(2018) Twenty One Pilots - Trench

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HI! It's been awhile but the hiatus is OFFICIALLY over! I had to work on getting my life in order and I had to set this blog to the side for awhile. Needless to say, i've gotten life on the right track and i'm ready to check out some new tunes again! It really couldn't have come at a better time either, i've been really looking forward to this album for awhile. But first, let me tell you some of my background and my introduction to Twenty One Pilots. So... first off, i'm from COLUMBUS, OHIO!!! No shit! Born and raised. Groveport and Gahanna to be precise, but then I spent most of my 20's near downtown on the famous, "southside"! Haha. So, let's rewind back to 2013. My friend Ryan, who I worked with at a pawn shop, asked me if I had ever heard of TOP before. I said no and he preceded to tell me they were getting BIG. I've been playing and writing music since 2001 and usually have my ear to the ground for EVERYTHING and I completely missed them. Even when he first played me one of their songs, I believe I walked away. It wasn't until 2015 when I heard "Car Radio" on a website I was reviewing for called, "Slice The Pie", that I became a fan. After they showed me who the band was when I was finished reviewing the track, I had an "Oh Shit" moment. My friend was right. They were about to get BIG. So now i'm a fan. I checked out their older songs and found favorites on all of their albums. I really like "Ode To Sleep". Like, REALLY like that song. So then Blurryface comes out, followed by Heathens. I am hooked. The only band to hit me this hard this past decade was Ocean Grove. So, all of a sudden, a band from my hometown, that I had no clue about, is the number 1 band in America. Pretty cool that they accomplished something I was never able to do, put COLUMBUS on the map. They did the leg work, now all of you need to check out other bands, including myself, from here. There's a TON of cool bands in Columbus and I guarantee, you'll at least like a couple of us! So back to it! Jumpsuit comes out. All of a sudden I realize they've created a CONCEPT ALBUM!!! I FUCKING love concept albums. Dark Side Of The Moon is one of my favorite albums of all time and any band that attempts to make a concept album, INSTANTLY has my respect. That shit is hard. As a musician, sometimes songs don't just come to you, let alone ones that follow a theme. So then Nico, Levitate and My Blood come out. All i'm gonna say is that so far, i'm floored. It's been a LONG while since I followed what was going on with an album every day. This album has my full undivided attention. I'm about to dab cookie and space out. I missed you 30 random people! It's good to be back. Let's start.
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Track 1 - Jumpsuit

I was hooked on this song from the moment I heard it. I've really been getting into heavier music again as I record my own album and the way Tyler screams on this track is fucking inspiring. It's full of emotion and definitely sounds better than 90% of the rock bands on our station, 99.7 The Blitz. This track was awesome! It made me literally put it on repeat and learn every single word. Those are the kinds of tracks that make you a fan for life and this band is well on their way to overthrowing Incubus as my new favorite band. I really love this song. Already one of the most memorable tracks of 2018.

5/5

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Track 2 - Levitate

Another song like the first, this made me want to learn the words fast as well. The rap was extremely hard to get down, but I got it. You knew I would! I really liked the way they made Jumpsuit flow into this song. I've always loved when bands do that because it makes the concept all the more real. One of the things I like about Tyler is how he literally is one of the best rappers and rockers on the Earth at the same moment right now. His rap verses inspire me more than most rappers and the screams make me wanna grab my guitar and write something fucking angsty! So once again, definitely another song to add to your Spotify playlist!

5/5

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Track 3 - Morph

This was the first new track I got to hear off Trench. Tyler has well documented his beliefs when it comes to religion. This song showcases how mature this band has become. This song is a full pop/r&b/rap masterpiece that envokes that 70's r&b/Marvin Gaye vibe when the chorus hits. Definitely another song that fits the narrative of a concept album, with another mention of "Nico". The musicality on this track has definitey come together on this track as Tyler and Josh have become completely confident as musicians. I really hope i'm not the only person who thought he said, "I'm off to someone else". I thought to myself damn, that's cold to Jenna. But alas, he says, "I'll morph to someone else". I have a feeling people will be confused until they read the lyrics like I did.

5/5

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Track 4 - My Blood

This was the sleeper track out of the first 4 songs released. It's good, but the other songs are much, much better. I guess I like the aggression of the other tracks as opposed to this, more ballady track. BUT... that was all said before I heard the song about 20 times. It's actually a really good song. It's one of those that, kinda starts out slow and if you don't give it a chance, you completely miss how cool it becomes. Tyler really got in touch with his inner "Marvin Gaye" on this album. His rap game is completely on point at this point in his career and now he's just refining it on tracks like this. Awesome song afterall. Not the best, but great nonetheless. I really like the Neverending Story synth in the background. You'll know it when you hear it. =0)

4.5/5

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Track 5 - Chlorine

This was the first new song that had me like, "what did he just say???"? It's kind of a shocking lyric that's probably going to have a couple of kids end up at poison control centers. HAha. For real. I bet by the end of next week we hear of some dumb ass kid trying this out. With that being said, the song itself is EXCELLENT. Besides, Jumpsuit and Levitate, it was the first song that jumped out as an instant favorite to me. The break in this song, really sounds like something beautiful you would hear coming from a church. I'm guessing that was inspired by his younger years. I like it, I like it a LOT!

5/5

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Track 6 - Smithereens

So... of course, Tyler had to include a song to his wife on the album. But, it's actually a catchy little tune! The lyrics are very fun and playful. It's really nothing like anything i've ever heard from them. I'm pretty sure he even sneaks in a "fuck you" in there. The way he does it reminded me of the way Brandon Boyd did it on the song, "Agoraphobia" at the end. It's so subtle that it's kinda hard to notice, but at the same time, you hear it. I really don't think i've ever heard Tyler cuss. Does he? I really have no clue about this. Actually, i'm pretty sure that if he did on this track, it may be the first time.

