jmhobbs

I Can't Be Your John Cusack

Last night I was browsing through my music looking for something to go to sleep too. Eventually I found Analog's "The Contention", which, in high school, was a sure-fire sleep inducing album (If you ever heard Analog back in their 402 rocking heyday you might find that surprising). Somehow this time, it didn't work. See, I hadn't listened to that album in a long time, as in three-plus months. All I could think about was all the memories of high-school weekends spent at the Ranch Bowl or Ryans basement or wherever.

I think that everyone has songs or albums that defined their high school years, and maybe even helped shape who they are. So I wondered what mine are, and thus here is the list of the most influential albums from my glory days.

Action by Punchline Action by Punchline

Action is an amazing album. I saw Punchline and Allister at the Ranch Bowl, they were amazing. Punchline was my favorite band for a good few years. Action is so poppy it's unstoppable. I didn't really get into their newer release, 37 Everywhere, but I saw them a few months ago and they still put on a great show. Another disc of theirs, Rewind, is really good too. This album most likely had the most play time, the only other contender is...

Take This To Your Grave by Fall Out Boy Take This To Your Grave by Fall Out Boy

Now, before you get all excited ("Omigosh! FOB is the best evar!!") or pretentious ("Ugh, FOB is soooo pedestrian.") listen up. Adam Hike introduced me to Fall Out Boy back in '03, right after TTTYG came out. Back then we could go to FOB shows at the Ranch Bowl for $7 and be one of thirty people there. Also Pete Wentz didn't wear makeup at the time. Bleah. I'm not trying to "one up" anybody, I just get mad that I can't wear my old school FOB shirts because I'll look like a Hot Topic loser. And yes, Mr. Spiked Black Jeans, you are a loser. Anyway, I digress.

The Contention by Analog The Contention by Analog

One of my youth pastors took me to my first hardcore show, I think it was Paria and some other locals. This was back when I wasn't really into music, just listened to the radio and went with the Christian music standards like Newsboys and Jars Of Clay. Needless to say, I was shocked and amazed, this stuff was [u]awesome[/u]. The best local band was Analog. They were the perfect mix, they had great music and an awesome screamer. This cd is really good, and was the gateway album to my metal/hardcore addictions.

So Long Astoria by The Ataris So Long Astoria by The Ataris

There is no better album for the ride to and from the drive-in movie on a cool summer evening in Ryan's convertible camaro. The Ataris really hit the nail on the head with this one. "Boys Of Summer" is the best cover of all time, no joke. My personal favorite song is "All You Can Ever Learn Is What You Already Know", powerful lyrical imagery. Second place goes to "Bonus Track One" for the lines: "The things you make me want to do. I'd rob a quickie mart for you. I'd go to the pound and let all the cats go free, as long as you'd be with me." This is one of two CD's that I've actually bought twice because I wore out the first copy.

I Don't Know You by Lola Ray I Don't Know You by Lola Ray

This is a band from New York, they were filling in some show dates for another band that couldn't make it. I don't remember what band or what tour, but I'm glad they did it. Crazy band to see live, the lead singer / guitarist had an interesting method of "rocking out". He would go into spasms, it looked like he was having a seizure standing up. Crazy good band with some crazy good songs.

I told myself to make a list of the top five only, but here are the ones that fell a bit short. You could call them "Honorable Mentions"...