Sweet christ on a bike. Not this shit again.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3153171
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Because I'm such a fan of lists, I present my "Top 12 Albums of 2007"
Reposted from my MySpace blog, as requested by Jessica
And so we draw to the close of another year. You know what that means - furtively trying to complete Christmas shopping lists, formulating an array of New Year's resolutions that will never, ever stick, and countless "Best Of 2007" lists. Well, I haven't even thought about attempting the first two yet (well, not before I wrote them, anyway, and then thought "Oh shit, what am I buying people for Christmas? And what exactly are my New Year's resolutions? Fuck, these are things I should think about getting on." [Addendum: People are getting the same thing I give out every Christmas - books and/or booze. Christmas list complete.]) The "Best Of..." list, however, is something I have been thinking about for a few weeks now. Those of you who read me regularly know that I'm a huge advocate of Top 5/10/20 lists (I'm a big fan of bulleting items, what can I say?) and therefore should have expected this.
So, I present to you my top 12 records of 2007. This was a good musical year for me. Many of my favorite artists put records out, so the list is populated with said favorites. (Yes, it may be a little sentimental and biased, but I've thought about it and the accolades are deserved.) Why a Top 12 instead of 5 or 10? I don't know. I was feeling a little left of center. I'm sure you'll manage through it somehow.
12. Thrice - The Alchemy Index Vol. 1 + 2: Fire and Water. This album was heavily anticipated by yours truly. There was so much hype leading up to it that I could barely contain my excitement. I followed the studio updates religiously and, upon the day of its' release I used my lunch break to go and buy it. I gave it a few listens that day and my immediate impression was "ummm...okay..." It wasn't exactly what I expected, and I was a bit iffy on the quality of production. It was definitely different than anything Thrice had given me before, and admittedly, I felt a slight tinge of disappointment. As time wore on, though, the record started to grow on me, and one of my favorite songs of the year, "Open Water," was revealed to me. I think once volumes 3 + 4 are released, though, the whole project will be tied together for me, and it'll rank a little higher on my iTunes "Most Often Played" list. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Open Water"
11. Saves The Day - Under The Boards. Seeing as how this band has let me down once before (see: In Reverie), I was admittedly hesitant to be super-excited about this record. Still, I purchased it the day it came out and greedily stuffed it into the CD player in my car. Within the first two songs, I breathed a sigh of relief. The first five or six songs are absolutely wonderful ("Get Fucked Up" and "Can't Stay The Same" standing out, however, the mediocrity of some of the later tracks cause me to rank it lower than I initially would have. Still, it hasn't fallen into the "Okay, I'm All Set With This Record" pile yet, and I don't anticipate it doing so anytime soon. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Can't Stay The Same"
10. New Found Glory - From The Screen To Your Stereo II. So technically, it's not a real release - it's a record of covers. But it's absolutely amazing. It's great to get a brand new record by one of your favorite bands and already know most of the lyrics to the tunes. Instant sing-alongability! There are killer versions of tunes by Goo Goo Dolls ("Iris"), Madonna ("Crazy For You"), and even Go West's "The King Of Wishful Thinking." Song To Download Before Purchase: "The King Of Wishful Thinking"
9. The Dear Hunter - Act II: The Meaning of & Regarding All Things Ms. Leading. I heard the demos for this last summer while I was on tour, and I was immediately taken by the awesomeness of the Dear Hunter. It was definitely high up on my list of anticipated records, and it pretty much lived up to the hype I gave it in my mind. It seamlessly meshes all sorts of different styles of music into one cohesive piece. Because it is a concept record, though, it really only makes sense when listened to all the way through, which cannot always be done. There are many songs that could stand alone as singles, however, it works better when it's consumed in a single sitting. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Red Hands"
8. Dustin Kensrue - Please Come Home. This solo offering from the Thrice front man really struck a chord with me. It's traditional country-laced songs stand apart from anything Kensrue ever wrote for his post-hardcore band, summoning memories of Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. The simplicity of the songs make it very singable in that my-wife-just-shot-my-dog kind of way, but I think that's what makes this album a winner. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Pistol"
7. Cartel - Cartel. Ah, the nefarious band-in-a-bubble. The controversy surrounding the production of this record was plastered across the pages of the interwebs earlier this summer, fueled by the overreaching opinions of message board users and incessant press regarding their stint in the Bubble. The record came out in the midst of that shitstorm, and then quickly settled into a quiet but strong existence in the hearts of Cartel fans. Including me. I actually reviewed the record (and commented on the nonsense surrounding the record) back in August if you care to hear any more opinions I have on it. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Tonight"
