERLY STEAKS - CHEMICAL IMBALANCE
More great Lookout! Records inspired poppy punk. "Ticking Over" is a jam and there's a fun cover of "I'm Into Something Good."

* Reissues *

SUBURBAN LAWNS - SUBURBAN LAWNS
Great old new wave from this male/female fronted band. Hectic, jerky, off kilter stuff that will make you scratch and bob your head. Includes the 5 songs from their Baby EP as well.

TENEMENT - BRUISED MUSIC VOLUME ONE
Yeah, not really digging the newer direction of Tenement. I miss their old pop punk sound. Luckily there's this, a collection of their earliest (and best!) material. Maybe I'll give Predatory Headlights another chance sometime.

Best Of 2014

Maybe I'll get to my 2013 list one of these days.

* Albums *

CATHOLIC GUILT - CATHOLIC GUILT
I end up going to a lot of hardcore shows here in Barcelona since there's kind of a glut of mid-sized punk bands who make it over here. Most of the bands don't impress me too much, but these guys did. They remind of 80's Italian hardcore, even though they're from Austria. Intricate and tight, these guys blaze through their first full length in 17 minutes. If that's not enough for you, they have another EP that came out in 2014 as well.

CHROMEO - WHITE WOMEN
Now, Prince is still awesome, but he'll never write another Purple Rain. Chromeo might one of these days. I won't deny liking a song or 2 from modern pop acts, but I don't think any of them put out albums this solid. Maybe because Chromeo is channeling pop from the 80's, which speaks to me more. When I listen to this, I think of bands like the Jets, New Edition, Atlantic Starr or the big funk bands as they were transitioning into the 80's. Plenty of synths, handclaps and funky bass. I saw them recently, by myself, at the end of a very long night, and still couldn't pull myself from the dance floor for their entire set.

CLOUD NOTHINGS - HERE AND NOWHERE ELSE
Love these guys. Actually saw them the same night as Chromeo (weird mix). You've probably heard the hype (and band) by now. Awesome mix of punk and 90's indie rock with plenty of buildups that payoff in full. They've streamlined their sound a bit on this album. Oddly for me, I actually prefer their last album for not being so direct, but I'm not complaining. A good song is a good song, and this is a whole album full of them.

THE CREEPS - EULOGIES
Musically, this fits right alongside Screeching Weasel or most Danny Vapid bands, but the morose tone puts them in a whole other category. The Creeps have always taken their name to heart, with depressing lyrics concerned with death, dismay and darkness. You can tap your toe to it, but then you'll think, "Did they just say that?" Something to unite the high school punks and goths.

EAGULLS - EAGULLS
These guys sound like someone gave them a tape in their formative years with Warsaw on one side and the Wipers on the other. Their energy keeps them from being too derivative of either. Catchy post punk with swirling guitars, driving rhythms and a great singer.

FACE THE RAIL - LEARNING TO DIE
This album was promised for a long time and it doesn't disappoint. Ever since seeing them in SF, I've been impressed by their unique style. Like many of my other favorites of this year, the guitarwork really makes this band. They're like an updated version of Untitled era JFA, with twisty/surfy guitars, slightly monotone vocals and an overall skate rock feel. One of the best best newer punk bands who will probably be underappreciated unfortunately.

THE KIMBERLY STEAKS - TO LIVE AND DIE IN WEST CENTRAL SCOTLAND
If these guys were around in the 90's, I would have mail-ordered this from Lookout or Dr. Strange. The song "Career Progression" even has a "Lookout! 1993 breakdown." They sound like old Green Day, Sicko or Ramones-core stuff, only with funny Scottish accents. The lyrics follow similar themes of lethargy, isolation and heartache (and then drowning those sorrows) that a lot of us experience in our 20's. Now in my 40's, I'm happy to revisit those feelings through the Kimberly Steaks.

MARTHA - COURTING STRONG
Totally catchy indie pop with a touch of punk from this English band. Apparently the album is dedicated to "growing up weird," and the male/female vocals display a mix of naivete and cleverness befitting an artsy, new kid in town. But with songs this infectious, I don't think they'll get any hinder binders from the cool clique. Just listen to "1967, I Miss You, I'm Lonely" and try not to be hooked.

