My Favorite Concerts of 2010 (Part 1: 20-11)

I’ve attended a number of concerts in the year of 2010. Most were memorable, but some were more legendary than others. Here are my favorite shows of the past year:

20.  Matt & Kim @ Webster Hall

October 27, 2010

This was the first time seeing these power-pop duo. I’ve never seen a band smile as much as Matt & Kim did. Their happiness was contagious and the whole floor was a dance-fest. They might not be the best musicians, best singers, or best duo… but they sure have a hell of a lot of fun and so did I.

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19.  Everytime I Die @ Studio at Webster Hall

November 3, 2010

These hardcore rock-stars crashed the intimate Studio at Webster Hall and tore the house down. I’ve only seen this band one time before and at a bigger venue, so it was special to attend such a small show. Their music is one of the most aggressive that I enjoy listening to. I wouldn’t mind getting my ass kicked in the crowd again for Everytime I Die.

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18.  Sugarland w/ Jake Owen @ PNC Bank Arts Center

May 22, 2010

Every time I go back to PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, I tell myself how awesome the venue is (though I’ve never attended a show with lawn seats). This Country concert was one of my favorites of the year. Country super-duo Sugarland really put on a spectacular show, opening with a new track off of The Incredible Machine, and then hitting on a number of hits, such as “Stay” shown above.

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17.  Two Door Cinema Club @ Webster Hall

October 21, 2010

Two Door Cinema Club knows how to throw an awesome dance-party. Even though they only have one album of about thirty minutes, I was dancing my feet off at Webster Hall that night. They are one of the more polished pop-punk-dance bands around right now. If you want to have fun throwing your arms in the air and moving to the music, this band is for you. I’m trying to get tickets to their tour with Tokyo Police Club that’s stopping at Terminal 5 next month.

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16.  Sleigh Bells @ Studio at Webster Hall

September 20, 2010

So I first heard of this group when they opened up for Yeasayer in New York City. Months later my friend and I heard about Sleigh Bells playing the tiny Studio at Webster Hall. Only once we got there did we realize it was a show being recorded and streamed live on mtv.com. Needless to say, the show freakin’ rocked!

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15.  Modest Mouse @ The Wellmont Theater

July 22, 2010

The first time seeing Modest Mouse was a fantastic experience. It was also the first time I stepped foot in The Wellmont Theater in Montclair, NJ. The venue was incredible and Modest Mouse put on a great show. They opened with “Spitting Venom” for crying out loud! These guys are highly underrated.

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14.  Something Corporate @ Roseland Ballroom

August 13, 2010

It was “A Night with Something Corporate.” For some reason I didn’t know that meant there would be no openers and it would literally be an entire night with Something Corporate. Well needless to say I was pleasantly surprised. The reunion tour was a memorable one for me. I saw their brief set at Bamboozle in May and seeing a full set that night was priceless. I love these guys.

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13.  Say Anything, Motion City Soundtrack, Saves the Day @ Starland Ballroom

November 5, 2010

It’s awesome to go see a concert when you love a band that’s playing. But it’s even better when you love more than one band! This was the case at this show when Saves the Day and Motion City Soundtrack rolled into Starland Ballroom in November. Say Anything headlined and they’re good too, but I was there for STD and MCS… and boy did they put on a rocking show. Maybe they’ll go on tour together again soon? Please???

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12.  Dashboard Confessional @ Webster Hall

December 7, 2010

Since I’m in my mid-twenties, there have been a lot of 10-year anniversary concerts in 2010 for me. One album that I had on repeat for quite some time was Dashboard Confessional’s Swiss Army Romance. Well, mister Chris Carrabba went on a solo tour playing the album in its entirety plus other hits and it was a blast. Ever since he formed a full band for Dashboard Confessional it’s been years since seeing him perform solo. This concert was definitely a blast from the past and I enjoyed every second of it.

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11.  Jimmy Eat World @ Terminal 5

October 14, 2010

Jimmy Eat World has been one of my favorite bands for a while now, yet I’ve never seen them live until this year. I managed to see them twice during their tour, first at Starland Ballroom and then a few weeks later at Terminal 5 in New York City. Any show in the city beats out a show at Starland Ballroom. I don’t know if it’s the atmosphere, the crowd, the venues, or maybe because they’re allowed to play past 11 p.m. But Jimmy Eat World played a great set hitting on a number of my favorite tracks such as “23” “Dizzy” “A Praise Chorus” “Lucky Denver Mint” “Goodbye Sky Harbour” and “Sweetness.” Such an awesome show.

