Rise Against don't have an Obstructed View

Hey wait a sec, didn't I just post on Rise Against? I sure did, but hey, this is merely a case of giving the people what they want. Someone wanted to hear the song "Obstructed View", which is culled from some compilation entitled Your Scene Sucks. I don't really know where it's from either, but I'm not too worried about it. Here ya go.

Rise Against - Obstructed View

Side note: I've been on Spring Break this week cleaning out my house like no one's business, so I haven't been thinking on the blog too much. I'll be back in full swing by next week hopefully. Represent.

The early days of El Oso

This post may seem irrelevant to most, but I'm just trying to fill some requests that I've been slacking on (or ones that I can actually fulfill). These are the original demo sessions for one of Milwaukee's best bands, El Oso. The quality on these bad boys is pretty awful, and is certainly not a good representation of the band at all. Definitely check out their Myspace and see why you should be paying more attention to these dudes. Indie-pop-rockin goodness all day long.

Bury It And Smile (Demo)
Location Location Location (Demo)
The Great American Novel (Demo)
Tonight's Now Tomorrow (Demo)

Yellowcard is both one of the most loved and hated bands out there right now. In favor of Yellowcard is their ridiculously catchy pop-rock, which was exhibited most recently on Lights and Sounds. However, many fans are still pretty miffed over the fact that founding guitarist Ben Harper left the band late in 2005, admist a swirl of controversy and rumors. awwwwwwwkward. Well anyway, left off the latest album and made into an Itunes b-side is the following gentle gem; it's a little weird, but still somewhat enjoyable.

Yellowcard - Three Flights Down

An old school Starting Line performance

Here's a fun one for you guys: as far as I know, this shit is exclusive. Wanna know why? Cause I made this mp3 myself. Back when video network Fuse was still in it's infancy, they had a show called IMX which featured a stock market exchange on bands. For the record, I made a lot of money on 50 Cent (you just gotta believe in a guy who get shots 9 times). Anyway, the show also featured the occasional live performance. The particular one that I captured was from the Starting Line. The performance itself was pretty awesome: there was rain outside the studio, the crowd never really vocalized itself above the band, and there was a certain way in which the song was delivered that was just jaw-dropping. Now you'll have to pardon my recording skills; all I had is a $10 computer mic and my 1970's hotel television. But you can get the jist of it.

The Starting Line - The Best Of Me (Acoustic on IMX 9.29.03)

Acceptance Take some Cover with acoustics

Releasing one of the most overlooked albums of last year, Acceptance should totally be bigger than they are right now. Like Donald Trump big motherfucker. Alas, the band is somewhat still a secret, but hopefully that will change to the ears of mainstream music listeners everywhere. Off an acoustic EP released along with Phantoms last year, here's a sweet version of "Take Cover". Rock it hardcore.

Acceptance - Take Cover (Acoustic)

As Tall As Lions decide to smash some pumpkins

I've been riding As Tall As Lions jock for about three and a half years now. Originally stumbling upon the band before their first EP was out, I was drawn in by the soaring vocals and powerful rock instrumenation. I'm not gonna lie: I somehow managed to pass over hearing the band's 2004 album Lafcadio despite being enamored with every song I've heard off it thus far. Really, I'll get on that one soon. Word on the street is they're going to drop a new album soon; awesome. What I offer to you is ATAL covering the Smashing Pumpkins classic "33". Originally appearing on a tribute album last year entitled Shot Full Of Diamonds, the song is merely a rehash of the style Corgan and company played it in so many years ago. Despite lacking originality, it's still pretty sweet.

As Tall As Lions - 33

(My apologies: at the end of this song there are some glitches. This is NOT my rip, nor have I seen another mp3 of it anywhere else yet; wish I could fix it but alas just listen and enjoy the quality it's in)

Semi-Charmed b-side from Third Eye Blind

One of the best albums that I have in my collection is the 1997 debut effort from Third Eye Blind. Close to 10 years later, the album still sounds as fresh and powerful as the first time "Semi-Charmed Life" echoed out of the FM dial. The band forged on in the following years, releasing two decent follow ups, which spawned a few minor hit singles; nothing like the overwhelming success of their first record. Here's the amazing part...one of the best songs got left OFF the album. That's right, as amazing as Third Eye Blind was, the b-sides were just as good. Basically, I miss late 90's alternative rock a whole lot. Anyone else?

