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SubscriptionsSites I Read
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| www.myspace.com/ohblessedthought
New music is up and available for you to hear now... I think pretty much everyone who will look at this will have already seen this on facebook or myspace by now, but oh well. Take a listen and let me know what ya think.
-Mark
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| BUT....
Happy Groundhog's Day!
p.s. Blink 182 are re-uniting!
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| Yesterday, I revisited one of my favorite albums of all time... Further Seems Forever's "The Moon is Down". The lyrical content and music alike bond together to make an album that makes me feel something that most do not. There's an album that comes along every now and then that makes you feel this way, but it has been a while. I love listening to all 10 songs off the cd in a row and just take it all in and love every moment of every song. It's well worth looking into if you haven't listened to this band, to check out this cd. And for most of you that have listened to it, today would be a good day to re-visit. So good. Here's a song I listened to after we have begun a new era with Obama as our president. Hopefully he can help our country out like he says he wants to.
"The Moon is Down" by Further Seems Forever
The moon is down,
and heaven is waiting
for us to find her in our sites
with focus that's strong
but my strength keeps slipping.
Now we're all the terminal cases,
but were so determined to thrive.
And those with defeat on their faces,
are those that we must keep alive.
And I admire your strength.
You keep us going on.
You keep us fighting long after the fire.
You've measured our strides,
marked the degree of our fever.
Charted the log.
Made sure the temperature's rising.
To fan the flames,
and brandish our new courage proudly,
as if it were ours from the outset.
As if we were never alone.
The moon is down,
and heaven is waiting,
for callers and entries
as we're calling out:
"This is ours, ours, ours. This one is ours!"
Now we're all the terminal cases,
but we're so determined to thrive.
And those with defeat on their faces,
are those that we must keep alive.
And I admire your strength,
you keep us going on,
you keep us fighting,
long after the fire!
Hope you all have a good week... don't forget LOST starts back up tonight!
-Mark
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| Heidi got me a Wii for Christmas!!!! I already got a few games with some gift cards I had... like Madden 09' and a couple of party games which include approx. 20 fun games in two discs. The Wii came with Wii Sports, which is always fun as well. I got some new clothes and some other things as well... My family is doing Christmas late... so in the morning i will open some more presents. I still want the Batman movie. Oh yeah, and my dad got me Fiesta Bowl tickets for my birthday, so I get to go to a bowl game! that will be pretty sweet. I'll be in Arizona for a few days after the new year kicks off, so that just fits right in with those plans. I had a good time in Iowa with Heidi and her family for their Christmas fun, and now i've been having fun with my family the past couple of days. Hope you all are having a good holiday season!
-Mark
p.s. I got the Fleet Foxes album as well as The Republic Tigers at best buy when I got my wii games. Both are sweet albums that i am glad i picked up!
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| MY BEST OF 2008!!!!!!!
Just as a pre-warning for this note... all of the music/bands i have chosen for my "best of" were albums that i purchased. I'm sure there are MANY other albums that came out in 2008 that are very good, many that i will need to check out and could even belong on my list that i don't know about. However, these are albums that I went out and purchased and feel were "the best" in my opinion from what i have gathered. Alright, now sit back and get ready to enjoy what you're about to read... it may take you a few minutes. Thanks in advance!
Best of 2008!
Top 10 Albums:
1. Coldplay- Viva la Vida or Death and All of His Friends
-To be honest, I‘d never purchased a Coldplay album before this one. (I know, I know... Shame, shame.) Anyway, I’ve always enjoyed their music but thought that since they were such a big band, they didn’t need my money. Well, I still feel that way (maybe I shouldn‘t), but I had to get this cd! At first listen, i thought this cd might crack the top ten list, but the more and more I listened to it, the more and more it grew on me. Now I’ve been playing this cd the most over the past X amount of weeks and can’t get enough, thus giving it the #1 album of 2008 on my list! From the intro song, all the way to the outro, there isn’t a band song on the album. And to top it off, they put on an incredible live show! I would like to recommend getting the special edition of the album, it comes with an EP of songs they recorded during their Viva La Vida sessions that didn’t make the album or that are re-mixes of songs from the album itself. I’m pretty sure everyone’s heard of this band, so I won’t end this by saying check them out. However, I will say this, I didn’t think this would be my top album of the year, and now look at it sitting atop the list. Thank you Coldplay for exceeding my expectations.
-Hit song(s)- “Violet Hill” … “Viva La Vida” … “Lost”
-Favorite song: Death and All of His Friends
2. The New Frontiers- Mending
-It’s a real shame these guys are breaking up after their debut full length album! This was such a stellar album and is one that will be played in my cd player and on my ipod for the next several years. This is one of those albums that tells a story from nearly every emotional spectrum. After listening, you are pulled in and feel like you are a part of it. I love the singer’s voice and the way the band uses the group vocals at just the right moments in certain songs to send chills up your spine. If you never got to see these guys in a live setting, I apologize because you missed out on something special here. But the least you could do is go pick up the one and only album this band will ever create.
