Album Review: Taking Back Sunday- Happiness Is

Before delivering an assessment of Taking Back Sunday’s most recent album, I feel it may be important to delve into the band’s history. After releasing two critically acclaimed albums on Victory Records, they shifted to a major for their mainstream breakthrough Louder Now and the disappointing follow-up New Again. While the release of 2011’s self-titled reunion with the original Tell All Your Friends lineup was generally hailed as a success, it was fraught with mismanagement from the label that released the album, Warner Bros. The band commented in interviews about how Warner did not promote the album adequately, and on the bonus disc that came with the self-titled even hinted that the label made the band take songs off of the tracklisting (the biggest loss being the stellar B-side “Mourning Sickness”). Because of this disappointment with Warner Bros., the band recently moved to Hopeless Records, allowing them to retain some autonomy over their musical direction and tracking decisions. 

2013 Recap: Maddy's Top Albums

   
     With all the great albums released this year, it's hard to even listen to them all, let alone rank them.  However, after lots of time and effort, I've compiled a list of my favorite albums of 2013.  While some are a solid and welcomed addition to a band's discography, others are classics-in-the-making with each listen increasing their chance of being one of my favorite albums of the decade.  Feel free to comment with what you agree with, what you don't, or which albums you think should've made this list.  Thanks to Craig's great idea: if you haven't heard of an album listed below, check out the my favorite songs listed which can also be found in the Spotify playlist at the bottom of this article.  Finally, here it is. The great music of 2013 in a nutshell:

Honorable Mentions: Stray from the Path- Anonymous, Have Mercy- The Earth Pushed Back, Lydia- Devil, Anthony Green- Young Legs, Tallhart- We are the Same

20. twenty|one|pilots- Vessel: Twenty|one|pilots cracked the code in writing music that takes what is great in multiple genres and making into cohesive material. With poppy choruses, rapped verses, dance beats, and screaming bridges, it seems as though the Ohio duo covered all their bases without any single element getting lost.  2013 brought these guys an explosion of popularity and recognition for their unique sound, which is well-deserved.  

• Key Songs: "Car Radio"; "Holding on to You"

19. A Day to Remember- Common Courtesy: In any ordinary situation, A Day to Remember would've had a tough time making an album that I would deem "okay," let alone "good."  Add in the a long and bitter legal battle with Victory Records and this record should have been the band's last stitch mess to finally just give us new material, especially after releasing the first single almost a year before Common Courtesy's debut.  But in one final plot twist in this album's dramatic story, ADTR actually came out with a career-saving album that proves they are capable overcoming even the most treacherous of obstacles.  

• Key Songs: "City of Ocala"; "Sometimes You're the Hammer, Sometimes You're the Nail"

18. Citizen- Youth: In a very similar genre as Balance and Composure, Citizen had a lot to compete with.  However, they came out swinging, giving fans the second album in the past two years.  Comparing 2013's Youth to 2012's Young States, the learning curve is ever apparent as they finally figured out their gritty sound and biting lyrics that first album couldn't quite accomplish.  Citizen is definitely improving and making a name for themselves.  Give it some time and a big tour (like The Wonder Years tour that they'll be on this Spring), this band is one to keep an eye on.

• Key Songs: "Roam the Room"; "The Night I Drove Alone"

17. Senses Fail- Renancer: Although Senses Fail did not necessarily need to reinvent themselves, Renancer makes me glad they did.  The overall heaviest album to date, this release serves as a reminder that this band still kills it even 10 years after From the Depths of Dreams.  While the sound might be heavier, the lyrics take a turn towards hope and life, an overall theme not typically associated with Senses Fail.  If that's not enough for you, Buddy Nielsen takes it a step further with the first single "Mi Amor," with the verse's vocals in Spanish. Renancer is a breathe of fresh air for Senses Fail fans, although not particularly needed but certainly appreciated.

• Key Songs: "The Path"; "Renancer"

16. The World is a Beautiful Place- Whenever, if Ever: I've been a fan of The World Is since their 2011 release Are Here to Help.  So when this highly anticipated album leaked months early, I was extremely concerned about how it would be received when officially released and whether or not it would be able to generate buzz.  However, all my worries subsided when the band and album alike got great reviews and feedback.  This album, reminiscent of the angriest of Bright Eyes' songs, attacks society's expectations and the human condition while highlighting flaw and emotion, making it apparent that both are acceptable things to have, despite others' opinions on such.

