June 23rd is probably the best release day of the year so far. If you're wondering why:

ALEXISONFIRE - Old Crows/Young Cardinals
Myspace.com/Alexisonfire
$3.99 on Amazon Mp3 today.




THE DEAR HUNTER - Act III: Life And Death
Myspace.com/TheDearHunter

If you have a little Craig Owens, Aaron Gillespie, or Jeremy McKinnon in you, Rock Band has given you a chance to show your skills. In honor of the upcoming Warped Tour, there are now 5 downloadable tracks from Warped bands available for the popular music game. They are:

1. A Day To Remember - "The Downfall of Us All"
2. Chiodos - "I Didn't Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was A Wizard"
3. Underoath - "Reinventing Your Exit"
4. Escape The Fate - "The Flood"
5. Bad Religion - "21st Century (Digital Boy)"

I'll certainly be grabbing at least of a few of those songs, if not the whole pack. Next Tuesday, a second Warped Tour Pack will be available, and The Devil Wears Prada and Thrice are included. Start buying Microsoft Points.

People steal music because it is outrageously expensive; Target is trying to change that. The store is selling quite a few CDs for $9.99 or less, including many titles you'd be interested in. Check it out at your local Target. Many are posted below, though more are available. If I had to recommend anything, get The Gaslight Anthem for $7.99; fantastic record.

Available tomorrow (6/9)
A Skylit Drive 8.99 - ends 6/15
Dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion - 9.99 ends 6/15
There For Tomorrow - A Little Faster - 8.99 ends 8/10
Warped Tour 2009 Comp 5.98 ends 8/10

Continuing Sales
All That Remains - Overcome - 11.98 ends 7/6
All Time Low - So Wrong, It's Right - 7.99 ends 6/15
The Answer - Never Too Late - 3.99 ends 6/15
Avenged Sevenfold - Avenged Sevenfold - 9.99 ends 6/15
Gnarles Barkley - The Odd Couple - 8.99 ends 6/29
Better Than Ezra - Paper Empire 11.99 ends 6/29
Chimaira - The Infection - 9.99 ends 6/15
Dane Cook - Isolated Incident - 11.99 ends 6/15
Fall Out Boy - Folie A Deux - 9.99 ends 8/24
Flight Of The Conchords - Flight Of The Conchords - 11.99 6/15
Flogging Molly - Float - 9.99 6/15
The Fray - The Fray - 11.98 ends 6/15
Gaslight Anthem - '59 Sound - 7.99 ends 6/15
Green Day - American Idiot - 9.99 ends 6/15
Green Day - International Superhits - 9.99 6/15
Iron & Wine - Around The Well - 8.99 ends 6/15
The Killers - Day & Age - 9.99 ends 8/24
Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night - 11.98 ends 6/15
Mastadon - Crack The Skye - 9.99 ends 6/15
Muse - Black Holes And Revelations - 9.99 ends 6/15
Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul - 8.99 ends 6/29
Paramore - All We Know Is Falling - 9.99 ends 6/15
Rise Against - Appeal To Reson 9.99 ends 8/24
Secondhand Serenade - regular 11.99 / Deluxe 13.99 ends 6/15
Shinedown - Sound Of Madness - 11.99 ends 6/15
Thursday - Common Existence - 7.99 ends 6/15
Kanye West - 808's And Heartbreak - 11.98 ends 6/15
Kanye West - Graduation 9.99 ends 6/15

Some things aren't meant to be; other things are. Sometimes bands lose key members, only to replace them with newbies that completely change their sound. Others called it quits before it was there time, leaving a small, but notable music catalog. We will always wonder what could have been with the following five bands.

Saosin w/ Anthony Green

Whatever ____core you want to call this genre, early Saosin rocked it. Ask any high-pitched vocalist in melodic post-hardcore what their influences are and you're almost sure to hear Anthony Green and the Translating The Name EP. "Seven Years," "Lost Symphonies," and "3rd Measurement in C" still get thrown around on music fans' all-time great songs list, and a fair share of current Saosin fans complain daily that new vocalist Cove Reber isn't Anthony. Now that Green has been or is part of every band not named Saosin (including, but not limited to: Circa Survive, The Sound Of Animals Fighting, Zolof The Rock and Roll Destroyer, High and Driving, and his solo work), we just pray the band's new disc doesn't completely suck.
Notable links: myspace.com/saosin, myspace.com/circasurvive

Killswitch Engage w/ Phil Labonte

In no way am I suggesting Phil was the right man for the job; Howard Jones is incredible, and Killswitch is a top band. However, the band did say that Labonte was a close second to Jones in the race for a new singer, which begs the question: what would KE have sounded like? Howard's deep, powerful voice is a staple of the Killswitch sound. Had Labonte won the position, would the band have gone the All That Remains and moved away from melodic vocals? We will never know, but one thing is certain: we would have never heard the epicness that is KE's cover of "Holy Diver"
Notable links: myspace.com/killswitchengage, myspace.com/allthatremains

