Talking Music: Any Album/Any Era/Any Genre (February 2014)

It's time again for the monthly weekend feature where I pick albums from any era or genre and briefly discuss why I think they are awesome. Check out the albums I picked to talk about this month after the jump!











ZAO - Where Blood And Fire Bring Rest

Released In 1998

This might be up there or close to my favorite metalcore album of all time. I thought it was fantastic from the first moment I heard it. It was pretty different than anything I had been listening to at the time. This was ZAO's second album and basically featured an all new line-up with just Jesse Smith from the original band. This is probably considered the start of what most people consider the classic ZAO line-up (depending on whether or not you consider Scott Mellinger a part of the classic line-up as he didn't show up until the next album). The album artwork is fantastic as well.

American Football - American Football

Released In 1999

It's crazy how albums can resonate with listeners over time and how influential they can become. This album is almost career defining for the members of the band. It sounds fantastic. It's a prime example of the late 90s "emo" sound. If you've never heard the song "Never Meant" you should get on it and check it out.

Turning Point - It's Always Darkest Before The Dawn

Released In 1990

I'm not sure Turning Point gets quite the love of some of their other contemporaries like Youth Of Today, Judge, etc... I will say It's Always Darkest... definitely deserves to be up there on anyone’s list of classic straight edge hardcore albums. The album kicks off with "Before The Dawn" which is an awesome intro song to the album. It sets the pace so well.

Crucial Dudes - 61 Penn

Released In 2011

Crucial Dudes is a prime example of a band that could have gotten huge but broke up way too early. This album is a pop/punk album for fans of bands like The Movielife or I Am The Avalanche. This album is a little on the short side, but that's not such a bad thing. It's super strong and doesn't overstay its welcome. One of my favorite songs on this is "Contour" because it’s a great example of the talent this band had musically and vocally.



If you missed it you can check out January's picks: HERE.