• Key Songs: "The Layers of Skin we Drag Around"; "Getting Sodas"

15. Listener- Time is a Machine: With the spoken word genre continuing to gain popularity, Listener vocalist Dan Smith remains an icon for aspiring lyricists.  Although this album does not meet up to the emotional intensity of the 2009 release Wooden Heart, Time is a Machine highlights the instrumental capabilities of the band in songs such as "Not Today" and "I Think it's Called Survival" that other albums lacked.  Overall, this album's sound is much fuller compared to their past releases, complimenting Smith's raw southern accent as opposed to being simply background noise.  With this newfound combination of building drums and guitars with the expected introspective lyrics on all things dealing with the heart and mind, Listener did not disappoint.

• Key Songs: "There are Wrecking Balls Inside Us"; "Good News First"
• This album isn't on Spotify but you can listen/ buy it here!

14. Dance Gavin Dance- Acceptance Speech: With a turbulent past with the cancer that is Johnny Craig as well as a rotating line-up that could never seem to solidify, the future of Dance Gavin Dance seemed grim.  However, the introduction of ex-Tides of Man vocalist Tilian Pearson gave new life to their dwindling career, reminding us of the talent this band hasn't been able to tap into in recent years.  Pearson's clean vocals compliment the vocals of Jon Mess so well that it's almost upsetting that Pearson only signed up to do this one album with DGD.  Therefore, once again, the future is unknown for this band.  For now, however, we can appreciate the revival of Dance Gavin Dance's career.

• Key Songs: "Acceptance Speech"; "Strawberry Swisher pt. 3"

13. The Story So Far- What You Don't See: When this album first came out, I was so disappointed and thought this would be the let down of the year.  Turns out, it was the most played album in my iTunes library this year and Transit released Young New England; it's safe to say I got a couple things wrong.  After sitting down and really listening to this album, the great aspects became much more prevalent.  This album might not have the overt angst of Under Soil and Dirt but rather recognizes gaps in self-confidence and flaws in relationships. Lyrically, Parker Cannon graduated from the cutting one-liners to a more mature explanation in song.  While it might not be the guilty pleasure that their first LP was, this release shows growth and flexibility as The Story So Far takes the pop-punk scene by storm.

• Key Songs: "Things I Can't Change"; "Stifled"

12. The Devil Wears Prada- 8:18: The Devil Wears Prada has built on every release, each one better than its predecessor, making so much progress that they won't even touch the first two LPs when playing live.  8:18 is a culmination of the strides TDWP has taken to continue changing and improving even after the success of their last two full-lengths. It seems to be common practice for metalcore bands to release a few albums that sound very similar and then slowly fade into the background.  However, the ever-evolving TDWP continues to stay relevant as 8:18 incorporates punk and screamo influences to reinvent their dark metalcore sound while others in the genre stay complacent.

• Key Songs: "8:18"; "Martyrs"

11. Moving Mountains- Moving Mountains: One of the more mellow on my list, it is bittersweet that Moving Mountains announced the indefinite hiatus after releasing such a moving album.  On one hand, we will always remember Moving Mountains as an innovative band that continuously reinventing their sound without losing their roots.  Yet, I can't help but wish we were getting another album since this one is just so good. Goodbye, Moving Mountains.  Thanks for everything.

• Key Songs: "Swing Set"; "Eastern Leaves" 

10. Touche Amore- Is Survived By. . . : Simply put, this album was exactly what Touche Amore needed.  While Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me put the band on the map and made them a post-hardcore fan favorite, the song-writing was not quite up to pare with other up-and-comers.  It seemed like every critique of that album was addressed and fixed for this one while not compromising the witty lyrics of  Jeremy Bolm.  With some songs surpassing the 3-minute mark and  building to tell a story instead hitting you with one line here or there, Touche Amore figured out what set them a part from other post-hardcore bands and ripped it into pieces.  If this is the difference two years makes in song-writing and album development, these guys have a ton of potential up their sleeves.

