Episode 21: Favorites of 2011

December 29, 2011

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The end of the year is always a time for reflection. I’ve made it through 2 full years of podcasting which I never thought would happen. I didn’t get to put out as many episodes as I would’ve liked this year but, I’ve had a lot of fun doing it. I got to interview Monument, The Haverchucks, and Restorations and do some fun giveaways. Of course, I’ve gotten to share my love of music with the world which is why I do this. Even if “the world” is under 100 people. If you have a blog or a podcast, the thing to do at the end of the year is to publish your “Best of” lists. Monumental Tracks is no different. This is all the music that was my personal favorite this year. There’s no order - it’s just a collection of stuff that I especially loved.

Mixtapes - Castle Songs

I don’t think there are a lot of people that have this 2 song digital only release on their year end lists. But, Mixtapes cover of the Zeke and Luther theme, “Cause I’m a Genius”is too much fun NOT to include on a year end list. I might make it the official theme song of this podcast.

Red City Radio - The Dangers of Standing Still

Sometimes I can’t decide what I like more - this record or the @redcityradio Twitter account.

Direct Hit! - Domesplitter

Should I put an exclamation point after the band name? Should I put the name of the album in all caps? I never know how to punctuate this band.

The Void Union - Higher Guns

I was bummed when Westbound Train went on a hiatus. I was the opposite of bummed when I found out earlier this year that a lot of the Westbound dudes are in another band called The Void Union. Awesome ska music. It was a delight to go back and discover their older record too.

Man Overboard - S/T

Truthfully, when I gave their last album, Real Talk a few listens - I didn’t like it. It was just generic pop-punk that could’ve been any pop-punk band from the late 90s. I don’t know what changed but, I love this album. It just seems better. Sure, it’s not ground breaking but, it’s catchy as hell. Defend pop punk, indeed.

The Copyrights - North Sentinel Island

This was the first full Copyrights album I ever listened to. Not for any reason really but, it just was. I loved this record and I’m surprised I haven’t seen it on more year-end lists. Plus, I love support It’s Alive records. They’ve got a good operation over there.

Restorations - S/T

I don’t have much to say that hasn’t been said about Restorations already. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to interview them earlier in the year. In addition to playing great music, they seem like all around good guys too.

The Haverchucks - S/T

They haven’t put out a lot of music or toured rather extensively but The Haverchucks are a band that everyone should know. This 7” is awesome. Full of catchy, punk gems that make me want to buy a leather jacket and drive way too fast.

Dan P and The Bricks - Watch Where You Walk

I didn’t know this album existed until the first week of December. It’s amazing. Maybe my favorite ska release of the year. One thing I love about this album is that the horn section is HUGE. I love me some horns in my ska music.

Banquets - Top Button, Bottom Shelf

Again - don’t really have much to add to what others have said but, I really enjoy this record. I didn’t really realize how much I liked it until I started thinking about what were my favorites this year and I realized just how many times I listened to this this year.

Bomb the Music Industry - Vacation

Do people still call BTMI a ska band?

Kill Lincoln - You Were There

I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it again. Kill Lincoln plays ska in the Third Wave style better than anyone else right now. Glad to say these guys hail from the same metropolitan area as where I currently reside.