OK...I finally took the time to pick my top releases of 2011. It's broken down into 2 categories, over 2 days. 1 being LP's and 2 being a combination of EP's and splits. It's not perfect by a long shot. But these are the releases that made me get excited for music again. It's also a mix of old and new bands. Some bands you may never have heard of...but SHOULD have! It's not all punk rock...so don't get all twisted if some of your favorites are not in there. These were the releases that made me smile with excitement, laugh at good humor and made me have hope for the future of music as I know it. Today we're gonna focus of the top LP's of 2011. So sit back, check out the list and maybe even discover a band or two.
My Top LP's of 2011...and why!
1 - The Windowsill - "The Windowsill"
This is SERIOUSLY the best fucking album I've heard in quite some time. Not only is it a first time effort from a great band that features current and former members of The Apers that rivals the Ramones classic 1976 debut, but also has the pop sensibility that rivals such bands as Screeching Weasel and The Queers. If you like your punk rock laced with pop hooks and sing along choruses, give this band and album a shot. You won't regret it! If tracks like "So Much Sharper" and "Forever Hold On" don't strike a chord with your inner Joey Ramone, I don't know what will!
2 - Sundials - "Never Settle"
Something just hit me when I heard the first track off this album called "Either Way". It was like I time machined back to the early 90s and heard them on Alternative Nation....but it had the heart and feel of a great NEW band! Such a breath of fresh air from all the same old same old out there. Sundials are WELL worth a listen. Open your ears and minds. You may be surprised at what you hear.
3 - Urge Overkill - "Rock And Roll Submarine"
The men of U.R.G.E. are BACK and better than ever! On UO's first album in over 15 years Nash Kato and Eddie Roeser are bringing back all the riffs and energy that made them popular in the early 90's. Glad to have them back!
4 - Steel Panther - "Balls Out"
If you don't know who this band is, shame on you! Sure, it's schlock hair metal...but if you don't know how to have fun, you're no fun! Get a clue and get this album...PRONTO!
5 - Caves - "Homeward Bound"
I can't say enough good about this band. Brilliant songwriting and playing by Bristol, U.K.'s finest import. Just a great listen.
6 - Mexican Cheerleader - "Genghis Puss"
ALL HAIL THE PUSS!
7 - The Love Shots - "Crooner"
The bands style is called "Death Wop". A fine mixture of 50s and 60s doo wop and dark lyrics that's as catchy and the clap. And to think the band members are not even old enough to buy beer legally in the state of Illinois! AWESOME!
8 - P.T.'s Revenge - "Save The Drama"
Recorded over 10 years ago, but just recently released, this band was Detroit's best kept secret. The band features former Teen Idols and Bullets To Broadway vocalist Kevin Sierzega tearing it up on this monster pop punk masterpiece! Glad to have them back. NEW P.T.'s hitting the streets next week! YES!
9 - The Ridgelands - "Corey Webster Must Die"
Skate punk at it's finest! A great band well worth checking out. If you can still take it raw, The Ridgelands will deliver time and time again!
10 - Vacation Bible School - "Ruined The Scene"
If the scene's truly been ruined, my money's on VBS to re-establish the Chicago scene as a force to be reckoned with!
Honorable mentions from this past year include the following.
OFF! - "First Four EPs"
Keith Morris playing short bursts of hardcore again? AWESOME!
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - "III & IV"
Ryan's lost Cardinals album remind me just how great this band was.
Methadones - "Not Economically Viable 2.0"
Re-mastered and sounding as crisp and in your face as it should have sounded from jump!
Rush - "Time Machine 2011 - Live In Cleveland"
It's a Rush thing, you wouldn't understand!
The Reaganomics - "Lower The Bar"
Former members of Ryan's Hope make a classic sophomore LP!
Red Hot Chili Peppers - "I'm With You"
After the debacle that was "One Hot Minute" back in '95, it's nice to see the Peppers can still make a great album without the help of former shredder John Frusciante. Welcome aboard Josh Klinghoffer!
Sutured Psyche - "Bastard Nation"
This is another GREAT new underground talent. And I feel that with some care they could really take the Chicago scene by storm!
