Special: 2019 In Review: Best Albums of 2019

Top 5

blink-182 - Nine

Record Label: Columbia Records

Choice Cuts: On Some Emo Shit, Darkside, I Really Wish I Hated You, The First Time

Why? Definitely reminiscent of the untitled blink record. This album has dark themes throughout based upon the state of the world as well as the state of yourself and well-being. That being said you couldn't really tell if you didn't pay attention to the lyrics as this album is still bouncy and may just end up being my favourite since that untitled record, perhaps even surpassing it. blink makes it clear they don't need Tom or joke songs to put out a compelling record.

Waterparks - Fandom

Record Label: Hopeless Records

Choice Cuts: Easy To Hate, Watch What Happens Next, Cherry Red, War Crimes

Why? At this point it's obvious Waterparks will always be trying something new and FANDOM is riddled with new toys and tricks for the band to use. Awsten Knight went as far as to say that he almost scrapped a song (Telephone) because it was originally just a plain pop punk song but instead evolved it into something sonically different. There's still dashes of songs you can imagine being on their previous releases but layered in such a way that they also would seem out of place.

Sleep On It - Pride & Disaster

Record Label: Equal Vision Records

Choice Cuts: After Tonight, Babe Ruth, Under The Moment, Hold Your Breath

Why? Sleep On It's 2nd album is cut from a similar clothe although the evolution isn't as drastic, it works. Pride & Disaster fires on all cylinders as the album is full of hit after hit. Zech's voice is the highlight just above the improved harmonies and musicianship. If Overexposed was the gold standard, this might be the platinum standard.

Grayscale - Nella Vita

Record Label: Fearless Records

Choice Cuts: Desert Queen, Painkiller Weather, IN Violet, Twilight (My Heaven)

Why? Grayscale definitely went poppier on this record and that's not a bad thing though they definitely buried the lead with the two lead singles even if they had pop twinges to them. If I wasn't for lead singer Colin Walsh's distinct voice I might think this was a The 1975 record (again not a sleight) but even if you're not into that there s still a few pop punk bangers like Twilight and Desert Queen along with the previously alluded to Painkiller Weather and In Violet.

Set It Off - Midnight

Record Label: Fearless Records

Choice Cuts: Criminal Minds, Killer In The Mirror, For You Forever, Midnight Thoughts

Why? This album is so strong I couldn't keep it out of the top 5 but the hold backs are there is a quite a few filler tracks that could've been cut from the 15 song tracklisting and still let you feel okay about the album length, that said when the songs are on they are on, mixing styles, catchy corus' and lead singer Cody Carson's strong vocals make Midnight a treat for SIO fans and non-fans alike.

Just Missed

Fever 333 - Strength In Numb333rs

Choice Cuts: Burn It, One Of Us, The Innocent

Roam - Smile Wide

Choice Cuts: I Don't Think I Live There Anymore, Hand Grenade, Play Dumb

The Maine - You Are OK

Choice Cuts: Slip The Noose, Forevermore, My Best Habit

Sleeping With Sirens - How It Feels To Be Lost

Choice Cuts: Break Me Down, How It Feels To Be Lost, Never Enough

Bayside - Interrobang

Choice Cuts: Bury Me, Interrobang, Prayers

Jimmy Eat World - Surviving

Choice Cuts: All The Way (Stay), Criminal Energy, Surviving

The Menzingers - Hello Exile

Choice Cuts: Strangers Forever, America (You're Freaking Me Out), Anna

Locket - All Out

Choice Cuts: Hunnie, Out Of Sight, All Out

Issues - Beautiful Oblivion

Choice Cuts: Tapping Out, Your Sake, Drink About It

New Found Glory - From Your Screen To Your Stereo 3

Choice Cuts: This Is Me, The Power Of Love, Accidentally In Love

I Prevail - Trauma

Choice Cuts: Gasoline, Hurricane, Bow Down

Sum 41 - Order In Decline

Choice Cuts: 45 (A Matter Of Time), Out For Blood, Heads Will Roll

2nd Tier Classics

Aaron West And The Roaring Twenties - Routine Maintenance

Choice Cuts: Lead Paint & Salt Air, Runnin' Towards The Light

Pup - Morbid Stuff

Choice Cuts: Kids, See You At Your Funeral

The Early November - Lilac

Choice Cuts: Ave Maria, Fame

Silverstein - Redux - The First 10 Years

Choice Cuts: Bleeds No More, Still Dreaming

All Time Low - It's Still Nothing Personal: A Ten Year Tribute

Choice Cuts: Weightless, A Party Song (The Walk Of Shame)

Weezer - The Teal Album

Choice Cuts: Africa, No Scrubs

Marianas Trench - Phantoms

Choice Cuts: I Knew You When, Wish You Were Here

Senses Fail - From The Depths Of Dreams EP (Reissue)

Choice Cuts: Bastard Son, Bloody Romance

Simple Creatures - Strange Love EP

Choice Cuts: Adrenaline, Lucy

Simple Creatures - Everything Opposite EP

Choice Cuts: One Little Lie, Thanks I Hate It

Seaway - Fresh Produce

Choice Cuts: Closer, Blur

Eat Your Heart Out - Florescence

Choice Cuts: Carousel, Closer To The Sun

Carousel Kings - Plus Ultra

Choice Cuts: Lock Meowt, Monarch

Taylor Swift - Lover

Choice Cuts: Death By A Thousand Cuts, I Think He Knows

Other Favourites

As It Is - The Great Depression: Reimagined (All 4 EP's)