6. Dashboard Confessional - The Shade Of Poison Trees. In stark comparison, the anticipation for the release of Chris Carraba's latest album was practically nonexistent. The release of the record was announced on Vagrant's website only six weeks before it scheduled to drop. Admittedly, this was another band that had disappointed me, although much more recently than STD, so my wounds from the unremarkable Dusk And Summer were still somewhat fresh. But everything turned out just fine. Eschewing the over-the-top production and lavish instrumentation if their previous record, this is a simple and raw offering that hearkened back to The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most and even The Swiss Army Romance at times. It's biting and witty and very, very listenable. Here is my official take on it. Song To Download Before Purchase: "These Bones"
5. Anberlin - Cities. Completely underrated until they made this record, Anberlin roared out of the gates with Cities, their third release, to solidify their place amongst the elite groups in the scene. From the driving opening chords of "Godspeed" to the epic, chill-inducing outro, "Fin", every second of this record in incredible. The record plays like a play or a movie: ups, downs, conflict, denoument, resolution - it has it all. It's damn near perfect. Plus, the bonus DVD with the studio footage on it is a great glimpse into the making of a near-masterpiece. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Dismantle. Repair."
4. Fall Out Boy - Infinity On High. I don't care. I fucking love Fall Out Boy and I fucking love this record. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Hum Hallelujah"
3. Four Year Strong - Rise Or Die Trying. Start the takeover! Okay, admittedly, I loved this record from the moment I first heard it. It isn't ground breaking. Hell, some of my friends have told me it's practically unlistenable. And I really thought it would be a novelty CD for me - one that I'd hear and be like "Oh yeah, that's pretty good," and then slowly stop giving it spins because it's staying power was not strong. Well all that is false. Malarkey. Tomfoolery. This record is incredible. It takes the best parts of the pop-punk and hardcore I used to love so very much (and still do, really) and throws them all together and makes me dance like an asshole around my room, playing air-metalcore guitar in front of my mirror. Plus, they all have amazing beards. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die"
2. Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light. No, this record isn't Clarity. It isn't even Bleed American. But it is a wonderful record from one of the most influential bands of our day. It contains all of the elements that made JEW legends - simple yet beautiful guitar work, amazing lyrical content, spacy guitar leads. It makes you want to laugh. It makes you want to cry. Hell, there are even parts that make your insides tingle like they haven't since the first time you heard "can you still feel the butterflies?" From front to back, the soaring chorus of "Big Casino" to the lamenting drone of "Gotta Be Somebody's Blues" to the heartwrenching verses of the closer, "Dizzy," Chase This Light is, front to back, just the latest in a long line of perfection that Jimmy Eat World continues to put out. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Big Casino"
1. Motion City Soundtrack - Even If It Kills Me. Seriously, are you surprised? From the moment I heard the first five songs back in May, I knew that this would become my favorite record of the year. I played Commit This To Memory so much that I wore the CD out and had to buy another one. Luckily, thanks to my handsome iPod, this will not be the case with EIIKM. Oh, I've been listing to it just as frequently, though, so no worries. The music remains spectacular. The lyrics remain scarily realistic and poignant. The songs flow in a perfect order, as always. It's like this band is in my head. Every word penned is so very applicable. It's simply an incredible, amazing record. And that's why it's my number one record of 2007. Song To Download Before Purchase: Don't. Just go buy the whole thing. But if I had to pick just one: "It Had To Be You"
Honorable Mentions: Sherwood - A Different Light, Paramore - Riot!, The Receiving End Of Sirens - The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi
And so we draw to the close of another year. You know what that means - furtively trying to complete Christmas shopping lists, formulating an array of New Year's resolutions that will never, ever stick, and countless "Best Of 2007" lists. Well, I haven't even thought about attempting the first two yet (well, not before I wrote them, anyway, and then thought "Oh shit, what am I buying people for Christmas? And what exactly are my New Year's resolutions? Fuck, these are things I should think about getting on." [Addendum: People are getting the same thing I give out every Christmas - books and/or booze. Christmas list complete.]) The "Best Of..." list, however, is something I have been thinking about for a few weeks now. Those of you who read me regularly know that I'm a huge advocate of Top 5/10/20 lists (I'm a big fan of bulleting items, what can I say?) and therefore should have expected this.
