Our car's stuck on the train crossing.

I'm going to be honest, there hasn't been a lot of exciting music in my world this year. There's probably two reasons for that - I'm focusing a lot on my reading and I had that whole wedding thing go down in August. I used to do most of my music listening on my subway commute, but now I read. And wedding planning cut into "finding new music" type research or really paying attention to what I was listening to: I had bigger things on the brain.

Also, nobody really put out an album I could get behind. Well, actually, the only album I can recall really getting into this year is Mandy Moore's Amanda Leigh, and that was completely unexpected. For sure, there were albums I enjoyed, but maybe I haven't listened to them enough to be called favourites yet - Phoenix, M. Ward, Metric, Neko Case, Lily Allen, Passion Pit... (They all had albums out this year right? My timeline is totally off pre-wedding, I hardly paid attention to music in the first half of the year. Most of my music listening was picking out wedding music and our cd favor music, thus regressing to past musical choices, not current.) And there are albums I have that I have to listen to more than once - Nightmare of You, Mew, Bat for Lashes, Rodrigo y Gabriela, etc. I just need to get back into it.

I am highly anticipating the end of the year because there are releases from Dragonette, Tegan & Sara, Dashboard Confessional, and Paramore. Oh, and I have to get the new Muse album. Plus, Say Anything has a new album coming out, but I'm not really anticipating it based on the sophomoric single "I Hate Everyone." I think my own personal year in music (yeah, I'm a bit late) started this week with releases from two of my favourite bands: Monty Are I's Break Through the Silence and Brand New's Daisy. For the past two days I've been listening to the albums during work and parts of my commute. I should probably take more time to listen to them, and my opinion may change based on my continual aural study, but we'll see how this goes. I actually paid attention!

FINALLY! Finally Monty Are I are back, and though I'd heard some of the early mixes this summer, I was really looking forward to hearing it in my headphones. Plus, this album was a long time coming. Their last album, Wall of People, came out three years ago in 2006, and I'd already been listening to most of those songs a couple years before that. More than anything, my curiousity was heightened by their obvious talent and their boldness. I knew this release would have some surprising sounds uncharacteristic of a young, Warped Tour band. The thing is, I can't stand most of those bands. I can't listen to a note of their songs because I get queasy with what's being passed as "musical talent" sometimes. I find Monty Are I's non-formulaic approach refreshing.

And here they are with Break Through the Silence, still armed with horns ocassionally (let's not forget they were borne out of a high school ska band), rearin' guitars, and what I'm sure is a bevy of interesting electronic devices...along with a zitar or two. Like I said, non-formulaic. That's not to say it isn't catchy. The album sounds polished, much like the design asthetic of the cover. It's sleek, epic rock. The guitars mostly sound huge, the drums can get intense, and there's a lot of different sounds mixed together. Fortunately, it never gets too overwhelming: it's just surprising to hear it all come together sometimes. It may be a little jarring at times, but I'm thoroughly loving it now. Steve, the lead vocalist/guitarist (and my longtime friend), has definitely brought his talents to the next level with this effort. Frankly, I've never heard him sound this good. The band as a whole has something to really be proud of, and I'm excited to hear these songs live as well as congratulate them in person.

My favourite songs that have gotten stuck in my head: "The Stand," "One in a Million," and "Kaleidoscope"

Please support these fine young men - buy the album and tell me what you think - here on ShockHound.com for $7.99! (Also available on Amazon & iTunes)

Now let's talk about Brand New's latest, Daisy. I don't even know where to start. Do I start with the actual album or talking about my mindset as I pressed play on the first song knowing who Brand New is and what they've meant to me over the years? It's almost always exhausting for me to talk about Brand New - there's so much there. The other night at Trainwreck, I was discussing this album and the band with Tyler and it became an entirely too intense discussion for a Tuesday night with drinks in our hands and dance music in the background. I basically covered my feelings about Brand New when I wrote this post about seeing them live last summer. So I turned to this album and had no idea what to expect - the only thing I could expect from them was this it wouldn't sound at all like any of their other albums. They're pretty good in that respect - and it can sometimes drive their oldest fans crazy. I never liked The Devil and God..., even though I wondered if years down the line I would, but it never happened. That said, I really like Daisy.

