Ep. 40 – First albums of the New Year – Jan 10th, 2009

A couple days ago i went back to record time.  I decided i didn’t really like the Trenches album i had picked up so i sold it back to them at a loss.  I told the guy that i had bought it brand new from them and litteraly played it once.  He was cool about, i lost money, but he gave me 5$ for it which is better than they usually give ya.  So armed with those $5 and a little bit more cash i browsed and found a couple worthwhile albums.

“mmhmm” – Relient K

I’ve been looking for this one for awhile.  I got into this album sophomore year of high school.  It really reminds me of a girl i used to date.  They were her favorite band and i got her the album for her birthday, then i burned a copy of it off of her.  I really ended up liking it, it was a little more mature sounding than Relient K’s previous releases, and after giving it a couple spins it really grew on me.  The album has alot of catchy songs that get stuck in your head — lot of great songs to sing along to.  It’s a must-have for any one who really likes christian pop-punk!

Genre: Pop-Punk

Christian or Secular?: Christian

Track-listing:

1. The One I’m Waiting For
2. Be My Escape
3. High of 75
4. I So Hate Consequences
5. The Only Thing Worse Than Beating a Dead Horse Is Betting on One
6. My Girl’s Ex-Boyfriend
7. More Than Useless
8. Which to Bury, Us or the Hatchet
9. Let It All Out
10. Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been
11. Maintain Consciousness
12. This Week the Trend
13. Life After Death & Taxes (Failure II)
14. When I Go Down

Price Paid: ($6 – $5 store credit =) $1

“Love is for the Rich” – Surrogate

I heard about this album about 6 months ago and then kind of forgot about it.  I saw it in record time the last time i was in there and made a mental note of it.  I went home then and ruckus’d the album and low and behold i really dug it .  So this time i decided to get it.  I’ve given it a fews spins since then and i am quite impressed.  It’s folk-y acoustic music from the lead singer of Number One Gun.  He said he wanted to try something different and i’d say the album came out really good.  Pretty laid back, and really enjoyable.  Give it a try!

Genre: Folk / Emo

Christian or Secular?: Christian

Track-listing:

1. Shift the Blame
2. 15
3. Talk of the Weather
4. Photographic Memory
5. Death Penalty
6. Problem Solving
7. Easy
8. Papertrail
9. Fix Another
10. Stay Out of the Sun
11. Upside Down Pictures
12. The Fence

Price Paid: $6

Good start to the New year!

Stay tuned for more updates!

Ep. 39 – New this (now last) semester (part 2) – Jan. 6th, 2009

Here’s a few more album i got during the tail end of 2008 that i am just now getting on here… I know, i know… i have no excuse…

“Save me from Myself” – Brian “Head” Welch

I heard about this guy awhile back and downloaded some free tracks from his myspace.  They were ok, but I didn’t really get into them.  A few years later now, he’s come out with an entire album, and I have to say it’s better than his earlier stuff.    Now, you may not know who this guy is, but you have probably heard of his former band: Korn.  Yes, that Korn.  He was there guitarist and he accepted Christ and left the band.  His band-mates were really cool about it.  From the lyrical content of his music I can tell that he has really taken his faith serious and matured greatly.  It’s really encouraging to see.  The album, though not the best I’ve ever heard, is not bad at all.  It still reflects that eerie quality that Korn was famous for, but the album features a great addition: HOPE.  Not a bad venture from mister Head.  Not bad at all.

Genre: Metal / Rap Rock / Industrial
Christian or Secular?: Christian

Track-listing:
1. L.O.V.E.
2. Flush
3. Loyalty
4. Re-Bel
5. Home
6. Save Me From Myself
7. Die Religion Die
8. Adonai
9. Money
10. Shake
11. Washed By Blood

Price Paid: $14.30

“Doubt becomes the new addiction” – Flee the Seen

I got this when I came home for thanksgiving weekend.  I went in record time and found this in the clearance section.  I listened to it in the store and decided to go for it.  I really like it now that I’ve had a chance to listen to it for a while.  I’m am usually skeptical of female fronted rock bands, but I have to say these guys (and girl ) are one of the best I’ve heard so far; and the best I’ve heard in their genre I think.  It’s very scene hardcore / emo-core but not annoying.  I like the album a lot.  Lyrically they tackle some pretty good issues; the one that sticks out in my mind is the fact that our culture is so obsessed with the self, and so consumer focused. (Track: “Right before you Disappear”)  Some pretty good writing lyrically as well, sighting the same song as an example, check out some of the lyrics:

“Prioritize the purchases
Fist clench the receipts that
Keep you accountable
That make your life make sense, to make cents
I have this so I am this”

I have to say, I picked a pretty good one for never having heard these guys before.  Well worth it.

