My current favorite things....

Music...

Well I have 2 recommendations for you... The Audition and Manchester Orchestra. These 2 bands are just excellent! I cant stop listening to them!

Video Games...

I have another 2 recommendations for you... Resident Evil 5 and Valkyria Chronicles! Both of these games are excellent and are worth every penny I paid for them. Some people complain about the controls of Resident Evil 5 but look past this and you will find a very rewarding and engaging co-op mode and a great story. VC on the other hand has one of the best written stories in gaming today. Great characters that will have you caring about the next move they make and a great strategy game that will make you plan every move you make!

Killzone 2

Its just the beginning of Playstation 3's 3rd year and Killzone 2 has just been released. The opening movie alone will blow you away with what the PS3 is now capable of doing. But delve deeper into the game and you will find that there is much more there to impress. The graphics are impressive. Everything from battle sequences to dust flying around. The physics of the game is truly something to behold. Each body movement looks authentic and every facial feature on a person truly brings the game to life. How is the controls and battle system? Well if you are used to Call of Duty, dont expect the game to move like that. Charecters move a bit slower but not in a bad way. I for one am a huge fan of the cover system they have implimented in the game. Duck behind something while holding down the L2 button you can shoot around walls or over the top of whatever is protecting you. The game truly feels like a masterpiece. Sure the voice acting is subpar, but that sure doesnt mean its not entertaining. One last warning... The fabled F word does appear in the game quite a few times... so those who have sensitive ears should probably think twice before purchasing this fantastic exclusive Playstation 3 title.

Grade: A

Thoughts and Opinions

Well I have a hard time updating this blog for some reason... I know not too many people read it so I guess its not a big deal but sometimes I have alot of things to say and its nice to get it all out. So here are a few things that I would like to say. Also not everything is about music. So expect other stuff from now on too....

Music: The new Red Jumpsuit Apparatus CD.... SUCKS!!! Its by far the worst thing I have heard in awhile. Its so bland and generic. They lost the charm of the first album... I am way disapointed by it. On the upside... the new Franz Ferdinand CD is awesome! Great catchy songs with bass grooves that are a blast to listen too.

Movies: I just saw Hancock for the first time a few days ago and I loved it! So many people were disapointed with it and I didnt see why. Oh and Gran Torino was a great movie! Clint Eastwood makes another materpiece.King of California was a interesting movie. Its an Indie comedy that stars Kirk Douglas. Its about finding buried treasure underneath a Costco. It was a great concept for a movie.

Gaming: I will try and keep the anger to a minimum here. Lately I have been seeing all these articles popping up from places like CNBC, Yahoo and CNET that state the PS3 is in trouble and will sink this coming year. I am so sick and tired of all the bashing on the PS3!!! Lay the F**K OFF!!! The PS3 is doing just fine! Yes the price is still a bit steep but its a solid gaming system and offers more than anyone else on the market. And where are the games?! Little Big Planet, Metal Gear Solid 4, Uncharted, Resistance, and all the other multiplatform ghames like Call of Duty, Farcry, Fallout, Grand Theft Auto, Prince of Persia and Mirros Edge. Oh and February 27th brings the game that will bring Xbox 360 owners to their knees... Killzone 2! Have you not seen this game? This game has graphics and physics unseen on a console! Early reviews coming in are stating that this games is just gorgeous and gameplay to match the graphics! Dont take my word then check out www.metacritic.com and look up Killzone 2 and see for yourself! The Playstation 3 is no where near trouble.... with games on the horizon like God of War 3, Gran Turismo 5, Uncharted 2, Resident Evil 5, and Heavy Rain. Its just the begining of the PS3's life and you can bet that 2009 and 2010 the PS3 will come out swinging!

On another note, I just recently purchased a XBOX 360. Its a good system but better than the PS3? Yeah I just dont see it yet. Dont get me wrong... Gears of War is awesome and I have yet to play Mass Effect which wil;l be my next purchase for the 360. But XBOX Live is just as good as Playstation Network. In fact I love the Playstation Store better then the XBL store. The only thing that the 360 has is Netflix. The ability to stream stuff directly to the TV is pretty cool. The only complaint is the HD quality is terrible. And the selection is not the best.

Last thing... My favorite games over the past month or so... Call of Duty World at War!!! This game is a blast! Everything from the multiplayer Team Deathmatch to Nazi Zombie mode! Not to mention alot of my coworkers now have PS3's so I still have people to play with sometimes. If you have not played Nazi Zombie mode then get to it! Its a rush to play with 3 friends and see how long you can survive! I have only made it to level 14... But a friend of mine has made it to level 21. The other game that is a must play for PS3 owners is Valkyria Chronicles. A mix between RPG and RTS. And an epic story with unforgetable chartecters. Check it out.

