So I ran into the same problem I had rating records last year, finding good ones. Is it me or are the releases just getting worse? Maybe I’m getting old and bitter, but none the less here are what I found to be the best releases this past year. The year of celebrity deaths, global warming and twitter!

Top 10 Records

1. Strike Anywhere: Iron Front – Bridge Nine Records
   This record is amazing. Every song is great. Immediate and smart. I had my doubts after Dead FM which sounded like bad anarcho-folk with a drum beat. This record soars as record of the year.

1. Strung Out: Agents of the Underground -Fat Wreck Chords
   Same story with this record as with Strike Anywhere’s. Their last record, not terrible, but not what I expect from Strung Out. This record is great, every song hits hard. Fast, Technical and Catchy.
2. New Found Glory: Not Without A Fight – Epitaph Records
   They definitely made a come back after Coming Home with this release. The song, “Not Without A Fight” must easily be one of their best songs.
3. Banner Pilot: Collapse – Fat Wreck Chords
   This record is definitely a grower, but once you get past the fact that it sounds like Dillinger Four and The Lawrence Arms (If Brendan Kelly sung all the songs) you’ll realize all the songs are really well written catchy heartfelt punk songs.
4. Teenage Bottlerocket: They Came From the Shadows – Fat Wreck Chords
   This record took a while. It’s not as good as Warning Device, their last record, but it definitely has it’s moments with tracks like, “Skate or Die” and “Without You”. I just wish it ended with a stronger track, but it’s fun and catchy, just what you’d expect.
5. Taking Back Sunday: New Again – Warner Bros.Great record, and despite what reviews have said, I think this CD is better if not just as strong as their last release. The lyrics, melodies and song writing are amazing and strong. They’re definitely a solid band, despite their some what lackluster fan base.
6. American Steel: Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts – Fat Wreck Chords
   Alright, so this is the only record I’ve actually heard from these dudes, but it’s good. It’s got variety on it, which at first is distracting, but you learn to love it. I also won’t lie, some of the songs are awesome because they sound kind of like Alkaline Trio.
7. Propagandhi: Supporting Caste – Smallman Records
   So you need your face torn to shreds? Oh, well then listen to this record if you haven’t already. Political and immensely intense. Also, if you missed them live this year, you missed out. Propagandhi rules.
8. Paramore: brand new eyes – Fueled By Ramen
   What? Paramore? Yes! Okay, so I sort of ran out of great records this year, but like I said, it wasn’t a very strong year. Anyway, this record isn’t bad by any means. I won’t be listening to it over and over again, but it’s definitely a solid release, and much better and more mature than their previous record. Very thoughtful lyrics and solid melodies with surprisingly good song writing.
9. The Swellers: Ups and Downsizing – Fueled By Ramen
   At least they didn’t go soft, well, not too soft. There are definitely some stand out tracks, some even chill worthy. You can definitely hear their NUFAN and Weezer influences, which is definitely not a bad thing. Great musicians.

Top 5 EPs

1. Pulley: Time Insensitive Material – Self-Released
   Amazing, amazing, amazing! I still love every second of this EP and it was released in March. If you haven’t heard it yet, you should really consider it. I hope they write a full-length soon.
2. The Flatliners: Cynics – Fat Wreck Chords
   Great band, great release. Only 3 songs, but all of these are amazing, and make you just wish their full-length would drop already.
3. A Wilhelm Scream: A Wilhelm Scream – Paper + Plastic Records
   Another group of guys that never cease to amaze and astound. They make sounds I didn’t even know could come out of guitars. Fast, epic and intense, just the way we like it, right?
4. NOFX: Cokie The Clown – Fat Wreck Chords
   I thought these 5 songs were better than their entire album, Coaster, released earlier this year. This was definitely a solid EP. Catchy and thoughtful, with a closer I don’t think anyone thought NOFX could even write anymore.
5. Break On Through: Pulling Teeth – Self-Released
   One of my favorite locals, every song these guys write get better than the last. This EP is a perfect example of that. Solid all the way through.

Biggest Let Downs:

1. AFI: Crash Love – Interscrope Records
   This record has some incredible melodies, but what the hell is he talking about? A lot of the lyrics are weak and much of this record feels to much like a rock record and to little like an AFI record. Keep the melodies, write something relevant.
2. Dead To Me: African Elephants – Fat Wreck Chords
   Is it a let down if you expected it to suck? Jack, the life and blood of this band quit, why would it be a good release. Now all that are left are fragmented songs and poor vocals. But hell if you miss them live, they still rule!
3. NOFX: Coaster – Fat Wreck Chords
   So if you need your NOFX fix this year just get Cokie The Clown and My Orphan Year. Both releases are separately better than Coaster, but together you’ve got enough tracks. So lets just pretend Coaster never happened. Oh sure, there are some sick solos, but the lack of thought and care from Fat Mike on this record is just sad. We get that they could probably shit and people will eat it up, but this is one punk rock nugget I have way to much trouble digesting.

Surprised By:

1. Anti-Flag: The People Or The Gun – Side One Dummy
   Wow, this record is great, and who knew! I mean sure you have to be in High School to really care but after The Terror State, For Blood and Empire and Bright Lights of America I didn’t think they knew what a good record was anymore. This record is hard hitting and actually fun to listen to, plus recording quality is almost worse than Die For Your Government, so that’s gotta earn them some street cred. Good listen, and I do believe that “When The Lights Go Out” just might be the best song they’ve written in years.

I Finally Listened to:

1. Jawbreaker: Dear You - Blackball Records
   Wow, I can’t believe the rock I’ve been living under. This record is unbelievable. I wish it came out this past year so I can put as best release. Why don’t bands write good music like this anymore? Anyway, if you’ve been living in the dark like me, get this record. As corny as it is to say, and despite the obvious 90′s grunge riffs littered throughout, it really is a timeless record.

Contributed by Sterling (former Empty Wallet, Mute Issue)

Related posts:

1. CD Review: Smoke or Fire “This Sinking Ship”