4.5/5

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Track 7 - Neon Gravestones

Wow. If you thought the Car Radio lyrics were deep, then this song will make that song sound like a children's television theme song. Definitely the darkest and deepest song i've ever heard from him, this one really makes you think about the way we act as a society when a celebrity kills themselves. Why do we celebrate that? We instantly make them Gods and speak up their name way more than when they were alive. I feel like, he really doesn't want to fall into the "gone before their time" trap, like so many greats before him. But at the same time, he still feels like he might lose the battle. I feel for him. Life's hard sometimes. Being from Columbus, close to Tyler's age and close to people with mental illness, I really can relate to his music better than a lot of people can. There's just certain things you have to be from here to understand, like our weather, our potholes, the fucking non stop construction that's making us one of the fastest growing cities in the country and our personalities. Ohio folks are one of a kind, but we all deal with a lot of the same daily bullshit together. Look this up for fun. The great Zanesville zoo escape of 2011. It even made national news and sparked a huge debate. Sad, great song.

5/5

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Track 8 - The Hype

I don't know why, but this song really reminds me of an Incubus song. One thing I do wish they would do is get a guitarist. I feel like, that would really take a lot off of Tyler's shoulders and give the band a fuller sound. Honestly, I can't remember a band where the bass was the dominant instrument in the band. I know The Police had Sting and he played the bass, but that's the closest I can think of. I really like the chorus on this song. It's the kind that will make you want to take a drive just to sing this song at the top of your lungs. This album really has a 70's / 80's vibe to it at times and the influences and styles used are across the board. This song really takes all of that and incorporates it in. This one is a really nice carefree track.

4.5/5

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Track 9 - Nico And The Niners

So when this track was released second, I was ecstatic! I couldn't believe how fast they dropped 2 new singles with accompanying music videos. They planned this album really well. I love this song too, another one that made me wanna learn the rap instantly. It definitely took a good 2 weeks of listening to it 3-10 times a day to do it, but I got it down too! The groove on this song is definitely a head rocker. I'm still a little lost on how all of the songs fit together, but i'm sure as I listen more, i'll start to see the larger story as a whole.

5/5

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Track 10 - Cut My Lip

This so far, is one of my least favorite tracks. But, don't get me wrong, even at their least, they're still awesome. It's just kinda slow and really reverby/echoey. His high voice part is pretty cool and is the stand-out part of the song. I didn't hate this track, I just didn't love it like the rest. Not too bad though.

3.5/5

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Track 11 - Bandito

Perhaps the chillest track on "Trench" this song is a good song to fall asleep to. The Beatles influence on this track is strong and they do it very well. Tyler has studied up on his classic music and the influences really shine through on this album. The spoken word part of the track is simply amazing and his lyrics really have never been better. It's really going to take some time and lyrics in front of me to make the connection between all of the songs on here. So far, it only seems evident in a couple of songs. The break in this song is beautiful. I'm a sucker for a good synth and that one sounds awesome.

4/5

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Track 12 - Pet Cheetah

OMFG. This song... When I played through the album for the first time, this was the one track that instantly made me replay it 20 times. EASILY, the standout track on "Trench" to me. It's kind of a Jumpsuit and Nico And The Niners blending. It's basically about Tyler's writing process and how he doesn't consider a song finished until he finds "the problem". The rap part is phenomenal and will have tons of people wanting a Pet Cheetah that they too can name "Jason Statham". Haha. This song is dope. Like super dope that will have you feeling fucked up for days.

5/5

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Track 13 - Legend

So every TOP fan knows that Tyler was very close to his grandfather. Sadly, he passed away within the past year and wasn't able to hear their new record. This track is a very heartfelt celebration of his life. It has a very 90's vibe to it and even though it's super-sad, at the same time it's very upbeat and kind of happy too. Everyone should be so lucky to have a grandparent to instill the knowledge that his did. R.I.P. Grandpa Joseph.

5/5

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Track 14 - Leave The City

This song definitely follows the theme of what I expected "Trench" to be. I can't wait until I fully understand all of the songs as a whole. This one is a little slower and makes for a good album closer and when that Neverending Story synth hits again, it instantly made me smile. I really dig that synth. Overall, not my favorite song, but it's another good one that fits this album excellent.

4/5

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Overall - 65/70

So... Overall, Trench was not what I expected. To a degree, it was. But after hearing "Jumpsuit" I thought there was going to be more screaming. I'm pretty sure I only noticed one other one in "Pet Cheetah". I almost wish they would do a heavy album. If they ever did that, I would be super-happy! But... this band is sooooooo much more than just that. They have entered a realm where they can do no wrong now. Every song they write will be super analyzed for clues from here on out. Be honest, how many of you also went back and listened to everything trying to find connections. The coolest one I found was that "East Is Up" meant to turn the "Blurryface" album sideways. This is an instant classic album that will stay on the charts for months. I don't doubt a triple platinum weekend in the US. AMAZING job fellows. Till next time, i'll be "sipping on straight chlorine"! But not really... Haha. Willowbee out.

(2016) Deftones - Gore

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It's always interesting to catch up with bands from your past and see what they're doing nowadays. I'll be honest, I wasn't exposed much to the Deftones until around the "White Pony" era. That's the album I compare them too. "Around The Fur and Adrenaline" were great albums as well, but there was just something great about "White Pony". So here we are, 15 years and a couple of shitty albums later. Can they get it back? Let's find out!
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Track 1 - Prayers / Triangles

My first impression of this song was, "meh". As I am listening to it now for a 5th time, it really, really grows on you. So far, so good. I really like the guitar work and it's good to hear Chino still growing away. This song starts out a little trippy, kind of "Team Sleep"ish, but quickly sounds like a Deftones song. Very cool. I am impressed.

4/5

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Track 2 - Acid Hologram

Once again, after the 5th listen, this song is quickly growing on me as well. It's got the Deftones signature sound and the trippyness of a Tool song. It's very cool to hear them getting back to their "White Pony" sound. So far this album definitely sounds like it's going to get even better. I have missed the Deftones!

4/5

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Track 3 - Doomed User

This is definitely the heaviest song so far. Chino screams most of the verses leading into the choruses which are very cool. This is one of those songs that will get stuck in your head after a couple of listens. The breakdown in this song is absolutely beautiful. If your a selective song kinda listener, start here.

4/5

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Track 4 - Geometric Headdress

The one thing I will say about these songs so far is their memorability. It is AMAZING to hear the Deftones bring their all and create something this AWESOME, this late in their career. Only time will tell if they will make it as long as the Rolling Stones & The Red Hot Chili Peppers, but this kind of an album is a good indicator that we'll be enjoying these guys for many years to come! Best song so far!