If you want to add me as a friend on PSN or XBL here are my gamer tags:

PSN: anberlin44
XBL: anberlin44

Yeah its the same for both.... and yes I love Anberlin!

Top albums of 2008

So 2008 has brought a lot of good music. I have compiled a list of my 25 favorite releases of the year. My music taste is most likely different than yours so you may agree or disagree with some of my choices. Please remember that these are MY choices and not yours. If you feel like I did not mention a certain album or feel the need to voice your own opinion... well then make your own list. Like I usually say... there was a ton of good music to choose from this year so here it goes...

25. National Product- Luna: Do you like bands like Taking Back Sunday and Senses Fail? Well this band has a great album for you. Teetering on the edge of Post hardcore mixed with Power pop this band has some great songs like... Collision... Love Me... and Paper and Ink.

24. Number One Gun- The North Pole Project: A great representation of how fantastic bands are on the record label Tooth and Nail. The band Number One Gun delivered and emotional and calming experience. Favorite tracks include... The Massacre... Wake Me Up... and Find Your Escape.

23. Gaslight Anthem- The 59' Sound: I had a hard time trying to think of a word that would describe this band or their album, but after much thought I think swagger best describes them. Try and think of bands like Murder by Death or a little Rise Against in there too. My favorite tracks... Great Expectations... Film Noir... Casanova, Baby!

22. Copeland- You Are My Sunshine: This band is a very relaxing listen. The lead singers voice is so brilliant and calming. Check out these fantastic tracks... Should You Return... To Be Happy Now... and The Day I Lost My Voice.

21. Senses Fail- Life Is Not A Waiting Room: This album rocks and is for any fan of Senses Fail or bands like Finch, Scary Kids Scaring Kids or Saosin. Check out tracks like... Lungs Like Gallows... Family Tradition... and Four Years.

20. Panic at the Disco- Pretty Odd: Say what you will about the band or the album but I enjoy it. It was a drift from their last album but they sure came up with some damn catchy songs. My favorite ones are...She's A Handsome Woman... The Green Gentleman... and Behind The Sea.

19. All-American Rejects- When The World Comes Down: I have heard a lot of bashing on this cd lately and frankly I don't get it. I think they really shine on this album with standout tracks like... I Wanna... Damn Girl... and Another Heart Calls.

18. Death Cab for Cutie- Narrow Stairs: The indie band delivers another gem this time with more pop coupled with the experimentation they always deliver. My favorite tracks... Bixby Canyon... No Sunlight... and Cath.

17.Rise Against- Appeal to Reason: Not much else to say about this album but what you come to expect from a band that has a history of fantastic albums. It still rocks and is politically charged. Check out tracks like... Collapse (Post Amerika)... Re-Education (through labor)... and Audience of One.

16. Jonezetta- Cruel To Be Young: This band has grown alot on this album and you can tell that they draw some influences from Coldplay. If you have not heard of this band or seen them live may highly recommend this fantastic cd. My favorite tracks are... Wide Awake... Paint and Picture... and Sick in the Teeth.

15. Jack's Mannequin- The Glass Passenger: Its no Something Corporate is what you can hear all the time from many fans of the lead singer of Jack's... Well of course its not... ITS JACK'S MANNEQUIN!!! And he truly delivers some emotional and powerful songs that evoke his struggle that he over came of cancer. Check out... Swim... American Love ... and Caves.

14. Children 18:3- self titled: The debut cd from these three siblings rocks! They have a bright future of Tooth and Nail records with crazy awesome songs like... LCM... Even Sleeping... and Ditches.

13. Weezer- self titled (red album): Classic Weezer is back!! Nuff said! Check out The Greatest Man That Ever Lived... Heart Songs... and Dreamin'

12. Gym Class Heroes- The Quilt: This CD is amazing for the fact that the band shows of their talent to hop between genres of music and pull it off oh so well! Check these tracks... Guilty As Charged... Like Father, Like Son... Live Forever (Fly With Me).

11. The Academy Is...- Fast Times At Barrington High: You cant go wrong with proved catchy pop punk music. Its tough not to sing along to every single song. If I had to choose a few favorites... About A Girl... Rumored Nights... Crowded Room.

