Equally Emptied to Equally Shine

this is still a blog?

2010-10-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

my biggest problem is that my life is too boring to warrant frequent blog posts about it, and I'm far too tired all the time to post about anything bigger than myself.

1. I'm fine. things aren't going incredibly well, but I'm content with nearly everything, and I'm able to cope with the few big struggles.

2. I'm in the process of applying to 12 colleges. yes, 12 colleges. it's an absurd amount, but it's a strategic list as far as selectivity and financial aid. there are some schools that I'm pretty sure I'll be able to get into, but there are around six or seven that are real stretches, just because they have incredibly low acceptance rates. I'm currently working on getting the writing parts done, as that's probably the hardest part of the application process. it's a lot of work, but it'll pay off come January.

3. my school's drama club will be performing Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None in December, and I have one of the lead roles. it's a pretty small cast (only 11 people), so it's much different from the other plays I've worked on. it's going really well though. I'm hoping it'll turn out great!

4. I had my last cross country practice yesterday, and I'll be running my last 5k race tomorrow. I'm obviously really happy the season's over, because I have this odd love-hate relationship with running, but I'm sort of sad it's almost over. it's just been a really great season, and I've really enjoyed the majority of it. but hey, at least I'll get to see a bunch of St. Paul's kids at the race tomorrow!

it's always the year

2010-09-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

1. I have goals.

have a more positive attitude than last year. this can manifest itself in my everyday actions. I need to wake up each morning thinking, there's no reason why today can't be a fantastic day. it's so cliche and elementary, but I really think that's the most I can do.
repair relationships. I don't think I showed the affection I should have shown to people last year. things just built up inside of me, and rather than taking it out on anyone, I went to the other extreme and was too much of a recluse most of the time. even though I was in school every day, it didn't really seem like I was there. this might be difficult to do, but it's arguably the most important goal. certain people just mean to much to me, and I failed to demonstrate this within the last year.
finish my senior year on a really, really, really good note. the academics will take care of themselves. I'm not worried about failing any classes, but I want to really excel this year for the sake of meeting my own goals. I think the whole "scholar" thing is a joke by now; it doesn't matter how many honors classes I'm in, it doesn't matter how many extracurrics I can put on my resume; it doesn't matter if I make any sort of honor roll. the past year has taught me that all those titles, while good short-term goals, aren't how I measure my success. maybe measuring in terms of others, but I'm planning to go out on a limb and do well by my standards. and while I'm at it, I want to get all the other stuff. and that leads into the next one...
get into a good college. I'm not picky and/or unrealistic: I know I don't have the right to have incredibly high standards and actually "pick" my top college choice. I know I can get into certain schools on my list, but I want to get into at least one of my reach schools. do I have my preferences? maybe. but I'm not voicing them: I'll be lucky if I get into a really selective college. and If I do, I'm going to rejoice and count myself lucky. but seriously, I really want to get into a good school.
do something worth talking about. maybe this means writing a poem that has mass appeal and really helps me establish myself as a writer. maybe it means my blog gaining more readers (okay, I'm half-kidding). maybe it means doing something musically that actually has lasting value. I don't know. I just know I have a lot of ideas, and it's about time I focused on one long enough to give it a chance to breathe, and maybe come into a life of its own.
write more. I know it's my strength, but I want to break my third resolution and really have it stand out among other writers my own age and in general. I've written quality pieces, but I need to figure out how to harness my efforts to consistently write things that I'll enjoy writing and others will enjoy reading.
blog more. this is self explanatory.

2. I'm still alive. I use the capital "I" when for the first-person singular personal pronoun now, and I think I like the way it reads. it really means something to me.

to the advanced students

2010-07-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

not again. I didn't think it could happen again. I didn't think I coupld possibly regret leaving a summer program once again. when I first arrived at ASP, I figured I'd be sad when it was time to leave, but never in a thousand years (or five weeks, rather) did I think I would be as sad about leaving ASP as I felt when leaving Exeter. in other words, I thought I shed every last tear when I left Exeter.

I was wrong. I was so wrong.

well, this has been the week of "lasts": the last Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc.; the last night of study hours; the last morning chapel, the last night of the triangle of fun. and tomorrow will be our last day of classes. many will take their last dive into the lake, make their last trip to the ice cream machine, and play their last game of ultimate frisbee.

and then Sunday will be the last day of ASP.

I thought about what I wanted to do. I thought maybe I could write a poem and read it at morning chapel, but no words came to mind. I thought of writing this elaborate status on facebook for all of the ASP students to "like." but the words just didn't come.

here's a thought: maybe there are no words. for me, I think trying to describe my experience is futile at best. there's just no point in trying to use words I use everyday to convey how I feel about five weeks that I will never experience again.

I've been wondering when I'm going to lose it. when am I going to break down crying? last year I started bawling my eyes out at the last dance, the night before everyone left to go back home. maybe it'll be the last few minutes of class, or maybe the last chapel service tomorrow night. maybe it won't REALLY hit me until graduation. it doesn't matter. I won't be looking for it. I'm going to cry. I'm going to cry a lot.

and I'm going to welcome the tears. and I'm going to wander around and (in between sobs) tell everyone I know how much they mean to me. because you brilliant, friendly, life-changing people are worth making a fool out of myself for.

a blog post isn't enough, but it's all I can do. I wish I could write something elegant. I wish I could take us back to the first, overwhelming moments when we walked onto this huge campus and wondered what on Earth we were in for. I wish I could post this blog for everyone to read and say it all in a way that hasn't been said, in a way that you'll all remember forever. but I just can't. but I can write something real. something simple. something heartfelt.

so here it goes.

to the faculty,
to the teachers,
to the interns,
to the students,
to everyone:

I love you all so much. thank you.

brite liner highliters and The Narrative

2010-07-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

so I have a little less than a week of St. Paul's. crazy. the first few weeks went by pretty slowly, but these past two weeks have literally flown by. I'm still having a great time though; I've definitely gotten into the whole routine of things, though that doesn't really alleviate the crazy workload and business of the program.

I have two books left for my Forbidden Fictions class, which means we're well on pace to reach our goal of reading eight books in five weeks. and to think I had my doubts.

my writing workshop continues to also go well. I've been writing some neat little ruminations on certain aspects of my life, and it's definitely been a neat little aberration from continuously writing literary analysis. who knows, I might already have the foundation for a potential college essay or two in these simple one pagers I've been writing, which would certainly be nice, considering I should get a move on as far as college essays go.

speaking of college, Saturday is college day at ASP. so I'll have an opportunity to talk to some representatives from some of the colleges I'm looking at. I'm certainly looking forward to that, since it'll give me a feel for what these colleges are like outside of what their websites tell me.

as always, I've been listening to music whenever I get the chance. I've begun formulating what albums I've taken a special liking to, and as always, it's going to be difficult narrowing it down when it comes time to making an end of the year list. I don't know if anyone even really cares about/reads the bloody list, but it keeps me writing, and it's something I really enjoy. so I continue to make it.

on that note, The Narratives album is currently streaming on their myspace. if you're interested in indie rock with a nice blend of male and female vocals (the latter of which bear no resemblance to Hayley Williams, for a change), then I'd highly suggest checking out their self-titled debut.

oh yeah, and I finally saw Toy Story 3.

it was beautiful. just beautiful. I cried.

edit: The Narrative album is no longer streaming, but I still suggest you get your hands on it somehow.

Paul, the Beloved Saint

2010-07-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

1. St. Paul's is going very well. I'm about to start my fourth week here, and I'm definitely having a fantastic time. I have to say I was a bit hesitant when I first got here, since I kept comparing it to Exeter. and since Exeter was such a new experience, St. Paul's didn't really "meet my expectations." plus I was kind of surprised at the work load (which is pretty bulky, mind you!) compared to Exeter's. but now that I've gotten into something of a routine, I'm definitely seeing that St. Paul's has its perks as well.

the kids here are awesome, smart, talented, and deserving of their place at this program. pretty much everyone here has a common bond, as we're all from New Hampshire, and this bond is definitely the foundation for the relationships we've formed so far. everyone's just so friendly to one another. oh, and my dorm is awesome. end of story.

my classes are also going well. the goal for my Forbidden Fictions class is to read through eight books in five weeks, and we're actually on pace to do that! not a bad feat, I'd say.

overall, I'm really happy I decided to go here. it's nice having a different experience than Exeter, and I'm surrounded by a group of kids who will challenge, humble, and encourage me. I'll definitely come away from this experience with a different outlook on my education and goals.

2. I got a five on my AP US History test. heck yeah. in all honesty, I expected to get a two or a three, so it's an understatement to say I'm shocked, amazed, and happy. I guess being in the class paid off after all.

3. I'm teaching myself how to play banjo. that's also going rather well. I'll be an indie artist yet, you just watch!

I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth yet

2010-06-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

1. yes, as of yesterday, finals are over, and I've reached the end of another school year. simply put, I've never been happier for a school year to be over. it's been pretty bad, but it's finally over, and here's to next year ending on a good note!

2. my senior friends have graduated and will be heading off to college in the fall. am I happy for them moving on to this new chapter of their lives? absolutely. am I sad that some of my best friends won't be there next year? a thousand times yes. so many friends from the class of 2010 have kept me sane during a year of doubt, confusion, and chaos. I can't find any way to repay them, and I'll surely miss them next year. it just won't be the same. but hey, I still have plenty of people to make Raymond a great place to be, as it always is.

3. I'm a senior now. weird. by this time next year, I'll know where I'll be heading to school. now that is a scary thought!

4. I'm leaving for St. Paul's Advanced Studies Program on Friday. needless to say, I'm incredibly excited. obviously I had a great time at Phillips Exeter last year, so I'm looking forward to having a similar experience. will it be the same? probably not. but I have no doubts that it'll be a fantastic summer and I'll be meeting amazing people.

5. life is good. God is good.

hey look: it's Jon!

2010-05-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

so in my preoccupation with school and its related activities, i forgot to update all my lovely readers (wait...) about my short career as a contestant on Granite State Challenge!

but rather than explaining how we did, i think i'll just post the links to the two episodes, and you can figure out the rest from there.

so here they are: our competition against Hopkinton, and our battle of wits against Londonderry.

enjoy.

priceless

2010-05-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

1. the Nashville band/chorus trip was absolutely amazing; i had a fantastic time with some of the most amazing people in my school. i knew i'd have a great time, but i figured certain aspects of the trip would be kind of blah, like the twenty hour bus ride. oddly enough, the bus ride was one of the best parts of the trip. i just loved being around all the band kids for those twenty hours, and i think a lot of people grew a lot closer after being in such close contact for so long. there's so much more to say, but i'd rather talk about the actual reason we went: to compete in the Heritage Festival. band got second in our division, and chorus got third in theirs, but we got first place overall at the festival! keep in mind that RHS is a pretty small school, so to get such an award at a festival with so many bigger schools is quite an honor. sure, the trip would have been great even without winning any awards, but doing so well at the competition made it so much more worth it. when they announced our name as the overall winner, i felt this sense of enormous pride.

i guess times like the Nashville trip remind me how lucky i am to go to such a wonderful school. Raymond High School Band and Chorus, we're the best!

2. on Friday i took the AP U.S. History test. finally. that thing has been eating at me nearly all year, so it's great to not have to worry about it anymore. my APUSH teacher said that the class is going to really shift gears, which is great, since it was one of the most grueling classes i've taken this year. i hopefully got a three (which is the equivalent of passing), but i just can't be sure; this class hasn't been my forte at all. ah well, all that matters is that it's over.

3. school's coming to a wrap. finally. thank God. thank God. thank God. i'm heading to St. Paul's Advance Studies Program after school's finished, but i have a feeling i'm going to arrive there very bruised and tattered from this awful junior year. i've never been so happy at the notion of the summer.

Tennessee?

2010-04-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

1. i'm leaving for Tennessee tomorrow. my school's concert band/chorus is playing at this huge music festival there, so i'll be there for a week. pretty dang excited, considering this'll be my third time out of New England. the 20 hour bus ride should be interested though. looks like i'll be doing a lot of reading, listening to a lot of music, and playing quite a bit of Pokemon Blue on the way there. i'm so very excited.

2. a couple days ago, i was informed via email that all of Phillips Exeter's admission slots have been filled, so next year'll be a no-go. ah well, i tried.

St. Paul's

2010-04-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

nevermind item #3 on that last update. i heard back from St. Paul's today: i got in, and will be taking a course called "Forbidden Fictions." the financial aid was pretty good; not fantastic, but good. so now i'm just waiting to get my (hopefully) revised financial aid offer from Phillips Andover, and i'll make my decision as to where i'll be going to school this summer. choices are nice.

all updates will now be numbered.

2010-04-02T19:42:00.001-07:00

updates, updates, updates.

1. spring track has started again, and i'm so bloody out of shape. i'm glad i took the winter season off (since i would have gone crazy with that on my plate), but i wish i could magically stay in shape. my coach seems to think it'll be a good year for me though, so his confidence overrides all my doubts. we have like 38 kids doing track this year, which i'm pretty sure is the highest in years. it's gonna be a good year!

2. i'm going on the band/chorus trip to Nashville, which is taking place during April vacation. i didn't plan on it at first because of finances and all, but someone from school is paying for me, and i can't even articulate how much i appreciate such generosity. it blows my mind. i'm really looking forward to it though. it'll be the last big event i'll be participating in with my friends that are seniors, who i'm really going to miss next year.

3. i'm still waiting to hear back from St. Paul's Advanced Studies Program. blah. i'm optimistic, but i just want to know, you know?

4. i need to find a place to post my poetry, since i've stopped posting it on facebook. it's just not the forum for it. i was considering making another blog on here just for my poetry. it's definitely a possibility. i'm just writing so much lately, and i hate not being able to share it!