5/5

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Track 5 - Hearts / Wires

Ok so FINALLY we have a contender for album of the year! All of these songs have been EXTREMELY memorable and after 5 listens, it quickly becomes evident that this may indeed be just as good, if not better than "White Pony". This song is no exception. Chino's voice is ON POINT. The creativity on this album is off the charts! So far this album has been "White Pony", meets "De-Loused In The Comatorium" meets "Mer De Noms".

5/5

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Track 6 - Pittura Infamante

There was a lot of new music that came out this week. WAYYYY more so than usual. Smile Empty Soul released an EP which was excellent. It only had 6 songs though or that would have been my choice. IT IS AMAZING BY THE WAY!!! However, this album was completely unexpected and has completely blown me away. I have been pleasantly shocked listening to this album so much, that i'm now on my 5th listen through!

4/5

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Track 7 - Xenon

It is now safe to say this album is JUST AS GOOD AS "WHITE PONY"! Yeah, I said it. This is ESSENTIAL Deftones. These songs are nothing but 4's and 5's. From this point on this album will be my second favorite album of theirs with constant possibility of becoming number 1. This album is THAT good. I only can dream that Incubus' outing later this year will be just as good. I did see they played "Calgone" with Ben Kenney in Mexico. THAT was breathtaking as well.

4/5

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Track 8 - (L)mirl

This album has not disappointed once. That's highly unusual for me with a Deftones album. Even "White Pony" had a couple of "mehs". So far, this album has been damn well near perfect. The guitar work and drumming on this album have been awesome and when Chino screams in this song, it takes me back.

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Track 9 - Gore

As we near the end of this album and reach the title track, "Gore", I would already give this album a 4/5 no matter what happens from here on out. They could cover "MmmBop" and i'd be cool with it. Actually... that would probably be pretty good! This song is another one of those that showcase the creativity put into this album. I am blown away! Sorry Rocket Summer... there might be a new number one for 2016 in town! The screams on the end of this song are ridiculously awesome. BEST TRACK.

5/5

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Track 10 - Phantom Bride

I am floored... This album has been nothing short of a masterpiece. I will be listening to this album for many years to come. This is a defining decade kinda album. One of those ones that will never, ever get the kind of credit it deserves. This is easily one of the best 2010's albums. This is one of the better songs and when the ending comes in it just get's that much better. =0O

5/5

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Track 11 - Rubicon

So now at the last track it has become evident that The Deftones have created their most impressive work to date. This is the kind of album that will inspire thousands of kids to go out and start a band. I've never been a HUGE Deftones fan, but they have completely won me over with this album. WOW.

4/5

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Overall - 48/55

Overall, we finally have a contender for album of the year. This one has my bet so far. This is the kind of album that should win TONS of awards, but never will. Fuck Taylor Swift and her illuminati contemporaries. This album is the real deal. A new one to place in my top 100. It's THAT good. Willowbee, out.

(2016) Weezer - The White Album

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Alright! Finally an album by a band we all know and love, WEEZER!!! Weezer is one of those bands that are going to be around for a long time. Beginning in the 90's, it is definitely nice to see them still around. So without further ado... The White Album.
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Track 1 - California Kids

From the first notes it becomes evident that Weezer has fallen back into place continuing the greatness that followed them in the 90's. It definitely has a Blue Album feel to it that somewhat lingers with a Pinkerton vibe. I have always loved Weezer's guitar solo's and this one is no different. Another good song from a great band.

3.5/5

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Track 2 - Wind In Our Sail

Track 2 is very piano driven. Almost sounds like a Twenty One Pilots song with Rivers Cuomo singing. Not as strong as the first track, this track is still good. So far this is not the album i've been expecting from them.

2.5/5

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Track 3 - Thank God For Girls

This song doesn't really fit the whole "Weezer" mold. This track kinda stands alone in their huge catalog of hits. It's nice to hear after all of these years, they still have surprises left up their sleeves. You can always tell a good band from a bad one by the way they move around different genres and styles.

3/5

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Track 4 - (Girl We Got A) Good Thing

You can definitely hear Rivers flexing his Beach Boys style on this beginning of this track. This one sounds albums like a Green Album b-side. This is probably my favorite track so far on this album.

4/5

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Track 5 - Do You Wanna Get High?

Well, I LOVE THE TITLE. That aside, this is definitely my favorite song. This song has the power to become one of your favorite Weezer songs. It has the classic vibe that Weezer has crafted so well. This song is top notch Weezer.

5/5

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Track 6 - King Of The World

This album has definitely been Weezer so far. It is safe to say that this is not the album I have been expecting from them. Their last release, "Everything Will Be Alright In The End" was very good. But this is definitely better overall. It's nice to hear them getting back to their roots. Perhaps the next album, will be the one.

3/5

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Track 7 - Summer Elaine And Drunk Dori

The beauty of Weezer has always lied in their simplicity. This song is a perfect example of how they are still holding onto that fact and taking full advantage of it. Weezer has been one of my favorite bands for a long time, so it's nice to hear them getting back to this.

3/5

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Track 8 - L.A. Girlz

So far, i'm not completely, overly impressed. It's been typical Weezer and I guess that I was hoping for another Blue album. It becomes incredibly hard for a band to equal the success they had with their best album. Bands like Incubus, Hoobastank & Metallica amongst others have fallen into this rut as well.

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Track 9 - Jacked Up

One cool thing I will say about Rivers. After all these years, his voice has not changed a bit. It is still the exact same signature Rivers voice that we fell in love with on the Blue Album. Weezer has come a long way since those days.

3/5

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Track 10 - Endless Bummer

This song kind of disappoints me. I can remember a time when Weezer would go out with a bang on their albums. This is just not the ending I hoped for. I'm sure i'm not the only one who remembers the 8 minute track, "Only In Dreams". Oh well, another decent offering from a play it safe band.

3/5

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Overall - 33/50

Overall, this album lies somewhere between the Blue Album and the Green Album. It's not going to win any awards, but there's definitely a few tracks worth adding to your favorite Weezer playlist. Willowbee, out.