So, I present to you my top 12 records of 2007. This was a good musical year for me. Many of my favorite artists put records out, so the list is populated with said favorites. (Yes, it may be a little sentimental and biased, but I've thought about it and the accolades are deserved.) Why a Top 12 instead of 5 or 10? I don't know. I was feeling a little left of center. I'm sure you'll manage through it somehow.
11. Saves The Day - Under The Boards. Seeing as how this band has let me down once before (see: In Reverie), I was admittedly hesitant to be super-excited about this record. Still, I purchased it the day it came out and greedily stuffed it into the CD player in my car. Within the first two songs, I breathed a sigh of relief. The first five or six songs are absolutely wonderful ("Get Fucked Up" and "Can't Stay The Same" standing out, however, the mediocrity of some of the later tracks cause me to rank it lower than I initially would have. Still, it hasn't fallen into the "Okay, I'm All Set With This Record" pile yet, and I don't anticipate it doing so anytime soon. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Can't Stay The Same"
10. New Found Glory - From The Screen To Your Stereo II. So technically, it's not a real release - it's a record of covers. But it's absolutely amazing. It's great to get a brand new record by one of your favorite bands and already know most of the lyrics to the tunes. Instant sing-alongability! There are killer versions of tunes by Goo Goo Dolls ("Iris"), Madonna ("Crazy For You"), and even Go West's "The King Of Wishful Thinking." Song To Download Before Purchase: "The King Of Wishful Thinking"
9. The Dear Hunter - Act II: The Meaning of & Regarding All Things Ms. Leading. I heard the demos for this last summer while I was on tour, and I was immediately taken by the awesomeness of the Dear Hunter. It was definitely high up on my list of anticipated records, and it pretty much lived up to the hype I gave it in my mind. It seamlessly meshes all sorts of different styles of music into one cohesive piece. Because it is a concept record, though, it really only makes sense when listened to all the way through, which cannot always be done. There are many songs that could stand alone as singles, however, it works better when it's consumed in a single sitting. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Red Hands"
8. Dustin Kensrue - Please Come Home. This solo offering from the Thrice front man really struck a chord with me. It's traditional country-laced songs stand apart from anything Kensrue ever wrote for his post-hardcore band, summoning memories of Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. The simplicity of the songs make it very singable in that my-wife-just-shot-my-dog kind of way, but I think that's what makes this album a winner. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Pistol"
7. Cartel - Cartel. Ah, the nefarious band-in-a-bubble. The controversy surrounding the production of this record was plastered across the pages of the interwebs earlier this summer, fueled by the overreaching opinions of message board users and incessant press regarding their stint in the Bubble. The record came out in the midst of that shitstorm, and then quickly settled into a quiet but strong existence in the hearts of Cartel fans. Including me. I actually reviewed the record (and commented on the nonsense surrounding the record) back in August if you care to hear any more opinions I have on it. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Tonight"
6. Dashboard Confessional - The Shade Of Poison Trees. In stark comparison, the anticipation for the release of Chris Carraba's latest album was practically nonexistent. The release of the record was announced on Vagrant's website only six weeks before it scheduled to drop. Admittedly, this was another band that had disappointed me, although much more recently than STD, so my wounds from the unremarkable Dusk And Summer were still somewhat fresh. But everything turned out just fine. Eschewing the over-the-top production and lavish instrumentation if their previous record, this is a simple and raw offering that hearkened back to The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most and even The Swiss Army Romance at times. It's biting and witty and very, very listenable. Here is my official take on it. Song To Download Before Purchase: "These Bones"