5. God is good to me. no matter how much i forget about it (which is fairly often), He always takes care of me, even in the times when i feel like i can't handle it anymore. this has been a roller-coaster of a year, and i know i wouldn't have made it through had it not been for His constant grace and mercy.

again?

2010-03-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

i got wait listed at Phillips Exeter.

again. except this time it's for the regular session.

it's a good thing in general though. at this point, they can either take me off the waiting list, or they can inform me that it's not going to work out.

surprisingly enough, i'm not upset about it. if i end up going there, then God wants me to go to Phillips Exeter next year. if not, then He still has a plan for me at Raymond; He still has things for me to do. either way, He decided what school i would end up at before i was even born. if something doesn't end up happening, then it's not in His final plan.

i love Raymond High School, and i can see myself being happy there next year. that's all there is to it.

gobbledigook

2010-03-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

my life is as follows:

1. i'm doing much better in general. turns out the meds (or whatever you want to call him) the doctor gave me for my Vitamin D deficiency worked. i'm still not exactly where someone my age should be, but i'm only a bit below the average, which is much better than it was before.

2. school's going fairly well. my AP US History class is still a killer, but i think i'm getting the hang of it. 'bout time.

3. i got accepted into Phillips Andover's summer school, but the financial aid leaves something to be desired. hopefully it'll all work out though. they'll let me know around the middle of the month if they can offer me more.

4. Bye Bye, Birdie (my school's winter musical) was last Thursday and Friday and it went very well. the audience seemed to enjoy it, and we had a good time, so it's all good. our next production will be a series of student-directed one-acts, which should be less stressful to put on. i'm pretty excited for it.

5. i hear back from Phillips Exeter in nine or ten days. hopefully i'll be receiving a thick envelope informing me they've accepted me into the regular session for next year. at this point, i'm just waiting. i've done all i can do, and the rest is up to God.

6. either way, as my mother keeps reminding me, if God wants me to go to Phillips Exeter next year, i'll go to Phillips Exeter. it's such a simple concept, but i find that i forget it too often and put too much pressure on myself to reach my goals. i need to work on that.

7. i've decided that i don't want to go to Harvard anymore. for some reason the whole Ivy League thing just doesn't appeal to me anymore. and who am i kidding? it's freakin' Harvard University. at this point i'm just looking at small liberal arts college in the New England/New York area. Williams and Colgate are my first choices. they're still long shots, but definitely more feasible for me than Harvard.

8. i got a 2070 on my SATs, and i'm pretty dang happy with it. i hope to boost them up past 2100 when i take them again in May, but either way i'm more than happy with that score. it definitely puts a lot of things at rest for me.

one of these days i'm going to start updating this thing more often and actually write something worth while. just hang in there.

aren't there some Metro Station lyrics i should be quoting?

2010-02-06T21:40:00.000-08:00

so at 7:45 am (EST) today, i will have lived on this earth for 17 years. cool beans, right?

as i saw some of the birthday posts on my wall, i came to the realization that i should be the one posting on these people's walls and saying all sorts of nice things to them. come to think of it, i should be taking time to thank plenty of other people on today of all days. before anyone has a chance to say "happy birthday, Jon!" i should have already thanked them for being a part of my life and putting up with me for the past 17 years. God has truly blessed me with a great group of people who are eager to be involved with my life and encourage me in everything i do. i can easily say that i would not be who i am today if it weren't for my family, my church family, my friends, my teachers, and plenty of other people i've met along the way. there are just way too many people to thank.

so, in concluding this obligatory birthday post, i guess i'll try my best to show my appreciation. here it goes:

thank you. thank you. thank you. you all make me feel like the luckiest seventeen year-old alive.

RIP Jerome David Salinger

2010-01-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

"Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around - nobody big, I mean - except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff - I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be."

RIP J.D. Salinger. it's passages like this one that make The Catcher in the Rye one of the most beautiful and honest depictions of adolescence and childhood. there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he will continue to be regarded as one of the great American authors of all time, because that's what he truly is. if you have yet to read The Catcher in the Rye, or any of Salinger's other works, for that matter, i greatly encourage you to do so. it's one of those novels that truly deserves all the hype it gets, and it is nothing short of life changing.

yawn

2010-01-14T23:49:00.000-08:00

i just put the finishing touches on my application essays to Phillips Exeter. besides the financial aid stuff, which my parents fill out, the essays were the last bit of the application process. i'm sending the essays out tomorrow, and then i just play the waiting game until March. all i can do now is wait and pray.

things seem like they might be getting a bit better. right now i'm just trying to go through my day with a bit more optimism and to make more of an effort to just seem more pleasant. i don't know what's wrong with me, but whatever it is isn't going to get better if i start feeling sorry for myself and don't trust God. it's gonna be a struggle, but i have to do it.

oh and i'll be receiving my first B+ on my next report card. :sigh: i'm not happy about it, but it had to happen sooner or later. guess that's just how the whole thing was planned out.

so that's what's going on with my life. i have exams starting next Tuesday and going through Friday, and i have SATs on Saturday. X_x ouch.

seems like i have a lot to do, eh? just a day in the life.

Albums of the Year

2010-01-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

i know it's late, but i've been busy and lazy. enjoy.

10. Paramore - brand new eyes

i can remember times when i had to name favorite bands/albums, and for some reason, the thought to name Paramore or one of their albums just never even crossed my mind. there could be a couple reasons for this. maybe neither of their two albums ever really struck a chord with me. i'm still under the impression that All We Know Is Falling was an incredibly mediocre album with poor production and trite lyrics, so that rules out their debut effort. still, AWKIF had some charm, as it established Hayley Williams as an incredible singer, and the band still had time to grow, being very young.

while the band improved nearly every aspect of their songwriting (vocals, instrumentation, lyricism, production) with Riot!, the overall formulaic structure of the album caused it to have little lasting value for me. this was, however, a huge improvement from their debut, as the first five tracks of the album are incredibly strong.

so, with the release of brand new eyes, has Paramore succeeded in redeeming themselves in my mind and therefore established themselves as my favorite band? well...no, not exactly. they have, however, created an album that establishes themselves as excellent songwriters, musicians, and artists in general. also, they've improved on every aspect that their past albums have lacked in.

Paramore's greatest achievement with this album is the fact that brand new eyes is an album that consistently has something to offer the listener from start to finish. while brand new eyes keeps the energy going with aggressive songs like "Careful" and "Ignorance," the album is not without its quiet and reflective moments on songs like "The Only Exception" and "Misguided Ghosts." though these aren't necessarily standout tracks, they still offer the listener a different experience. also, "Where the Lines Overlap" may very well be the best song that Paramore have ever created. i believe this song illustrates the progression of the band as a whole: the instrumentation is layered and thoughtful, the progression is well thought out, and the vocals are just stunning; plus the song is just about as catchy as they come. for me, i think it's safe to say that this one of the catchiest songs of the year.

perhaps Paramore still have a lot of growing to do as musicians. perhaps this album really doesn't offer a huge amount of creativity in the sea of pop-rock albums. regardless, i think Paramore's progression is something that everyone ought to respect. with Paramore's success with the style of their first two albums, it would be easy for them to just spit out another album of catchy songs with little musical variety. yet Paramore does not do that. instead, they seek ways to explore new ways of doing what they have always done, while still possessing the underlying charm that their fans have grown to love. and that growth is what causes me to proudly call myself a fan and continue to wear my bright and lambent Paramore t-shirts.

stand-out tracks: Careful, Brick by Boring Brick, Where the Lines Overlap

9. The Swellers - Ups and Downsizing

if you've been paying attention to my musings/rants on this blog, you should know by now that i like pop-punk. a lot. you should also have realized that i think there's a problem in the pop-punk genre, as it's plagued by copious amounts of neon bands that all sound the same.

but i'm not going to get into all that, because you can read about it in my review of Hit the Light's Skip School, Start Fights from last year's list.

now, perhaps this dire situation isn't improving, and maybe it never will, but as long as solid pop-punk acts are releasing albums that remind us of what the genre used to be, it just might choke out the irrelevant neon bands.

so what's the latest breath of fresh air to be found in the scene? it's this little band from Flint, Michigan, called The Swellers. after garnering attention from listeners and critics with their debut full-length, My Everest, this band sought to further establish themselves as contributing members of the scene. Ups and Downsizing, their sophomore full-length, is a huge step for The Swellers, as its catchy hooks, melodic instrumentation, and solid vocals to top it all off. while the album is pop-punk through and through, there's definitely a variety within these eleven tracks, and all the songs have a perfect flow. the lyrics are also exceptional, as they often tell stories of sadness and disappointment but with underling hope.

is this the most original and creative album of the year? definitely not. what The Swellers do has been done before, but this is easy to overlook, as the band possesses a certain amount of charm that allows you to realize that this is a truly precious release. i'd be lying if i said i've been able to watch this band from the start, but this heartfelt album makes me feel like i'm a part of The Swellers' family, and it feels great to be part of it.

stand-out tracks: 2009, Watch It Go, Stars

8. Kevin Devine - Brother's Blood

this is the kind of album that everyone needs in their life.

well, everyone who, like me, has moments of doubt, anger, sadness, happiness, confusion, and contentment. not-so-simply put, Brother's Blood, Kevin Devine's fifth studio album, is all over the place as far as its central focus goes, but the sporadically feels consistent with the album's overall feel, if that makes sense. Brother's Blood is essentially an album dedicated to the what makes us human. you won't find a concentration of sad songs, nor a surplus of happy songs. it's a perfect balance of different moods, and this balance is complimented with lyrics that make you think. (actually, scratch that: phenomenal lyrics that make you think.) the variety of sounds compliments the moods of the album very well, as Brother's Blood goes from solely acoustic to melodically rich in a roller coaster ride of sounds.

yes, it's a ride that you'll find yourself confused on. it's a ride that will leave you feeling overwhelmed at times. but at the end of the ride, you might just find yourself a bit more acquainted with yourself as an individual, and you'll be glad to be part of this glorious human race.

this type of album has been released before, and it will probably be released again. but it's the type of album that i never get sick of, because i find myself tormented with life at times, and i need the the therapeutic progression that this album provides. so thank you for that, Kevin Devine; i expect this album will be the soundtrack to the most emotionally rich moments of the next few years. why don't you join me?

stand-out tracks: Carnival, Another Bag of Bones, I Could Be With Anyone

7. New Found Glory - Not Without a Fight

and the award for the most fitting album title of the year goes to the boys in New Found Glory.

New Found Glory are a band that have lived through times of huge changes in the music scene, yet they've managed to retain their sound, keeping their early pop-punk roots. many of New Found Glory's contemporaries have either broken up or gone through serious style changes, but NFG has persevered. New Found Glory's further asserts their relevance in the music scene with Not Without a Fight, their sixth studio album.

now, Not Without a Fight is nothing that we haven't come to expect from New Found Glory, but it demonstrates the band's ability to make excellent pop-punk music, which is impressive, considering how long they've been around. furthermore, tracks like "Heartless at Best" and "Listen to Your Friends" can be added to the band's best, as they are certainly on par with, if not better than New Found Glory's greatest moments. if nothing else, this band deserves everyone respect for releasing an album that die-hard fans can truly appreciate, and can also create new fans for the band.

New Found Glory are a band that are certainly the last of their kind, as sugar-coated neon bands like The Maine, A Rocket to the Moon, and Boys Like Girls are becoming the norm for pop-punk. but, as their sixth album title implies, New Found Glory are willing to fight it out. let's just hope that people can appreciate New Found Glory's strong efforts, and if they don't, then they are truly blinded.

stand-out tracks: Listen to Your Friends, Heartless at Best, Don't Let This Be the End

6. Set Your Goals - This Will be the Death of Us

in the grand scheme of things, this album might not be such a big deal. it might not be an album that you listen to and say, "blimey, i've never heard the likes of this before!"

well, yes, that is true. i can think of very few pop-punk bands, however, that have released an album as gutsy as Set Your Goals' sophomore effort, This Will Be the Death of Us. from start to finish, Set Your Goals shoves incredibly fast-paced songs in the listener's face, and they don't apologize one bit for any of it. with many of these releases, bands will try to switch things up by offering a change in the style of the song, but Set Your Goals doesn't even try to do that, which i respect a lot. the listener will be brought back to the days of in-your-face pop-punk; back when it didn't rely on catchy hooks, and really captured the raw emotion of the scene.

like i said, you won't look at This Will Be the Death of Us and see innovations, but i doubt that's what Set Your Goals is going for with this album. i think they're really just trying to bring the listener back to the glory days of this dying genre, and with their socially conscious lyrics, edgy musicianship, and tenacious vocals, they manage to encompass what we really love about pop-punk.

stand-out tracks: The Fallen, The Few That Remain (feat. Hayley Williams), Our Ethos: A Legacy to Pass On

5. Thrice - Beggars

unless you've lived in a cave for the past couple years (or you simply haven't paid attention to the music scene), you've probably heard about Thrice in some stage of their career. while this California-based quartet has always had eminence in the scene, however, their most recent effort, The Alchemy Index, has garnered much attention from old and new fans alike. before The Alchemy Index, Thrice had traditionally been known to have a gritty and heavy sound with their own touch of creativity. with the release of The Alchemy Index, however, Thrice really capitalized on their creativity, as the quadruple album was nothing short of experimental. while the album was either a hit or miss for fans, Thrice emerged from last year having done it all.

so where do you go from there? do you continue on the path of experimentation, or do you return to your roots?

well, Thrice answered that question with Beggars, a i'd say they answered it perfectly. the album is certainly the Thrice we've all come to know and love, as it's similar in some ways to the heaviness and grit of The Artist in the Ambulance, but the listener can tell that Thrice has grown throughout the years. it's essentially an album that comprises everything that i personally love about Thrice. it has the tenacity of TAITA, the creativity of The Alchemy Index, and it reflects the band's overall growth. Dustin Kensure's vocals have never sounded better, and every single member of the band shows their impressive talent as musicians. and of course, as with every Thrice release, the lyrics are some of the best of the year.