(2016) Kung Fu - Joyride

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So this week i'm in the mood for something different. There hasn't been too much I would consider "great" yet this year so far. There has only been 1 truly GREAT album and maybe 2 other albums out of the others and a handful of songs from the rest. I will tell you one thing. I am really, really happy I took the time to get to know The Rocket Summers new album. That shit is dope as fuck. This week, there was a lot to choose from, but ultimately I heard all of them out for a track or two and finally decided on this band... KUNG-FU. The name was cool and after watching a video or two on youtube, I decided to that THIS was the album for this week.
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Track 1 - Daddy O

The first track brings the funk! It reminds me of old 70's funk bands like Parliment. This song is really good and it definitely has a feel good 70's vibe to it. It's hard to believe that this is a new song. These guys definitely know the genre and deliver perfectly on their opening track.

3.5/5

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Track 2 - Chin Music

Track 2 is mostly instrumental. It has a 70's cop show kinda, pumping vibe to it. I could definitely see mustashed cops chasing down bad guys while this song plays in the background. The sax player is AMAZING. It's official. This band is awesome.

3.5/5

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Track 3 - Vroom

This track has a very cool vibe to it. It is a lot like the last track and has an old school Incubus playing as the Tonight Show band kind of vibe to it. One thing I like about this band already is how long these tracks are. This one is 8:01 long!!! Get your attention span ready! It will be well worth it.

3.5/5

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Track 4 - Joyride

This song is AWESOME! It has a 70's vibe to it and sounds like it could have been on a movie soundtrack in the 80's like Ghostbusters. This song just makes you want to get the fuck down and boogie all night long. This is definitely a great starting point!

4/5

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Track 5 - Speed Bump Of Your Love

This might be the best song overall of 2016! This song is funky in all the right ways and really delivers. This is the stand out track on here and sounds like something you'd see the Harlem Globetrotters dunking to. If you like funk, it doesn't get much better than this.

5/5

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Track 6 - Prime Time Rib

So far I haven't heard a bad track on this album. This is easily the best funk album i've heard in a long time. Any song that's about ribs is ok with me. Not too much lyrically here, but with this band, that's just fine.

3.5/5

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Track 7 - The Getdown

This is the kind of music that puts you in a good mood. Another mostly instrumental track, I will say one thing... if funky, instrumental, 6 minute plus songs are not your thing, this band is not for you. However, if it is... you are in for a treat!

3.5/5

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Track 8 - Gold Coast

Musically, this is one of the best bands i've heard in awhile. It's rare for me to find a band I like without any vocals for the most part. But this band not only impressed me, they made me a fan for life.

3.5/5

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Track 9 - Samurai

This last track has a very cool feel to it. It is also the longest track on this album at 8:53! This band has been phenomenal and it makes me sad that it's over. That;s my only beef, 9 tracks was not near enough.

4/5

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Overall - 34/45

Overall, this album was GREAT! I really enjoyed listening to something different for a change. Willowbee, out.

(2016) Basement - Promise Everything

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This week we will be looking at Basement's new release, "Promise Everything". I think I have heard of this band before, but perhaps I am mistaken. Either way, it seems like the one to review this week. My first impression comes from the cover. The second is the fact that this album is only 28 minutes long. It seems interesting enough so let's just get on to it!

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Track 1 - Brother's Keeper

Well, it's not what I expected but in this case, that's a wonderful thing! It kinda has a Sunny Day Real Estate meets Blink 182 meets Weezer kinda vibe to it. I'm digging this song pretty hardcore so far. It sounds like my new favorite album to drive nowhere to! I can already tell i'm going to like, if not LOVE this band by the end of this album. I have already played this song 5 times. It has just the right amount of heaviness and just the right amount of chill. GREAT SONG!

4/5

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Track 2 - Hanging Around

This song is just as good as the first! How in the hell did I miss these guys? They sound like a 90's band and seeing how it is now 2016, it's great to hear something like this again! This is the type of song that makes you want to shake your head to the beat. I really can't believe how good this band is! This is already going to be a hands-down candidate for album of the year with me just 2 tracks in!

4/5

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Track 3 - Lose Your Grip

Usually when the first 3 songs of an album are good, that's a sure fire way to tell that it's going to be a great album. This song is catchy as fuck and after about 3 listens, you'll already be singing parts of it along with them. So far, this album has been absolutely GREAT! I have not heard a song I didn't LOVE yet. The music is absolutely phenomenal. I may have to rearrange my top 100 list soon. Very soon.

4/5

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Track 4 - Aquasun

I absolutely love the harmonics at the beginning of this song. This is already BY FAR the best album of 2016. Every song i've listened to has gotten 4 plays more or each and I RARELY do that with an album right off the bat. I still don't know how these guys slipped past me, but this is the kind of band you want to look up on Wikipedia to find out more about them. After doing so, I never would have guessed they were from England. It is also cool as fuck to see that every member has always been in the band.

4/5

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Track 5 - Submission

So it's official... this is my new favorite band, minus Twenty One-Pilots who have also made a huge impact on my listening recently. I really like how 90's these guys sound. That makes me incredibly happy! You can hear all of their influences extremely well and it really translates into something special. I feel like I should be able to turn MTV on and see their music video for this song on the tv. I hope these guys hit it big over here. I have a feeling they would resonate very well with people my age longing for another glimpse of their past. The only bad thing I can really say is that there is nothing bad to say at all. Which is pretty good.

4/5

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Track 6 - Oversized

So we have hit the half-way point and if anything, I like this band more with every listen. This album is way too short and makes me want to hear more! I love how every song sounds completely different, yet still the same. You'll get what I mean when you check it out. That's usually thanks to the guitarist, who is exceptionally well in this band! But don't get me wrong... every member of this band plays their part perfectly. Their drummer is pretty amazing too. This band is too good for words!

4/5

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Track 7 - Blinded Eye

In this song they go all Weezerish and really show a wide range of 90's influence. I am now convinced this is the best 90's band that never existed in the 90's. I have really enjoyed every track on this album so far and with only 3 tracks to go, i'd say at this point it's safe to say that everyone is going to be just as wonderful as the rest. I am literally blown away by this album. I did not expect this at all!

