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5) My Favorite Highway – How To Call a Bluff (July 22, 2008)
How To Call A Bluff is one of the most polished powerpop releases this year. It is evident that a tremendous amount of effort was put forth because everything was solid, from the vocals to the melodies. Dave Cook’s voice was inspiring and the instruments were extravagantly pop, putting a soulful twist to the genre. While it is this soul and passionate sound that drove me to put them on the list, it also prevented me from putting them in the top spot. This album is definitely the total package when it comes to sound, but their soul often translated into less of the carefree fun which is a staple for any powerpop band.
My Favorite Highway – Getaway Car

4) Jack’s Mannequin – The Glass Passenger (September 20, 2008)
Inspiring, enduring and beautiful, that is what Jack’s Mannequin has turned The Glass Passenger into. This album lacks pop in the traditional sense, there’s little fun and little non-chalant business to be found in this album. Instead listeners are treated to something real and passionate, a glimpse into the world of Andrew McMahon. While it is true that I hold a soft spot for Jack’s Mannequin, there are no pity points awarded in this list. The music speaks for itself, with words that motivate and sounds that allow you to visualize more than just music. From aggressive tracks to mellow ones, the music is powerful and tells a unique story. Definitely the most influential album on this list, it is however just delving on the borders of powerpop, and as such cannot be named the best powerpop album of the year.
Jack’s Mannequin – Bloodshot

3) Forever The Sickest Kids – Underdog Alma Mater (April 1, 2008)
A perfect example of what powerpop means to me is Underdog Alma Mater. One of the most anticipated albums of the year, it definitely lived up to the standards put forth by FTSK’s previous EP. Energetic, fun, clever, and catchy — these are all adjectives that best describe Underdog Alma Mater and are often used in conjuncture with the pop genre itself. While many bands possess similar styles, FTSK has honed their own with uniquely timed duel vocals and an edgy sound that keeps things fresh and never boring. Simple, honest, and fun is what they do best, and anything beyond that can be left to a different genre, not powerpop. By the end of the album there’s a smile on my face and a tune in my head, which is all I can ask for. The only issue preventing this album from moving up in rankings is it’s similarities with FTSK’s old stuff, which has not been the case for many of the sophomore releases this year.
Forever The Sickest Kids – Hey Brittany

2) Cute Is What We Aim For – Rotation (June 24, 2008)
A complete shocker for me, I never thought Rotation would cut this list, let alone be the number one contender as powerpop album of the year. After my first listen I was utterly disgusted with CIWWAF’s complete change and revamping of their music. But over time this album has grown on me so much that I have listened to it consistently since it was released in June. The change in style took some getting used to, and while I still feel the quality of lyrics has devolved, just about everything else has evolved into something great. It could be that Cute matured, and therefore the lyrics became less about witty sexual innuendos and more about real social problems, leaving little room for insanely clever lyrics. That said, Rotation is much more polished than their debut album, competing with a full fledged sound that is aggressive, powerful and catchy. It provided that kind of spark that got me completely pumped over nothing, and was still pop enough to be catchy and moving. Most importantly it did not lose its stay-power even after hundreds of listens. A definite surprise album for me, Rotation earned it’s spot as the second best album of 2008.
Cute Is What We Aim For – Practice Makes Perfect

1) The Maine – Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop (July 8, 2008)
It may be of no shock that Can’t Stop Won’t Stop tops this year’s list and has easily become my favourite powerpop album of the year. Since the day it was released it has been vying for the title, and after every listen I feel it deserves it more and more. Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop perfectly combines emphatic and addictive pop with the meaningful and moving variety. Prior to this album The Maine was mainly known for just the fun stuff, so the debut album was a refreshing surprise in change. The Maine’s style is something that seems common, but has yet to be emulated to the kind of perfection that they deliver it with. Fans of powerpop can enjoy the fun and energetic songs but at the same time feel moved by the warm and inviting music. It is an album I enjoy each and every time I listen, not only because it is classically a fun album, but also because it’s a very thoughtful album. Perhaps I’m a softie for the quaint pop that has been produced this year, but at the end of the day, The Maine takes the cake with Can’t Stop Won’t Stop. Hopefully the title of this LP is an insight into their future endeavours.
The Maine – We’ll All Be

Honour Roll: The Academy Is… – Fast Times at Barrington High, A Rocket To The Moon – Greetings From…, Mercy Mercedes – 1.21 Gigawatts, The Morning Light – Self-titled

And that’s the list, have a happy holiday!

November 5

Polysics
Horseshoe/ 19+ / $11.50

The Japanese are famous for a few things: anime, technology, weird porn, and noise. Polysics was formed after a high school student decided to divert his interests from soccer to Devo. I think Polysics is a little more accessible than some of the other Japanoise bands out there. For the price of a movie ticket, you can’t lose – go go go!