10. Baysdie- Shudder: They are consistently writing great music that compels to the darker side in all of us. They also leave a feeling of hope that can be found in all their albums. Shudder comes as probably the most cynical of all their albums but yet profound at the same time. Check out... No One Understands... A Call To Arms... I Cant Go On.

9. Forgive Durden-Razia's Shadow: Its a musical about the darker side in all of us... well at least I think that's what its about... One thing I am sure of is the fantastic music and the great cast of characters. Check out these great songs... The Missing Piece... Life is Looking Up... and It's True Love.

8. Capital Lights- This is An Outrage: Debut album from a band on my favorite record label. They truly shine on this CD as masters of writing great pop punk. The entire album is solid. Check out these songs... Outrage... Remember The Day... Miracle Man.

7. Fall Out Boy- Folie A Deux: Its a very contagious CD. Every song will have you tapping your feet or singing along. Fall Out Boy make a fantastic 4th album and it may even be their best effort yet. Check out these toe tapping sing alongs... I Dont Care... Tiffany Blews... and w.a.m.s.

6. Alkaline Trio- Agony & Irony: They seem to have returned to their roots with great catchy music. The band reclaims their relevence in this day and age despite all the cookie cutter screamo and pop. Check out these fantastic tracks... Calling All Skeletons... Help me... I Found A Way.

5. The Hush Sound- Goodbye Blues: On their third album the band steps it up a notch with a different vibe. With masterful tracks that seem to have been influenced from piano pop to olden time saloon music, The Hush Sound kept me interested every second on the disc. One of the stand out performances is given by Gretched who seems to have found her voice here. Check out... The Boys Are Too Refined... Not Your Concern... Love You Much Better.

4. Forever The Sickest Kids-Underdog Alma Mater: Catchiest album of the year! You cant help but love every chorus and every hook. Seeing them live also increses their likeability( is that even a word?) Check out tracks like... Whoa Oh!( Me v.s. Everyone)... My Worst Nightmare... and Breakdown.

3. Anberlin- New Surrender: Anberlin is not number one?!?!? This is an incredible band. And New Surrender will certainly prove that. I have now seen this band 14 times live and have no intentions of stopping. New Surrender is a very radio friendly cd... but yet in my opinion holds true to what Anberlin is about. Fantastic lyrics, driving guitars and an energy that can emitt from any of their songs. Check out fantatsic songs like... The Resistance... Breaking... Dissapear... and Haight Street.

2. The Classic Crime- The Silver Cord: This is one of those albums that may have been looked over by many people that I know. Why this band has not hit it big is beyond me. This band has nore talent than 99 percent of the bands in modern rock today. The Silver Cord is not only exceptional but its truly a modern classic in my book. Check out songs like... Just A Man... Gravedigging... 5805... Abracadavers... and Sing.

1. Coldplay- Viva La Vida: If you have read my review of this album in one of my previous blogs you will know how impressed I am with this CD. The band managed to reinvent themselves in such a way that truly gave the meaning of music as an artform. Viva is not only a masterpeice but an example of what a band can do by finding new influences and recreating a sound for themselves. This truly was in my opinion the best album of 2008. Check out amazing tracks like Lost!... Yes... and Strawberry Swing.

Of course there were other terrific albums that came out that didnt quite make the cut....
Bands that deserve honorable mentions...
Family Force 5
Ivoryline
Funeral For A Friend
Hawthorne Heights
Shiny Toy Guns
Houston Calls
Phantom Planet
Run Kid Run
Search The City

Please take a listen to some of these bands if you have not already. There was alot of good music this year! This just happens to be what has caught my ear.

Little Big Planet

I know its been awhile since I have posted anything new... well I have been busy. I know I usually write about music but today I would like to review a video game. The game is the Playstation 3 exclusive title Little Big Planet. The game is a side scrolling 2.5D platformer with the ingenious, cute, lovable and charming character entitle Sackboy. The very begining of the game sets the mood for the rest of your experience in Little Big Planet. Voice actor Stephen Fry gives great, dry and humourus narration to the begining stages as if you really were on another planet and the game was actually more like an interactive episode of Planet Earth. Sackboy himself is customizable... from everything he wears to his eyes, mouth nose, and the best is his facial expressions. Using the D pad you can change his expression to happy, sad, angry and scared. Each expression also has 3 degrees of intesity. Controlling sackboy is very easy as well. From the simple jump to hitting other sackboys while playing multiplayer.