Emarosa w/o Jonny Craig

It's easy to forget how solid Emarosa's debut EP was, especially now that Dr. Craig roams 'round stage with the mic. This Is Your Way Out is a strong post-hardcore release packed full of enegy and excitement from Chris Roetter's days as the band's frontman. When Jonny came along, the music changed to a modified Dance Gavin sound (which I love, I might add), but lost certain aspects of what made old Emarosa interesting, most notably the extensive keyboard use. Had the band hired a vocalist similar to Roetter, the change in sound may have never happened, and we may have never heard Relativity.
Notable links: myspace.com/emarosa

Acceptance

Pop/Rock has never sounded as good since Acceptance released their sole full-length album, Phantoms. The ballad "Different" shot up the charts and was all over Top 40 Radio in 2005, followed by "Take Cover" and "So Contagious." Each and every track was solid, thanks to great instrumentation and Jason Vena's tenure as the best vocalist in the genre. Tragedy struck just as the band began working on their follow-up album when Vena decided to drop the rock-star-lifestyle to lead a normal life. AP.net has a thread begging for a return every six months or so, and for good reason.
Notable links: purevolume.com/acceptance

The Receiving End Of Sirens

They left us far too soon. The band's debut The Heart and The Synapse showcased a three-way vocal attack, guided by the band's creative and poetic songwriting. Lead single "Planning a Prison Break" is still one of my favorites of all time, and perfectly combines technical alternative guitar, electronics and the catchiest melody you've ever heard. Even after the mighty Casey Crescenzo left the group to form The Dear Hunter, that band bounced back with The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi, a great concept album loosely based on Johannes Kepler's theory of planetary tonality (confused? check the CD's wiki page). When guitarist Brendan Brown found out he was having a child, the band decided to call it quits, leaving us with two albums and thoughts on what else would have arose from the band.
Notable links: purevolume.com/thereceivingendofsirens

[originally published in the February 19 edition of The Hope International Tribune.]

Catastrophe can often serve as a catalyst for reviving friendships. Some could argue fate intervened, while coincidence is argued by others. No matter the source, Blink-182 is back to reignite fans, musicians and the failing music industry.

“Please understand, this isn’t just goodbye; this is I can’t stand you.”—+44, “No, It Isn’t”

The last chapter ended abruptly in 2005 with a phone call from the manager. Tom DeLonge quit the band without a word to his bandmates, a move Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker did not expect, but were not surprised by. Tensions had grown between the trio regarding tour schedules and recording plans, largely from Tom’s lonely corner. The “indefinite hiatus,” as the label called it, would produce a plethora of projects, including the Mark/Travis band +44, DeLonge’s Angels and Airwaves, numerous production credits, clothing lines and even reality shows.

“I never thought I’d die alone, another six months and I’ll be unknown.”—Blink-182, “Adam’s Song”

Tragedy brought one member back onto televisions after three Blinkless years. Sept. 19 saw Travis survive a plane crash the killed four and injured one more. Barker escaped with his life, but suffered from second and third degree burns. Hoppus flew to his drummers’ side, while Tom expressed sorrow to his old friend through interviews.

“Will you come home and stop this pain tonight.” –Blink-182, “I Miss You”

HiMyNameIsMark.com saw its first update in months on Nov. 18. The long entry updated fans on +44’s status, Travis’ health, general life thoughts and a curious statement: “in the midst of everything else that has happened lately, Tom, Travis, and I have all spoken together. First through a number of phone calls, and then a couple of weeks ago we all hung out for a few hours. They’ve all been great, very positive conversations. We’re just reconnecting as friends after four years of not talking.”

“I wanna have the same last dream again.” –AVA, “The Adventure”

That same blog post contained the following: “If — and this is a big if — Blink-182 were ever to re-form, it would have to be the most amazing, ridiculous, mind-blowing show and tour ever. I feel like, as bitter as our breakup was, we stepped back at the top of our game, and we'd have to come back even stronger and better than before."

As anyone would predict, chaos arose. Neon-rock band Forever The Sickest Kids claimed they were part of the band’s reunion tour, which proved false. Hoppus told MTV on Jan. 14 that +44 was canceled in lieu of his solo project, just five days after saying “the future is wide open” while answering questions on a possible reunion.

February 5 brought the first credible claim. Early in the day it was announced that the Blink men would reunite to present an award at the Grammy’s. Then AVA guitarist David Kennedy said what we wanted to hear through a Modlife chat: Blink-182 is working on a new album. Sans an official announcement, we waited.