Genre: Scene / Hardcore / Emo-core
Christian or Secular?: Christian
Track-listing:
1. Celebrate the Static
2. Wardrobe Full of Fiction
3. Do You Think Dallas Is Still in the Slammer
4. I’ll Be Back on Sunday
5. November 5th
6. Wire Tap Out
7. Broken Thoughts of Praise
8. Interlude
9. Right Before You Disappear
10. Start the End Again
11. 300 Voices at Liberty Hall

Price Paid: $2

“45 Days” – Demon Hunter

This is a new 2 DVD 1 CD box-set from one of my favorite metal bands; Demon Hunter.  The first DVD is a film about Demon Hunter; it’s an artistic documentary about them touring and their fans and such.  It’s really cool.  The second DVD is a live concert and the CD is the original music from the film.  A good set all in all, recommended for the serious Demon Hunter fan.

Genre: Metal
Christian or Secular?: Christian
CD Track-listing:

1. “Closing In” – 2:21
2. “Turn Loose the Hounds” – 4:08
3. “Ours Alone” – 6:35
4. “The Deep” – 2:00
5. “Dust and Smoke” – 3:21
6. “Purified In The Storm” – 7:03
7. “The Scars We Don’t See” 2:48
8. “Perseverance” 7:23
9. “Fading Away (Acoustic Version)” – 4:18
10. “Carry Me Down (Piano Version)” – 4:35

Price Paid: $28.99

“Dial M” – Starflyer 59

Jason Martin never dissapoints.  Seriously, I know i’ve said it before but it’s true.  His newest release, “Dial M,” has been well worth the wait since “My Island” which I got a couple years ago.  There is not a single song on Dial M that is bad.  Jason’s sound continues to evolve and it seems that everything he puts his hand to turns to gold.  This album takes a somewhat new direction but still delivers a great sound.  It’s a very hard to describe sound, but trust me, it’s good…  If you’ve never given Starflyer 59 a listen before, this would not be a bad album to start with as long as you understand that no two sf59 albums are alike.  Give it a try, seriously.  You can get a taste of the sound over at his myspace.  Then buy the album.

Genre: Indie Rock
Christian or Secular?: Christian
Track-listing:

1. “Minor Keys”
2. “The Brightest Of The Head”
3. “Concentrate”
4. “Who Said It’s Easy?”
5. “M23″
6. “Taxi”
7. “Automatic”
8. “Altercation”
9. “Mr. Martin”
10. “I Love You Like The Little Bird”

Price Paid: $10 (I think, I can’t quite remember, I bought it new at Record Time thankgiving weekend.)

So their you have it, a few more of my final aquisitions of 2008, if i think of anymore i’ll be sure to post them…

Ep. 38 – Last trip of the year – Dec. 30th, 2008

I had some freetime and a little cash so i decided to see if there was anything new at good ol’ Record Time.  I found a few things that were pretty cool, and one i’m not quite sure about yet.

“Pedal to the Metal (Advance/Promo)” – Blessed By a Broken Heart

I found these guys on myspace in highschool and downloaded a few of their free tracks back then.  Listened to a couple of them pretty regularly for a while but never really considered myself a real fan of the band.  A few months ago i heard they were coming out with a new CD and i read a review of it.  Then today i was browsing the metal section and i ran across this…  I chuckled to myself as i picked up the CD.  I decided to give it a listen and it actually wasn’t that bad.  They are a band that really wishes it was still the 80’s, i mean, just look at the album cover.  But even though it is some crazy new kind of hair metal, it rocks pretty hard with just a dash of the ridiculous.  Not a bad find.