Weezer - The Black Album

Silverstein - When Broken Is Easily Fixed Live

The Damned Things - High Crimes

Our Last Night - Let Light Overcome

Our Last Night - Overcome The Darkness

Hawthorne Heights - Lost Frequencies

Rarity - The Longest Lonesome

Too Close To Touch - I'm Hard To Love, But So Are You EP (All 3 Volumes)

Top 10 Countdown: December 28, 2019

10. Bearings - So Damn Wrong
Last week: 5.


9. Anti-Flag - Hate Conquers All
Last week: 10.


8. Simple Creatures - One Little Lie
Last week: 9.


7. Waterparks - Easy To Hate
Last week: 8.


6. With Confidence - Drops Of Jupiter
Last week: NEW!


5. New Found Glory - Accidentally In Love
Last week: 6.


4. State Champs - Real World
Last week: 4.


3. The Menzingers - Strangers Forever
Last week: 3.


2. Grayscale - Young
Last week: 2.


1. Sleep On It - Under The Moment
Last week: 1.

Special: Christmas CD 2019

What's up everyone, it's almost Christmas so you know I got some jams for you to check out. Last year was the first year in a decade I didn't do a new Christmas CD because I decided to instead focus on a Greatest Hits compilation chosen by me and my fiancee Tawnya (you can find that HERE). For the previous 10 volumes click HERE now let's get on to Volume 11 but first the obligatory I own nothing.

What's A Partridge? What's A Peartree? Volume 11:

1. Aly & AJ - Greatest Time Of Year
2. Goldfinger - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
3. Echosmith - Baby Don't Leave Me (All Alone At Christmas)
4. Panic! At The Disco - Feels Like Christmas
5. Butch Walker - Frosty The Snowman
6. I Don't Know How But They Found Me - Merry Christmas Everybody
7. Set It Off - This Christmas (I'll Burn It To The Ground)
8. Creeper - Fairytale Of New York
9. Plain White T's - Do You Hear What I Hear
10. Patent Pending - A Better New Year
11. Fight Fair - Going Nowhere
12. Relient K - O Holy Night
13. Bowling For Soup - Miss You Most On Christmas
14. Taylor Swift - Christmas Must Be Something More
15. Carousel Kings - We Wish You A Merry Christmas/Auld Lang Syne
16. The Rocket Summer - Elf Creep
17. The Summer Set - This Christmas
18. Broadside - Wish List
19. MxPx Ft. Emily Whitehurst & Pierre Bouvier - December
20. Reel Big Fish - Whatever U Celebrate

LINK

Top 10 Countdown: December 21, 2019

10. Anti-Flag - Hate Conquers All
Last week: NEW!


9. Simple Creatures - One Little Lie
Last week: NEW!


8. Waterparks - Easy To Hate
Last week: 9.


7. Hawthorne Heights - Hard To Breathe
Last week: 7.


6. New Found Glory - Accidentally In Love
Last week: 8.


5. Bearings - So Damn Wrong
Last week: 1.


4. State Champs - Real World
Last week: 5.


3. The Menzingers - Strangers Forever
Last week: 4.


2. Grayscale - Young
Last week: 3.


1. Sleep On It - Under The Moment
Last week: 2.

Special: Noelle, Klaus, Let It Snow Mini-Reviews

Noelle:

Synopsis: After Santa Claus decides to retire and his son gets cold feet on Christmas Eve, it falls to his daughter Noelle to take over the family business.

My thoughts: Noelle is a fantastic entry into the yearly Christmas movies to watch in December. It might be a tad on the silly side but it's likeable leads and great job of balancing everything you could want in a Christmas movie more than make up for it. I was shocked the reviews for this film weren't strong since the closest comparable title I could think of is the much beloved Elf. Obviously Grinches won't enjoy this film but honestly I don't think they would want to but in the event they do, their heart may just grow 2 sizes after a singular viewing. If this and Lady & The Tramp is any indication, Disney+ Original films are going to be top notch.

Final verdict: 4.5 snowcones out of 5.

Klaus:

Synopsis: When Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) distinguishes himself as the postal academy's worst student, he is stationed on a frozen island above the Arctic Circle, where the feuding locals hardly exchange words let alone letters. Jesper is about to give up when he finds an ally in local teacher Alva (Rashida Jones), and discovers Klaus (Oscar winner J.K. Simmons), a mysterious carpenter who lives alone in a cabin full of handmade toys. These unlikely friendships return laughter to Smeerensburg, forging a new legacy of generous neighbors, magical lore and stockings hung by the chimney with care.

My thoughts: The animation was beautiful and the story was sweet but the first hour or so could've been better but the final 40 minutes is among the best time I've spent watching animation this year. If only they could've stretched that over the film's entire runtime this would be the best Christmas film this year.

Final verdict: 3.5 post offices out of 5.

Let It Snow:

Synopsis: When a snowstorm hits a small midwestern town on Christmas Eve, a group of high school seniors find their friendships and love lives colliding thanks to a stranded pop star, a stolen keg, a squad of competitive dancers, a mysterious woman covered in tin foil, and an epic party at the local Waffle Town. Come Christmas morning, nothing will be the same.