Third Eye Blind - Tattoo Of The Sun

Fall Out Boy get Stitches and Walkers

Last week, Fall Out Boy let loose the re-issue of 2005's now breakout success From Under the Cork Tree. In the extra material now included with the album was a b-side entitled "Snitches and Talkers Get Stitches and Walkers". After repeated listens to this song, all I can say is hoooooly crap. If the band could have kept up this intensity on the whole album, it would've been pretty rockin. See for yourself what I mean.

Fall Out Boy - Snitches and Talkers Get Stitches and Walkers

Jimmy Eat World rock out Your House

Since you guys wanted it, here's another Jimmy Eat World b-side out of the archive. This is the "rock" version of the beautiful "Your House" song from 2001's Bleed American/Jimmy Eat World. So instead of being all emo and sad while listening to sweet ballad like guitars, you can be emo while dancing around like an idiot. Or I'm the only one that does that? Psh whatever.

Jimmy Eat World - Your House (Rock Version)

Side note: As of this post, the songs I've uploaded have been downloaded 6,000 times. That's awesome!! Thanks for all the support and hopefully you guys have enjoyed the music.

Rise Against the usual boring blog post

Shacked up in a studio somewhere right now, Rise Against is furiously writing a new collection of sing-along punk anthems for the general public to sink their teeth into. Yesterday, I busted out their 2004 effort Siren Song Of The Counter Culture and remembered just how good that record really is. Many argued it was typically softer than the band's earlier works, but it's almost impossible to deny that it was still a magnificent album. After rekindling my love for the band, I went on a listening spree and turned up this old school track. Perhaps it shall inspire you to dig the RA out of hiding too.

Rise Against - Generation Lost

Thursday and The Count should do a remix

The anticipation grows just a little larger each day as May 2nd approaches, and the new Thursday album finally drops. From a band that was almost hailed dead due to their extended break, it seems these New Jersey emo-rockers are set to once again take us all by force. Although it seems unlikely they will ever reach Fall Out Boy like status, Thursday should be able to rope in a whole new assortment of fans this time around. So you've been streaming the debut single "Counting 5, 4, 3, 2, 1" over and over again you say? Why not just download it in high quality to listen to at your leisure? Yea I've got that covered for you.

Thursday - Counting 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Anything But the Truth of the Honorary Title

The first time I saw the Honorary Title was on a cool crisp September night in 2003. Taking the stage in a most bare bones format, I couldn't believe an act like The Movielife had brought these guys on what would turn out to be TML's farewell tour. Once the band started, I was instantly drawn in by Jarrod Gorbel's powerful vocal range. The EP I purchased that night was just as enchanting. Then came a deal with Doghouse Records, their stellar 2004 release Anything Else But The Truth, and many ensuing tours. Which brings us to now: AEBTT has gotten a facelift in the form of a reissue, with a few new songs and some alternate takes. To save you some cash, here's the brand new songs. Dig in.

The Honorary Title - Soft Pale and Pure
The Honorary Title - Never Said

Earlier in the week, I busted out the near-perfect Clarity by Jimmy Eat World. Taken aback by how good this band was and still is, I went on a binge and listened to all their albums during the course of the rest of the night. Once done, I figured it was appropriate to upload a b-side off their recent album. From the CD Single for "Pain", here's an acoustic number entitled "Yer Feet". Drink up ye kids, for hopefully by Monday I will be able to upload the new Honorary Title songs. Word.

Jimmy Eat World - Yer Feet

side note: If you guys want more Jimmy Eat World, I have a few more demos, b-sides, and acoustic tracks floating around. All you need to do is tell me to up them and I'll slowly get on it. You know me...slow but reliable. That goes for other requests too...seriously, I'm running out of ideas for uploading.

I know that I Know My Name Is Steven is awesome

Savefile was being a hater last night, so I have nothin new for the day. Until I get another song uploaded though...

