Music Tuesdays - My Top 5 Favorite Christmas Songs

Christmas is coming and the music that goes with it is all over the airwaves. I've taken some time to mention some of my favorite holiday songs from the bands I like. All the classics can easily make this list, but here are some tunes that I actually have in my music collection and you don't hear on the radio(except Lennon). Enjoy countless repeats of the Christmas Story on TBS!

Notable Mention

The Entire Home Alone Soundtrack...some great xmas songs on there



5. Saosin - Mookie's Last Christmas



4. The Almost - Awful Direction



3. John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War is Over)



2. Valencia - Pennsylvania Holiday



1. The Used - Alone this Holiday

My Top 10 Albums of 2009

This year was a pretty big year for music in my opinion. Michael Jackson's death takes the big news, but how bout the reincarnation of Blink 182, we've yet to hear new tunes but least they are back touring together.  Or the emergence of the weird yet captivating she/male that is Lady Gaga, her tunes are bound to get the dance floor going.  We never got the new Dr. Dre album, but the highly anticipated new Eminem album came out and lived up to the hype.  I've also enjoyed Kings of Leon who have had a huge breakout year and will hopefully be here to stay.

There were some band breakups in my opinion that are disastrous to my future music collection, but everyday great new artists are emerging just waiting to be heard.

Now of course these selections are totally biased but at the same time they truly are great albums, click the itunes link if you have the desire to preview or purchase the albums.

My Top 10 Albums of 2009

10. Silverstein - A Shipwreck in the Sand

The heaviest hitting album to make the list.  This band has quickly become one of my favorites over the years.   This first song comes out firing and remains that way through the rest of the album.  The reason I keep up with this band is their signature heavy metal riffs coupled with melodic rich and sometimes poppy vocals.  This album is not a new sound for the band, rather a more polished and refined sound that they've had on their previous works.  This Canadian band will always have a place in my music collection and I look forward to their upcoming works.

9. AFI - Crash Love

AFI's new release makes it to number 9 on this list. This album met my expectations but did not exceed them. With such great previous achievements on earlier records, I can imagine trying to top previous albums is getting tougher and tougher for AFI, but this most recent attempt was a damn good one.  This album is very solid and the band built on their best elements from their past albums, including their heavy punk sound, fist pumping anthem sing a longs, and sweet mellow slow songs.  AFI is on top of their genre and after 18 years of existence it is great to see this band still putting out massively successful albums. On top of that, AFI, in my opinion, puts on the best live punk rock show.

8. Eminem - Relapse

It took 5 years to come out but 2009 marked the year of Eminem's return to the music industry. The hugely successful white rapper is one of the few rap artists I have in my music collection.  A fan since early school years, I view eminem as a very talented musician.  His portfolio backs it up as he was recently named this decades most successful artist.  He also had the largest album sales in 2009. Mr. Mathers, from what it seems has had a tough early life and even though he may be living the celebrity drug fueled life now, his musical rap/flow talent is second to none.

7. Wolfmother - Cosmic Egg

It may be that they are an Aussie band but when I first heard Wolfmother's "Cosmic Egg" I knew it was something special.  Having not really got into the band on their first release, I gave them a second chance on their second effort and I was hooked after the first song.  This album is very consistent and enjoyed every song. Very well could have been one of the top 3 albums on this list had not so many great reggae albums came out this year

6. SOJA - Born in Babylon

S.O.J.A.(Soldier of Jah Army) - Born in Babylon.  This reggae rock album was one of the best of the year from this Washington DC based group.  Born in Babylon is a great piece of artwork. The album features some heavy roots, pop reggae and great instrumentals, a great album to say the least.