MURMURS - BOUND
Snuggle! put out one of the best pop punk albums of the last 10 or so years, so I was sure to follow their members where ever they went. The singer went onto Murmurs who didn't disappoint with 2012's Fly With The Unkindness. Bound continues their grungy punk sound with lots of meaty guitars and their dual vocal attack. They combine a lot of the classic East Bay sound, from straight forward pop punk to the crustier hardcore side. The singer's acoustic side project, Pipsqueak, even rears its head on a couple songs.

THE NEW FLESH - THE ABSURD
More great gloomy punk from this Bay Area band. The New Flesh reinvigorate the post punk sound and demonstrate why they're one of the best of the new breed. Dark and brooding, with throbbing basslines, tight drumming, Frank Agnew inspired guitars and anguished singing. Happy I got to see them in Barcelona a few months ago.

THE PREATURES - BLUE PLANET EYES
The Preatures have a similar Fleetwood Mac vibe as Haim, but they take it in more of a Linda Ronstadt direction. Like a mix of 70's soft rock and honky tonk, with a modern feel. There are 3 definite hits on this album that I could imagine either on classic or modern rock radio stations. One of which, "Is This How You Feel?" from their previous EP might be my most played song of the last couple years. This description so far might only appeal to my mom, but I promise, this is catchy, original (for 2014) stuff.

PUP - PUP
These newcomers tread a similar territory to Cloud Nothings, straddling punk and 90's indie rock. You don't immediately know what the next song is going to sound like, and you're not disappointed at the results. "Reservoir" is probably the hit here, sounding like bombastic radio rock that could drown out anything I've ever heard from the Foo Fighters (besides Dave Grohl's incessant babbling). Aggressive enough to rock out to, but the cool guitars and jerky rhythms will hold your attention as well.

RYAN ADAMS - 1984
I don't even really know what most Ryan Adams stuff sounds like. Isn't he alt-country or something? But I do know that he (and everyone else it seems) has some punk roots and he digs them up for this mini album full of mid 80's style melodic punk. Think Husker Du, Moving Targets, the Nils or Squirrel Bait. Which makes me wonder why none of the songs break the 2 minute mark. These aren't short hardcore blasts, so I would have welcomed some more verses, maybe some solos or something. Brevity aside, this is classic sounding stuff; catchy and quick with a roughness he's probably been jonesing for after all his disco albums or whatever he plays normally.

SKULL FIST - CHASING THE DREAM
This is definitely my favorite album of the year. Most new bands playing 80's inspired metal only provide a decent rehash, but this ranks right up there with the greats, IMO. Mix NWOBHM, thrash and power metal ("Bad For Good" almost borders on hair metal too) and add the production value of any major label band and you have this tight as fuck album. Riffs, solos, melodies; they're all there. Plus the singer can hit the high notes without going into opera metal territory. There's even a song about skating, and the singer isn't just paying lip service. I went searching for similar new bands after hearing this and nothing else compared, even Skull Fist's older stuff. But they knocked it out with this one and I'm looking forward to what comes next.

TELEDROME - TELEDROME
When I used to dork around on my friends Cascio keyboard in my apartment, I wished I had the talent to start a band combining my love of synth and classic rock guitar either in the style of Aldo Nova or something like this. Anything with keyboards over muted power chords and I'm sold. You only need to see the cover art to figure out that Teledrome play retro 80's new wave. Imagine Devo's Freedom Of Choice mixed with some darkwave and then filtered through the (slightly) more modern sound of  Jay Reatard/Lost Sounds. It's like the soundtrack to an undiscovered 80's sci-fi movie.

THE WAR ON DRUGS - LOST IN THE DREAM
We went on a roadtrip this summer and this album was the perfect soundtrack for driving at night, quietly reflecting on our day and just looking at the road and mountains and stars ahead of us. This is thoughtful music that builds slowly and then locks into a groove that you don't want to end. They remind me of Dire Straits or Tom Petty, but with the 80's soundtrack quality of Tangerine Dream. Classic rock mixed with synth pop. Whatever it is, I'm on board.

WEED HOUNDS - WEED HOUNDS
These guys and gals put out a couple really good EPs a few years ago. Then they kind of faded away. I decided to look them up a few months ago and was happy to learn that they had quietly released their first album. There's been a resurgence of this sound lately, but the Weed Hounds are a bit mellower and dreamier with their take on shoegaze and 90's alterna rock. It's good to finally have a full album of their blissed out, hazy pop tunes.

