TOP TEN PART 2: THE RECKONING

Ok, so here's the long-awaited-by-no-one conclusion to my top ten albums list. It would've gone up yesterday, but I was busy with... um... important stuff.
Ok, not really, but Max Bemis's side project, Two Tongues, released their first album on Tuesday and I didn't get it til yesterday, so I needed some time for that. I'll probably post a full review at some point, but here's a sneak peek: meh.
So, without further ado, let's finish this.


5.) Cursive- Happy Hollow
Why It's On The List- Because I was an angsty youth. This disc, a heavy concept album that's comprised of 13 "hymns" about the the titular town, is a stark, unsentimental view of suburban life. It's world is one of shattered dreams, broken hearts, and identity crises. In one song, a priest struggles with his sexual identity. In another, supermarket cashier Dorothy refects on the dreams she's been forced to leave behind. The music is fantastic, too. Blaring horns mix with electronic squeals to create a genuinely foreboding atmosphere.
Why It Isn't Higher- While it's some fantastic music, it can be a little too depressing for multiple listens.
Stand-Out Tracks- Big Bang, Bad Science

4.) Jonathon Coulton- Thing-a-Week
Why It's On The List- Because I am a huge geek. Jonathon Coulton is pretty famous in nerd circles, but completely unheard of elsewhere. He does fun, melodic nerd-folk-rock, as well as some cool remixes. Thing-a-Week is by far his most ambitious project. Before Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails were putting up albums as free downloads, Jonathon was putting up a brand new free song on his website every week for and entire year. This totalled out to 52 songs total, ranging from a Beatles vs. Boston mashup, to a story of the world's most ambitious curler, to a beautiful, acoustic rendition of Baby Got Back. There's even a few straight forward serious songs as well, which further reinforce my opinion that he's one of the greatest songwriters around today.
Why It Isn't Higher- It can be difficult to tell his serious songs from his comedic songs, which can be grating at times.
Stand-Out Tracks- Tom Cruise Crazy, Madelaine

3.) Billy Joel- 52nd Street
Why It's On This List- Because everybody loves a cocky loser. Chuck Klosterman pointed out that at no point in his carreer has Billy Joel been considered "cool," and that's where his main appeal comes in. I agree whole-heartedly, and Billy is at his un-hippest on this album. He's ugly, he's a bad dresser, and, if one were to go by his songs, it seems he's consistently had his heart broken by every female he's ever known. He fails miserably at his few attempts to be cool. And yet, the sweepingly upbeat music turns lyrics about heartbreak and angst into fun, carefree pop songs. It's absolutely fantastic. Also, the intro to Stiletto is the funkiest thing ever composed by a white man.
Why It Isn't Higher: As much as I love Billy, we're in the big leagues now, and he just got forced down to the third spot.
Stand-Out Tracks- Big Shot, Zanzibar

2.) The Early November- The Mother, The Mechanic, And The Path
Why It's On This List- Because it takes serious balls to pull off a triple album. This is three discs of awesome emo-rock. The first disc is a bit softer, the second is a bit harder, and the third is a freaking masterpiece. It's a seperate concept album that draws on a few songs from the first two discs, new songs coming from varying influences, and spoken word interludes, to tell the story of Dean, a troubled teenager telling his life story to his psychiatrist. It's incredibly poignant, evoking much more emotion and pathos than other such albums. This is how you do a concept album right.
Why It Isn't Higher- Because nothing I've heard has been capable of de-throning my number one.
Stand-Out Tracks- Decoration, Hair

1.) Say Anything- ...is a Real Boy
Why It's On The List- Because they are the greatest punk band ever. They transcend the genre of "punk," and end up as something so much more. Max Bemis's songwriting is heavy on the growl and heavy on the emotion, and one never suffers because of the other, which is quite a feat to pull off. Bemis perfectly captures the angst, confusion, and above all hope that comes with growing up and trying to create your own identity; Although the album may at times seem a touch depressing, it is above all optimistic. There's a song on here for every emotion, from love to joy to rage and everything in between. I never grow tired of this album, despite frequent play.
Why It Isn't Higher: Believe me, if it were mathematically possible, it would be.
Standout Tracks- I Want To Know Your Plans, Admit It!!!