Aziz Ansari

You may know him as the obnoxious comedian from "Funny People." You might know him as the flamboyant helping hand on NBC's "Parks and Recreation." Or you may simply know him from his most "intimate" performance: His first standup CD, "Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening."

No matter where you know him from, Aziz Ansari, a comedian who is quickly rising, is everywhere. A graduate of New York University, Ansari doesn't do "stupid funny," but rather an intellectual and mind-blowing observational comedy. He's like the 'Lil Wayne of comedy.

He guest-starred in Judd Apatow's movies, starred in "Reno 911" and played with Flight of the Conchords.

Ansari is one of those comedians who has come out of nowhere and has hit a homerun in everything he's attempted. To some, he's that scrawny Indian guy who always gets himself in trouble and this association doesn't bother him; he's already stepped beyond his stereotype, and his first standup CD is proof.

"Intimate Moments" explores Ansari's performances. He talks about working on television shows, hanging out with his celebrity friends like Kanye West and even trying to hit on his celebrity crush, rapper M.I.A.

Clocking in at just under an hour, the album is solid throughout, filled with laughs, groans and the occasional cry of disgust. His delivery is perfect, his stories are true and his dedication is genuine.

Not only will fans of Ansari enjoy the album, but all fans of comedy will appreciate "Intimate Moments" and the awkward moments that ensue.

Man Overboard

Unknown by many, Man Overboard, the newest music sensation to hit the pop-punk scene is making a name for itself and quickly at that. The band has released three demos in the past two years, two of them sold-out EP’s and a split record done with punk band Transit.

This week they are releasing their first full-length album called “Before We Met: A Collection of Old Songs.”

Now it may not be a completely new album, Man Overboard’s following has listed them as Abolsutepunk.net’s band to watch, with more news coming from the band every week. They are already filming their first music video, are getting 100,000 plus hits on their songs on their Myspace and now, have their first in-store release.

The first half of “Before We Met” is the five songs from their out of print EP “Hung Up on Nothing,” and the other five tracks are an eclectic mix of songs that were never released as well as some online tracks.

Only one track on “Before We Met” hits over three minutes. The style and structure of the album is done in the classic punk tradition, making it short, sweet and to the point. They use some of the best gang vocals and chants heard in a long time, as well as catchy choruses and sing along melodies.

The entire album is only the beginning of the band, getting their older material out of the way so they can begin working on a new full-length album, or their debt album that will soon leave listeners stunned.

However there is no news as to when we can expect their debut, “Before We Met” will have to suffice, but it won’t be hard since every track is recorded to perfection.

Check These Songs: “Love Your Friends, Die Laughing,” “Dreaming,” “Arlington Drive”

Vampire Weekend Review

If there was a perfect way to start 2009 musically, it definitely would be with Vampire Weekend's sophomore album, "Contra." From the first strum of the guitar, to the last fade out of the lead singers voice, "Contra" is exactly what music needs.

Upon first listening, anyone would think Vampire Weekend, heavily influenced by the Clash, is a pop-punk-inspired British band, but, instead, they are just an incredibly talented group of American musicians with a passion for their indie-rock genre.

It only has been two years since Vampire Weekend made a name for itself in the music industry. Their self-titled debut claimed a number one spot on the charts in 2008 and there are nothing but good rumors surrounding how well "Contra" can do.

Vampire Weekend has subtly changed their sound and feel from their first album. "Contra" features more handclaps and choruses, faster beats, quicker keyboards and even some dog barks.

Originally released on vinyl at the beginning of January, "Contra" now is available digitally and on CD. The first single to kick off the album, "Cousins," was released on 7-inch vinyl and features the b-side "California English Pt. 2."

With only the single, listeners can get a solid feel for the album and explore the quirky, crazy sounds the band can create.

"Contra" is almost an overwhelming 36 minutes of happy, upbeat music, which is generally overlooked lately. The album is sure to please fans of the band and spark new followers just the same.

Check these songs: "Cousins," "Horchata," "California English."

Owen Pallett Review

Anybody who says new music is dead has never heard of Owen Pallett, better known as the band Final Fantasy.