if Thrice decided to break up tomorrow, i'd be heartbroken. however, i think they've reached the point where they can truly look back at all their efforts, from Identity Crisis to Beggars, and see a collection of some of the most creative and heartfelt music in the past twenty years. and Beggars is a perfect example of this great band's genius.

stand-out tracks: The Weight, Doublespeak, In Exile

4. Say Anything - Say Anything

i'm going to come right out and say it: i am completely biased when it comes to Say Anything. they are my favorite band, their debut, ...Is a Real Boy, is my favorite album of all time; and their sophomore album, In Defense of the Genre, was my number two album of 2007. so as you can see, they are very near and dear to my heart. with all these accomplishments, however, come certain expectations for the band; i'll be the first one to admit when Say Anything does anything less than stellar. for instance, i admit that half of the tracks on IDOTG should never have seen the light of day.

but i digress. the point is, when i heard that Say Anything would be releasing a third self-titled album, i had exceptionally high expectations for it.

so did Say Anything meet my expectations? a thousand times yes. i don't think i can say it's my Say Anything album, but it comes about as close to ...Is a Real Boy as is humanly possible in my mind. everything about this album is on par with Say Anything's best. it may lack the tenacity of ...Is a Real Boy and the moodiness of In Defense of the Genre, but Say Anything succeeds at being an album full of tracks that demonstrates Max lyrical brilliance, the rest of the band's skill as musicians, and the band's all around incredibly songwriting skills.

all i can really say about Say Anything is that it's a beautiful album that shows any and all listeners that Say Anything is not going to quietly go away. from start to finish, Max and Co. present resolution to the dark themes of the last two albums. they do not, however, do so lightly, as Say Anything contains some of the band's strongest material yet. it doesn't have as much variety as previous efforts, but it really doesn't need it, as it has a stronger focus on certain types of songs.

as i said earlier, Say Anything may disappoint someone who is looking for an album with as big as a "bang!" as ...Is a Real Boy, but they really shouldn't be. that album was an exceptionally strong debut, so the listener should really be looking for an album that hits the target that Say Anything set for themselves, which their self-titled release does with grace and elegance.

stand-out tracks: Fed to Death, Less Cute, Ahh...Men

3. The Dangerous Summer - Reach For The Sun

i really don't know how The Dangerous Summer did it. i don't know how this Maryland-based quartet came out of nowhere and released one of the most emotionally charged pop-punk albums that we've seen in the past 10 years. i expected a great album after hearing their debut EP, If You Could Only Keep Me Alive, but i didn't expect a near perfect debut. but here i am saying it: Reach For The Sun is a perfect album and a perfect debut for The Dangerous Summer. i am fully convinced that if music like this dominated the radio airwaves, the world would be a better place.

people can try to downplay this release all they want. they may call it over-hyped, overrated, or boring, saying they "don't know what all the fuss about. now, maybe this is just the elitist in me speaking, but i can say, with conviction that they are horribly wrong. this album is incredibly, beautiful, and nothing short of exceptional in every way possible. the lyrics are honest yet elegant, the instrumentation is layered, and the vocals give the album a unique voice.

but it's in the intangible aspects of the album that Reach For The Sun truly shines. if the album were not great as far as musicianship and vocals, we would still have a fantastic album. the boys in The Dangerous Summer (named for a Hemingway novel, as if they weren't great to begin with) have given the listener a truly personal release, as the speaker in the songs goes through struggles uncommon for a pop-punk album. call me an overly emotional fairy, but i've gotten goosebumps and lumps in my throat at certain points while listening to this album, and that is not an exaggeration.

Reach For The Sun is an album that everyone ought to listen to at least once. it's much more accessible than others on my list, and i see no reason why it should not suit everyone's taste. i know it's not cool to like accessible music anymore, but when it's this well done, i'll take my chances. as should you.

stand-out tracks: Where I Want to Be, Weathered, A Place to Grow

2. Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything To Nothing

if you've read other end of the year lists, and you have yet to hear this album, you're probably saying to yourself "can Manchester Orchestra's sophomore album, Mean Everything To Nothing, really be that good?!"

i'll answer that for you: yes, Mean Everything To Nothing is THAT good.

Mean Everything To Nothing is a truly magnificent piece of art. it's an album that will take you on a musical and emotional journey that will leave you breathless and wanting more. this journey, however, is not for the musically faint of heart, as you most likely will have never heard anything like it before in your life. or at least not within the last 15 years. Andy Hull's vocals will probably be hard to swallow at first, but that mean that he does not an incredible and unique voice. but that's pretty much the story with everything about Mean Everything To Nothing. the instrumentation is not neat and pretty sounding, but it's essentially what makes this album one of the best of the year. (if you don't believe me, listen to "Shake It Out" at 3:15, which is probably one of the greatest two minutes of music 2009 has to offer.)

with Mean Everything To Nothing, Manchester Orchestra has gained an incredible amount of respect from critics and fans alike, and i can easily say that they deserve every ounce of it and more.

stand-out tracks: The Only One, Shake It Out, I Can Feel a Hot One

1. fun. - Aim and Ignite

okay, so i'm going to start this review the same way pretty much every review for this album has started. like countless others, i was upset when The Format broke up. while they were not necessarily my favorite band, i had always thought of them as one of the most creative bands in the music scene.

so naturally, i was hopeful when i heard that Nate Ruess was embarking on a new chapter of his musical career. not long after The Format disbanded, Ruess grabbed Andrew Dost of Anthallo and Jack Antonoff of Steel Train and formed fun.. (note the lowercase "f" and period following the band name. it will help avoid confusion when reading this review.)

fun. had quite a task ahead of them, however, as The Format was one of the most respected bands in the music scene. i expected an enjoyable album, but i hardly expected fun. to release something that would rival anything from The Format. well, that's exactly what this band did. fun.'s debut Aim and Ignite, is on par with the best of The Format's material. Aim and Ignite cannot be considered a mere continuation of The Format, however, as fun. is not the same band as Ruess' past project.

Aim and Ignite is a pop album through and through, and it's the best pop album to come out in the past 25 years, no exaggeration. if The Beach Boys were still around, they would probably sound a lot like fun., as both band's music reflects enjoyable pop music with layered instrumentation and vocals. Aim and Ignite is easily the most creative release of the year, as each track has its own distinct sound, and fun. utilizes many different styles and instruments throughout. it's not the "obscure" kind of creative though, as it offers something for every listener, no matter what kind of music you listen to. if you enjoy pop music, listen to Aim and Ignite. if you like well-written music, listen to Aim and Ignite. if you like music in general, please listen to Aim and Ignite.

don't think this was an easy decision for me. there were plenty of albums that i felt deserved the title of "album of the year," but i really couldn't think of any other album that had absolutely nothing wrong with it. and that's exactly where Aim and Ignite separates itself from every other release of the year. it's nothing short of perfect. from start to finish, the listener is given well-written, gorgeous pop songs.

so all i can really say is this: thank you fun.. thank you for giving me an album that i can listen to at any time. thank you for writing good pop music in a world of generic one-hit wonders. thank you for just being different.

stand-out tracks: At Least I'm Not as Sad (as I Used to Be), Barlights, The Gambler

:sigh-of-exhaustion: i don't feel like saying anything else, so i'm just going to post my completed list of best, honorable mentions, and worst albums of the year.

Best of the Best
15. Cartel - Cycles
14. Brand New - Daisy
13. John Mayer - Battle Studies
12. Sherwood - QU
11. Person L - The Positives
1o. Paramore - brand new eyes
9. The Swellers - Ups and Downsizing
8. Kevin Devine - Brother's Blood
7. New Found Glory - Not Without a Fight
6. Set Your Goals - This Will Be the Death of Us
5. Thrice - Beggars
4. Say Anything - Say Anything
3. The Dangerous Summer - Reach For the Sun
2. Manchester Orchestra - Means Everything to Nothing
1. fun. - Aim and Ignite

Honorable Mentions
Every Time I Die - New Junk Aesthetic
Dashboard Confessional - Alter the Ending
The Deer Hunter - Act III: Life and Death
Ballast - When All the World Has Failed You
mewithoutYou - it’s all crazy! it’s all false! it’s all a dream! it’s alright

Worst/Most Disappointing

1. A Day to Remember - Homesick
overrated, excessive, and just bad. the instrumentation is dull at best, the vocals reek of auto tune, and every bloody songs sounds the same.

okay...eleven out of twelve tracks sound the same. "If It Means a Lot to You" was actually a pretty good song.

2. BrokenCYDE - I'm Not a Fan...But the Kids Like It!
this is easily the worst band making music today. there is no redeeming factor for this band, and absolutely no excuse for them to have any fans whatsoever.

3. Taking Back Sunday - New Again
consider yourself officially irrelevant, TBS. i wasn't expecting much at all, but it didn't even meet my expectations. shame on Alternative Press for naming this the best album of 2009. apparently they didn't listen to much music this year.

4. Saosin - In Search of Solid Ground
these guys had a great debut, but this follow-up didn't deliver at all. it's not even that it's a completely awful; there's no substance whatsoever, and the decent moments on the album are choked by the overall mediocrity. easily the most disappointing album of the year.

5. Two Tongues - Two Tongues
it's no secret that i'm a huge Say Anything fan. i also like Saves the Day quite a bit, so i, like countless other, was ecstatic when i heard that Max Bemis and Chris Conley were merging to create Two Tongues; it just seemed like a great combination. the end result, however, ended up containing some of Bemis and Conley's weakest material to date.

okay i lied

2009-12-29T11:39:00.000-08:00

i'll be writing a top 10 instead of a top 11, because i'm just lazy.

i'm tired of titles

2009-12-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

i've been working ever so diligently on my end of the year list, and as always, it's been incredibly difficult. picking the top 4 has been relatively easy, but deciding the rest is tormenting.

if you're not familiar with the way i do this, i'll explain. i pick anywhere from 15-20 albums released this year that i absolutely love and think deserve recognition as some of the best albums of 2009. with the top 10 albums, however, i write mini-reviews for them, as i think these albums need some explanation regarding exactly what makes them so great.

yes, it's great fun and all, but it's always a difficult process for me. there are always so many great albums, and i have a hard time picking the top 10. i usually have an idea of what the top 10 will look like by December, but that all goes to hell when i actually sit down to make the list. this year, for instance, my list looks drastically different now than it did a week ago. there are just some albums that HAVE to be in there.

i probably make it more of a moral dilemma than it should be.

i think i'm going to continue the tradition i started last year and write reviews for the top 11. just because i can.

i need a spine or two

2009-11-20T21:27:00.000-08:00

my mind is becoming a very strange place...

my brother Jesse was sworn into the National Guard on Wednesday and was immediately sent to Missouri to begin basic training. he's coming back for Christmas for two weeks, but i already really miss him. he's one of my brother that i'm not used to not having around. :/

in other news, i was a contestant in my school's annual Mr. Raymond (mock) beauty pageant on Wednesday. it went alright, i suppose. it had been an incredibly busy week, what with Jesse leaving and all, so i was pretty out of it as far as rehearsal and all that went. i had a good time though, and i think i'll look back on the memories and laugh once i get over not sleeping at all this week. i didn't win, but i feel pretty confident about next year, since i don't know how many people will do it, considering most of our contestants this year were seniors.

but i digress. school's still going okay. i've been working on getting some SAT practice stuff in. i'm feeling confident about the writing section (i stand a pretty good chance of getting a 700 or above), but the other two i'm not so sure about. i'm in an SAT class on Saturdays though, so that should help quite a bit. in a weird way, i'm actually kind of looking forward to it.

anyway, school's still going okay. i can't seem to get a grip on anything, for some reason. right now i need to focus on getting my applications in, since the St. Paul's summer school application is due December 1st. and guess who hasn't started it yet...

i've been able to avoid insanity thus far. wish me luck on that.

P.S. i'll be starting to really consider what albums i'm gonna be looking at for my end of the year list, so be looking forward to that...if anyone reads this silly think, that is.

i feel obligations towards the strangest things...

