Playing Catch Up

Me and Brett created this blog over a year ago. In the meantime a lot has been going on and we were unable to keep up with it. Well in all honesty, we weren't able to post at all. We worked for a company called Sand Dollar Distributors, which at the time, distributed Red Bull throughout the South Florida area. On October 1st of 2008 the company was stripped of the distributorship (in a really sketchy fucked up way) and was forced to close its doors of business. In the meantime, I went on to work for Red Bull Distributing company, while Brett stuck it out till Sand Dollar re-opened its doors. He is now the warehouse manager there and I have recently been reunited with him as the night-time warehouse manager. We have both had a lot change in the past year. I toured a bit with my band, Bishop, joined another rock band, My Complex Island, and continued to play with Vultures and The Marathon. I was lucky enough to tour Japan, Australia, and Costa Rica within the last year. My life has mostly revolved around music and band stuff. Brett has been busting his ass with work and working his way up the ladder there. He also got engaged to his long time girlfriend Victoria. I was told to start planning the bachelor party. Possible best man? We will see. Now that we work together again, we plan to start motivating each other to post more so hopefully we keep up with it. I write on a personal blog as well, A Positive Perspective. Check that out if you get a chance. I'm going to review some of the CDs that came out in the past year since we missed out on a lot. Brett will follow up soon with his reviews as soon as he gets a chance. So here we go.

Advent - Naked and Cold

I've had this CD for a couple months because my friend/Bishop fill in guitarist Mike Rich plays guitar for them. It's amazing. My favorite song off of it is "Nothing". Its really fast and super heavy. The drummer is so good and the guitars sound amazing. The vocals on it are so pissed sounding with a little bit of added distortion. Kind of reminded me of old On Broken Wings vocals the way it's recorded. This is obviously way better. The recording quality is really clear and well done. Definitely check this band out.

All Time Low - Weightless

I used to love everything this band put out. But I was really disappointed with this release. Its really over produced, a lot different than the old stuff, not as good. I couldn't get into it. The songs just seem boring to me. Its a lot poppier than the other stuff too. I mean like cheesy boy band pop. The first single they released was "Weightless" and its probably the best song on the CD. Its the only song that really catches my attention. It sounds like the band Boys Like Girls and Hey Monday mixed together. Pure crap. Sorry, not digging it.

Between The Trees - Spain

It feels like this band didn't release anything for a few years. I liked the first album a lot. I saw them live with Mae a few years back and couldn't wait for the new album. Finally its here. It's a bit different than the first one, more mainstream rock. But I still really enjoyed it. I like the piano on the CD the most I think. There are a couple slow songs where the piano is showcased a lot. I can't really narrow down a favorite cause I like a few of the songs equally. It's probably between "One Last Time", "Story of a Boy", and "Changed By You". But "We Can Try" is really good too. Definite radio rock. The singer has a really good voice and I like his lyrics a lot. I probably like this album about the same as the first one.

Bishop - Drugs

I'm not really going to review my own bands CD, but check it out.

Broadway Calls - Good Views, Bad News

I played with this band at a house show in Iowa a few years ago and they were pretty cool dudes. Since then they have obviously gotten a lot bigger. They sounded so good for a 3 piece too. This CD is a lot of fun. This band is one of those bands that you go to shows and everyone is singing along having a fun time. Its a lot of singing along and stuff like that. Just some fun punk stuff. Nothing crazy original, but still good. I like the first CD a little better, but this one is still enjoyable.

Cartel - Cycles

This band has slowly lost its appeal to me. The Ransom EP was awesome, Chroma was just as good, the self titled had a few good songs on it, but wasn't as good, and now this CD just sounds like a continuation of the not so good songs on the self titled. The singer has such a good voice and the stuff can be catchy, but its the same thing we heard on the last CD. Nothing ground breaking, just straight forward pop-rock. I gave the CD a quick listen and nothing caught my attention. Nothing stood out. Its not bad, just not amazing.

