10. Taking Back Sunday - Tidal Wave
Last week: 10.
9. Sum 41 - Fake My Own Death
Last week: NEW!
8. Marianas Trench - This Means War
Last week: 3.
7. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - Set It Straight
Last week: 8.
6. We Came As Romans - Memories
Last week: 2.
5. blink-182 - Bored To Death
Last week: 7.
4. Set It Off - Something New
Last week: 6.
3. Yellowcard - Rest In Peace
Last week: 5.
2. Good Charlotte - 40 oz. Dream
Last week: 4.
1. Like Pacific - Richmond
Last week: 1.
Saturday, 27 August 2016
Sunday, 21 August 2016
Special: A Decade Under The Influence: Albums from 2006
Hey everyone, firstly I'm sorry I haven't provided you a Sunday Special in a while but I've been busy. Glad I could get one banged off today though. Best of all this is a new Segment called "A Decade Under The Influence" where we'll look back 1 decade to find the best of whatever category we're focusing on. Today we're looking at all the great albums released 10 years ago in the year 2006.
10. New Found Glory - Coming Home
Release Date: September 19, 2006
Record Label: Geffen
Choice Tracks: Oxygen, On My Mind, Coming Home
Review: Although this is far from NFG's finest release it was a perfect snapshot of the times where Pop-Punk was being fazed out to Pop, Punk or Remo (Radio Emo). NFG tried to make the jump and although originally applauded for it's mature sound rather than fizzling out (All-American Rejects) Coming Home is now seen as a step-back for the band but it still holds up ten years later as an interesting detour the band took while all happily married and no longer writing about heartbreak.
9. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Don't You Fake It
Release Date: July 18, 2006
Record Label: Virgin
Choice Tracks: Face Down, In Fate's Hands, Damn Regret
Review: Does anyone remember this band? Yeah the one that sand about spousal abuse? Yeah they were basically a one-hit wonder but it was a darn shame since this album was full of bangers. It's an album I forget about all the time but as soon as I pop it in I'm brought back to that Summer of 2006 when I couldn't get enough of these tracks, and guess what they're still together and charting high on the Christian Rock charts in the US! Craziness...
8. Senses Fail - Still Searching
Release Date: October 10, 2006
Record Label: Vagrant Records
Choice Tracks: Calling All Cars, Can't Be Saved, The Priest And The Matador
Review: This is an album that is held up by a great first half that then trails off, by the time you reach track 8 you'd think a different album was playing before The Priest And The Matador brings it home. So sure maybe this album is 5 songs too long but the other songs are all phenomenal that are still deserving of your attention today.
7. Yellowcard - Lights And Sounds
Release Date: January 24, 2006
Record Label: Capitol Records
Choice Tracks: Down On My Head, Rough Landing Holly, Lights And Sounds
Review: Yellowcard followed up their debut with the explosive Lights and Sounds which kicked 2006 off with a bang in January, featuring heavier guitars and more violin than it's predecessor, Lights And Sounds never matched the success of their major label debut but it was still a solid album all around. It's unfortunate that shortly after celebrating this albums 10 year anniversary Yellowcard announced they were disbanding and by this time next year they'll be no more... The FEELS!
6. Taking Back Sunday - Louder Now
Release Date: April 25, 2006
Record Label: Warner Bros
Choice Tracks: MakeDamnSure, Liar (It Takes One To Know One), Spin
Review: I was one of the TBS that felt let down after the release of their softmore record Where You Want To Be which was supposed to put them into the spotlight, they had a couple spots on TV but nothing major, definitely not the breakout we all expected after Tell All Your Friends but Louder Now anchored by MakeDamnSure and Liar made sure that TBS was getting all the airplay they so justifiably deserved, they've fallen a bit in recent years but borrowing some Americana sounds for their new release it may not be long before TBS is highly talked about again.