2009-10-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

here you have it:

school is going mediocre at best, which is not normal. at all.
i have little time to do anything besides school...least of all blog.
i've been pretty bummed out lately, which could apparently be due to a vitamin D deficiency.
i am taking huge vitamins for said deficiency.
reading for anything but school is nearly impossible during the week.
my weekends consist of homework, church, and my own personal reading.
in the midst of all this lack of time for reading, i've managed to read half a dozen books or so in the last two months. this probably shouldn't be happening.
my final cross country meet is this Saturday, and i will most likely not do winter track in order to give me a few extra hours during the day to do school.
we're doing Bye Bye, Birdie for the winter drama production, and i have a somewhat large role, i suppose.
i've been writing a decent amount of poetry lately; this stress really does wonders for the right half of my brain.
i'm applying to Phillips Andover and St. Paul's summer schools.
i'm applying to Phillips Exeter Academy for regular school. yes, it's really happening.

there, i just felt the obligation to post that. as stated above, i have relatively little time to blog, so you may rarely hear from me in the next few weeks, which will consist of me doing copious amounts of homework and trying to survive; all while taking huge vitamin D pills.

i love music

2009-10-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

it's been a great year for me, as far as albums go. i listened to the new Paramore and the new New Found Glory a couple times today. they've most definitely secured a spot on my lost for the end of the year. so far, i've been extremely impressed with The Dangerous Summer, Manchester Orchestra, fun., New Found Glory, Paramore, The Swellers and Every Time I Die. i know i'm forgetting some albums though. there a couple albums that i'm not completely sold on yet, such as the new Thrice, The Dear Hunter, Relient K, and Portugal. The Band. i really enjoy these albums, but i feel like i need to spend more time with both of them.

and then there are some albums, like the new Mutemath, that i have yet to hear. that'll change soon enough.

still anticipating the release of new stuff from Say Anything, Cartel, Forever the Sickest Kids, and i'm sure there are others.

all i can say now is, as the blog title implies, i love music.

i have too many sites to update

2009-09-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

it's been far too long since i've updated this thing. even though i doubt if anyone reads this, i always feel guilty about no updating it.

pretty much, things are insanely busy. besides my large amount of school work, i have all my school related stuff, and i'm taking this stupid Honors Chem class online. that's probably going to change though. i suck at science anyway, so having to pretty much teach myself an entire course is less than desirable. i'm pretty sure i have time to drop it, thankfully.

school's going well, besides my A.P. U.S. History class. there are way too many kids in the class; we can't really have good discussions because of the class size. consequently, i'm not getting much out of the class, and i'm probably not going to do well on the test at the end of the year.
but besides that, i really like all my classes.

i'm dead set on going to Philips Exeter for the regular school year next year though. don't get me wrong, i love Raymond High, but i think it's just time to move on. the learning atmosphere is completely different than Exeter's, and i'm having a hard time adjusting back into it. if all goes according to plan, i'll be doing a repeat junior year at Philips Exeter next year. now i'm just waiting for all the application stuff to come in, then i can start the ever so arduous task of filling it all out. anymore, more on that later.

i'm also having a hard time keeping up with a lot of albums coming out, i've just been too busy with everything else. at the moment i'm listening to The Swellers' new album, which is reallly good. nothing more than well done pop-punk, but it's just what we need at this point.

schoolio

2009-09-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

i always forget how much i love school. all my classes are great, though my AP US History class tends to drag on a bit. also, for drama, our school is doing Bye Bye Birdie!, which should be awesome. auditions are next week, so we'll see how this turns out. i wish i was a more versatile actor though, so i wouldn't have to be careful/nervous about what part i get.

we shall see; i'll just take it as it comes.

Saosin...really?!

2009-09-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

so i listened to Saosin's new album, In Search of Solid Ground last night for the first time. surprisingly enough, i wasn't all that impressed with it; i thought that was due to the fact that it was almost 12, and i was really tired. so i just stopped where i was, which was like halfway through the album, and said i would start from the beginning tomorrow.

well, i listened to it in its entirety today, and let's just say my exhaustion didn't affect my senses one bit. i hate to say it, because i've been looking forward to this album, but this album is bland. from the opening track to the ending track, the album follows the same formula. and it isn't a good one. Cove's vocals are still great, but the songwriting on the album is just plain bad. sadly, my favorite songs on the album were the ones that they had released earlier (On My Own, Is This Real, The Worst of Me). when i first heard these songs, i had no idea that the entire album would follow the same generic formula that these songs follow.

very disappointing after such a strong major label debut, that's all i can say.

school

2009-08-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

school starts tomorrow, so i need to get this last essay finished.

on a good note, the new Farewell album is streaming on their purevolume. a good end to the summer, i'd say. i have high hopes for it.

reading is for summer

2009-08-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

my summer reading list has been killing me. since i've been at Exeter all summer, i didn't have time to start any of it then. i only have one book left to read (O Pioneers!), but it's really slow. i still have to spit out two essays before next Wednesday, which is when school starts.

ugh.

sad face

2009-08-15T22:46:00.001-07:00

as of yesterday, i've been gone from Philips Exeter for a week. it's insane how fast that went by. thinking about all that, it made me realize that i miss everyone from Bread Loaf as well!

i'm thankful having the opportunity to take part in all these amazing experiences, but it kind of sucks being away from it all. i find myself longing for the atmosphere at Bread Loaf, along with the great people, of course...

there's no place like...ahh forget it

2009-08-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

so i'm finally settled back at home. i unpacked this morning, and i'm getting used to not waking up at 7 to go to classes. it's been kind of difficult, just because things aren't as ideal as i expected. but hey, i suppose that's life.

leaving on saturday was absolutely dreadful. i don't usually cry in public, but i've never cried so much in my life. it was kind of neat to see all that affection being exhibited from people who have only known each other for five weeks though. i'm really gonna miss everyone.

but it's good to be home. i have a lot of catching up to do with everyone else. not to mention the fact that i have to read three books and write two essays for school in the next few weeks.

in other news, fun.'s debut album is streaming on their myspace. it's good...really good. sheer pop brilliance, i'd say. it definitely does not disappoint, and it secured a spot on my end of the year list.

to the kids at PEA

2009-08-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

oh my goodness. i can't even believe that i'll be leaving Philips Exeter on Saturday morning! i can't believe i'm finally leaving this amazing place, this amazing atmosphere, this amazing opportunity, and these amazing people. people from Turkey, California, Brazil, Kuwait, Texas, Florida, France, Sweden, England, Arkansas, New Hampshire, Somalia, Hong Kong; you name it, these kids are going back to their homes in these respective places.

these people have opened my eyes to the fact that 745 kids from virtually every corner of the world can learn from one another, relate to one another, make one another laugh, help one another when crying, encourage one another, and change one another for the better. we, the students of Philips Exeter Academy's 2009 Summer School, have broken through barriers that others would have said could not be broken through.

it's really a simple concept, take almost 750 kids, put them in the center of a small town in New Hampshire, and see what happens from there. you'd be surprised at how life changing this can be.

we're all going home in the next few days. we are all returning to our normal lives; we'll be getting ready for school, we'll be moving back into our own rooms, and we will leave all these lovely people behind.

though we're going back to our normal lives, i'd like to think that we won't be doing anything too different from what we've been doing all summer. we've worked hard, we've had to overcome the trials of being far from home (some farther than others), and we've made impressions on the people we've met. in reality, isn't this something that we should continue to do?

i just want to take this opportunity to thank all the amazing people i've met this summer. you guys have been accepting to my odd ways, you've taken the time to get to know me, and you have changed my life for the better.

thank you.

last

2009-08-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

today is the start of my last week at Philips Exeter Academy, and this past week has been a tough one. i've had a pretty huge workload, what with starting Song of Solomon in English, which is a tough read. on top of that, i got my schedule a couple of days ago. let's just say that i didn't quite get the classes i wanted.

i was wicked upset when i saw it, and i started panicing, and i was really bitter towards the school for a while. but then i talked to my mom, and i might end up taking some classes online. it's really tough though, because good colleges like to see students take the most challenging classes the school as to offer, but i can't do that because the schedule doesn't allow me to take the classes i want. ugh. it's just really frustrating.

anyway, other than that, i'm still having a great time. my brother Josh let me borrow a laptop, which has made things a lot easier. before i got the laptop, i couldn't keep up with new music and all that good stuff. but now i'm keeping up with everything.

speaking of which, Anchor & Braille, Stephen Christian's (Anberlin) new project, just released their debut album on the internet. it's currently streaming on their myspace. it's really good. think of it as Copeland with Stephen Christian behind vocals. since Copeland has one of the best sounds in the scene, and Stephen Christian has one of the best voices in the scene, this is an excellent combinaton.

also, look forward to updates from Saosin, Brand New, Say Anything, fun., Third Eye Blind, Thrice, and Paramore. this is looking to be a great year for music; even better than last year. i can't wait.

all sorts

2009-07-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

so over the past few weeks we've gotten some goodies from several notable artists. some of 'em you've probably heard about; but just in case, here you go.

Cartel has a new song up
fun. has put up their second song.
Set Your Goals' new album is streaming in its entirety
Anchor & Braille (Stephen Christian from Anberlin) has a new song up as well.
Paramore's new single is streaming on their myspace.

so there you have it. if you enjoy half-decent (or better) music, then you should check out one or two (or all) of those updates.

in other news, i'm still having an amazing time at school. dropping that class and switching into a math class was a great decision, and i feel much more relaxed.

relief

2009-07-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

so i switched out of my Art of Being Human class into Algebra Techniques Workshop. the moral of this story is: don't take three English classes, because the workload will be insane.

i really do love the class and the teacher, but it's just too much work when combined with my other two classes. it was such a difficult decision though, and i'm gonna regret telling my teacher and class i'm leaving. :[

i think i'm gonna be happy with it though; i felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders when i went to my first Algebra class today. it's gonna be good to brush up on some of my Algebra skills too, since i'm taking Algebra II this coming school year.

anyway, this place is still amazing, and i'm still meeting plenty of new people.

so far

2009-07-08T05:51:00.000-07:00

so i arrived at Philips Exeter on Sunday, and the excitement of it all still hasn't wore off; nor do i see it wearing off in the near future.

this place is absolutely amazing. it's a great atmosphere where i can focus on what i need to do, which is primarily studying and learning as much as i can in these five weeks. however, it's not all business and work, as you might expect. the people here are great, and the classes are interesting beyond belief. it's all discussion based, so you really get to here/share a lot of different opinions.

so far my favorite class is probably Novel & Narration, which is the epitome of a perfect English course for me. it's pretty much just studying literature and dicsussing it. Debate & Argumentation is pretty great too; it seems like it might be the easiest class of the three. The Art of Being Human seems like an interesting cource, but we're doing a lot of phycology in the beginning, which i'm not into really. i think we're gonna start focusing more on philosophy and art in the future.

as i said, the poeple are great as well. it's fascinating meeting people from so many different cultures. you can go up to pretty much anyone, and there's a 50% chance that they'll be from another country. everyone seems to be getting along really well too.

i have to say, not having a computer in my dorm is quite a drag. i have to go to the library whenever i want to use the computer. ahh well, i'll get used to it. if i don't update in a while, it'll be because i haven't been able to get to a computer.

anyway, i suppose it's off to my Debate class now.

start

2009-07-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

i'm going to church in about an hour, and after that, i'm heading to Philips Exeter to start summer school.

!!!

hate is not a strong word

2009-07-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

i
hate
my
computer
so
much.

go ahead, call me silly for having such strong feelings for an inanimate object, but if you had to work with this piece of crap, you totally would too. my dad this thing that erased all the cookies and crap off of it, but now it's running slower than ever before. >:o
and if you want it to run a bit faster, you just restore down the window you're using. the only thing is, if you click the button, it minimizes it! it literally wants me to be unhappy, i swear!

anyway, i've been meaning to do an album recommendation, but i just haven't gotten around to it. i think i'll do one tomorrow.

and i still don't know if anyone even reads this silly thing. at this point; i'm just using it to keep me writing and thinking.

that's it.

2009-06-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

3OH!3 has the number one song in America.

i can't even believe it's come to this. this band is just not good at all. their lyrics, their vocals, their production, their screaming. all of it is just bad.

music is only subjective to a certain point, and bands like 3OH!3, brokenCYDE, and Millionaires all illustrate this. when i first heard these guys, i dismissed them as a joke, but then i saw them gaining more and more popularity.

and now, here we are. it saddens me that these guys have the #1 spot, and not an extremely hardworking, not to mention more talented, band like The Gaslight Anthem.

if you like these guys, no offense, really. i just think that you should stop supporting this garbage, because it's a slippery slope. i normally don't say such things, but that's just how bad these guys are.

RIP, Michael

2009-06-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

yesterday we lost a true musical icon. Michael Jackson passed away yesterday; causes of death are not yet known.

Michael Jackson lived a life full of ambiguity and controversy in the past few years, we all know this. however, regardless of that, the man was one of the most innovative musicians of all time. whether or not you're into any form of pop music, you can't deny that Thriller alone was a work of true art, changing pop music forever.

even at the age of 8, no one could deny that Michael had amazing talent and that he would grow up to do great things for music. now, 42 years later, we can all say that he fulfilled that prediction.

just take a couple minutes to watch these two videos. they're two of my favorite songs that Michael ever took part in.

RIP Michael, you will be missed.

obligatory out-of-school post

2009-06-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

i took my last final today, meaning school's finally over for me. i did okay on my finals, but i remembered very little from 4th quarter. next year i'll have to do a little less during the last quarter.

i leave for Philips Exeter in 11 days; i can't wait.

anyway, i'll have more time to actually blog stuff with actual substance now. i'm gonna listen to The Dear Hunter's album now; i've heard it's one of the best of the year so far. i'll post my thoughts on it when i'm done.

until then, i suggest you listen to the new albums from Manchester Orchestra, mewithoutYou, or The Dangerous Summer if you haven't already.

if the sun sets

2009-06-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

it seems everyone has some desire to feel relevant; everyone wants to stand out, to be talked about, to be thought of. in the teenage mind especially, there exists nothing worse than not being immediately recognized in a crowd. so what do we do to achieve this status? whatever it takes. we will go back on things we've said, and do things we never said we would. in the past year i've seen many people go to great lengths to seem important, to stand out in people's memory. while doing this, however, they've stepped over people who don't have that sophomoric addiction to themselves. and believe me, it's an addiction.

ironically enough, these people are only recognized among the people they haven't stepped on yet, and that number dwindles constantly.

live your life without silly teenage agendas, and people will remember you for that, i promise.

i'll need a shovel to dig myself out of this one

2009-06-12T22:57:00.000-07:00

i wonder what's worse: being ignorantly impulsive or being impulsive knowing full well that what you're about to do probably won't turn out. i need some justifying to do.

this upcoming week is my last full week of school. then i have finals. then i get out for a week and a half, then i'm going to Philips Exeter for summer school.

i really need to go to a show sometime soon, all this involvement of school has almost purged me of my love for the music scene.

it's been a year of firsts.

