Top Ten of 2007

Just in time for 2008, here are my picks for 2007.


10 The Arcade Fire- Neon Bible

I talked to alot of people who were really disappointed by this album. I think I might actually like it more than Funeral. My friend Dave just walked by and read that last sentence. He says we’re not friends anymore.

MP3: The Arcade Fire- Antichrist Television Blues


9 Tullycraft- Every Scene Needs a Center

So much fun to listen to. I’m a relatively new convert to Tullycraft and I guess twee in general but I fell for em hard after hearing Every Scene Needs a Center.

MP3: Tullycraft- Dracula Screams of Tiger Style (parts 1& 2)


8 Big D and the Kids Table- Strictly Rude

I love Big D and the Kids Table, I’ll always love them. When I first got this album it stayed in my car’s CD player for a solid month.

MP3: Big D and the Kids Table- Souped Up Vinyl


7 Okkervil River- The Stage Names

One of my favorite albums of the year, one of my least favorite album covers. Bleh.

MP3: Okkervil River- Unless it Kicks


6 Ravens and Chimes- Richenbach Falls

At first listen Ravens and Chimes might sound like any other post Arcade Fire indie band. They’re not. With lyrics that always take surprising turns and some really great hooks I’m astounded more people haven’t caught on.

MP3: Ravens and Chimes- Archways


5 The Groovie Ghoulies- 99 Lives

The Groovie Ghoulies has been one of my favorite bands for a long time now and I was really disappointed to hear they broke up. I guess the silver lining is that they left us with a kick ass album before they split.

MP3: The Groovie Ghoulies- Dig


4 Say Hi- The Wishes and the Glitch

Say Hi had a big year in 2007. They released one of their best albums to date and had what “many” have called the interview of their career.

MP3: Say Hi- Bluetime



3 Aaron Schroeder- Black and Gold

I don’t think there’s a track off this album that I don’t love. I use the word “catchy” way too often when writing posts but there’s no better way to describe these songs.

MP3: Aaron Schroeder- Fake Crimes


2 The New Pornographers- Challengers

Challengers is a bit of a departure for the New Pornographers, it’s less manic, more chilled out than their older stuff and while it’s not my favorite of their releases, I still think it’s one of the best albums of the year.

MP3: The New Pornographers- Mutiny I Promise You


1 The Weakerthans- Reunion Tour

I don’t think people believed me when I told them I couldn’t stop listening to this album, but it really was like an addiction. I would tell myself to take a break, try not to burn out on it, and I couldn’t even make it the whole 20 minutes to work on the subway without putting on at least Tournament of Hearts.

MP3: The Weakerthans- Civil Twilight

Bouncing Souls Home For The Holidays (A Rare and Amazing Setlist!)

Bouncing Souls?! Playing a show in my ancestral homeland of New Jersey?! In Asbury Park?!? There is no way I'd miss that opportunity. When the Bouncing Souls announced that they were going to be playing three shows in a row at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, I knew I had to go. Asbury Park in the embodiment of summer for me, which all started back when I first saw my favorite band (the Souls) at Skate Surf back in high school as an angst filled teen. To this day, that first time seeing them was the best show I've EVER been to, and even though I've seen them plenty times, I was not about to miss seeing them in Asbury again.

I decided to go on Thursday night (12/27/07), since they announced that Thursday would be a show of songs they usually don't play live.

The Low Budgets

I got to the venue REALLY early to make sure I didn't miss these guys. These Philly heroes took the stage, and the crowd was immediately unimpressed. The Low Budgets seemed to be having a hard night all around, as the sound levels were all off (I couldn't hear the vocalist at all), and they all seemed exhausted and not really wanting to be there. The Low Budgets also played a ridiculously short set. It was a huge letdown, but luckily, I can catch them in Philly anytime. Some highlights included:

Fat Cop
Oh Yeah
Plastic
50 Cents

World Inferno Friendship Society

Nothing could of prepared me for what I was about to witness. Ever see the movie Cabaret? That pretty much describes this band in a nutshell. The second they took the stage, the ENTIRE crowd which I originally thought may have been near comatose during the Low Budget set exploded into pits of moshing, ballroom dancing, skanking, and everything else in between. Amazing stage energy, hilarious stage banter (“Well you're going to have to eventually listen to Ralph Nadar, because every time you drive, baby Jesus cries”), and just an overall strong hellish presence made me a new fan of the band.