5. Anti-Flag - For Blood And Empire
Release Date: March 21, 2006
Record Label: RCA
Choice Tracks: The Press Corpse, War Sucks Let's Party, This Is The End (For You My Friend)
Review: Anti-Flag matured prior to releasing For Blood And Empire and no one gave a shit that they were on a major label either. What was important was that George W. was still president and these PA punks had something to rock out against. It's a non-stop rush of blood to the head as every guitar riff and every lyrics will forever be lodged in your brain for eternity. Their major label status didn't last long but they have one heck of an album to remember it by.
4. Hawthorne Heights - If Only You Were Lonely
Release Date: February 28, 2006
Record Label: Victory Records
Choice Tracks: This Is Who We Are, We Are So Last Year, Saying Sorry
Review: Although thyis record didn't sell as well as their last it did feature their most successful single in Saying Sorry. Too bad for Hawthorne Heights that while they were suing their label the emo craze seemed to have died by the time the follow up to If Only You Were Lonely was released, that combined with the passing of their screamer while touring in support of this record lead Hawthorne Heights to be a shell of their former glory. At least we'll always have 2006.
3. All Time Low - Put Up Or Shut Up EP
Release Date: July 25, 2006
Record Label: Hopeless Records
Choice Tracks: Coffee Shop Soundtrack, Jasey Rae, The Girl's A Straigt Up Hustler
Review: While still in high school ATL recorded this EP during their march break shortly after signing to Hopeless Records... Wait a minute how does an EP get this high in the rankings?? Oh wait, it's because it's that damn good. I discovered ATL in the summer of 2006 listening to Coffee Shop Soundtrack on the Warped Tour sampler, I then discovered the rest of the album and by the next summer the rest of the scene had as well and by the time Dear Maria hit in 2008 the whole world knew that All Time Low was on their way to being juggernauts of the genre, too bad their career stalled as a major label got involved at the same time major labels were dying (see the top 2 bands as well) but they're definitely still at the top of their game. ATL we salute you even though I'm still older than some members.
2. Hit The Lights - This Is A Stickup... Don't Make It Murder
Release Date: April 11, 2006
Record Label: Triple Crown Records
Choice Tracks: Save Your Breath, One Hundred Times, The Call Out (You Are The Dishes)
Review: This is considered an essential Pop-Punk record for a reason, filled with bangers it was hard to just pick 3 for the choice tracks section, even harder still was ranking this number 2 when it was just as deserving of the number 1 spot. Similar to ATL they finished up their indie deal and were greeted with offers from major labels which resulted in 2012's Invicta, a step away tonally for HTL that didn't sell nearly as well as this or 2008's Skip School, Start Fights. Luckily for us HTL signed with Pure Noise Records shortly after and have gone back to the sound we love to hear from them, now if only they could've figured out how to steal the #1 spot away.
Before we get to #1 let's look at 10 Honourable Mentions:
+44 - When Your Heart Stops Beating
Bowling For Soup - The Great Burrito Extortion Case
Brand New - The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me
The Early November - The Mother, The Mechanic And The Path
HelloGoodbye - Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
Matchbook Romance - Voices
Mayday Parade - Tales Told By Dead Friends EP
Rise Against - The Sufferer & The Witness
Set Your Goals - Mutiny!
Sugarcult - Lights Out
1. Boys Like Girls - Self-Titled
Release Date: August 22, 2006
Record Label: Columbia Records
Choice Tracks: The Great Escape, Dance Hall Drug, Five Minutes To Midnight
Review: It's catchy, it's upbeat, it's Boys Like Girls at it's finest. I could not get enough of this album in late 2006 through summer 2007 and beyond. If you don't believe me you need to see the status of the case, it's wrecked. They followed this up with 2009's Love Drunk which netted them 2 more Platinum singles before falling off the face of the earth before resurfacing in 2012 when people no longer cared. Though singer/songwriter Martin Johnson has been keeping busy as he's been credited in writing many top singles for Avril Lavigne, Jason Derulo, Karmin and Christina Perry. Here's hoping BLG makes their way around these parts though as they just wrapped up a 10 year anniversary tour for this album.