Pallett is the solo artist behind the massive sound Final Fantasy brings to the indie music scene.

Using his own recording and looping software, Pallett creates a sound that seems like five band members are accompanying him, but in reality, he is playing every instrument.

"Heartland," the third studio album from Pallett, is the first to actually be released under his own name to avoid any more confusion (as well as copyright issues) with the video game of the same name.

The primary concept of the album revolves around heavy use of violin, looping in keyboards, organs, xylophones and a variety of other stringed instruments that the accomplished Pallett can play.

His music knowledge is revealed like a story on "Heartland" and exhibits every aspect of his technical skills.

Pallet is a graduate from the University of Toronto with a degree in honors music theory, which is evident upon first listen.

He has worked with other indie rock musicians such as Grizzly Bear, Arctic Monkeys, Death From Above, 1979 and most recently, the London Metropolitan Orchestra.

At first listen, "Heartland" sounds like a crazy soundtrack to some foreign movie, but delve deeper and you will find the passion and creativity that is incorporated into every track.

Pallett's voice never grates on the nerves, the music never ceases to stop changing and the beats never stop thumping with your heart.

"Heartland" is a wonderfully crafted masterpiece of thought and emotion.

And for those wondering if the same sound can be reenacted in a live show, be prepared, because if you think the album is good, imagine watching Pallett at work.

VH1 Storytellers: Kanye West

VH1 Storytellers has a long history of exploring musical artists' creative side and getting them to open up about the meaning behind their music, influences and what exactly goes through their heads.

So who better to take a closer look at than controversy king Kanye West?

The special CD-DVD of "VH1 Storytellers" featuring West includes live performances of songs from all four of his albums.

Prior to each song, West explains what inspired him to write the piece.

The album features 10 songs, but none are played in a way that listeners are used to. Be prepared to hear some revamping of your favorites, including "Heartless," "The Good Life," "Touch the Sky" and "Stronger."

For a live album, West's attitude and composure prove that his actions, including interrupting Taylor Swift and bashing George Bush, are just things he does to keep his name on everyone's tongue.

Of course, Auto-tune, which so many people have criticized, is used but in moderation -?and in combination with his gritty, yet loveable voice. He talks about how he loves Tenacious D and Jack Black, sings a little off-the-cuff introduction to the album and takes listeners favorites, adding to them and creating almost an entirely new feel.

Whether you love or hate him, West is more than a musician; he's an entertainer. He knows how to keep you interested in his music, with each album differing from the last.

Since its been almost two years since we've heard any new music from West, it's obvious his bad publicity hasn't hindered his musical ch'i. Anyone skeptical of his musical abilities needs to give "Storytellers" a listen. It gives insight to his process and plays like a greatest hits album that's better than any record label could ever compile.

We The Kings Review

Relatively new to the pop-punk scene, We the Kings' new album proves that the sophomore slump isn't always a given.

Starting off as Hollister soundtrack music along with the likes of Farewell, A Cursive Memory and The White Tie Affair, We the Kings have generated the most success with their Shakespeare-inspired ballad "Check Yes Juliet."

Now, a little bit older and arguably wiser, We the Kings' newest addition to the music scene, "Smile, Kid" is a bigger step in the same direction. The album experiments more with choruses as well as a bigger techno-pop feel.

Already gracing the billboard charts, the first single "Heaven Can Wait" is a perfect example of what listeners can look forward to on the album. Catchy lyrics, high-pitched refrains and synthesizers all contribute to why We the Kings is at the top of their genre.

Those unimpressed with "Heaven" will dislike the rest of the album because much of it features the aforementioned aspects. "Smile, Kid" isn't a relatively deep album and most of the lyrics are straightforward, but it won't disappoint if you're looking for those perfect songs for a mixtape.

Fans of the Kings will especially like the bonus acoustic tracks at the end of "Heaven Can Wait" and "She Takes Me High."

Overall, the album is a decent listen with promising traits that prove pop-punk isn't dead yet. "Smile, Kid" may not make Rolling Stones' list of best albums of 2009, but it will definitely make you smile.

