Burnt Like Toast

Albums

1) The Lawrence Arms- The Greatest Story Ever Told

This record has everything I’ve ever liked about The Arms. Brendan making fun of Juggalos and Maury in his terrible yet awesomely acceptable voice over super fast punk beats and then Chris follws up such songs with perfectly pieced together lyrics that are choppy yet beautiful. Plus, this record brings back a lot of nostalgia for me. and, well… Neil…. Drumming… What else is there?

Track 2 - The Raw And Searing Flesh

2) The Deftones- Diamond Eyes

Ok. This record hasn’t had a a bunch of plays to stand the test of time yet but this record is disgusting and easily their best record since White Pony. There’s something about it where it can be so heavy and erratic and yet… so catchy. Plus, Abe Cunningham is easily my favorite drummer because somehow he always manages to find the perfect beat, not over-play, and rip at the same time. Chino’s screams followed by melodic, high pitched lines are at an all time best.

Track 7 - Rocket Skates

3) Pedro The Lion- Control

This is my favorite concept album ever which involves relationships, jobs, religion, and other hugely unsatisfying issues. Yes, it is super depressing but, sometimes life is that way, but what makes it so good is David Bazan’s honest and somewhat haunting lyrics that seem to always strike me as super true. Although most of the record is slow, there are also a few tracks that can rock a bit too.

Track 1- Options

4) Northstar- Is this Thing Loaded?

It was super hard for me to decide on which Northstar record to pick but I have to go with ITTL. It’s weird how you can listen to a record through and not really “get it” and then after 3 more listens you decide, “This is one of the greatest things I’ve ever heard!” That’s what happened to me on this record. Nick Torres has an awesome and unique voice and his lyrics are really well placed and unlike any other writer I know. Also, the two guitars play off one another so well, making this record just barely outdue Pollyanna for me.

Track 4- Taker Not a Giver

5) Brand New- Deja Entendu

I have to admit, I haven’t listened to this record in quite some time but it has stood for years as one of my favorite albums ever. It reminds me off Middle School and long baseball trips in huge vans across the country. So many cocky and clever yet, lovable lines on this record. Brand New will NEVER outdue this record. It is way too well put together with too many songs that are just filled with confidence and anguish.

Track 4- Okay, I Believe You But My Tommy Gun Don’t

Movies

1) Fight Club - Trailer

Not much to say here. If you haven’t seen it, you missed the boat. Mind-bending, eye-opening, and all around awesome. I’m a big fan of cerebral movies.

2) Donnie Darko - Trailer

I hear a lot of people say different things about this movie. It seems everyone either hates it or loves it and considering it’s on my list… I love it. So creepy and awesome. See above note about cerebral movies.

3) Grandmas Boy - Trailer

I probably quote this movie in regular conversations daily. It’s weird too because I’ve never smoked pot in my life and I “like” video games but I don’t “live” for them but this movie cracks me up no matter how many times I watch it. So many good one liners. Nick Swardson steals the show.

4) Super Bad - Trailer

There first 30 minutes of this movie may be the funniest 30 minutes of straight comedy ever created. The banter back and forth between Michael Cera and Jonah Hill is undeniably hilarious. Oh… and the rest of the movie is pretty good too.

5) No Country For Old Men - Trailer

I don’t want to hear one word about the ending. Not one, people. You have to understand… The movie is about Tommy Lee Jones. Ok? Not Antwan Sugar and Llewelyn Moss. TLJ is getting old and can’t handle the Sheriff life. Why can’t you get this? Movie is brilliant.