My thoughts: Featuring a laundry list of "Hey I know them from something". This ensemble is really good, and it has the perfect amount of holiday cheer. The only thing that really holds this back is all the teenage cliches it contains. I tried to ignore most of it for the sake of the film, which is usually something that can be done, especially in holiday films but it's still hard to do. But in saying that it's still worthy of a once a year watch like Klaus above to fill us with some Christmas joy.

Final verdict: 3.5 waffle houses out of 5.

Top 10 Countdown: December 14, 2019

10. Locket - Hunnie
Last week: NEW!


9. Waterparks - Easy To Hate
Last week: 10.


8. New Found Glory - Accidentally In Love
Last week: NEW!


7. Hawthorne Heights - Hard To Breathe
Last week: 9.


6. blink-182 - Darkside
Last week: 1.


5. State Champs - Real World
Last week: 8.


4. The Menzingers - Strangers Forever
Last week: 5.


3. Grayscale - Young
Last week: 4.


2. Sleep On It - After Tonight
Last week: 3.


1. Bearings - So Damn Wrong
Last week: 2.

Special: Top 10 "This Christmas" songs

Alright so there is a large amount of different songs in the scene that are titled "this Christmas" or a variation there of. So what better time than to count down those songs then to cap off this first week in December?

10. MxPx - You're The One I Miss (This Christmas)

9. Every Avenue - This Christmas

8. Set It Off - This Christmas (I'll Burn It To The Ground)

7. Fireworks - Maybe This Christmas

6. The Summer Set - This Christmas

5. The Click Five - My Girlfriend (Forgot Me This Christmas)

4. The Fold - This Christmas

3. For All Those Sleeping - Maybe This Christmas

2. I Call Fives - This Xmas

1. July - This Christmas

Top 10 Countdown: December 7, 2019

10. Waterparks - Easy To Hate
Last week: NEW!


9. Hawthorne Heights - Hard To Breathe
Last week: 10.


8. State Champs - Real World
Last week: 9.


7. Weezer - The End Of The Game
Last week: 7.


6. Angels & Airwaves - Rebel Girl
Last week: 1.


5. The Menzingers - Strangers Forever
Last week: 8.


4. Grayscale - Young
Last week: 5.


3. Sleep On It - After Tonight
Last week: 4.


2. Bearings - So Damn Wrong
Last week: 3.


1. blink-182 - Darkside
Last week: 2.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: All Time Low "It's Still Nothing Personal: A Ten Year Tribute", Silverstein "Redux: The First Ten Years", As It Is "The Great Depression: Reimagined"

All Time Low - It's Still Nothing Personal: A Ten Year Tribute

Label: Fueled By Ramen

Press Release: 10 years after first releasing Nothing Personal, we returned to Red Bull Studios in LA to revisit the making of the album. "It's Still Nothing Personal: A Ten Year Tribute" features all new recordings of the classic album. While we were there, we filmed the entire recording process and checked in with a few familiar faces for a documentary about the album.

My thoughts: I love Nothing Personal and I can listen to most of these songs over and over again so I'm obviously pleased with this album but it doesn't do much to the original songs. It just kinds of gives us a clean production version of how they sound live. So in the end: Love the songs, but doesn't add anything new... You're probably better off just listening to the original Nothing Personal recordings or one of their "Straight to DVD" concerts.

Silverstein - Redux: The First Ten Years

Label: Silverstein Music

Press Release: Canadian post-hardcore outfit Silverstein has announced a new release titled Redux: The First Ten Years. The album will feature new recordings of classic Silverstein songs. The goal was to update the recordings and make them sound the best they can — not change the songs from what has made them resonate with people for so long. You're going to hear the clarity and dynamics in a new way, but the magic of the original songs is kept intact.

My thoughts: Much like All Time Low above, this record doesn't necessarily change a whole lot, we get an acoustic version of 1 song which is nice but for a non-audiophile like myself the only thing I'm happy about is the production on the WBIEF tracks got cleaned up and aren't so raw anymore. I'd definitely be on board with Silverstein re-recording that album in full after this album.

As It Is - The Great Depression: Reimagined

Label: Fearless Records

Press Release: As It Is have reimagined their 2018 album 'The Great Depression' in its entirety, and are releasing it as four separate EPs. The EPs are produced by frontman Patty Walters.

My thoughts: Unlike the other two above, As It Is flipped The Great Depression on it's head with this album. There's a Hardcore song, a few jazz hits and some dark moody songs that used to be bangers. The problem here is that most of the songs aren't as good as on the original. The highlight here for me is probably their hit The Stigma (Boys Don't Cry) that gets an updated 80's vibe that is so satisfying. On the flip side, The Fire, The Dark just gets the acoustic treatment and it's not as exciting as the original.

Top 10 Countdown: November 30, 2019

10. Hawthorne Heights - Hard To Breathe
Last week: NEW!


9. State Champs - Real World
Last week: 9.


8. The Menzingers - Strangers Forever
Last week: 8.


7. Weezer - The End Of The Game
Last week: 7.


6. Waterparks - Watch What Happens Next
Last week: 1.


5. Grayscale - Young
Last week: 6.


4. Sleep On It - After Tonight
Last week: 5.


3. Bearings - So Damn Wrong
Last week: 4.


2. blink-182 - Darkside
Last week: 3.


