The Arcade Fire: Funeral

(Merge, 2004)

"Sleeping is giving in, no matter what the time is"

Discovery:  The Arcade Fire probably marks one of my major forays away from punk and the guitar-driven alternative rock I almost exclusively listened to until recent years.  I had heard about them because they got a TON of hype in the music scene, Canadian and otherwise, but I must admit to remaining largely indifferent to them.  I liked them, but never really took the chance to study and get to know the music.  That all changed when I saw them play at Deer Lake Park in the summer of 2007.  Being in the middle of a forest, looking at a stage with the sun setting on the lake behind it, listening to this ethereal music surrounding me, I was moved.  I came away with a feeling of surrealism, and knowing I had to love this band.

Result:  This debut record from the Canadian indie heavyweights was not the first one I heard (as mentioned above, I first got into them during the Neon Bible era), but a case of me going backwards for more.  Personally I like Neon Bible more, it seems darker to me, but I also really love throwing this record on and lying on the couch and thinking.

Stand-out Tracks: "Crown of Love", "Wake Up", "Rebellion (Lies)"

Anti-Flag: The Terror State

(Fat Wreck, 2003)

"You can murder the rebel, but you can't murder the rebellion"

Discovery: See first AF entry.

Result: This is Anti-Flag's last independent release, before they made the much-criticized decision to jump to a major. I'm the last person to call someone a sellout, I do, however, feel like you can't really be against flags but for major labels. Especially in this day and age, majors are not really needed, and I don't buy the "our message to more people" argument. It doesn't appear that Anti-Flag has gained any more popularity in recent major-label years over their indie ones. But, I digress. This album is their best in my opinion, as it transcends the usual punk rock chord party, while still addressing the heavy issues of current times.

Stand-out Tracks: "Turncoat", "Sold As Freedom", "You Can Kill the Protester, But You Can't Kill the Protest"

Anti-Flag: Underground Network

(Fat Wreck, 2001)

"They try to blind us but we stand up and fight"

Discovery: See previous entry.

Result: This album was AF's Fat Wreck debut, and brought the band a higher profile on this indie heavyweight. You still have the angry and political lyrics, but add to it some more advanced songwriting to get another batch of punk rock anthems.

Stand-out Tracks: "Angry, Young and Poor", "Underground Network", "Stars and Stripes"

Anti-Flag: Die for the Government

(New Red Archives, 1996)

"Punk by the book"

Discovery: Anti-Flag was another one of those bands that as a young kid first getting into punk rock and politics, I couldn't avoid hearing about or getting into. I have a random collection of their albums, but they always put on a great live show, and ignite some of that old punk rock angst even in their (and my) ripe age.

Result: This album was AF's debut, and would set the tone for many, many angry punk rock records full of anthems complete with plenty of gang-vocal chants about various injustices in the world. I find Anti-Flag a bit much these days so I don't really listen to them that often, but the times I've seen them in recent years have still been pretty fun.

Stand-out Tracks: "Drink Drank Punk", "She's My Little GoGo Dancer", "Punk by the Book"

American Steel: Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts

(Fat Wreck, 2009)

"We only need a song to dance to, we only need a chorus to sing along to"

Discovery: See first AmSteel entry.

Result: This album is definitely poppier than their last, and there is no lack of gang-vocals making this a sing-a-long pop rock record. While I prefer Destroy Their Future, this record has some great hook-y tracks that I hope will translate well live. I have yet to see them play any shows since this release, so the true test is yet to come.

Stand-out Tracks: "Emergency House Party", "Tear the Place Apart", "Safe and Sound"

American Steel: Destroy Their Future

(Fat Wreck, 2007)

"We need love and logic"

Discovery: See first AmSteel entry.

Result: While I LOVE Communique, the band that is American Steel's pop-fantastic alter-ego, I am very excited that AmSteel is back making music and playing shows. Destroy Their Future marks this triumphant return. And what a return it is. If you're looking for somewhere to start with American Steel, look no further. This record is by far their best work. This album was one of the ones that got me excited about new music again.

Stand-out Tracks: "Dead and Gone", "Love and Logic", "Razorblades"

American Steel: Jagged Thoughts

(Lookout!, 2001)

"I'm your cold-sweat epiphanies, you're my red wine soliloquies"

Discovery: See previous entry.