...everyone should go check out I Know My Name Is Steven. Branching off from Milwaukee indie-pop favorites The Meteah Strike (also highly recommended), lead singer Steve Look sat down with just an organ, his sparse yet intriguing voice, and the descriptive wonder of words running through his head. What has resulted is a beautiful set of airy laid back jams, the kind of songs that you dream about at night. If you dig the spacier moments of artists such as Stars and Death Cab, then you NEED to get on this.

Speak Like Citcom (right-click)
All Night Ninja Fight (right-click)
Seatac International (right-click)

Pick up two more songs at his Purevolume page if you dig what you hear. And leave a comment if you're bored/have any more requests.

See the Early November with Open Eyes

The Early November releasing their debut EP a few years back in the actual early days of the month of November was cute. It seems though that their new triple disc album The Mother, The Mechanic, and the Path might just get delayed enough times to push it back to early november once again. While we all sit in eager anticipation, here's a pretty quality version of an old TEN song off their labeless So This Is Fun? demo EP from way back in the day. Rock on.

The Early November - Open Eyes

The Rejects Dirty Little Secret

The All-American Rejects are one of those bands who have so much potential behind them, it's always painful to watch them squander it. That's not to say the band's sophomore album Move Along was bad, it just wasn't the album all the anitipcation had led up to. In hopes that the band will basically kick my ass silly on their next efforts, here's a little throwback track from the AAR. It's a nice little acoustic number from the earlier days of the band. Rock on.

The All-American Rejects - The Cigarette Song

Let the Eagle Soar with an Anti-Flag song

Those silly little idealists/wonderfully minded political punk rockers Anti-Flag are set to release their new album in less than two weeks. The album, For Blood and Empire, comes out at an exceedingly appropriate time. Just a few short days after cross country rallys will be held to protest the third anniversary of the fuck up in Iraq, the musical battle cry to accompany it will hit store shelves. Will Anti-Flag be able to avoid the curse of a major label? Let's hope so. To hold you over the days til the album drops, here's an acoustic version of a song off their last record The Terror State.

Anti-Flag - Turncoat (Acoustic)

Get even more pissed off along with AF, and download The Protest Song (right-click) and Antithetic To The Cure (right-click).

Atreyu is about as bad ass a band as you're gonna get considering they named themselves after a character in the Neverending Story. The band's brand of emo-metal/hardcore/whatever other sub genre is sometimes laughable to listen to, but when done correctly, is really freakin good. Their new album A Death Grip On Yesterday is set to drop on March 28th. Here's the first released song off it, so headbang along safely and responsibly please.

Atreyu - Exs and Ohs

Sufjan Tames the Friendly Beasts

Apparently this kid Sufjan Stevens is real hot in the streets right now. After last year's stellar release Illinois! basically knocked the indie world on it's back for a few minutes, the anticipation grows to see which state will receive the Sufjan honor next in his 50 states project. But until that news gets released, here's a new song done for a children's compilation entitled See You On The Moon: Songs for Kids Of All Ages.

Sufjan Stevens - The Friendly Beasts

Maybe Fall Out Boy was spending too much time with Jay-Z

Recently making it's way online was a 6 track promo CD for the impeccably catchy anthem "Dance Dance" by everyone's favorites, Fall Out Boy. The disc features a few really decent techno remixes of the song, but especially of interest is the following track. Underground hip hop heavyweight RJD2 took on the task of remixing the pop-punk track in his own special way. Definitely check it out, for an it's an interesting listen.

Fall Out Boy - Dance Dance (RJD2 Remix)

New Saves the Day songs. yea...it's like that.

Often considered one of the essential bands of the emo-punk movement that spread like wildfire a few years back, Saves the Day have gone from merely being a Lifetime rip off to one of the more influential groups to smack the emo/pop-punk scene around. Now it's been almost 2 and a half years since the often panned In Reverrie, but fear not. STD were merely off writing their triumphant comeback. Hot off the presses, here's three new songs from Sound The Alarm.

(p.s. The tracks are kind of quiet..this is NOT my rip, so sorry about that)

Saves the Day - Dying Day
Saves the Day - Eulogy
Saves the Day - The End