30 Seconds to Mars

Actor-turned-musician Jared Leto is no stranger to creating albums full of hidden meanings, but things have changed on "This is War," Leto's third album with 30 Seconds to Mars.

Following the series of anti-war, spiritual and political motifs, "War" focuses on individuality. The album cover alone exemplifies this with a contest that was run a few months back called the "Faces of Mars," an entry contest that gave the first 2,000 people the ability to have their faces on the "War" album cover.

The album also focuses on the music more than lyrics. Several songs feature powerful build-ups, minute long breakdowns, and even drawn-out endings.

But don't be mistaken, the lyrics on "War" are equally heavy. With the first track featuring a chorus of "Honest to God I'll break your heart/Tear you to pieces and rip you apart," it's obvious this is no love album.

"War" already has released its first single "Kings and Queens," a track that could start off a break-up mix perfectly. "Kings and Queens" is a relatively upbeat song compared to the rest of the album and actually sounds more like an alt-rock song than a portion of a concept band.

After waiting nearly five years for this album, Leto's creativity and inspiration have developed a hefty record to consume. "War" isn't an album to pop into the car stereo and cruise around town, but more of an album that requires alone time, headphones and some interpretive skills.

Overall, "War" is good album if listeners give it time, but fans will appreciate Leto's work. This definitely isn't the same 30 Seconds to Mars that used to be on VH1.

All Inked Up: A Look at Tattoo Culture.

As the glass doors open, a well-lit and clean waiting room awaits visitors and clients. The Ikea chairs surround a glass table with a wide array of art magazines, books and drawings; the smell of cleaning detergent and an aura of creativity welcomes the clients. Anyone walking into Permanent Ink Studio of Muncy, Pennsylvania would think they were in the wrong place for a tattoo.

This “studio,” a place where bodies come in one way and another, is “the nicest shit hole you’ll ever see,” well that’s what Verna Correll, a mom of a tattoo fiend, said.

Suzanne Hannan, owner, artist and tattooist of Permanent Ink Studio is a tattoo entrepreneur. When she moves just right and the jacket flows, you can see the semi-automatic pistol attached to her hip. The Pennsylvania native has tattooed all over the United States including Arizona, Louisiana and New Jersey, finally ending up with her own studio in Muncy, PA.

Hannan doesn’t look, sound or even smell like a tattoo artist. A tall thirty-something blonde woman with a constant smile on her face, she has no visible tattoos, always wears her motorcycle boots, black medical jacket and rubber gloves.

“With more and more tattoo shops popping up around here, there’s been some threats from different shops, its kind of like gangs, but just a lot more ignorant,” Hannan said. “I carry this thing because some asshole opened a shop in Montoursville and started talking shit to everybody, saying how this shop has dirty needles, that shop doesn’t use disinfectant, and it eventually got to the point he was just making threats to us, so I got myself a pistol and started practice shooting; now I’ll be fine.”

The rise of tattoo culture has stemmed from more than just the bikers we typically picture. In a sociological explanation, tattoos are “an idea of cultural relativism, or the idea that something can be understood only within the context in which it appears.” Dr. Nicholas J. Rowland, a sociology professor, said.

Rowland presents an entire lecture on tattoo culture to his Soc 001 class, examining and disassembling social norms, breaking them down to better understand.

“Fifty years ago, the only people who had tattoos were veterans, bikers and sailors; they were shitty, solid black tattoos that were more status than anything. You didn’t go around showing them off and bragging about them, they were just there,” Rowland said.

An article on the rise of tattoos called “Not Just for Bikers Anymore,” says “this change is a crucial element for new articles, since customers now are middle-class, educated and professional, family people.”

So what exactly do a sociology professor (a family person) and a tattoo artist (a biker) have in common? It could be the liberal attitude that backs the idea that tattoos are the future, but it could also be the willingness to explore the future of art, permanent body changing or simply, tattoos.

Tattoo culture is the new concept that young people are involved in a trend of permanently scarring their bodies with ink and needles as an art form. Stemming from Rowland’s idea of bikers, sailors and veterans, tattoo culture now exists on every level. Kids, fourteen, fifteen years old have easier access to tattoos, now more than ever.