Mp3:
Zen and the Art Of Breaking Everything In This Room
My Ancestral Homeland, New Jersey

Bouncing Souls

Before the Bouncing Souls took the stage, they played some Bruce Springsteen (as they do at most shows)... Except, this time, they were playing The Boss in NJ, at The Stone Pony (where Mr. Springsteen got his start). Experiencing a strong sense of my Jersey pride, the entire crowd sang along to “Born to Run”, and instead of just playing a 30 second clip, they played the entire song. The second they took the stage, the Souls broke into my favorite song (I know it's a strong statement, but it's seriously my favorite song ever), “The Freaks, The Nerds, and The Romantics”. Without a second for air, they broke straight into “These Are The Quotes From Our Favorite 80s Movies”, and I knew it was going to be a good set. It was great to see my favorite band again (in Asbury nonetheless), as I noticed they always put on a more energetic show in the lovely state of NJ. There wasn't any room whatsoever in the venue, and the crowd was 2/3 hardcore frat boy meatheads trying to hardcore dance, but I swore that I wouldn't let the testosterone hyped crowd ruin my good time. The setlist was amazing, and while not in order:

The Freaks, The Nerds, And The Romantics
Some Kind of wonderful
lay em down, smack em, yack em
old school
these are the quotes from our favorite 80s movies
sounds of the city
the new thing
ole (part of it)
no rules
all of this and nothing
bmx song
the something special
late bloomer
streetlight serenade to no one
'87
lifetime
no security
we're coming back
kate is great
low life
single successful guy
highway kings

Buy:
Chunksaah

My Mom Likes Atom and his Package

My mom is strictly an an NPR person, she has an ipod but she only uses it for podcasts and audiobooks. So when I was home for the holidays and played her a few Atom and His Package songs I wasn’t expecting much of a reaction. But I got one! In fact she asked me to send her a few songs and I thought while I was uploading them I might as well share my favorites with you lovely people. Feel free to send them to your moms!

MP3: Atom and His Package- (Lord It’s Hard To Be Happy When You’re Not) Using the Metric System
MP3: Atom and His Package- What WE Do on Christmas
MP3: Atom and His Package- If You Own the Washington Redskins You’re A Cock
MP3: Atom and His Package- Nutrition (Dead Milkmen cover)

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

New Mountain Goats

Hope you all had good holidays. One of my coworkers today claimed that he was getting too old to get excited about presents. Pfff! First off I think he's lying, secondly I'd like to say that I am not so feel free to shower me with gifts. One of my favorites this year was from Mountain Goat, John Darnielle and Vanderslice, John Vanderslice.

Here's the word from the Mountain Goats official site:

"For years, John Vanderslice and I have been talking about doing a collaborative album ... we drummed up this story about organ harvesting colonies on the moon, and the guys who secretly work up there six months out of the year, toiling in the employ of an unidentified government agency. Our protagonists live lives of secluded, anonymous luxury during their off-seasons; theoretically, anyway (hardly any songs have been written for the project; God knows if it will ever be finished), one of them begins to tell his story in the following song."

M4a: The Comedians- Surrounded

Also, it looks like the new Mountain Goats album Heretic Pride has leaked. The Runout Groove has a couple tracks up.

The 7 Best Albums of 2007

Well 2007 came and went, and what a year it was... Graduations, moving, birth of housewives, and more ska CDs than you can shake a stick at. Here are my favorite releases of 2007... Indies, before you start complaining "bullshit list!" I'm sure Sasha is gonna put together a different list of her favorites. Besides, I would love to learn all your favorites, what are your top 7 of '07?

7. The Revenge – Less Talk, More Shots
Blistering hardcore punk, the way it was meant to be played. The Revenge plays unrelenting thrash (in the veins of Bones Brigade and Cut the Shit) that is hard to find in this age of chunky breakdowns and growling meatheads with “Hatebreed” shirts on.

Stream the entire album over at punknews.org.