“Let’s try this one more time with feeling.” – Blink-182, “Don’t Leave Me”

The Grammy’s brought the answer. Appearing onstage together again, the three looked older and strangely awkward standing next to each other. Travis, arm in sling from the crash, approached the microphone and said, “We used to play music together, and we decided we’re going to play music together again.”

They’re back. The new website says “Summer 2009. Thanks and get ready…” Hold on to your seats, kiddies.

*New Content*
While Blink will easily sell out every single date of their new tour, they will not fix everything.

I went back to my music library and listened to a ton of their old material. That's when it hit me: I don't care for Blink-182 anymore. Granted, I was never their biggest fan to begin with, but minus the last CD, I just don't enjoy the immature, simplistic music and lyrics that compromise the band's entire catalog.

Certain songs will always stick with me. "Adam's Song" will always get plays, and "Feelin' This" may be my favorite Blink song. Other non-singles get heard every here and there, but for the most part, I'll leave their music to my friends.

Saving the music industry won't have anything to do with the bands. The old format of selling records simple is obsolete and no longer works. Don't look for Tom Delonge, Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus to solve that problem. However, there is one task I am assigning to the guys: get radio rock back.

My hope is that the return bring rock back to Top 40. I may criticize Blink's lyrics, but nothing is as bad as "blame it on the alc-al-al-al, the alchol." If the band gets back on the radio, other rock acts will start getting plays, hopefully taking back regular radio from R&B/Hip-Hop/Pop/Rap.

I may not be at a tour date, but I'm routing for them.

I've always been a sucker for side-projects, and Year One is no exception. Featuring members/ex-members of As I Lay Dying, Maylene & The Sons of Disaster and This Endearing, the band is currently unsigned, with a four song "demo" release on iTunes (I use quotes because there's nothing demo about it).

This band sees Josh Gilbert (AILD bass player/clean singer) stepping into the spotlight to front a band, and his strained vocals are great. While most three-guitar bands end up sounding muddy, these guys manage to stay out of eachother's way and create some good, quality rock in the vein of Alexisonfire or Saosin. Former-Maylene drummer Lee Turner powers through each song and gives the group a strong backbone to rely on.

It's certainly more alternative than what these musicians normally release, striking in the vein of Saosin and Alexisonfire more often than AILD or Maylene. Even still, the band should appeal to fans of many different genres. "Ambition" and "Chemicals" will be favorites of fans from the members' original bands; "Motions" and "Holding On" both have Modern Rock chart potential; even teenie-boppers have something to listen to, thanks to their cover of Miley Cyrus' "See You Again."

Check out the tracks below, and visit the band's links. They deserve your attention.

"Holding On"

"Motions"

YEAR ONE:
YEAR ONE: MYSPACE
YEAR ONE: MERCH

As we hit the halfway point, I figure I would point out some of the highlights of the year thus far. Before I do, I must stress that all of these albums are worth buying (I have purchased them all, as well as merch from most). Don't take advantage of these bands, if you enjoy them I urge you to buy the album.

Within The Ruins - Creatures
I discovered this band the moment they released their debut album, Creatures, and was instantly hooked. If Protest The Hero had a love affair with August Burns Red, Within The Ruins would be the outcome. Excellent musicianship and excellent use of guitars, WTR will satisfy your tech metal needs for months to come. Check it out.


ALBUM: WITHIN THE RUINS - CREATURE


IWRESTLEDABEARONCE - Its All Happening
I know, I know. I've promoted this band obnoxiously since the beginning, but its for a good reason. It's All Happening is full of everything. Almost literally. They took everything that was great about their EP and multiplied it by 500. IWABO is definitly an aquired taste, but if you can get into it, you will love it. Great grindcore band, you can check out the full review here.

ALBUM: IWRESTLEDABEARONCE - ITS ALL HAPPENING


The Eyes of A Traitor - A Clear Perception
This album is top notch. It will grab you by your throat and not let go. Vocalist, Jack Delaney, has extreme control over his voice, producing some outstanding growls. Double guitar harmonies, guitar solos, expert drums, that album really does have it all. If you are a fan of any sort of metal, I strongly suggest you pick up this album. After a few listens you will be hooked. I haven't put this album down all year.

ALBUM: THE EYES OF A TRAITOR - A CLEAR PERCEPTION

The Devil Wears Prada - With Roots Above & Branches Below
To be honest I was expecting to be very disappointed with this album. I'm not really sure why but I thought they were going to get more generic and boring. Turns out I was very wrong. With this new album The Devil Wears Prada is able to reach to a whole new group of fans without alienating their original fan base. It outdoes Plagues in my eyes (...ears?) Check it out, especially if you're not a fan.