Converge - Axe To Fall

I'll probably get shit for this, but I really don't care. I think its funny how people talk so much shit about bands like Have Heart and Guns Up! for being "hype" bands, yet I think Converge is the same way. They have a lot of good stuff, but this new CD isn't even that good, and the last 2 songs are terrible. They need to stick to the stuff they are good at. The first couple songs are good, but its repetitive, and I don't like that you can never understand a word the singer is saying. I'm all for artistic stuff, Ceremony is one of my favorite bands, but nothing about the vocals on any of the Converge CDs do anything for me. Everyone sucks Jacob Bannon's dick like he's some God, maybe his art is cool, but I don't like his vocals. Sorry. The music is always good, they are all talented musicians, but its a straight "hype" band. People get into it cause its Converge and cause its been around forever. You can call Have Heart a "hype" band, cause they are, but at least they have some really good lyrics and understandable vocals in their songs. I rather listen to that then some dude throwing up for 40 minutes.

Copeland - You Are My Sunshine

I love everything this band does. It took me a little to get used to how much they have changed since the first album, but once I started to listen to them more, everything else grew on me. Its so relaxing and pleasant to listen to. The vocals are very soothing and the music is melodic. Lyrically, they are amazing and always have been. Live, they are very tight and sound amazing. They do something a little different with every CD but they never veer too far from what they are good at. My favorite song on this CD probably has to be "Chin Up". I also like "Should You Return", which is the first song on the album, and "The Day I Lost My Voice". I love music with good piano in it. Piano to me, is one of the most beautiful sounding instruments when played the right way. Its one of the few that you can play by itself with just vocals and still have an amazing song. Imagine just drums and vocals, or just bass and vocals. Doesn't work. But piano and acoustic guitar do. Even though I play drums, I can appreciate some good drumless songs.

The Dangerous Summer - Reach For The Sun

One of my favorite albums of the year. Its so catchy, I love all the music, the drummer is amazing, the singer has such a good voice (he sings on one of my bands songs on our last EP), and the lyrics are awesome. My favorite song is hard to narrow down, but its gotta be between "Symmetry" and "Northern Lights". "Symmetry" has some of the best lyrics on the CD, its a mid-tempo song, and I love the chorus. I feel like I can relate to it a lot. "Northern Lights" is a love song, slow, easy to understand the meaning behind it. Its very emotional and driving and you can feel that in the singers voice. The words, "I swear to god that I love you, cause I can't I can't explain this" hit straight home. To me, love is unexplainable. You can name a million reasons, but it just won't do the feeling justice. I feel like anything I say about this album won't do it justice. So just go listen to it for yourself.

A Day To Remember - Homesick

Everything this band did prior to this was pure garbage. So I automatically wrote this album off thinking it would be just like the rest of the CDs. It wasn't till I heard the cover that they did of The Fray song that I took a listen to the album. The album starts with the stupid break down chant thing that is so fucking cheesy. The singer has a good voice though, much better on this CD than all the other ones, probably because of the amount of producing and auto tune they used. But I have to admit that some of the parts are catchy. I love the sidekick breakdown. The idea of it sounds so dumb, but they do it and it sounds awesome. Who even thinks of that? The last song on the CD which is the acoustic song has to be my favorite. No breakdowns, and the girl on it from Versa Emerge sounds awesome. Plus I can relate to the songs subject of touring and missing someone back home. Oh and Vincent from The Acacia Strain sings on one song, so that automatically makes it good.

Ericson - Self Titled EP

This band is not very big and I don't even remember how I found this EP, but I am so glad I did. Its amazing. They are a simple "emo" band with mostly slow to mid-tempo songs. I love the lyrics and the music is good. "The Rain" is my favorite song by far. Its basically about having sex. I'm not kidding. More like making love but still, you can definitely tell what he is talking about. But its done in a classy way. The first song, "Summer's Gone", is also very good. I think my favorite thing about this band is the lyrical content. I like the meaning behind the songs and I like how they have such catchy melodies. I wish they toured more because I would love to see them live.

The Ethnographers - Self Titled

This band is pretty new, I've only had the CD for a couple weeks. It reminds me of Eisley. The band has a couple girls in it, its very indie sounding, but its really good. I like the singers voice. The songs also don't all sound the same. There is a lot of variety on the album. The CD starts out with a couple whispering to each other about not being able to sleep and telling a story, kinda cheesy, but it works. It kicks into a driving short intro. Then the second track, "Fine and Dandelions", is very Eisley sounding. Multiple vocals and a lot of those "lada dadas", "doodoos", and "heys". My favorite song on the CD is called, "Avec Moi", and its about being zombies. Interesting. But super catchy. If you like indie stuff, check out this band. Its a good mood setter.