5. Anberlin - Cities. Completely underrated until they made this record, Anberlin roared out of the gates with Cities, their third release, to solidify their place amongst the elite groups in the scene. From the driving opening chords of "Godspeed" to the epic, chill-inducing outro, "Fin", every second of this record in incredible. The record plays like a play or a movie: ups, downs, conflict, denoument, resolution - it has it all. It's damn near perfect. Plus, the bonus DVD with the studio footage on it is a great glimpse into the making of a near-masterpiece. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Dismantle. Repair."
4. Fall Out Boy - Infinity On High. I don't care. I fucking love Fall Out Boy and I fucking love this record. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Hum Hallelujah"
3. Four Year Strong - Rise Or Die Trying. Start the takeover! Okay, admittedly, I loved this record from the moment I first heard it. It isn't ground breaking. Hell, some of my friends have told me it's practically unlistenable. And I really thought it would be a novelty CD for me - one that I'd hear and be like "Oh yeah, that's pretty good," and then slowly stop giving it spins because it's staying power was not strong. Well all that is false. Malarkey. Tomfoolery. This record is incredible. It takes the best parts of the pop-punk and hardcore I used to love so very much (and still do, really) and throws them all together and makes me dance like an asshole around my room, playing air-metalcore guitar in front of my mirror. Plus, they all have amazing beards. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die"
2. Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light. No, this record isn't Clarity. It isn't even Bleed American. But it is a wonderful record from one of the most influential bands of our day. It contains all of the elements that made JEW legends - simple yet beautiful guitar work, amazing lyrical content, spacy guitar leads. It makes you want to laugh. It makes you want to cry. Hell, there are even parts that make your insides tingle like they haven't since the first time you heard "can you still feel the butterflies?" From front to back, the soaring chorus of "Big Casino" to the lamenting drone of "Gotta Be Somebody's Blues" to the heartwrenching verses of the closer, "Dizzy," Chase This Light is, front to back, just the latest in a long line of perfection that Jimmy Eat World continues to put out. Song To Download Before Purchase: "Big Casino"
1. Motion City Soundtrack - Even If It Kills Me. Seriously, are you surprised? From the moment I heard the first five songs back in May, I knew that this would become my favorite record of the year. I played Commit This To Memory so much that I wore the CD out and had to buy another one. Luckily, thanks to my handsome iPod, this will not be the case with EIIKM. Oh, I've been listing to it just as frequently, though, so no worries. The music remains spectacular. The lyrics remain scarily realistic and poignant. The songs flow in a perfect order, as always. It's like this band is in my head. Every word penned is so very applicable. It's simply an incredible, amazing record. And that's why it's my number one record of 2007. Song To Download Before Purchase: Don't. Just go buy the whole thing. But if I had to pick just one: "It Had To Be You"
Honorable Mentions: Sherwood - A Different Light, Paramore - Riot!, The Receiving End Of Sirens - The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi
Lie awake wondering if things could have been much different...
Yeah, I know. I've had a string of unexcused absences in the past few weeks, but I think I might be ready to come back to this. I've got a doctor's note giving me a clean bill of health. The reason for my no-showism? Basically, it came down to the fact that I had a record coming out, so I was fervently doing last-minute edits to the artwork, posting bulletins, trying to secure a date for the record release show, trying to find a new guitar player as soon as possible so he could learn all the songs for said show, etc., so finding the time and/or energy to put into writing was all but sapped during the past fortnight or so.