1. Angels & Airwaves - Rebel Girl
Last week: 2.

Special: Lady And The Tramp, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Glass Mini-Reviews

Lady And The Tramp:

Synopsis: In Disney+'s "Lady and the Tramp," a timeless retelling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home.

My thoughts: As always with Disney live action remakes I look forward to a different movie than the animated one. If they make the exact same movie (Beauty & The Beast) I'm not down for it. Lady And The Tramp had the advantage of being largely forgotten by me so I can't hold that against it (or praise it for being different) however I will say the talking dogs had an initial shock at how bad the CGI looked but as the movie went on I forgot about. The action scenes with Tramp were well done as was the acting and the cinematography choices but I'm just not sure I'll ever come back to this one though I hope I'm wrong.

Final verdict: 3.5 spaghetti and meatball dinners.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood:

Synopsis: Quentin Tarantino's ninth feature film is a story that takes place in Los Angeles in 1969, at the height of hippy Hollywood. The two lead characters are Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), former star of a western TV series, and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Both are struggling to make it in a Hollywood they don't recognize anymore. But Rick has a very famous next-door neighbor...Sharon Tate.

My thoughts: This movie was strange as you sat there for 2 hours thinking this is the most mature Tarantino flick ever made! His love letter to old Hollywood seemed to be just that, until the last 40 minutes came and Tarantino decided to make up for lost time with spectacular overkill. The characters were strong, the story was for the most part interesting (but there were a flew blips). Tarantino overall did a good job and this likely supplanted Django as his film of this decade.

Final verdict: 4 Flamethrowers out of 5.

Glass:

Synopsis: From Unbreakable, Bruce Willis returns as David Dunn as does Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price, known also by his pseudonym Mr. Glass. Joining from Split are James McAvoy, reprising his role as Kevin Wendell Crumb and the multiple identities who reside within, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke, the only captive to survive an encounter with The Beast. Following the conclusion of Split, Glass finds Dunn pursuing Crumb's superhuman figure of The Beast in a series of escalating encounters, while the shadowy presence of Price emerges as an orchestrator who holds secrets critical to both men.

My thoughts: I didn't get on the Split bandwagon like everyone else did and I can now report I'm not on the Glass one either. M. Night does a good job of combining the worlds of Split and Unbreakable but there was nothing here that excited me. There were a couple minor twists I didn't see coming but I can't say overall I was shocked at the outcome. If you liked Split this will probably be up your alley. If not you can safely skip Glass without missing anything.

Final verdict: 3 superhumans out of 5.

Top 10 Countdown: November 23, 2019

10. Jimmy Eat World - All The Way (Stay)
Last week: NEW!


9. State Champs - Real World
Last week: NEW!


8. The Menzingers - Strangers Forever
Last week: 9.


7. Weezer - The End Of The Game
Last week: 8.


6. Grayscale - Young
Last week: 7.


5. Sleep On It - After Tonight
Last week: 5.


4. Bearings - So Damn Wrong
Last week: 4.


3. blink-182 - Darkside
Last week: 3.


2. Angels & Airwaves - Rebel Girl
Last week: 2.


1. Waterparks - Watch What Happens Next
Last week: 1.

Top 10 Countdown: November 16, 2019

10. Roam - I Don't Think I Live There Anymore
Last week: 5.


9. The Menzingers - Strangers Forever
Last week: NEW!


8. Weezer - The End Of The Game
Last week: 9.


7. Grayscale - Young
Last week: 8.


6. Sleep On It - Under The Moment
Last week: 2.


5. Sleep On It - After Tonight
Last week: 7.


4. Bearings - So Damn Wrong
Last week: 6.


3. blink-182 - Darkside
Last week: 4.


2. Angels & Airwaves - Rebel Girl
Last week: 3.


1. Waterparks - Watch What Happens Next
Last week: 1.

Special: The King, Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark, The Angry Birds 2 Mini-Reviews

The King:

Synopsis: Hal (Timothée Chalamet), wayward prince and reluctant heir to the English throne, has turned his back on royal life and is living among the people. But when his tyrannical father dies, Hal is crowned King Henry V and is forced to embrace the life he had previously tried to escape. Now the young king must navigate the palace politics, chaos and war his father left behind, and the emotional strings of his past life -- including his relationship with his closest friend and mentor, the ageing alcoholic knight, John Falstaff (Joel Edgerton).

My thoughts: I expected The King to be a typical Oscar fodder film and I'm happy to report that I was right. It's slow moving with incredible performances and cinematography. The plot had some twists and turns I did not expect which gave it a nice closing but there wasn't much depth to keep me entertained throughout the film. You can certainly do worst than watch The King but you could also definitely do better.

Final verdict: 3 crowns out of 5.

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark:

Synopsis: It's l968 in America. Change is blowing in the wind... but seemingly far removed from the unrest in the cities is the small town of Mill Valley where for generations, the shadow of the Bellows family has loomed large. It is in their mansion on the edge of town that Sarah, a young girl with horrible secrets, turned her tortured life into a series of scary stories, written in a book that has transcended time--stories that have a way of becoming all too real for a group of teenagers who discover Sarah's terrifying tome.