6. Mustard Plug – In Black and White

Mustard Plug gave us a darker version (well, as dark as a ska band can be) of itself with their 2007 release. Still bringing us the solid hornlines, catchy choruses, and good ole time skanking, In Black and White is one of the better albums in the Mustard Plug catalog.

MP3:
Mustard Plug – Over The Edge
Mustard Plug - Coasetic

5. Intro5pect – Realpolitik!

Bringing something new to the creativity starved punk genre, Into5pect knows how to keep things fresh with their techno-beats over some of the most innovative punk heard to date.

MP3:
Intro5pect – The War At Home
Intro5pect – Crooked Lies (Make Baby Jesus Cry)

4. Bedouin Soundclash – Street Gospels

When I heard Bedouin Soundclash was coming out with a new album, I expected it to be good, but I definitely did not expect for it to be one of the best album’s released in 2007. Street Gospels is their strongest album to date, bringing us some root reggae influenced tunes that will have you singing on the first listen. Street Gospels also features one of the sweetest breakdowns in a reggae/dub song ever on “Jealousy and the Get Free”.

MP3:
Bedouin Soundclash – Jealosy and the Get Free
Bedouin Soundclash – St. Andrews

3. Streetlight Manifesto – Somewhere In the Between

This album has been so hyped up for so many years now, I was almost sure I was going to be disappointed when it finally came out. I was proved wrong. The horn sections sound much more polished, harmonic, and the songs simply sound more “full” than they did on Everything Went Numb (now I’m not claiming that SITB is better, just sounds more complete). I’m not a big fan of concept albums… and I wouldn’t call SITB a concept album, but the lyrical content definitely deals with one central theme.

2. Big D and the Kids Table – Strictly Rude

It took me a while to get into this one, as I was not prepared for Big D forsaking their usual blend of ska-punk for a more traditional sound. However, once Strictly Rude grew on me, I can confidently say the chill songs on here are some of the best Big D has ever written. Strictly Rude is the perfect album for winter, well… because it reminds me of the summer days that are ahead.

MP3:
Big D and the Kids Table – Breaking the Bottle
Big D and the Kids Table – Souped-Up Vinyl

1. Melt Banana – Bambi’s Dilemma

Hands down the best release of 2007. While half of the songs on here are their older experimental stuff that I don’t really listen to, the other half is solid enough to carry Bambi’s Dilemma to the number one spot. From the experimental noise thrashiness mixed with the rapping of the lyrics, Bambi’s Dilemma is so original, so fresh, that after I listen to it, I seriously have musical A.D.D to the point where every other album is boring and already been done a thousand times before. I know that sounds incredibly snobbish… but… I’m a snob.

MP3:
Melt Banana – Green Eyed Devil
Melt Banana – Spider Snipe

Buy:
Amazon.com
Interpunk.com

I Never Get Sick of This One

MP3: No Doubt- Oi To The World (Vandals Cover)

Buy

Top 10 Christmas Songs You Won't Hear On The Radio

Sick of those same damn christmas songs that seem to stalk you everywhere you go? Have no fear! The Housewives are here!

10. Fear - Fuck Christmas
For all you scrooges out there. This one is fucking last.

9. The Impossibles - White Christmas
Who doesn't love The Impossibles? Who doesn't love epic mid-tempo versions christmas songs?

8. Less Than Jake - Grandma Got Runover By A Reindeer
Someone should of taught her to look both ways before crossing the street.

7. Pipedown - Carol Of The Bells
Carol of the Bells is probably the creepiest Christmas song ever written...now only if it had a a creepy hardcore band playing it...

6. The Vandals - Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies
Dance with these fairies, and you'll be stabbed.

5. The Vandals - Nothing Going to Ruin my Holiday
This song sounds like it was specifically written with cheesy holiday comedy movies in mind.

4. Mighty Mighty Bosstones - This Time Of Year
How could the Bosstones possibly love this time of year being up in freezing Boston? Very solid song nonetheless.

3. MU330 - Xmas Card
The saddest christmas song I've ever heard.

2. The Vandals - Oi to The World
Hilarious.

1. Atom and His Package - What WE do On Christmas
Atom (who happens to be Jewish), taking a jab at the notion of a jewish conspiracy. Pretty much saying it's true, and it all happens on christmas.