The game starts off with a visit to various places that are mimicked in our world. The begining levels are themed to Europe, and then to Africa, Mexico and North America. Each level has prizes hidden in each which will help you customize your character with additional costumes. Also hidden are objects which can enhace the level creator mode(more on this later). The various challenges are a blast to go through. But the single player mode is not where the true fun lies...

Online or multiplayer is where its at. You can join up to 4 players in one game where you can play through the normal story levels or the online levels which are filled with creative content from the Little Big Planet comunity. The level creator gives you the power to create anything you want and share it with all the Little Big Planet players around the world. And these levels can be played with a group of people or by yourself. Most levels that are created have taken upon influences that are familiar to most like... Batman, God of War, Mirrors Edge, Mario Bros. and yes there is a Tetris level which is freaking awesome! I cant really say enough about this game other than you have to try it to really belive how fun this game is. This is the must own title for all PS3 users.... and the reason to buy a PS3! This game works and succeeds on everything tried to do. Whats the point of the game...PLAY, CREATE, and SHARE!

Grade: A+......................... MUST OWN GAME!!!!

Gym Class Heroes: The Quilt

Many people think that I don't like Hip-Hop or Rap. To an extent that's only half true. I do enjoy smart music. And for the most part there is alot of rap out there that I DO NOT call smart music. Example... Ying Yang Twins, Lil (insert name here), T.I. and many others. But there are Rappers or Hip-Hop artists that I do respect... examples... Jay-Z, Kanye West, Atmosphere, K-OS, and Busta Rymes... just to name a few. Gym Class Heroes are an interesting genre transcending band. They dabble in styles of rap, hip-hop, rock, reggae, punk and indie. And the latest effort from the band titled The Quilt really expresses just how true the title is.

The first song Guilty As Charged starts off with a huge trumpet intro and jumps right into the ridiculously catchy chorus. Travis the lead singer/rapper has always put so much of himself into the lyrics that its hard not to be entertained by his personal touch, not to mention there is alot to relate to, which I believe makes him and the band accessible to anyone. For example the song Catch Me If You Can references things from my childhood like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers and the enjoyable Saturday morning cartoons. The reggae infused Blinded By The Sun is alot of fun. The song makes me feel like summer should last just a few more weeks. Probably my two favorite tracks are the somewhat heartfelt song called Like Father Like Son (Papas Song) which has a Beatles type chorus with hip-hop bridges that help you understand where the lead singer comes from and how he got here on the way. But my other favorite song is Live Forever(Fly With Me), which features a guess artist Daryl Hall. Daryl who? you may ask. Remember the duo Hall and Oats? Well Daryl Hall was part of that duo. And he is a guest star on the new Gym Class Heroes album? Does it work? Not only does it work but it works very well. The chorus has that old 70's style charm with a modern flavor of hip-hop. One thing this band also seems to amaze me on is the music. The guitar and drum work on this cd is so much fun and the way they can mold genres into a piece of work that all can enjoy is just something to be proud of. If you have sensitive ears this cd may not be for you... one song in particular is Peace Sign/Index Down features Busta Rymes as a guest star. The song talks about all the crap this band gets for what they do and pretty much they say F*** you to all the people who hate them and that they don't make music for you they make it for their fans, family and most importantly themselves.

I have always enjoyed Gym Class Heroes. The first two Cd's I thought were innovative and clever and this cd just follows the trend to show Gym Class is one band that knows how to write unique music that all can enjoy. I love this cd and it just may contend for one of the top albums of the year from me.

Grade: A

for fans of: well... not quite sure who to put on here seeing as there is something for everyone with this band.

The Feel Good Drag

I have heard alot of people lately just trashing Anberlin for the re-recorded version of the Feel Good Drag. Well I have come to the defenses of Anberlin. So the biggest complaint I hear is the lack of screaming in the song. Let me ask you a question... Have you heard the song The Kill by 30 Seconds to Mars on the radio? HOLY CRAP!! They took out the screaming part!!! Have you heard the song Face Down by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? They took out the screaming part! Anberlin wanted to take a song that they felt was one of their favorites that they wrote and wanted it to be on the radio UNEDITED!! So what did they do? They re-recorded the song so it could be acessable to everyone. Yeah I like the original version better too just like everyone else but I dont feel its my place to complain about the new version of the song. All Anberlin is trying to do is to get their fans behind them and try to be a band that appeals to more people. Oh and they wanted the radio version to include these lyrics... Failure is your disease/ You want my outline drawn/ You are my greatest failure/ Discourse your saving song. Yeah I wouldnt want those lyrics edited either. Better to sing them for the radio then not have them all together.