Release Date: September 19, 2006
Record Label: Geffen
Choice Tracks: Oxygen, On My Mind, Coming Home
Review: Although this is far from NFG's finest release it was a perfect snapshot of the times where Pop-Punk was being fazed out to Pop, Punk or Remo (Radio Emo). NFG tried to make the jump and although originally applauded for it's mature sound rather than fizzling out (All-American Rejects) Coming Home is now seen as a step-back for the band but it still holds up ten years later as an interesting detour the band took while all happily married and no longer writing about heartbreak.
Release Date: July 18, 2006
Record Label: Virgin
Choice Tracks: Face Down, In Fate's Hands, Damn Regret
Review: Does anyone remember this band? Yeah the one that sand about spousal abuse? Yeah they were basically a one-hit wonder but it was a darn shame since this album was full of bangers. It's an album I forget about all the time but as soon as I pop it in I'm brought back to that Summer of 2006 when I couldn't get enough of these tracks, and guess what they're still together and charting high on the Christian Rock charts in the US! Craziness...
8. Senses Fail - Still Searching
Release Date: October 10, 2006
Record Label: Vagrant Records
Choice Tracks: Calling All Cars, Can't Be Saved, The Priest And The Matador
Review: This is an album that is held up by a great first half that then trails off, by the time you reach track 8 you'd think a different album was playing before The Priest And The Matador brings it home. So sure maybe this album is 5 songs too long but the other songs are all phenomenal that are still deserving of your attention today.
Release Date: January 24, 2006
Record Label: Capitol Records
Choice Tracks: Down On My Head, Rough Landing Holly, Lights And Sounds
Review: Yellowcard followed up their debut with the explosive Lights and Sounds which kicked 2006 off with a bang in January, featuring heavier guitars and more violin than it's predecessor, Lights And Sounds never matched the success of their major label debut but it was still a solid album all around. It's unfortunate that shortly after celebrating this albums 10 year anniversary Yellowcard announced they were disbanding and by this time next year they'll be no more... The FEELS!
Release Date: April 25, 2006
Record Label: Warner Bros
Choice Tracks: MakeDamnSure, Liar (It Takes One To Know One), Spin
Review: I was one of the TBS that felt let down after the release of their softmore record Where You Want To Be which was supposed to put them into the spotlight, they had a couple spots on TV but nothing major, definitely not the breakout we all expected after Tell All Your Friends but Louder Now anchored by MakeDamnSure and Liar made sure that TBS was getting all the airplay they so justifiably deserved, they've fallen a bit in recent years but borrowing some Americana sounds for their new release it may not be long before TBS is highly talked about again.
Release Date: March 21, 2006
Record Label: RCA
Choice Tracks: The Press Corpse, War Sucks Let's Party, This Is The End (For You My Friend)
Review: Anti-Flag matured prior to releasing For Blood And Empire and no one gave a shit that they were on a major label either. What was important was that George W. was still president and these PA punks had something to rock out against. It's a non-stop rush of blood to the head as every guitar riff and every lyrics will forever be lodged in your brain for eternity. Their major label status didn't last long but they have one heck of an album to remember it by.
Release Date: February 28, 2006
Record Label: Victory Records
Choice Tracks: This Is Who We Are, We Are So Last Year, Saying Sorry
Review: Although thyis record didn't sell as well as their last it did feature their most successful single in Saying Sorry. Too bad for Hawthorne Heights that while they were suing their label the emo craze seemed to have died by the time the follow up to If Only You Were Lonely was released, that combined with the passing of their screamer while touring in support of this record lead Hawthorne Heights to be a shell of their former glory. At least we'll always have 2006.
Release Date: July 25, 2006
Record Label: Hopeless Records
Choice Tracks: Coffee Shop Soundtrack, Jasey Rae, The Girl's A Straigt Up Hustler
Review: While still in high school ATL recorded this EP during their march break shortly after signing to Hopeless Records... Wait a minute how does an EP get this high in the rankings?? Oh wait, it's because it's that damn good. I discovered ATL in the summer of 2006 listening to Coffee Shop Soundtrack on the Warped Tour sampler, I then discovered the rest of the album and by the next summer the rest of the scene had as well and by the time Dear Maria hit in 2008 the whole world knew that All Time Low was on their way to being juggernauts of the genre, too bad their career stalled as a major label got involved at the same time major labels were dying (see the top 2 bands as well) but they're definitely still at the top of their game. ATL we salute you even though I'm still older than some members.
