FilteringCraig

American Idiot - Green Day

I wasn’t expecting to like this album very much, but it is really the best thing Green Day has done in a while. If you think about Green Day, they have been one of the most consistent bands since I have been listening to music. This album has plenty to keep normal Green Day fans interested, but it also extends beyond a lot of the punk that the band has been known for with added instruments, and song structures that they might not have explored in the past. Check it out. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In) - Chevelle

I really loved this band’s debut, “Wonder What’s Next” with the single “The Red” among others. This is a lot more of the same type of music, but they do modern rock with a whole lot of emotion and their attention to melody is probably what I enjoy most. The band is three brothers and their band is so cohesive. Pete Loeffler is one of the better dynamic vocalists in rock right now and Joe (bass) and Sam (drums) are one hell of a formidable band all together. My prediction is that this will be a big album this year and rightfully so. The last song, “Bend the Bracket” is beautiful.

See You Dead (Single) - Helmet

Helmet is one of the cooler bands that I listened to growing up. I saw them play their last tour with the Melvins at the Middle East in Boston and they just rock. They don’t stop often and they don’t eff around. They come out and just riff heavy from beginning to end. They haven’t been around for a while, but they got back together for a tour and this single is really good. It is from the forthcoming “Size Matters” album. This will have you bouncing your head as if Unsung came out yesterday.

Hopes and Fears - Keane

This band is on a lot of hot lists right now. Piano rock with a lot of melody. Ben Folds without the goofiness. Muse without the progressive rock influence. This is just good rock music and you will want to hear more after the first track. Check it out.

Hot Fuss - The Killers

I honestly expected this to suck completely and totally. I was wrong. This is infectious poppy rock with a bit of an edge. Never ignores the melody and with just enough irony and cheekiness that it will impress you in the face of the mindless garbage that persists in much of rock and roll today.

Beneath the Medecine Tree - Copeland

This album is from 2003 so it isn’t new, but I would imagine that it will be new to a lot of you. It is definitely one of the better albums I have heard this year. The vocals are amazing and the songs are very sweet and pretty without completely delving into the junior high aspects of love and relationships. The material does come off as immature occasionally, but the rawness and beauty will keep you singing along.