Bamboozle Festival Lineup (so far)

The Bamboozle Festival is the premiere music festival in New Jersey. This year’s event will take place from April 29 – May 1 at the Meadowlands Sports Complex. I attended last year’s event, which headlined Paramore and Weezer, and it was a lot of fun. I was a bit skeptical on how this year’s festival could compare to last year’s fun-fest… but the listing of bands is almost guaranteeing a great time already!

Bands that has me sold on going:

• Dashboard Confessional
• New Found Glory
• RX Bandits
• Taking Back Sunday
• The Gaslight Anthem
• The Movielife (reunion!)

Bands I wouldn’t mind seeing:

• Chiddy Bang
• Circa Survive
• Gatsbys American Dream
• Mayday Parade
• Motley Crue
• River City Extension
• Senses Fail
• Streetlight Manifesto

Bands I’m like, WTF?:

• Bruno Mars
• Insane Clown Posse
• Lil Wayne

Nonetheless, this year’s Bamboozle Festival is shaping up to be awesome once again. I cannot wait!

My Favorite Albums of the Decade (20-11)

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20.  Second Stage Turbine Blade (2002) – Coheed and Cambria

This is the first studio album by progressive rock band Coheed and Cambria, led by the recognizable voice of Claudio Sanchez.  It’s funny how I just mentioned The Decemberists above, because here’s another band who writes their lyrics as part of a story.  In this album, we’re introduced to the married couple of Coheed and Cambria as they embark on their dangerous sci-fi journey.  It might sound a bit ridiculous, but somehow Coheed and Cambria makes it work.  Their songs are very thick and complex, and although there are only ten tracks on the album, the length exceeds 55 minutes.  Many of their songs are borderline epic.

Favorite track:  “Everything Evil”

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19.  Swiss Army Romance (2000) – Dashboard Confessional

This is the first full-length album by the acoustic-emo band, Dashboard Confessional, led by Chris Carrabba.  Before the band exploded onto mainstream success and a full band with its hit “Vindicated” from the Spider-Man soundtrack, Carrabba’s music was very personal and stripped down to solely his acoustic guitar and his belting voice.  This is the Dashboard Confessional that I prefer.  The songs of Chris Carrabba are more effective when they’re raw rather than over-mixed and performed by a full band.  It’s easier to relate to his words and the soft quality of the guitar and vocals makes it friendlier to the listener.  It’s one of the albums I most remember from my past.

Favorite track:  “The Swiss Army Romance”

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18.  On a Wire (2002) – The Get Up Kids

Despite mediocre reviews, I was impressed with the mature direction The Get Up Kids decided to venture with their third studio album.  Their most popular, and certainly their best album (Something to Write Home About), preceded On a Wire, therefore there were great expectations from the band.  But instead of staying on track with their pop-emo sound, they explored experimental tones with slower tempos instead of the catchy hooks the fans were used to.  I admit that it took me a bit to get used to On a Wire, but after I did I absolutely loved it.

Favorite track:  “Walking on a Wire”

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17.  …Burn, Piano Island, Burn (2003) – The Blood Brothers

This is my favorite album by these post-hardcore screamers, The Blood Brothers.  Their third full-length album, Burn, Piano Island, Burn, is a jagged and intense album from start to finish.  The first time I ever heard this group made my jaw drop, but not in a good way.  I wasn’t yet ready for the tempo-changing, high-pitch yelling, erratic grindcore The Blood Brothers provided.  But as I grew up I appreciated the album for what it was, which is a greatly creative and borderline insane production.  And it might be strange to admit this, but through all the screams and unorthodox melodies, it’s still quite a popular and mainstream album.  There have been numbers of friends whom I would’ve never predicted to enjoy Burn, Piano Island, Burn.  That’s only a portion of the genius.  Listen and discover the rest.

Favorite track:  “Cecilia and the Silhouette Saloon”

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16.  Happy Hollow (2006) – Cursive

Cursive is one of my favorite bands, so don’t be surprised to see more albums by these indie-rockers from Omaha on this list.  Their fifth studio album, Happy Hollow, takes the listener through a fictional town where we meet people invested in a variety of social issues.  It’s a carefully crafted collection of tracks, portraying ideas like the American dream, religion, hypocrisy, and more.  Cursive is not a stranger to the concept album, which is a very strong reason why I love these guys so much.  Although I’m not a fan of every song on the album, it’s hard not to credit Cursive’s accomplishment with Happy Hollow.  Kudos.

Favorite track:  “Big Bang”

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15.  Say It Like You Mean It (2002) – The Starting Line

By no means are The Starting Line the most talented band, but this album is certainly one of my favorites.  This is the first album released by the pop-punk band from Pennsylvania and it showed all of the potential that TSL never lived up to.  I must’ve scratched the crap out of my Say It Like You Mean It compact disc during my youth because I can still recall every song and practically ever lyric from this album.  Packed with insanely catchy tunes that’ll make you want to skip instead of walk, The Starting Line was the premiere pop-punk band in the beginning of the decade.

