Alex Rosen is back to give us his take on 2014. This time he gives us his six favorite albums of the year. Alex had a pretty good 2014 himself.
His band, Hot Blood, put out No Kings, one of my honest to goodness favorite records of the year. Alex did the cover art. As you read through his list below, you'll note that art is a part of an album's release that he takes very seriously. Hot Blood also released a video for new track "Blood On My Hands" just about a week ago.
Hot Blood, I'm sure Alex would be proud to note, are also a band that stand for something and have something to say.
The Battery Electric, Alex's other band, toured with Texas rockers, The Phuss. They also put out a music video for single "Dead Man's Trunk" for which he contributed artwork; and they put the finishing touches on their follow-up to Weaving Spiders, the forthcoming Heart and the Thrill. They'll be finishing up the video shoot for single "Heathen" this Friday at Red Bank Rehearsal Studios.
Both bands were tireless live performers both locally and on tour.
I've had lots of chances to hear Alex's musical opinions over the course of the year, so today I'll let him share them with you.
And don't forget that you can catch Hot Blood and The Battery Electric this Sunday as part of the Little Dickman Records / CoolDad Music holiday benefit show at The Theatre Bar at 610 Bangs in Asbury Park. 3pm.
My Top Albums of 2014
by Alex Rosen
Single Mothers, Negative Qualities
I'd never heard of this band, but I do follow Cleon Peterson on Instagram. When I saw that he did album artwork for a band, I just went and bought the album. I could get a piece of Cleon's artwork for a decent price and get some music along with it (The order of the cd came with a signed poster).
I would compare this album to The Hold Steady (CoolDad's good catch) and The Thermals in terms the singer's vocals and delivery. It's a great album that seems to deal a lot lyrically with a girlfriend or dating, but it's very aggressive and hostile.
Top tracks for me are "Marbles", "Half-Lit" and "Patricide".
The guitar and bass sound great on this album. It took me a few listens to get into the vocalist's style, but overall it grew on me. This is a great album.
Get it for the music and the artwork!
Mariachi El Bronx, Mariachi El Bronx (III)
I am a big Bronx fan, so of course I am going to love everything they put out. Joby J Ford, their guitar player, does all the band's artwork, which is great. This album, in particular, has a pretty cool cover design, but I think the booklet and back cover are less interesting compared El Bronx's prior releases.
This is the third good album in a row by El Bronx. They manage to throw some differences into the sound for this album, like some synths and more electronic sounds, which turn out really nice. This is a great album to listen to at home and in the car. Very relaxing with great instrumentation and nice lyrics and melodies.
Against Me!, Transgender Dysphoria Blues
Let's face it. I get into arguments a lot. A lot.
A recurring subject is Against Me!
Regardless of what you think of them, their latest release stands out among rock and punk albums released this year. Is it Against Me!'s best? Not in my opinion. But there are a few tracks on here that are definitely great, especially lyrically. It's not as fast as Iron Reagan or as gritty as Single Mothers, but it's an album that stands for something and certainly has something to say. I like things that stand for something and have something to say.
Maybe not enough bands do it nowadays.
Iron Reagan, Tyranny of Will
Straight up. I haven't bought this album yet. I'm broke.
I really hate listening to albums on Spotify. There are no liner notes. The artwork is small. It's the worst way to experience an album.
That being said, I honestly cannot say I have fully experienced this album. Regardless. Check out the music video for "Miserable Failure." If you like Municipal Waste, you will like this album.
The Phuss, On The Prowl
As a 25 year old "musician," I am very proud to have toured with bands that I really enjoy musically and respect. Hot Blood did a tour with The Vansaders this year, and The Battery Electric did a tour with The Phuss from Texas. There is nothing better than becoming friends and drinking buddies with musicians you look up to.
This year, The Phuss put out On The Prowl. The album is raw, energetic, mean, and lean. This band gives it 100% whether it is vocally, guitarily, drumily, denimily, or drinkingly.
Tracks like "Golden Overdrive" make me wanna smash shit, and singer Josh kills it with some wild and savage vox. Drummer Trey pulls off really tasteful and crazy fills. Live, it is a total "fuck yeah" moment when you see it happen. Forrest, the bass player, is the only dude i know who can pull off a bass solo that puts a ton of guitar players' solos to shame. Think Lemmy's solo in "Stay Clean" level of badassery.
On The Prowl is a solid 8 song album. Not one track feels weak. The closing track "It Hurts to Be Dead" may be one of my top tracks on the album and delivers an interesting end to the record.
RAZOR SHARP GOLDEN OVERDRIVE!!!!!!!!!!!
OFF!, Wasted Years
Man, are you kidding me? "Void You Out?" Holy shit! Fuck. All of OFF!'s releases are a must. You MUST own them. Once again, another 16 track album with perfect artwork by Raymond Pettibon. OFF!'s longest album, clocking in at about 24 minutes. If you like real hardcore punk, there is no band doing it better.
How old is Keith Morris? Who cares? This dude is better than ever. The album sounds great and looks great. The guitar on this album kills. And the opening track!?
"VOID YOU OUT?!?!"
Go pick this up.