“I got my first tattoo at the beach when I was a freshman in high school,” Ellie Freund, now a freshman at Westchester University, said. “It was easy, I went to the shop with my friends mom, she signed the paper and after that it was a few painful minutes and now I have this,” as she shows me the blue seahorse on her lower thigh.

Always invisible from parents, even in a bathing suit she assures me. But now that she’s out of the house, she has several more that she says, “my parents are going to have to deal with.”

In a poll taken in Rowland’s first soc 001 of the day, everyone in the room either has or knows someone personally that has a tattoo. There’s no distinguishing between those that have a tattoo and those that don’t.

“The only difference between a person that has a tattoo and a person that doesn’t is the people who do, know the pain is worth the outcome, others like to think they can handle it but if they don’t have a tattoo already, they never will,” Hannan said.

A bond exists between those in the tattoo world, sharing stories of why, how, when they got the tattoos. You see another guy with the same fraternity letters on his back, or the Zeppelin logo and there’s an instant connection.

A student in Rowland’s sociology class raised his hand when asked why people get tattoos.

“I get tattoos for myself. I don’t do it for anyone else. It’s a way to express myself, and I don’t care if nobody knows what they mean; I know that that mean and that’s all that matters, and if anyone has a problem with that, fuck them,” he said.

Rowland talks about “ethnocentrism,” or the idea that there is a tendency to use own group’s ways of doing things as yardstick for judging others. With both positive and negative outcomes of group loyalties, tattoo culture exists within more than 15 percent of the world population. There are numerous reasons for tattoos, ranging from the religious to the aesthetic and little evidence for some kind of universal tattoo culture. That’s what stimulates sociologists more than anything in this field.

The root of this rising ethnocentricity and culture is hard to conceive, but some feel that media portrayal of tattoos has a lot to do with the changes.

“The primitive style of tattoos has changed of traditional American tattoos but dismisses these in order to focus on the modern art-influenced styles favored by well known tattoo artists, DeMello, author of “Not for Bikers Anymore, said.

Put simply, DeMello feels that the original ideas of tattoos have transcended to modern pieces of art and like the greats such as Vincent Van Gogh and Leonardo DaVinci, the new celebrity artist is now a tattoo artist.

Rowland discusses how the trite and mundane tribal tattoos, Chinese symbols and stereotypical hearts with “Mom” inside are no longer the tattoos that are commonly asked for, but now its intricate, beautiful one of a kind pieces of art.
“Bodies are just a canvas for us,” Hannan said. “It means more to a person when you know it’s permanent, so they think it out and they come in and have every detail preplanned; it sounds frustrating but the work represents us as artists as well so we want our work done perfectly on the customer, who is basically a walking advertisement for me.”

DeMello’s article states, “Tattoos are counter-hegemonic in they ways that they challenge dominant notions about the body and how it’s used. Since tattoos had one reading in the past, derived from exclusivity in lower classes, what are the implications of this change?”

A common sociological concept that Rowland talks about is socialization and deviance. The idea of specialness occurs, trying to distinguish between others of the same kind looking for our own life, self and individuality.

“Individuality has become the new conformity; tattoos are no longer obsolete and centered around specific groups,” Rowland said. “Your doctor could have an entire sleeve under his lab coat and you’d never know unless you asked, that’s what’s so different about this culture.”

Tattooing has seeped into other mainstream cultures including the medical field. Hannan specializes in permanent makeup and paramedical tattooing for the greater Lycoming County area.

“Permanent makeup is the tattooing of eyeliner, lipstick, lip liner, etc. but paramedical tattooing is a more serious procedure; what I do is tattoo nipples back on breast cancer patients so they can regain a sense of wholeness,” Hannan said.

Hannan also can tattoo on prosthetic limbs or rebuilt areas of a patients body, such as freckles, moles or even hair. Not only has tattoo culture brought different classes and groups together but also can now bring a single person back together.