Favorite track:  “This Ride”

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14.  Neon Bible (2007) – The Arcade Fire

Only the second album by one of Canada’s finest, The Arcade Fire, they’ve already made their stamp on the music scene in a huge way.  High in production and deep in meaning, Neon Bible is a magnificent collection of unique songs that explore the ideas of religion on a grand scale.  The ominous tones throughout is enough to keep any listener captivated.  With dark songs like “Black Mirror” and “Black Waves/Bad Vibrations” to more upbeat tracks like “No Cars Go”, The Arcade Fire has taken the world by storm with their ability to pack messages inside their bigger-than-life songs.

Favorite track:  “The Well and the Lighthouse”

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13.  In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (2003) – Coheed and Cambria

The progressive rock band, Coheed and Cambria, outdid themselves with their sophomore album to the cult-following of Second Stage Turbine Blade.  Blending a number of different influences and musical styles, In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 is more ways than not “epic.”  Without getting into how the lyrics progress The Amory Wars, Claudio still manages to attract the most mainstream success from this album.  With singles like “Blood Red Summer” and “A Favor House Atlantic,” the band received some well-received radio and MTV play.  The best aspect about this album is the structure of each individual song.  Changing tempos and key signatures two and sometimes three times within a song, these 5+ minute tracks are an adventure in their own right.

Favorite track:  “The Crowing”

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12.  The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most (2001) – Dashboard Confessional

The follow-up to Swiss Army Romance is very similar in style, but a lot more effective.  For the majority of the album, Chris Carrabba performs his songs solo, giving it the intimate experience that his fans have grown to love.  But for the first time, tracks like “Saints and Sailors” and “The Good Fight” include additional members that make up Dashboard Confessional.  He didn’t abandon his acoustic guitar yet and that’s why this will always be one of my favorite albums.  Carrabba’s emotion reverberates through the strumming of his guitar and the meaningful cry of his voice.  I can’t say I have ever listened to songs that represent so much to a singer than of these.

Favorite track:  “The Brilliant Dance”

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11.  Bleed American (2001) – Jimmy Eat World

This is the fourth studio album by emo-rockers Jimmy Eat World.  The album was retitled Jimmy Eat World after the September 11 attacks, and rightfully so.  Here is Jimmy Eat World’s strongest and most complete album to date.  The album has its ups and down, fast and slow, emotional and fun.  It’s a roller-coaster of music.  Beginning with the loud and edgy “Bleed American” into two catchier tracks “A Praise Chorus” and their hit single “The Middle,” the band is moving at full speed and doesn’t slow down.  Exploring a number of situations revolving around relationships, this album solidifies Jimmy Eat World as emo-legends.  I will never get tired of this start-to-finish, entertaining and expressive album.

Favorite track:  “Cautioners”

My Favorite Albums of the Decade (30-21)

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30.  Full Collapse (2001) – Thursday

Another band helming from New Jersey, this is Thursday’s second studio album and their debut on Victory Records.  This is my favorite album from these post-hardcore rockers because of the surplus of stand-out tracks.  Starting with their first single “Understanding in a Car Crash” through to their rock-ballad “Standing on the Edge of Summer”, Thursday puts their foot on the acceleration pedal and doesn’t stop.  Their personal lyrics strike a chord along with the heavy sounding riffs.  This is an album I can listen to straight through, and one I like to select when I want to get my blood pumping.

Favorite track:  “Cross Out the Eyes”

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29.  Cassadaga (2007) – Bright Eyes

Conor Oberst is a man that has shown incredible potential throughout his years as a singer-songwriter.  This is his seventh studio album with Bright Eyes and this one is quite different from his previous works.  He combines his indie-folk sound with his powerful voice to relay messages of love, life, and lessons learned through Cassadaga.  His first single off the album “Four Winds” is greatly thick with imagery and symbolism, enough to make your head spin.  The way he uses double meanings in songs like “If the Brakeman Turns My Way” and how he remains ambiguous in “I Must Belong Somewhere” is why Oberst has made a name for himself for being a premiere lyricist.

Favorite track:  “Four Winds”

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28.  Stay What You Are (2001) – Saves the Day

These emo/pop-rockers from New Jersey has been around since 1994 and have plenty of albums to show for it.  One of my favorite albums is their third studio album, Stay What You Are.  Although it’s not as good as Through Being Cool, this is still a very catchy and fun album that you and your friends will have no trouble singing along to.  Featuring singles like “At Your Funeral” and “Freakish”, Saves the Day remains their same cynically emotional selves.  This is a pop-punk album with an edge at its finest.