My thoughts: August was apparently a great month for horror following up my previous review of Ready Or Not. This movie has an insanely fun plot and lots of creepy material mixed in to the individual stories. The film does a great job of intertwining those stories into 1 cohesive overarching story which is tough to do given the source material is an anthology. Good casting and good pacing. The only downfall was the lack of any true scares, relying on a creepy factor instead.

Final verdict: 4 killer ghosts out of 5.

The Angry Birds Movie 2:

Synopsis: The flightless angry birds and the scheming green piggies take their beef to the next level in The Angry Birds Movie 2! When a new threat emerges that puts both Bird and Pig Island in danger, Red (Jason Sudeikis), Chuck (Josh Gad), Bomb (Danny McBride), and Mighty Eagle (Peter Dinklage) recruit Chuck's sister Silver (Rachel Bloom) and team up with pigs Leonard (Bill Hader), his assistant Courtney (Awkwafina), and techpig Garry (Sterling K. Brown) to forge an unsteady truce and form an unlikely superteam to save their homes.

My thoughts: I'm not sure how this has such better reviews compared to the first (which has aged surprisingly well). It's definitely a step below it's predecessor, though not a huge one. The script works well enough, especially considering this is the 2nd movie they made based on a phone app with no story basis whatsoever.

Final verdict: 3.5 bird-pig team-ups out of 5.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: blink-182 "Nine", Bayside "Interrobang", The Early November "Lilac"

blink-182 - Nine

Label: Columbia Records

Press Release: blink-182 have revealed full details for their upcoming album. The record is called NINE, and it will arrive on September 20 via Columbia Records. The rainbow-coloured, neon-lit album artwork is pictured. NINE will mark the band's follow-up to 2016's California. It's their second album with Matt Skiba in the lineup instead of Tom DeLonge.

My thoughts: Definitely reminiscent of the untitled blink record. This album has dark themes throughout based upon the state of the world as well as the state of yourself and well-being. That being said you couldn't really tell if you didn't pay attention to the lyrics as this album is still bouncy and may just end up being my favourite since that untitled record, perhaps even surpassing it. blink makes it clear they don't need Tom or joke songs to put out a compelling record.

Bayside - Interrobang

Label: Hopeless Records

Press Release: The band are returning with Interrobang and it’s arriving a lot sooner than you would expect with an October 4 release date. Interrobang is a punctuation mark that combines an exclamation and a question mark. Lead singer Anthony Raneri says in a statement that the album title represents the feelings listeners receive from the record.

My thoughts: People are calling this a pop punk album but I honestly don't hear it. I can see this being where alternative music heads once the current state of "alternative" officially becomes top 40. The music is incredibly aggressive but the melodies are catchy as hell making for an incredible listening experience.

The Early November - Lilac

Label: Rise Records

Press Release: The Early November have announced their highly anticipated 5th studio album which is set to be released on 27th September via Rise Records. The band’s first album since 2015’s Imbue, Lilac represents a shift towards a more pop-centric sound while preserving the raw vulnerability that The Early November has become known for.

My thoughts: This was supposed to be a record where TEN pivoted their sound and although it is a step up from their previous effort it still falls short of capturing the magic of their early 00's work. Something I expected after listening to the first single "I Dissolve" but got hyped following the release of "Ave Maria" which gave me high hopes and the beginning half of the record is good but by the time I Dissolve comes around the rest of the record gets moody and slumps in comparison to the first half.

Top 10 Countdown: November 9, 2019

10. I Prevail - Gasoline
Last week: NEW!


9. Weezer - The End Of The Game
Last week: NEW!


8. Grayscale - Young
Last week: NEW!


7. Sleep On It - After Tonight
Last week: NEW!


6. Bearings - So Damn Wrong
Last week: 8.


5. Roam - I Don't Think I Live There Anymore
Last week: 5.


4. blink-182 - Darkside
Last week: 5.


3. Angels & Airwaves - Rebel Girl
Last week: 4.


2. Sleep On It - Under The Moment
Last week: 1.


1. Waterparks - Watch What Happens Next
Last week: 1.

Special: Ranking Simple Plan "Still Not Getting Any..."

I had the pleasure of seeing Simple Plan on their tour with State Champs and We The Kings yesterday so I thought what better time than to release this ranking since it also just celebrated it's 15th birthday. This was Simple Plan's sophomore release after their rousing debut "No Pads, No Helmets... Just Balls"

11. Everytime

One of two love songs on this record. There is just nothing memorable about this track. Sure I sing along to it when it comes on since I grew up on this record and know all the words but apart from that I don't give this song a thought.

10. One

It's a great message but "One" doesn't offer us too much else as they tried to set this track apart from the others but it just sounds like a messy, lite version of Welcome To My Life.

9. Perfect World

When this album first came this was one of my favourite tracks, so I'm not sure why it no longer holds up as well. The lyrics still have a lot of meaning 15 years later and it was the only song to get a music video after the 4 actual singles, it just doesn't. It's weird.

8. Me Against The World

This album is full of bangers and as much ad I'd like to put them all at the top this is called "Ranking" so that simply won't do so the lowest of the bangers is this one. It's fun it's bouncy. It's about doing whatever you want to... This description can apply to two other songs on this record but they're better.

