"I think i'm ready to leap, i'm ready to live, i'm ready to go

Vices & Virtues by Panic! At The Disco - Since 2005 I have had an unrelenting obsession with Panic! At The Disco. Many fans questioned the complete 180 turn the band did with the release of their second album (2008’s Pretty. Odd.) trading in theatricality and synth-punk-pop for a Beatles-esque sound and style. Many wrote the band off after that move, despite how well crafted and critically praised the album had been. It’s not difficult to see that musical styles have changed and directions pursued, cemented following the parting of ways of guitarist/lyricist Ryan Ross and bassist Jon Walker. Nearly three years later, remaining members Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith are picking things up where they were left off, with their first reappearance since their one release as a two piece band with New Perspective for the Jennifer’s Body Soundtrack. Vices & Virtues is an album that nearly expertly combines the strengths of both their first and second album, with very little room for improvement. Although Ross’ lyrics are no longer part of the mix, Urie takes up on the challenge and fairs very well considering they are some of his first (he did contribute lyrics to the two shortest tracks from P.O.) and he and Smith both have retained a very different musical sound. Although most tracks have co-writing credits to producers John Feldman and Butch Walker, they are a sound that is very distinctly Panic!, bringing back some of the more electric, synthesizer sounds that were present on their first album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, but were sadly absent on their sophomore record. These sounds add a dynamic to the album that makes it different from others in the alternative and punk-pop genre while remaining accessible to casual listeners. Some songs are more pop-rock than Panic!’s previous songs, such as the slower Always and my personal favorite album track The Calendar. Songs like Let’s Kill Tonight, Hurricane, and Ready To Go (Get Me Out Of My Mind) are poppy without losing that distinct synth-punk feel. The first single The Ballad Of Mona Lisa is a perfect example of the direction one would have expected the band to take had this album directly proceeded AFYCSO, as evidence from the steampunk theme of the music video. Overall, the album is comprised of very strong tracks, most of which include many different instruments and sounds without sounding too cluttered or overproduced. The last track, Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met) opens and closes with a children’s choir and features several tempo changes and instrument blends (it is also the only track on the album that features writing credits for Ross who helped write some of the lyrics prior to his exit from the band). Another example of the blending of techniques from the first two albums is the most diverse track on the album Sarah Smiles which opens with an accordion and proceeds to pleasantly surprise with its use of different instruments and sounds. Admist all of these staggered arrangements and instrumentation, Urie’s voice remains a distinctive factor in the sound, demonstrated by his range and versatility in different styles. Where some of his lyrics are clearly not as developed as they could be (see the opening lines of Always) his voice remains his undeniable strength, rising above the sometimes cluttered background of the music. Smith’s drumming is also a huge attraction on the record, although that may be something that a casual listener may miss. But those who are paying attention to patterns and the beat can hear his expertise and fills. Overall the album is everything Panic! fans could hope for, especially those who were second guessing the band following Pretty. Odd. The enthusiasm for writing comes across so blatantly in every song, giving the listener the impression that this band still has so much to offer. If their live performances and recent interviews are any indication, it is safe to say that Brendon and Spencer are here to stay. This has my vote for best album of the year.

Key Tracks: The Ballad of Mona Lisa, Let's Kill Tonight, Memories, Ready To Go (Get Me Out Of My Mind), The Calendar, Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met)

Currently Listening To: "Let's Kill Tonight" by Panic! At The Disco from "Vices & Virtues"

"Look alive sunshine"

Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys by My Chemical Romance - For anyone who knows me, which is the only three people who read this blog, you are probably familiar with my obsession with this band, especially in my junior year of high school. MCR has been often criticized for their ever-evolving sound even from those who call themselves diehard fans. I could rant for hours about the ridiculousness of those kinds of accusations, but I will get to the real heart of this post. My Chemical Romance have graduated and moved on from The Black Parade, the album that has defined their look and lives for the past few years, and they have come from the darkness into what is an amazing accomplishment. Danger Days has taken the band to a place that they have not visited on previous albums, a place in which they seem actually happy. You can hear in the music the newfound enthusiasm and dare I say optimism on the 15 new songs (12 if you discount the three spoken tracks). What I love most is when bands evolve their sound as they grow, and how through that evolution they stay relevant to my own life, which MCR has certainly done here. When I needed something that spoke to who I was at sixteen and seventeen, The Black Parade was there for me. The person I am today at nineteen has a strong connection to this new album that seems to understand the natural progression of life. The guys hit the ground running with the first full song Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na) whose title pretty much describes the song; a nonstop assault of noise. Normally, that might not be considered a good thing, but here MCR pull it off perfectly, capturing a feeling that is clear they have been cultivating the past few years. If you are one of those people still obsessed with 2004's Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, you may be slightly disappointed. The guys have grown up and out of their goth phase and now go for a song that if were described visually, would include the brightest, loudest colors possible. And if you watch the video for Na Na Na you'll see that color is exactly what is being embraced. The third track on the album, Bulletproof Heart, is a personal favorite for both the music and the lyrics, and while we do get a first taste of the newfound use of synthesizers, it isn't done with a feel of over-production. The rest of the album does a wonderful job of balancing the new sounds with the old, revitalizing a record that could have easily just been another Parade. Instead, there are risks taken and stereotypes bashed in a way that cheekily reminds us that this is indeed the same band we loved before, just a little grown up. Even with the color, they are still a little edgy and even dangerous, as evident when Gerard reminds us that vampires are no longer scary, they're mainstream (see Vampire Money). There are only a few songs on the album that don't hold as strong, but even those are in no way weak spots. No album is perfect, but MCR has gotten pretty damn close once again. With songs that defy their old sound, like the power-ballad like SING and softer sided Summertime, the band proves that they are not afraid to grow and change, while still having those songs that stick to a similar format to their older work, like Save Yourself, I'll Hold Them Back and Vampire Money. And to all those who are familiar with the band, yes, there is plenty of Ray Toro guitar solo action. The album makes it clear that while My Chemical Romance have grown up and settled down a bit in their personal lives, they still can deliver music that is musically and lyrically brilliant.

Key Tracks: Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na), Bulletproof Heart, SING, The Only Hope For Me Is You, Save Yourself, I'll Hold Them Back, Summertime, The Kids From Yesterday, Vampire Money

Currently Listening To: "Right Girl (Acoustic)" by The Maine from "Black & White"

"I've got the worst hangover from you"

Beneath It All (EP) by Hey Monday - Oh where to begin... I suppose I should start with my initial reactions to the single I Don't Wanna Dance when it was released in the summer (or perhaps when I first heard it performed at Warped Tour.) My initial reactions to the song became my general feeling for the entire EP, mainly the question what happened to one of my favorite pop-punk bands? The punk has been left with Hold On Tight, instead the band taking the word "pop" to heart with six songs so produced it's hard to believe there is even a band involved. It could all be done with computers as far as the casual listener can tell, which leads me to wonder where the direction of this once promising band is heading. While the songs are catchy, and the lyrics have a few decent moments (see Wondergirl) they are sadly forgettable, and have lost the spark that came through in their first album. No more guitar riffs and gone are the duets between the punk spark of the music and lead singer Cassadee Pope's sweet and strong voice. Now it seems Hey Monday has fallen victim to overproduction and cookie-cutter, radio friendly tunes that just don't hold the same appeal earlier songs like Homecoming, Candles, and Josie. All in all, the EP is generally alright, as long as you are looking for a pop record with dance ready songs. But don't turn here hoping for a punk pop band, because the latter is all that seems to be left.

Key Tracks: Wish You Were Here, Wondergirl

Currently Listening To: "Summertime" by My Chemical Romance from "Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys"

a taste of what's to come...

in an effort to encourage myself to keep up with this blog, i made a list of the albums and things i wanted to review on here. maybe if i actually post it that will help even more. so here is my master plan list.

Newer:
The Summer Set “Love Like This”
30 Seconds to Mars "This Is War"
Hey Monday "Beneath It All"

The Maine “Black And White”
Set Your Goals "This Will Be The Death Of Us"
Anberlin "Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place"
VersaEmerge "Fixed At Zero"
"Eclipse Soundtrack"

Older:
The Maine “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop”
Four Year Strong "Rise Or Die Trying"
The Rocket Summer "Do You Feel"

Other:
Favorite Albums
Favorite Songs
Music Videos
Live Concert DVDs
Live Concert Music Videos

"Cause i know what's best for me"