Favorite song: Mirrors
3. Sigur Ros- Med Sud I Eyrum Vid (With a buzz in our ears, we play endlessly)
Sigur Ros is one of those bands that you either love or you can’t stand. I mean, they sing in their own language (Icelandic or the one the singer made up). So that being said, I love them. I got to see them live for the first time in my life this year and that was an experience, that’s for sure. But on to the album. They have created another masterpiece here. 11 songs that, despite not knowing exactly what the guy is saying, you get a sense of joy and hope from the music. It’s a soothing feeling I don’t get often from listening to a band.
Favorite song: Gobledigook
4. For Today- Ekklesia
I always have one Hardcore/Metal album on my top 10 list. Not often do they break the top 5. This year, there was no denying my selection in For Today. They release their debut full length on Facedown Records and pass with flying colors. This album has lyrics that get in your face and show what these guys are all about, not backing down for one moment. Not a week went by where I didn’t listen to the album at least once. Parts of the songs give me chills every time. Along with a constant touring schedule when not writing for a new album (expected summer 09’) these guys are some of the nicest out there and I’m happy to see them climbing the ladder in the hardcore/metal world and can not wait to see what they come up with next!
Favorite Song: Words of Hope
5. Copeland- You Are My Sunshine
Copeland just keeps bringing it. After their last album “Eat, Sleep, Repeat”, I didn’t know what they would do to progress. But they have added to their songs with more instruments, guest vocals by Rae Cassidy, and just plain good writing. This is an album that I can put on repeat and just keep listening to all night (a good band to sleep to as their music is soft and tasteful with lots of piano). The final song “Not So Tough Found Out” was composed by Marsh (using a woodwind ensemble with strings as well) and has an epic feel to it. I highly recommend getting the bonus edition of this album that comes with a DVD featuring a 45 min. “making of” documentary as well as a music video for each song on the album.
Favorite Song: The Grey Man
6. Death Cab For Cutie- Narrow Stairs
Death Cab comes back with yet another great album. I loved Plans, and I had high expectations for this album. It is different than Plans, but that is in no way a bad thing to me. I enjoy when a band progresses. This is one of those albums I like to listen to from start to finish (with the exception of the song “No Sunlight”…) as it has a good flow to it. If you’re a DCFC fan, I’m sure you already have this album, but if not, pick it up soon. Also, I was able to see this band for the first time live, and they put on a great show, I’d recommend checking them out live once if you get the chance!
Hit song: I Will Possess Your Heart
Favorite song: Cath
7. Lydia- Illuminate
-A great album to listen to on a cold winter’s day with the snow falling all around you. A lot of the album has a dark vibe to it. It is mellow, but emotional. The lyrics will make you think and the guest vocals on the song “Hospital” by Aaron Marsh of Copeland only enhance this album. The album was also produced by Marsh. If you’ve never listened to this band, I highly recommend it.
Favorite song: This is Twice Now
8. William Fitzsimmons- The Sparrow and the Crow
- William Fitzsimmons has been one of my favorites the past couple years. His tunes are mellow and can connect in a way a lot of music can not. Songs about life, love, sadness, disappointment, and joy are all a part of his latest release. The only thing I dislike about this album is after you listen through it and it starts playing over again, you can’t tell where it starts and ends. A lot of the songs flow together and have a similar sound. The good thing is, I enjoy that sound, but it could be a downer for others. If you enjoy WF then you need to get this album.
Favorite song: After Afterall
9. Jack’s Mannequin- The Glass Passenger
- A band that I’ve always enjoyed, but never really started listening to much until this way. Partially because my nephew loves the band and always wants to hear their music. Well, I picked up the latest release from Andrew McMahon and think it deserves to be in my top 10. Solid tunes that are so catchy you’re sure to sing along after a couple of listens. Not the most re-inventive music out there, but good enough to keep listening to over and over again… especially when you’re babysitting a 2 year old that loves the band!
Hit Song: The Resolution
My favorite: Annie Use Your Telescope
10. City and Colour- Bring Me Your Love
- This is a new band I just found out about, but I really like their latest release. It’s Dallas Green from Alexisonfire’s side project and is full of acoustic/folk tunes that will keep you tapping your feet til the end of the album. Great vocal melodies and harmonies throughout as well. They probably could have been higher if I hadn’t just got their album. Check these guys out if you have not yet.
Favorite song: Waiting…
Honorable Mention:
Thrice- Alchemey Index Vol. 3 & 4
-The Earth and Air albums were solid and I liked them and listened to them a lot when I first picked up the double disc album. It kind of got lost in my house somewhere along the way in my move, and I didn't listen to it as much after Summer hit, but I feel like those are two solid albums that deserve some credit. If I had been listening to it more the past 6 months i'm sure it could have landed in the top 10.
