What?

Check the most recent issue of Rolling Stone, I think the cover designer went on vacation or something...odd.

Crash Love

Yes, it came out at the end of September, yes I am just writing about it now.

So on September 29 AFI's latest record Crash Love was released. Anyone who knows me knows that AFI has been my favorite band since middle school and really introduced me to the music and art I love now. So naturally I always get excited and nervous whenever anything new is released from the band. Crash Love is a great rock record, a far departure from the ghoulish, poetic days of Sing The Sorrow, as well as the hardcore days of Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes. This record was made for an arena with powerful rock songs relying heavily on Jade Puget's guitar. Songs like the first single "Medicate" as well as tracks like "Beautiful Thieves" and "End Transmission" are made to be performed in front of a large crowd.

Lyrically the record is a far cry from early records like Black Sails in the Sunset and The Art of Drowning, Davey Havok takes his tortured poetry and turns it into something everyone can digest. For me this is the most heartbreaking aspect as I have always felt deeply connected to Havok's grim poetry, especially on Sing The Sorrow.

The record, though embraced by fans, has thus far failed to chart as well as Sing the Sorrow or 2006's Decemberunderground. That can be attributed to poor marketing on Interscope's part, the video for "Medicate" was released weeks after the record. Generally the video is released with the single, giving listeners, viewers, and internet users more of an interest in what music is coming from them. Since the great success of Decemberunderground was largely attributed to the success of its first single "Miss Murder" one would think Interscope would be savvy enough to go the same direction.

Overall, buy it, you will like it, I promise.

Top _ 0f 2009 (yes a week late)

Though it is a week late today I bring you my best of list of 2009. I always intend to make multiple lists about different topics (I love lists) but alas, all I know is music so I will at least start off with that. I provided short comments, I really don't feel like writing ten reviews right now...onward..

1. Yeah yeah yeah's "It's Blitz!"

I cannot get enough of this record. Every track is excellent and shows the band's maturity and range.

2. Animal Collective "Merriweather Post Pavillion"

Obviously a fantastic record from a fantastic band, what more is there to say?

3. Phoenix "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix"

Love love love them, truly one of the indie rock breakouts of the year.

4. Monsters of Folk "Monsters of Folk"

Being a long time fan of Conor Oberst, M. Ward, and Jim James how could one not love music made by all three together?

5. Wilco "Wilco"

I really don't think Jeff Tweedy has ever produced music that was bad...

6. The Avett Brothers "I and Love and You"

Great record, great sound

7. Jay-Z "The Blueprint 3"

Excellent record but if I have to hear "Empire State of Mind" one more time I am deleting this record from my library.

8. Flaming Lips "Embryonic"

Further reaffirms my odd crush on Wayne Coyne...

9. AFI "Crash Love"

Obligatory, been my favorite band since middle school, everything they record inspires me.

10. Tegan and Sara "Sainthood"

Love those Canadians.

As I read back I realize my list is somewhat pretentious. Indie rock did have a great year so I feel no shame wearing my love for it on my sleeve. Spin's year end list was right on but Rolling Stone's was WAY off. If Bruce Springsteen or U2 grace the cover of RS in 2010 I am canceling my subscription, it's time to say goodbye guys.