• Key Songs: "DNA"; "Is Survived By"

 9.  Silverstein- This is How the Wind Shifts: For an album that I wasn't particularly excited for, this was a pleasant surprise.  After the release of Discovering the Waterfront in 2005, a staple album for any post-hardcore fan, Silverstein failed to impress with several lackluster albums.  However, it was in 2013 that Silverstein got their act together to create yet another incredible post-hardcore album to remind us why we fell in love with them in the first place.  Dropping the poppy and cheesy melodies for their old edgier sound, the band refused to stay in the funk the last couple years has brought them.

• Key Songs: "Massachusetts"; "In a Place of Solace"

 8.  Jimmy Eat World: Damaged: A very solid addition to Jimmy Eat World's discography, Damaged left many fans content after waiting a couple years for a new album.  While it might not be as influential as Futures, the band still displayed the straight forward lyrics and melodies that illustrate the pains and thoughts that accompany any breakup.  However, in a scene with many teens and young adults taking over, it's almost a breath of fresh air to get the adult perspective of a breakup, with wisdom and maturity that this music often lacks.

• Key Songs: "I Will Steal You Back"; "Appreciation"

7.  letlive.- The Blackest Beautiful: The biggest complaint I've heard about this album is the production quality.  But hey, rock and roll, dude. In a time where bands pumps tons of money into production just to create a clear-sounding crappy album, I appreciate albums like these- with all the energy put into great music by a great band.  To combat any complaints about the overall quality of the sound, just see these guys live and you won't have anything to say about it.  Extremely dynamic and bursting at the seams with energy, they had the best set at Warped Tour this year, with Jason Aalon Butler ending up in a tree by the middle of the set.

• Key Songs: "Banshee-Ghost Frame"; "That Fear Fever"

6.  The Front Bottoms- Talon of the Hawk: As one of my most anticipated of the year, The Front Bottoms somehow exceeded expectation.  Without losing the quirkiness of the self-titled album, the band upgraded to a fuller sound that brought their songs to the next level.   Vocalist Brian Sella and drummer Matt Uychich keep the energy up while still addressing heavy topics, exemplified in "Lonestar" which addresses an unplanned pregnancy.  The growth of The Front Bottoms is just as apparent live.  In just a short year, they've sold out several venues during what seems like constant touring, controlling the stage and playing one of the most entertaining sets I've ever seen, playing almost their entire discography in a two hour set.  2013 was very good to The Front Bottoms and from the looks of it, 2014 will be even better.

• Key Songs: "Twin-Sized Mattress"; "Funny You Should Ask"

5.  Defeater- Letters Home: This is hands-down the best hardcore album of the year and it's not even close.  It really bums me out that this album did not get as much attention as it should have but it's time to give credit where credit is due.  Letters Home follows a family during World War II and as the title suggests, is centered around letters and post-cards between family members.  Although Defeater does an excellent job of making the album a unified story, vocalist Derek Archambault hits hard with catchy one-liners that will stay in your head for days, such as the hook in the album opener "Bastards," saying "And still all I see is the bastard in me." The rest of the album follows suite as the dark lyrics with heavy-hitting instrumentals that will knock the wind out of you.  If you are like many and have overlooked the album or simply forgot to listen to it, I wouldn't wait any longer.  It is no easy task to create an album better than Empty Days and Sleepless Nights but somehow, Defeater continues to progress and outdo themselves.

• Key Songs: "Bastards"; "Hopeless Again" (really just listen to the entire thing)

4.  The Dangerous Summer- Golden Record: The Dangerous Summer is something special, mostly because they've yet to write an album that I haven't wholeheartedly loved.  At Keep Calm and Carry On, we rank the three TDS albums from best to third best because we refuse to label any of their albums as the "worst album."  The band has found the secret to write catchy music with substance through instrumentals that compliment the building lyrics that tear the heart apart.