Release Date: April 11, 2006
Record Label: Triple Crown Records
Choice Tracks: Save Your Breath, One Hundred Times, The Call Out (You Are The Dishes)
Review: This is considered an essential Pop-Punk record for a reason, filled with bangers it was hard to just pick 3 for the choice tracks section, even harder still was ranking this number 2 when it was just as deserving of the number 1 spot. Similar to ATL they finished up their indie deal and were greeted with offers from major labels which resulted in 2012's Invicta, a step away tonally for HTL that didn't sell nearly as well as this or 2008's Skip School, Start Fights. Luckily for us HTL signed with Pure Noise Records shortly after and have gone back to the sound we love to hear from them, now if only they could've figured out how to steal the #1 spot away.
+44 - When Your Heart Stops Beating
Bowling For Soup - The Great Burrito Extortion Case
Brand New - The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me
The Early November - The Mother, The Mechanic And The Path
HelloGoodbye - Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
Matchbook Romance - Voices
Mayday Parade - Tales Told By Dead Friends EP
Rise Against - The Sufferer & The Witness
Set Your Goals - Mutiny!
Sugarcult - Lights Out
Release Date: August 22, 2006
Record Label: Columbia Records
Choice Tracks: The Great Escape, Dance Hall Drug, Five Minutes To Midnight
Review: It's catchy, it's upbeat, it's Boys Like Girls at it's finest. I could not get enough of this album in late 2006 through summer 2007 and beyond. If you don't believe me you need to see the status of the case, it's wrecked. They followed this up with 2009's Love Drunk which netted them 2 more Platinum singles before falling off the face of the earth before resurfacing in 2012 when people no longer cared. Though singer/songwriter Martin Johnson has been keeping busy as he's been credited in writing many top singles for Avril Lavigne, Jason Derulo, Karmin and Christina Perry. Here's hoping BLG makes their way around these parts though as they just wrapped up a 10 year anniversary tour for this album.
Saturday, 20 August 2016
Top 10 Countdown: August 20, 2016
10. Taking Back Sunday - Tidal Wave
Last week: NEW!
9. As It Is - Winter's Weather
Last week: 4.
8. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - Set It Straight
Last week: 9.
7. blink-182 - Bored To Death
Last week: 8.
6. Set It Off - Something New
Last week: 7.
5. Yellowcard - Rest In Piece
Last week: 6.
4. Good Charlotte - 40 oz. Dream
Last week: 5.
3. Marianas Trench - This Means War
Last week: 3.
2. We Came As Romans - Memories
Last week: 1.
1. Like Pacific - Richmond
Last week: 2.
Last week: NEW!
9. As It Is - Winter's Weather
Last week: 4.
8. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - Set It Straight
Last week: 9.
7. blink-182 - Bored To Death
Last week: 8.
6. Set It Off - Something New
Last week: 7.
5. Yellowcard - Rest In Piece
Last week: 6.
4. Good Charlotte - 40 oz. Dream
Last week: 5.
3. Marianas Trench - This Means War
Last week: 3.
2. We Came As Romans - Memories
Last week: 1.
1. Like Pacific - Richmond
Last week: 2.
Saturday, 13 August 2016
Top 10 Countdown: August 13, 2016
10. Seaway - Stubborn Love
Last week: 5.
9. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - Set It Straight
Last week: NEW!
8. blink-182 - Bored To Death
Last week: 9.
7. Set It Off - Something New
Last week: 8.
6. Yellowcard - Rest In Piece
Last week: 7.
5. Good Charlotte - 40 oz. Dream
Last week: 6.
4. As It Is - Winter's Weather
Last week: 1.
3. Marianas Trench - This Means War
Last week: 4.
2. Like Pacific - Richmond
Last week: 3.