But now I'm refreshed. And to tell you the truth, I feel good. In the past few months, if done a lot of internalizing and self-editing. I took a self-imposed sabbatical from a very unhealthy aspect of my life that, from time to time, would consume my every thought- make me feel like time were running out to find something I've been looking for all my life. And there were too many times I, on a whim, attempted to chase down that holy grail, flinging myself full-force into the crusade. And every time, I would choose the wrong chalice. For a short time, the feeling would be immeasurable, but the rewards were always ephemeral, and it always ended in some sort of mini-catastrophe. So I took a break from the search, selling myself on the fact that the object of my quest would be revealed to me when the time was right, when we were both ready for it.
So now I'm free from my mental indentured servitude, and it's allowed me to kind of reflect on other things, to spend my time pursuing other methods of self-betterment. And here's the conclusion I have come to: I am in too many non-symbiotic relationships. I'm not speaking in terms of romantic interactions here, but just interpersonal relationships in general. I tend to give too much and take too little. I can't help it - I'm fucking nice. It makes me feel good to make others feel good. I've been that way my entire life. And while I don't ever seek it or ask for it, I enjoy reciprocation every once and a while. And I had friends (or people I once called friend) who were just oblivious to the fact that maybe, just maybe, it was okay to do nice things back. So I would continue to give and give, sometimes voluntarily, but mostly when solicited, and receive nothing in return. And it's not like I hunt down approval or recognition from others, at least I don't think I do. It's just that, fuck, do something nice for me once in a while. Or at the very least, say thank you, just acknowledge the deed, that's all - think of someone other than yourself.
For too long, I just sat and took it, storing frustration like a rechargeable battery, hoping that those people might change their ways. It never happened. So I made a decision to cut those people out of my life. And I've become a much happier person because of it.
The saddest thing is when you suddenly realize that a relationship is one sided. In most instances, I knew which way the street went, but I would still keep driving past all the spots where I could turn around and change my direction, in hopes that an oncoming lane would at some point accompany the one I was traveling in. But when it happens instantly, you're just left standing there looking at your map, and then back up at the street sign. Map. Sign. Map. Fuck. Where the fuck did this come from? And this just very recently happened to me, making me question, possibly regret, all the efforts I've poured into this relationship over the past two-and-a-half years.
I did a lot of selfless things for the other. I won't list them because to do so would certainly reveal their identity, and it's not something I want to do in an open air forum. What I will say is that I spent a lot of time, sweat, and effort on this relationship. True, many of the things I did solely because I wanted to help them out. But I also did a lot of things I was asked to do, asked to help out with, asked to take care of for them altogether. And I did it all, just because I wanted to make things better for them. Because I truly honestly cared.
But now, I could use some help. In fact, I've asked for it. A few times. And I've been blown off. And I'm hesitant to pull the "hey, remember all the shit I've done for you?" card, because it's not in my nature. I do nice things for the sake of doing nice things. Not because I want something in return. But, you see that I could use some help, fucking throw me a bone. It seems the true nature of our relationship has been revealed. Upon discussion with mutual acquaintances and friends, it seems that this a running thing with you. Others have also given themselves to you, too, and the results produced were similar to mine. You know what? Fine, don't fucking help me out. I can do it on my own. Granted, it would be easier if you could throw me an assist, but I'll fucking drive the basket on my own. But don't call me when you need something. I'm all set with it. From now on, do it without me. I can live with the fact that you don't have the mental foresight to see that I could use a hand. That happens. But you really hurt my feelings. And for now, I think I'm all set.
Although that sounded like an angry rant, it was definitely more of a therapeutic doctrine, a self-affirmation that I can return to and re-read and feel satisfied that I am finally starting the excise these demons that have possessed me for so long. After 10 years of being an adult, I'm finally starting to feel grown up. And ready.