5. Pearl Jam - Backspacer

Backspacer is the 9th studio album from the legendary rock/alternative group Pearl Jam. This album opens surprisingly a bit heavy and fast paced. Their previous self titled record released in 2006 just seemed to be lacking certain things.  Backspacer is a phenomenal recovery and brings back some older Pearl Jam style as well as their new more mature/not as grungy sound. Lead singer Eddie Vedder's heart on fire vocals are always the main attraction on their records and good old Ed is still belting out great sounding vocals and powerful lyrics. I must admit it took awhile for the album to grow on me but when it did I knew I had another great album from one of the greatest bands in this generation.

4. Tribal Seeds - The Harvest

The Harvest, Tribal Seeds sophomore effort, one ups their previous 2008 self titled iTunes reggae chart topping release.  The Harvest is an impressive and vibrant album.  It shows how versatile this band is. It covers roots reggae, dub, to the harmonious island vibe sound while still encompassing the bands California reggae roots. A must listen for any reggae fan.

3. Bob Marley & The Wailers - B is For Bob

B Is For Bob was compiled by the international musical legend's eldest son Ziggy Marley. It included many of Bob's most famous songs such as "Three Little Birds", "Jammin", "Redemption Song" , "Stir it Up" All but 4 of the reggae greats songs on the album have been remixed by Ziggy, and have been done so greatly without altering too much with the legends reggae classics.

2. The Used - Artwork

My favorite band of the decade as most of you know. The Used have continued to captivate me on their recent release "Artwork". Something about this band that just clicks for me.  This album is not their best album to date but in my opinion is their most musically talented they have produced. They have combined their old sound and mixed it with their new and the outcome is pleasing.  This is from a Billboard.com review of the album "The Used make some adjustments in their sound and end up with an album that will require a few listens to really sink in."   I couldn't agree anymore with this statement. A few listens is exactly what it took, after that it was constant repeat of finishing the album and playing it all over again. 

1. Stick Figure - Smoke Stack

Stick Figure is the music of the man, the legend, Scott Woodruff. Scott writes, plays, produces all the music for his albums, he is the one man band. His first release "Burning Ocean" was Top Ten Reggae Albums of 2008 on Itunes. If you remember, Burning Ocean came in at my #2 album of 2008. This year Stick Figure has topped my chart with his best album yet. "Smoke Stack" has already topped the reggae charts for 2009 and his fan base is rapidly growing and expanding all over the world. He has grown as a musician and this album shows it. Stick Figure is sure to keep any reggae listeners vibes alive. Listen and pick up the album today.

Honorable Mentions

311 - Uplifter

Thrice - Beggars

Rebelution -  Bright Side of Life

Silversun Pickups - Swoon

My Most Dissapointing Albums of the Year

Saosin - In Search of Solid Ground,   a toss up from an honorable mention and a disappointing album. Well Ill list it as disappointing because I was disappointed after listening to "In Search of Solid Ground"  It is a great album and there are some of Saosins best songs on there, but the fact that I know they were capable of producing a much better album is why I was disappointed. It was a much more mellow, almost overproduced sound.  Saosin is still one of my favorite bands today but this album could have been so much more in my opinion.

Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown , a once great punk band, is now a theatrical performance and have lost touch with what got them big in the first place.


Until next year, enjoy the music and keep the beat goin

The 30 Albums That Have Defined My Music Tastes

Anyone that really knows me knows that I have a deep and fond love for music. There are times where there is nothing I'de rather do than sit down and listen to music. Some claim that music saves lives, and as I view that a bit extreme, I can see why they would conclude that. In the toughest of times, music is always one thing that I have found that helps me get by. No matter how bad of a mood I am in, music can always bring happiness to me. It provides a certain feeling inside that I cannot explain. With that, I am constantly on the hunt for new music and expand my music collection daily, with music of the new age and old. I have a crap load of music, more than you can imagine. Music has definitely evolved over the years and new bands are emerging every day. Even though I don't know how to play an instrument or even pass for a decent "in the shower" singer, I still classify music as one of my hobbies. I would say 80% of my time on my computer goes into Music, whether finding new bands, reading up on current artist news, or organizing my music library. It is something I enjoy doing and will continue to enjoy the rest of my life.