Tracklisting:

1. Intro (1:57)
2. She Wolf (4:49)
3. Show Me What You Got (4:07)
4. Move Your Body (3:29)
5. She’s Dangerous (3:50)
6. To Be Young (3:58)
7. Doing It (3:33)
8. Blood On Your Hands (4:41)
9. Don’t Stop (3:35)
10. Carry On (4:27)
11. Ride Into The Night (3:50)

Price Paid: $3

“The Blueprint Dives” – Extol

I have been looking for this album for a long time.  This is one of the few true goth-metal type bands that i like,and really only the sound of this album really does it for me.  In this album they began to incorporate more singing and it’s really beautiful.  I was on my way out of the store today when i glanced at the metal rack and this was right in the front.  I was pretty shocked and i laughed and grabbed it.  The album is pretty masterfully done.  Hard to put into words but it’s a really good Scandinavian metal album.

Tracklisting:

1. Gloriana
2. Soul Deprived
3. In Reversal
4. Pearl
5. From The Everyday Mountain Top
6. Another Adam’s Escape
7. The Things I Found
8. Lost In Dismay
9. Essence
10. Void
11. The Death Sedative
12. Riding For A Fall

Price Paid: $6

“The Tide Will Swallow Us Whole” – Trenches

Jimmy Ryan (ex Haste the Day) has a new project called Trenches.  I got the album today to check it out… not sure how i feel about it yet.  Once i give it some time i will update this blog with a review.

Price Paid: 13.99

Well that’s it for now, i am still working on getting you guys completely back up to speed.  I’m getting there slowly.  Well, probably won’t post again this year so, have a good new year!  See ya in ‘09!

Ep. 37 – New This Semester (part 1) – 16 December, 2008

So as you loyal readers know, I’ve had a very busy semester.  18 credits is quite a load.  That doesn’t leave much time for things like work, or updating blogs.  That resulting in a few things; it reduced the rate at which i could acquire new music due to lack of funds, and it prevented me from keeping this sight updated well.  I did buy a good number of CD’s over this semester, but by now i might not remember in exactly what order i got them, so i will just review them as i think of them and get you guys back up to speed.  I will review a few today and a few more at later dates until i get you guys caught up.

“Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat” – The Juliana Theory

I was in Record Time around a month or two ago during one of my brief trips back home this semester and i stumbled across this album on the clearance rack.  I had never heard a song off this album and the only previous experience i had with the Juliana Theory was their album “Love” which, as i wrote before, grew on me over time.  I thought i would give it a listen before buying it and after hearing only the first track i decided it’d be worth it.  Now I’ve had considerable time to listen to this album and i have to say it is amazing!  I really like “Love” but frankly, this album is a cut above their previous work.  The subject matter is a bit darker, fittingly it follows the album “Love” with subject matter of things that are post-love like regret, break-ups etc.  The music is just a bit more abrasive to fit with the slightly jaded lyrics but it really pulls you in!   So many of the songs are so catchy you just can’t help singing along with them, especially “Leave like a Ghost (Drive Away)” which is my favorite track on the album.  All in all, this is a solid release that leaves you hungry for more!

Tracklisting:

01. This Is A Lovesong For The Loveless
02. We Make The Road By Walking
03. Shotgun Serenade
04. Leave Like A Ghost (Drive Away)
05. My Heart Is A Soldier
06. I Love You To Death ( Drive Safe)
07. This Valentine Ain’t No Saint
08. 10,000 Questions
09. The Final Song
10. French Kiss Off

Price Paid: $3

“Dreamer” – Haste the Day

Haste the Day has always been one of those bands that i’ve really tried to like.  For the longest time i had all of their albums downloaded and i got into one or two of their old songs (like “Long Way Down” in which they sing a lot).  When i heard they were coming out with a new album i went to their myspace site and checked out the new track and i was impressed.  As far as my metal tastes go, i have really moved away from the constant screaming type of stuff.  I still like the energy and intensity of a good scream, but too much just seems to bore me… i need something i can sing along with, i think it’s because i am a singer myself.  That being said, i my honest opinion, “They’re Only Chasing Safety” is the best Underoath album to date, and now Dreamer, the best Haste the Day album.  Their new singer has brought melody into the mix of killer drums and guitar riffs reminiscent of As I Lay Dying.  When i am in the mood to headbang, Dreamer is where i turn at the moment.  The entire album is really well composed, though maybe a bit short.  If you like heavy music, but still enjoy something to sing along with, i suggest giving this a try!