7. Thank You

This track is extremely resentful and with that it makes it the most like their previous album which is obviously not a bad thing since I love that record but at the same time you don't wanna be caught going back to the same well over and over again which is why this ends up in the middle.

6. Untitled

How could this happen to meeeeeeeeeeeee. Just like Perfect an album earlier, Simple Plan set out to pull at everyone's heartstrings with this little ditty and guess what? It worked. With a music video to match this emotional song was a Top 50 song for the band acting as their third single.

5. Promise

A love song that is also a banger? Simple Plan has done this before as well but Promise is likely the most underrated song on this album given how hard it goes musically and the lyrics are beautiful without being corny.

4. Crazy

The fourth and final single released from the album, Crazy is another gem on the ablum. It plays at mid-tempo and if it weren't for the #1 spot on this list it would likely be their best mid-tempo song they ever released.

3. Shut Up

Ooooo so angsty. Haha. Shut Up sounds like a big "fuck you" song but it really is about believing in yourself and doing what you need to do regardless of what other people, especially the nay-sayers tell you to do.

2. Jump

Like Shut Up and Me Against The World before it, this bouncy track is about doing what's best for you and making yourself happy. It's also the only song in the top 4 to not be a single but given that in recent years it's passed Shut Up and became the staple bouncy track from this album to get played live it's clear that it's a fan favourite.

1. Welcome To My Life

We hit #1 on our list and let's be honest, you all seen this coming. Welcome To My Life was their first single from this album and their only single to ever hit #1 anywhere (it did it here in Canada). It's among their biggest and probably their most memorable among casual and non-fans alike given the relatable nature of the song.

Top 10 Countdown: November 2, 2019

10. Sleeping With Sirens - How It Feels To Be Lost
Last week: NEW!


9. Waterparks - Dream Boy
Last week: 9.


8. Bearings - So Damn Wrong
Last week: NEW!


7. Grayscale - In Violet
Last week: 2.


6. Sleep On It - Hold Your Breath
Last week: 4.


5. blink-182 - Darkside
Last week: 8.


4. Angels & Airwaves - Rebel Girl
Last week: 7.


3. Roam - I Don't Think I Live There Anymore
Last week: 1.


2. Waterparks - Watch What Happens Next
Last week: 5.


1. Sleep On It - Under The Moment
Last week: 3.

Special: Top 10 Treehouse Of Horror Specials

10. Treehouse of Horror VIII

Homer Simpson is the last man left alive when a neutron bomb destroys Springfield until a gang of mutants come after him, Homer buys a transporter that Bart uses to switch bodies with a housefly, and Marge is accused of witchcraft in a Puritan rendition of Springfield in 1649.

9. Treehouse of Horror XX

In "Dial "M" for Murder or Press "#" to Return to Main Menu", Lisa is forced into a Hitchcock-esque murder scheme by Bart; in "Don't Have a Cow, Mankind", Springfield is once again overrun by zombies thanks to Krusty Burger's latest sandwich; and in the Sweeney Todd parody, "There's No Business Like Moe Business", Moe the bartender bleeds Homer dry to create the perfect microbrewed beer.

8. Treehouse of Horror XII

In the first segment, a gypsy puts a curse on Homer, which puts everybody he cares about in danger. In the second segment, which is a parody on both 2001: A Space Odyssey and Demon Seed, the Simpson family buys a new house, who falls in love with Marge and attempts to kill Homer. In the third and final segment, which lampoons the Harry Potter franchise, Lord Montymort attempts to capture Lisa, a skilled magician, in order to drain her magic powers.

7. Treehouse of Horror V

In The Shinning, the Simpsons are hired as caretakers at Mr. Burns' mansion. Deprived of television and beer, Homer becomes insane and attempts to murder the family. In Time and Punishment, Homer repeatedly travels back in time and alters the future. In Nightmare Cafeteria, Principal Skinner begins using students in detention as cafeteria food.

6. Treehouse of Horror XIII

In the episode, Homer buys a magic hammock that can create duplicates of anyone who lies in it in "Send in the Clones"; Lisa's call to end gun violence resurrects undead outlaws in "The Fright to Creep and Scare Harms"; and Dr. Hibbert invites everyone in Springfield to his island resort where everyone is turned into half-man, half-animal hybrids in "The Island of Dr. Hibbert".

5. Treehouse of Horror III

In the third annual Treehouse of Horror episode, Homer buys Bart an evil talking Krusty doll, King Homer is captured by Mr. Burns, and Bart and Lisa inadvertently cause zombies to attack Springfield.

4. Treehouse of Horror XIV

In the fourteenth annual Treehouse of Horror episode, Homer takes on the role of the Grim Reaper ("Reaper Madness"), Professor Frink creates a Frankenstein-version of his deceased father ("Frinkenstein") and Bart and Milhouse obtain a time-stopping watch ("Stop the World, I Want to Goof Off").

3. Treehouse of Horror X

In "I Know What You Diddily-Iddily-Did", the Simpsons cover up a murder and are haunted by an unseen witness. In "Desperately Xeeking Xena", Bart and Lisa gain superpowers and must rescue Xena star Lucy Lawless from the Comic Book Guy's alter ego The Collector, and in "Life's a Glitch, Then You Die", Homer causes worldwide destruction thanks to the Y2K bug.