Tattoos in the media are an ever-growing trend, whether it’s portrayal in movies, music, literature, or even celebrity status.

“I interviewed many people for the many reasons they got a tattoo—aesthetics, individuality and personal growth and spirituality,” DeMello, said. “These reasons can be contrasted with the unspoken, but nevertheless understood reasons for why people used to get tattooed, i.e., they were drunk, it’s a macho thing, to fit in with the crowd, or even worse, for no real reason at all.”

Talking with young adults in the tattoo generation, generally those 18-25, all have a “friend who got so shit-faced and wanted to get his current girlfriends name in Latin on his back and it turns out it means penis in Spanish and they broke up the next month anyways” or some variation of this story.

So has the increase in tattoo culture also led to an increase in stupidity? Some may think so, usually parents and those older, less open adults.

“I just don’t get why the hell you have to ruin a body that I took so long to make strong and perfect the way it is; you go and deface yourself and all the hard work I put into it seems like it was for…shit, like it was for nothing,” Verna Correll, a mother of a tattooed son, said.

Hannan gets lots of worried parents in her studio, wanting to ask questions about the safety and wellbeing of their children. The rise of tattoo culture has led to this waxing and waning approval versus disapproval.

“The parents don’t want their kids to get tattoos, but if they must they want to make sure they get the best possible one money can buy, Hannan said. “It’s hypocritical that these parents come in, complain about their children misbehaving as they sign the permission forms to let me tattoo the same assholes they are complaining about.”

A major question that arises to the tattoo culture is, “what are you going to do when you get all old, wrinkly and sagging in parts you never thought could?” Despite the snide remarks, this is a valid question.

Comedian Christian Finnegan talks about the change in old people saying, “In 40 years, were going to be grandparent listening to Tupac, singing ‘bitch, bitch, hoe’ with our thug life and fuck bitches tattoos trying to tell our grandchildren not to do drugs or get involved in violence…I can’t wait.”

At Permanent Ink Studio, the beauty of tattoos comes in many forms. Hannan no only specializes in the permanent makeup and paramedical tattooing, but also is a professional cover-up artist. She can take the mediocre, mundane tattoos that are gotten on a whim and turn them into magnificent pieces of art.

“I’ve taken butterflies and turned them into entire back pieces; I’ve turned hearts into birds and turned ex-girlfriends names into skulls,” Hannan said. “Tattoos may be permanent, but only once they are perfect.”

Rowland has no tattoos, piercings, or even jewelry visible to his students, nor does he have anything covered up. “I used to have more earrings than I knew what to do with, but those are temporary; tattoos are a whole different level,” Rowland said.

The permanent idea of tattooing has transcended generations increasing exponentially. The idea of different people getting tattooed has been covered, as well as the change in quality. Another difference is these tattoos aren’t just for remembering anymore, they are a fashion statement as well.

“Musicians and actors now have tattoos as part of their wardrobe; it’s the media portrayal now that affects such trends,” DeMello said.
Entire sleeves of tattoos, chest and neckpieces and even facial tattoos are more prevalent than ever. Rapper Lil’ Wayne, took the teardrop tattoo concept, expanding to his entire face. He even tattooed a Frankenstein stitch across his forehead to remind himself that he’s his own monster.

Articles, ideas and interviews have all been compiled to form a thorough examination of tattoo culture, but the fact of the matter is, unless you are associated with the tattoo groups, there’s always going to be a missing aspect.

“You can’t talk about tattoos unless you have one,” Hanna said. “It’s like explaining to someone how to take care of a kid, but you have none of your own.”

This leaves the hint mystery to the entire tattoo world. Tattoo writers can interview just as many artists, shop owners and clients, but unless they know they personally know both the pain and pleasure derived from the experience, its unexplainable.

So your not a biker, a sailor or a marine; you can get a tattoo today; you can express your deepest, most creative side to the world or just to yourself in the mirror; you can be part of a culture that some will never accept as existing; you can be different or you can be unique; you can be yourself.

Tattoo culture: the exclusive group people share with permanent ink. So, are you in, or are you out?