Tracklisting:

1. “68″ – 3:26
2. “Mad Man” – 3:33
3. “Haunting” – 4:01
4. “Resolve” – 2:54
5. “An Adult Tree” – 5:10
6. “Babylon” – 3:29
7. “Invoke Reform” – 3:03
8. “Sons Of The Fallen Nation” – 3:20
9. “Labyrinth” – 2:35
10. “Porcelain” – 3:28
11. “Autumn” – 3:02

Price Paid: $13.99

Well, that’s enough for now.  Stay tuned for more updates!

Ep. 28 – Last trip to Record Time (most likely) – Aug 11th, 2008

Today was most likely my last trip to Record Time for awhile.  I am going back to school and there are no record stores closeby so my hunt will take different forms…  I was able to find a couple really good albums though for my last visit:

“Oh Gravity” – Switchfoot”

This summer has almost completely changed my opinion of Switchfoot.  I used to really not like Switchfoot, i thought they were over played and not very good.  My only exposure to them was “The Beautiful Letdown.”

Earlier this summer i got really into Jon Foreman’s solo stuff, beautiful acoustic folk music…  I was then surprised to learn that Jon Foreman was the lead singer/songwriter of switchfoot.

I then saw a copy of “New Way to Be Human,” Switchfoot’s 1999 release, at Record Time and decided to pick it up… i liked it, and it was frequently in my CD player this summer…  I have to say i have come to like Switchfoot…

I found this album today and picked it up without much thought.  I’ve already listened to it a few times today and i have to say it is really, really good!  Price Paid: $6

“The Crane Wife” – The Decemberists

The Decemberists are really cool.  Hard to describe but really awesome Indie/Folk Rock.  My friend and soon-to-be-roomate introduced them to me.  Try them out!  Price Paid: $8

That was it for today, i’m pretty happy with what i found.  Thanks for reading!  Leave a comment!

Ep. 25 & 26 – Christian Hardcore Punk, and some other stuff. – Aug 7th & 8th, 2008

Ep. 25

I went to Blast in the past today because Joe was holding a CD for me.  It’s funny that something is always going on every time i go in there.  This big black guy was “preaching” to a junkie in the store.  He was talking really fast and “quoting” the Bible without quoting scripture.  It was unnerving.  He made some good points but he also made claims like the reason people do bad things is because they have demons in them.  He kept saying, “the Demons get you to do them bad things man, but they ain’t going to jail whitcha!”  First off, Demons don’t make you do bad things.  We do bad things because we have a sinful nature.  If you were to say that we don’t do bad things because we want to that absolves us of responsibility and demeans the sacrifice of what Jesus did when he laid his life down for a rebelious sinful people.  If we have no control over the times we sin then we have no hope of following God anymore closely and we are technically innocent since it is the demon sinning and not us.  That just isn’t the case.  But anyway before i get off on too much of a theological rant…. I found a couple more awesome albums while i was there, check ‘em out:

“Where Moth and Rust Destroy” – Tourniquet

Tourniquet is a really cool band.  They are truly a metal band in the purest sense.  Think of a christian Metallica.  Very solid album where the average song length is 5:00+.  Been looking for this one for awhile and was very surprised when i noticed it at Joe’s.  Price Paid: $12.50

“Raggamuffin Hip Hop 2″ – Various

Volume 2 of the Christian Reggae sampler.  I really enjoyed the first one so i had Joe hold on to this one for me so i would be able to get it later.  Picked it up today, it’s really good.  Price Paid: $6.50

“the Artist in the Ambulance” – Thrice

Great release by Thrice.  Added this to the hunt-list a little bit ago after buying “The Alchemy Index Vol.1&2″.  Was pretty surprised when i found it.  Price Paid: $5

I also went to Record Time to attempt to sell some records.  I sold them my extra copy of moving pictures by Rush.  Then i picked up  a CD while i was there:

“How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” – U2

I really enjoy this album.  Some people think that bands that have been around a long time can’t make good music anymore.  “There old stuff is so much better” they always say.  Well, i agree that that can be the case but i think U2 does a great job even now!  I think this is a very solid release with many memorable tracks!  Price Paid: $6

Good day of hunting.  I went to Joe’s expecting to be in and out and found a couple gems i never would have thought would be there!