2. Treehouse of Horror VII

In the seventh annual Treehouse of Horror episode, Bart discovers his long-lost twin, Lisa grows a colony of small beings, and Kang and Kodos impersonate Bill Clinton and Bob Dole in order to win the 1996 presidential election.

1. Treehouse of Horror IV

In "The Devil and Homer Simpson", Homer Simpson announces he would sell his soul for a doughnut, and the Devil appears to make a deal with Homer. Homer tries to outsmart the Devil by not finishing the doughnut but eventually eats it and is sent to Hell. A trial is held between Homer and the Devil to determine the rightful owner of Homer's soul. In "Terror at ​5 1⁄2 Feet", while riding the bus to school, Bart Simpson thinks he sees a gremlin disassembling the bus piece by piece. Nobody sees it except for Bart, so he tries to remove it by himself. In "Bart Simpson's Dracula", Mr. Burns is a vampire and Bart falls victim to his bite. Lisa and the rest of the family go to Burns' castle to kill Burns so Bart can return to normal.

Top 10 Countdown: October 26, 2019

10. The Early November - Ave Maria
Last week: NEW!


9. Waterparks - Dream Boy
Last week: 10.


8. blink-182 - Darkside
Last week: NEW!


7. Angels & Airwaves - Rebel Girl
Last week: 8.


6. Sum 41 - 45 (A Matter Of Time)
Last week: 3.


5. Waterparks - Watch What Happens Next
Last week: 7.


4. Sleep On It - Hold Your Breath
Last week: 5.


3. Sleep On It - Under The Moment
Last week: 4.


2. Grayscale - In Violet
Last week: 1.


1. Roam - I Don't Think I Live There Anymore
Last week: 2.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: Waterparks "FANDOM", Issues "Beautiful Oblivion" and Sleep On It "Pride & Disaster"

Waterparks - FANDOM

Label: Hopeless Records

Press Release: FANDOM, the third full-length from Waterparks (and first on Hopeless Records), and produced by Zakk Cervini (Good Charlotte, Beartooth), is an eclectic and enigmatic collection of songs that include the aforementioned “Watch What Happens Next” and the frenetic, tornado-like, “Turbulent” that was released in late May.

My thoughts: At this point it's obvious Waterparks will always be trying something new and FANDOM is riddled with new toys and tricks for the band to use. Awsten Knight went as far as to say that he almost scrapped a song (Telephone) because it was originally just a plain pop punk song but instead evolved it into something sonically different. There's still dashes of songs you can imagine being on their previous releases but layered in such a way that they also would seem out of place. Overall it listens very well the first time through, it'll be interesting if it can stand up to the other 2 full lengths over time however.

Issues - Beautiful Oblivion

Label: Rise Records

Press Release: Issues will release a new album, "Beautiful Oblivion", on October 4 via Rise Records. The disc takes the band's signature cocktail of metallic groove, hip-hop aplomb, alternative echoes, and edgy pop appeal a step further. The Atlanta band has delivered an instantly irresistible collection of anthems where singer Tyler Carter's nimble delivery seamlessly slips from R&B swagger into hard-hitting heaviness.

My thoughts: I don't think there is a better way to describe this record then "Heavy Pop". A lot was made of Issues kicking out screamer Michael Bohn before this 3rd record was recorded and although the 2 first singles were undeniably heavy, the album as a whole has a heavy pop influence even in some of the songs that have the heavy guitar riffs, Tyler Carter's soulful voice layers on top of it beautifully giving us some of Issues best work but only time will tell if their fanbase will get on board with this new sound.

Sleep On It - Pride & Disaster

Label: Equal Vision Records

Press Release: Pride & Disaster is the follow-up to 2017’s Overexposed, and features production by Mike Green and Kyle Black. With Pride & Disaster, Sleep On It harnesses the strength and vulnerability of the human spirit. Over the course of ten songs, they makes a case for enjoying life, even when times are tough, and never shying away from your truth. The positivity found throughout Pride & Disaster adds a silver lining to an album that is also unafraid to address the problems that many, including the band, face with mental health.

My thoughts: My last installment of this series praised all 3 bands for evolving their sound while still harking back to their earlier works. Sleep On It's 2nd album is cut from a similar clothe although the evolution isn't as drastic, it works. Pride & Disaster fires on all cylinders as the album is full of hit after hit and is a contender for Album of the Year after only one listen. Zech's voice is the highlight just above the improved harmonies and musicianship. If Overexposed was the gold standard, this might be the platinum standard.

Top 10 Countdown: October 19, 2019

10. Waterparks - Dream Boy
Last week: NEW!


9. The Menzingers - America (You're Freaking Me Out)
Last week: 9.


8. Angels & Airwaves - Rebel Girl
Last week: NEW!


7. Waterparks - Watch What Happens Next
Last week: 8.


6. Neck Deep - She's A God
Last week: 2.


5. Sleep On It - Hold Your Breath
Last week: 7.


4. Sleep On It - Under The Moment
Last week: 5.


3. Sum 41 - 45 (A Matter Of Time)
Last week: 3.


2. Roam - I Don't Think I Live There Anymore
Last week: 4.


1. Grayscale - In Violet
Last week: 1.

Special: The Addams Family, Ready Or Not, Annabelle Comes Home Mini-Reviews

The Addams Family:

Synopsis: Get ready to snap your fingers! The first family of Halloween, the Addams Family, is back on the big screen in the first animated comedy about the kookiest family on the block. Funny, outlandish, and completely iconic, the Addams Family redefines what it means to be a good neighbor.

