By Todd Williams

So much for keeping up on today’s music scene. This year’s Top 10 list for best “rock” albums of the year almost entirely escapes me.

OK, so I do have one album by TV On The Radio (which came in at a measly No. 7),and I have heard of the Black Keys, but man, I’ve got to start listening to the XM more often.

I do fare better in the honorable mention section of the article, but own only one album mentioned here, and that’s by emo kings Death Cab For Cutie. That can’t be a good sign.

I can only imagine that by this time next year, I’ll be sputtering, “Those darn kids and that rock AND roll racket. It’s just a passing phase, don’t ya know?”

It looks like I’m headed to a visit with my good friends the Russians for a quick lesson in what the kids are listening to these days. And I thought I was cool for even knowing a few of these bands.

Anyway, here is the synopsis put forward by Jack Coyle of the Associated Press.

1. Constantines, “Kensington Heights”
The most underrated band in North America hails from Toronto, is led by Bryan Webb’s angst-ridden growl, and is capable of leaving any beer-soaked bar crowd slack-jawed and devastated. Five years after the excellent “Shine a Light,” the Constantines are still carrying on the tradition of Bruce Springsteen with anthemic, uplifting rock dirges. What could be more vital in these troubled economic times than the pulsating and mature “Kensington Heights”? On “Credit River,” Webb sings: “I may be in the red but I’m still hungry.”
2. The Hold Steady, “Stay Positive”
Like the Constantines, the Hold Steady worship at the altar of the Boss. This is a good thing. Though their last, “Boys and Girls of America,” may have been better, the Hold Steady, ah em, hold steady with another stellar album. The glorious single “Sequestered of Memphis” is surely the first song to make the phrase “I went there on business” sound riveting.
3. Fleet Foxes, “Fleet Foxes”
The sonorous, multipart harmonies of Seattle’s Fleet Foxes bring to mind the Beach Boys, had they moved up the coast and swapped their surfboards for a wooded campfire. Half a year after their debut, they’re beginning to age like Crosby, Stills & Nash — but there are worse things.
4. Santogold, “Santogold”
You could quibble that Santogold isn’t truly “rock,” but she really defies genre categorization. “L.E.S. Artistes” and “Lights Out” were among the best rock tunes of the year. She’ll make “name droppas” of us all.
5. No Age, “Nouns”
Who knew L.A. punk existed? And that it was so good? Nothing about No Age was expected, making it all the more exciting.
6. Lykke Li, “Youth Novels”
Lykke Li is a 22-year-old Swedish pop pixie. “Little Bit” and “I’m Good, I’m Gone” were two of the most danceable songs all year — as evidenced by no less than the ever-jitterbugging Lykke Li herself. But it’s the cooing “Time Flies” that cements “Youth Novels” as an excellent album.
7. TV on the Radio, “Dear Science”
The bouncy guitar riff on “Crying” is, alone, really enough to make this one of the year’s best. The Brooklyn brainiacs’ last one (”Return to Cookie Mountain”) was better, but TV on the Radio are nevertheless the most vital, current band in America.
8. Black Keys, “Attack and Release”
The Black Keys could be anyone’s favorite band. Two goofy dudes from Akron, Ohio, who make some of the rawest, most soulful blues. This is their most dynamic and full album yet, which can be partly attributed to producer Danger Mouse. (Danger Mouse’s most famous project, as half of Gnarles Barkley, also put out one of the year’s best, “The Odd Couple,” thanks largely to Cee-lo’s powerful James Brown tribute: “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul.”)
9. Jenny Lewis, “Acid Tongue”
Like Elvis Costello (who guests on “Acid Tongue”), Lewis will likely turn out an excellent album most every year — whether as a solo act or in her band Rilo Kiley — for decades to come. The best example of her prodigious songwriting talents here is “Bad Man’s World.” Unless it’s “Acid Tongue.” Or “Carpetbaggers.” (You get the idea.)
10. Dr. Dog, “Fate”
Some find this Philadelphia group too retro. They, after all, seemingly want to, literally, be the Band. But with a bass that thumps just like Rick Danko’s, Dr. Dog stirs up life in old sounds.
Honorable Mentions: Firewater, “The Golden Hour”; Wolf Parade, “At Mount Zoomer”; M83, “Saturdays  Youth”; Vampire Weekend, “Vampire Weekend”; Death Cab for Cutie, “Narrow Stairs”; Bonnie “Prince” Billy, “Lie Down on the Light”; The Walkmen, “You & Me”; She & Him, “Volume One”; Deerhunter, “Microcastle”; Mogwai, “The Hawk Is Howling”; Portishead, “Third.”