WHITE LUNG - DEEP FANTASY
I feared with all the hype last year that White Lung would start to mellow or "experiment" over time, or that I'd tire of them. But this new album laid those fears to rest. Deep Fantasy is even more pummeling than the last. There's an almost industrial feel to a lot of the songs with their jackhammering rhythms. And of course, there are still plenty of incredible guitar parts. "Face Down" is a face melter! I'm bummed I missed them the last time they came through, but their increased hype has unfortunately increased their ticket prices. But I'm satisfied with the home experience.


* Eps *

BEACH SLANG - CHEAP THRILLS ON A DEAD END STREET / WHO WOULD EVER WANT ANYTHING SO BROKEN?
New band featuring an ex Weston dude, playing slick emo punk/alterna rock ala Jawbreaker, Goo Goo Dolls or Pop Unknown.

CHESTNUT ROAD - PANIC ATTACK SPLIT / BUZZORHOWL SPLIT
More great English style melodic punk by way of France.

RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS - DEAD ROACH
The first bitcoin accepted punk release? Another great track from the Gamblers, plus a Big Boys cover.







* Reissues *

NO MERCY - WIDESPREAD BLOODSHED
Finally! This was the holy grail for ST/Venice Hardcore fans. Maybe someday I'll tell the story about the first time I "acquired" this album.

THE WAITRESSES - JUST DESSERTS
Classic new wave. "Christmas Wrapping," "I Know What Boys Like" and "Square Pegs" are here, as well as their 2 albums, an EP and a few bonuses.

Best Of 2012

I'll always remember the eloquent wall scribbling in an old Benny Hill skit:

Time flies like the wind.
Fruit flies like bananas.

Another year gone. More than a month into 2013 already, and another late entry for my 2nd Best Of list. (Happy Anniversary to me!) I do like coming up with these lists, but it gets exceptionally harder with the huge influx of music nowadays. And is a year or less really enough time to truly absorb an album? What about the 2012 albums I'm just learning about now, or will so in 10 years? Was 2012 really that great when the 2 albums I'm listening to the most these days are from 2003 and 1998?

But really, it was another good year for music. There were a few disappointments (NOFX, Jaill, the Darkness) which really weren't that disappointing, some last minute favorites and a plethora of really good EPs.

* Albums *

ARMS ALOFT - SAWDUST CITY
Tenement, Direct Hit! and now Arms Aloft: the trifecta of great Wisconsin pop punk. These Eau Claire natives might be closer in distance and kinship with Dillinger 4 and Banner Pilot though, with rough, melodic punk and whiskey soaked vocals. Lyrics like those in "Skinny Love" make me heart and homesick: "Here's to waking up shaking, balled up on the floor, of an iced-over, winter Lake Superior. Raise a flag at half-mast and a half empty glass in a toast to remembering what it's like to not have to know she's sleeping somewhere else tonight." They're not reinventing the wheel, but they're whipping some shitties in a snow covered parking lot somewhere.

BOB MOULD - SILVER AGE
Somehow after years spent on electronica and pro wresting script writing (???), Bob has returned with basically the 3rd Sugar album. Not as depressing and ambient as some of his other solo work, this album is a return to Sugar's big guitars and bigger hooks. So many bands owe their existence to Mould's legacy and he's still showing them how it's done.

CALL OF THE WILD - LEAVE YOUR LEATHER ON
If the first track "Autobahn" doesn't reel you in, then I don't know what to tell you. This album is an infectious blend of punk, 70's psyche and dirty New York rock and roll. Listening to them just conjures up the image of a dirty bar full of smoke, beer, hair and leather. Yeah, maybe a horrible image to fellow almost 40 year olds, but after a couple beers you don't mind the coked up dude with his arm around you spilling half his beer on the crowd. If you miss (and remember) Tight Bros From Way Back When, this might satiate you.

CLASSICS OF LOVE - S/T
I can't say I've followed Jesse Michael's bands since Operation Ivy. But when I heard the Classics Of Love, something connected immediately. I think I miss when hardcore bands actually had singers who occasionally sang. Jesse's delivery is a combination of urgency and an almost playful singing style, throwing in cool inflections every now and then. It doesn't hurt that the music is awesome as well, reminding me a little of Minor Threat mixed with classic Gilman punk.