Every Time I Die - New Junk Aesthetic

I don't listen to this band much anymore, but they are still awesome. This CD is not much different from what they have always done, but its still good. I haven't listened to it much, so I don't have much to say about it. I'm sure when I have more time, and I actually sit down and listen to it, I'll be able to say how good it is. I have skimmed through it, and already know it will be. So just assume that it is and check it out if you haven't.

Every You - A Change Of Scene

This is a local band from South Florida that has only been around for a few months, but they already have a promising future ahead of them. They made the trip up to Maryland to record with the same guy that did The Dangerous Summer's album and to be honest, they sound almost identical. The vocals are really close. Both have a deeper raspy voice, which I like, and the style of both bands is very similar. This is just a simplified version of The Dangerous Summer, which is not a bad thing. Still really good. My favorite song is probably "On The Other Side". The chorus is awesome and I like how the second verse has the driving bass drum. I was jokingly asked to play drums for this band on the recording, now I wish that I had. If I wasn't tied down at this job, I'd try to approach them about it. Last I heard they didn't have a set drummer. Oh well. I guess I missed my chance.

Final Fight - Half Head Full Shred

I like this band a lot. Its fast melodic hardcore. I love melodic hardcore. They remind me of my friends from Tallahassee called "No Excuses". Check out both those bands if you haven't heard them. I actually heard a band in Australia cover one of the songs on this CD and was really impressed. My favorites on this one are, "Dinosaurs" and "Rage". I like the beginning of "Rage" a lot. It's got a really cool drum beat, good guitar riff, and bass line. It goes into a cool melodic fast part and then slows down again for the end of the song. Check out this band if you are into melodic guitar riffs and fast drums.

Fireworks - All I Have To Offer Is My Own Confusion

Some of the best dudes in music. So much fun to hang out with. I toured with the guitarist years ago when he played bass for "Let It Die" and he mentioned something about his pop punk band that was at the time just starting out. Little did I know it would become as big as it is now. They deserve it. They've been busting their asses touring and working for it. This CD is not as pop punkish as the EP but its still awesome. Super catchy. I'm really excited to see them down here in a few weeks. The shows are always a ton of fun. Lots of sing alongs and what not. Get into it.

Hey Monday - Hold On Tight

Fuck this band and everything they do. Did not work for any of the shit they were handed. Their first tour was with some huge bands. The singer of this band completely fucked over some of my closest friends after they got her where she is. Do not support them, they don't write their own music, and she is a selfish person.

Hit The Lights - Skip School, Start Fights

This was the first release without the original singer, and I think its way better than the first CD. The songs are so catchy and I think the new singer has a better voice. He's the original guitarist in case you didn't know. You can hear him doing back ups on the first album. I can't narrow down any favorites cause I like a lot of the songs on this CD. The guitar work is awesome. The riffs they wrote are all really clever, and the more you listen to the CD, the more of the little stuff you notice. Lots of chugging, harmonics, and really catchy hooks. Unlike Cartel who came out around the same time, this band has gotten better and continues to impress me.

Hit The Lights - Coast To Coast

This CD came out not too long ago and the Further Seems Forever cover of "Snowbirds and Townies" is worth checking out if nothing else. It's amazing. There are 2 new songs and then some older ones done acoustically. Its good. These guys are really fun too. Good people and really down to earth. I met them through the Fireworks dudes and have hung out with them the last couple times they were in town. I like it when bands are good musically, and have awesome people in them too. Makes me want to support them even more.

It Prevails - Capture And Embrace

This band's first cd was really amazing. It's exactly the kind of melodic hardcore stuff I like to listen to. This new album adds a lot more singing and it sounds awesome. The dude has an amazing voice. The music is better too. I think I like this one better than the last one.

Mayday Parade - Anywhere But Here

It would've been close to impossible to have anything come close to how good A Lesson In Romantics was, and it shows with this release. Its alright, but not even close to how awesome the last CD was. Being down 1 singer and song writer took its toll.

New Found Glory - Not Without A Fight

This is my favorite band so I will most likely never dislike anything they do. This CD isn't the same as the stuff they usually put out. It seems like they change their style a little bit every CD. Its never bad, just never the same. This one is a little more chuggy. Kinda tries to be like Four Year Stong/Set Your Goals. You can tell that touring with those bands influenced the writing a little bit. Its still catchy and there are a bunch of really good songs on the CD. I just hope they don't head more in that direction. I love the old stuff they used to do. I hope they stay in that genre.