Buy:
Amazon
Interpunk

The Perfect Album

The Beta Band’s Three E.P.’s is the perfect album for a day like today. A day when you stayed out late and had to get up early. A day when even after a shower and coffee you feel like a zombie. But you’re a zombie that needs to pack for a long trip to go see zombie relatives up north and it will probably be cold.

These songs don’t bash you over the head or lull you back to sleep, they take you by the hand and say “We’re going to get through this morning, you and I. Just follow my lead.”

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

The White Rabbits- Fort Nightly

Here’s another genre bender for you guys. White Rabbits are an indie rock band from New York, but they’re so much more than that! Rocking two drummers and enough syncopated beats to garner comparisons to Madness and The Specials their eclectic sound won me over immediately.

MP3: White Rabbits- The Plot
MP3: White Rabbits- I Used to Complain Now I Don't

Buy:
Insound

Good Bye NJ License Plates

Well I finally had to get rid of my NJ License plate, which means people won't be expecting me to cut them off anymore and my odds for getting in an accident just increased 10 fold. I now have a Pennsylvania plates... and an unexplainable burning desire to drive in the left lane 15 under the speed limit while merging without a putting my blinker on...


MP3:
Bouncing Souls - Inspection Station
World Inferno Friendship Society - My Ancestral Homeland, New Jersey
Anchor Set - Pennsylvania

Buy:
Bouncing Souls
World Inferno
Anchor Set

Fishboy

Whenever I’ve read anything about Fishboy they’ve been categorized as indie-pop but don’t fear punk rockers, I hear a whole lot of Dead Milkmen and Atom and His Package in these guys. Either way this Texas band is super fun and catchy so don’t miss out!

MP3: Fishboy- Taqueria Girl
MP3: Fishboy- Halftime at the Propername Spelling Bee

Buy:
Insound

Early Flings With Rise Against

A few days ago, I popped in an old favorite cd of mine that I haven’t listened to in ages: Rise Against “The Unraveling”. After I was finished listening to it, I reached my hand in the backseat of my car, and randomly grabbed another cd (without looking) from my binder of a few hundred. It was another Rise Against album. This was (obviously) a sign from the gods to post on Rise Against back in their glory days, and who am I to piss off fate?

Back in the day, Rise Against used to be my favorite band. Sure, we may have parted ways as they flirted with different styles that may or may not resemble something more along the lines of screamo… but that doesn’t change the fact that what we once had was special. Raw melodic punk rock… ahh… those were the days.

If you never checked out Rise Against because you have only heard their newer stuff, I would highly suggest checking out any song off of The Unraveling. Or better yet, if you only know of Rise Against’s newer album (that apparently was #10 on Billboard’s top 200 albums), seriously… check the old stuff out, and learn your roots. You may be… no… you WILL be pleasantly surprised.

MP3:
Rise Against – Six Ways Till Sunday
Rise Against – Sometimes Selling Out Is Like Giving Up

BUY

Why Am I A Rasta Man?

Do you find yourself yelling "Jah Love" all day? Do you constantly wonder "Why Am I A Rastaman?" Don't worry, you're not alone. I find myself asking that question all the time. Here is some therapy for your rasta complex, maybe answer a few questions about your path in life.

MP3:
Culture - Why am I a Rastaman

BUY:
Culture

Big D and the Kids Table at the Starland Ballroom

On Thursday, I was supposed to see them and interview them in Philly, but they had to postpone the show... So last night I instead trecked out to the Starland Ballroom to catch one of my all-time favorite ska bands.

Brain Failure:

Brain Failure took the stage, shouting "WE ARE BRAIN FAILURE FROM BEIJING CHINA!", then immediately blasted into one of their songs. I don't know much about the band, but I'd be willing to call them "The Clash" of China. I don't remember any of their songs, except one called "You're gonna die" and one about recycling (which makes them awesome in my book).

Whole Wheat Bread:

Ahh, Whole Wheat Bread... known everywhere for making white suburbia kids feel like they are gangsta as shit. I've seen these guys a number of times, and while their album is too overproduced for my liking, they usually put on an entertaining set.