2009-06-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

my play was on friday and saturday (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.) i realize that i didn't really talk about that much before it. i ended up getting the part of Linus, and the play went extremely well! we had two nights, and both were full houses. on thursday, i'd say about a third of the audience were people from my church! that really meant a lot to me, as you can imagine.

we had such a great time though. it was pretty meaningful too, because a couple of people in the play were seniors, making this their last show. it was pretty meaningful in general though; when you put all that time and effort into something, it really means a lot to see it come to life.

i'm so happy that i joined drama. it's probably become my favorite school club. the people in there are so nice and encouraging. and i feel like i can really be myself without being criticized or judged; something i'm always fearful of. plus it's been so nice trying something new! i had never done anything with acting before, but it seemed like something i might enjoy, so i joined. definitely one of the best choices i made all year.

anyway, the moral of the story: the play was amazing. we had fun, the audience enjoyed themselves; definitely one of the best nights of my life. pictures to follow perhaps.

until then, i'm doing all the homework my teachers told me to forget about until after the play.

it happened.

2009-05-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

just got back from prom a little while ago. i actually had a great time. i have to admit though, i was dreading it a lot during the way; i think i have an actual medical fear of high school dances. the atmosphere was a lot different though, which is good. next year, we get to throw ours! i'll definitely be looking forward to that.

best

2009-05-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

the New England Young Writer's Conference was absolutely amazing. it was easily one of, if not THE best weekends of my life. it took place on a beautiful campus just off of Middlebury in Vermont. for four days, this campus was host to some of the smartest, nicest, most talented kids you could ever meet. the chemistry of these kids created an aura surrounding the weekend that couldn't be rivaled anywhere. the authors were amazing and helpful, and i know every one of us learned an incredible amount about ourselves and, of course, writing.

i wish i was back there, though it's nice to be home, back in the middle of my busy, crazy life. furthermore, i pretty much made an entirely new group of friends, and i look forward to keeping in touch with them.

i'll definitely be writing more, stay tuned. i already have some pieces from the conference that i'll be working on!

summer can't come soon enough.

2009-05-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

so today i went to Philips Exeter to have lunch with the director of the summer school and take a tour of the campus. it's absolutely beautiful, and the food is phenomenal. everything about it makes it seem like the perfect place to receive an education, and the kids i met there all seemed very nice and welcoming. our tour guide was a darling; very nice and helpful.

anyway, in all the excitement of Philips, track, and the normal routine of school, i almost forgot about the writer's conference! i leave this Thursday for VT, and i get back on Sunday. i'm really looking forward to that; i'll definitely learn a lot there and i'll get to spend some time with my good friend/fellow writer, Jesse Hardman. i'll definitely keep you updated on that.

also, i provisionally qualified for states in track, running the 800 meter race in 2 minutes and 12 seconds; my best time yet!

happy May, everyone

2009-05-02T12:38:00.001-07:00

i have a twitter now. i hated the whole concept of "blogging" with 140 characters or less, but it's actually kind of addicting. it's always nice to see what Shaq, Stephen Colbert, and John Mayer are up to. besides, i don't have enough internet addictions yet.

anywho, it's a beautiful day, so spend some of it listening to these sexy beasts.

shamless exaggerations aside

2009-04-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

remember that album recommendation i did like two days ago, where i mentioned that The Dangerous Summer's new album, Reach for the Sun would be a good release? well, i was dead on the money.

this album is fantastic. it gives me the same feeling that Valencia's We All Need a Reason to Believe did. maybe even more so. everything about it screams "exceptional!" in bright letters with exclamation points.

the album's streaming on their purevolume. check it out...seriously.

P.S. i know i've been throwing a lot of links at you guys lately, but just know that i don't do this lightly. i generally divulge this kind of stuff because i feel that people need to know about it. i would just encourage anyone who reads this to take some time to check the links out. to anyone who continously checks this stuff out, i really appreciate it. i love you guys.

libre, libre, libre!

2009-04-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

i'm about to be picked up to go see Forever the Sickest Kids at the Palladium. with free admission! i haven't been to a show for the longest time. it's gonna be a good day.

check out Manchester Orchestra's new album. it's turning out to be one of the best releases of the year so far.

the silence makes me crazy

2009-04-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

Arlen Specter's switching to the Democratic party is like when Clay Aiken came out of the closet; everyone knew it was bound to happen. still, it's a bit unsettling for me, having one of the most senior members of the grand ol' party leaving. a sign of what to come, i suppose.

i want to write something. i think i'm gonna try and start something tonight. vacation's always the best time to stay up late and write.

Monthly Recommendation: The Dangerous Summer - If You Could Only Keep Me Alive

2009-04-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

if you read many of my rantings about music, you'll know that i detect somewhat of a problem in my favorite genre, the pop-punk music scene. the whole affiliation that the genre has with the "neon" image of the mainstream music scene has turned a genre once filled with raw talent and originality into a fashion style with overproduced music to top it all off. i'm not really gonna get into all that though, because i've ranted about it in previous posts.

now, the whole point of once again establishing that problem is to stress the importance of the relief and hope that bands like The Dangerous Summer instill. with the upcoming release of their first full-length, Reach for the Sun, on May 5th, there isn't a better time to check out their debut EP, If You Could Only Keep Me Alive. this is the EP that divulged the potential of this Maryland-based pop-punk act. what this seven song EP lacks in length, it definitely makes up for in substance. the raw yet soaring vocals, the impressive musicianship, and the simple yet appropriate lyrics all show that this band is way ahead of most of their more-pop-thank-punk contemporaries in the area of songwriting. the album's only seven songs, making it a quick listen, so i don't really have any suggestions for specific songs. the entire EP is streaming on their myspace, so take 25 minutes or so to listen to If You Could Only Keep Me Alive, a lovely sample of the genius that we're to expect from these guys. and keep an eye out for Reach for The Sun, which hits stores May 5th. it's gonna be a good release, folks.

because we all know you can't spell slaughter without "laughter"

2009-04-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

ahh yes, finally caught up on all my make up work. of course, it took me four hours to finish said make up work, but i feel satisfied.

i had the worst case of poison ivy these past four days. i'm not even going into detail. all i can say is that i've been on numerous drugs lately, more than i've ever taken in my life.

ah well, it's all better now. and it's spirit week this week. woo!

carbo-whats?!

2009-04-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

so apparently i'm not eating enough.

i know, i know, this probably doesn't come as a surprise to anyone who knows me. but it's never really been this bad until i started getting really busy with school stuff. i'm always really exhausted, and i'm just not hungry. well, things are getting slightly urgent now.

i run track, and in the past year i've done so with slightly more dedication than before. apparently, i'm using up more energy than the last three years i've done it. consequently, if i want to hit the new goals i've set up for myself, i need to start getting a certain amount of nutrients and whatnot each day.

so Jon Lemay's new daily diet will consist of at least

2400 calories
360 grams of carbohydrate
84 grams of protein
54 grams of fat

now for most people, this seems slightly laughable, as it's normal. but apparently for people like me, i'm getting half of it! yikes! it's funny, because i'm actually a really healthy person; i just lack the statistics to be a phenomenal runner at this point. so wish me luck, because this is going to be difficult.

also, two-thirds of my iTunes library is apparently gone. i'll have to work on finding that.

last but not least, How Lost We Are uploaded a new song today. check it out; it's lovely.

you've got a certain spark

2009-04-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

Captain Richard Phillips was freed from his Somali pirate captives earlier this day...with three pirates being sniped in the process.

cheers, Mr. President. good call on authorizing that move.

oh, and Happy Resurrection Sunday.

"jon, you're all i'll ever need!"

2009-04-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

goodness gracious, i am sore. track season'll do that to an out of shape, underweight body.

Semi-Weekly Reccomendation: ...How Lost We Are

2009-04-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

there are few things that can reach me like good acoustic music. there's just something about it that makes it perfect for the times when i'm feeling my best and worst. and i can think of few acoustic artists whose music has had that effect on me like John Ludwick's, the genius behind the acoustic project How Lost We Are. John's music is based on honest lyrics, minimal yet beautiful effects, and heartfelt melodies. there really isn't much else to say about his music because it's just so simple, which compliments its elegance.

John has said that his music isn't for his own gratification, as he's already dealt with the emotions divulged through his music. rather, he wants it to possibly help other people deal with their emotions. it certainly has with me; i've spent many sleepless nights just sitting at my computer, listening to his music, while thinking or writing about what's going on in my life (whether it be good or bad).

this is the kind of music that summer nights are made of. this is the kind of music that one can listen to and think of the highs and lows of friendships, relationships, and life in general. ever since i started listening to How Lost We Are, i've been trying to get as many people as possible to listen to him as well. this is because i know how his music has affected me, and i want other people to experience that. also, he's an extremely personable and hardworking guy, and he deserves as much recognition as he can get.

as of right now, John is working on mixing an album. there are two songs from that album on his myspace right now, along with several songs from an EP he released a while ago. if you have time, i'd recommend that you listen to all of them, as they are all amazing and all have the power to really pull you in.

so, to wrap this thing up, if you enjoy music that you can relate to, check out How Lost We Are, because John's experiences offer something for everyone. if you enjoy well-written acoustic music, check out How Lost We Are, because this is probably some of the best you'll ever hear.

this is a good thing.

2009-03-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

i will be taking Debate & Argumentation, Novel and Narration, and Western Philosophical Tradition at Philips Exeter Academy's Summer school this summer.

yes.

down, down, down.

2009-03-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

i just finished my research paper for world history! :mini wave of celebration in me: it was a paper on who we thought was "one of the most important figures in history" or something to that extent, and naturally, i picked Jesus Christ. it's not too bad either; not the best paper i've ever written, but i was fairly objective throughout.

i finally saw John (How Lost We Are) play on friday. i've been trying to see him for like the past three months, but i haven't had a ride to any of his shows. all i can say is that i'm so glad i went on friday. he's absolutely amazing. he's such a cool guy too, very personable. i'll do a "weekly/monthly/biweekly/annua/whatever you want to cool it-recommendation" on him next week i think. it'll be good, i promise.

it's my mom's birthday today, i love her. that's all i need to say on that topic.

no

2009-03-21T09:45:00.001-07:00

i am not where i belong...

in south autstrailia i was born...

2009-03-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone.

even if you didn't wear green today, at least celebrate the day by listening to some celtic tune. whether it be Dropkick Murphys, The Pogues, The Young Dubliners, Flogging Molly, The Tossers, or just any random rendition of a celtic song you can find on youtube, you'll be happy no matter what you listen to.

some good places to start.

i changed my mind.

2009-03-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

you know, the weekly recommendation idea is good, but only if it's not one of two posts you make per week. i think i'm gonna do it at the end of every month instead. i just feel so weird having a post about a recommendation, then a regular post, then a post about a recommendation.

still waiting for Philips Exeter to get back to me.

oh, and i lost my voice because i'm getting sick. once again, too many late nights/early mornings. dang having five tests, two projects, and two essays this week.

late nights/early mornings kill me.

2009-03-10T22:16:00.001-07:00

so i just finished my DNA model project for Biology. what a relief; that was pretty much the focus of my entire day off. it doesn't look too bad either, thanks to some help from my mom and my brother. now i'm starting my essay for World History, which is also due tomorrow. i never do things last minute, so this is excusable. i'll get it all done though, so it's all good.

so that's what i'm doing right now, writing an essay on the French Revolution; one of my favorite time periods in history, i might add. Ace Ender's new album, which is streaming on his myspace, is the background music for my endeavors. it's lovely, it'll definitely be a candidate for my favorite albums of the year. it makes me miss The Early November.

back to the French Revolution. then i'm heading to bed, only to wake up around four hours later. oh, how i love school; and i'm not being sarcastic at all.

Weekly Recommedation: The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound

2009-03-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

very rarely will i tell someone that they ought to be listening to something; sure, i love Say Anything just as much as the next person, but i won't tell someone they should be listening to them. i may recommend that they listen to them, but i don't feel the need to people they should be listening to certain music. well, this is one of those rare times. it a world where music is always put into a certain scene and always has to maintain a certain image within that scene, it's nice to see bands that just make music for the sake of making music, not because they want to adapt to what's popular or what will get the kids dancing. it's nice to see bands taking us on a musical experience similar to a time most people reading this weren't alive.

that band is The Gaslight Anthem, and that experience is found in their sophomore effort, The '59 Sound. now, if you've read anything about this band, you've no doubt read about their affiliation with Bruce Springsteen; there's a reason for that. Brian Fallon obviously idolizes The Boss, as his gritty voice and lyrics about the working-class don't hide that at all. they've also had a lot of comparisons with the Replacements and The Clash. think of it as Hootenanny (without the political agenda) meets Born to Run. this album just gives me hope, not necessarily for the future of music itself, but for my personal taste. it makes me realize that there is great music, great homages to great eras of music that doesn't come with what i think are some of the negative elements of that genre. for instance, The '59 Sound can appeal to people who appreciate the punk rock sound without the ridiculous anarchist image and leftist political agenda affiliated with many punk rock bands nowadays. it's just heartfelt music that speaks about a time when music was just music, and when people actually knew that. The '59 Sound can appeal to anyone who just likes music for the sake of liking music, not because it's the latest trend or because it appeals to what they're going through. if you're looking for that, then don't listen to this album; better yet if you're looking for that, stop listening to music in general, because you're plaguing the music scene.

simply put, The Gaslight Anthem is a band that do what they do well. they are all talented musicians, they write lyrics that can appeal to everyone in the matters that pertain to music, and they work hard to pull all this off. there is no reason why this shouldn't appeal to people who enjoy music, so you ought to at least give The '59 Sound a chance. these guys pour their hearts into their music, they deserve your admiration.

to get you started, i'd suggest you listen to their title track and Great Expecations, two of the best tracks on the album, in my opinion. if they grab your attention, you can find the entire album on their myspace.

the first saturday of march, in the year of our Lord 2009.