• Key Songs: "Catholic Girls"; "Into the Comfort"

3.  The Wonder Years- The Greatest Generation: From a band that created Suburbia, also known as one of the best pop-punk albums written to date, I'm not sure anyone expected The Wonder Years to write an album that could match it, let alone write an album that's better.  But 2013 was a wacky year and they did just that.  As the band grows up, so do the albums as TWY gives us the third chapter of their book on tackling adulthood.  Addressing issues from teen parenting ("Teenage Parents") to loved ones with illness ("Dismantling Summer") to dealing with life itself ("A Raindance in Traffic"), this album focuses on problems bigger than teen angst and the stereotypical pop-punk struggle of trying to leave this town.  With their original fan base growing up as well, this could not come at a better time to hold on to old fans while grabbing the attention of new fans as well.  This album proves The Wonder Years matured from a group of pop-punk teenagers with small town problems to adults who view the troubled world with a keen eye, giving words to situations that leave most speechless.

• Key Songs: "There, There"; "Dismantling Summer"

2.  Balance and Composure- Things We Think We're Missing: Through reading other's Top Albums of 2013 lists, there seems to be a general consensus: no one knows why they like Balance and Composure so much but they just do and they don't fight it. The grunge influences and lingering melodies of B&C were perfected in this album, filling in the gaps in cohesive sound present in Separation. Upon the initial listen, I actually got goosebumps as this album really hits you in the gut, although I still cannot clearly explain why.  It's an absolutely stellar album by a band that is making strides to be one of the best in the scene.

• Key Songs: "Reflection"; "Notice Me"

1.  Fall Out Boy- Save Rock and Roll: With a reunion and an amazing album, 2013 was the year of Fall Out Boy.  The album was extravagant to say the least, from the big instrumentals to over-the-top guest appearances (Elton John, seriously?!).  While it may not be solely a rock album, this is one of the best pop-influenced albums released in this decade. Opening the album with “The Phoenix,” featuring dramatic strings and drums, this anthem starts this comeback with a bang and had left us hitting the tables and screaming the lyrics in the station on numerous occasions.  From there on, the album exceeds expectations as FOB demonstrates their artistic flexibility and possibility, touching on several different sounds without missing the mark.  It’s obvious the band has evolved with the times as seen with the hip-hop influences and Big Sean feature in “The Mighty Fall” while “Young Volcanos” brings out the acousticy-pop sound Train has been trying to figure out for years.  Of course, the album closes with the mother of all songs “Save Rock and Roll,” accentuating Patrick Stump’s beautiful lyrics and vocals, not to mention the one and only Elton John is featured on this track.  They aren’t legends for nothing.  While it might not be another “Take this to your Grave,” Fall Out Boy has outdone themselves, keeping things interesting, relevant, and as extraordinary as ever.

• Key Songs: "The Phoenix"; "Where did the Party Go"

Donald's Top 10 Albums of All Time

Greetings, friends. After a brief yet memorable stint over at propertyofzack.com, an opportunity I will forever be grateful for, the prodigal son has returned. In a move I can only see as punishment for leaving, Craig and Madison have doted upon me this dubious task of listing and talking about my favorite 10 albums of all time. This list is essentially impossible and practically pointless to make. What I mean by that is this: music is always evolving and changing. Therefore, if the music itself changes, the way we listen to it changes, the way we interpret it changes. Bands come and go, albums fade in and out of our lives at certain times, and we even forget about how great some of them are at times. That being said, the ten albums that comprise the list you are about to (hopefully) sift through have each provided a spark or emotion in me that few things in life (let alone other albums) ever have. It's a testament to the power of music, and the individuality that we bring in to the listening experience. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it; here are the 10 best albums of all-time, according to this one person.

10. Coheed & Cambria - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Vol. 1: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness: Coheed & Cambria are a band that I accidentally fell in love with. After hearing Claudio Sanchez's high-pitched delivery in "A Favor House Atlantic," my middle school self was a little too proud to give the band a fair chance. And then the band released "Welcome Home," the six-minute epic that took the band's career from clubs to arenas, and I realized the mistakes of my past. What makes Good Apollo 1 so great, however, is how consistent the album remains after its monster single. Tracks like "Ten Speed (Of God's Blood and Burial)" and "The Suffering" were excellent choices for follow-up singles, while the deeper cuts like "Crossing the Frame" and "Mother May I" have become gems I keep coming back to after all these years. Throw in the Willing Well series, a four-song set at the end of the album, with every song clocking in over seven minutes long, and it becomes clear by the end of this album that Coheed & Cambria are some of the most intelligent, talented, and forward-thinking bands in rock music.