Favorite track:  “Firefly”

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27.  So Impossible (2001) – Dashboard Confessional

I’ve contemplated whether or not to include an EP on this list of my favorite albums from the past decade, but this four-song EP is one of the most memorable albums and I doubt I’ll ever forget it.  When I was introduced to Chris Carrabba and his super-emo music, I was in my prime high school years full of awkwardness and relationships.  There wasn’t a person who hit it right on the nose of how kids felt than Dashboard Confessional.  The So Impossible EP takes us on a four-song journey of the protagonist (whom I can only assume is Carrabba himself) as he attempts to impress and win over a girl he loves.  Spoil alert, it ends happily.

Favorite track:  “So Impossible”

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26.  Worship and Tribute (2002) – Glassjaw

With only two studio albums since forming the post-hardcore band in 1993, this is Glassjaw’s second album and the better of the two.  These Long Island natives blend a unique mixture of hardcore and metal with some jazz and funk along with very aggressive lyrics from frontman Daryl Palumbo.  Beginning the album with arguably their heaviest song to date, “Tip Your Bartender” is three minutes of screaming intensity.  The hardcore sound of the band continues during tracks like “Mu Empire”, “Pink Roses”, and “Stuck Pig” while “Ape Dos Mil” is a stand-out track for being melodic and displaying Daryl’s vocal range.  All in all, I love this album and I love this band to death.

Favorite track:  “Tip Your Bartender”

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25.  Your Favorite Weapon (2001) – Brand New

This is the debut studio album from Long Island rockers Brand New and is by far their poppiest.  That’s not always a bad thing, especially when the pop-punk sounds really flooded the high school hallways during my early 2000’s.  Needless to say, Your Favorite Weapon put Brand New on the map that began their journey to bigger and greater things.  But that doesn’t take away from the pop-punk awesomeness Your Favorite Weapon was.  With toe-tapping beats and emotionally-charged lyrics, the album was full of potential singles.

Favorite track:  “Seventy Times 7”

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24.  Leaving Through the Window (2002) – Something Corporate

Continuing the pop-punk sounds of the early 2000’s that I loved, this Californian piano-rock band’s second studio album (first major label album) really impressed me.  Frontman Andrew McMahon and the rest of Something Corporate were able to compose an entire album of pop-punk ear candy to make anyone bob their head along in a crowd.  SoCo blended upbeat tracks like “I Want to Save You” and “I Woke Up in a Car” with ballads “Cavanaugh Park” and “Globes and Maps” seemlessly.  And they even showed a little bit of edge in “If You C Jordan” and “Drunk Girl.”  Overall, this is a classic pop-punk album.

Favorite track:  “Hurricane”

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23.  Tell All Your Friends (2002) – Taking Back Sunday

A few spots above Brand New’s Your Favorite Weapon is Taking Back Sunday’s first studio album, Tell All Your Friends.  In my opinion, this album is superior to their fellow Long Island rockers.  There’s more depth and essence to the songs on Tell All Your Friends than Your Favorite Weapon.  And there’s certainly an edge that John Nolan brought to the table that separated this first album to TBS’s second album Where You Want to Be.  Tracks like “There’s No ‘I’ in Team” and “Timberwolves at New Jersey” explore an aggressive side to these emo-rockers.  But Tell All Your Friends put Taking Back Sunday on the map with countless number of one-liners during their sing-a-long songs.  Fan favorites include “Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut from the Team)” and “You’re So Last Summer.”

Favorite track:  “Ghost Man on Third”

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22.  Daisy (2009) – Brand New

Brand New strikes again on my list (and trust me, this isn’t the last I’m going to write about them here).  With their most recent release, Daisy is a lot richer in meaning than their debut Your Favorite Weapon.  Daisy consists of a more aggressive side to Brand New than their previous three records.  Songs like their opener “Vices”, “Gasoline”, and “Sink” are very heavy and louder than the rest of their complete discography.  But Brand New were still able to include some melodic and lyric-heavy tracks that stand out such as “At the Bottom”, “Daisy”, and “Noro.”  Debuting at #6 on the Billboard Charts, is there anything that can stop Brand New?

Favorite track:  “Noro”

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21.  The Crane Wife (2006) – The Decemberists

The Decemberists are a rare breed of musicians.  Their blend of indie-folk-rock and their story-telling lyrics is such an experience to listen to.  There aren’t many bands that can take you through a fictional adventure like that of The Decemberists.  I got lost in the story of The Crane Wife.  As their first studio album off of Capitol Records, it’s easy for me to argue that it’s one of their best.

Favorite track:  “The Island”

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Next Post:  My Favorite Albums of the Decade (20-11)