Paramore - Brand New Eyes

I have liked Paramore since day one. I don't really care if that makes me a nerd. They are good. The first CD was amazing. The second one was alright. But this new album is probably my favorite of the 3. It seems like they went away from the gimic of the last CD and just wrote some good music. This CD has a lot of different styles on it. It'll go from having some really good pop punk stuff to some chill acoustic stuff. I like Hayley's voice. It's got that raspy sound that I love. I listened to it for like a week straight before I listened to something else.

Poison The Well - The Tropic Riot

It took me a while to get used to how much this band changed. I loved The Opposite Of December. Its still by far my favorite CD by them. So when I heard all the newer stuff, it kinda bummed me out for a while. But now when I listen to it, I have more of an open mind, and I can get into it way more. It's really good stuff. I have realized that bands change over time no matter what. Nothing will ever sound exactly like the last CD they released. So I just go into listening to a new CD not expecting it to sound like what I have usually heard. It usually works out if its good stuff. This CD is good. If you listen to it not expecting it to be like their first couple albums, you will be pleased.

Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg

I have 3 CDs by this band, this being the 4th. All of them are awesome. The first one is the demo I think. Not many people have it. The second one is The Redder, The Better EP which is amazing. Then the full length which was great. This new album is pretty good, but once again, its hard to compare to their earlier stuff. I think this is a little more simple, sounds like they didn't take as much time to write it. Its not bad, but its not as good as the last few releases.

Reign Supreme - Testing The Limits Of

Saw this band live with The Carrier a couple months ago. It was awesome. Really energetic. This album is hard. Get into it.

A Rocket To The Moon - On Your Side

Super catchy pop rock stuff. The EP they released before this was awesome. This album is really good too. I like the new version of "Dakota" that they did. All the rest of the stuff is new. Its all pretty good. I like "Annabelle" a lot too. The title track is good too. I like all the songs with piano. Seriously, piano should be my second instrument.

Save Your Breath - Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy

Such a good band. From overseas. Found out about them from the split they did with Fireworks. This whole EP is amazing. Its upbeat, lots of good guitar riffs, catchy stuff. I wish they were from the states so they could tour more. Looking forward to hearing a full length from them.

Set Your Goals - This Will Be The Death Of Us

Surprisingly, this CD isn't that bad. The first couple things this band put out were really good. But I felt like Mutiny was whatever. But this album is pretty good. Minus the part with Hayley from Paramore rapping. I think that shit is terrible and wish I had never heard it before in my life. There are some corny parts on this CD. But most of it is alright.

Shai Hulud - Misanthropy Pure

Amazing. This band is so talented. Everything they put out is awesome. "Set Your Body Ablaze" is my favorite song on this CD. The end of it is the heaviest thing ever. It makes me want to jump on top of people and run around like a crazy person. I never want to do that. But this album is insane. I love how it goes from all these melodic guitar riffs to heavy parts. The drummer is amazing. This band has been around forever and never stops doing amazing things.

Suicide Silence - No Time To Bleed

I never listened to this bands first CD, but when I heard this album I was very impressed. Very good metal. I like the singers voice. I like how the CD sounds. It's fast and heavy. Sounds really pissed. Lots of technical stuff but then has the simple heavy stuff too.

Swamp Thing - In Shame

Really good fast hardcore band. "Crush" is my favorite song on the CD. If you like Trash Talk, this band sounds like them. Check it out.

The Swellers - Ups And Downsizing

The title track on this CD is my favorite. Lots of melodic stuff. Super catchy. The singer has an awesome voice. "Welcome Back Riders" is a really good song too. All the songs are pretty good. Good mixture of tempos. They just did a tour with Paramore so maybe they will blow up. Good for them.

Thick As Blood - Embrace

So heavy. This band has grown into a mature band. I can't believe how well they are doing. Very much deserved. They have worked their asses off. A few member changes, but the core of the band is still there. I remember watching these guys roll up to shows with us, 8 kids getting out of a Jeep Cherokee. Now they are a solid 5 piece. This CD has so many good songs. They sound really tight live and they are all awesome dudes. Support this band. They are a bunch of fun to hang out with.

