For the punk rocker
Against Me!’s New Wave had the unfortunate luck of reigniting the decades-old debate of what constitutes a punk band. Some cried foul that the band had sold out, abandoning DIY ideals in favor for commercialism and radio play. But New Wave is actually the band’s most focused effort yet, and if they can sell ferocity and emotion without sounding like a Linkin Park retread, more power to them. If your punk brother/sister tries to tell you how “not punk” Against Me! is, just tell them that talking about what is or isn’t punk is definitely not punk ... and then maybe tousle their mohawk.
Hellcat Records just re-released Operation Ivy’s self-titled LP this year, in case the sound quality on New Wave is too good for you. It’s actually a good history lesson for those who want to hear the inspiration behind bands like Rancid and U2—I mean Green Day.
For the blossoming hip-hopper
Sage Francis’ Human the Death Dance contains the type of raw emotion and instrumentation that doesn’t require a hip-hop background to appreciate. But if that’s not convincing, you can use the Epitaph label to trick haters into thinking he’s a punk rocker.
For the emo kids
“Emo” has always been a vague term, but those who long for the days when it was closer to punks-with-heart than skinny kids-with-eyeliner look no further than The Weakerthans’ Reunion Tour. Sure to remind fans of bands like The Get-Up Kids, Reunion Tour serves as a cruel reminder of what the genre has become in a few short years. Now go cry about it.
For the dancers
A friend once (rightfully) told me that all you need for a successful dance track is a vocoder and retro bass-riff. That must be why every song on Chromeo’s Fancy Footwork is so damned catchy! Seriously, try listening to “Tenderoni” without wanting to bump some uppers in a filthy dance-club bathroom.
For the Teenyboppers
Um … Hilary Duff? OK, so maybe the world isn’t ready for the pretentious teenybopper, but Duff’s new album Dignity sounds more grown-up than most of the adult-angst that’s on the radio. Forgoing pop for club dance, Dignity is a curveball for anyone familiar with her work. ... I mean, that’s what my friends tell me.