The Top 8 of 2008

Another Year and many many records have soared their way through my brain. This proved to be a very tough list to compile. So much good music was released this year...Elvis Costello, Tom Gabel, The Revival Road LP, A "New" Bosstones Album, a Kevin Seconds solo record, Rudimentary Peni,The Creepshow, Me First and The Gimme Gimmes, The Horrorpops, Chuck Ragan and Austin Lusas' Bristle Ridge, The Briggs, a new Pennywise...I could go on forever. But I made a choice to stick with only 8 releases for the top of the year. Now keep in mind that I have not heard every single record that was released this year and this list will probably change if you ask me in a few months but for now, this is it. So without further adieu: The Top 8 of '08:



8. Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band - The Whole Fam Damnily

What a cool album this is. The band is comprised of the the Good Reverend on vocals and guitar, his lady friend, Breezy on washboard and vocals and his brother Jayme Peyton on Drums. This record is an exercise in how to combine as many "unplugged" genres as possible. According to all-music.com there is already a genre called "Swamp Rock" which is a shame because that is what I wanted to call this. At its core, this is a country album but with punk rock sensibility. There are definitely silly songs such as "Your Cousins On Cops" But the best tracks of the record occur when the band explores more relevant and social subject matter - from the opening track of "Wal-Mart Killed The Country Store" to "Why is Everybody Getting Paid But Me?" and "Can't Pay the Bills". The latter being a standout track on the record about not being able to afford medication is a driving and pounding plea to basically not get sick. It sounds weird for such modern topics to be coming out along side music that could have been recorded 100 years ago, but that's all part of the appeal. The album closes with "Them Old Days are Gone" where in the Rev. pushes his voice to the limit and sings like he is being chased...but it all sounds great and wraps up the whole experience in a nice little package: "Mama used to say: 'You'll be president some day' , Oh Mama, how I have let you down" Well you certainly have not let down anyone who has listened to this record. Well Done.


7. Rise Against - Appeal To Reason



Rise Against really just rocks on a level heretofore unknown. They can slam a pounding song against your face on one track and slow the whole train down with an acoustic jam on the next. Their 2008 release does not disappoint. From the very first sound of guitars you know the boys have not lost a step. I'm not usually a fan of screamy or preachy band but these guys have a way about them that just pulls me in. The opening track tackles the topic of climate change and global warming, in a pretty epic fashion I might add, including lines such as "When The Air that we breath becomes air that we choke." Yikes. Track after track and album after album Rise Against continues to prove their relevance and their willingness to speak their mind. This particular release includes the rather controversial and brave track "Hero Of War". After this records release this song was a hot topic of conversation, but to the best of my musical interpretation abilities I have deduced it to be a rather biting and cynical look at the current war as a whole. From the viewpoint of a soldier, it really tugs the heartstrings in the first verse and then, to a casual listener, becomes rather shocking and, well, unpleasant. But I get it. It is a great track that I think will probably be celebrated in the years to come. All in all another great record from one of the more important bands making music right now. Their 6th full length release proves that these guys still have something to say, and goddammit you are going to listen.


6. Tim Barry - Manchester

One of the newest, or should I say newly popular, trends for punk or alternative singers is to release a country or folk record. There have been many examples this year. Chuck Ragan went on what he called "The Revival Tour" including any friend he had available and they would just get up on stage every night and play some music. To support the tour Chuck released a 12" Vinyl only comp of some of the artists who were performing on the tour with him.


This is when I discovered Tim Barry's solo material. I knew the lead singer of Avail had released a few folksy records but I just assumed I wouldn't like it. Then I got to the track that turned me around on this guy. "222" might be one of the saddest songs you have ever heard. At first listen it does not sink in, but after a repeat visit that shit will hit you where you live. I was hooked, and had to purchase the entire record. It ended up being my favorite surprise record of the year. Manchester has a very traditional bluesy feel, but an edge that can only be learned from playing rock and roll shines through on nearly every song. Stand out tracks include #3, South Hill. Which is a story of a man joining the army and learns that he had no idea what he was in for. This is a really cool tune because the mood of the listener changes as the story progresses, when he is excited about seeing air strikes you get excited. When he is disappointed about not seeing any excitement you get disappointed, and when he is scared - you get scared. This is more of a news story set to simple background music. Just about every song on this is worth mention, but highlights to check out if you aren't sure you are ready for the hip new "Punk/Folk/Alt-Country" genre include: "This November" (which is peaceful enough at the beginning to be recorded by Cat Stevens 30 years ago, until the 2nd verse kicks in with "Fuck Tomorrow, and Fuck all of Yesterday" and all of the sudden it is evident that this guy is the real deal), "Ronnie Song" (which includes the great line "I think ill stay here gettin older, and angrier, and getting louder with each passing day"), The aforementioned "222" (which may change your life), and finally the albums closing track: "Raised and Grown", which suitably ends the record in a quiet, introspective manner, with the repeating Mantra "I will Not Give Up"