Title Fight - The Last Thing You Forget

One of my favorite new bands to come out. The 3 songs I first heard from their myspace had me hooked. Waiting for the release of this full length. Those 3 songs are on here along with some awesome new stuff. The recording quality isnt that great, but it works for the type of band they are. They are a lot of fun live.

Trapped Under Ice - Secrets Of The World

Another one of those hype bands, but this one is actually really good. Really heavy stuff. The singer sounds like he raps, its fun. The music is good too. Great guitar riffs. "TUI" is my favorite song on the CD. Stay ColdAH.

50 Lions - Where Life Expires

Great band from Australia. Find out about them from the split with Down To Nothing. Loved those 3 songs. This album isn't really the same. Its still good, but it sounds like a different band. I don't know if its the same singer either cause he sounds way different. I liked the other sound better. This sounds more like the stuff thats big now. Trapped Under Ice sounding. I wish they would've stayed more like they were. But it happens.

1994 - Self Titled EP

This band is awesome. They apparently changed their name to just Ninety Four. Just found this out. They are a band from Atlanta. This EP is so good. Really catchy pop punk. The new stuff they are writing doesn't sound the same. Not as good. Sucks cause the EP was amazing.

So those are the albums that I felt like I needed to mention that we have missed out on during the past year. I am going to review a couple others pretty soon also. Brett will hopefully have some time to write his reviews for the past year. And hopefully this time we actually keep up with this thing. Be back soon.

Top Albums Of All Time

Peter's Top Albums of All Time

-The Get Up Kids - Something To Write Home About

This is probably my favorite album of all time. I used to sit in my room and listen to this cd over and over. I would search online for live videos of them playing because I was only lucky enough to catch them live in person a couple times. Every song is amazing in my eyes. It's probably one of the only cds I can sit and listen to without having any doubt in my mind that I will want to listen to the next song completely. It never gets old and always hits me the same way. I still get goosebumps when listening to certain songs. It has the perfect combination of upbeat and slow songs. From the first pick slide in "Holiday" to the last tom hit and the sticks hitting the floor at the end of "I'll Catch You", this cd is a masterpiece. The recording quality is good for the time it was recorded and it doesn't sound all super produced. It's got that raw indie feel to it and it's mixed exactly the way this band should sound. I didn't like much of the stuff released after this other than the live cd but this cd alone makes The Get Up Kids one of my favorite bands of all time.

-New Found Glory - Nothing Gold Can Stay/Self Titled/Sticks and Stones/Catalyst/Coming Home

New Found Glory is easily my favorite band of all time. I've been there since the beginning to watch them grow musically and its amazing to see this hometown band blow up to be as successful as they are. They released an EP first which wasn't that great but still good. Then Nothing Gold Can Stay was released on Eulogy and then rereleased soon after on Drive Thru. Depending on which copy you have, you either hear the clip from "The Outsiders" or just straight into "Hit Or Miss". To this day, "Hit Or Miss" is still one of my favorite songs. Its so catchy as well as the rest of the cd. The recording quality isn't great but the music makes up for it. I still get goosebumps when the whole band comes in during "Broken Sound". After that they released the cover EP From The Screen To Your Stereo. Its an amazing cd but its all covers. Soon after they released the Self Titled full length which was their first major label debut on MCA. The first song on the cd is "Better Off Dead" which is my favorite song on the cd. It's fast and catchy and starts the cd off perfectly. The next song is "Dressed To Kill" which had Rachel Lee Cook in the video which makes the song that much better. The re-recording of "Hit Or Miss" is amazing as well as the rest of the cd. They released Sticks and Stones next. "My Friends Over You" was an amazing video and went to number 1 on TRL putting them on the National Map. The rest of the cd continues on with the catchy pop punk that they are known for but some maturity starts to show. Catalyst was released a couple years later. The single for "All Downhill From Here" came out like a month before the actual cd so you know a band is big time when that happens. This cd showed a lot of growth and different influences. The first song on the cd is a fast hardcore song. They also released a single for "I Don't Wanna Know" which was a ballad which was not normal from them but they pulled it off and its an amazing song. The rest of the cd is just as good. A couple years later they released Coming Home. This album is way different than all the rest. It's more rock than pop punk and shows a lot of maturity in the writing. It's still amazing. "Oxygen", "Coming Home", and "Connected" are my favorite songs on the cd. They also released a live DVD which is amazing and seeing them live is just as good everytime. This band will never get old.