CLOUD NOTHINGS - ATTACK ON MEMORY
There were a lot of strikes going into this album. 1) Their last album was kind of forgettable pop punk (even coming from a lover of plenty of pop punk). 2) My gf interviewed the singer once and apparently he was a bit of an asshole. 3) The album starts out with a really slow song and then an 8 minute song. But, once you get past your A.D.D., this is a great album. Maybe my favorite of the year. They mix the best aspects of the 90's, from indie to garage rock to noise. But it's all just so catchy and that's all that matters to me.

JEALOUS SOUND, THE - A GENTLE REMINDER
Not the most prolific band in the world, but I'll forgive these veterans of melodic heartache. Blair Shehan's voice seems to have gotten a little lower (more weary?) to my ears and gone are the shouts of the Knapsack days, but the man knows how to write a song. Thoughtful lyrics and plenty of the quiet/loud dynamics of emo's yesteryear. They don't make them like this anymore.

JAPANDROIDS - CELEBRATION ROCK
It seems like everyone can agree on this one. The album title says it all. Spunky, anthemic tunes from this 2 man juggernaut. My favorite song would have to be "Evil's Sway," which reminds sounds like a mix of "American Girl" and "These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things." The sound of music, indeed.

NADA SURF - THE STARS ARE INDIFFERENT TO ASTRONOMY
Nada Surf may still be remembered for their uncharacteristic "hit" back in the 90's, but they've actually been churning out pop gold throughout their career. This album is right up there with their best stuff. Classic indie rock sound with big guitars and great melodies. It's hard to find new bands that carry that 90's emo/punk/indie torch, but luckily bands like Nada Surf and the Jealous Sound are still around.

SHARKS - NO GODS
After a number of eps (collected on last year's The Joys Of Living), Sharks finally release a full length that doesn't disappoint. Plenty of big hooks and punk pop classics. Like a British counterpart to the Gaslight Anthem (substitute Rudy for Peggy Sue or Mary Jane or whatever), their sound seems to embody a romanticized version of the past. I can't say I'm a big fan of the Clash, but I'll take this updated version.

RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS, THE - THE WOLF YOU FEED
Nothing will probably top To The Confusion Of Our Enemies, my introduction to the band, but I enjoy their maturing sound. They seem to be tackling slightly more serious themes on their recent albums, perhaps the cause of punk rock mixing with growing up or maybe due to the guitarist's serious bike accident a few years ago. Regardless, it's opened up their lyrics to interesting subject matter, while retaining the anthemic quality of their music.

WHITE LUNG - SORRY
My favorite hardcore album of the year. Tight as a gnat's asshole. The songs are fast and catchy and the noodley guitar parts put them over the top.

XAXAXA - SIROMASNI I BOGATI
This was a random bandcamp find, but these guys deserve to be heard by more people. Imagine a mix of Manifesto Jukebox, Leatherface, the Wipers, Rites Of Spring and later Articles Of Faith (the singer sounds a lot like In This Life era Vic Bondi). Got your attention? Yeah, they definitely got mine. The lyrics are in Macedonian, but they also deserve your attention. The translations are available on their bandcamp page.

* Eps *

CASANOVAS IN HEAT - RUINS
I only got this EP a few days before the end of the year, but it became an instant favorite. I can't say this sounds like anyone in particular, but they remind me of classic melodic punk bands like Naked Raygun, old Snuff or Visions Of Change. They do possess a unique sound though. Hopefully a full length is in store soon.

CHESTNUT RD. - DEMO
Awesome English inspired melodic punk from France. For fans of Leatherface, Hooton 3 Car and Mega City 4. Apparently this demo along with a bunch of new songs will be released on Waterslide Records out of Japan sometime this year.

CITY DWELLER - I WILL BECOME UNIQUE
Another band heavily influenced by DC Revolution Summer era bands, most prominently Rites Of Spring and Gray Matter. But there's more than enough talent and character to make these guys...unique. Unfortunately they just broke up recently.