Result: I love this album. I guess that's true of every album American Steel has released, but I find the songwriting on Jagged Thoughts to be superior to their previous record, but still keeping that raw punk rock edge and staying true to their sound of hooky guitars layered with melodic vocals that I have come to love. This album got some flack upon its release for not being an appropriate follow-up to Rogue's March, but that's what I like about this band. Each album is almost a different sound than the previous, while still being undeniably American Steel.

Stand-out Tracks: "Shrapnel", "Rainy Day", "Turn It Out"

American Steel: Rogue's March

(Lookout!, 1999)

Discovery: My lovely friend Tyler was into this band, and for some reason I scoffed at him when he told me I should check them out. Boy, did I eat my shorts! Now they are not only one of my favourite bands to listen to and see live, but I may or may not have an AmSteel tattoo. Thanks Tyler!

Result: This album is very rough around the edges production-wise, but I love it. It reminds me of the happy punk rock times of my youth, and the raw feel to the record really fits the tunes. Don't be mistaken though, the songs are super catchy. I probably appreciate the more-polished sounds of AmSteel Round II more, but this record is still a great listen.

Stand-out Tracks: "Loaded Gun", "Every New Morning", "Whisky, Women, and Blackguarding"

ALL: Live Plus One

(Epitaph, 2001)

Discovery: I found out about ALL probably the same way most people found out about ALL, being a really big fan of Descendents. When Milo went to college, the remaining members of Descendents formed ALL, adding singer Chad Price. The difference between the bands is pretty minor. I probably prefer Descendents songs, but that's probably because I know them a lot better.

Result: This double-disk release features live ALL on disk one, and live Descendents on disk two. I planned on leaving out live albums, compilations, etc., for this project, but I was saddened by the fact that while I have a plethora of Descendents albums, this was the only ALL record I own. My own neglect aside, this is a fantastic collection of 22 live ALL tunes.

Stand-out Tracks: "World's on Heroin", "Carnage", "Carry You"

Alkaline Trio: Agony & Irony

(Epic, 2008)

"I believe they deceived your tuneful heart too long"

Discovery: See first Alk3 entry.

Result: A major label debut from Alkaline Trio. It's a little weird to me that a major would come knocking, but that is neither here nor there because this is a fantastic album. Perhaps representing more of a rock sound than previous releases, but the songwriting on this record is excellent and live these songs really carry. There are also a few borderline dance-y tunes that I really enjoy. The more I listen to this album, the more it contends for the top spot on the Alk3 list.

Stand-out Tracks: "Help Me", "In Vein", "I Found Away"

Alkaline Trio: Remains

(Vagrant, 2007)

"I remember hating you for loving me"

Discovery:  See first Alk3 entry.

Result:  This album is a fantastic collection of various tracks by Alkaline Trio, either unreleased b-sides or put out on compilations, splits, EPs and international releases.  The artwork looks amazing in 12" and the double-LP features the ever-popular coloured vinyl (mine are red and purple).  It also has great linear notes with lyrics and each band member talking about the songs.  A worthwhile investment for the true fan, or anyone wanting a good selection of Alkaline Trio material from over the years.

Stand-out Tracks:  "Metro", "Old School Reasons", "Warbrain"

Alkaline Trio: Crimson

(Vagrant, 2005)

Discovery: See first Alk3 entry.

Result: This competes with Goddamnit for my favourite Alkaline Trio album. I don't know what it is, but these songs seem to resonate with me the most out of their catalogue, they seem fuller, bigger, darker and poppier than Alk3's past offerings. Or maybe I'm just getting old. In any case, I love this record from start to finish, and it features some of my favourite songs to sing along to at a show. Also, I believe this record was when the trio became a quartet live. I love three piece bands, but sometimes you need that second guitar.

"Drive yourself insane tonight it's not that far away and I just filled up your tank earlier today"

Stand-out Tracks: "Time to Waste", "Burn", "Dethbed"

Alkaline Trio: Good Mourning

(Vagrant, 2003)

Discovery: See first Alk3 entry.

Result: This is another Alkaline Trio record I kind of forget about at times. I don't listen to it all that often, but there are heaps of songs that I love on this album. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like they toured more around this time period, because I've probably seen the songs off this album more than any other. Definitely going to have to listen to it more.

Stand-out Tracks: "This Could Be Love", "Fatally Yours", "Blue in the Face"

Alkaline Trio: Split with Hot Water Music

(Jade Tree, 2002)

Discovery: See first Alk3 post.

Result: I love this split and while both bands have since released these songs on compilation albums of their rare and unreleased material, this record still gets heavy rotation on my player. Plus, how gorgeous is this picture disk?

