Top 15 EP's of 2009

EP's are similar to demos in that they are usually just a few songs, but are usually professionally recorded.

15. The Menzingers-Hold On, Dodge
Red Scare Records
Recently got into this 4-piece from Philly. Good, honest indie-punk rock songs.

14. Iron Chic- Shitty Rambo
Dead Broke Rekerds
Delivering melodic pop-punk from Long Island Iron Chic features members from Latterman and Small Arms Dealer. These 4 songs are catchy and heartfelt. "The World's Greatest Detective" is a standout track.

13. Tiger's Jaw- Spirit Desire
Run for Cover Records
Their self-titled from last year was excellent, so it was great to hear new music from Tiger's Jaw this year. The title track is so sweet with a catchy melody. I enjoy "Meet me at the corner."

12. Kudrow- Lando
Quote Unquote Records
Kudrow is Jeff from the Bomb the Music Industry, Dave from Thousandaires, and Mike from The Brass. This release is a punk rock one that starts off with a killer track, "Commutilation." There's a subtle folk influence in the song-writing that I enjoy. "Brooklyn Pool" is a lighter song with the line, "no one wants to be alone on a Saturday night."

11. Copeland- The Grey Man
Tooth & Nail
This release is sadly the band's last. They announced their break-up in October but will touring in the new year. This is a nice indie-rock release that's nice to listen to if you want to relax.

10. My Arcadia-City by the Sea
Self-released
This is a solid, pop/rock release from the Jersey based 5-piece. This band features Jacqui formerly The Thief.

9. The Reveling- 3D Radio
Self-Released
Catchy, head bopping punk tunes with an exploding, audible bass line that rips. The 4-piece manage to capture the melody of rock, the vocals of punk, and the story-like, hopeful lyrical style of folk in these 4 songs. Guitarist and vocalist Sean Morris voice is consistent with his rough and sweeter styled vocals. Previous review here.

8. We're All Broken- Blacktop Cry
Devildance Records
Six good rock songs. Lead by singer and guitarist Joe Wilson these songs shine. Sadly Wilson left the band over the summer. Not sure what's going on with the band now. "The Working Life" and "Without a Sound" are two are my favorites.

7. Gabriel the Marine- Your Friends and Loved Ones
Self-released?
It's only been a week since I heard this band live. But the indie-rock sounds with violin and piano included makes this one stand out a bit. It's a beautiful release with sweet vocals.

6. Pregnant-Wanna See My Gun?
Don Giovanni Records
I jammed out to this release earlier in the year. Lalala punk. "God is Nein" is tight. Makes me shake around.

5. Such Gold- Stand Tall
I used dislike pop/punk but recent release such as this one have changed that. These songs are driving and melodic and not winny like some release I'll not mention. I'd love to see this band with my closest friends, two-stepping, and singing at each other.

4. Aficionado- The Myth About Real Life
Self-released?
8-piece band. Keys. Mandolin. Trumpet. Flute. Now that's a band! I love the instrumentation on this release. Experimental punk, perhaps. I'm not sure what to call this band. The songs sound trippy, groovy, and jammy. They're like a bigger version of Kiss Kiss, who by the way released a killer album with The Meek Shall Inherit What's Left.

3. The Drums- Summertime
Moshi Moshi Records
Indie-pop from Brooklyn. I'm starting to get convinced that Brooklyn has the most eclectic music I know. These songs are so catchy and good. It gives me a summertime vibe. There's whistling and clapping to. "Saddest Summer" is great, but all 7 songs are sweet.

2. Cheeky- What the Heck?
Freedom School Records
I love the garage-punk sound of this Brooklyn 4-piece. “I don’t like you,” singer Kate Eldridge shouts. On “Deal With It” she sings, “You are so out of line.” The lyrical declarations are blunt, giving off a somewhat angry tone, yet it's just Cheeky being Cheeky. You wanna two-step? Pick up this record.

1. Make Do and Mend- Bodies of Water
Panic Records
Yet another indie-punk release. The flow is great, the songs, the lyrics. "Winter Wastleland" is my winter jam! I can't help but move around and sing along when I hear these songs. A record needs to move me and this one. One of my favorite lines is: "Where were your hands when the time was so hard to hold?" This band gets everything right.