MURMURS - FLY WITH THE UNKINDNESS
I've never listened to a record on bandcamp all the way through as many times as I have with this EP. And at 29 minutes, this is a pretty hefty EP, but they have a full length coming out in 2013 that I'm sure I'll be adding to 2013's list. Awesome melodic punk with touches of Rumspringer, Snuggle! (whose singer shares vocal duties here) and maybe Seaweed. These songs hearken back to the East Bay days where bands like Samiam and Jawbreaker were taking pop punk to a more grown up level. Really bummed that I missed them in SF last fall.

WARSONG - THE CARAVAN
Insomnio put out one of my favorite punk albums in recent years. Of course they broke up too soon and Warsong formed in their wake. I can't say their album debut knocked my socks off, but this 5 song ep is the cat's pajamas! There's a great mix of Wipers style gloom with classic SoCal punk guitars and melodies. The Observers were probably my favorite newer band doing a similar style, and this EP is right up there with them.

WHITE LUNG - S/T
It's hard to remember a time when a 2 song 7" wasn't a letdown, musically and/or financially. Their album is one of my faves of the year, but the first song on this is my favorite song of theirs. Definitely looking forward to whatever they have next.

* Reissues *

FIREHOSE - LOWFLOWS: THE COLUMBIA ANTHOLOGY ('91-'93)
I can't imagine many younger people getting into the Minutemen these days, much less Firehose. Hopefully I'm wrong, but they seemed like a time and place type band. It did take me a few tries to like the Minutemen, but with that and skateboarding, Firehose just fell into place. I've only recently realized how much they actually sound like old REM as well (who I dislike). I still throw on their SST albums every now and then, but this compilation reminded me of great songs like "Can't Believe," "Rocket Sled/Fuel Tank" and their entire Live Totem Pole EP. A band that definitely needs to be heard by a new generation, and revisited by their old fans.

FLAG OF DEMOCRACY - SHATTER YOUR DAY
The first album by these spazzy punk legends is finally reissued. Just having songs like "Houses Made For Mannequins" and "The Family Knows" available again would be enough, but this reissue includes a ton of cool bonus stuff, like their first EP, a completely different recording of the Love Songs 7", compilation songs and some live stuff. Completely manic hardcore, but with a good sense of melody to keep these songs in your head, even 30 years later. These guys are still going to this day and I still listen to everything throughout their entire discography.

HOUR OF THE WOLF - DECOMPOSITIONS VOL. 2
My first introduction to these guys was seeing them at The Fest a few years ago and it was the punkest show I've seen in a long time. The band was menacing and the crowd was a little scary. But as the garbage bins went flying, I could tell there was something more to the music than just aggression. They were like a modernized version of early Black Flag with more emphasis on melody. The second volume of their discography contains my favorite EP of theirs, Obsolete, along with 2 other EPs and some previously unreleased songs and covers. Hopefully a proper full length is on the horizon.

Allied Records

My post about Peaceful Meadows reminded me of what a great label Allied Records was. It was started in 1990 by the graphic designer, John Yates, who was also working at Alternative Tentacles during Allied's 9-10 year run. Besides designing album artwork for the Dead Kennedys and other AT bands, he has also designed and created artwork for bands like Propagandhi, Jawbreaker, Bad Religion, Alkaline Trio, Promise Ring, His Hero Is Gone, Hot Water Music, Screeching Weasel, Green Day, NOFX and many others. Oh, and he also published a zine called Punchline. (Man, am I a lazy piece of crap!)

Despite the "big" bands that Yates has worked with over the years, Allied Records was a champion of smaller, underdog punk bands of all kinds. From pop punk (Dogs On Ice, Stink, V.Card) to sludge (Scrog, Buzzoven) to folkish peace punk (Strawman, Political Asylum) to emo (Fuel, Friction, Phleg Camp) to noise rock (Fiddlehead, St. James Infirmary) to hardcore (Unamused, Antischism) to spoken word and more. There were some more notable bands who had Allied releases or showed up on compilations like Jawbreaker, NoMeansNo, Dillinger 4, J Church, Jawbox and Hot Water Music, but even they had a fraction of the notoriety that they have today.