2009-03-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

i know i said i'd start posting a weekly recommendation every saturday, but i feel weird having two consecutive recommendations in a row; so i'm going to put a post in between and post it sometime later.

so i got accepted into a writer's conference i applied to a while ago, which i'm very excited about. it's in Middlebury, Vermont, which is apparently beautiful. i can't wait, i've been told that it's extremely beneficial and you learn an enourmous amount there, so it really helps improve your writing. my good friend Jesse got accepted as well, so i'll actually know someone there. as i said, May can't come soon enough.

now i'm waiting to hear from Philips Exeter about the summer program i applied to. let's hope my luck keeps up.

tomorrow i'll post this week's recommendation. stay tuned.

Weekly Recommedation: PlayRadioPlay! - Texas

2009-02-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

so i'm starting a "weekly recommendation" on here. i know i usually give vague recommendations and updates, but i want to actually stress on some albums that i think people should give a chance. some of them are well-known, some of them have hardly any recognition. i'll recommend albums based on nostalgia, what i've been listening to lately, or just the fact that i think a good amount of people who read this (which may be like two people for all i know) will like it!

i decided to recommend an album that i've been listening to a lot lately, PlayRadioPlay's Texas. this is an album that really didn't do as well as it deserved. PlayRadioPlay! is a Dallas indie/electronic project of Dan Hunter. the album's filled with catchy hooks, well-crafted songs, and honest lyrics. while some of the album's themes and lyrics could be described as adolescent or "cheesy," Dan Hunter crafts his songs with a certain amount of complexity. there are also moments on the album in which Hunter's lyrics has a certain amount of appeal to all audiences (Loco Commotion, Corner Office Bedroom.) still, the cutesy lyrics will appeal to perhaps a more mainstream, pop oriented audience, and the intricacy of his songwriting will appeal to an audience which may seek something more than a catchy melody. as i said, Texas didn't get the recognition it deserved, which is quite a shame, as it has the ability to have a huge appeal and following.

so, to get you started, i suggest you check out one of the more popular, and one of my favorite songs from Texas, Madi Don't Leave. if that gets you interested, you can stream the entire album on his myspace. you also might find favor with his cover of The Killer's Mr. Brightside.

Dulls To Distance

2009-02-25T00:08:00.001-08:00

In a canyon beneath the city,
I have made my permanent dwelling.
My ravine, my district, my alleviation.
Such comfort and solace can be found nowhere else
And I reside here, seeking nothing else.
Unfortunately, this repose is not felt
By the dwellers of the city,
Who perpetually wound and harm each other
In their pursuits of pleasure,
Their weapons cruel and bright;
While a mackerel sky observes the desolation.
The city is but a confinement,
The edifices are dungeons,
And clock tower are executioners.
Escape in secrecy is not necessary,
They need only make their descent to the canyon
Beneath their city, so horrific, so viperous.
I venture above the canyon daily
To call out to the city-dwellers
In the hope of evincing my haven.
The more I call out, however,
The building's doors close faster
And the clock tower strikes relentlessly.
So I scream all the louder,
Still I receive no answer.

a list!

2009-02-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

And Then There Were None just uploaded the crowd-favorite Thank The Watchmaker to their myspace! in case you haven't been keeping up lately, they've released a handful of songs off their new album recently, and they have all been amazing. i recommend you check them out.

now i know i post a lot of bulletins/blogs recommending music, but i really suggest you check these guys out...for a couple reasons:

these guys hail from Salem, NH, so you should support your local music scene! (if you don't live in NH, this may not apply to you, but i'm not done yet.)
these guys love their fans and they work hard for them! come on, these guys are doing three release shows, and they're giving away free copies of their album to everyone who goes!
their live shows are phenomenal. even if you're not a fan of techno music, ATTWN's shows make you want to dance, scream, take your shirt off, and make a fool out of yourself in numerous other ways.
they make accessible music that's full of energy and makes you happy to feel alive! they also do it well, which is quite a bonus right there.
they obviously have good taste in literature. their band name comes from Agatha Christie's magnum opus, and their single "Reinventing Robert Cohn" is a direct reference to Robert Cohn, a character in Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises.

so there you have it, some good reasons to at least give And Then There Were None a chance. i also recommend you buy their debut album Who Speaks For Planet Earth, which comes out tomorrow.
better yet, attend their release show this friday at The Sad Cafe this friday, and get a copy for free!

yes.

2009-02-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

Heath Ledger just won his an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight.

Wall-E also won an award for Best Animated Feature.

congratulations to both, extremely well-deserved.

do it, you'll be glad.

2009-02-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

And Then There Were None have covered Imogen Heap's masterpiece Hide and Seek. if you're a fan of the song or a fan of techno music, check it out.
enjoy.

this would also be a great time to check out the some of ATTWN's other stuff, and look into buying their debut album, which comes out next tuesday.
here's their myspace.

i'm feeling better today, by the way. i'm also feeling much lighter; i weighed myself this morning, and i clocked in at exactly 110...and yes, that's without my clothes. looks like i have some eating to do, especially if i want to maintain my slick figure of 120 pounds.

i'm sick.

2009-02-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

i went to snow camp last weekend. everyone said it was the best one yet, but i wouldn't exactly know, since i spent around 60% of it in my cabin in bed. yes, i was sick all weekend. i started coughing a lot in school on friday, and by that night, i felt like there was a war raging inside my stomach. i retired to bed early, and i slept until around 2PM the next day. i started feeling a little better, but by that evening, i was extremely pale and could barely stand up. on sunday, i actually felt substantially better. i woke up on monday, however, and i was faced with quite a dilemma: do i stay home from school, or suck it up?

well, i chose the latter. it wasn't as bad as it could have been, but i wasn't comfortable by any means. i got home, did my homework, and went to bed around 5. well, i woke up around 8PM, and i. felt. awful. turns out i developed a fever of 101 degrees. as you can imagine, my mom told me there was no way i'd be going to school today.

so here i am now, home. instead of being in school; something i've only done twice since i started going to school. i'm kind of happy i did though, i definitely needed the rest. i'm feeling better now, though.

anywho, And Then There Were None releases their debut, Who Speaks For Planet Earth? a week from now! if you haven't heard these guys before, i suggest you check them out.

http://www.myspace.com/andthentherewerenone

woah.

2009-02-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

so...blink 182 is back together.

obligatory birthday blog update.

2009-02-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

so today's my birthday...

moving on: things have been pretty busy and confusing lately. i had midterms this last week, and i was working on keeping my grades decent for the second quarter. the track season just ended, so that took a load off my mind until spring starts up. besides all these things, finishing my application to Philips Exeter Summer Program, and my ever-present social dilemmas...it's all normal.

i don't mean to give people routine updates about my life; but if nothing else is really going on, i feel the need to post something. i mean, i'm all for posting poetry on here, but i can't rush it! i have a good idea for a piece though, which you may see up here soon.

yesterday, i actually had more people remember that my birthday was today than i thought; that may be because i'm so bloody awful when it comes to remembering birthday though. it really gave me a new perspective on potential more-than-casual relationships with certain people. it's funny; the people that i don't call my extremely close friends seem to notice these things a lot more than i give them credit for. if i ever end up changing my philosophies on friendships in the near future, it's good to know that there are some people who i can establish those close and exclusive relationships with. it gives me a sense of hope, to an extent.

oh yeah, and we, the drama group at my school, is doing You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown for the spring musical. i audition for Linus, i hope i get it.

so here's to 16 years...

Uncanny, So Uncanny

2009-01-21T18:18:00.000-08:00

On a dark cloudy day,
The clouds will part,
Yet the sun will shine no more.
For that star is a sign
Of the pride of man;
Their allegiance to Babylon's whore.
The creatures will stop
With their mouths all agape,
As well they most likely should.
They will stare at the sky,
Which is foreign in guise,
Usurped by the essence of good.
Some will surmise it,
And some will dismiss it
Ignoring that uncanny sky.
But they just can't ignore
The sight up above,
Inevitably catching their eyes.

Now this semblance is striking,
So seemingly striking;
Impossible to fully grasp.
Yet the real change will come,
Not in climate nor light,
When it's source is realized at last.
This inception will descend
In an aura of grandeur;
A new realm at last will expand.
No clash will it face,
No fray will be met
As its subjects be called to stand.
And that is the time
When they shall be summoned,
Them, oh, so misunderstood!
They will leave all the waste
And they will look to the sky,
Usurped by the essence of good.

and all their inconsistencies...

2009-01-18T12:37:00.000-08:00

isn't it interesting that the people who are so quick to judge are those who so desperately need to assess themselves? isn't it thought provoking that the people who are generally judged for transgressions are those who try to avoid committing them at all cost?

it really makes me see why some people go off the deep end; there has to be some shock-factor involved there. naturally, that's when they start caring. not to worry though, i don't care about their opinions that much.

ahhh, post-modernists, you make me chuckle to myself at times.

problem solving on myspace?!

2009-01-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

i love myspace, but some things about it just drive me insane. maybe it's because i'm complacent and i'm not worried about meeting a bangin' 16 year-old girl who turns out to be a 70 year-old man, but i find some of these safety precautions really inconvenient.

see, with some myspace profiles, you need to know the user's email address to send them a friend request. and with some users, you also can't message them unless you're their friend. so i get a message from someone and they are obviously trying to strike up a conversation. being the conversationalist that i think i am, i go to email her, and it says i need to be her friend. fair enough; easy enough to solve, right?

i proceed to send her a friend request, and what information do you think i need? her email address. in a world of myspace, AIM and facebook, the amount of teens that actually use email is minute. furthermore, do you know how many different email accounts people generally have?! furthermore, isn't myspace supposed to be a place to MEET people?! and if i've never met this person before in my life, how the heck am i supposed to know their email address?! simply ridiculous.

it wouldn't be a big deal if it hadn't happened to be many times before.

i can just picture it now on her side of things. she comes across this profile on myspace; she's feeling a tad lonesome. she sees that this person's interest are similar to hers. so she decides to strike up a conversation, thinking this person has a kind face behind all that long emo-hair. she sees that the person is online, so she awaits his reply.

...

nothing. absolutely nothing. she checks her sent messages, and the status on the message reads "read." she starts to over analyze the situation, similar to what i'm doing now. she then asks herself, "what's wrong with me?" feeling rejected, she goes to bed and cries herself to sleep. TOM, I HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY!

okay, so maybe i'm flattering myself a bit. it could happen though, right?

anyway, i don't want to feel like i've completely wasted your time, so go listen to How Lost We Are.

Best Albums of 2008

2009-01-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

i'd have to say that 2008 has offered more for me in terms of albums than last year. 2007 had a lot of solid albums, but 2008 has had much more substance with what little it's had.

before i begin, i'm making a disclaimer. this is a list that reflects my personal taste; my personal favorites of the year; what has appealed to me. that being said, some of the albums may not in fact be the "best" albums of the year. i know this, i'm fine with it. this is just what has appealed to me over the course of the year. so don't become outraged and make an account so you can spam me when you don't see Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak in the #1 spot...or on the list at all for that matter. (sorry, Kanye, i did love the album though.)

i have had an extremely difficult time keeping it at 10 albums, there were a couple albums that i simply could not leave out. the whole point of the list is to write what is essentially a "mini-review" for the album. because of this, there were some albums that i needed to acknowledge in that respect. so, with THAT being said, this is in fact a list of my favorite 11 albums (sorry, Adam, i cheated) of the year! so without further ado, here we go!

11. Fall Out Boy - Folie a Deux

if you've read my last few blog posts, you would have seen this one coming. this is pretty much why i had to include an extra album in the list; i couldn't leave out this or the next album (what could it be?!) so i included it.

simply put, these guys have done it again. contrary to many predictions, they did not continue to roll down the hill to a more pop-oriented sound, but rather combine those positive elements from both albums. the result is a band that sounds like they're making what comes naturally to them and enjoying it! everything about the album, the vocals, the songwriting, the lyrics; it all sounds heartfelt and real. go ahead, haters, criticize these guys on straying from their original sound; excoriate them for making music without intending to appeal to a certain scene. they just made some great, catchy music for people to enjoy...and shame on you if you criticize them for that.

favorite tracks: Coffee's For Closers, What a Catch Donnie, 20 Dollar Nose Bleed.

10. Hit the Lights - Skip School, Start Fights

growing up, dealing with drama, having a good time, making memories. these are some of the more prevalent themes we encounter in music today. there is a genre, however, that has always dealt with these themes in a specific way. backed by simple guitar hooks, fast-paced drum beats, and catchy melodies, the pop-punk genre has always approached these topics in an adolescent manner. though this has generally been the way the genre operates, it comes with other...features. many bands take the immaturity of pop-punk to a whole new and obnoxious level, which makes their efforts top-heavy. on the other hand, some bands try to be slightly innovative; taking measures to mature the sound and also appeal to an older audience. this is a very noble cause and all, but only if it can be pulled off with maturity in other aspects such as vocals and lyrics.

with all this being said, it's refreshing to see a band that doesn't try to change the scene at all. it's nice to just see WELL DONE POP-PUNK music being made. and this, my friends, is where Hit the Lights' sophomore release, Skip School, Start Fights, comes into play. after coming back from a vocalist change, i'm sure many people were not expecting a stellar effort from this quintet. well, i'd have to say they definitely presented the sceptics and lovers with one. from start to finish, these guys offer us catchy hooks, excellent guitar works, very impressive vocals, and substantial songwriting. from start to finish the album contains songs that aren't auto-tune driven or backed by electronic beats. they don't try to go for a more mellow sound in the midst of all this energy though, as many will do to appeal to a slightly wider audience; once the energy begins, they don't let off at all. and even though the themes of the songs themselves have a way of being consistent within the audience's perception, they don't always fall into the mood of adolescent complacency; they find a way to throw in some songs that approach the mentioned topics in a more serious manner. when they DO approach them these ways, i find it relatable and real. and in a genre that is directed to a certain age group, whether that's what the band was aiming for or not, the fact that they can make their music something people can relate to without making it inconsistent with the catchy and bouncy music is impressive. so to end, all i can say is thank you, Hit the Lights, for giving us a modest pop-punk album that represents a genre that fails to be represented adequately. in your attempts to make nothing more than a standard representative, you have given us something much more. once again, thank you!

favorite tracks: Drop the Girl, Breathe In, Hangs 'Em High.