9. The Dangerous Summer - Reach for the Sun: While the debate can certainly be had that this isn't even The Dangerous Summer's best albums (and it could very well be their worst), Reach for the Sun secures a spot here thanks to AJ Perdomo's youthful energy, mixed with his introspective lyrics and the fabulous drumming by Tyler Minsberg. Leadoff track "Where I Want to Be" and ender "Never Feel Alone" bookend the album perfectly, but it's the gripping, powerful tracks like "Surfaced," "Northern Lights," and "Weathered" that set Reach for the Sun far above so many other albums.

8. Motion City Soundtrack - Commit This to Memory: They were quirky, catchy, unique, and relatable. In other words, Motion City Soundtrack were just too easy to like. With such huge choruses like the ones found on "Everything is Alright," "When 'You're' Around," or "Resolution" mixed in with the dark, self-loathing lyrics on "Time Turned Fragile," "L.G. Fuad," and "Hold Me Down," the band set themselves up for a long and rewarding career, but the highs they reached on Commit This to Memory have yet to be topped.

7. Underoath - Define the Great Line: Screamo music nearly reached the mainstream in the early 2000s, thanks in large part to the melody and sheer force behind Underoath's (They're Only Chasing Safety). But when the band came back with Define the Great Line, they went from the next big thing in the scene to its undisputed champion. Now fully immersed in the songwriting process, Spencer Chamberlain wears his demons on his sleeve, and it pays huge dividends in "You're Ever So Inviting" and "In Regards to Myself." Aaron Gillespie's clean vocals supplement Chamberlain's screams stupendously, especially seen on lead single "Writing on the Walls" and "There Could be Nothing After This." After synths powered many of the Chasing Safety tracks, Chris Dudley opted for a more subtle effect on the tracks, providing atmospheric tones for the evolution of lead guitarist Tim McTague to take the spotlight. This album was the perfect storm for Underoath, catapulting them from the Main Stage of Warped Tour to a top 5 debut and gold-selling album that still is yet to be topped in metalcore (except maybe by Underoath's other albums, of course).

6. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy: In 2010, Kanye West's popularity was still reeling over the whole Taylor Swift "I'mma let you finish..." fiasco. So what did Kanye West do about it? What Kanye West always does about it: use his turmoil with critics, paparazzi, and the American public to fuel his passionate drive towards hip-hop perfection. On Twisted Fantasy, he gave us what may ultimately end up being his most revered masterpiece of his illustrious and controversial career. An album whose lead single is a full 9 minutes long, features a comedy bit from an over-the-hill Chris Rock, and features that include RZA, La Roux, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, and a rap verse from Fergie (I'm still trying to wrap my head around that), and it all comes together masterfully thanks to the mad scientist behind it. I've always been a fan of hip-hop and headcases, and no one person puts both of those things together as spectacularly as Kanye West.

5. Transit - Listen and Forgive: The pop-punk Renaissance that occurred in 2011 was no small feat: it gave us albums from bands like Fireworks, The Wonder Years, and Into It. Over It. that changed the way everyone saw the genre and shattered any pre-conceived notions about how powerful the songs could be. That buzz swelled into a perfect storm for Transit, who used their early 2000s emo leanings to create Listen & Forgive, an emotional force that created an immense amount of buzz around the band. Paced by catchy single "Long Lost Friends" and cemented in fans' hearts with soul-crushers like "Skipping Stone" and "Over Your Head," Listen and Forgive has cemented itself as an album with lasting impact for years to come.

4. Jimmy Eat World - Futures: Jimmy Eat World had literally just saved their career with Bleed American, thanks to the unexpected success of "The Middle." So what did they do for a follow-up? Make their best album ever, of course! While there is a legitimate argument to be made for Clarity, Futures makes this list for me because it took the energy and emotion from Clarity, and combined it with a stellar piece of production by the acclaimed Gil Norton. Plain and simple: on Futures, Jimmy Eat World sounded like the biggest and best rock band in the world, and they had the talent, drive, and creativity to pull it off. Don't believe me? Take a listen to "23" and try to tell me that song isn't perfect.