-The Starting Line - With Hopes Of Starting Over/Say It Like You Mean It/Based On A True Story/Direction

Another one of my favorite bands that I couldn't narrow down the cds. With Hopes Of Starting Over was the first thing I heard from them which was the first EP. "Threes A Charm", "Greg's Last Day", and "Saddest Girl Story" are some of my favorite songs by them and they were all on the first 5 song EP. They waited a while and then released Say It like You Mean It on Drive Thru/MCA. "Best Of Me" was the song that they closed with every time I saw them live and they closed with it at the last show earlier this year. The rest of the cd is amazing catchy pop punk. After that they released an acoustic EP. "Lasting Impressions" is my favorite song off that. Soon after they released Based On A True Story. More catchy pop punk but with a lot more maturity in the writing. "Surprise, Surprise" and "The B List" are my favorite songs off this cd. The final release they put out before the so called "break" they are taking was Direction. This cd is amazing from start to finish. Theres only one song I don't really care for on the cd. But I can still listen to it without wanting to change it. I can't even pick out one song without pointing out the others cause they are all so good. I'm very upset this band is on a break or whatever. I'm gonna miss seeing them live.

-Number One Fan - Compromises

I discovered this band years ago before they ever toured south. It was right after they released compromises with the original pressing. We were playing in Wisconsin and they came on after us. Me and Brett couldn't take them seriously at first cause they seemed like such an All American Rejects rip-off. It turned out to be the total opposite. They surprised us by being the best band we saw on the whole tour. By far the best discovery I've ever made with any of my bands on tour. After watching them play we hung out with the band and actually went to a movie, I think Terminator 3, and ended up becoming close with some of the guys. I caught them every time they came down this way as well as once in New Jersey while I was up there recording. They were amazing guys and such a talented band. This cd is amazing from start to finish. This band was as well.

-Ceremony - Violence Violence

I love this band and this cd because its pretty much all of the early releases put onto a full length. It's artistic, fast, pissed, and over in 20 minutes. The lyrics are ones that stick in your head. Live, they are amazing. I can't even describe it. Its just wow.

-Blink 182 - The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show

I picked the live cd because its got a mixture of all the albums before it plus a big reason why I liked this band so much, the live show. They put on such a good show and Travis Barker is one of the best drummers out there. You can't deny it. Shut up Camilo. This band influenced me a lot musically and was one of the first bands that got me into punk along with NFG. Watching Travis play drums made me want to play more and become a better drummer. Dude Ranch is a classic album with amazing catchy songs. "Dammit" will always be that song that I heard and was like what the fuck is this, its awesome. Enema Of The State showed a lot more maturity in writing and the recording quality was a lot better. Even though all the music they wrote was pretty simple, it was catchy and you could tell they were all talented musicians. They will always be one of my favorite bands.

-Have Heart - The Things We Carry

I get goosebumps at the beginning of "Watch Me Sink" every time I hear it. From the way it comes in after the first song, the guitar riff is so good, its so powerful and full of emotion. This band is so meaningful and the lyrics are all amazing. All the songs are amazing on this cd. "Unbreakable", "Armed With A Mind", which is part of where we got the name for our blog, "Something More Than Ink", and "Watch Me Rise" are all songs that are amazing and have such strong meanings behind the lyrics. Pat Flynn has so much to say and I sit there and take it all in. This band is one of my favorites and will be for a very long time. I have the damn cover tattooed on my shoulder I liked this cd so much.

-Paramore - All We Know Is Falling

Now everyone knows that a big reason this band became as big as they did is cause the singer is mad cute. But the music is pretty good as well. I think if they dropped the dumb costumes and all the bull shit and kept to the music they'd still be one of my favorite bands. The first cd was really well done. Overtime they've kinda faded out on me but whenever one of the songs comes on shuffle I'll sit there and listen to it. Still a cd worth mentioning.

-Still Crossed - Love And Betrayal

This band was only around for a short period of time and only released one album but it was amazing. A fast melodic straight edge band with talented musicians and a good message. I still love this band and I'm pissed I only got to see them live once.

-Saves The Day - Through Being Cool

Old school pop punk band that never got old. This cd was amazing. Its fast and catchy and it was before they became more of an indie band. I think everyone likes old STD better than new STD and this cd is one of the main reasons why.

-Fenix TX - Self Titled

I saw this band with Blink 182 years ago and they stuck after that. Straight up pop punk that was catchy and fun. Both releases were amazing but the self titled is good all the way through.