5. Street Dogs - State of Grace

I gave this record a quick review earlier in the year and at the time I mentioned that it would probably be on our best of list at the end of the year. When I wrote that I still was on the fence a bit. This is a really great release...but it takes a few listens to really sink it's hooks into you. Once it does though, you are experiencing some of the best rock and roll out there today. Mike McColgan's voice is far from flawless but there is a sense of purpose and conviction that tells you these guys aren't in it for the fame or money. They are doing this because they love it. Not many bands in this world have the strength of character to keep on pushing through like The Street Dogs do. I fear that the world may never understand McColgan and company as well as I (assume) I do. They are playing the music they love, attempting to inspire people to better themselves, and having a damn good time doing it. This new record marks a new chapter in Street Dog history, slowing down a little but still shouting at the top of their lungs the band has matured musically, adding riffs and breakdowns unseen to them before. Their subject matter remains the same, starting with the opening track "Mean Fist" , despite the specifics the general mood remains the same: "Fight Back...don't take any shit!" The band continues to prove their point with standout tracks such as "Into The Valley" , "Rebel Song", and "Guns." The high point of the record comes on the 3rd to last track with "San Patricios." Which is, again, a departure from the norm. Here we are given a history lesson about a small band of European immigrants who in 1846 joined the Mexican army to fight against America. It is a classic tale of racial, economical and international equality told in perfect Street Dog Form (for info on the real story: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Patricios) Plus there's a flamenco guitar solo and a Spanish language chorus. How could you go wrong? Next track is the title track "State of Grace" and from the opening chord and McColgan yelling at us to get the hell into this god damn song. They pound their way into a pleading chorus about finding your place in this would without compromising. They close with "Free" the traditional slow punk rock song. This sets itself apart from most, with McColgan struggling a bit to hit the high notes, the song sums up the Street Dogs. It also sums up a lot of people who listen to the band. It includes perhaps one of the best lines in rock and roll history, which will close this review because it speaks for itself. " Music is a shelter where we know we're not alone. We sing the words of our favorite songs - they bring us home. We find a little comfort, a little piece of mind. Say Goodbye to being left out, Hello Friend please come on in. We have struggled."




4. The Tossers - On A Fine Spring Evening

The Tossers are a really cool band. They were doing what they do years before Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys. Everything about these guys just screams that they are having a lot of fun. On their live DVD, also released this year, you can tell that the entire band is really friends with one another and they are just digging being on stage together. Or maybe they are really all just as completely hammered as they look... This record On A Fine Spring Evening is seemingly the most upbeat of all Tosser's releases. Opening with a fun tune called Katie at the Races, and really setting the tone for the next 13 songs. Sure there are some darker topics explored, but the first 5 tracks soar by and make you want to dance a jig, with tracks such as "The Unfamous Paula Spencer" told from a woman's perspective, and a traditional turn in "The Rocky Road to Dublin." We slow down a bit for track 6 and singer T. Duggins, (T. is for Tony) proves that he is far from a classically trained singer, but a little emotion goes a long long way. The rest of the record includes two instrumentals and right between the two of them is the best track on the record "What A Fine Lass You Are" Including the line: "I will break anyones goddamn neck if I hear that they crossed you or broke your respect...Chicago is yours now because it is mine...you are truly a light in this fuckin dark and endless world of ours" Awesome.

The last listed track is one of those classic Tossers songs with a 4 minute intro, but seeing as this is the only one on this particular record I welcome it with open arms. Hunger Strike / Harmony is a nice and peaceful way to end this journey through Traditional Irish music. I would like to proclaim this as The Tosser's best Release to date. It is a really fun, deep and heartfelt record.




THE BIG 3


This was tough...the reason the top music is coming out almost 3 weeks into January is because I went back and forth about a million times about the order of these records. I offer no explanation except whats written below. During the course of the year I reviewed all three of these, so I will attempt not to repeat myself but to explain why I picked them, to cut a little deeper into the albums and focus more on the feeling of the record rather than analyze track by track. At any given time these 3 could be not only the number one record of 2009, but one of the top records of all time. Here we go...



3. Flogging Molly - Float

I gave this record a full review in April, awarding 4.5 stars. I think I'd like to expand on my review and after several months and many many listens I have bumped it up to 5 stars. In April I wrote that this was a very important record to us , but more important to the band. A band like Flogging Molly can conquer the world, and with records like this coming out every few years they cannot be stopped. Sure, they slowed down some of their stuff and unplugged a few more instruments than normal, but they hit the ball out of the park with this release. To compare it to the rest of their records is almost unfair. "Float" functions on an entirely different plane of existence. There are moments on this record that harken all the way back to "Swagger" such as the distorted into and first verse and chorus of "Between a Man and a Woman" and there are songs that raise the bar for Dave King and Company, such as the absolutely brilliant "The Lightning Storm" or the best track on the record "Man With No Country." At the risk of sounding cliched or contrite, I think Flogging Molly is more than just a band to those who love them. They are a group of friends with a mutual respect and admiration who write and record such inviting and (at times) beautiful music that you can't help but be sucked into their world. You can't help but feel the passion for their music that they obviously feel. Flogging Molly can do no wrong. When music is made such as this, with such a pure energy and intensity coupled with raw emotion and convictions there is not a possibility of writing a bad song. They document subject matter ranging from they unrealistically uplifting to crushingly devastating. The band will continue to explore new territory and expand their sound. I am honored to be a part of their musical journey and can't wait to join them and the thousands of other drunken pirates at their next show or when listening to their next record. To again close with a reading from the book of Dave King "Makes it all who you are...no it's bitter the pill that you swallow to feel. I Don't Care what I lost, I just thank God I'm Alive...Makes you know who you are..."