Side note: As stated as an impossibility to write about tattoos and the culture without experiencing, the writer, M. Correll is a part of the culture with six tattoos all of significant meaning. He has invested his body, time and money into this culture and is proud to bring his expertise and ideas to the table in such a heated discussion.

Wonder what ranked in the top 20?

11. Grizzly Bear: Veckatimist
12. Passion Pit: Manners
13. Lil Wayne: Rebirth
14. Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
15. LMFAO: Party Rock
16. All Time Low: Nothing Personal
17. Monsters of Folk: Monsters of Folk
18. Green Day: 21st Century Breakdown
19. Matt & Kim: Grand
20. Manchester Orchestra: Mean Everything to Nothing

1. Jay-Z: Blueprint 3

Here it is, the long-awaited number one album of the year; an album that rocks more than the Flintstones, raps more than Santa’s elves and all in all just blows every other albums out of the way: Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint 3.
This monumental album fro Jay-Z features some of the best singles of the year as well with collaborations with Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Alicia Keyes, Rihanna, Drake, Pharell and Young Jeezy.
Every song on “Blueprint” is a masterpiece, already reaching platinum status in both the United States and the United Kingdom, with five singles from one album alone.
For 2009, the best album of the year, Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint 3” is arguably one of the greatest albums of the decade as well. Do yourself a favor and get this album before it’s too cool to listen to it.

2. Weezer: Ratitude

Weezer’s “Ratitude” is probably the happiest album you’ll hear all year, let alone this decade. The seventh full-length album from Weezer takes things in a new direction, a cheesy, happy 80’s pop/new wave sensation, except better; it’s now.
Packed with potential singles, “Ratitude” is a catchy, lovable album with tracks like “I’m your Daddy” and “In the Mall.” The entire album still follows Weezer’s standard rock motif with even more synthesizers and keyboards, which seems to be this year biggest music trend.
For many this album will just reinforce Weezer’s stability as an artist, but for others it may be a stepping-stone to truly falling in love with one of the greatest rock bands of out generation.

3. Lil’ Wayne: No Ceilings

Before anyone says this album does not belong on a top 10, take a listen to the album. Well, technically it’s not an album, it’s a mixtape and that’s wherein the technicality lies.
“No Ceilings” is an immaculate mix of Wayne’s raps as well as his Young Money crew’s. It features several remixes of songs such as Jay-Z’s “DOA” and “Run This Town” as well as the Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling.”
Even thought most of the tracks are layered with previously released songs with Wayne’s raps overtop, he manages to make each and every song his own.
The self proclaimed “Best Rapper Alive,” Wayne proves to listeners that he may be right. Proving that he can dominate with just a mixtape leaves us wondering, what exactly does “Tha Carter IV,” his next album in a series could mean for fans.

4. Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavilion

This year techno-trip rock has resurfaced more than David Gilmour and the rest of Pink Floyd could even imagine. Bands like Grizzly Bear, MGMT and Passion Pit are blazing the trails right behind the genres front-runner: The Animal Collective.
Ranked by Pitchfork and Spin Magazine as the best indie album of the year, Animal Collective’s “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” is a journey for the ears.
This isn’t a first play and you’re in love album, but a destination to reach after several listens. After your third or fourth play of “Pavilion,” your feet will be tapping and singing along to music you never even knew existed.

5. Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster

Man or woman, dressed or undressed, Lady Gaga is the media sensation of the year; whether she’s prancing around naked on the beach or setting a piano on fire for the MTV Music Awards, Gaga is the Queen of the charts.
The album features DJ Space Cowboy, her touring DJ as well as Flo-Rida and Beyonce on separate tracks. But what sets this album apart more than anything is the extremely precise dance rhythm set up from this album.
If there is one thing Gaga created was a new style of partying, she knows how to get her listeners to as she says it, “Just Dance.”