4/5

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Track 8 - For You The Moon

Sitting here listening to this album, I really never expected it to be as good as it is. Like I said to begin with, I think i've heard of them, but I wasn't sure. I am completely impressed with this album though. This song, is a little slower than the rest, but it's nevertheless just as good as the rest of this perfect album. The guitar solo in this song is reminescient of Incubus' "A Crow Left Of The Murder" album. I see this band broke up briefly only to reassemble to release this masterpiece. I have to listen to their older albums now, because this band is ridiculously amazing.

4/5

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Track 9 - Promise Everything

This song is by far my favorite one! I love the quiet subtlety of the singers voice and powerful raw energy he brings when he decides to scream the chorus. Whoever recorded this album for them did a wonderful job with the mixes. They are all FLAWLESS and wonderfully sound. Definitely my favorite album of 2016 so far.

5/5

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Track 10 - Halo

The last track on this album is titled, "Halo". It leaves a lingering overtone of suspense and mystery to this album. It leaves you wanting more. I would love to hear more tracks on this album and perhaps there are some b-sides hanging around somewhere. I will do my best to get those. This band has definitely stolen my attention.

4/5

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Overall - 41/50

Hands down, best album of January and possibly of 2016. I will be listening to this album for years to come. I came in not knowing what to expect and I leave having a new favorite album to add to my list. This ALBUM is AMAZING! Willowbee out.

Jack Willowbee's Top 100 Albums Of All Time (1-10)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Well, Ladies & Gentleman... this is it! We have reached the end of my top 100 favorite albums of all time list! But, don't think of this as the end... think of this as the beginning!!! Starting January 1st I will be doing weekly reviews every Friday on new albums! Most will be rock, but I will be open to listening and reviewing anything. We will have some surprises along the way and it will be fun to watch this blog grow as the year progresses! It will be interesting to see how many new faces I will know come this time next year. Well, without further review I present you with my top ten favorite albums of all time!!!

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#10 - Dredg - Leitmotif (1999)

This was Dredg's SPECTACULAR debut release! The songs on this album helped pave the way for what would become a very successful underground music career. Though they have enjoyed a degree of mainstream success, they never quite broke it big like many of the other bands from their era did. But that's fine with me. They have became one of my favorite bands over the years and this was the album that made it happen. Their instrumentation and Gavin's vocals make for beautiful, wonderful music that needs to be listened to, over and over and over and over again.



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#09 - Foo Fighters - Wasting Light (2011)

The Foo Fighters have become one of the best, most iconic bands of our era. When this album came out in 2011 it felt like 1997 all over again. It had the same iconic power as their, "The Colour And The Shape" album. It was the return of the great PAT SMEAR! For those of you who don't know who he was... look up Nirvana towards the end of their career. He was their "unoffical" 4th member. He would have found a permanent spot with them, had it not been for the untimely death of Kurt. This album was FANTASTIC from start till finish. It brought the raw energy back that they so desperately needed and in some sense, brought the Foos storming into a new decade. This album is simply put, a MASTERPIECE.



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#08 - Incubus - Make Yourself (1999)

In the spring of 2000, I had just moved and started school in a new city, with a bunch of new kids I had never met before. It was weird at first but it's something you get used to. Anyways, as the summer approached I got a job at a lazer tag place and it was AWESOME. I had heard, "Pardon Me" and wasn't extremely impressed, I was still pretty big into Limp Bizkit and Incubus never really caught on to me. Now, one day while playing lazer tag with my friends after hours, a guy I worked with, Adam, decided that I NEEDED to hear this album. We could play cds while we played lazer tag so we popped it in and began what would become one of the most important moments in my life. As we played, I listened and as the album got to track 4, "The Warmth" something inside of me clicked. I finally realized I wanted to be a musician. I wanted to write music and it was because of THIS album, that I pursued it. This is one of those albums that is life-changing. It should be listened to by every human being born on Earth.



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#07 - Third Eye Blind - Third Eye Blind (1997)

This album came at what I consider to be the end of my childhood. After this album came out I grew up pretty quick. My dad died the following year and that's life-changing for anyone. That may be the reason I liked this album so much, but nevertheless... it was AMAZING! 3EB was huge as soon as this album came out! With "Semi-Charmed Life" being the anthem of 1997, it was one of those songs that was and still is inescapable. If you've never listened to the album, do so. Most of the songs that received no air play, are the ones that were the best!



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#06 - Foo Fighters - The Colour And The Shape (1997)

With the Foo's coming off of the success of Dave Grohls recorded demo album of 1995, the follow up was nothing short of SPECTACULAR. "TCATS" has become one of their most iconic works and to many, including myself, considered to be their greatest achievement. This is one of those infectious albums that can get stuck in your head for weeks, with just one listen. The songs on this album have been used in countless mediums, in everything from football games, to tv shows and movies. This is easily one of the best rock albums ever written.




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#05 - Incubus - S.C.I.E.N.C.E. (1997)

Any true Incubus fan will tell you why this is their best album. This was the album that set them up for the mainstream success they've achieved nowadays. The musicianship and vocal ability of Brandon Boyd blended together magically to form one of the best musical works of the 1900's. The sad part about it, is how underrated this album is. Brandons quirky, well thought out lyrics, not only make you think deeply, they seduce and rape you. But in the most gentle, subtle way possible.



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#04 - Nirvana - Nevermind (1991)

In 1991, Nirvana made themselves a household name. MTV played, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" non-stop, as well as the radio. From the opening riffs of that song, we knew something big was about to happen. The sheer power of Daves drum intro to that song, crushed our puny minds. It was devastating and it forever changed the way we listen to rock music today. Countless people have tried to create a song that powerful and EVERYONE has failed. This wasn't simply a song, this was a song written by the gods themselves and handed to Nirvana to perform. IT was that powerful. Shit... it's STILL that powerful.



