One night at the not-so-local Denny’s, Steve had this awesome idea of writing about the songs he'd been listening to every month. He asked Christine what she thought, and being the easygoing girl, she is, she of course said “sure!” Monique quickly asked to tag along and this section was born… ((Written by Monique Evans and Steve Milaka))
STEVE SAYS...
The Starting Line – “Island”
Simply put... one of my favorite bands ever! Finally some new ear candy from Pop-Punk's Princes. I wasn't feeling the first track they put up (“Direction”), but “Island” just put a smile on my face from ear to ear. Seems like a nice balance between Say It like You Mean It and Based On A True Story. Classic bittersweet optimism from Kenny and Co., complete with chimes, bongos, and amazing vocals. Welcome to Cloud Nine.
TSL line of choice - “And if you like some other time, I would like to introduce you to the finer things. If we survive, get out alive, I'd like to say how beautiful I think you are”
#1 most anticipated album of the summer – "Direction" 7/31/07
Mayday Parade – “Three Cheer for Five Years”
Lyrically this song is exhausting. Whether you can relate or not to the lyrics personally, you can hear the hurt in the vocals, especially in the outro with both melodies overlapping one another, erupting into one of the most emotional endings to a song in recent memory. A song of despair and caged fury, this one makes you appreciate the one who has your heart now, and want to spit on the one who broke it in the first place. Check out the acoustic version on Punk Goes Acoustic 2.
Line of choice: “And I will always remember you as you are right now to me.”
#2 most anticipated album of the summer – “A Lesson in Romantics” 7/10/07
Anberlin – "Adelaide"
Why is Anberlin not one of the biggest bands out there right now? Cities is my favorite album of the year so far - it came out back in February and is still a constant in my iPod. Epic sweeping ballads, driving rock anthems, and infectious pop/rock gems ... all of which Anberlin carries in their arsenal. And yet the bright and intoxicating "Adelaide" is the track I tell everyone to listen to first. A proclamation of realizations (some foreboding, some a day late), this is the kind of song that was written to be blasted with the windows down and the pedal to the floor. Try not to sing a long, I dare you! Will a major label please just pick these guys up and make them the rock stars they are meant to be? Please?
Line of choice: "Like lipstick traces on pillow cases, some things in life are unforgettable. Like love, loss, lies and us, some things in life are undeniable."
#1 album of the year ... so far!
MONIQUE'S TWO CENTS...
The Academy Is… – “Everything We Had”
Honestly, TAI is my favorite band and this song has solidified their spot for years to come. “Everything We Had” isn’t poppy, cliché, or typical; it’s just real. It grabs you and takes you right back to that one time you really fucked up and “sorry” just wasn’t good enough. Somehow, someway William puts everything into words and when it’s all over, you don’t necessarily feel better, but you’re all cried out and ready to face tomorrow because, the weight has been lifted.
Line of choice: “I am no gentleman, I can be a prick. And I do regret more than I admit.”
Album of the year – "Santi" Now in stores, go get it!
Other Notable tracks: “Sleeping with Giants”, “Neighbors”, & “Ghost”
The Horrors – “Gloves”
Before you even visit their MySpace, take a deep breath. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. “Gloves” like all the other songs has an intense and confusing arrangement of instruments. It’s hard to decipher anything melodic, rhythmic, or musical so just take the song for the noise and sounds that it is. The breakdown is sporadic, unexpected, and the only part of the song you can actually make sense of. Just when you start to figure it out, it’s over; then you’re left in a state of confusion, wondering what just happened. Not really sure why I keep pressing repeat, but this band has broadened my musical horizons. If you have a very limited taste in music, don’t even bother…
Line of choice: Let’s be for real, I couldn’t tell you what Faris was saying if you paid me to…
The album I keep coming back to – "Strange House"
Other Notable tracks: “Count in Fives”, “Sheena Is A Parasite”, & “Gil Sleeping”
Punchline – “Caller 10”
Bring on the smiles, foot-tapping, and humming. You can’t help but cheer up and turn this song up. It’s just that freakin’ catchy! Once you get past the overall feel good feeling, the lyrical story takes the song to a new level. “Caller 10” explains why the world is single; fate only takes you so far and it’s up to us to keep our eyes open. By the time the chorus comes back, you will be hooked, head bobs and all. Don’t be alarmed if you get an urge to point your fingers in multiple directions. Maybe you’ll even find that special someone after taking Punchline’s advice! Ok wishful thinking, but a girl can dream.
Line of choice: “Both looking out their windows, He says, ‘someday I'll find you.’”
It’s probably new to you – “37 Everywhere”
Other Notable tracks: “The Getaway”, “Flashlight”, & “The Fake, The Snake, and The Birthday Cake”