My thoughts: The Addams Family was a fine film for both kids and adults alike but at the same time it didn't do anything to wow me unlike other animated films I've seen this year. If anything it made me want to revisit the previous films and television series. The voice acting was top notch, unfortunately the filmmakers decided to use the Addams clan as an excuse to pigeonhole political correctness into the flick, I'm not against it at all but the way it was presented could definitely use some work.

Final verdict: 3.5 severed hands out of 5.

Ready Or Not:

Synopsis: Ready Or Not follows a young bride (Samara Weaving) as she joins her new husband's (Mark O'Brien) rich, eccentric family (Adam Brody, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell) in a time-honored tradition that turns into a lethal game with everyone fighting for their survival.

My thoughts: This movie is a great blend of horror and comedy with subtle political notes to the subject of the class system. Ready Or Not takes your favourite horror movie tropes, turns them on their head, makes a joke out of it and yet you still can't get enough. Weaving is excellent and may see herself cast in similar roles given her horror chops. The supporting cast is excellent as well but I can not give enough credit to the directors for building this masterpiece through well timed gags and incredible pacing.

Final verdict: 4.5 dead wait staff out of 5.

Annabelle Comes Home:

Synopsis: Determined to keep Annabelle from wreaking more havoc, demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren bring the possessed doll to the locked artifacts room in their home, placing her "safely" behind sacred glass and enlisting a priest's holy blessing. But an unholy night of horror awaits as Annabelle awakens the evil spirits in the room, who all set their sights on a new target -- the Warrens' ten-year-old daughter, Judy, and her friends.

My thoughts: Probably my favourite of the Annabelle series, though that isn't exactly a ringing endorsement... Despite Creation's stellar reviews I did not like it, I also don't particularly like this film either that is probably the tamest of the Conjuring franchise but at least our actresses give great performances.

Final verdict: 3 dumb babysitters out of 5.

Top 10 Countdown: October 12, 2019

10. Sleeping With Sirens - Agree To Disagree
Last week: 10.


9. The Menzingers - America (You're Freaking Me Out)
Last week: NEW!


8. Waterparks - Watch What Happens Next
Last week: 9.


7. Sleep On It - Hold Your Breath
Last week: 8.


6. State Champs - Frozen
Last week: 2.


5. Sleep On It - Under The Moment
Last week: 6.


4. Roam - I Don't Think I Live There Anymore
Last week: 5.


3. Sum 41 - 45 (A Matter Of Time)
Last week: 4.


2. Neck Deep - She's A God
Last week: 1.


1. Grayscale - In Violet
Last week: 3.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: Sleeping With Sirens "How It Feels To Be Lost", Roam "Smile Wide" and Grayscale "Nella Vita"

Sleeping With Sirens - How It Feels To Be Lost

Label: Summerian Records

Press Release: SLEEPING WITH SIRENS will release its fifth full-length album, "How It Feels To Be Lost", on September 6 via Sumerian Records. The follow-up to 2017's "Gossip" was recorded at MDDN Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Zakk Cervini (YUNGBLUD, GOOD CHARLOTTE) and Matt Good (ASKING ALEXANDRIA).

My thoughts: This is definitely the heaviest SWS have been since 2012. The naysayers that said they went pop need only to listen to Break Me Down to know they're still able to write a barn burner like they used to and although I liked the Madness record the best (I will not be proved wrong here). This is a nice tip of the hat to longtime fans while still having a handful of songs that have Madness and Gossip influences showing that the band has no plans of a full 180 back to their post-hardcore roots of 2011.

Roam - Smile Wide

Label: Hopeless Records

Press Release: ROAM have announced the details of their upcoming third album 'Smile Wide'. Out on September 06 via Hopeless Records, the album was recorded in Texas with producer Machine who has previously worked with the likes of As It Is and Fall Out Boy.

My thoughts: Roam's third full length is reminiscent of the latest The Story So Far record is the sense that they clearly want to evolve with tracks like Loud and I Don't Think I Live There Anymore but don't want to leave behind their previous sound as heard on Toy Box. Overall it's a nice mix that is half old Roam records, and half like something off of Seaway's Vacation thanks to the 90's Alternative influences.

Grayscale - Nella Vita

Label: Fearless Records

Press Release: Grayscale have announced that their new album ‘Nella Vita’ will be released via Fearless Records on 06 September, 2019. Grayscale traded their hometown of Philadelphia for Austin, TX, holing up in the Machine Shop alongside producer MACHINE [Lamb of God,  Four Year Strong]. The resulting collection of tracks is one that sees the band chronicling life, its many facets, and its many complications, as they themselves have experienced.

My thoughts: Grayscale definitely went poppier on this record and that's not a bad thing though they definitely buried the lead with the two lead singles even if they had pop twinges to them. If I wasn't for lead singer Colin Walsh's distinct voice I might think this was a The 1975 record (again not a sleight) but even if you're not into that there s still a few pop punk bangers like Twilight and Desert Queen along with the previously alluded to Painkiller Weather and In Violet.