The Handcuffs - "Waiting For The Robot"
If you still get your rocks off from Blondie's "Parallel Lines", you'll dig this album!
My Big Beautiful - "The Way Things Are: The Story Of My Life Vol. 1"
This albums been out for a few years now...but I just discovered it...and it fucking RULES! If it would have come out this year, it would have made the top 3 all day long!
My Top LP's of 2011...and why!
1 - The Windowsill - "The Windowsill"
This is SERIOUSLY the best fucking album I've heard in quite some time. Not only is it a first time effort from a great band that features current and former members of The Apers that rivals the Ramones classic 1976 debut, but also has the pop sensibility that rivals such bands as Screeching Weasel and The Queers. If you like your punk rock laced with pop hooks and sing along choruses, give this band and album a shot. You won't regret it! If tracks like "So Much Sharper" and "Forever Hold On" don't strike a chord with your inner Joey Ramone, I don't know what will!
2 - Sundials - "Never Settle"
Something just hit me when I heard the first track off this album called "Either Way". It was like I time machined back to the early 90s and heard them on Alternative Nation....but it had the heart and feel of a great NEW band! Such a breath of fresh air from all the same old same old out there. Sundials are WELL worth a listen. Open your ears and minds. You may be surprised at what you hear.
3 - Urge Overkill - "Rock And Roll Submarine"
The men of U.R.G.E. are BACK and better than ever! On UO's first album in over 15 years Nash Kato and Eddie Roeser are bringing back all the riffs and energy that made them popular in the early 90's. Glad to have them back!
4 - Steel Panther - "Balls Out"
If you don't know who this band is, shame on you! Sure, it's schlock hair metal...but if you don't know how to have fun, you're no fun! Get a clue and get this album...PRONTO!
5 - Caves - "Homeward Bound"
I can't say enough good about this band. Brilliant songwriting and playing by Bristol, U.K.'s finest import. Just a great listen.
6 - Mexican Cheerleader - "Genghis Puss"
ALL HAIL THE PUSS!
7 - The Love Shots - "Crooner"
The bands style is called "Death Wop". A fine mixture of 50s and 60s doo wop and dark lyrics that's as catchy and the clap. And to think the band members are not even old enough to buy beer legally in the state of Illinois! AWESOME!
8 - P.T.'s Revenge - "Save The Drama"
Recorded over 10 years ago, but just recently released, this band was Detroit's best kept secret. The band features former Teen Idols and Bullets To Broadway vocalist Kevin Sierzega tearing it up on this monster pop punk masterpiece! Glad to have them back. NEW P.T.'s hitting the streets next week! YES!
9 - The Ridgelands - "Corey Webster Must Die"
Skate punk at it's finest! A great band well worth checking out. If you can still take it raw, The Ridgelands will deliver time and time again!
10 - Vacation Bible School - "Ruined The Scene"
If the scene's truly been ruined, my money's on VBS to re-establish the Chicago scene as a force to be reckoned with!
Honorable mentions from this past year include the following.
OFF! - "First Four EPs"
Keith Morris playing short bursts of hardcore again? AWESOME!
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - "III & IV"
Ryan's lost Cardinals album remind me just how great this band was.
Methadones - "Not Economically Viable 2.0"
Re-mastered and sounding as crisp and in your face as it should have sounded from jump!
Rush - "Time Machine 2011 - Live In Cleveland"
It's a Rush thing, you wouldn't understand!
The Reaganomics - "Lower The Bar"
Former members of Ryan's Hope make a classic sophomore LP!
Red Hot Chili Peppers - "I'm With You"
After the debacle that was "One Hot Minute" back in '95, it's nice to see the Peppers can still make a great album without the help of former shredder John Frusciante. Welcome aboard Josh Klinghoffer!
Sutured Psyche - "Bastard Nation"
This is another GREAT new underground talent. And I feel that with some care they could really take the Chicago scene by storm!
The Handcuffs - "Waiting For The Robot"
If you still get your rocks off from Blondie's "Parallel Lines", you'll dig this album!
My Big Beautiful - "The Way Things Are: The Story Of My Life Vol. 1"
This albums been out for a few years now...but I just discovered it...and it fucking RULES! If it would have come out this year, it would have made the top 3 all day long!
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