3. The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten: Coming off of a bit of a letdown in terms of how American Slang was received, The Gaslight Anthem recorded with Brendan O' Brien, and ended up at least starting the conversation amongst fans as to which album was better: The '59 Sound or Handwritten. Obviously, you know which side I'm on by now. To me, Handwritten was chosen because of the gigantic, arena-ready feel to the album. With so many anthemic choruses (like the ones on "45," "Handrwitten," "Mulhollan Drive," and "Mae") and just enough allusions to the band's sweaty basement show roots (the dynamic 1-2 punch of "Howl" and "Biloxi Parish"), there's something for every Gaslight Anthem fan here, and maybe even more. On The '59 Sound, we saw how big The Gaslight Anthem had the potential to become, and on Handwritten, they became that band.

2. Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise: Circa Survive have been my favorite band since I was 16 years old, and this is my favorite album from them. The major-label jump they made on Blue Sky Noise added a certain flair to the songs, and the progressive-minded band benefitted greatly from adding a little more structure to their sound, which allowed frontman Anthony Green to shine while his bandmates created the band's most talented effort to date. Thanks to the chaos of "Get Out" and Glass Arrows," the melodic excellence of "Imaginary Enemy" and "Through the Desert Alone," and the pure unadulterated creativity of "Fever Dreams" and the instrumental track "Compendium," Circa Survive put it all together for an effort that only a band with their unique set of skills could create.

1. Brand New - The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me: From the time we heard about the scrapped Fight Off Your Demons demos, we knew Brand New was onto something big. But somehow, the band found a way to shatter any and all expectations, and exceed them in unimaginable ways. Dark, heavy, and profound, The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me is the rare album that followed up a classic (Deja Entendu) and was so good it makes the classic that came before it seem like a child made it. Jesse Lacey was revered before The Devil and God, but after this album came out, he was officially a cult hero. But when you pen a track like "Sowing Season (Yeah)," that's to be expected. What's more impressive, however, is how the album carries you through its long-ish runtime effortlessly. Tracks like "Degausser," "Jesus," "Luca," and "You Won't Know" all cross the 5-minute threshold, but the songs take such a hold over you that it feels like no time has passed at all. Throw in the 7-minute epic "Limousine" and the fast-paced "Not the Sun" and "Archers," and you have an album the spans a spectrum very few other bands would even dare to attempt, but Brand New were able to perfect. It simply doesn't get any better than The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me, and I have serious doubts anything will ever top it in my lifetime.

And in a flash, my Top 10 Albums of All-Time is complete. This list is so difficult to make, and there are so many albums that could have been here, and I'm sure there are even ones I've forgotten about. What did I leave off? What did I rate too high or too low? Leave your thoughts in the comments, and let's get a conversation going.

How to "Carry On": The New Jersey State Special

Snooki, JWOWW, Pauly D, Ronnie, Vinny. These are the cast members of the (in)famous MTV show Jersey Shore that don't actually live in New Jersey. Yet somehow, combined with Sammi Sweetheart, The Situation, and Deena (who at least can claim some semblance of Jersey roots), these classless, shameless, and filthy rich individuals have come to define the world's image of the great state of New Jersey. But as most listeners of Keep Calm and Carry On know, there is much more to New Jersey than spray tans and trying to relive your Senior Prom Weekend at Seaside (fun fact: The Situation and Pauly D are both over the age of 30). We've been the host to the highest, fastest roller coaster in the world for a few years now (here's to you, Kingda Ka), we're one of the most culturally diverse states in the country, and above all else, we've churned out more musicians than any other state (that's more opinion than fact). From Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen to My Chemical Romance and The Gaslight Anthem, the new wave of any scene "fad" makes its break on the Jersey shore. That's what this week at Keep Calm and Carry On was all about: paying tribute to the bands who got their start or their big break in the Garden State. We'll start this sampling with a song that features a band that everyone knows, but New Jersey knew about first. Listen below as Jimmy Eat World pays its tribute to Jersey in "Big Casino":