Stand-out Tracks: There are only 3 songs performed by Alkaline Trio on this split, Alk3 songs "Queen of Pain" and "While You're Waiting" along with a fantastic cover of Hot Water Music's "Rooftops".

Alkaline Trio: From Here to Infirmary

(Vagrant, 2001)

Discovery: See first Alk3 entry.

Result: This is likely the album where the Alkaline Trio train really got rolling. I had heard about them pretty early on, but I remember the biggest push coming as a result of them being one of Vagrant's darlings. This album kind of blends into the rest of Alk3's music for me, not because I don't like it, but because it cruises along with the sound and style of music that the band is known for. Still a great listen.

Stand-out Tracks: "Private Eye", "Stupid Kid", "Armageddon"

Alkaline Trio: Maybe I'll Catch Fire

(Asian Man, 2000)

Discovery: See previous Alk3 entry.

Results: I forgot how many great songs are on this album! Out of Alkaline Trio's discography, the albums I listen to the most are probably Goddamnit and Crimson, so this one often goes neglected. So glad this project brought me back around to all of Alk3's music. I usually prefer the songs that Matt sings, but on this record the Dan tracks are some of my favourites.

Stand-out Tracks: "You've Got So Far to Go", "Maybe I'll Catch Fire", "Radio"

Alkaline Trio: Goddamnit

(Asian Man, 1998)

Discovery: I feel as if I've liked this band my whole life. Well, not exactly, but I remember being a young kid just discovering punk rock, and Alkaline Trio was one of those bands you couldn't avoid hearing about. I have been going faithfully to their shows ever since this first album, and while there were some rough ones in the middle, I've found their performances of late to be stellar.

Result: Sometimes it's hard to believe that this is Alkaline Trio's first full length record. This album is fantastic the whole way through, each dark, poppy tune a favourite to be sung with friends or in the shower. I love Alk3's lyrics, which make full use of allegory and metaphor to paint a gloomy picture with an upbeat soundtrack.

Stand-out Tracks: "Clavicle", "My Little Needle", "Trouble Breathing"

Alexisonfire: Old Crows/Young Cardinals

(Dine Alone, 2009)

Discovery: See first AOF entry.

Result: At first, I didn't like this record. Sure, it had the standard Alexisonfire heavy riffs, Dallas' beautiful voice, but.. where was the screaming? On this record, singer George trades in his screaming voice for one more reminiscent of 80s hardcore. After a few listens, however, I began to really like this album. Sure, now the vocals of George and guitar player Wade sound similar, but you still get that fullness that having three singers brings. It's near impossible to top Crisis in my mind, but this album is still one I listen to and enjoy frequently.

Stand-out Tracks: "Sons of Privilege", "Born and Raised", "No Rest"

Alexisonfire: Crisis

(Distort, 2006)

Discovery: See previous entry

Result: Enter the Alexisonfire album that sold me on the band. It remains my favourite AOF record, and brings back excellent memories of live shows, road trips, and singalongs. The near-perfect blend of heavy riffage, gorgeous vocal melodies and screaming that somehow sounds like singing. I love every song on Crisis (with the exception of the strange "You Burn First" which I love some days and hate the others) and am happy to rock out with the kids on this one.

Stand-out Tracks: "This Could Be Anywhere in the World", "Boiled Frogs", "Rough Hands"

Alexisonfire: Watch Out!

(Distort, 2004)

Discovery: I admit to being a little late on the Alexisonfire game. I knew all about them but was not really interested in their music. At the time I was listening to a lot of old school, melodic, and 90s skate punk, so the first AOF release had too much screaming for me. I guess you could say I didn't really "get it". For me, the TSN Turning Point was the release of "Crisis" in 2006. But more on that tomorrow.

Result: In recent years, I have become really into Alexisonfire and this type of music layered with heavy riffs, screaming vocals and pretty singing. I feel like this album is right on the brink of the style AOF mastered on Crisis, and it has become a mainstay on my record rotation. I love singers that play instruments, but there's a killer dynamic you get when a singer is not tied to a mic stand. Alexisonfire having both makes for a fantastic live show.

Stand-out Tracks: "Accidents", "No Transitory", "Happiness By the Kilowatt"

Against Me!: New Wave

(Sire, 2007)

Discovery: See first AM! entry.