I'm falling more in love with punk rock every day. Thanks, bands!

What EP's did you enjoy? What do YOU think of my list?

Top 10 Demos of 2009

Demos are great because they often have a live feel and released on tape, cd-r, or digitally to showcase what the artist or band have been working on. Demos are also typically only a few songs, so these releases don't have more than 6 songs. Most of these are also from new bands who deliver a raw sound and that may not have been professionally recorded.

10. Weed Hounds- Demo 2009
File Under: Indie
This album was released on cassette tape. What band records on tape? That’s insane, but great. I loved tapes in high school. Well this surfaced digitally and sounds great with lo-fi production, noisy guitars, and dual male/female vocals with hints of indie and shoe-gaze.

Available here.

9. Zombie Dogs- Demos
File Under: Hardcore
Catchy shout scream hardcore from Brooklyn. “Thrashin’” is great. This 4-piece is influenced by Bikini Kill, Minor Threat, and Feminism. Yeah.

8. Foreign Objects- Demo 2009
File Under: Punk/Hardcore
One minute long punk songs with sweet female vocals. Yet another band who released their demo on tape.

Available here.

7. Pink Houses- Demo
Members from Defiance, Ohio deliver the Pink Houses demo with grunge and punk influences coming together for a cool release.

Available on If You Make It here.

6. Not Sorry- Demo
File Under: Hardcore
Straight-edge hardcore reminiscent of Bane. Some lyrics include: I am moving on with my life, it gets worst before it gets better, and it must change.

Available here.

5. Death First- Demo
File Under: Hardcore
This demo has a live feel to it. The guitars stand out and the vocals are good. I can two-step to these tunes and want to sing along. I’ve always been a fan of the story-talk styled vocals like in “Tested.” Solid hardcore demo from these 4 musicians from Brooklyn.

Available here.

4. Chambers- 6 Song Demo
File Under: Hardcore
Heavy, fast hardcore from New Brunswick lead by one of the supporters of the hub city basement show scene, Dan. These 5 dudes deliver a sludgy hc demo made for rock n roll fans. I picked this one up at the Gallows basement show over the summer. I'm glad I did. This guys rip.

3. Slingshot Dakota- Demo #3
File Under: Indie
Two of the sweetest songs I’ve heard this year and a drum and keyboards version of Fugazi’s Waiting Room. This 2-piece from Brooklyn knows how to warm my heart. "Michael Jordan Saved My Life" might become my new quintessential mixtape song for friends now.

Available here.

2. Paul Baribeau- 2009 EP
File Under: Folk
Mr. Baribeau has a way of telling stories and playing acoustic that is impressive, even if simple. This demo was released during his summer tour. The 6 songs are sincere, like “I Knew” where Baribeau sings “If I knew what was wrong I would tell you. Honest I would tell.” I love letters, so hearing “Eight Letters” had me nearly teary eyed. You can hear the emotion in his voice. No bullshit, just sincere song-writing on this release.

Available here.

1. Snowing- Fuck Your Emotional Bullshit demo
File Under: Indie-Punk
I didn’t have to listen to this album more than once to know that it was going to be in my top demo list. After a few more listens I realized that this had to be number 1. There’s a sense of heartbreak in the singer’s voice that is so pure. It makes me want to see the band live. These songs make me move side to side and want to air guitar. I can totally see myself having a blast seeing these guys live. These 5 songs are a great blend of noodly math rock and indie-punk. Get into it.

Available here.

Thoughts? Which demos did you dig?

More to come...

Top 10 Singles of 2009

10. Brand New- At the Bottom
9. GIRLS- Lust for Life
8. Black Eyed Peas-Boom Boom Pow
7. Shiragirl- Sick Day
6. Screaming Females- Bell
5. Ida Maria- Oh My God
4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Heads Will Roll
3. Kevin Devine- I Could Be With Anyone
2. Silversun Pickups- Panic Switch
1. Muse- Uprising

Thoughts? What are some of yours?

More lists to follows including Top demos, eps, and lp's.

