I hate this show every year. I'll get more into that in a second. First, I find it interesting that it took me until the 13th of December to see my favorite show of the year. I went to the Ottobar in Baltimore last night to catch New Found Glory and Dashboard Confessional. I was surprised at how old the crowd was. It was mostly mid to late 20 somethings which is something I'm not used to at this kind of show but I suppose as the bands have aged, so have their fans. The exciting thing about this show is that it was an all acoustic show. I've never seen NFG do an all acoustic set before and I have to admit, they killed it. It was fun to watch their singer, Jordan, try to hold himself back from jumping into the crowd though. Their shows are usually so energetic and intense but they had to tone it down a bit for last night. I was also pretty blown away by Dashboard Confessional. He came out with guns blazing from "Swiss Army Romance" and "the Places You Have Come to Fear the Most." At one point he even asked the crowd, "So what do you want to hear? New stuff or all old songs?" Naturally, the crowd responded with a resounding, "Old!" The rest of the show made me reminiscent of shows back in 1999 and 2000 up in Philadelphia when I'd show up and there was this skinny tattooed guy up on stage all alone playing these acoustic songs. As much as I wanted to hate him, I just couldn't. Neither could the crowds as they would sing along with every word. I must have seen him 10 times my freshman year because he just always seemed to be opening every show. It was good to have those memories back.
Since this is the best of version of Noise Complaint, I figured I'd share with you my 5 favorite shows from the year. These are in no particular order as they were all amazing...
Dashboard/New Found Glory at the Ottobar
Taylor Swift at Merriweather (Don't be jealous)
Riverboat Gamblers/Fake Problems at the Ottobar
Big D & The Kids Table at the Talking Head Club
The Get Up Kids at the TLA
By now you're probably asking yourself, "Why does he hate this show every year?" I'll answer that question. I hate it because it puts so much pressure on me to piece together a 2 hour representation of the year in punk rock music. I know punk songs are short but is simply not enough time. After I sat back and listened to this show I thought of so many great albums that didn't make it. Records from bands like Teenage Bottlerocket, Landmines, Cobra Skulls, and Outbreak. All great albums but they didn't make the cut. The good thing about this year was that you got really into it. I had so many suggestions and requests for this year's best of show that it became pretty easy to put it together. I always say, this show is not all about me. It's much more about you so if there are some songs/artists that you want to hear, tell me. I'm all ears. You certainly told me this year and I love that. Thank you so much for that.
Here's what you picked for the best of show tonight. I hope you enjoy it...
Band-Song-Album
NOFX-The Agony of Victory-Coaster
Rancid-Last One To Die-Let the Dominoes Fall
Set Your Goals-This Will Be the Death of Us-This Will Be the Death of Us
Strike Anywhere-I'm Your Opposite Number-Iron Front
Anti-Flag-This Is The First Night-The People Or The Gun
The Bouncing Souls-Dubs Says True-20th Anniversary Series
Banner Pilot-Central Standard-Collapser
Gallows-Leeches-Grey Britain
Strung Out-Novella-Prototypes and Painkillers
Moneen-Hold That Sound-The World I Want to Leave Behind
The Real Deal-Way Back Home-Fun
Bullet Treatment-The Wreckage-Designated Vol. 1
Riverboat Gamblers-DissDissDissKissKissKiss-Underneath the Owl
Shook Ones-Silverfish-The Unquotable A.M.H.
Four Year Strong-Ironic-Explains It All
The Ergs-Fuckuturn-Carry the Torch: A Tribute to Kid Dynamite
Hatebreed-Set It Off-For The Lions
The Dollyrots-Bad Reputation-Endless Bummer Soundtrack
Dropkick Murphys-Fight To Unite-Let Them Know: The Story of Youth Brigade and BYO Records
MXPX-Somebody To Love-On The Cover II
The Grit-Let Me Take You For A Ride-Straight Out The Alley
Chase Long Beach-That's No Moon, It's A Space Station-Gravity Is What You Make It
Destination Anywhere-Makes My Day-You Won't Bring Me Down
RX Bandits-My Lonesome Only Friend-Mandala
Cherry Poppin' Daddies-Hi and Lo-Susquehanna
Big D & The Kids Table-Not Fucking Around-Fluent In Stroll
Gatorface-Kids Stealing Kids-Wasted Monuments
Polar Bear Club-Living Saints-Chasing Hamburg
Nothington-Meant To Lose-Roads, Bridges and Ruins
Dear Landlord-I Live In Hell-Dream Homes
Alexisonfire-Young Cardinals-Old Crows/Young Cardinals
Chuck Ragan-Rotterdam-Gold Country
Pinhead Gunpowder-Kathleen-Kick Over the Traces
Frank Turner-Try This At Home-Poetry of the Deed
The Ghost of A Thousand-Running On Empty-New Hopes, New Demonstrations
Defeater-The Red, White and blues-Lost Ground EP
Poison the Well-Exist Underground-The Tropic Rot
Every Time I Die-For The Record-New Junk Aesthetic
Converge-Reap What You Sow-Axe to Fall
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