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#03 - Michael Jackson - Thriller (1982)

This album is LITERALLY the best selling album of ALL TIME. It just hit 30 times platinum in the US. That's 30,000,000 copies sold in the US alone. With those numbers in mind, that's roughly 1 in every 10 Americans owning a copy of it. This album is ICONIC. I mean, 7 out of the 9 songs on it became chart topping singles. That is UNHEARD of. The video for Thriller was like a mini movie. And EDDIE VAN FREAKING HALEN played the guitar on "Beat It". This album WAS the 80's. Pretty cool for an album that came out the same year I was born! Below, I leave you with the "Thriller" video in it's entirety!



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#02 - Pink Floyd - The Dark Side Of The Moon (1973)

"Dark Side Of The Moon" has become one of the most well known, most treasured albums of all time. Pink Floyd became instant LEGENDS and catapulted themselves into a household name. This album and it's lyrics are just as relevant now more than ever. If you have never heard it, you're probably under 13 and you should do so immediately. This album spent 741 weeks on the Billboard charts from 1973 to 1988. That is insane.



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#01 - The Offspring - Smash (1994)

"Ahhhhhh, it's time to relax and you know what that means." At this point it should come as no surprise that my favorite album ever came from 1994. "Smash" was something special. There was just something about it that made me get all ADHD every time I heard it. I wanted to throw things and mosh with the couch in our living room. I can remember being home alone and putting our stereo speakers up to our screen door and blaring "Bad Habit" as long as it would go so all of my neighbors who were outside could hear, "You stupid, dumbshit, god damn, mother fucker" as loud as stereoly possible. =0) If you were one of said neighbors, i'm not sorry. That album ROCKED and 21 years later it's still MY FAVORITE ALBUM EVER.


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Thanks for reading and keeping up every week as I shared with you my favorite albums of all time. Now the reviews will begin! Get ready for some shitty and awesome music being fed to you! Who knows, maybe some new favorites will emerge from this blog. Expect new things such as a layout and links to where you can find these great and shitty albums for cheap! Thanks for reading and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Now you can go spend some time with the relatives you HATE!!! Or just click share and share this page with everyone you know!!! Till next year, i'm Jack Willowbee and this has been AWESOME! Remember to check back every FRIDAY in 2016 for a new review!

Jack Willowbee's Top 100 Albums Of All Time (11-20)

ALL RIGHT! 20 to go! This is where you really get to know me and what albums I truly love! These were the easiest 20 albums to come to a conclusion on, because I have listened to the songs on these albums, hundreds upon thousands of times. That is no exageration. I LOVE MUSIC. I breathe it. I AM MUSIC. Well, friends... here is numbers 11-20. Get ready!

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#20 - HoobUstank - They Sure Don't Make Basketball Shorts Like They Used To (1998)

FORGET everything you think you know about Hoobastank. This is HoobUstank. Same band, but before they became the megastars they are today. They used to have a saxophonist & a good bass player. This album is WAY different than anything they followed it up with. Because this was an independently released album, most people never even had a chance to hear it. Once again, my good friend Nate introduced me to these guys in 2000. This was a year before their huge self-titled album came out and went platinum. It was HUGELY inspired by Mr. Bungle, Faith No More & Incubus. Unfortunately, they transitioned out of this style, lost the saxophonist, Jeremy Wasser and became more "commercially" acceptable. This album will always be one of my favorites and you should check it out all the way through at least once. If you've ever heard one of their songs, you definitely owe it to yourself!



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#19 - Fingersmith - The Annexe (2009)

NONE of you have ever heard of this band... and that's a FUCKING shame. This may just be the best unheard of album of ALL TIME. I mean... this album is better than 99% of the albums i've ever heard. It is that good. Oh, and they're from Ireland. Cork to be exact. So let me tell you how I heard about them. You deserve a story on this one!

Back around 2007 or so I was on a musician website called "Garageband". No not the apple program either. It was a site where musicians could earn credits to have their music reviewed by reviewing other artists or by paying a small fee for the credits. Well, anyways... one of the bands I reviewed was these guys. I got a song called "Sub" and back then they were called "Silo". I WAS BLOWN AWAY! I found the Fingersmith version and you can hear it below.



So after hearing this song, I was an INSTANT fan. I needed more! It was extremely hard to find, but I managed to find a demo with 4 songs on it. Soon after I lost it and forgot about them for a couple of years. One day I had the urge to look them up again and what do ya know! They changed their name to "Fingersmith" and had just released "The Annexe"! I was thrilled when I managed to get a copy of it. It was LITTERALLY one of the best albums I have ever heard. Earlier this year I got in contact with the singer and he told me they had broken up. What a shame. But out of our conversation, he did lead me to a site where I could find some unreleased songs I had never heard! Wwll, now you can hear them too! LISTEN TO ALL OF THEM!!!!!!!! You can thank me later!



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#18 - Foo Fighters - Foo Fighters (1995)

This was probably the best album put out in 1995. A lot of people instantly wrote this off when it came out because it was recorded by Nirvana's former drummer, "Dave Grohl". It's kind of funny 20 years later to see how famous they have gotten over the years. The best thing about this album is the fact that Dave wrote, recorded & produced everything by HIMSELF! In a sense, this is the best solo rock cd to ever be recorded! We lost a great musician when Kurt died, but we gained an even better one in Dave Grohl. Think about it. Erase all of Dave's accomplishments since Nirvana & bring Kurt back from the dead and replace Nirvana for all of those years instead. Rock music would have been completely different. This album started it all for the Foos!



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#17 - Tool - Aenima (1996)

This is Tool's "Magnum Opus". Nothing they have ever written or will write in the coming years will ever compare to this. There was a dark kinda magic to this cd that made you just wanna mosh in your living room. When it came out, I wasn't a fan. Not even remotely. Around 8th grade in 98, when me and my friends started drinking, my friend Dustin would put it on when his mom was working nights and we would get drunk and mosh around his living room listening to this. Haha. SEE!!! I never listened to the lyrics until I was in my early 20's but this album was dark! You probably have already heard it... if not, look below!



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#16 - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik (1991)

When this album came out in 1991 I was 8 years old. I remember my brother loving this album and like so many of his albums, I took it and listened to it as well. BLOWN AWAY. The funk that came out of my Sony Walkman penetrated my ears and made me love the Peppers even to this day. Those guys are like the "Rolling Stones" of my generation. They've been through some serious shit, but still continue on as a BAND. It's cool to still hear new stuff from these guys every couple of years and everytime, it still sounds as fresh as ever. However, this album is where most of my favorites reside.