The Measure (SA), Thousandaires & more in New Brunswick + photos & upcoming shows

Photos and story by Star Beat

Despite issues with New Brunswick basement shows over the summer, the hub city has been able to sustain itself fairly well. Where there is a drive, challenges can be overcome, and those devoted to the scene do something- they open their houses up to keep shows going. It might mean keeping shows strictly word of mouth or making a show undetectable, like what happened to me on Monday night. I was wandering up and down the street trying to figure out where the house was. But finally I found the space, Bosnia. Sofas. Fridge. Christmas lights. Yep, I knew I was at the right place. It may have been a scavenger hunt trying to find it but it was well worth it. When I got in I immediately saw Lauren of The Measure (SA) hanging out and soon after Kate Wadkins from Cheeky. It was nice seeing these two again.

Of course I thought I was late, but wasn’t, which was good because Kicking Spit would delight with their kiss ass tunes. The 3-piece from New Brunswick had a sort of '90s grunge-rock n roll sound reminiscent of Unwound. The singer simply ripped it up on guitar. Shortly after I noticed Marissa from Screaming Females was behind me. She immediately said “hello” when we saw each other and wandered about to talk to the singer of Kicking Spit.

Gordie-How Hat Trick was up next. This was their first show ever. and apparently their last (not) as the guitarist joked. See bottom of post for more show. The band features Tim (from The Measure) on bass, Josh (from Little Lungs) on drums, Marco (from Traffic & Weather), and Mike. Their bio is simple: 4 dudes, 3 states, part time punk. Members come from Brooklyn, New Brunswick, and Detroit. Marco runs Salinas Records I hear. It was cool because you could hear the influence of from all these members bands. Their song title are days of the week and I think they made it to Thursday. "Tell me something to prove me wrong cause I don’t wanna feel this way."

Top 20 Albums of the 2000's

Here's my list, in no particular album.

1. Deftones- White Pony (2000)
This was one of the best alternative rock albums to come out in this decade. Every song was great including “Digital Bath,” “Passenger,” and “Change (in the house of flies)”. Cheno’s voice really shines on this release with aggressive and melodic parts.

2. Thursday- Full Collapse (2001)
New Brunswick, New Jersey’s own post-hardcore leaders came out of the basement scene and delivered one of the quintessential albums this genre had been waiting for. This one truly shines with songs like “Understanding in a Car Crash,” “Paris in Flames,” and the tear-jerking “How Long Is the Night?” This one helped me out in high school.

3. mewithoutYou- A to B Life (2002)
This is mewithoutYou's first album. Heavy. Compelling. Honest. Aaron Weiss shines on this release, from vocals to lyrics. From "Bullet to Binary" to "The Cure for Pain" I'm emotionally involved. "I'll sing in silence, lay beside you. With my face there on your cheek,” and “I was once the wine, and you the wineglass. I was once alive, when you held me" is just a glimpse of some of the lyrical greatness Weiss sings. "Nice and Blue" and "Gentlemen" are two of favorite songs ever. Now that's powerful. When I'm alone it's okay because I can listen to mewithoutYou, however contradictory that may sound.

4. Clutch- Pure Rock Fury (2001)
As the album title hints, this album is good groove rock. Neil Fallon’s at times incomprehensible vocals are what stand out and the music makes you want to dance around. From the title track, with its sick guitar solo in the middle and down tempo beat to the Henry Rollins-esque “Careful with that mic” to the mind-fucking “Spacegrass” this album truly shines. The albums that would follow were nothing short of excellent.

5. Kind of Like Spitting- Bridges Worth Burning (2002)
I think Kind of Like Spitting is early-indie rock’s best kept secret. It’s a shame they are no longer together because as the first song says this is one of the most “Passionate” releases I’ve heard from this genre. You can hear the feeling in Ben' voice. I can’t help but think bands like Algernon Cadwallder are influenced by these guys. “We Are Both Writers,” “Following Days,” and “Canaries” are great ones to start out with if you haven't heard this band.

6. Porcupine Tree- In Absentia (2002)
Clocking in at over an hour this progressive rock album features 12 tight songs. Steven Wilson’s vocals mixed with the acoustic and rock elements shine well on this album. “Blackest Eyes,” “Trains,” “The Sound of Muzak,” and “Strip the Soul” are some of the best.

7. Murder by Death- Who Will Survive, And What Will Become of Them (2003)
This album is rock getting inventive, its bringing in elements of Americana, blues, and punk. It features Geoff Rickley of Thursday and the singer of My Chemical Romance plus a cellist and keyboardist. “Killbot 2000,” “A Masters in Reverse Psychology,” and “The Deserts on Fire” are great.