2. The Loved Ones - Build and Burn
This could well go down in history as having the single greatest opening line and track on any record. Ever. Dave Hause has a voice that makes you sit up straight and pay attention to every syllable. From the first breath of this record "I've Been Workin Longer Hours, Watching money streamin in. I've been trustin' crooks and liars like I don't have any friends..." I really could write a book about this song. I cannot quite express why this album is as great as it is, but I'll try. The songs are all extremely well executed exercises in desperation and determination. In the opening track he is convincing himself that leaving his family and friends to hit the road with his band is what he has to do...because he can't see himself doing anything else. Track 3, "The Bridge" is an excellent example of their personal style of songwriting. A song about choosing "destiny" over complacency "The Bridge" is a definite high point on the record, complete with a sailing chorus that will stick with you forever. The Loved Ones are not a flashy band, they don't write particularly complicated music but (I know I say this a lot but it applies specifically to this record) Hause really believes the words he is saying and the band is behind him 100%. Records like this don't come around every day, every song is a genuine attempt to be heard, and to leave a mark on this world. The music flows so smoothly with Hause's rough vocals you can tell that each member of the band are giving this short set of 10 songs all of their energy and emotion to get their point across. Their point, in my humble opinion is that rock and roll, or music, can change things. You don't have to sing every song about hating the government (even though they do slip one in with "Dear Laura") or about changing the way things are in the world. Playing or even listening to Rock and Roll gives you the chance to make a change in yourself and that is where get the courage to act. Fear is a big part of everyones life, and Dave Hause and company make us believe that a few chords and howling choruses can overcome anything. The Loved Ones deserve any bit of success that comes to them for pushing themselves musically, vocally and letting us know that "A little faith can heal a heart that's been betrayed"





1. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound

If you would have asked me on August 24th 2008 what the best album of the year was I wouldn't have hesitated to tell you it was The Loved Ones' Build and Burn. August 25th I received my pre-ordered copy of The '59 Sound and I'll be damned if my opinion slowly started changing. This is just one of those albums that grabs you and will not let go. The whole thing opens with the sound of a needle dropping on a record in a quiet but appropriate manner. After a small guitar part goes around a few times the band blows up and you have no choice but to join them. Listening to The Gaslight Anthem is like reading singer / songwriter Brian Fallon's diary. He has a very bluesy approach to writing lyrics. Most songs are executed in a conversational fashion, but you don't really notice because of the awesome music backing him up. If the Loved Ones' record has the feel of despiration and determination than The Gaslight Anthem play with a sense of hopefullness and confidence. They know they are performing excellent music, which makes it all that much better because they take chances that a less self assured group would not. A lot has been said about Fallon's Bruce Springsteen sound, or dropping other's lyrics into his. But if you think about it, isn't that a good record? Taking your personal experiences and making them accesible to others? Allowing others to connect with you and your words? This entire record is dripping with emotion, and yet its not a bit sappy. The emotions are raw and stripped down. Fallon reminices about his old regular job, about past girl friends, lost friends, and why he does what he does. He does it in a manner that elevates the band to a higher platform, and this is what struck me to select this as the best album of 2008. I listen to this record and I feel every line he sings, he quotes albums that I love and the music is absolutely wonderful. Drummer, Benny Horwitz, plays a flawless set. He knows when to be loud and fast and when to let the rest of the band take center stage. The guitar and bass, Alex Rosamila and Alex Levine deserve a lot of credit as well for helping to create and shape an album such as this. It apears that The Gaslight Anthem is on their way to fame, appearing in several magazines and on several late night talk shows. I'm very very happy for them and I know they will continue to write music that can touch people at the core. For now though, The '59 Sound appears to be the record that these guys were born to write. There is a lifetime of emotion and experiences crammed onto this record, and it can all be summed up with a line from "Even Cowgirls Get The Blues": "Tell your pappa you'll be coming home when the good feelin' dies...but not me, pretty baby, I still love Tom Petty Songs and driving old men crazy..." The bands not going anywhere and they won't apologize for or compromise who they are. I said it before, but this record defies genres, it could be punk, or straight up rock and roll, or even soul and once you wrap your head around that you will enjoy this even more. So go buy this album now if you don't have it. It proves that music should be the most important part of a rock and roll band, not fashion or publicity. For a band that has only been around for a few years these guys sure are tearin' it up. Congrats guys. Can't wait to hear the next record.





So there you have it. All albums that would most likely end up in a "best of the decade" list. I am constantly getting new music, or new to me music. I will do my best this year to do at least one review a month. Lets see how that goes. I would love feedback on my choices and on future reviews....I will leave this now before I change the order of the last three again...



-Pete