9. Thrice - The Alchemy Index: Volume III + IV - Air & Earth

for a couple years now, Thrice has been a respectable band for me; they've continued to put out well-written hardcore music while maintaining a positive message and image. (something not always affiliated with the hardcore scene). over the past few years, we've seen that Thrice's frontman, Dustin Kensrue, is also extremely adept when it comes to songwriting. this divulgence of Kensrue's genius has come as a result of Thrice's Kensrue's solo project; which provided us with a more mellow side of Thrice's primary songwriter. with these two parallel projects, it was simply inevitable that they would start to rub off on one another. the question is: how would this come about? it seemed extremely unlikely that Thrice would be able to pull off such a drastic change with elegance.

then they announced plans for The Alchemy Index. right away, the concept seemed extremely appealing to me; it was so simple yet brilliant. four elements, six songs to represent each, released on two albums; only half a year apart from one another. like i said, brilliant.

i have to say, when i heard what they had planned for the second portion of The Index, i immediately began looking forward to it much more than the first disc, Fire & Water. consequently, i have enjoyed it much more. in my opinion, Air & Earth are the most different from Thrice's normal sound, which, quite possibly, is why they are the best. this album includes much of the type of material you'd find on Dustin's solo stuff, but the development of their sound, as well as musicianship of Thrice adds much more substance to it. you'll find some of Thrice's best material on this disc, and that's in the realm of instrumentation and lyricism. to elaborate on the latter, i'd have to say this album contains some of my favorite lyrics of this year; Dustin does a phenomenal job of combining the lyrics with the mood expressed by the instruments...or lack thereof in some cases. the result, overall, is some of the most emotionally hyped music you will hear out of the hardcore scene.

favorite tracks: Silver Wings, Broken Lungs, Come All You Weary.

8. Lydia - Illuminate

with this indie-rock band, less is indeed more. these guys seem to use all aspects of their music sparingly to establish the simplistic, beautiful moments on this album. their sophomore album, Illuminate contains some of the most emotionally charged music released this year. they seem to rely on the mood of the music itself rather than sole instrumentation; in fact, instrumentation is only one way in which they establish the mood of the songs. like i said, it seems like they save certain aspects for those really emotional points in the album. for instance, Mindy White doesn't sing nearly as much as you would think, but when she does, it gives me goosebumps. it's not even for the sole reason that she has such a beautiful voice, but she uses it at the right moments. (example: Stay Awake.) that's just one example of the discernment and genius of Lydia's philosophy in Illuminate. whether it be using the guitars sparingly in some songs, or the lack of sugar-coated, catchy melodies in all the songs, these guys have patience when it comes to songwriting. they MAKE you listen to the album because you KNOW there will be a point where the band just lets go and takes you somewhere only the most beautiful music can take you.

favorite tracks: Hospital, This Is Twice Now, Stay Awake.

7. Good Old War - Only Way To Be Alone

there's something about a modest debut from a band from an extremely under-appreciated genre. the debut doesn't have to be a phenomenal album overall, just the fact that they are making an album that represents the genre so adequately is impressive in-and-of-itself. okay, i'll stop speaking in code now. i'm referring to debut from the indie-folk trio Good Old War, Only Way To Be Alone.

now, i'm not an expert when it comes to the folk genre, aside from the amount of folk music i play, but i know well-written folk songs when i hear them; and Only Way To Be Alone is chock-full of them. there really isn't much i can say about this album because it's just so simple; and therein lies the beauty of it. excellent acoustic guitar work, heartfelt lyrics, phenomenal three-part harmonies, and clever song-crafting make this album feel REAL, something that many albums lack nowadays. it's polished, but it sounds edgy enough to convince someone that the vocals weren't the work of a studio producer. this is easily the one of the most accessible albums released this year; it doesn't matter what decade's music you appreciate. i believe that's the beauty of the folk genre, it's endured so many different phases by its peers, and it has remained true and real. and Only Way To Be Alone shows that on so many different levels.

favorite tracks: i can't pick any, i love every song on this album.

6. Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation

desperation and urgency. two topics that Underoath has become known for since their last release, Define the Great Line. exploring themes such as death, sin, loss, loneliness, and futility, Underoath has been a band that does not sugar coat things. and with the release of their latest album, Lost in the Sound of Separation, they establish these themes as trademarks.

i'd be lying if i said i enjoyed this as much as DTGL, but it's s a phenomenal effort. i think almost all of the elements of their music that they enhanced with their last album have been developed even more; which i find very impressive. i mean, it's hard to imagine them improving on such a stellar album. first, let me just say that the musicianship in this album is top-notch. everyone in this band plays their instrument well, and this plays an important part in the complexity of the songwriting. it doesn't follow a certain pattern, and the chaos of the music can quickly and smoothly turn into cessation. Spencer Chamberlain's screaming is stronger than ever, and he proves that he can be as versatile as they come when it comes to screaming. when back by Aaron Gillespie's original voice, and the duo's lyrics, the songs on this album are heartbreaking, intense, soothing, and haunting at the same time.

favorite tracks: We Are the Involuntary, Desperate Times Desperate Measures, Desolate Earth :: The End is Here

5. Forever the Sickest Kids - Underdog Alma Mater

ah, yes, cue the skeptical looks. this will be one of the more controversial additions partially due to the status this band has reached. many people will toss them in the same category as most more-pop-then-punk pop punk bands. after all, any band that uses synthesizers and digital hand-claps is incapable of creating well-written music, right? well, if you know anything about me, you know i'm quite fond of this band. thanks to my good friend, Adam, i've had the privilege of watching this band grow. naturally, i awaited their debut album as i would my firstborn child.

all shameless exaggerations aside, Underdog Alma Mater did anything but disappoint. the power pop band's debut contains 11 of the catchiest songs released this year. furthermore, i believe they separate themselves from their peers in many aspects. it's not in pure musicianship, instrumentation or lyricism that this discrepancy lies, nor is it in the abilities of the vocalists, though the band has three adept singers. the brilliance of the album is not even completely due to Matt Squire's phenomenal production. this variance lies in their ability to write songs that don't follow a certain trend, yet they remain light, catchy and accessible. this all comes from an album that doesn't try to be anything more than fun and catchy pop tunes. in this sense, i'd say Underdog Alma Mater certainly succeeds. i'll end this "review" with three suggestions, all of which will come naturally: listen, enjoy, dance.

favorite tracks: Woah Oh!, Indiana, The Way She Moves (which may be the catchiest song of the year!)

4. Valencia - We All Need a Reason To Believe

remember that problem with the pop-punk scene i established earlier in #10? well, there appear to be two remedies. there's Hit the Light's solution, which is to release music that plays off the roots and just presents pop-punk music how it should be. there is another approach, however, which i believe could be more effective; and better yet, hope instilling. this tactic is used by Valencia in their excellent sophomore effort, We All Need a Reason to Believe.

so what is this tactic? well, it's simple really: give the scene a band that takes new approaches to classic pop-punk themes. top it all off with a maturity that doesn't completely sound out of place in the scene, and you have a reason to believe. if this concept catches on, Valencia should be called the forerunners of it.

Valencia's impressive maturity within this scene is due to a couple different factors. first off, singer Shane Hednerson's vocals. bearing little semblance to the adolescence of many vocalists in the genre, it brings the emotion of the music above and beyond what he's given credit for. mature and powerful, he brings the themes of We All Need a Reason to Believe to life. which brings us to the second discrepancy Valencia offers on this album: the way they approach common topics found in pop-punk music. as with Shane's vocals, the lyrics express a certain amount of maturity regarding falling in love, growing up, making memories, relationships and just living life to the fullest. without completely overshadowing the light and fun moments in the album, We All Need a Reason To Believe articulates a sense of remorse, benevolence and reflection upon one's life. this gives the album a fair amount of versatility; it can be listened to with a fun, summer-oriented mood, or it can be listened to when you want to that pensive reflection. (though, as this album shows, why can't you listen with both mindsets?!)

so there you have it. all that within a modest release from a band that should never again be thrown in the same category as its contemporaries; for they have given us hope in this endangered genre. the have shown us that there is still the possibility that innovations can be made in the scene, this band has indeed given us a reason to believe!

favorite tracks: Better Be Prepared, Where Did You Go?, Can't See Myself.

3. Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

i'm going to be completely honest; i have never liked Coldplay. at first i just thought they were horrible, but i soon learned that it wasn't true. after being proven wrong in that aspect, i realized that i just couldn't get into their past releases for some reason. but over the past year, i realized what a great, creative and respectable band they were. well, i still wouldn't call myself a huge fan, but Viva la Vida is doing a great job of turning me into one.

sure, sure, sure. you might be saying that i'm just hopping on the bandwagon, but that's not exactly credible; i've had a lot of respect for these guys, they just hadn't released anything that really caught my eye. with a band like Coldplay, i'll be honest whether i like them or not. well, when i heard about Viva la Vida, i thought "i really want to like this album." then and there, i had myself convinced that i would really have to try hard to like this album. not because i thought it would be mediocre, but, like i said, i had never liked anything from them before. well, i began listening to it, and i didn't have to try one bit. i didn't have to listen to the album half a dozen times before i saw something i liked, i liked what i heard right away. from start to finish, Coldplay combines elements of music from some of people's favorite pop music to create a unique sound that only they can take credit for. every song on this album is different, every song on this album is filled with a different kind of emotion. depending on the person, they may not like every song, but they can't deny the genius in every track. everything about the album is just GOOD, lyrics, vocals, musicianship; you know that these guys are good at what they do. accessible yet complex, it's obvious that Coldplay takes pop music seriously.

it's an odd statement, if you really think about it. many people think of pop music as a mindless, simple, art. just throw a catchy hook with some easy to remember lyrics, and you have a hit, right? unfortunately, that's how it works in some cases (i'm looking at you, Katy Perry.) Coldplay doesn't seem to have that philosophy though. the way they see it, make music that is accessible to the general public, but use that accessibility in a different way. they take different aspects of good popular music from their forefathers and contemporaries and they combine them, which allows fans of these elements to listen to music that they normally wouldn't listen to. they use their popularity and accesibility to bring people from different genres together, and isn't that what good pop music should do?

favorite tracks: Viva la Vida, Lost!, Death and All His Friends.

2. Forgive Durden - Razia's Shadow: A Musical

deciding who would get the #2 spot was difficult; i couldn't decide between this and Viva la Vida for quite a while. Viva la Vida was just a phenomenal album all around, but i listened to Razia's Shadow a lot more. so, the latter won by default.

i love musicals. i love the freedom to combine beautiful music and a great story in any way possible. this is essentially what makes Razia's Shadow separate from any other album released this year. i can't say i've heard many bands like Forgive Durden attempt such a concept. yet this release is definitely a gem. oh yeah, and did i mention that Thomas Dutton, the singer/primary songwriter wrote this album after his other two bandmates left the band? one would think that anyone who went through something like that would just throw in the towel, but Dutton does something different; he uses that freedom to do something that he wouldn't be able to do with the conflicts of a consistent band. he uses this isolation to truly express his genius.

everything about Razia's Shadow is just different from any other indie releases this year; most of the songs are driven by the strings, and the album concept is completely original. also, the amount of guest vocals on this album is simply unreal; all but one song, Life is Looking Up, have a vocalist playing their character. the casting was very smart and impressive, i might add. we see vocalists from some of the most popular bands in the scene. fans of The Matches, Saves the Day, Say Anything, The Hush Sound, Panic at the Disco and many other notable bands with be pleased with how the vocalists of these bands play their roles; extremely well casted. possibly my favorite appearance, however, is the narration of mewithoutYou's Aaron Weiss; he brings the story of Razia's Shadow together with elegance.

this is easily the most imaginative release of the year, and Dutton superfluously succeeds in bringing his ideas and visions to life. fans of musicals will be impressed, fans of indie music will be impressed, and fans of music in general will be impressed.

favorite tracks: Life is Looking Up, The Oracle, It's True Love.

1. Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger

it's a rare thing to find a songwriter who doesn't write music with an agenda in mind. it's difficult to find an artist that just writes about what they're going through; someone who, no matter what the topic is, is guaranteed to write heartfelt and honest music.

something also must be said for a songwriter that is willing to share experiences that show him at his all time low, a time involving fear, doubt and weakness; namely, a battle with leukemia. Andrew McMahon, the voice behind Jack's Mannequin, does all of this in his sophomore release, and my favorite album of the year, The Glass Passenger.

when Andrew began releasing information about this album, i became extremely excited about it. i loved the intimacy and honesty of Everything In Transit, and i knew i would expect the same from this release. when i learned that Andrew's battle with cancer would be the backbone of many of the thematic elements of the album, i can't even describe how i looked forward to it. i had such high expectations for it, you would think that it would meet them...

well, The Glass Passenger didn't just meet them, it surpassed them beyond belief. from the promising opener, Crashing, to the crowning Caves, Andrew shows us that he is possibly the most promising songwriter alive today. i expected The Glass Passenger to show Andrew's strength lyrically, but it ended up causing me to respect him for so many other aspects of his music. the lyrics, for start, are phenomenal. they're heartfelt, honest and beautiful. whether he's singing about his cancer, the way it's affected people around him, or his thoughts about life, he gives us a glimpse into that part of his life, and it's remarkable how much of it people can relate to on a daily basis. he doesn't let his experiences create a negative view on life though, the album reflects a dedication to live life to the fullest, and through this, he encourages us to do the same. the songs themselves are extremely diverse. every track on the album offers something different. we see Andrew's tenacity and tranquility expressed at their finest in many different ways.

his vocals are also something that i was extremely impressed with, which i was not expecting. he take risks with many of the songs, and he doesn't always rely on simple and catchy melodies. he's made so many great strides in his vocals, and i think he deserves much more recognition for this than he gets. the piano on the album is something that i also feel the need to touch upon, though the other instrumentation is stellar on some songs. i've never thought of it this way, but the piano is really like the backup vocals for Andrew. with so much emotion behind the lyrics and vocals, Andrew's piano playing is something that appears to come a long way. it just adds so much to the music; not only because Jack's Mannequin is primarily a piano-driven band, but it makes it much more meaningful, knowing that it's Andrew behind the piano.

and there it is, my favorite album of the year. i'd be lying if i said that i wasn't expecting to be. but that just shows how great it is, i have continued to enjoy it in the midst of many other anticipated releases. i feel with The Glass Passenger, Andrew McMahon has established himself as a vocalist, lyricist, songwrtier and musician.

favorite tracks: Hammer and Strings, The Resolution, Caves.

