So this is Blog post #1. Here in
Netter Land I will be discussing the things I love, and since music is my true love, most of what I say will revolve around just that. I figured a good way to get to know me and what I'm all about would be to show my Top Ten Albums of All Time (currently)!
I like to believe that in this world there are a few type of music listeners; there are Artist people, Song people, and Album people. An Artist person is the diehard fan for their favorite band(s) and probably don't go too far outside that loop. Song people are your avid radio listeners who go with the flow and don't really ever get caught up in any band or artist hype. Album people are often Artist people as well, but they focus more attention on specific albums. While many can have traits of all three, most have their set preferences. I tend to lean towards being an Album person, thus why I am capable of contriving this list.
So here it is: My Top Ten Albums
10. This Is War, by: Thirty Seconds to Mars: The music is catchy but still has the band’s edge. All the songs work together to make a really inspiring and motivating record. I remember listening to this a lot when I was working on a novel about rebellion and it really kept me into the mood of the story, made me want to get out there and fight for a cause. This album is a bit different than 30STM’s early records, but it sounds more polished and complete and I give them props for doing something new.
9. My Dinosaur Life, by: Motion City Soundtrack: This was not my first album by MCS, but it was the album that made me fall in love with them. With songs like “Stand Too Close” (The song speaks of the anxieties of getting close to someone and letting them see all that you are. This is something I have always struggled with) that are simple, easy to sing along too, and relatable this record is non-stop quirky fun. It’s filled with great punk pop and lyrics made for basket cases like me and these songs will never leave your head.
8. Sound Of Madness, by: Shinedown: As my dad and I would put it, this was definitely one of the best albums to come out of 2008 and Shinedown’s best album by far. Front man, Brent Smith, seemed to make a good decision when he switched up the band before creating Sound Of Madness because the record is a true masterpiece. They stick to their hard rock roots while still making the album diverse, going from songs like mosh-worthy “Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide” to mellowing it out with the piano based ballad “Call Me.” This album is hard edged and still maintains melody and beauty.
7. Pretty Odd, by: Panic At The Disco: While this record was the beginning of the end of the emo-pop band as we knew it, this album solidified the band as more than a fad. Panic changed things up when they released this very Beatles-inspired album. They drifted from just catchy pop tunes to a more whimsical sound. I personally, even as a fan of their debut (A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out), loved the switch. I loved how they added more musical depth by adding more instruments and more voices especially guitarist/songwriter, Ryan Ross. They successfully showed their growth creatively and as musicians.
6. The Everglow, by: Mae: Listening to this album is almost like reading a good story, mostly because it tells a story. I remember cracking open the booklet the night I got the album and following along to every song. The mix of the words, the illustrations, and the music made for one magical experience. Mae, in my opinion was one of the best piano-rock bands in recent years. Their lyrics speak volumes while their melodies soar and wrap you in a warm fuzzy feeling you won’t want to escape. This is one of my favorite albums to listen to no matter what mood I’m in because it’s just a work of art.
5. Avenged Sevenfold, by: Avenged Sevenfold: This is most definitely my favorite metal album. While Avenged Sevenfold’s Waking The Fallen is a strong contender, it cannot quite compete with their 2007 self-titled and it’s consistent greatness. It’s heavy, melodic, and even a bit dramatic. A7X have been known to change things up on a regular basis, and I would have to say that this album is their best sound yet. A7X has always been good about putting out strong records, but based on overall awesomeness, the self-titled takes the cake.
4. Hot Fuss, by: The Killers: Hot Fuss, The Killers first and what I believe to be their only great record they ever put out. The modern new wave vibe is infectious and makes it hard not to dance; who can’t help but to sing along to their hit, “Mr. Brightside.”
3. Take This To Your Grave, by: Fall out Boy: Take This to Your Grave is fun-loving, punk-pop at its best. The songs are the right balance between angst and energy. This record has me singing along to every song. The band themselves wanted this album to be one that you could listen to over and over again and never get tired of it. I’ve had this CD for six years now and each listen is as exciting as the first. I’d call that a success boys!
2. Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, by: My Chemical Romance: MCR’s newest album has taken the greatness of their first three records and put them all to shame. This album shows the bands willingness to try new sounds and ideas and does it in a wonderful way. Danger Days is all over the place, but in a good way. The album jumps from sound to sound starting with powerful pop/rock songs like “Bulletproof Heart” to almost indie sounding songs like “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” and then ending the whole thing with classic rock ‘n’ roll songs like “Vampire Money.” This album is one excitement after the other and is a truly entertaining listen.
1. Nimrod, by: Green Day: So this selection is a bit biased considering Green Day is my favorite band, but Nimrod is truly a great album. It’s humorous with an underlying seriousness and it is punk rock with a hint of California mellow. Some songs are non-stop head-bobbers like “The Grouch” and some are nearly tranquil like the instrumental “Last Ride In.” This album is one of (if not the most ;) ) enjoyable albums to listen to, but then again I’m biased.
So there you have it; my top ten albums of all time (okay currently)! Now it is your turn. What are your top five or ten favorite albums, songs, or artists?