Underoath- The Sound of Separation
- Heavy sounds, but also experimental at times. Good album, but just not as into them as I once was. Still solid and I enjoy popping it in and giving it a listen every now and then.
Hit Song: Desperate Time, Desperate Measures
Favorite Song: Too Bright To See, Too Loud To Hear
Cool Hand Luke- The Sleeping House
-A new album by Cool Hand Luke. They almost broke up, they almost couldn’t make another album because they didn’t have a label. But they got picked up and I’m glad they did. This is a pretty good album, I still haven’t listened to it as much as I maybe should have. I’m sure It will grow on me the more I listen.
Favorite song: Wondertour
Anberlin- New Surrender
- I was kind of a fair-weather Anberlin fan since the beginning. I have always enjoyed Tooth and nail bands, and I always thought their music was ok, but I kinda thought the singer was annoying. Well, I need to take that back now. I have more respect for Anberlin now and I feel like I should take a look at their older albums again. They’ve jumped onto a major label with this release and that will really help them get the push they need. This album is solid all around and will (and already has started to) jump them into the mainstream. Congrats, Anberlin, on getting to the big time!
Hit Song: Feel Good Drag
Favorite Song: Breathe
Best EP:
Jon Foreman- Spring and Summer EP
-I’ve liked Switchfoot for a long time, but I think I may like the lead singers solo projects even better. This stuff is all acoustic driven and each EP has a feel for what time of year it is… Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer. The Spring/Summer EP’s were released together in 2008, which is why they earn the award for best EP of 2008. Every Switchfoot fan needs to get this, and even if you’re not a fan of that band, I still recommend it if you’re a fan of acoustic (Think Jack Johnson meets John Mayor) music. I’ve read that he will be releasing more music in this nature in 2009, so I am looking forward to that as well.
Favorite Song: :Your Love is Strong” and “Deep in Your Eyes”… one for each EP.
Best Local Band:
Sleep Dreamer
- This band had a great year in 2008, playing a bunch of shows while releasing a 7 song EP and continuing to grow strong as a band. They are also playing a New Year’s Eve show at Main Street Café in KC with local heroes Vedera… Only more good is to come of this band!
Favorite Song: Tell Me (should be hitting Homegrown Buzz on 96.5 anytime now…)
Best Live Show:
-I gotta go with Coldplay on this one. They really know how to put on a show (Spot on with the music, amazing lights and videos, and a great overall experience). They played every song off their new album (my #1) as well as a song or two of the new EP. They also played a lot of the older favorites and put on a show that will not be soon forgotten by anyone in attendance.
Honorable mention:
Sigur Ros- There is just something about this band that will leave you awestruck. They are from Iceland and don’t often tour in the USA, so getting to see them for the first time in my life was an experience I will never forget. I talked with a couple people sitting behind me who drove 9 hours to see this concert since they only did 10 US tour dates on that tour… that’s saying something. I got the chills on more than one occasion sitting through that show.
Death Cab For Cutie- I’d never seen them live until this summer at Buzz Under the Stars. Wow, they put on a good live show. They played a WIDE variety of tunes ranging from nearly every album and played for almost 2 hours! They ended the set with 5 encore songs, ending with a crowd favorite “Transatlanticism” that left everyone with their jaws dropped.
Bands I saw this year that I never expected to see in my life:
Snoop Dogg/311 together in concert (that was something else…)
Foo Fighters (put on a great live show!)
Smashing Pumpkins (they tripped me out a little bit)
Looking Forward to 2009 (New albums to look forward to)
Ace Enders- He came out with an unofficial digital release called The Secret Wars in 2008, but I’ve been anticipating his first full length outside of the Early November for over a year now and I am ready for it.
As Cities Burn- My favorite album of 2007... I can’t wait to hear what this band will do next.
Brand New- Their previous release was excellent and I’m sure the next one will be just as good if not better. The bar has been set high.
Coldplay- I read somewhere that they are planning to record and release another album in 2009. They held the #1 album this year, so I would think the next release will be very anticipated.
Deas Vail- I really enjoyed their debut album and am looking forward to their sophomore release.
For Today- In my top 5 of 2008... These guys are currently writing for their next album due out in summer 2009. Can’t wait to see how these guys progress, especially with a vocalist who has been with them through the entire writing process this time. It will be brutal.
Manchester Orchestra- I liked their last release and I am confident that their sophomore disc will be a solid effort that will bring joy to my ears.
Mewithoutyou- I haven’t heard much from these guys lately but last I heard was they were writing for a new album, so I full anticipate a 2009 release that will be nothing short of fantastic!
I’m sure there will be more that I can not think of right now…
Like i said at the beginning, I'd love to hear some of your top 10's or even just a few bands that maybe you feel i should check out that maybe i didn't get a chance to this year. Here's to a good year in music and hoping that 2009 will bring us even more music that we can enjoy for years to come! | | |
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