*sigh of exhaustion* there we go. my top 11 albums of the year. unfortunately, there were some albums that i didn't get to mention, so here's my complete list.

15. Person L - Initial
14. The Reign of Kindo - Rhythm, Chord & Melody
13. House of Heroes - The End Is Not the End
12. Copeland - You Are My Sunshine
11. Fall Out Boy - Folie a deux
10. Hit the Lights - Skip School, Start Fights
9. Thrice - The Alchemy Index: Volume III + IV
8. Lydia - Illuminate
7. Good Old War - Only Way to Be Alone
6. Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation
5. Forever the Sickest Kids - Underdog Alma Mater
4. Valencia - We All Need a Reason to Believe
3. Coldplay - Viva la Vida
2. Forgive Durden - Razia's Shadow: A Musical
1. Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger

Favorite EP:
Cinematic Sunrise - A Coloring Storybook and Long Playing Record

Honorable Mentions:
Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Safety Suit - Life Left To Go
The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
City and Colour - Bring Me Your Love

temporary victory.

2008-12-29T19:28:00.001-08:00

last night i finished Breaking Dawn, the finale of the Twilight saga. you, no matter who the current reader is, have no idea how much better i feel as a result of this. i can now read whatever i want without feeling negligent and defeated. i am now going to go through the books that i got for Christmas: A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, The Once and Future King, The Catcher in the Rye, Escape from Reason, Pride and Prejudice, Little Dorrit and The Great Gatsby. i've read all these before, but i deserve to read something i can fully enjoy!

i have to say though, i did enjoy Breaking Dawn; and the rest of the Twilight saga, now that i think back on it. i'll write a review of some sort soon though, so be looking forward to that! also, i've been hard at work on my end of the year list, i just finished writing a review for the number 7 album. i'll work on it tomorrow as well.

for now, i'm going back to A Tale of Two Cities.

i'm sure everyone else does it on their blogs...

2008-12-25T06:25:00.000-08:00

i just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! i hope everyone's day is filled with happiness, joy, and all other related states!

too much to say, too little space to say it!

2008-12-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

so i'm starting to make my "End of the Year" list; a countdown of my favorite albums released this year. i really want to keep it concise, that being 10 albums, but i just feel guilty leaving certain albums out while keeping others in. there are just some albums that i don't enjoy quite as much as others, though they are objectively better than higher ranked albums on my list. i may just end up making a top 15, or i could do honorable mentions. ugh, this is so difficult.

anyway, moral of the story: the list will be up by the end of the year; i can promise that much.

our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death.

2008-12-11T17:49:00.000-08:00

it's been a couple weeks.

not that it really matters though, nothing's really changing. track started a couple weeks ago, and we have our first meet next week. i'm really looking forward to this season, spring track enlightened me to the fact that i actually stand a chance of qualifying, so it'll make it that much more exciting. for now, it's just one more thing to do after school.

i might be canceling voice lessons, which will actually be kind of a relief. i always enjoy them, but it's just stressful when added to all my other stuff. if i had to pick anything to drop, they'd have to be it. other than that, it's school, school related activities, homework, computer, bed. that's about the routine of my week lately.

i wish i had the energy/motivation to read more. i think i'll finish The Scarlet Letter tonight. i've been juggling between that and Breaking Dawn. i don't even really care about Bella and Edward anymore, i just want to finish the bloody series! it's so ironic, i can read the entire LOTR series in about a week if i put my mind to it, but the Twilight saga has taken me more than two months! i have to take it in small doses i guess. this is the last time i dive into a new YA series, trust me. Stephenie Meyer, i salute you for presenting me with a challenge.

i've been listening to the new Fall Out Boy album all evening, it's so good. i knew they wouldn't disappoint. they seem to have taken the positive aspects from each album and blended them together with some new ideas. beware Take This To Your Grave groupies, this album is different. it's not different in such a poppy way as IOH, so it's not as hard to swallow for people looking for that classic pop-punk sound. they've matured so much though. they didn't seem to have a focus for this album, it's appealing to mainstream, but it just sounds so heartfelt and real. well done, boys, you've secured yourself a spot on my AOTY list. (which i will post on here when i have it compiled.)

In an Array of Color

2008-11-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

A seemingly narrow straightaway is where I take my lengthy stroll.
Three and a half inches in breadth,
Just wide enough to hold one foot at a time.
Scrupulously, I walk at a painfully slow rate,
Knowing that, no matter how carefully
I place one foot in front of the other,
I will one day misplace one of them.
For this straightaway is a divider
Separating two chasms.
One being translucent,
Which I recklessly deem dull.
The other, a bright array of colors
Intriguing, yet uncanny.
I cannot make a decision to fall on either side;
For my greatest fear is uncertainty.
This thin stone path appears solid,
But only to my fantastical standards.
If I keep up my aim, I am guaranteed
A solid, certain path in a direction I have decided,
But only because of my inability to turn back.
But whom am I kidding?
No one's aim is that precise.
My finite ability will not suffice,
And I will fall.
And in an array of colors,
I will hit the ground.

there'll be fog on the shores tonight.

2008-11-14T20:38:00.000-08:00

i'm quite possibly in a very bad mood for the first time in quite a while. i'm bloody tired because i stayed up til 1:30 last night/this morning; but i don't want to sleep either. so i had this brilliant idea to drink 12 fluid ounces of Coke. so right about now, i pretty much have two equal gravitational forces pushing against each other.

there's only one thing to do when one is in such a foul mood...blog!

there's really nothing significant going on in my life, but i doubt that i'd bore you with such things even if there was. i've been thinking about college a lot lately, however; i've been hearing about Philips Exeter Academy's Summer Program and St. Paul's Summer Program non-stop. since i can apply as a sophomore for PEA, i've been reading up on the courses. it's going to be difficult to narrow it down. for my primary courses, i like the looks of

Novel and Narrative
Debate and Argumentation
Social Psychology
The Art of Being Human
Western Philosophy Tradition

as much as a will enjoy these, my mom asked me what i'd take if i was thinking a bit more frivolously. i think it'd be fun to take classes like

Great Books, Great Reading
Problem Solving in Algebra
Social Ethics
Creative Writing
Grasping Grammar

seems like a good time, right?

anyway, i'd love to be able to attend this summer. i just hope we can get enough financial aid to afford it. if i want to go to a college like Harvard, i need this kind of stuff on my college app. there's still hope yet, i suppose.

don't forget the sound of my voice as i'm trailing off to sleep.

2008-11-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

i'm such a generic wimp when it comes to relationships...

but perhaps that's a good thing. perhaps that's not even fear, perhaps that's discernment. i find that if God didn't bless me with discernment in this area, i'd be in big, big trouble by now. unfortunately, i'm very limited when it comes to who i can date in good conscience. but it's so easy, and temping, to simply discard all that and live my teenage life like any normal, red-blooded adolescent. life is very complicated, you see, but i take comfort in the fact that it would be much more complicated if i dived headfirst into the dating scene.

you'll find things have changed quite a bit

2008-11-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

oh good old election time. i can't even tell you all how nervous i am about this Tuesday. as you'd expect, i'm rooting for McCain to win.

it would make me so happy if he ended up pulling ahead; if nothing else, it would shut up the liberal media and show them that they can't lie enough to convince people to vote liberal.

but if Obama does get in, i will still respect him as the man who God has put over this country. before the world was ever created, God decided who would win the 2008 Presidential Election, and that's more comforting than any hope of a miraculous comeback McCain. but above all, i am dedicated to demonstrate more respect for him than my peers have for President Bush. i want to show that i am capable of respecting someone who i disagree with, something i believe the irreverent generation i belong to is incapable of. i want someone to be able to bring Obama's name up in conversation without stirring up sneers and snide remarks. (and no, this won't depend on whether or not we're better of with him economically.) i don't care how bad a job you think a president is doing, the inability to have an objective conversation referencing him is simply pitiful.

anyway, i suppose we'll just have to take it as it comes. i just want Tuesday to be over. i can't take the suspense any longer.

this could be a possibility...

2008-10-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

...but not really.

i'm seriously considering just giving up this whole song writing thing. sure, i know one is generally their own worst critic, but nothing seems to be going for me. i would love nothing more than to have my own solo acoustic project, but i seem to lack certain qualities for it.

my lyrics really aren't even mediocre, they're just plain cheesy 75% of the time. i set high goals for myself, and in my attempts to reach those goals, it ends up falling below the proverbial conventional bar. the few songs that i do actually like are too wordy and i can't put them into anything resembling a decent song. of course then there's my voice, i really don't think i have a bad voice, but i think i'm far too soft spoken to be able to perform well.

it's quite frustrating, i love music so much, and i have all these ideas, but i just can't apply them. all i can do is hope that this is just something that i can get over as i play longer. though if i get accepted to the writer's conference i'm applying for, i'm sure it'll help me a bit. but for now, perhaps i'm fine with being a listener.

i'm listening to the last track of Forgive Durden's new album by the way, and it's excellent. it's different from anything released this year. if you can, get your hands on it.

i'll be fine til the hosptial or American embassy.

2008-10-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

so far, four Fall Out Boy songs have surfaced the internet; or at least only four have been brought to my attention. i suggest you give all of these songs a chance. so far, the tracks that i've heard from Folie a Deux are:

America's Suitehearts
What a Catch, Donnie
Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet
I Don't Care

all four songs are excellent. if this turns out to be Infinity on High Part II, i really won't mind at all. contrary to most FOB fans' opinions, i actually think IOH contained some of the best Fall Out Boy material yet. i actually prefer it to From Under the Cork Tree. :shrug:

anyway, i hope anyone who reads this will enjoy the songs. and if you do like them, be looking for Folie a Deux on December 16th, 2008.

AOTY?

2008-10-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

as you'll come to know, i enjoy critiquing music. this has been developed within the last 3 years or so due to my development of my own taste. i love recommending music to people; i love getting people into music that they'll like yet it doesn't compromise the standards of what should be listened to.

this year has been a great year for me as far as music goes. ever since i made my "top albums of the year" list last year, i've kept the topic in mind whenever a new album comes out. there have been a few albums that i've been anticipating this year. most of these albums haven't disappointed by any means. so far, as it stands now, the candidates for my favorite albums of the year are new albums from Forever the Sickest Kids, Jack's Mannequin, Lydia, Coldplay, (yes, i know i've never liked Coldplay) Good Old War, The Reign of Kindo, The Years Gone By, Anthony Green, Copeland, House of Heroes, and for some reason my mind totally blanked. there are others, however, and i'll be awaiting the release of Fall Out Boy's new album as well.

me.

2008-10-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

i suppose i should probably post some information regarding myself, eh? :sigh:

i really despise "about me" sections on myspace and facebook and stuff like that, i feel like most of them consist of pretty prideful statements about their authors. they all pretty much have some reference to how "crazy, different, or complex" they are, and it's extremely annoying when you know that person and you know that their analysis is extremely inaccurate.

anywho, i suppose i'll suck it up and post what little i truly know about myself.

as i stated in my first post, my name is Jon Lemay. i'm 15 years old at this point in time, and i live in a small town in southern New Hampshire. i spend a good amount of time reading, writing, listening to music, playing guitar, and browsing the interweb. i'm a sophomore, and i attend my town's high school; but i was homeschooled up until 8th grade. my homeschooling played an important part in developing my love for reading and writing.

i'm a Christian, and this affects almost every aspect of my life; every major decision i make is made with discernment due to my beliefs. while i'm not yet old enough to vote, my stances on almost all political issues are fairly generic as far as Conservatism goes. i'm not one of those people who claims to be distinct in the sense that i have an interest in politics, but i have opinions on many political issues. my beliefs also have caused me to develop a keen interest in philosophy, more so than politics, in fact.

i'm an overachiever when it comes to school, and that isn't a good thing all the time. i hope to graduate within the top 5 ranks in my class and study law, english, or religion and philosophy at Harvard. while this is what i'm aiming for, i plan on taking the future as it comes.

i think that sums up pretty much some of the broad stuff about me. i tried to resist touching on personality traits; hopefully you'll be able to gather those from what you see me post on here.

P.S. i hope the lack of capitalization doesn't bother anyone who reads this; i don't really feel the need to be completely grammatically correct on the internet.

the beginning of something mediocre

2008-10-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

hello all. you are now reading the blog of Jon Lemay. i'm new to all this, so bear with me.

any and all posts i make on this site will include some of the following:

rantings about things that are really bothering me at the moment
thoughts on music (recommendations, reviews, releases i'm looking forward to, etc)
philosophical musings
any other writings (poems, short stories, songs)
and many other things that i deem worthy to be posted on the good ol' information superhighway.

this is really just a post to test the overall look of the blog; my next post will be a bit more informative about myself and the purpose of this blog.

welcome.