Speaking of those particular bands, there was definitely some overlap and kinship with fellow label, No Idea Records, who had releases with many of those same, and similar, bands. I'm not sure if Allied was more of an influence or peer of No Idea at the time. While No Idea is synonymous with bearded Fest punk these days, it's always had a varied roster like Allied as well. Allied even released a Bombshell album, which featured none other than No Idea's head honcho, Var. (From what I remember it wasn't that great.)

And what made all Allied releases great was the design and aesthetics of each one. You could always identify a Yates release or design by its political statement, working class sentiment or simply its tasteful style. Each Allied release was like part of a collection that you'd want to hold onto (even if the music wasn't that great).

Allied's final release was the vinyl version of the only official Jawbreaker live album (which was eventually released on CD by Blackball Records). It was a very limited edition and I don't even remember hearing about it until it was long sold out, even though I followed Allied and MRR pretty closely at the time. The label could have capitalized on Jawbreaker's popularity, as well as Green Day and the Offspring opening the door to commercial punk possibilities, but Allied quietly called it quits, staying true to its variety and its ideals.

Music for the proletariat.

Neal's Best of 2011

Yep, so I'm finally chiming in with my Best of 2011 list for my own blog. Besides the DRI
reference, the blog title is also an ode to my laziness. Even as an old fuddy duddy, I'm still
surprised to find so many new bands and albums that I like each year. 2012 is already off to a
great start with Classics Of Love, Nada Surf, Jealous Sound, Criaturas, etc. Plus I'm still
discovering bands/releases from 2011 that I missed. And as much as I'd like to add new finds like
Male Bonding and Street Chant to my 2011 list, I'm going to stick with the releases that I
actually listened to most last year.

* Albums *

BANNER PILOT - HEART BEATS PACIFIC
Too bad this was released in the fall, because it's the perfect summer driving soundtrack. Catchy, melodic and slicker than Trent Dibb's jheri curl. And I'm always a sucker for that thick bass rumble. People have said that this sounds a little too polished (even some old Blink 182 comparisons), but to me they still retain that Dillinger 4 bite with an improved sense of songwriting.

DIRECT HIT! - DOMESPLITTER
With rapidfire lyrics, frequent gang vocals and the unofficial motto of "Fuck you, get pumped!", urgent is the word for Direct Hit! Catchy and anthemic punk, but chaotic at the same time. Their first album reworks songs from their previous eps and while I miss the earlier rawness and feel that the vocals and bass could be louder, judged on its own, this is a thoroughly enerjetic and awesome album. I got to see them in a Milwaukee bar once, but I think a beer soaked basement or warehouse show would be a much more suitable setting for them.

THE LONELY ISLAND - TURTLENECK & CHAIN
Musical comedy is a tricky genre. But these guys have the perfect mix of intelligence, stupidity and incredibly catchy songs. Plus they have better beats than the majority of hip hop these days. While some of these songs rely on the videos to fully appreciate the joke, luckily those videos are included. The thought of Michael Bolton popping into screen and singing, "Now back to the good part" will probably never cease to bring a smile to my face.

MIDNIGHT - SATANIC ROYALTY
There's only so much metal that jumps out at me these days, but sometimes it just takes something classic and simple like this to do the trick. Straight forward metal with a foundation in Venom's black metal and Motorhead's speed rock. Plus enough solos, leather and evil imagery to make your parents think you're worshipping the devil and smoking drugs.

NIGHT BIRDS - THE OTHER SIDE OF DARKNESS
A lot of bands these days seem to be going the darker, post punk route. But Night Birds brighten things up a surfy, classic SoCal punk sound. Less Greg Sage, more East Bay Ray or Mike Palm. There's even an Agent Orange style instrumental in the middle of the album. Great cover art too!

OBITS - MOODY, STANDARD AND POOR
Even though the Hot Snakes are one of my favorite bands in recent years, I think I'm one of the few people who feel like they ran their course. With the Obits, Rick Froberg and company still lock into those melodic grooves, but they slow it down, turn up the reverb and replace the Wipers influence with a more R&B sound (in the British sense).

RIVAL SCHOOLS - PEDALS
Like Rick Froberg, Walter Schreiffels is a hardcore veteran who also has a knack for great songwriting, no matter what the genre. On their second album, Rival Schools continues their mix of melodic post hardcore with a 90's alternative sound. This time there's further experimentation and some mellow moments that Walt has explored more recently with his acoustic projects.

