Alkaline Single

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Haha. I slay me.

Seriously, though, would you like some free kick-ass punk music? The sort of thing that fits in fine with the Misfits, Cancerslug, and Blitzkid? Then look no further than Derek of Alkaline Trio, who has released an old-school solo project of his under the name Reaper.

D. Grant Meets The Reaper is available as such:

MP3s | ARTWORK (JPG FORMAT) | ARTWORK (PDF FORMAT)

I’m very pleased with what I am listening to right now. This is really good, but if there is one thing I can tell you about me, it’s this: you will never hear pixie complain about mixing monsters and punk rock.

For descriptions and all of that, head to MySpace.

I swear, those boys in Alkaline Trio. They can do no wrong, ever. I mean, they covered The Cure, a band I have liked for at least 2/3 of my life, and improved on the song. Solos, side projects, it doesn’t matter. It’s all brilliant.

I can not stress enough how badly you all need the Reaper album, especially since it is free. Free music is a very nice thing, but amazing free music that someone like me would happily pay money for is even better.

So enjoy. I’m pretty sure a free download just made the top 10 for 2008. Go figure.

Bands I Like Cover Songs I’ve Never Heard

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Here’s a mini post to let you know you can hear a couple of random covers:

Jamies Elsewhere covered “Love In The Club” by Usher — it’s on myspace.

And Fall Out Boy covered “It Don’t Matter” by Akon — it’s here.

I don’t remember why, but I know Akon used to make me laugh on the site-that-shall-not-be-mentioned. Couldn’t have been that funny, since I don’t remember. These covers? Not so sure.

Jamies Elsewhere remain my favorite new band of 2008, and have a solid top 5 spot on the “best album” list, for the record.

Mid-Year Best Of

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Since June is coming up fast, I’ve decided to put up my mid-year best of. 2008 remains fairly underwhelming, with a few gems that I have uncovered. The truth is, since becoming a “civilian,” in that I am not writing about music all day, I’ve been pretty depressed. Maybe that’s why I haven’t found as much great music as I did when it was my life…. but there have been some good albums this year, so let’s talk about that instead.

01. Jamies Elsewhere - Guidebook for Sinners Turned Saints
Seriously, this album got me the second I put it in. I really, really like this band, and think they have a pretty great future ahead of them. At this point in the game, it is the most serious contender for best album of the year, but will likely get knocked out of that slot by some of my favorite bands’ new releases later this year.

02. Our Last NIght - The Ghosts Among Us
03. Jet Lag Gemini - Fire The Cannons
04. You, Me, and Everyone We Know - Party for the Grown & Sexy [Download it FREE here]*
05. The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
06. HorrorPops - KIss Kiss Kill KIll
07. From First To Last - From First To Last

So far, that’s about it. Off the top of my head, I am really looking forward to the new albums from I Am Ghost, Bayside, and The Cure. And of course, I’m hoping the Two Tongues album is released this year.

*Those of you who like Say Anything should definitely check this band out. Not only can you hear a Say Anything influence, but I discovered this band when Max Bemis made a post online extolling the virtues of this band. Hell, even if you don’t like Say Anything, it’s a free 8-song EP, so check them out anyway.

Honestly, though, my 2008 listening is still heavily dominated by my favorites of 2007 — Say Anything, Bayside, Silverstein, Aiden, Schoolyard Heroes… and of course, My Chemical Romance. I’ve also been listening to Pistolita, Weatherbox, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Of Montreal, and Fall Out Boy a lot.

So, given my list… have I overlooked anything truly amazing?

Trent Reznor Must Poop Albums In His Sleep

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Seriously, I have never seen anyone bang music out like this….

Trent has made yet another new Nine Inch Nails album available for free download on his Web site. This time around, it’s called The Slip. I haven’t listened to it yet, but I have to say I’m impressed with the man’s hustle and effort on this whole free music thing.

I kind of wish more bands were saying, “hey, look, this is done… here you go!”  Sort of like the next story down, about The Cure’s album.  It’s clearly done, but we get a single a month until September, rather than just getting the album now.  It’s better than what most bands do [hints, tracklists, album covers, vague leaks, etc.] but I’m impatient, as are most people, and we want it now.

I give Trent Reznor a lot of credit for knowing people are pretty big on the whole “instant gratification” thing, and of course, for trying new things in the realm of artist-controlled releases via the Internet.

So what do you guys think of the newest offering?

Get to Know Forever The Sickest Kids

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Not that I am implying you don’t already know the band, because for all I know, you do. But if you don’t, here’s a tip: they’re awesome, and you can get a totally free song from them over at Amazon.com.

It’s called “That For Me” and it rocks.

Since I know you will like them, I’d also like to suggest you check out the band’s whole new album, which is streaming here.