The album is a bit strange, and I listened with no idea where the next note was going to go. It's been quite enthralling simply because it's so weird and interesting. There are moments that remind me of my favourite Brand New, the Deja Entendu Brand New, like the beginning of "You Stole." But I wouldn't even call those the best moments on the album. Sometimes the lead singer, Jesse Lacey, gets very Jack White with his vocals along with a simple drum beat. I like it. Can sometimes sound like the White Stripes if they recorded in 1994. Sometimes there's some industrial-like vocals echoing in the background. Still don't know if I like that, but it doesn't ruin anything per se. There's also screaming. And soundbites. Though there's a definite meshing of sounds here, it makes sense. I'm not confused or cringing, I'm intrigued. In contrast to Break Through the Silence, Daisy is raw and gritty. As far as any of this being borne of their notorious pretentiousness (at least at live shows), there's a lot of worse music that come out of pretentiousness. They have my attention again.

I've been digging on: "Gasoline," "Sink," "Bought a Bride," and "Noro"

You can buy Daisy at ShockHound.com for $9.99!

Anybody else listening to these cuts? What do you think? Have any recent releases I should add to my listen pile? Let me know!

Like a fly on the wall with my secret eyes.

The deets! The happy-haps! (What?) I mean, nothing got better than hanging out on Adrian Young's tour bus - let's be honest. I kind of glided through the rest of the weekend with a smile on my face!

On Saturday morning I woke up and headed into the city because Jesse had gotten me a gift certificate months ago for a two-hour massage. (No, seriously, he's the best gift-giver of all time.) I actually had no idea what to expect, but I lay down for two lovely hours free of tension. Looking back, I think it was rather necessary and I plan on getting another one soon!

After that, I ran some errands and met up with my friend Colleen, and we met up with my old friends in Monty Are I. Hilarity and fun times ensued. They had a photoshoot on Sunday, so all day Saturday they were shopping with their label for clothes. Then I made Steve show me some poses:

I hope he worked it out by Sunday.

Me and my lemur face with Steve.

Mike, looking not like Mike at all, but strangely...a little...Bradley Cooper-esque??? The eyes?!

Now, we were hanging out at our friend Ben's apartment, which he shares with four other dudes, and Joe was taking polaroids and making us sign them. Colleen and I looked super peeved in the pic he took of us. But we were having a great time! PROMISE!

I was going to hold this photo ransom as some sort of blackmail leverage, but I couldn't not share it with the world, now. Steve and Mike. Doing what they do.

Don't let these pictures deter you from seeing them on tour this summer - whether on Warped or with Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. They're good dudes who make good music and they have a KILLER live show. Check out their site for tour dates! They have an album coming out this summer, and it will be available on Warped Tour to purchase - I got to sit down with them and listen to the masters of their songs, and I'm excited to get my hands on it when it goes on sale. There's one song I already know I'm going to be dancing around my room to. Yes!! And I'll post the rest of the pictures on Facebook soon!

All in all, it was a blast to hang out with them and catch up on everything that they're doing. I've known them since back in my freshman year of college, which was (HOLY CRAP) eight years ago...and they were known as Monty's Fan Club. It's funny to see where we all are now in our lives, and I can't wait to see where they're going...stay tuned!

On Sunday I met up with Jill, who's married to Josh from Motion City Soundtrack. She's in town for work, so we had some brunch, did a little shopping, took in some of the gay pride parade, and then meandered into a bar we didn't know was all about the USA/Brazil soccer match. It ended up being a pretty exciting atmosphere, and we ended up caring a bit about the game, too. Weird how that happens when you're in the midst of tons of die-hard fans yelling and screaming about their teams. Anyway, it was a great afternoon!