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#15 - Pink Floyd - The Wall (1977)

This album was destined to become an instant classic. Quite possibly the greatest double disc album ever written, this album is SUPERB! It's a shame that Roger Waters is such a dick and runs this album into the ground. I don't feel I need to explain why I love this album. You probably do to and this is widely considered one of the greatest rock albums in the history of rock music. I would link to it, but Roger Waters is a douchebag and has the videos on Youtube blocked. Go buy the album instead. WELL worth it!


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#14 - Metallica - The Black Album (1991)

In 1991, Metallica was on top of the world! They were the biggest band in rock and you couldn't listen to the radio without hearing one of these songs on. My brother bought it when it came out but for once, that wasn't where I heard it for the first time. In the second grade our music teacher, Mrs. Wade, had a music hall pass she gave out for good behavior, for you and a friend to go out in the hall and listen to the music of your choice on her cassette player. Well, a kid named "David Beckman" invited me to come listen to Metallica with him. My life was forever changed. =0)



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#13 - System Of A Down - Toxicity (2001)

The first album of theirs was weird. This one was weird too but HOLY SHIT! This is the ultimate head-banging album! This album solidified them as being one of the best, most exciting rock bands of their era. This album made me scream meaningless lyrics for no apparent reason, other than screaming them. HAha. Every song on this album is amazing and holds special meaning to me. I now even judge how good a drummer is by the measure of how well he can play "Toxicity" on the drums and if he can't... well... can he even be considered a drummer?



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#12 - The Mars Volta - De-Loused In The Comatorium (2003)

This was an album that made me super excited! As a fan of "At The Drive-In" I didn't know what to expect. This album beats the shit out of you from the intro to the closing notes. IT was not only an adventure, it was an inspiration to countless musicians to come. This album defined 2003 and brought hope back to music enthusiasts everywhere! If you have not heard it, you need to. If you do not own it, you need to. If you dislike it, well... I don't want you reading this blog anymore! Hahaa.



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#11 - Faith No More - King For A Day, Fool For A Lifetime (1995)

This album should have and would had been released in 1994, if it weren't for the death of Kurt Cobain. With close ties to Nirvana, Faith No More were dealing with the loss of a close friend and prolonged the release of this album a year. This is my favorite FNM album and easily one of the most underrated. Funny, it was only this year I sat down and listened to it and already it's number 11 on my list. I shame myself for not listening sooner, but who knows... maybe younger me wouldn't have appreciated it as much. Nonetheless, this album is PURE GOLD. This album is pretty much responsible for anything that came out of the "Nu-Metal" scene and none of those bands are afraid to admit it. FNM was years ahead of their time, it's just a shame this album didn't get more play.


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Well. 10 left. Hard to believe it! The next 10 are going to be EXTREMELY fun to write about. Any guesses? This is the point where you can click follow and start commenting by the way!!! See ya next Friday!

Jack Willowbee's Top 100 Albums Of All Time (21-30)

It's hard to believe that we've already gotten to my top 30 favorite albums! These final 30 albums are the ones i've listened to hundreds of times each. These albums have all inspired me in one way or another and helped shape me into the person I am today. Without these albums, the world to me, would be a much, much, darker place. OH! And, instead of having a "Suggested Listening" section, from here on out, I will just be embedding a link to the whole album so you can check it out. All of these final albums are definitely worth a full listen. (If you notice any dead links, let me know so I can repair them!) Let's get to them!

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#30 - HORSE The Band - R. Borlax (2003)

When this cd came out, I was dumbfounded. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I LOVE NES music... I can literally sit down and listen to NES soundtracks like albums and here comes this band making their album sound like a NES soundtrack with screaming. I wasn't huge on the screaming at first, but I absolutely LOVED the NES sounding synth in the background. I'll admit, the screaming has grown on me over the years and to this day, I still love this album. With so many great moments on it, you seriously should listen to the whole thing.



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#29 - Faith No More - Album Of The Year (1997)

It should come as no surprise to see another album involving Mike Patton on my list. He is literally one of my top 5 favorite musicians of all time. His influence can be felt everywhere in modern rock music. This was Faith No More's last album until this years "Sol Invictous". I'll be honest, I really just started listening to Faith No More hardcore this year, but they quickly grew on me and now I am a superfan. I like them so much, that this album quickly landed at number 30 on my list. I LOVE the song "Ashes To Ashes" and definitely see the comparisons that Incubus has drawn from them.



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#28 - Fuel - Sunburn (1998)

1998 was a weird year for me. My father passed away and much of it left me in a blur. I was 14/15 and didn't pay too much attention to rock music. I was going through a rap/r&b phase and was slowly coming out of it. I got a job the following year at Media Play and they had a wonderful new thing called "cd singles". They were cheap and usually had a music video that was playable on your pc. I picked up one of there's with the song "Shimmer". I had never even heard of them at that point but something told me to get it. I was not sorry. It ended up leading me to one of my favorite 90's bands and one that led me out of my rap phase.



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#27 - Dredg - El Cielo (2002)

This album always makes me think. It has a great power to it. I love to just take a drive through the country in the middle of the night by myself and listen to this album. It is a beautifully written and well thought out album. It sucks that these guys never got as big as they should've, but i'm happy that I caught wind of them. I first heard the song "Of The Room" and then saw something about them on the Incubus Online boards back in the day. After I listened to a couple of their albums, they became one of my favorite bands pretty quick and to this day, still are. "El Cielo" is the kind of album that will take you away from everything and that's definitely a good thing.



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#26 - Asleep - All These Things We'll Never Need (2006)

Around 2006 my friends band, "Soma" did a reunion show at a place in Columbus. This band was the opening act. I was outside smoking cigarettes and drinking a beer when all of the sudden, I heard them. I dashed inside to catch them playing their song "Rearrange The Red". HOW IN THE FUCK ARE THESE GUYS A LOCAL BAND? I thought to myself... I was floored, everyone was. They had this swagger to their live show that made everyone else disappear and you became mesmerized by their music. This was their debut album and if you can find it, it's one you should NOT miss. Asleep to this day, have still never received the recognition they deserved, but perhaps, someday people will realize the error of their ways. I couldn't find a link to the whole album, but here's one of their videos for one of the best songs on the album!