Ep. 26

So i went back to Joe’s today because i say some stuff there yesterday and didn’t have enough money to get it all.  Today was payday so i went back.

“Matt Aragon (Promo)” – Dogwood

Found this Promo Album by Dogwood, a christian hardcore punk band.  Really good style.  They have a lot of versatility which keeps the album interesting.  The lead singer has a really cool voice too, kind of gravelly…  Check it out if you get a chance.  Price Paid: $5

“The Bare Truth about Philmore” – Philmore

Very catchy pop-punk album.  Passed it up a few times in favor of other stuff.  Decided iot was worth it today.  Price Paid: $5

“Nailed/ Take up Your Cross” – The Crucified

Hardcore Punk release by one of the best in the genre.  The crucified’s lead singer, Mark Salomon later became the singer of my favorite band, Stavesacre.  Decided it was time i owned some crucified!  Price Paid: $5

I was then about to leave when i noticed another CD and just about flipped out:

“Then is the new Now” – Denison Marrs

I ruckus’d this album earlier this summer when i read that this band did a split cd with Stavesacre.  I listened to it alot and it’s a really good CD.  I’ve been meaning to officially add it to the hunt-list but it has mentally been there for awhile.  It’s a great album and i’m excited that i have it now!!  Price Paid: $5

Found lots of good stuff yesterday and today!!!!  Soon i go back to school but i may check back with Blast in the Past and Record Time before i go, we’ll see…

Ep. 24 – Weird, South, and The Hunt (for Red) – Aug 5th, 2008

Had lunch with an old friend from high school this morning and before lunch we decided to go to Record Time.  I tried to trade in some records and CDs but they didn’t want any… i’m going to try Hots Hits next, i think they will do it.  I found a couple good ones today though.

“The Fundamental Elements of Southtown” – P.O.D. (CD)

I have liked P.O.D. since “Satellite.”  I downloaded this album awhile ago and liked a few tracks like “Southtown” and “Bullet the Blue Sky.”  I’m not too familiar with the rest of the album but i think it will be good.  Price Paid: ($3 – $1 store Credit =) $2

“October” -U2 (CD)

Really good album by U2.  I have it on Vinyl and have been keeping my eyes open for it on CD so i could listen to it more.  Price Paid: $6

“Greatest Hits” – Weird Al Yankovic (Vinyl)

Found Weird Al on Vinyl, lol.  Couldn’t say no…  Price Paid: $5

Pretty good stuff today.  I may be able to do some hunting once or twice more in the next week but after that it will be a little more difficult while being at school… i will have to try other things…

Ep. 18 – U2 Remasters – July 26th, 2008

Went to record time today to see if they would take a record off my hands.  I got an Alabama record from salvation army the other day for 50 cents because it was in good condition and i thought i would check it out.  I thought they might have a Mountain or Creedance Clearwater Revival sound and that would have been nice… no, it was straight up country… *shudder*  Well, they said that they probably couldn’t sell it so I’m stuck with it (Joe at Blast From the Past might take it… I’ll try their next…)  I did some browsing while i was there.

They have the new u2 remasters of Boy, October and War on vinyl.  They are $20 a piece though… i really want War on vinyl and maybe someday I’ll spring for it.  They also had the Joshua Tree on vinyl remastered but that was like $30… not sure why… it could be a little older, harder to find…  i looked through their new arrivals and even saw an original copy of Boy.  It was $25.  If only i could afford to drop that much on an album, that’d be awesome!  I did end up getting a CD and an album while i was there though:

“Boy” – U2

Haha, lots of U2 for me lately huh?  Someone must have traded in their old copy this week because this is the first time i’ve seen a copy of this album (i got it on CD, the vinyl i mentioned earlier would have been nice but, yeah $25 is out of my price range at the moment).  I listened to the album in the car a couple times and even at work today and i have to say it’s really good.  Price Paid: $6

“Moving Pictures” – Rush

This is a really great Rush album!  It is probably the “last” (chronologically) Rush album i thoroughly enjoy until “Vapor Trails.”  Great songs like “Tom Sawyer,” “YYZ” and “Limelight” make this album solid, and i think that even the lesser known tracks are high quality.  Listened to this album a lot during the tail end of my high school years and it’s great tp own it on vinyl.  Price Paid: $6

I’ve got a few weeks if summer left then it’s back to school.  I go to scool far from record stores so the rate i obtain music will probably slow but i will always stay on the hunt for good music and hopefully one day i will complete the hunt-list.