-Midtown - Save The World, Lose The Girl

From the first line of this cd you feel the energy. Everyone knows it when it comes on. This is the only release I liked from them. It was good all the way through and didn't get boring. I don't know what happened after. They became a completely different band and it fell apart. Members are now in Senses Fail, which is a fail, sorry, and Cobra Starship, Garbage. Either way at least we still have this cd to look back on and remember when they wrote good music.

-Guns Up! - Outlive

This cd is good all the way through. I like the way the songs are written. I like a lot of the parts they throw in there that are surprising. Its not always predictable hardcore and I like that. It sucks that they had to break up but thats usually how it goes. Good bands never last forever.

-Boyz II Men - Legacy

Yeah thats right, I like Boyz II Men. I wasn't always into pop punk and hardcore. I had a romantic little thug in me before that. Elementary school was all about the R & B. The greatest hits cd Legacy has all the hits. All the panty droppers. So much emotion in their voices. You know the girl isn't gonna turn them down after they sing like that.

-MxPx - Slowly Going The Way Of The Buffalo

One of the old school pop punk bands that used to be on repeat all the time. Fast and melodic. Always catchy. Another big one of the bands that got me into punk.

-Goo Goo Dolls - Dizzy Up The Girl

This was one of the first rock cds that I bought and it was a big reason I started to get into rock music in the first place. I saw the video for "Iris" on VH1 and was hooked. If it wasn't for that song I might not be who I am today. Seriously. "Black Ballon" is also one of my favorite songs of all time.

-The Ataris - Blue Skies, Broken Hearts, Next 12 Exits

This album was so good. Its got all the heartbreak pop punk anthems on it. "San Dimas High School Football Rules" is such an amazing song. The rest of the cd is really good also.

-Comeback Kid - Turn It Around

One of the first hardcore cds I got into. I didn't like the dudes voice at first. But then it grew on me and actually became one of my favorite singers in hardcore. "All In A Year" is my favorite song on this cd and probably one of my favorite songs of all time. There are a lot of lyrics on this cd that stick in your head. Wake The Dead was really good too but I like this album a lot better. Lets not talk about Broadcasting, the way I see it thats just a different band. Comeback Kid ended when the original singer left.

-Dashboard Confessional - Unplugged

All the Dashboard albums are good, thats why I just picked the unplugged cd. Its got a mixture of the first couple albums on it and it shows off Mike Marsh's drumming a lot more than the cds do. I love seeing them live cause you can catch all the extra stuff he does that makes the band so much better. I remember seeing Dashboard before they blew up at North Community Park with NFG, Junction 18, and Where Fear And Weapons Meet. Good times.


The rest of the albums on my list are ones that could've easily made the list but there are just too many. Also some of them are too new to call them all time favorites but I see the potential of it happening over time. But I couldn't go without mentioning them.

-Barriers Now Bridges - Here Goes Everything
-Trash Talk - Walking Disease
-American Me - Heat
-Verse - Aggression
-Figure Four - Suffering The Loss
-Further Seems Forever - The Moon Is Down
-Home Grown - Kings Of Pop
-John Mayer - Where The Light Is (Live In Los Angeles)
-Living With Lions - Dude Manor/Make Your Mark
-Mayday Parade - A Lesson In Romantics
-The Movielife - Forty Hour Train Back To Penn
-Park - No Signal
-Poison The Well - The Opposite Of December
-Recover - Rodeo And Picasso
-Reggie And The Full Effect - Greatest Hits 84-87/Promotional Copy
-Until The End - Blood In The Ink
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Brett's Top Albums Of All Time

The Following is a list of 20 CD's that not only have my favorite songs on them..but have also changed the way i live, think and feel.These CD's are in no order and there are tons of honorable mentions but we will get to those at some point in the life of this blog just not today.

1. Righteous Jams - Rage Of Discipline
Front to back start to finish from layout to liner notes this cd really paved the way for me in my life for the edge to be stronger than ever, Joey C will forever be one of my Fav front men.

2 Saves the Day - Through Being Cool
Loved this band from Cant Slow Down and bought this cd on the first day, i had never heard anything like it before and really havent heard anything like it since.

3 Blink 182 - Dude Ranch
Nothing to say about this,forever changed my life

4 John Mayer - Room for Squares
Have loved every song this guy have played but still have to show my love for the cd that actually got me into him.