BY THE WAY. MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK FINISHED RECORDING THEIR NEW ALBUM ON SUNDAY!!!! And now it's just a matter of time for all the rest of the process to be complete! Are you excited? I'm excited!! The demos I've heard have all rocked so hard, and I can't wait to hear the mastered versions for maximum rock out-age.

Congratulations, dudes!
Jesse gave me a call Sunday in the midst of their celebrations - I wish I could have been there in the excitement, but I was also excited because this means Jesse is a-comin' home! He gets back on Friday, eeeeeeeeeeee!

After hanging out with Jill on Sunday, I dropped by Sarah's new party Sunday School NYC. I think it's a great idea - an all ages event every Sunday from 4-8pm at Webster Hall with bands and DJs! When I walked in I got a sweet purple bracelet that glows in the dark and had the date on it. I also got cuted out when I saw little toddlers dancing around to the music on the dancefloor! Seriously. Wow.

Anyway, Sarah is one of the sweetest human beings on the planet and I totally dig the Sunday School scene she's set up. I got really into the second band that played, Zambri, which had two awesome sister lead vocalists. More on them later when I've listened to their album I bought! The room was also a great setting for a dance party - which happened when Erica stood up to the DJ booth!

And here's my Sunday School portrait by Coco Courtney. I must not fall for bad boys! I think I've got that covered...

Monty Are I last night @ Highline!

Last night, Perry, Kells, Erica and I rocked out at the Monty Are I show. The dudes from Rhode Island haven't played live in over a year, but they didn't miss a beat. I got really excited waiting in line outside because even though it was deathly cold, the two girls in front of me were singing "Between the Sheets" and I was like, hells yeah! But, really, I just smiled. They should have an album coming out at some point this year...and judging from the new songs I heard last night, it's going to be just as epic as their last effort, Wall of People. And once they go on tour, you should check them out - one of the best live shows ever.

Steve and the gang couldn't hang out after, so the girls and I went to a bar/diner and talked about our new love...Friday Night Lights. Yeah. Then Erica and I went home and watched a couple episodes of that. But, anyways, that Oscar post will still maybe happen. It's becoming increasingly irrelevant, though, am I right? Ha.

Swear I knew it all along.

I got Jesse to open a Flickr account for his wonderful Lomo photos! Yessssss! He also got another roll developed, and it's looking great.

...even when I don't look great, at brunch - his pictures still rock.

He caught these two leather-jacket-laden relatives on the subway.

And speaking of fashion...

I'm planning a big post on the post-Oscar rundown, including some thoughts on the fashion. I'd write more, but it's a busy Monday! Tonight I'm going to Highline Ballroom to see my old friends Monty Are I play - I'm so excited.

My Top Artists this Week (Oct 13 - Oct 19)

(via my last.fm)

I can't believe it's Monday again. I can't believe it's October 20th! 2008! Where am I? Just kidding. Kind of. So, I pretty much listened to Against Me! all last week due to their incredible show I told you about. And the usual standby favourites of She & Him and Dragonette were there as well.

Oh - and look! It's Monty's Fan Club! So, last week there was one day that I was on my way to work, and I was tired and kind of bummed out for some reason (me being bummed out is usually a fleeting feeling, so I don't even remember why), and I was listening to the This American Life podcast when they segued a story with Warren G's "Regulate." This song immediately conjures the sounds of a Monty's Fan Club live show because they used to use the same clip to intro into their song "Handy With the Steel." And sometimes it only takes a little ska and memories of VFW hall shows to pick up my day. Of course, Monty's Fan Club became Monty, and then finally Monty Are I. They just officially announced that they're recording in LA with producer Matt Squire (Thrice, Panic! at the Disco), and I couldn't be happier for them - I'm sure the album will rock.

This week is CMJ in New York, so I may or may not be seeing a lot of shows - I'm basically going where my little music event planner Erica the Dagger takes me. I do know that I might see The Bronx, Butch Walker, The Photo Atlas, Minus the Bear, and The Hard Lessons! All of which are exciting prospects. And if I can't catch the shows, there will be afterparties. Oh, the parties.