8. Bayside- Sirens and Condolences (2004)
This album helped me through college. “Masterpiece” has become my quintessential mixtape song. The lyrics are easy to relate to, especially for teens and early 20-somethings and talks a lot about dealing with ones self issues and feelings. Anthony Ranieri is not afraid to be vulnerable and that’s what I like about the song-writing.

9. Le Tigre- This Island (2004)
Dance-punk. Kathleen Hanna. Riot-grrrl. Nuff said.

10. Modern Life is War- Witness (2005)
I can’t say I’m a hardcore expert, but this album is one of my favorites. The way Jeff screams and gives so much hope in his lyrics is very moving. In “martin atchet” the way he says: you fucking bastard. Bastard. Bastard,” is sick. It’s not even 30 minutes long but this album says so much.

See below for 11-20.

11. The Gaslight Anthem- Sink or Swim (2007)
Excellent album. Clean vocals, summertime vibes, and that New Jersey feeling with hints of the Jersey shore sound. Punk. Rock. Yeah.

12. Killswitch Engage- The End of Heartache (2004)
Solid melodic metal album from one of the genre’s finest.

13. World/Inferno Friendship Society – Just the Best Party (2002)
Cabaret-punk done right. Let’s party.

14. Bright Eyes- I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning (2005)
Emo’s best. Conor Oberst’s lyrics and the indie rock vibes are excellent on this album.

15. Tool- Lateralus (2001)
Maynard! Tool! Simply brilliant.

16. 54 Vision- One Way Trip to Dizneyfist (2001)
This band was one of the first band’s I heard on WSOU and first band I saw live. Instrumental songs, Latin vibes, aggressive music, melodic, and song hardcore rap elements with amazing lyrics about life.

17. Puya- Union (2001)
Perhaps Spanish-rock’s best kept secret. This Puerto-Rican band remind you of the beautiful island with both melody and metal, or at least heavier elements. They have English songs, Spanish songs, Spanglish songs, and instrumental songs. This albums sounds like a Latin band with Ill Nino and Slipknot undertones.

18. Otep- Sevas Tra (2002)
This was a very touching album when I was in high school. I related to a lot of the lyrics. I truly believed that “Art Saves” and Otep Shamaya restored faith in life for me when I was going through rough times. The lyrics were brutally honest. “Blood Pigs,” “My Confession,” “Battle Ready,” and “Menocide” are still some of favorites to listen to.

19. Hatebreed- Perseverance (2002)
This album for me was hardcore and metal coming together for a heavy delight. It made me believe in myself and that “I Will Be Heard.” From “Proven” down to “Remain Nameless” this album hardly lets up and Jamey Jasta knows how to sing with conviction.

20. System of a Down- Toxicity (2001)
This album sold 12 million copies worldwide. Why? Because it was so good. Every song really made you “Bounce” and “Chop Suey!” was the song that started it all. The way Serj sang was something I had not heard. This is a crazy release that would later get me into bands like 40 Below Summer and Kiss Kiss, bands that weren’t afraid to take chances in their music.


What are some of your favorites from the past decade?

Thoughts on mine?

Hollywood Ave to play final show in Teaneck, NJ tonight

Tonight, the melodic rock band from Fairfield, Hollywood Ave will play a farewell show at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, NJ. The show is with The Bear Cavalry, The Exotic Aquatic, Marisette, and a special set by John Mazur. It's 16+ with doors at 4pm and the show starting at 5pm. It's presented by EvilGirl Entertainment. Tickets are $12 here.

The band said the following:

After 7 years, 130+ shows, and a healthy amount of laughs, blood, sweat, and tears, Hollywood Ave is calling it a day. We part not on sad terms, but feeling supremely lucky that we got to live this adventure as best friends...soul mates. We might not have been the most popular band or the hippest band...but we’re damn proud that we were a fun band. Thank you to everyone who ever gave us a listen or watched us at a show. Thanks to all our friends who helped us out along the way.

We are infinitely appreciative. We will return in some form, but we leave Hollywood Ave as a memory of youth, a memento of ambition, a symbol of the redeeming power of rock music.