Result: So I know everyone likes to shit on this album because it was released on a major label and represents a "softer" and more polished sound than in past AM! records. I'm well aware of the "I liked their old stuff" argument, and while I agree that NW has some elements straying from the Against Me! norm, I still love this record. The big, anthematic rock songs are great to sing along to, while maintaining a healthy dose of punk rock edge. And while I prefer smaller clubs, seeing Tom and Co. belt out these songs to sold-out arenas opening for the Foo Fighters was pretty amazing. I, for one, can't wait to see what the next album brings.

Stand-out Tracks: "Up the Cuts", "White People for Peace", "Stop!"

Bonus: With the release of New Wave, AM! put out several 7" singles with bonus tracks.  I picked up the one for Stop! which features a great tune called "Gypsy Panther" on the b-side.  7"s are a little annoying to play, but I like this as a collector's item and every now and then will throw this on for a quick listen.

Against Me!: Searching for a Former Clarity

(Fat Wreck, 2005)

Discovery: See first AM! entry.

Result: The most popular of their indie releases, this album represents for me a more rocking sound with a louder, fuller band than in previous records. While the two previous albums represent sing-a-longs to me, SFAFC adds rock dancing to the mix with an extra helping of punk rock angst.

Stand-out Tracks: "Miami", "Unprotected Sex with Multiple Partners", "How Low"

Against Me!: As the Eternal Cowboy

(Fat Wreck Chords, 2003)

Discovery: See previous entry

Result: This is probably my current favourite Against Me! record mostly due to the awesome memories it has afforded me over the past little bit. I have become closer to some awesome friends, and we've spent more than a few nights singing along to this record at the top of our lungs. That's what music is supposed to be about, bringing friends closer and united in a common purpose, whether it be changing the world or just feeling great about your place in it for just a moment.

Stand-out Tracks: "Cliche Guevara", "Sink, Florida, Sink", "Unsubstantiated Rumors are Good Enough for Me (To Base My Life Upon)"

Against Me!: Reinventing Axl Rose

(No Idea, 2002)

Discovery:  I've been waiting for artists like this to come up!  Ones that I listen to so often, the entire entry comes easy.  Against Me! was another one of those bands I heard about as a result of being pretty dialed into the punk rock scene and reading about them in magazines (remember print!?).  What really cemented my love for this band, however, was seeing them open for Anti-Flag (I know... guess who else was on the tour... Rise Against!) on the Death of a Nation tour in 2003 or maybe it was 2004.  Since then, I've pretty much seen Against Me! every time they tour close, everywhere from a tiny show at a recording studio to a sold-out arena (with Foo Fighters in 2008).

Result: Though this was not the first Against Me! record I heard chronologically, it was their first full-length release and represents a raw sound that has since been polished a little with later releases.  This album will always have a special place in my heart, and Against Me! songs always coincide with pals for me, never more apparent than when they were being sung by my friend Max in a room full of my friends.   Check that video here.  I wouldn't change these times for the world. 

Stand-out Tracks: "Pints of Guinness Make You Strong", "Reinventing Axl Rose", "Baby, I'm an Anarchist!"

The Adverts: Crossing the Red Sea with the Adverts

(Fire, 2002)

Discovery: I had heard of the Adverts through my early obsession with the history of punk rock, but had never really took the time to listen to their music. It was actually a new band that got me into this old band. Pop-punk favourites The Briefs had covered and re-worked "Gary Gilmore's Eyes" and titled it "Gary Glitter's Eyes" (look up both guys for the hilarious and disturbing stories behind the songs). The album that the song appeared on, Off the Charts, was released in 2003, not long after The Adverts' re-issue. I ended up being bummed I hadn't checked them out earlier, but excited to discover some new (old) music to love.


Result: This "ultimate" edition is a re-issue of The Adverts classic debut album, originally released in 1978. It includes all the songs from the original, as well as 13 bonus and live tracks. I absolutely love this album and should definitely listen to it more often. It was hard to pick just a few favourites, as almost all the melodic, poppy, punk rock songs off this record are fantastic and get stuck in my head (in a good way). A must-have.

Stand-out Tracks: "One Chord Wonders", "Bored Teenagers", "Gary Gilmore's Eyes"

The Adicts: Clockwork Punks (The Collection)

(Anarchy, 2005)

Discovery: These English lads made up one of the more popular punk rock bands of the 1980s. Growing up being interested in old school punk and loving the movie A Clockwork Orange, I couldn't help but hear about The Adicts. Their catchy, simple early punk is great for a party or background to a skate session.