And finally, don't forget to vote for Motion City Soundtrack for the Woodies' Best Video!!! Vote often!

---

Wait, wait, wait. I didn't tell you about my weekend! Okay, there's not much to tell besides lots of kitten hangs, Fianz cuddles, and sports-watching. The Red Sox just couldn't make it this year, sadly enough, and I'm so sick of those Tampa Bay cowbells that I'm just going to go ahead and root for a National League team, the Phillies, in the World Series. Tonight is the Patriots football game versus the Denver Broncos. And by the way, we definitely plan on suiting up the kittens with their very own Patriots neck bandanas. Oh yes, there will be pictures.

My Top Artists this Week (Sep 8 - Sep 14)

(via my last.fm)

I knew I'd get obsessed with Dragonette when I first heard them! I've been listening non-stop and I Surrender will be releasing it in the U.S. on October 14th digitally, and in stores on October 28th. On my last recommendation, Paula of Insert My Blog Name Here bought the album (she's in the UK, where it was already released) and became a fan -

Get into it before everybody else does, right? ;)

I'm also so totally stoked for tomorrow and Friday nights because Dragonette are playing BOTH nights and my friends and I are ready to dance. I'll obviously let you know how they are live - I have high hopes and I don't think they'll disappoint.

By the way, Trainwreck was a great success last night, and due to the word getting out about tv cameras in the midst of AK every Tuesday, the place is more packed than ever! Also, Ryan (Take the Crown) is in town visiting Perry, and stepped in to guest-DJ as Hi Deaf. Rob and Erica obviously continue to dominate the dance party jams! AND, surprise, surprise, I got a call from Steve (Monty Are I) yesterday, my dear old friend, and he was in town for the night, so I made him join the fun. Great to see him, as always; I'm super excited for the new Monty Are I album, which the band will be recording in LA for the next couple of months. The great night continued when I got home and got to video chat with Jesse, which hasn't happened in a while due to Fail Internet, but I fell asleep smiling per usual.

And, OH HEY, guess who's having a joint birthday party next week?!?!

PS, thanks for all the feedback regarding my last post and Twilight, I'm still taking any opinions, and will be tallying it soon to see if I read or not. Again, lots of polarizing feelings about this series exist!

PS2, don't forget to join my blog network if you have Facebook, and feel free to add me as a friend!

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I never post videos.

Jesse passed along this video the other day and I was completely mesmerized. I hardly ever post videos here, so you know it's legit.

Hey oh, I'm posting on a Friday NIGHT! Yeah, I'm in my bed and I don't care. This week exhausted me. The past few weeks have. I'm hoping to rejuvenate over the weekend.

In other news, I'm going to take this moment and inform you that Monty Are I are back into updating! They're working on their new album, and you should check out their VIDEO on YouTube (I know, another video, but TRUST). Check out that new jam they play for the school - Steve played it backstage via headphones at their New York show last year and it's evolved from pretty sweet into awesome (am I a surfer?). Also, MAI put out the best videos. They are hilarious. Though this video also touches on a more personal level - from their site:

"We have been doing some work with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and recently played an acoustic show for a middle school that raised a shit ton of money for the cause. Watch the video to learn more about what we are doing and ways you can help. If you would like to donate any money to the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society you can go to www.lls.org/donate. We have set up an account in our name so if you would like to donate in honor of Monty Are I, where it says

THIS GIFT IS: In Honor of
NAME: MONTY ARE I
OCCASION: MONTY ARE I
SPECIAL HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: THE RHODE ISLAND CHAPTER.

If you can, take the time to donate to the societly! Then you can check off your good deed for the day!"

DONATE! Also, don't watch the following video while you have the MAI site open because that's what I did and I went through a rather embarrassing conversation with Steve about how I couldn't hear what they were saying in the video because of all the "wind sounds." Yeah, I just needed to close the MAI site.

PS Now that you've watched the first video - WOAH! Is your mind blown? Fanx, FIANZ.