Our final show will take place on Sunday, December 27th at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, New Jersey. This show will be the release party for our final album "The Death of Hollywood Ave". To anyone who has ever called themselves a fan of our humble band, please join us in celebrating the end of a great era in our lives.

The band will perform music from its entire collection plus never-before-heard tunes. In addition the band will be accompanied by Kate Lewis on backing vocals and keyboards and Will Lewis on guitar.

Loyal Listener, Loyal Friend: How friends & music tie together- why I support indie music

By Star Beat

For the fan, once is not enough. You keep rooting for your favorite team and attend games. You keep buying your favorite band’s music and attend their concerts. You keep reading your favorite author’s books and attend their book readings. It’s this continuous, loyal bond that you form that might be mild or extreme. This “fandom” serves to mostly entertain us. But often times we can feel great empowerment, a sense of hope, and familiarity with what another person has created or their ability. This is a very powerful thing. If it stays with us for so long, then we’re hooked. We’re influenced. There’s no denying that. For me, I feel that I have this need to be loyal. This is mostly manifested through my personal life, where I am loyal to friends and family. When there is no family or friends, there’s music, always. Music is loyal to me, so I’m loyal to it.

Music is my best friend. So when I find a band that reflects my emotions and has a sound that captures me, I’m hooked. There aren’t many bands that’ll move me to purchase their music, buy merchandise, attend their concerts, promote them, or even want to tattoo something about them on myself. Being a freelance writer doesn’t allow me to really have several bands that I can invest that much money into, so I have a few that I truly support. But it’s not only a financial investment, it can be an emotional investment as well. A particular song can be the one that you go to when you need to feel better or one to remind you that life is too short to worry all the time. For those that promote the bands they love, it can be a way to improve one’s writing skills , gain communication skills, interact with others, and so fourth. It takes a lot of time to devote all this into music. But it’s all for the love of the art. It’s really a beautiful thing.

See below for rest of the article.

I can’t help but want to go to every Screaming Females or Kevin Devine show. If I don’t, I feel bad. The band most likely won’t know, but I know and it’s not good enough if I miss a show. I feel like I have to apologize and explain myself. It’s like when I can’t go to one of my friend’s engagements. It bums me out. It really gets personal. And the thing is, I know I can get personal with these particular musicians. They’re not huge rockstars. I have access to them. I can’t imagine spending 100 dollars to see some huge rockstar in an arena. That just doesn’t do it for me. I’m more of a personal person. I need that close connection. That’s where it’s at. I need to feel the crowd pressed up on me, sweaty. That’s a show. But I do think there is a difference between a “show” and a “concert.” A show is thrown around in a very loose manner. It’s not as organized, well at least not in the same manner a “concert” might be organized. A show might be a basement show or a club show or a hall show. A concert is like Madison Square Garden or perhaps The Starland Ballroom. But I think bigger venues like PNC Bank Arts Center and Jones Beach count as concerts more than Starland. There is a substantial difference in cost, stage size, lighting, sound, and audience. There are different expectations and generally “shows” cater to rock, maybe even hip-hop shows. It’s very organic and there’s no need to be perfect. The bigger shows are mostly arena rock bands and pop music. They are organized very specifically, there's usually some sort of big light show or costume changes or something, more than just bands playing music. Concerts are not as raw as shows.

I’m more willing to support up-and-coming/local, unsigned bands than I am for bands that already have gained a decent support system, are established and signed to a record label. But I also support indie rock bands and those on smaller labels like Don Giovanni, Run For Cover, Quote Unquote. I like the idea of helping out local bands. I feel I am doing them a service. I love huge acts like Metallica, Alice in Chains, U2, Muse, Interpol, etc, but if I see them once, I'm satisfied. I've had amazing times seeing Muse and Interpol live, but not enough to have me coming back. It's different because of relationship.

