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End of a Year

You Are Beneath Me
Deathwish Inc. (2010)

“To best enjoy this album… try new things” So starts one of the catchiest records this year this side of the Descendents and Rites Of Spring and maybe you do not fit the description given in this opening soliloquy set to music but that does not mean to stop listening by any means, but rather it puts you in the … Read more

Envy

Recitation
Temporary Residence (2010)

Knowing full well this album was dropping this year (it was on my albums to look forward to in 2010 list last year), I was surprised by its release and caught unaware that it had finally dropped to the public; and this definitely affected the way that Recitation hit me for some strange reason. I sit here and say, “You … Read more

The Arrivals

Volatile Molotov
Recess (2010)

When it comes to overlooked bands, Chicago’s Arrivals should be right near the top. The band has never been overly prolific, releasing only four records since the mid ‘90s. Yet here we are, in 2010, and the band has released another solid record in Volatile Molotov.The Genre Monster would call the Arrivals pop-punk. They play accessible, melodic songs with a … Read more

Killing Joke

Absolute Dissent
Universal (2010)

As a band, Killing Joke has had numerous peaks and valleys in their career over the past 30 plus years most recently with the death of longtime bassist Paul Raven. The band has been one of the few to successfully tap into different genres over the year’s punk, Goth, metal, rock and experimental dub to name a few. The band’s … Read more

Flying Lotus

Cosmogramma
Warp (2010)

In 1957 the Soviet Union launched the first satellite into orbit. In 1969 Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins became the first human beings to walk on the surface of the Moon. About half a century later, it has become evident that these remarkable feats of human innovation and imagination still affect our culture today. Steven Ellison’s (a.k.a. Flying … Read more

Off With Their Heads

In Desolation
Epitaph (2010)

Off With Their Heads have built a reasonable fanbase within the fest related punk scene. This is due to certain consistency in their style, without being all the same all the time. Gruff vocals, bass heavy songs, and depressing lyrics all have their place in this. So one had to expect a backlash of sorts when, after a series of … Read more

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists

The Brutalist Bricks
Matador (2010)

Their first record for Matador; their first record featuring new bassist Marty Key: The Brutalist Bricks is a record of firsts. It's the band's second shortest record, however (2004's Shake the Sheets is a couple of minutes briefer, at 39:52), and a departure from the drawn-out, exploratory songs of 2007's Living With the Living.Opener 'The Mighty Sparrow' is classic Leo, … Read more

Various Artists

House Of Low Culture / Mamiffer - split
Utech (2010)

Did you ever just want to pop on a record to zone out to while you are either doing work or trying to rest from some stressful situation, or, did you ever want a mellow record to start the day with or serve as a soundtrack to your latest trip? More and more I am finding these types of records … Read more

M.I.A.

/\/\ /\ Y /\ (MAYA)
XL Recordings (2010)

The hipsterati and the New York Times may have set their sights on MIA but, frankly, I don’t have the time to care what she eats during an interview. Besides, her music is largely a studio product anyway, which gives it an insulating layer from its creator’s personality. <i>Maya</i> is the Indo-British singer’s third record and her first since becoming … Read more

The Bombpops

Like I Care
Red Scare (2010)

Hailing from San Diego, California, The Bombpops are a female fronted quartet and a force to be reckoned with. Their 6 track debut EP, Like I Care delivers some of the quickest and most melodic punk tracks of the year! The Bombpops open up Like I Care with “Outta Hand.” Taking cues from 90’s skate-punk, “Outta Hand” delivers swift and … Read more

Alcest

Ecailles De Lune
Prophecy Productions (2010)

Neige, the sole contributor of Alcest, has stayed remarkably busy throughout 2010. Between his other projects (Lantlos, Ameseours) and the first actual set of stateside touring for Alcest. The man has been a consistent fixture in France's black metal scene throughout this decade. Much like the projects named above Alcest shares little with his More Blackened projects of past (Forgotten … Read more

STNNNG

The Smoke of My Will
Modern Radio (2010)

It’s been four long years since the last STNNNG album. In that time, though, the band hasn’t wavered from their dynamic and aggressive style of confrontational rock. While original drummer Jeremy Ward may no longer play with them, Twin Cities veteran Ben Ivascu jumped in and, once the band felt comfortable as a unit, they finished up their third full-length: … Read more

Wrnlrd

Death Drive
FSS (2010)

Ever hear of the term “outsider” music? I have certainly seen the term thrown around when referring to different albums or artists and never quite understood how or why that particular artist or record was graced with such a vague descriptor when attempting to relate the music to someone or an audience of some sort. Well, if ever there was … Read more

The Thermals

Personal Life
Kill Rock Stars (2010)

It’s very rare that an album can be described as “charming.” However, it’s an appropriate way to describe indie-punk outfit The Thermals’ fifth full length album Personal Life. That’s until you get past the music and listen to the story.From the start, it’s apparent that The Thermals are taking a softer approach than previous works. Themes of love, loss, and … Read more

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