They got a new member (who was white, which lead to many racial jokes all night), and some highlights were "Old Man Samson", "Burn", "Loud and Clear." And apparently, no white kid could resist a solid Rage Against the Machine cover, as the crowd went completely banana shit for it.

Big D:

Finally.Although I've seen them at least 13 times, I feel like it has been forever since I've last seen these guys playing. After making us watch a video about recycling, Big D entered with a Melt Banana song as their intro (which I went completely apeshit for... everyone else was confused.) Big D played a pretty amazing set (well, add some songs from Good Luck and Shot by Lammi, and it would of been perfect).

They had some weird videotron playing in the background, which involved everything from sharks to 1950s pinup girls ripping each other's clothes off. Regardless, most of the songs they played were from Strictly Rude, and Jersey kids know how to skank (Lancaster take note.)

They played for over an hour and a half, claiming they never get to play that long (which is true.)

Anyways, here is the setlist:
Steady Riot
Fly Away
Noise Complaint
Breaking the Bottle
My Girlfriend's On Drugs
Shining On
Try Out Your Voice
Girls Against Drunk Bitches
Checklist
Strictly Rude
New England
Bender
Raw Revolution
L.A.X
She Knows Her Way
What The Hell Are You Going To Do?
Wailing Paddle
Hell On Earth

Encore:
Ruin You
Souped Up Vinyl
Little Bitch

Aaaaand because I'm feeling nostalgic, here is the setlist I grabbed back when I saw them on 4/12/04 at the Nanci Raygun in Richmond.
2004 Setlist

Those Kids Suck
Checklist
5 Kids Down
G.L.D
We All Have to Burn Something
She Won't Ever Figure it Out
Wailing Paddle
Jeremy
What The Hell Are You Going To Do?
Girls Against Drunk Bitches
L.A.X
Take Another Look

BUY:
Brain Failure
Whole Wheat Bread
Big D

Identity #1

Identity #1 is one of my favorite female fronted bands (only to be outdone by Melt Banana and The Soviettes). Playing unforgiving punk/ska, the vocalist has a clean smooth voice (a bit of a rarity in punk), exception being a few songs where she shouts. Plenty of ska riffs and whoas is what completes the album for me.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything about this band online, and not even a link to where you can buy the album. However, I would highly recommend checking them out.

MP3:
Identity #1 - Opaque

Identity #1 - Saving Myself

The Hold Steady- Boys and Girls in America

Alright. Let me start by saying I really like this album. I’ve heard a whole lot about The Hold Steady this year but for some reason never checked em out. I saw this album on a few top ten end of the year lists and figured I had to finally take a listen.

Like I said I enjoy the album, Boys and Girls in America has been on pretty heavy rotation for me lately. But when I listen to it I sort of get that feeling like when I watch movies about high school and think “This is absolutely nothing like my high school experience, I don’t think this relates to my life at all.”

I don’t really know why this is a problem for me since there’s no reason they should be writing songs I can relate to (I didn’t grow up in the Twin Cities) and I would have to be a psycho to really relate to half of the music I listen to. But anyway, it’s still a fun album so if you’re one of the three people left that hasn’t listened give them a try.

MP3: The Hold Steady- Massive Nights
MP3: The Hold Steady- Citrus

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

Antarctica Takes It!

I’ve only heard the songs these guys have up on their myspace but I already know I love them. As the nor’easter rages outside my office’s windows today these pop gems are warming my heart. Can’t recommend them highly enough!

MP3: Antarctica Takes It!- Circuits
MP3: Antarctica Takes It!- Antarctica

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Big D and the Kids Table Strictly Rude (A 2nd Look)

I’m sorry Big D. You win. Way back in Feb. I gave a less than favorable review of Big D’s “Strictly Rude”. In it, I never claimed that the album was bad, but I did express my disappointment with the change of style. I’ve been listening to the album a lot lately, and I must say, I fell in love with it.

While it’s not my favorite album by Big D (it’s going to be hard to beat “Good Luck”), it definitely is a solid album (potentially ranking in my top 5 this year). I was a bit rash to judge it for all the dub, but when your favorite ska band for 6 years have been throwing fastballs, you get kind of thrown off when they throw a change-up.

The album is less angsty then their others (listen to Dave express his views in “Try Out Your Voice”… much different than anything else they’ve ever done), and musically more mature than their standard ska-punk shiz that we all know and love.