Another way to look at this relationship and level of fandom is as a friend. I don't feel I'm "friends" with these bigger bands, so that's why I feel less inclined to see them more than once. Friend is used very loosely these days. One of my “friends” said that it needs a new word. "Friend" defined as the person you trust, can talk to, share interests with, hang out with, love, is too special to be lumped in with myspace friend or following friends, people you might barely know. With social networking, it’s as though anyone can be called a “friend.” But its definition has changed. But the point I’m trying to make is that, in some way, the same way you care for someone, it becomes similar with music. I stay closely connected with my favorite bands and artists. I want to know what they are up to, where they are touring. I want to read their interviews, buy their merchandise, etc. just like with a friend, who I’ll ask, “how are you?,” “Let’s hang out,” etc. shows can get canceled, just like plans with friend can get canceled. I also understand that's because of my curious and caring nature. For those bands I really love, I want to form a relationship with them, however small. It makes it that much better. It's hard to be everywhere, every time, but I try my best. Just be consistent, personally ask me to see your band or your performance, and be active about it. It’s cool to be able to promote and hang out at shows with Kristia of Exit She Calls, high five Marissa of Screaming Females every time I see her, chat with Angie (Cheeky, Little Lungs, Each Other's Mothers), interview my favorite bands, and e-mail some of my favorite musicians. It’s fun. It’s music. It’s a relationship. And this star is loyal as fuck when it comes to that. Star Beat Music, we dare to care.

Thoughts?

Alkaline Trio & Cursive 2010 Tour Dates

Alkaline Trio have announced a winter tour with Cursive in the new year. Beginning today fans can pre-order the band's new album, This Addiction with a pre-sale for tickets at Ticketmaster.com OR Ducatking.com, depending on the market.

Area dates include Nokia Theatre NYC on March 12 and The Starland Ballroom on March 13.

Yula and the eXtended Family @ Maxwell’s w/ Kiss Kiss, and Emilyn Brodsky

photos & story by Star Beat

Yula and the eXtended Family, the multi-instrumental 5-piece from Brooklyn performed at Maxwell's in Hoboken with Kiss Kiss and Emilyn Brodsky. Hank and Cupcakes headlined, but sadly I have to leave before they started. Yula and company know how to craft good, danceable songs. Led by Yula Bee'ri on vocals, bass, and keyboards she brings a personality to the band that is entertaining and yet can be serious. She captures hints of her previous projects, World/Inferno Friendship Society, Star Fucking Hipsters, and Nanuchka. Other instruments include accordion, trumpet, clarinet, trombone, and drums performed by Isaac Gardner, Taylor Galassi, and Stefan Zeniuk. The outfit immediately got the crowd going. They played songs off their latest release, Victor, plus a few new songs including one about "myspace and facebook."

Opening was the ukulele songstress from Brooklyn, Emilyn Brodsky. She to knows how to entertain and tell stories. She started off playing solo, then introduced her bandmates James on drums and Anthony on bass after which Anthony said,“Only Emilyn could display such a fine sense of vulgarity and pop sensibly. Motherfucker. Ahh.” DaCosta. I expected Brian Viglione to play drums, but I guess that was a one time thing for CMJ but this line-up was tight to. There was clap stomping for "Swear to God." The banter between songs was amusing to. Emilyn said, "This is my fake family and I’m excited to see Yula and Extended Family." She also said how she went to her senior prom with someone in the audience and how she broke her nose at a World/Inferno Friendship Society show. while not the most musically on point musician, Emilyn is worth seeing live.

Kiss Kiss was next. They have a way of seamlessly going from a light, beautifully laced keyboard and violin sound to spastic, where the band speeds it up and the music gets hyper and fun to move along. I've dubbed them "circus-punk." They did a version of the Tetris theme song. The way the band move around and interact during their performance is great, to. Catch them on tour with the Venetia Fair and Trophy Scars.

See below for photos.

Yula and eXtended Family












Emilyn Brodsky (and her fake family)





Kiss Kiss

Peculiar Gentlemen "Tape Machine" video

Peculiar Gentlemen, the soul/rock group from Brooklyn, have released a '50s style video for their song "Tape Machine."

Top 10 Bands I've Seen The Most in 2009

Yula and the eXtended Family @ Maxwells 12-16-09

photo by Star Beat

It was another huge year for show-going. I caught several bands and multiple times to. So I'll tell you why the following were worth checking out multiple times:

10. Yula & The EXtended Family (2): This multi-instrumental 5-piece from Brooklyn know how to craft good, danceable songs. Led by Yula Bee'ri on vocals, bass, and keyboards she brings a personality to the band that is entertaining and yet can be serious. She captures hints of her previous projects, World/Inferno Friendship Society, Star Fucking Hipsters, and Nanuchka. Other instruments include accordion, trumpet, clarinet, and trombone. They played an awesome set at Maxwell's.