Guaranteed To Disagree by We Are The In Crowd – Over the summer I really got into this band and this album. They are from Poughkeepsie, New York and feature duel vocals from both a guy and a girl. Although Jordan Eckes does have a pretty good voice on his own, it does get overshadowed by his counterpart Taylor Jardine, who revitalizes the genre as a female vocalist who invigorates their songs. Tay has a voice that although does not sound like Hayley Williams of Paramore, does have the same powerful and intriguing quality. She definitely drives the songs vocally with Eckes playing off her with opposite lines. The album itself is a short EP of only seven songs, six of which are some of my favorites in the pop-punk genre. Having the two vocalists portraying two different sides of the story in each song sets the band apart from the other similar artists, which is valuable in a genre that consists mostly of similar sounding male singers and songs about love and heartbreak. The first track Carry Me Home opens with Tay’s voice over a swelling chorus, starting the EP off with an energetic and enthusiastic pace that sets the tone for the rest of the tracks. The real gem on the EP is the second track Never Be What You Want, which has lyrics that take on an empowering stance on Jardine’s part. Coupled with impressive pop-rock music, the album continues with a similar formula that hits on most marks. And of course Mike Ferri, Cameron Hurley, and Rob Chianelli make up the rest of the band and impress on the music. These songs really got me through the summer, and they really do boast some impressive melodies. The only song on the album that I'm not particularly fond of is We Need A Break which is an alright track but to me just doesn't quite live up to the lyrical content of the rest of the EP. Overall this well-rounded and very enjoyable EP from a promising young band. After seeing them play Warped Tour this summer, I will definitely be attending their live shows in the future. Keep your eyes out for this group - they are definitely going to gain some serious attention soon.

Key Tracks: Carry Me Home, Never Be What You Want, Lights Out, For The Win, Calendar Pages

Currently Listening To: "We All Roll Along" by The Maine from "Can't Stop, Won't Stop"

so this is how it goes...

hey so i have definitely been a failure when it comes to keeping up with this blog. truth be told, i have recently become addicted to tumblr and thus spent a lot of my blogging time there. none of that is like this with the music reviews, so i definitely need to get back on track here. since i last posted i have gotten a lot more new music and discovered some older stuff too. here is the plan: work on putting up a good amount of reviews and getting myself back in the album mindset. i have made a list for myself of the albums and subjects i would like to touch base on to help me get back on track. so i may have a ton of updates in a relatively short period of time. let's get this going!

<3

I'm ready to be amazed.

I never actually put up a review for my second favorite album of 2009, even though I did review parts of it as part of a concert review done after seeing the band perform live. So here is my official review.

Anywhere But Here by Mayday Parade - There is little I can say to do justice to this amazing album. I still listen to most if not all of it everyday since I bought it. Although there have been a lot of skeptics since Jason Lancaster left the band shortly before the release of A Lesson In Romantics, they can be sure of one thing: Mayday Parade's second full length album delivers to both the musical and lyrical standards set by its predecessor. The opening track Kids In Love may make the first time listener slightly wary - an overused theme about kids in the summertime falling in love. The track is fun, poppy, and very upbeat, which does give off the impression that this may very well turn into another cookie-cutter album from a pop-rock band like all the rest. But leave your worries with that first track, because with the opening of Anywhere But Here, the second and title track of the album, you are immediately reassured that this is indeed an album worthy of your ears. The lyrics of that second song, coupled with the undeniable swells of the music (the key change in the last chorus is particularly moving) bring the band full force with their sophomore effort. The rest of the album continues to impress, with some of the best lyrics heard from the band. It has been extremely hard for me to pick favorites from the album, so much so that I can only really name those that don't particularly impress. The opener, although fun and happy, doesn't quite live up to Mayday's caliber, and the song Get Up is again a fun song but less substance than the others. Along with those two, I'm not a huge fan either of Center Of Attention. That being said, these are still fair tracks, just not quite to the level of the rest of the album. Songs like Still Breathing, Bruised And Scarred, If You Can't Live Without Me Why Aren't You Dead Yet?, Save Your Heart, and I Swear This Time I Mean It are all lyrically near perfection, and the moods change enough that you don't fell like you are listening to the same song over and over as seems to be the trend in this music genre these days. What may be my favorite (if I could choose) is the closing track, The End, which takes the lyrics to a new level and the music beyond what I have heard from this band before. The whole album is a beautiful triumph from a successful band, and this track closing it adds to the prestige that is Anywhere But Here.

Key Tracks: Anywhere But Here, Still Breathing, Bruised And Scarred, If You Can't Live Without Me Why Aren't You Dead Yet?, Save Your Heart, I Swear This Time I Mean It, The End

Currently Listening To: "Still Breathing" by Mayday Parade from "Anywhere But Here"