By: Aubrey Watts

Journal Staff

The boards are open for full on discussion…….

Whether you are riding in your car, stuck in an office or out enjoying the weather on a beautiful sunny summer day, what is the best genre/band/group of bands you like to listen to?

By: Aubrey Watts

Journal Staff

When I was asked to join the blogging world here at the Journal one of my first questions was, “Where are the blogs on Country music?”

So here’s one to all the Country music fans.

I have been listning to Country music since before I was born. Not saying I am forever a die hard fan, but it was more or less forced on me from day one. As much as I fought being a fan in high school for fear of being labled a ‘Nerd’ I always gave in.

To me Country music is like home. A Marine Brat through and through I have never had a true town/city/state to call home, so to me that’s what Country music represents. I knew I could always count on it to be around.

It seems to always remind me of the folks, my friends and the many memories tied into every song. Today I seem to follow more of the punk/rock/indie bands but honestly at the end of the day Country always reminds me of myself.

The couple of artists I can’t seem to get enough of as of late are Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith and of course Garth Brooks.

Do you have a favorite Country artist that just always sounds good to you?

By: Aubrey Watts

Journal staff

“Alkaline Trio”, a band that I have liked for a few years now is dropping a new CD on Tuesday entitled ‘Agony & Irony’. I had the chance, along with many others through Myspace to listen to it before it comes out. I am thankful I did. I am very much dissappointed by this new album. It seems as though signing to a major label has made this once wonderful band switch gears into the mainstream created genre of Pop-Punk. 

Don’t get me wrong Pop-Punk isn’t all bad, but it’s just not my cup of tea.

I believe with this album they have lost sight of the band they once were. Or they are starting anew. Either way this is the one album of theirs I will not be buying.

Have you seen any bands go mainstream, or shift musical gears as of late, giving you a feeling of dissappointment?

By Aubrey Watts
Journal staff

We all know Johnny Cash from his early years of drugs and wild times that were accompanied by the legendary success of the “Man in Black.” Success, which was seen in both the Rock n’ Roll and Country music genres for years to come. Although shunned from country music on and off throughout the years and never being accepted until later in his career, Johnny seemed to forever be a legend on both spectrums.

I fell in love with Johnny - better known as J. R. to his family - for his passion and his drive to make good music. After hearing some of his hit songs “Ring of Fire,” “Jackson” and “Walk the Line” I was hooked. Drawn into his tremendous voice and remarkably truthful lyrics I found myself on a mission. I spent a few short years researching him and reading every book wrote about him.

Diving in head first, I was going to figure out the real life story of Johnny Cash. I have recently come to one conclusion. Johnny wasn’t about being egotistical or following the mainstream of things. He was a compassionate man, a brilliant man. A man who was about the way a song hits the heart. The way the lyrics work in a song. He was all about the lyrics. ‘Humble’ I believe is the perfect, word for him.

After purchasing the “Unearthed” boxed set last year I found myself falling in love with John all over again. Paired with the amazing producer Rick Ruben, this set is purely brilliant. Raw with emotion and an acoustic guitar sets the stage for a lyrically driven piece of art.

There is something about the “American V” CD that hits me hard. Most of the songs being recorded with nothing more than a guitar in a living room gave Johnny an edge on this CD. As described by some, it is either a CD you get or you don’t get. I’ll admit the very first time I heard some of the songs I was a little puzzled. Then I stumbled upon the song “Rose of My Heart” A simple melody accompanied by a very truthful statement of love. Obviously sung with June in mind, it showed how much he really did care for her.

The first song of Johnny’s to ever bring me to tears it will forever have a place in my heart.

Not many artists can accomplish what John did. Not many seem to have that drive any longer due to mainstream standards. There are still some great artists out there, striving to accomplish a mere fraction of what great singers like Johnny did.

Have you ever found a love song by an artist you least expected? And better yet have you ever found an artist that enthralled you so much to learn everything you can about them?