I’ve read in an interview that the next album they are putting out is going to be called “Strictly Dub”, which I’m guessing may have more of a Salem Girls feel to it. After that will come “Strictly Thrash”, which I’m pretty stoked about.

Anyways, if you were quick to judge Strictly Rude yourself, then I would highly recommend giving it another chance. Now to see how these songs translate live on Thursday….

MP3:
Big D and the Kid’s Table – The One
Big D and the Kid’s Table – Try Out Your Voice

Buy:
Big D

An Action Haiku

Straight up street punk…. Yo
The Unseen, Boils fans glee
Oh! How the birds mosh tonight!

MP3:
Action - No One Knows
Action - Dawn Of A New War

Buy:
punkcore Records

Shrim- Klezmer Nutcracker

Got a holiday party coming up and you don’t know what to play? Here’s something that might go over well with everyone! Maybe… The band is Shirim Klezmer Orchestra. What is Klezmer? Here’s what they say on the site:

“A little bit Polish, a little Russian and a little Near Eastern, Klezmer is the music of the Eastern European Jews. It shimmers with all of the chutzpah, glorious joy and soulful crying of the itinerant Yiddish troubadours who performed throughout Europe for 400 years. These wandering musicians traveled, often on foot, between the shtetls of Eastern Europe, playing at wedding and concerts, bringing the latest news and gossip from the surrounding towns.”

And hey, they have a Christmas album of sorts... Klezmer Nutcracker. Check it out.

MP3: Shirim- Kozatsky 'til You Dropsky

Buy

Buy Stuff

Now that we’re well in Hanukkah and gearing up for Christmas, here’s a couple tunes to help get you all through the all holiday shopping. I made the mistake of heading uptown near Rockefeller Center the other night for an errand. I thought I was gonna need a battering ram to make my way through the crowds and as I tried to navigate my way around them a cop yelled at me for not staying on the sidewalk. Maybe next year I’ll get my act together and do it all online.

MP3: Shopping- One Nation Under Christmas Shopping
MP3: Atom and His Package- Shopping Spree

Buy:
Insound
Amazon

Covers Thursday! "Sitcom Night"

Well it’s Covers Thursday here at Club Housewives! $1 drafts, 2 covers and all the punk, ska, indie goodness you can take. Back in the 60s thru 80s, wholesome American families would gather around their computer looking for their favorite sitcom commercial free on the internet. We’re bringing that back tonight folks, as it’s “Sitcom Night”!

So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and rock out to your favorite theme songs with a brand new twist!

MP3
Bigwig – Cheers Theme
Less Than Jake – Gilligan’s Island

Bigwig

Less Than Jake

Static Radio NJ

Wow. I’m not exactly sure what just happened. I was minding my own business going through some albums that I’ve been meaning to review for some time, and I stumbled upon Static Radio NJ’s “One For The Good Guys”. I was the victim of a full blown musical blitz that left me in awe asking “what the hell just happened?”

With 7 songs clocking in just under 10 minutes, there isn’t a second to even breathe as SRNJ plays the furious punk rock fusioned with some old school hardcore. Bands such as Kid Dynamite, Youth Of Today, and Minor Threat definitely come to mind.

MP3:

Static Radio NJ - Last Call
Static Radio NJ - Won't Sleep

Buy:

Chunksaah

Four Square, Speeding Tickets, and West Virginia

Well, there was a lack of updates this weekend on my part due to my traveling down to VA to visit some friends of mine. An interesting trip down, which involved me thinking I blew a tire and getting a speeding ticket… The peak hit once I went past Maryland and seeing a sign that said “Welcome to West Virginia” (I immediately felt like I needed a shower). Let me just say that apparently Sheetz in West Virginia displays eye level porn right next to the little kid candy section (between the Reeses and the Peanuts) which I found a little odd… but I don’t question anything about the south anymore…

It was a good time to catch up with people I haven't seen in months (some for a good 6 months). Anyways, here’s some songs in tribute to my trip.

MP3:
The Toasters - Friends
Atom And His Package - Threshold to Adult Living (this one is tear jerker)

Buy:
Atom And His Package
The Toasters