On, Dec.18th, I had a two second panic attack when someone told me Paramore broke up. After getting confirmation that only two members left and that the band will continue as a trio, I swiftly announced to kick the person who shared the news with me in the shins.
Like every other Paramore fan, I was bummed about the news and I was able to deal with the fact that Josh and Zac were just unhappy and wanted to be with their families. However, some people like to express their feelings. Hence the blog making all the commotion today online. Josh detailed more than necessarily needed to fans about how he felt the band was all about Hayley and continued to rant about how he "felt" the band was a ploy to make Hayley famous. But, I have a few things to say about this, so I'm going to put my Journalistic skills to good use here.
First of all, a lot of fans were content with the blog posted on Paramore.net about the departure of the Farro's. So the uncivil blog was not needed to further hinge the success of the band because it has now caused a fiasco amongst fans taking sides. I know we're just fans, we can't understand the functions of what makes a band amazing. But, we do understand how their lyrics can make us feel like the world and that for once we matter.
I've been a Paramore fan since December 2005, after seeing them on MTV's You hear it first. Since then, their music has continued to make a difference in my life by always being those lyrics and songs that I listen to when the time is needed. Whatever emotion was present eventually dwindled away all thanks to their music.
Everyone knows that for a band to make an impact, there has to be a special element, Paramore is known for their live shows and their togetherness. I've witnessed them twice in concert, last summer when they opened for No Doubt and this summer on the opening night of the Honda Civic Tour.
What I'm trying to say is that none of the fans will be able to fully grasp the reality of what's going on. However, to me as long as I can look forward to more music from Paramore so, that I can share it with people and hopefully maybe in the future with my kids and my grandkids, than I'm fine. Hayley Williams, is an amazing vocalist and always will be. She's a strong staple in a lot of young girls lives and she's developed a fearless personality that I wish I had. Jeremy and Taylor are also two amazing musicians who help balance out the dynamic of the band and I cant' wait to see what the trio has in store with their fourth studio album.
So my message to Hayley, Jeremy, and Taylor is Rock On...you guys are too awesome not to! And Hayley you are the bees knees.
As far as Josh and his sensational blog...grow up and stop being dramatic. And I hope for the best for you and Zac.
*Disclaimer: This is a rough draft, I will be adding more reliable reasons soon. This was spur of the moment.
10.) Treats by Sleigh Bells
It’s rare for an album with heavy bass and what sounds to me a little bit of auto tune to ever grace this list, but Sleigh Bells have bleed into this album and it’s amazing. With their gritty guitar riffs and the mass amount of bass booming from each song, I couldn’t resist. Each song has the ability to verbally punch you in the ear drums.
Songs to download: “Crown on the ground” & “Riot Rhythm”
9.)The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
I love Arcade Fire and this album did not disappoint me. I love how out of the box this band is and how the utilize each member in the band. This album hands down was their best, well at least to me. They have less angst in this album, but they still express their opinions on things going on in the world today.
Songs to download: “The Suburbs” & “Suburban War”
8.) Joy by FeFe Dobson If you know me, you know I’m a Dobson fan. She tries to redeem herself in her fans eyes with this album, but the poppy sound will completely throw off fans at first. Fans will be able to tell how much Dobson put into this album, especially since it took over 6 years for her to gain her spotlight back. But, the album lacks the hardcore sound that made me fall in love with her. Granted she was 16 when her first album was released, but she still embodies that Joan Jett persona on stage just not in her music now. The album is fair, but I think it could’ve been better.
Songs to download: “I made out with your boyfriend” & “In your touch”
7.) Infinity by Band of Horses With a wispy voice and honest lyrics, Band of Horses truly shined with this album. This album delivered more than their previous two weren’t able to, even though they were good. Even though some credits slammed some of their lyrics, the album still holds true to my heart, because it was constant replay through my summer.
Songs to download: “Blue Bread” & “Compliment”
6.) The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Soundtrack
The movies are beyond weird, but the one thing that really attracts my attention to the teeny popper series are the amazing soundtracks that accompany each movie. The music supervisor for this movie needs to receive the highest praise because this album had me from start to finish. The selection of indie artist really got me. Bat for Lashes, Florence and The Machine, The Black Keys and Vampire Weekend provide unique songs for this album.
Songs to download: “Let’s get lost” & “Heavy in your arms”
5.)Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Movie Soundtrack I was amped for this movie and it left me in the mood to play every video game from my child hood. The album makes the movie twenty times better, and I guess I have Beck to thank for that. The album is able to grasp the listener with the variety of a nerd in love songs and the heavy riffs. Along with Beck, are the Black Lips, Metric, and The Rolling Stones. The album is more than likely to show that video games and music go hand in hand sometimes. Some songs on the album have that gritty garage sound.
Songs to download: “It’s getting boring by the Sea” & “Sleazy bed track”
4.)Come Around Sundown by Kings Of Leon I wasn’t too keen on everybody hopping on the bandwagon of this band after “Use Somebody” but screw them. This album makes me want to kidnap the whole band so they can sing me to sleep every night, hell they can even provide the background music to my life. This album is perfect for a day out at the beach just enjoying the waves. Even with the southern sound, I couldn’t draw myself away from.
Songs to Download: "The Face" & "Mary"
3.) Sigh no more by Mumford & Sons The bluegrass indie rock band was able to throw off some fans with their music as they illuminate the raspiness of Kings of Leon, the soul of Fleet Foxes and the bluegrass banjo of the Avett Brothers. It’s very rare for a band with a banjo to be certified platinum in the U.K. March 2010. The tracks start out slow, but slowly pick up pace with Mumford’s raspy voice leaving you in a heartbroken trance. The album has a solid acoustic sound, with an old fashion sound. The lyrics are intertwined with the pleadings of a hopeless and sensitive romantic. “Little Lion Man” has gritty vocals and strong instrumental interludes. The powerful vocals are also featured on “I Gave You All” and “Sigh No More” The folk sound the band embodies is thoroughly heard in each song. Much of the album conveys the emotions of love, lost and dealing with the struggles that life throws. The album is defiantly album to grasp a hold of soul.
Songs to download: “Thistle and Weeds” & “ I Gave You All”
2.)Brothers by The Black Keys The Black Keys never disappoint, especially with this album. The album displays the psychedelic blues-rock bands true sound and it’s a true gem among the albums of 2010. It’s established the band as top sellers landing in the Billboard Top 10 in the first week of release. “Tighten Up” is of the lyrics of a love stricken man vying for affection. Each track on the album is highly infectious with Dan Auerbach’s vocals and Patrick Carney’s drumming abilities.
Songs to download: “Everlasting Light” & “Too Afraid to Love You”
And Drumroll please...
1.)Contra by Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend has established themselves as the indie rock band of this generation. With their fast guitar riffs and out of the box lyrics the band can draw just about anyone to their music. And after seeing them live, there isn’t one doubt in my mind that this album deserves the number one slot. I haven’t gotten sick of this album and it’s been out since January. I love everything about this album; the lyrics, the guitar riffs, the slow tempo in some songs…everything. They top my list of the most unique bands around.
Songs to download: “Taxi Cab” & “I Think UR a Contra” …Actually all of them would suffice.
Honorable mentions: Catching a Tiger by Lissie Broken Bells by Broken Bells The Sea by Corrine Bailey Rae Teen Dream by Beach House Permalight by Rogue Wave The Winter of Mixed Drinks by Frightened Rabbit