In addition, we also played some songs from bands who were home-grown in the Garden State. Thursday, Senses Fail, My Chemical Romance, and countless others have changed the game in the scene, but before all of that, they all started in a small Jersey town. One of the more lesser-known and short-lived bands from New Jersey, but still packed a big-time punch, was Hidden in Plain View. Starting in Stanhope, NJ, the band broke out of the suburbs and onto Drive-Thru records, and while they called it quits long before they should have, they still gave us some great jams, including their tribute to their home state, "Garden Statement" (Fun fact: Donald graduated from the same high school as all of the members of HIPV!):

Making a list of bands who drew inspiration from or got their start in New Jersey can go on for days. However, Keep Calm and Carry On was lucky enough to catch up with a band who's now mentioned the state in two songs, and continues to show their unconditional support for all things Jersey: Mayday Parade. Donald was able to sit down and talk with Jeremy Lenzo, bassist/vocalist for the band, after they wrapped up a trip to the UK to tour with You Me at Six. The result was a great, interesting interview, and we can't thank Jeremy enough. Check it out below! 

What'd you think of the interview? Let us know in the comments, and we'll see you next time! Be sure to listen to Keep Calm and Carry On on 91.3FM WTSR or online at www.wtsr.org every Friday night from 9-11pm!

12 Days of Christmas, Day 12: Top Albums of 2010

After a few delays thanks to finals, family parties, and other various distractions, the 12 Days of  Christmas special has finally come to an end, and it  will end on the strongest article yet. The process for determining the top albums of 2010 has been such an ongoing process that I actually finalized the list just last night. So without any futher delay or rambling of mine, let us begin the countdown of the top 30 albums of 2010:

Bands of a Generation: A Decade in Retrospect

As the clock changed from 2009 to 2010 this January, we not only welcomed in a new year, but a new decade. The decade that most recently ended saw many changes come about in the music industry, both good and bad. More and more do-it-yourself bands' hard work began to pay off, as the underground scenes flourished. However, the 00's began the losing battle every artist now faces with illegal downloads and file sharing. A leaked album is now not a threat but a fact, and artists must now fight for every dollar they make. And while the internet has essentially killed the need for physical copies of an album, and downloading has eliminated the need to pay for music at all, there were still a high amount of quality bands that either formed, emerged, or became superstars in their own rights throughout the decade. Therefore, the inaugural post of this blog is dedicated to those bands. In no order or preference, these are the bands that helped define the decade that was:

Blink-182
Why they're here: It's tough to find a pop-punk band these days that isn't influenced by the holy triumvirate of Mark, Tom and Travis. While it can be said that their best albums were made in the 90s, I believe that what puts Blink in this discussion is the attention they got when the group parted ways. Sure, Tom DeLonge achieved a decent amount of success with Angels and Airwaves, but from the day the band broke up until that fateful night at the Grammys where the band announced their reformation, all anyone could talk about was how good this band was when they existed, and what they would do to see them again. Thankfully, these wishes were granted, and the band reformed with a megatour in the summer of 2009. Who was on that tour, you ask? The likes of Fall Out Boy, Weezer, the All-American Rejects, Panic at the Disco, Taking Back Sunday, and Valencia, among many others, all of whom sacrificed headlining tours to open for the band that opened the door for pop-punk into the mainstream. Whether we ever get another album from Blink 182 or not, there's no doubt that the band's influence will be felt long after their stay in the limelight ends.
What sets them apart: It has to be the way they grew into a larger-than-life type of band after their break-up. This is the only band who released the bulk of their discography in the 1990s on the list, but the way this band has impacted (and will continue to impact) teens and college kids is unparalleled by any band out there. Blink's spot among the top pop-punk acts in music history is forever reserved, thanks to their notorious sense of humor and their die-hard fanbase.