So, what has gotten me here? Well, music tastes have to start somewhere right? I have compiled a list of albums that are not only some of the first albums I have ever purchased, but albums that will always have a spot on my Top Played Playlist. Most of these albums are albums I have listened all the way through and have not been disappointed with a single track. These albums have defined my music library, as far as the genres and era of music they entail. Clearly, a list of 30 are just a few of the talented musical albums out there, but these are the ones that jump out at me the most in the first 22 years of my life. I have tried to list them in the order that I started listening to them so you can see the evolution of my music tastes. The wonderful thing about my own personal blog is that I write what I want, so with that said, if you disagree with an album, or absolutely hate the band/album, good for you, I am pretty sure I dislike some of your music tastes. My music tastes are defined to me, and as I view them as the best music tastes out there, I realize other people may not think so. So feel free to give me some suggestions as I am always open to hearing new music.

Various Artists - Now That's What I Call Music (Volume 6)

- This was one of the first albums I ever bought, if not my first. As I never transferred this CD into my iTunes, it represents the so called "Pop" Hits that I have. I get into some if their catchy enough..These represent a very small portion of my library..ie B. Spears, Timberlake, Lindsay Lohan

Will Smith - Big Willie Style

-Another one of my first albums...and a great one it is. Had this in my portable cd player(remember those??) for quite some time..gotta love that fresh prince. Represents my young "just gettin into the music scene" tastes.

Kid Rock - Devil Without a Cause

-same goes for this one..was rockin this during the same time as Big Willie..I remember the cd art was a picture of a middle finger...man was I an American Badass.

Dave Matthews Band - Crash
- Not much to say here..maybe high school? DMB was the first concert I ever went too, damn did they jam. Seemed to be the band to like at the time, and have since been one of my favorite bands. Introduces guitar jams, smooth/easy rock flavor into my music tastes

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds - Live at Luther College
- Not much to say here, except for probably my favorite live album of all time. Dave and Tim just rip the entire time...Introduced my liking for Live Music Albums

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication

- As I was growing out of my young innocent rap/popular music stage, I was given a taste of RHCP..fell in love at first listen, one of my favorite albums to date...Represents an introduction to rock into the music tastes.

Eminem - The Eminem Show
- Eminem - The Great White Rapper and my favorite rapper. My rap does not go far behind this man..him and dre are as about as much as I can handle. His music has always interested me and hes got mad beats and flows. If you ever hear my mention/play rap..chances are it will be slim shady.

Dr. Dre - 2001
- Basically the only other rap i have in my music collection..you can't forget about Dre.

Blink 182 - Enema of the State

- This is where my music really started to expand...and I won't place it particularly on this album, but it sure helped. Blink was one of my first punk bands..which led me into my huge punk rock, screamo obsession.

Green Day - Dookie
- top 5 album here, the heroes of punk rock..although their new stuff is not as great as their early days, one of the best bands of the century

Stroke 9 - Nasty Little Thoughts
- If there is an album on this list you've never heard of, this would most likely be the one. A band from San Francisco that has potential to grow big but for some reason never really got it. I'de put this in my top 15 albums for sure. catchy lyrics and great consistency in all their albums.

Story of the Year - Page Avenue

- Top 5 album for sure..it is tough to imagine where my music tastes would be if I never came across this band. Found them one day whole browsing www.purevolume.com Feels almost like yesterday. The heavy guitar riffs coupled with frequent screams made me feel great inside, a sense of relief and letting out some aggression...this album started my punk/scream/warped tour music love. By far the hardest hitting album I had in my music collection at the time

Pearl Jam - Rearviewmirror
- Grunge rock at its finest. Eddie Vedder is a extremely talented musician. Was introduced to Pearl Jam through my brother, as they had been in the scene for about 10 years before i started getting into rock. Went through a heavy Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana phase...and it was phenomenal..this band continues to amaze me.