Ep. 14 – Salvation Army – July 14, 2008

I went to Salvation Army to look at Vinyls this time.  I actually found some!

“Leftoverture” – Kansas

I have to say, this is one that was at the top of my “Vinyls I would buy” list.  It’s funny it ended up being the first one i bought.  The cover is a little beat up but the record looks to be in decent condition.  Can’t complain.  Price Paid: $0.33

“Tommy” – The Who

I bought this for my friend.  He is a big The Who fan and this is their best album.  For the price i thought i might as well pick it up for him.  Price Paid: $0.33

Then i went over to Record Time to browse a little and i found one more good one.

“A Farewell To Kings” – Rush

I got really into Rush about senior year of high school.  By the time i graduated high school i had downloaded every Rush album to date.  I sorted through them and have come to find a certain 5 or 6 that are my favorites.  This one ranked among them and when thinking of what to buy on vinyl Rush was a no-brainer.   This a very good album and it contains one of Rush’s most famous singles “Closer to the Heart.”  I can’t wait until after work so i can listen to this album!  Price Paid: $6

Good hunting today, but i think that’s all for a little while…

Ep. 12 – One Mans Trash… – July, 11, 2008

…is another man’s treasure.  So the saying goes… well over the past few days i proved that true.

I have bought a lot of cds this week.  The first bunch i bought off ebay.  Hey Music Hunter, i thought you said you were going to hunt in stores and stay off the internet?  Yes, i was but i was curious so i checked ebay to see if they had anything rare by my favorite band stavesacre and sure enough they did.  I also found someone who was selling a bunch of cds i liked rfor really checp because they bought them intending to start a store.  I guess that fell through.  That sucks for them but it was good for me.

“Absolutes (Advance)” – Stavesacre

Someone on ebay was selling an advance copy of Stavesacre’s album “Absolutes” and i couldn’t pass that up.  The album was released in 1997 so i bet an advance copy is pretty hard to find.  It’s a really good album and it was on the hunt-list, so it’s a Double Whammy.  Price Paid: $5.98 (including shipping)

“Catch For Us The Foxes” – Mewithoutyou

One of my favorites bands.  This album is dark and ambient, heavy and beautiful.  Perfect experimental post-hardcore.  I really recommend this album, and i think the track “My Exit, Unfair” is my favorite mwy song.  Bought on ebay, new.  Price Paid: $5.79 (including shipping)

“4 Wall Blackmail” – Dead Poetic

Got really into these guys freshman year of high school (maybe a little before that).  This album was really good and i listen to it many, many times.  These guys have remained one of my favorite for years so when i saw this album on ebay brand new for cheap i snapped it up.  Price Paid: $5.99 (including shipping)

“No sir, nihilism is not practical” – Showbread

Their first album and what got me interested in them in the first place.  I think they have matured musically since this release but it is still a good listen.  The voice of Reese Roper (formerly of Five Iron Frenzy) is featured on two tracks on this album.  Found on ebay, new.  Price Paid: $1.04 (including shipping)

I also made a trip to record time today and picked up a few things:

“New Way to be Human” – Switchfoot

i like this sound much better than the newer popular switchfoot.  I noticed it the last time i went to record time and i decided to get it this time. Price Paid: $6

“5 score and 7 years ago” – Relient K

The best release by Relient K in my opinion.  The song Deathbead is to die for (no pun intended).  the whole record is a nice return to Relient K’s christian roots where their waws not much evidence of them in “mmhmm.”  Price Paid: $6

“Fall + Winter” – Jon Foreman

Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman’s solo project.  4 ep’s in one year, one each season; these are the first two.  His music is passionate emotional folk.  It’s really well written and a little sad, but for this sad is good.  Give it a listen even if you don’t like switchfoot.  I liked it and at first i didn’t even realize who Jon foreman was.  Price Paid: $13.99

Also, today i was driving around and i stopped at an estate sale to see if they had a record player for sale.  Turns out they did.  It was stuck in some back room, still plugged in with cords running behind cabinets and such.  I helped them dig it out and talk them down to $20.  So i got me a record player today!