SAMIAM - TRIPS
While their albums on New Red Archives are classics, Samiam is a band that has really only improved with age. Astray has gradually become my favorite album of theirs, but this one might beat it out with the number of listens it's been getting. Jason and Sergie are the only original members left, but the formula hasn't changed: powerful and emotional melodic punk that remains one of the best and only vestiges of the Bay Area's pop punk legacy.

STOLEN YOUTH - DARK CENTURY
Although people dismiss the 90's EpiFat Skate Punk sound, it had its place and provided one of the few respits from generic moshcore and boring emo that permeated punk at that time. And just like back then, there are still bands that manage to bring something new to that sound. Stolen Youth take a similar route to newer Propagandhi or Strung out, mixing fast, melodic punk with a powerful, metallic thrash element. There are some moments of straight up crossover as well, similar to Municipal Waste or Bones Brigade. This one definitely speaks to me.

TENEMENT - NAPALM DREAM
This awesome Wisconsin band finally releases an album after years of teasing us with scrappy, fuzzy punk pop songs committed to multitudes of 7"s and cassettes. Napalm Dream further realizes their mix of poppy punk rock, lo fi exploration and hardcore sensibility. Like a mix of the Descendents and the Replacements, with the former's rhythm section and the latter's alt tendencies. Like an album from the 80's or 90's, this might not be immediate to a new listener, but it's that much more rewarding.

VERONICA FALLS - VERONICA FALLS
This probably falls outside my usual "comfort zone" of music, but damned if I'm not taken in by these catchy, reverb-filled tunes. Imagine the Mamas & the Papas mixed with indie pop. There's definitely been a recent resurgence of 90's indie fuzz and 60's coastal pop and Veronica Falls takes both and creates lively songs built around somber lyrics.

YUCK - YUCK
Instantly familiar and enjoyable, Yuck manages to channel 90's indie rock while making it still sound fresh and vital. Jangly indie pop with male/female vocals and the occasional guitar wail straight from the school of J. Mascis. The cover art even resembles some old Dinosaur Jr./Neil Blender artwork. Count me in.

* Eps *

CAREERS IN SCIENCE - WHATEVERWOLF
The first song on this ep hooked me with a kind of Devo-esque hectic new wave sound, but the rest of this 7 song ep is more straight ahead punk with a touch of post punk thrown in. A hard band to categorize, but an easy one to like.

KICKING SPIT - PSYCHROCKBULLSHIT
Like a more hardcore version of Dinosaur Jr., with muddy vocals and plenty of cool guitar wailing. I'm looking forward to more from this band.

RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS - SMASH/GRAB
More great straight ahead punk rock, with an emphasis on rock. Hopefully a teaser for an upcoming album.

SEAWEED - SERVICE DECK
If you know Seaweed, you know what to expect on this 2 song ep, their first recorded material since 1999's Actions And Indications. I don't know if they'll ever top Spanaway, but these songs fit nicely in their timeline and I hope there's more to come.

THE STUPIDS - JAPANESE VACATION
The Stupids are still cranking out blazing fast hardcore with a sense of humor. This short ep combines their recent comeback 7" along with 3 outtakes from their new album. I can't believe I missed seeing them (with Agent Orange) by a few hours the last time I went to London!

* Reissues *

EXIT CONDITION - DAYS OF WILD SKIES
So after Bosstuneage Records introduced me to the awesome Exit Condition through a best of-type CD a few years back, I went out (via the internet) and tracked down almost all of their vinyl releases. Now Bosstuneage has the nerve to release their full discography on 2 CDs full of awesome British melodic punk. Their early demos and Pusmort 7" show the bands' promise with a speedier, hardcore approach, but their lone album, Days Of Wild Skies is a melodic punk classic, up there with Leatherface's Mush.

SHARKS - THE JOYS OF LIVING (2008-2010)
While the Gaslight Anthem seemed to be the new kings of the heart on a sleeve, working class punk, I think this compilation of early Sharks EPs is better than the last 2 Gaslight albums. Sharks replaces the Springsteen with a more Billy Bragg feel, tempered with soulful vocals and catchy, mid-paced punk songs. I'm looking forward to their new album this year.