The Used - Self Titled

- Not much to say here except my favorite band, and most likely my favorite album. Went through one of those obsession stages with these guys and am still in it a bit..The Used for some reason is the band that I turn to whenever i need a good music listen..music is life, well most of it.

Rise Against - Siren Song of the Counter Culture

- Rise Against..one of the most political bands in my collection..Not the main reason I enjoy them, but I like what they are doin..One of the harder hitting more intense bands I have..they put on a great live show and helped pave way into more music genres.

Underoath - They're Only Chasing Safety

-Hardest, heaviest screaming band in all my music, and they're a Christian band! As heavy as I go. these guys are special though, their deep and high pitches screams matched with intese guitar and drum beats keep my adrenaline running for hours.

Sublime - Gold Album

- Sublime is responsible for the major reggae transition my music took over the past years. As they aren't really classified reggae, their surf music/reggaerock feel got me interested in the genre.

Pepper - Kona Town

- with sublime came Pepper, the great reggae rock band from Hawaii. paved way to bands like Slightly Stoopid and Expendables.

My American Heart - The Meaning in Makeup

-Top 10 album, sort of pop rock with extremely catchy lyrics

Incubus - Morning View

- Incubus, vibrant vocals and very consistent..Looking forward to seeing them live for the first time in two days at SF outside lands

New Found Glory - Catalyst

- Top 10 album, a great mix of pop, punk and rock. Had this cd in my car cd player for almost all of junior year of high school

AFI - Sing the Sorrow

- AFI - A Fire Inside ...what a band..probably the best live band I have seen. About as dark goth/emo/scream music as i go, and man is it good.

Cartel - Chroma

- Poppy and catchy tunes, early college days. not very good live but solid in studio

The Grateful Dead - American Beauty

- The Grateful Dead, the best psychedelic jam band the music has seen over teh last century. Always heard them from my brothers who got into them at an early age..It wasn't till my college days till I realized how special this band was. I thoroughly enjoy the history, the dead heads, and all that encompasses this band. I know they were before my time but I sure am a fan of their music.

Neil Young - Greatest Hits

-Another "Before my Time" artists who I have recently gotten into over the past few years..gotta love Neil, a legendary musician.

Pseudopod - Self Titled
- go find this album and buy it..you'll know why its on this list. iTunes link here

CCR - Chronicle

- CCR, pretty much the band I always depend on for long road trips..Fogerty is the man.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits

- Petty concludes the list of these classic/old jam bands like the previous that I have recently gotten into. I always knew Petty and always knew is hit songs..It really wasn't until last year when I saw him perform live, that i truly began to appreciate his music..His hit songs are great, but even his others are worthy.

Bob Marley and The Wailers - Exodus

- Bob Marley, no intro needed. You may ask why wasn't he earlier on the list..well the truth is, he wasn't always a part of my music collection. The reason is that, well I never really gave him a chance, but once my liking to reggae came about, it was the first time I listened to the legends album throughout, man was I blowin a way. You have no soul if you listen to his music and can't help but smile and feel good. because of Bob, my roots reggae music has expanded..opening doors to artists like Peter Tosh, Black Uhuru, Don Carlos, Steel Pulse, etc.

Rebelution - Courage to Grow

- Rebelution - Courage to Grow concludes the list. Came upon this band about a year and a half ago before they blew up in the scene. Although their recent new album didnt meet my expectations, looking foward to the future of this band. Responsible for the cali reggae music in my library...Reggae rock scene has been on the rise among kids and is booming. At the moment, all about reggae/rock/dub/acoustic/surf/roots music genre thanks to the help of many great new upcoming bands

Well there you have it..not a day goes by without me listening to music.

Here are some albums that were close to making the list: The Offspring - Americana, Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American, Valencia - This Could Be A Possibility, and lastly Yonder Mountain String Band-Elevation, which represents my first bluegrass album and set me up for bands like Hot Buttered Rum, Keller Williams, and Greensky Bluegrass