6. Kings of Leon: Only By the Night

At this point, unless you’ve been living under a rock or don’t own any technology, you’ve heard the Kings of Leon. Whether you heard them as the entire soundtrack to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show or just one of the million times a day that they are played on the radio, the Kings have dominated the mainstream music scene.
The slow rock style of the Kings has proved themselves as arena-rock Gods with their multiple singles from their newest album, “Only by the Night.” Now technically released in late 2008, this album picked up little momentum until their live performance on the Grammy’s that following January.
The Kings have already gained quite a following on previous albums, but until “Night,” they were still only a mediocre radio-rock band. With “Use Somebody” and “Sex on Fire,” the album has already has gone multi-platinum in Australia, Canada and the United States, peaking at 7x platinum in the United Kingdom.
“Night” is by no means a profound or politically charged album, but exhibits the power that arena-rock still has on the music industry. When a band like the Kings comes around, there’s no stopping the U2-esque power that can be created.
Check these songs: Notion, Sex on Fire, Crawl

7. The Decemberists: Hazards of Love

Definitely the most obscure band on the list, the Decemberists, a five-piece modern, folk rock band have created a conceptual opera-esque album called “The Hazards of Love.”
The album follows a love-struck Margaret who pines for a shape-shifting forest creature named William. Other characters in the rock opera include a forest queen, the villain Rake and William’s mother, all composing the “Hazards of Love” that William must endure.
What’s unique of the rock opera compared to the Who’s “Tommy” or Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” is that “Hazards” has more than the contemporary guitar, drum, bass, vocal setup but includes keyboards, glockenspiels, pianos and anything else creator and lead-singer Colin Meloy could get his hands on to play.
“Hazards” has a fluctuating beat, with longer, more drawn out songs as well as some fast paced and upbeat songs. The story the album tells ends in a bittwersweet way, letting the listener decide whether these so called “hazards” are worth the hurt of love as well as if it was worth it to William.
By far the most creative and ambiguous of albums released this year, The Decemberists may have just made their first chart appearance with their fifth album, its obvious they have only started.
Check these songs: The Rake’s Song, HOL 2: Wager All, Margaret in Captivity

8. Brand New: Daisy

Brand New is a band, not a condition, for all those unfamiliar with the artists of Brand New and hear the question “did you hear the Brand New album?,” don’t ask “what album?”
Jesse Lacey, probably the most depressing singer since Morrissey of the Smiths has gotten a little happier, or at least it seems with the newest Brand New album, “Daisy.”
The fourth album from emo-rock Long-Islanders, “Daisy” seems to mean that the band isn’t headed for a breakup as last thought from the 2006 release of “The Devil and God are Raging Inside of Me,” a suicide-based cry for help.
The style of this album branches different genres; whether you’re looking for a good indie attempt, an emo ballad compilation or even a solid alt-rock album, “Daisy” fits every criteria.
Lacey’s songwriting and music landed them in the Top 20 Billboard Charts, at number 6, a first for the band and the genre in general. Never before has this style of music made a significant impact on the music scene.
From the opening gospel hymn on “Vices,” as well as Lacey’s missed screaming voice all the way to long and drawn out tempos, “Daisy” is more than a fly-by-night emo project, but a way of thinking; the album is exactly what the word daisy reminds listeners of: beauty.
Check these songs: At the Bottom, Vices, Bought a Bride

9. John Mayer: Battle Studies

No one is surprised to see Mr. John Mayer once again making the lists with another guitar-fueled political album. Whether he would have created another “Continuum” album or done something completely different, the best guitarist of our generation would reign supreme.
“Battle Studies” takes a different direction, giving Mayer the opportunity to open up as an artist as well as experiment with his vocal range.
Mayer hits higher notes in some of his usual love ballads, but his more uniquely crafted songs such as “Half My Heart,” feature a special guest vocalist, Taylor Swift.
The ONLY time she will be mentioned in this top 10, Swift guest appearance vocally balances Mayer and creates for a harmonizing collaboration he’s been missing from his albums.
The album as a whole covers a variety of issues including freedom, war and marijuana, the last something Mayer fans were very excited to hear him speak out about. This is no “Your Body is a Wonderland” type of album but a heavier, resonating sound bluesy-rock sound that leaves listeners knowing why he’s ranked as one of the best musicians.
Check these songs: Who Says, Heartbreak Warfare, Edge of Desire