VOID - SESSIONS 1981-1983
While nothing will top their side of the classic Faith split, any Void is good Void. Especially cleaned up versions of their earliest demos which had only circulated around the internet in very poor quality previously. Completely raw and unhinged hardcore that has never been duplicated.

JGoon's Best of 2011

1. YUCK - S/T
This album has been my “go-to” record of the year. From start to finish an amazing album. I even re-purchased it just to get the B-Sides that are just as strong as the rest of the original album. It’s all been said before, but this IS the best “90’s band” of the last 20 years. Dinosaur Jr. guitar shredding, Pavement fuzziness, & Smashing Pumpkins beauty. This band seems to have come out of a time machine taking all the good parts of these bands and becoming a Voltron of Alternative Rock and restoring the faith of Rock N Roll in this curmudgeon’s heart.

2. ANTHRAX - WORSHIP MUSIC
Welcome back Joey. This is their finest work since Persistence Of Time and it seems like the logical step forward since that album. By far my favorite Metal album of the year. If you gave up on these fellas since the John Bush era, do yourself a favor and check this one out!

3. SCREECHING WEASEL - FIRST WORLD MANIFESTO
My God if Ben Weasel can’t write a ditty as pretty as a titty! I know it’s not cool to like Ben, but you can’t deny his songwriting capability. Melodic, heart-felt, and by golly you can bug out to it. I’m gonna go stick my dick in the mash potatoes. Pop-punk heaven. If Ben puts it out - I’m buying.

4. BEASTIE BOYS - HOT SAUCE COMMITTEE PT. 2
I just used a couple Beastie references in my last pick’s comments and I’ll one up that by picking this for my number 4 of the year. The raps are more “Check Your Head” era with lines like “Ad-Rock’s in the bathroom with chocolate fondue” and “I’m runnin’ wild like rats in the Taco Bell”. They thrive in the diversity of sounds on this album. Bouncing from old-skool hip hop to reggae to their punk-tinged beginnings this was a welcome back to the sound that made them relevant in the first place.

5. FOO FIGHTERS - WASTING LIGHT
I’m not the hugest fan of the Foo, but this album is their best by far on the whole. “Arlandria” recalls the good feelings of “Everlong”, Bob Mould MAKES the song “Dear Rosemary” and after seeing the video for “White Limo” I can’t get the ferociousness of Lemmy out of my head. These songs and more would have been staples on the radio back when that meant something.

6. SOCIAL DISTORTION - HARD TIMES AND NURSERY RHYMES
My first favorite album of 2011. Mike Ness takes his time between records and it always pays off. A lot of people aren’t happy with the country-tinged leanings of the last couple of albums, but I feel that they have evolved comfortably since the Another State Of Mind days. The difference between them and a lot of the bands from this era is that they do it well. Mike Ness may be the coolest motherfucker in all of punk rock.

7. SAMIAM - TRIPS
Just like Social D, Samiam consistently deliver great albums taking their time in stride. I’ve been a fan of this band for a while, as well as all their side projects, but I can’t help but feel their best material has been in the last 15 years beginning with “You Are Freaking Me Out” in ‘97. These guys should be selling out arenas.

8. NOISE BY NUMBERS - OVER LEAVITT
Danny Vapid’s best project since Sludgeworth. This is their sophomore release and they don’t miss a step from their fantastic debut “Yeah, Whatever”. Punk flavored 80’s power pop paying homage to their fellow Chicago brethren Naked Raygun, this is a must have for 2011 bound to have you singing along.

9. DIRECT HIT! - DOMESPLITTER
After releasing a bunch of digital Eps, this Milwaukee pop-punk band released their first proper full length this year. I probably would have put this in the top 3, but 99% of this had already been released. I actually enjoy the original recordings better than what’s on this album - they sound a bit more energetic and urgent. Still, this is an amazing release and highly recommended. They knock it out of the park like Prince Fielder.

10. RIHANNA - TALK THAT TALK
“What?!” You say?…”Rihanna?!” - well fellas, I have a soft spot for pure pop done right and this one had tracks imprinted in my brain to the point I had to stop listening to it because it was driving me crazy, making it hard to fall asleep at night. Yeah, there are some clunkers (the ballads mostly near the end) but I’ll be damned if you can’t respect songs like these. It’s melodic, sexy and more accessible than M.I.A, but with the same attitude.