9. Zombie Dogs (2): I saw this Brooklyn hardcore outfit twice at Death by Audio. The first time they opened for Handjobs, the second for Cheeky. They're a tight band and "Thrashin'" is the song I've been raving about.

8. Bridge & Tunnel (2): Caught them over the summer at The Glass Door and at CMJ. Both shows had very different vibes which made seeing them interesting. The first was at at a D.I.Y space so the sound wasn't the best but seeing the band perform made up for it. Rachel gets so into playing. The second show was at The studio at webster hall, so they sounded great and their indie/punk sound came alive in the best way.

7. Cheeky (2): This band have such catchy and relatable punk rock tunes that make you want to dance and sing along. Their last show was special because the room was packed and mostly everyone there seemed to be genuine, loyal Cheeky fans. There's no bullshit in their performance. They play fast and they get through their songs quick.

6. Emilyn Brodsky (3): This ukulele songstress from Brooklyn knows how to entertain and tell stories. She introduces her songs and her bandmates, that is, when she plays with them. I saw her both solo and with her band. The first time she played with her band Anthony DaCosta and Brian Viglione during CMJ. They were tight. Emilyn's mother was in the audience there, to. At Maxwell's most recently she had another drummer and Anthony was super on bass. There was clap stomping and while not the most musically on point musician, Emilyn is worth seeing live.

5. Jeff: the brotherhood (3) This garage-rock duo from Nashville know how to play loud! Brother Jake and Jamin have a dynamic that is tight. From the first time I saw them in a New Brunswick basement I was hooked and caught them twice during CMJ. "U Got the Look" and Bone Jam" are, well, the jams. Get Heavy Days to hear it for yourself and check them out with Screaming Females next year.

4. Shiragirl (4): Shiragirl know how to put on a show! By the time I saw them at CMJ they were tight playing their new single "Sick Day," a cover of Red Hot Chili Peppers "Suck My Kiss," a mo-town inspired intro to "Anthem" and the heavy "Lights Out," scattered with song off their last release Scream! Spit! Sing! Lead singer Shira would jump all over the place, pump up the crowd, and get into the crowd and sing to people. A punk/hip-hop all-girl group that's definitely worth seeing live. They even pull off acoustic, to!

3. Kiss Kiss (5): Kiss Kiss have a way of seamlessly going from a light, beautifully laced keyboard and violin sound to spastic, where the band speeds it up and the music gets hyper and fun to move along. I've dubbed them "circus-punk." They even do a version of the Tetris theme song live. The way the band move around and interact during their performance is great, to. They've notably opened for Fake Problems and Thursday. Their performance at Crash Mansion was probably the best show. Check them out with Trophy Scars and the Venetia Fair in 2010.

2. Exit She Calls (7): This catchy, yet edgy pop/rock band is a treat live. They can pull off both acoustic and full band shows. It's been great following them around since first seeing them play at Angels & Kings in March. I've seen them acoustic more times than electric, but it's always been good and Kristia's cover of Jawbreaker's Shirt is sweet like her voice. "Miscommunications" and "Little Things" are great live and it's entertaining to see Carlos dancing around and nice seeing Jeff smiling for most of the set. The best performance for them was at Warped Tour in Camden- the sound was great, the band was having fun, and the weather was nice outside. They have a cd release party for their first album, Out of Reach, in Jersey on Jan. 3 and a slew of shows lined-up, so see how this Bergen County band does it.

1. Screaming Females (8): For anyone that knows me or has followed this blog, this one is obvious. The band released one of the best albums of the year in April. Power Move is filled with delicious guitar driven songs that are groovy and compelling. This garage-punk trio from New Brunswick doesn't't talk much between songs and that's kinda what I like about them- dancing and headbanging along with no bullshit. It's just about the music. I caught them the most in New Brunswick and Hoboken in small space. "Starving Dog," "Lights Out," and "Bell" are some of the best live. What's even great is that everytime I've seen them live, they've played a different set. I love this band so much I even saw them on MTV for It's on With Alexa Chung. Definitely proud of this band.