Result: This album is a greatest hits collection of sorts, featuring 7" and live versions of their most popular songs. I haven't listened to this record in years, and I'm glad that this project has accomplished its purpose of making me listening to old favourites and new jams.

Stand-out Tracks: "Viva la Revolution", "Numbers", "Crazy"

Acres of Lions: Working

(Cordova Bay/Fontana North, 2009)

Discovery:  I first saw this band play with my friends' band A Trophy Life.  It was more or less just another good local night, and with these guys being friends with my friends and hailing from Vancouver Island, they weren't really top of my list of bands I needed to see.  I stayed for their set, however, and they impressed me by making sensitive pop rock tunes entertaining and engaging on stage.  This type of music can often be a little dull live, but this band did not disappoint.

Result:  While I am not particularly passionate about or committed to this record, I always found this album great for a summer drive, with strong vocals and catchy melodies.  Definitely worth a listen and a live show.

Stand-out tracks:  "Let's Get Sentimental", "Working", "December"

AC/DC: The Razor's Edge

(Epic, 1990)

Discovery/Result: See Previous Entry

Stand-out tracks:  "Thunderstruck", "Mistress for Christmas", "Got You By the Balls"

AC/DC: Who Made Who

(Epic, 1986)

Discovery:  It's difficult to pinpoint how exactly I found out about AC/DC, but it doesn't really matter because who doesn't know this band.  If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say it was somewhere between my party metal friends in high school and the sport of hockey.  In any case, this band and this album are pure nostalgia.

Result:  I don't really spend time listening to this album on my own, however if an AC/DC song comes on, of course I'm singing along and rocking out.  I went to this show in the summer of 2008, and it kind of blew me away with how much fun I had.  There's something to be said for pure cheese party music with insane production, complete with heaps of pyro, a giant inflatable hooker, and cannons that saluted those about to rock.  I could not attend the stadium shows in the summer of 2009, but I hear they were just as epic.  Definitely worth seeing once in your life.

Stand-out Tracks: "You Shook Me All Night Long", "Hells Bells", "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)"

The A.K.A.s: Everybody Make Some Noise

(Metropolis, 2008)

Discovery: I had been hearing some good things about The A.K.A.s from various sources, including the internets and music magazines, so I had them in my head as a band to check out when I went down to the Bamboozle Left Festival (Irvine, CA) in 2008. I liked them then but didn't fully appreciate their set until they toured with Anti-Flag. This time I had their CD and knew more of the music, which for me always results in a better concert experience.

Result: This band always reminds me of Halloween with the spooky keyboards. Those same keyboards often make the songs sound very similar, so I don't really listen to this album that much, but the live show is great to check out. Good music if you feel like fight dancing.

Stand-out tracks: "In Case I Die Tonight", "Knives on 45's", "Paranoia is a Skill"

Adolescents: (Self-titled)

(Frontier, 1981)

Discovery:  I don't remember how exactly I was introduced to the Adolescents, they were one of those seminal punk rock bands that there was pretty much no way I could not find out about them.  When I was a kid I ate up information and music by the pioneering bands of punk rock, and took it upon myself to "respect my roots", so to speak.  As a result, this debut release from a punk rock supergroup inevitably took up a lot of space on my playlist, for good reason. 

Result:  This album is a classic one that I don't think I'll ever put away.  I love re-visiting both a time in my youth when Southern Californian old-school punk rock was my life, and trying to imagine what it must have been like growing up in that scene.  I get kind of star-struck when I see people like Steve Soto now, in awe and respect for the players that were rocking out in a scene that raw.  I had the pleasure of seeing the Adolescents in January 2008 at Punk Rock Bowling, and while the lineup was much different from this fantastic album, it was still pretty cool to see and hear those songs live.

Stand-out tracks: "Who is Who", "Kids of the Black Hole", "Creatures"

The Process.

- Albums will be listened to in alphabetical order, by artist, then by release date.

- A blog entry will be posted daily.

- Entries will include three parts: how I discovered the artist/band, how I feel about the album, and stand-out tracks. 

- EPs, 7"s, soundtracks and compilations will be skipped unless for one reason or another I feel they should be included.

- For artists with more than one album, the "discovery" part of the entry will only be posted once, leaving the other entries simply describing info specific to that particular album.

- Any albums purchased after their place has passed in the progression will be reserved for an updated entry, so this project relates more or less to albums I own as of 2009.