5 Metallica - Master of Puppets
So Heavy,one of the first cds i got into as a young teenager and forever made me love heavy music.

6 Blacklsited - Our Youth is Wasted
wow i heard this out of nowhere and remember having to pre order this record the same night i loved this band so much..so glad the label ripped off half the dudes that ordered this as well as the cold world st7" and Think i Care 10"..Fuck that shit.

7 Down to Nothing - Save it For The Birds
Found out about this band from their demo, saw them at their first FL show ever and have just loved everything this band has done since then..made me love the edge even more than i thought i could and makes me wanna sing about it in bands for the rest of my life.

8 Have Heart - Demo 2004
Things we Carry is a great cd and i love it but i find myself listening to the demo much more, not as melodic, dont get me wrong i am still down. Edge

9 New Found Glory - Nothing Gold Can Stay
Love this CD so much.

10 Sara Bareilles - Little Voice
I Can listen to this CD everyday on repeat and not get tired of her voice or piano playing, if that doesnt mean i love it i dunno what does.

11 The Starting Line - Direction
loved this band since the beginning..i love all their cds but i really love the way they went with their music the slow rock pop heavy melodic goodness..LOVE it

12 The Rocket Summer - Do You Feel
This CD got me BACK into this band..love this cd

13 MxPx - Live AT THE SHOW
Before i ever heard a cd from this band i saw them live..like 9 fucking years ago and every time i listen to this cd im right back where i was in 7th grade and love it..makes me so happy

14 The Get up Kids - Something to Write Home About
Probably the first indie band i ever listened to and Def stuck, Wish this band was still around..got to see them live like 3 times i love it

15 Midtown - Save the World Lose the Girl
One of the bands that made want to be involved with playing music the rest of my life

16 The Descendents - Everything Sux
Took me to a different place in punk rock and i loved it, this is the cd that got me into this band and i am so glad for it, happy fast funny music.

17 Colbie Calliat - CoCo
Another cd i can listen to over and over..its a classic. Great voice and guitar writing(Help by one of my Hon0rable Mentions Jason Reeves)

18 Cold World - No Omega
Their Anthology CD, Love wih this band does..sounds lame but fuck off

19 Fall Out Boy - Take this to Your Grave
SO MUCH POP PUNK..every song is my favorite..love this cd

20 No Warning - Ill Blood
Used to love the edge but sold out..still love this cd though, You caught the mosh at one show and it was No Warning.

Hon9rable Mentions, Up And Coming and Potentials.
Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlantacisim/ The Photo Album (Greatness)
Lights - EP (Hot shit, lots of this girl coming up i bet you)
Desperate Measures - Never Enough Time (Classic)
Cro Mags - Age of Quarrel(Classic)
Jason Reeves - The Magnificent Adventures of Heartache (up and coming dude eventually hopefully)
Drug Test - Needle in Your Neck(Love the edge)
LET DOWN - anything by this band (LOVE THE FUCKING EDGE DAMN)
Mae - Destination Beautiful (Potentially there forever)
John Mayer - Where the Light is(New but cant stop listening to this dude, CAN NOT EXPRESS ENOUGH LOVE FOR THIS GUY, hope very much he doesnt retire)
American Football - American Football(Classic)
Stop and Think - Both Demos (Classic)
Trapped Under Ice - Stay Cold (up and coming for sure)
The Wrong Side - Of the Grave (Boston Edge forever)
American Nightmare - Background Music (love this band but too much drama for me)
Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams
Foo Fighters - The Colour and the Shape(forever in my heart)
Meltdown - Random(band has a demo and 2 7 inches..need the discog cd to come out already..all rule equally)

Armed With Iron Minds

Armed With Iron Minds is a review blog started by Peter Vazquez and Brett Pendragon. We are two dudes who want to share our opinions on music, movies, and all things entertainment related. We might throw in some other reviews just for kicks once in a while. We will have guest reviews and interviews as well. This is pretty much just a place that we can write down what we think about certain CDs, shows, bands, movies, and all that. Feel free to write us with your opinions on our reviews and suggestions on stuff to check out. We are pretty open minded guys and will check out anything, and give our honest opinions on it. We will try to update as much as we can. Thanks for checking this out and we hope you enjoy our blog.

-Positive Peter and Brett Real