Brand New
Why they're here: From 2002's Your Favorite Weapon to the most recently released Daisy (2009), no band on this list has changed their music more often than Brand New. The band created a pop-punk classic with Weapon, then rose to the top of the emo world with the impeccable Deja Entendu, and when it seemed they were ready for world domination, Jesse Lacey and Co. took the road less traveled, which resulted in the much darker The Devil and God are Raging Inside of Me. The album created a big void between their fans, who were left longing for the Deja/ Weapon days. The band rarely played anything from their first two records (and rarely played any of their previous singles), and as the band's relationship with its fans grew more and more tense, the band released the even darker Daisy, which seems to be Jesse Lacey's way of saying "I'm not going to write what you want me to write, I'll write what I want to write." And it appears fans wouldn't have it any other way.
What sets them apart: Brand New really could have been the next big thing. After Deja blew them up on the magazine and late-nite TV circuit, mainstream success seemed like the only possible step for the band. However, the band's previous two releases have proved that mainstream recognition isn't what they're after: it's all about the music for these guys, and the fans are all the better for it. Brand New has grown and matured with their fans from Weapon to Daisy, and that has allowed for fans to create a deeper connection to the band than many will ever know or understand. Brand New have reinvented themselves with every release, and have somehow been able to keep a steady fan base throughout their career, which is a true testament to the band's commitment to growing and maturing with each release.

Fall Out Boy
Why they're here: Formed in the Chicago hardcore scene, these pop-punk princes have risen to the top at an alarming rate, and have created some gems for everyone along the way. While some fans call their more recent efforts over-saturated and not as good as their earlier releases, while new fans enjoy the pop simplicity of the new material in favor of the harder-hitting earlier material. While Take this to Your Grave and From Under the Cork Tree will forever be in my heart as classics, I can't help but say that the band's last two releases have let me down. However, the way the band was thrust into the spotlight is a sign that all bands react to success differently (just ask Brand New), and Grave and Cork Tree are more than enough to hold me over, despite the seemingly half-hearted efforts they've released recently.
What sets them apart: Sell-outs or not, no one writes a more stinging pop-punk song than the tandem of Pete Wentz and Patrick Stump. No band will ever write another "Grand Theft Autumn," or even a "Sugar, We're Going Down." Fall Out Boy's early releases are so strong that many fans have abandoned hopes of hating them for "selling out," and have given into one of the best guilty pleasure bands in history. Whether you love the band, hate the guys, or just don't get the music, there's no doubt that before you die, you'll have at least one Fall Out Boy song stuck in your head at some point.

Jimmy Eat World
Why they're here: When "The Middle" first reached the ears of radio executives, the star of Jimmy Eat World was born. However, many casual music fans only know the band for their one mainstream hit, and that is one of the biggest travesties in music today. There is so much more to the band than that single, and the emotionally jarring Futures proves that. The band have seemingly never let their fans down with a release, and continue to make good, honest, heartfelt rock that is accessible to anyone. They may never outgrow the monster single "The Middle" turned into, but true fans of the band will quickly tell you of the wondrous release that is Clarity, while others will point to Futures or Bleed American and even Chase This Light as their strongest  release. And the truth is, there isn't really a wrong answer here.
What sets them apart: Jimmy Eat World simply have a knack for making their fans happy. They find new ways to reinvent themselves with each release, yet stay the same band that those fans fell in love with in the first place. They make some of the catchiest, most emotional blend of rock you may ever hear, and their music continues to be accessible to fans new and old.

Death Cab for Cutie
Why they're here: When indie music took over in the mid-2000s, Death Cab emerged as the genre's first sure-fire superstars. Death Cab went from one of the best bands no one knew about to one of the best bands period in a very short time, and fans seemed to be proud of the band's success, rather than afraid of it. This was seen when the band's most recent album, Narrow Stairs, was well-received by major critics and die-hard fans of the band alike. Death Cab has, like many of the bands here, evolved from the little band in your back pocket to the band you remembered knowing before they were huge, and I'd have to say Death Cab has changed the least since their success, for better or for worse. They simply continue to bring their blend of emo/indie pop to the table, and fans continue to eat it up.
What sets them apart: They've essentially written the "Wonderwall" of this decade with "I Will Follow You Into the Dark," but it's Death Cab's commitment to their craft that separates them from just about everyone else. They've done very little to change their sound over the years, yet they still find a way to make their product fresh and new for their fans to enjoy. Their creativity within their genre is admirable, and they show no signs of stopping.

To tell the truth, there were so many more bands that could have made this list ahead of these five. And that's the true beauty of music: it hits everyone differently. That being said, I'll turn it over to you: who did I miss? What did I say wrong? Who would be on your list? I'd love to hear from you.