“A good chunk of this record deals with our signing, and eventual split with Interscope. It was the usual story that we promised ourselves we’d never let happen: Band signs with label, label throws everything into the making of band’s new album, team working the record gets fired or moved to another office, record gets delayed, record loses steam, band leaves label.” - Alex from All Time Low
(Source: absolutepunk.net)
Gonna be loud in here. (Taken with instagram)
Most people talk about slumps when they talk about sophomore albums, but our friends at AbsolutePunk posted a Thursday discussion yesterday on great sophomore albums. We wanted to get in on some of the action today, so I wrote up a list of some of my favorite sophomore albums and I’m hoping you’ll let us know what albums fit that criteria for you. Check out the list below and feel free to reblog this post or comment in the AP.net thread!
blink-182 - Dude Ranch
You can find people who like more than “Carousel” and “M+M’s” on Cheshire Cat if you dig deep enough, but Dude Ranch is the album that opened blink-182 up to new found fame. Enema Of The State is undoubtedly the band’s most well-known, popular, and mainstream release, but such a jump in fan base and touring recognition could not have happened without Dude Ranch. There will always be an argument among some over whether Dude Ranch or Enema is blink’s “key” pop-punk release, and it’s certainly a fair one to have on different levels. And really, “Dammit” serves as one of the greatest set closers of all time. So thank the blink bunny for that.
Brand New - Deja Entendu
The Devil And God is my favorite Brand New album, but there’s no question that Deja Entendu changed so much for so many, myself included. Following Your Favorite Weapon, the album transcended any typical “great record.” It created a new craze and movement and certain level excitement that is so rare. The album is near ten years old now and will go down as a signature classic like Green Day’s Dookie,Jimmy Eat World’s Clarity, blink-182’s Enema Of The State, and those other select albums that change so much so quickly.
The Wonder Years - The Upsides
Every once in a while a band surprises you in a big way, and that’s exactly what happened with The Upsides. There’s no way around saying that Get Stoked On it! is a bad album. Is it fun? Sure. Is it good? The band will be the first to tell you it isn’t. But boy did things turn around fast. Not only did the band change their sound, but they changed their image, focus, and brought new meaning and excitement to a genre that so many felt was stale. Annoying or not, “I’m not sad anymore” become one of the most popular status updates, meme creation, and argued lyric of 2010 for fans of this scene.Armor For Sleep - What To Do When You Are Dead
I’m a sucker for concept records. There’s just something about knowing that when I hit play on a ten to twelve song album there will be a general theme to carry me all the way through. Dream To Make Believe, the band’s first full-length, is a feat in itself. The production quality might sound a little shaky and you’re clearly listening to a band that has yet to fully develop, but What To Do When You Are Dead shows the band at its finest and is an incredible record. I highly recommend seeing the band in New York City this July one last time if you can make it.
[video]
Front Magazine Interviews Mark Hoppus
Reviews:
Misser - Every Day I Tell Myself I’m Going To Be A Better Person (Thomas Nassiff)
Robert Francis - Strangers in the First Place (Greg Robson)
Articles:
Slam Dunk Festival Essentials (Andy Biddulph)
[video]
We’re bringing a new column from The Swellers drummer Jonathan Diener, appropriately titled “Jono Goes To The Movies”, where he gives his thoughts and opinions on new (and old) movies. Do you have any movies you’d like him to review? Put your suggestions in the comments.
(Source: absolutepunk.net)
We’re super stoked to bring you a premiere of a brand new track from Dave Hause, lead singer from The Loved Ones. You’ll find the title track from his upcoming 7-inch Pray for Tucson, available June 19th via Bridge Nine Records, in Dave’s AP.net profile. Let us know what you think about this one – pre-orders are now available through Bridge Nine here.
Today we are streaming a song called “III” from ambient indie-rockers Athletics new album Who You Are Is Not Enough. The album release will drop June 26th. If you’re looking for something in the vein of Moving Mountains, this is the song to check out. Head to the band’s AP.net profile to check out the song and go to the replies to read a message from the band.