1. We Came As Romans - Memories
Last week: 2.
Last week: 5.
9. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - Set It Straight
Last week: NEW!
8. blink-182 - Bored To Death
Last week: 9.
7. Set It Off - Something New
Last week: 8.
6. Yellowcard - Rest In Piece
Last week: 7.
5. Good Charlotte - 40 oz. Dream
Last week: 6.
4. As It Is - Winter's Weather
Last week: 1.
3. Marianas Trench - This Means War
Last week: 4.
2. Like Pacific - Richmond
Last week: 3.
1. We Came As Romans - Memories
Last week: 2.
Wednesday, 10 August 2016
Top 10 Countdown: August 6, 2016
10. Mayday Parade - Let's Be Honest
Last week: NEW!
9. blink-182 - Bored To Death
Last week: 10.
8. Set It Off - Something New
Last week: NEW!
7. Yellowcard - Rest In Piece
Last week: 9.
6. Good Charlotte - 40 Oz. Dream
Last week: 8.
5. Seaway - Stubborn Love
Last week: 1.
4. Marianas Trench - This Means War
Last week: 5.
3. Like Pacific - Richmond
Last week: 4.
2. We Came As Romans - Memories
Last week: 3.
1. As It Is - Winter's Weather
Last week: 2.
Last week: NEW!
9. blink-182 - Bored To Death
Last week: 10.
8. Set It Off - Something New
Last week: NEW!
7. Yellowcard - Rest In Piece
Last week: 9.
6. Good Charlotte - 40 Oz. Dream
Last week: 8.
5. Seaway - Stubborn Love
Last week: 1.
4. Marianas Trench - This Means War
Last week: 5.
3. Like Pacific - Richmond
Last week: 4.
2. We Came As Romans - Memories
Last week: 3.
1. As It Is - Winter's Weather
Last week: 2.
Saturday, 6 August 2016
Special: Central Intelligence/Batman: The Killing Joke/Jason Bourne Mini-Reviews
Synopsis: The story follows a one-time bullied geek, Bob, who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent, coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, he enlists the help of former "big man on campus," Calvin, now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realizes what he's getting into, it's too late to get out, as his increasingly unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, double-crosses and espionage that could get them both killed in more ways than Calvin can count.
My thoughts: Odd pairings have been a staple in movies for eon's but Central Intelligence takes it to a new level. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable and adds a new level of humour to the scripted laughs even if the movie follows a formulaic and predictable plot.
Final verdict: 4 odd-couples out of 5.
Synopsis: Based on the acclaimed DC Comics graphic novel, take a journey into the dark psyche of the Clown Prince of Crime. Now escaped from Arkham Asylum, The Joker sets out to prove that one bad day can make anyone just as insane as he is. Featuring the return of Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as The Joker and Tara Strong as Batgirl, witness the birth of a super villain, the fortitude of a hero and the punchline that will leave you speechless!
My thoughts: The Internet hate machine will have you believe that this movie is full of unsettling sex and violence but that's anything but the case. Sure the prologue was a little long in the tooth and the relationship was surprising but not entirely out of left field. The animation was a great nod to Bolland's art and the voice acting is top notch as you would expect. Definitely in the upper echelon of DCAU movies.
Final verdict: 5 severed spines out of 5.
Synopsis: Bourne remains on the run from CIA hit squads as he tries to uncover hidden truths about his past. When former CIA operative Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles) hacks into agency databases to uncover evidence about its illegal assassination programs and on Bourne's recruitment, Bourne begins to understand who he truly is. After Parsons' breach, CIA Director Robert Dewey (Tommy Lee Jones) orders CIA cyber head Heather Lee (Alicia Vikander) to find the pair.
My thoughts: Not the strongest in the Bourne series but the movie gives you just enough of that old Damon/Greengas nostalgia that it makes you forget that this film can't hold a candle to the original or Damon's last romp as Bourne. But there is enough excitement and well choreographed action scenes that the film moves along as a steady pace, although it is a bit uneven at times.
Final verdict: 4 Vegas car chases out of 5.
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