ALBUM: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA - WITH ROOTS ABOVE & BRANCHES BELOW


Dance Gavin Dance - Happiness
Although it hasn't yet released, a bunch of us have had our hands on Dance Gavin Dance's newest album Happiness. It is overall better than their "Death star" album a few months back. With Happiness, Kurt is really able to shake off any mark that Jonny may have left prior to him joining Emarosa. After this album, I think people will really see them for who they are, not just "that old band Jonny was in". Fantastic album, please pick it up!

ALBUM: DANCE GAVIN DANCE - HAPPINESS

The 2008 album of the year, in my opinion, was Protest The Hero's album Fortress. I knew from day one that I would choose PTH over whatever else came out that year. Underoath's Lost In The Sound of Separation was second, but Fortress had secured the top spot by a long shot. Unlike in 2008 I don't see a clear cut winner yet.

Honorable Mentions:
Chimaria - Infection
The Chariot - Wars and Rumors of Wars

In honor of the American Idol Finale, I made a Top 5 list on singers I'd like to see on the show. Current rules bar anyone who has had a record deal from competing, so don’t count on seeing these faces on the show anytime soon. That, and not one of these guys would be caught dead around Simon (S)Cowell. At the end of the post, you'll find a link to a playlist featuring 2 songs by each of these vocalists.
Note: This is NOT my Top 5 singers of all-time; just five vocalists who I think would be able to actually win, based on vocal talent, look, and personality.

5. Jason Lancaster - ex-Mayday Parade/Go Radio
Pop/rock at its best. Make sure you listen to the right guy; Mayday is duel-vocals, and the other singer isn’t as good. Lancaster’s got a unique tone to his voice and hits highs with the best of them. The chorus of “I’d Hate To Be You…” is pretty impressive. “I Miss You” from his new band, Go Radio, shows a strong falsetto as well.


4. Rody Walker - Protest The Hero

Mind introduced me the these guys a few days ago, and the vocals definitely fit the list. Awesome name aside, Rody Walker wails abnormally high, which sounds pretty cool. Not sure I could sit through a whole album of it, but singing two covers a week, for a live audience, he could have success in the Idol format. The Adam Lambert support makes me think America would dig Rody.


3. Kurt Travis - Dance Gavin Dance

A friend of mine bought a DGD disc after one verse of Kurt straining “YOU SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO YOUR FRIENDS!” Songs like “Me and Zoloft…” from the self-titled album showcase his power, while songs from Happiness like “Strawberry Swisher Pt. 1” are smoother. Hear it for yourself, they’re both in the mix.


2. Daniel Rinaldi - Bedlight For Blue Eyes

He just comes off as the nicest guy ever, which is huge for votes. I would never admit that him taking the edge out of BFBE was good for the band, but his brand of pop/rock-meets-R&B found on the band’s second release was excellent. He’s got that scene-look that we all love, an incredible voice, and a smile sure to garner text message votes (or Paula Abdul flirting/stuttering). Check out "Waste My Time" and "Broken Door" for evidence.


1. Christian Guerrero - ex-Bedlight For Blue Eyes

Yeah yeah, I’m picking two guys from the same band. Deal with it, because this guy’s voice is unbelievable. The guy got a vocal scholarship to Boston Conservatory of Music, for Christ’s sake. No one can compare to his range; he’s all over the place, using a lower register, higher than high notes and screams multiple times throughout each song, along with Idol-esque vocal licks. "Ephermal Addictions" showcases his ability better than any other song. Bonus: he’s already done two amazing covers, one of which I’m giving you. Go find BFBE’s cover of Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper” on Punk Goes 90’s, and enjoy their version of "Livin' On A Prayer," track 10 on the mix.


There you have it. Go buy these guy's CD's + merch. I'd love for some debate in the comments section, because I know I left a few qualified people off this list. Here's the tracklisting for the mix:

1. Go Radio - I Miss You (Jason Lancaster)
2. Mayday Parade - I'd Hate To Be You... (Jason Lancaster)
3. Protest The Hero - Bone Marrow (Rody Walker)
4. Protest The Hero - Sequoia Throne (Rody Walker)
5. Dance Gavin Dance - Me & Zoloft Get Along Just Fine (Kurt Travis)
6. Dance Gavin Dance - Strawberry Swisher Pt. 1 (Kurt Travis)
7. Bedlight For Blue Eyes - Waste My Time (Daniel Rinaldi)
8. Bedlight For Blue Eyes - Broken Door (Daniel Rinaldi)
9. Bedlight For Blue Eyes - Ephermal Addictions (Christian Guerrero)
10. Bedlight For Blue Eyes - Livin' On A Prayer (Christian Guerrero)

And what you've all been waiting for: the link. Download your little hearts out.