But now I'm refreshed. And to tell you the truth, I feel good. In the past few months, if done a lot of internalizing and self-editing. I took a self-imposed sabbatical from a very unhealthy aspect of my life that, from time to time, would consume my every thought- make me feel like time were running out to find something I've been looking for all my life. And there were too many times I, on a whim, attempted to chase down that holy grail, flinging myself full-force into the crusade. And every time, I would choose the wrong chalice. For a short time, the feeling would be immeasurable, but the rewards were always ephemeral, and it always ended in some sort of mini-catastrophe. So I took a break from the search, selling myself on the fact that the object of my quest would be revealed to me when the time was right, when we were both ready for it.
So now I'm free from my mental indentured servitude, and it's allowed me to kind of reflect on other things, to spend my time pursuing other methods of self-betterment. And here's the conclusion I have come to: I am in too many non-symbiotic relationships. I'm not speaking in terms of romantic interactions here, but just interpersonal relationships in general. I tend to give too much and take too little. I can't help it - I'm fucking nice. It makes me feel good to make others feel good. I've been that way my entire life. And while I don't ever seek it or ask for it, I enjoy reciprocation every once and a while. And I had friends (or people I once called friend) who were just oblivious to the fact that maybe, just maybe, it was okay to do nice things back. So I would continue to give and give, sometimes voluntarily, but mostly when solicited, and receive nothing in return. And it's not like I hunt down approval or recognition from others, at least I don't think I do. It's just that, fuck, do something nice for me once in a while. Or at the very least, say thank you, just acknowledge the deed, that's all - think of someone other than yourself.
For too long, I just sat and took it, storing frustration like a rechargeable battery, hoping that those people might change their ways. It never happened. So I made a decision to cut those people out of my life. And I've become a much happier person because of it.
The saddest thing is when you suddenly realize that a relationship is one sided. In most instances, I knew which way the street went, but I would still keep driving past all the spots where I could turn around and change my direction, in hopes that an oncoming lane would at some point accompany the one I was traveling in. But when it happens instantly, you're just left standing there looking at your map, and then back up at the street sign. Map. Sign. Map. Fuck. Where the fuck did this come from? And this just very recently happened to me, making me question, possibly regret, all the efforts I've poured into this relationship over the past two-and-a-half years.
I did a lot of selfless things for the other. I won't list them because to do so would certainly reveal their identity, and it's not something I want to do in an open air forum. What I will say is that I spent a lot of time, sweat, and effort on this relationship. True, many of the things I did solely because I wanted to help them out. But I also did a lot of things I was asked to do, asked to help out with, asked to take care of for them altogether. And I did it all, just because I wanted to make things better for them. Because I truly honestly cared.
But now, I could use some help. In fact, I've asked for it. A few times. And I've been blown off. And I'm hesitant to pull the "hey, remember all the shit I've done for you?" card, because it's not in my nature. I do nice things for the sake of doing nice things. Not because I want something in return. But, you see that I could use some help, fucking throw me a bone. It seems the true nature of our relationship has been revealed. Upon discussion with mutual acquaintances and friends, it seems that this a running thing with you. Others have also given themselves to you, too, and the results produced were similar to mine. You know what? Fine, don't fucking help me out. I can do it on my own. Granted, it would be easier if you could throw me an assist, but I'll fucking drive the basket on my own. But don't call me when you need something. I'm all set with it. From now on, do it without me. I can live with the fact that you don't have the mental foresight to see that I could use a hand. That happens. But you really hurt my feelings. And for now, I think I'm all set.
Although that sounded like an angry rant, it was definitely more of a therapeutic doctrine, a self-affirmation that I can return to and re-read and feel satisfied that I am finally starting the excise these demons that have possessed me for so long. After 10 years of being an adult, I'm finally starting to feel grown up. And ready.
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