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#25 - Rise Against - End Game (2011)

When "End Game" came out, it struck a chord in me. It connected on so many levels with what I was going though at the time and just made complete sense about the state the world was in. I believe this to be their most ambitious work to date and there was not a dull moment out of the 13 songs on the album. The music video for "Make It Stop (September’s Children)" may be one of the most heart-wrenching i've ever seen. This album makes me want to scream along everytime. I thank you for this album, Rise Against.



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#24 - At The Drive-In - Relationship Of Command (2000)

At The Drive-In was one of the best unheard of bands to come out in the late 90's. After recording this album they broke up and the members went on to form Sparta & The Mars Volta. This was where those bands came from though. There was something special about this album and you could hear in the music, what was about to become of both bands that came from their demise. This album was a very important keynote in the formation of what would become known as the Post-Hardcore/Punk music movement.



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#23 - The Offspring - Americana (1998)

The Offspring are one of those bands that strike GOLD every other album or so. Coming off the disappointment that was "Ixnay On The Hombre", they came back with this offering. "Pretty Fly For A White Guy" was like, the anthem to my freshman year of high school and "The Kids Aren't Alright" is still one of my favorite songs of theirs to date. The Offspring will always be one of those bands that take me back and this album does it every single time!



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#22 - Vent/Audiovent - Papa's Dojo (1999) & Dirty, Sexy Knights In Paris (2002)

These albums are kind of one in the same. One, "Papa's Dojo" was released while they still went by "Vent" and the other, "Dirty Sexy Knights In Paris" was released under their new name, "Audiovent". This was another band that I was introduced through my friend Nate, the HoobUstank guy. I heard about "Vent" in 2000 around the same time I was getting into Incubus. I had NO clue these guys were related, let alone brothers of Mike & Brandon! It's a shame they didn't last. If they had, I think they may have surpassed Incubus in terms of musical quality. I am SUPER HAPPY we got these albums though! Papa's Dojo is extremely hard to find, so do some research if you like the album below! YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!!!!!



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#21 - Weezer - The Blue Album (1994)

Let's just go ahead and say it. 1994 was the best year of all time for music! SO MANY GREAT ALBUMS CAME OUT!!! It really was ridiculous. I wish another year like that would come along but I fear it may not happen for a long, long time. A year like that comes along once in a lifetime and 1994 was that year for me. Everything just seemed perfect in 1994. It was a great year to be alive and I feel bad for all of you who were either to young or not alive yet, to experience it first hand and to those of you who were alive, wasn't it GREAT???


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We're getting super close to the end! Any ideas on my top 20? I'd love to know who all has been reading along and what some of your favorite albums were too! Well, it's late and Fridays are long so I must be off! Happy reading and have a wonderful FRIDAY!!!

Jack Willowbee's Top 100 Albums Of All Time (31-40)

Well, with only 40 more albums left, now you will begin to see my absolute favorite albums ever! These are the ones I have listened to 100's of times... literally. I know the words to just about every song on every one of these albums from here on out. On a side note... today I heard that one of my favorite vocalists of all time, Mr. Scott Weiland, has passed away. It is a shame, but I can't say that I am shocked. R.I.P. Scott... for the life you lead, you need it.

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#40 - Incubus - A Crow Left Of The Murder (2004)

Incubus has been my favorite band since 2000, when the album "Make Yourself" came out. For the true fans out there you know that this was the first album with new bassist, "Ben Kenney" of "The Roots". This album came with the departure of one of the founding members of Incubus, "Dirk Lance". You can definitely hear the difference if you listen closely. To me, this was Incubus' last GREAT album. After that, they became just another shit band with a handful of good songs on each album. I feel that when Dirk left the band, Incubus lost their edge and became more or less, "hipster". It saddened me to see my favorite band, stray away from what made them my favorite band in the first place. Oh well, maybe he'll be back one day and they will actually put out a decent heavier album again. Till then, i'll still take a handful of songs. This album as a whole is pretty good, there are a couple of songs that previewed the shit that was to come, but there are some real gems on this album as well. Overall, I give it a 7/10.

SUGGESTED LISTENING (#6 - Sick Sad Little World)

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#39 - Bush - 16 Stone (1994)

Hmmmm... Another album from 1994. I really have to count out how many albums from 94 are on my list. I'm guessing at least 12 or more. Bushs' debut album was HUGE. Closing out the year being released at the beginning of December, they were instantly catapulted into fame. This album was loaded with hits! I will never forget the first time I heard "Machine Head" on the radio. There was just something about the intro to that song that captivated me. To be a kid in the 90's was GREAT, you really had to be there. Looking back, I wish I would have been even more receptive like I am now, cause i'm still finding albums I managed to miss. I did not however, miss this one!

SUGGESTED LISTENING (#7 - Machine Head)

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#38 - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californiacation (1999)

This was one of those albums that showed you just how good the "Chili Peppers" were. Here we were, 16 years into their career and they showed absolutely no signs of slowing down. This band is my era's "Rolling Stones". I have a good feeling, they'll still be touring another 16 years from now. 1999 was a great year. We were on the cusp of a new millennium and no one knew quite what to expect. It was albums like this that showed us where the future of rock music was going and the future looked bright. Despite all that's happened in the 16 years since it's release, I still have faith in rock music. You just have to know where to look.

SUGGESTED LISTENING (#2 - Parallel Universe)

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#37 - The Police - Synchronicity (1983)

You could not escape this band in the 80's. One of, if not perhaps the best band of the era, this was their last album before breaking up as a band. To go out while you're on top and walk away from such a successful band, baffles me. But I guess it was better that way than running into the "Incubus Effect". "Synchronicity" is one of those albums that EVERYONE has heard at least one song from. It was that powerful. They used it in movies, it still gets played on the radio non stop & you can hear it just about anywhere you go to shop. It had HUGE success and to this day, is still my favorite "Police" album.

SUGGESTED LISTENING - (#6 - Synchronicity II)

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#36 - Mr. Bungle - Mr. Bungle (1991)