November 7

Glass Candy
Wrongbar/ 19+ / $15.00

I’ve got to give a shoutout to shermstixx for introducing me to Glass Candy waaaay before they became as popular as they are now. Glass Candy as the innocence of Freezepop, Ladytron’s ubiquity, and the classiness of Nico. They also remind me of Fan Death (or vice versa). If you’re into electropop/nu rave/dance punk, this is a show you can’t miss.

Glass Candy – Candy Castle

In Flames
Sound Academy/ All Ages / $35.00

My days of thoroughly enjoying death metal are long behind me but for those of you still fightin’ the man (or whatever), I recommend checking this out. A Sense of Purpose received mixed reviews but with In Flames’ everchanging sound, that was to be expected.

In Flames – Eraser
In Flames – Abnegation

November 12

Girl Talk
Kool Haus/ 19+ / $21.50

I was decidedly a Girl Talk hater until Feed the Animals came out. Who but Girl Talk can put the Carpenters and Nine Inch Nails and Janet Jackson and Metallica on one track and make it seem it so natural? I have class that night so please, go to the show so I can live vicariously through you.

Girl Talk – No Pause
Girl Talk – Hands in the Air

November 13

Boris
Lee’s/ 19+ / $15.00

And they’re back! I went to the show in July on a whim and wow, let me tell you, Boris does not fuck around (pardon my French). You are guaranteed a rockin’ good time. But, word to the wise: if you feel like you can’t breathe and start seeing purple spots, go outside for some fresh air and water because you WILL pass out – Lee’s Palace is not that big.

Eagles of Death Metal
Mod Club/ 19+ / $24.00

I think Rolling Stone had it right with this comment: “There are more important rock groups than Eagles of Death Metal, but are any of them this much fun?” The answer is, of course, no. Heart On is a decent album, not as good Death by Sexy but still worth your $12.

Eagles of Death Metal – Cheap Thrills

Iron and Wine
Phoenix/ 19+ / $25.00

Your favourite indie folk star will soon be in town to wow you with his critically acclaimed 2007 album The Shepherd’s Dog. I’m actually not a fan of folk music at all so that’s all I have to say about that.

Iron and Wine – Flightless Bird, American Mouth

Jack’s Mannequin
Opera House/ All Ages / $25.00

Jack’s Mannequin is touring in support of their recently released album The Glass Passenger which I thought successfully dodged the “sophomore slump” threat. Read a full review here.

Jack’s Mannequin – The Resolution

November 20

M83
Opera House/ 19+ / $15.00

In 2005, after electronic French duos became too trendy and mainstream, Nicolas Fromageau decided to leave M83, leaving Anthony Gonzalez as the sole member. No, I’m just kidding, that probably wasn’t the reason. Saturdays=Youth contains some of their (his?) best songs to date so buy your tickets for this show, it will probably sell out.

M83 – Graveyard Girl

November 27, 28

Broken Social Scene
Sound Academy/ All Ages / $25.00

I love BSS because whenever a Montrealer brags about all the awesome bands that are based in Montreal, I can bring up Broken Social Scene to still ultimately lose the argument but it’s still a pretty strong point.

Musically, this album is sound, from the instrumentals to the vocal work. Starting with track one, we begin our descent into The Glass Passenger with Jack’s Mannequin as our guide. Ironically the album starts off with Crashing, a track with a modest tone but heavy meaning. A catchy but sincere piano melody paves the way for this mellow but lyrically charged track. Although not as aggressive as some other tracks, it fits nicely with the emotionally-tuned theme. Besides the great piano work, listeners get a taste of an array of epic sounds from the guitar work to the drums. One of the key aspects of this song that really emphasizes the seriousness of it all, is the well placed and timely backing vocals. The backing vocals put me in a different mood, almost a sad realisation of the world, yet amidst it all, lays hope. Andrew does a great job with the lead vocals, managing to unleash emotion without having to sacrifice pitch and tone.

While Crashing is a nice song and an easy listen, it has only touched the surface of the album. The next track, Spinning, is one which I feel exhibits Andrew’s intense vocals very well. Having seen him live, I can attest to his high energy and emotional performances. What starts off as a solid mellow tune and a subtle verse, quickly turns into a passionate and hopeful chorus. This is where we hear Andrew at his best, delivering line after line of heart quenching lyrics. Combined with a beautiful melody, it’s a song that truly delivers. I really enjoyed the guitar work in this song, and everything combined to create a very surreal atmosphere. The entire album took me for an emotional ride, with the passionate vocals and meaningful instrumentals; it’s a side of Jack’s that feels very honest and uncut.

Unlike Spinning, songs like Spin, What Gets You Off and Bloodshot give another powerful feeling. Instead of optimism, listeners are treated to a world of despair and sadness, but it’s a sadness that’s beautiful and elegant. The way that Andrew carefully delivers his vocals keeps everything classy and never seeking attention or help. The songs are presented in a way in which listeners get a feel for whatever the songs happen to be about. It’s this no holds bar delivery that I felt put Jack’s Mannequin on another level. As always Andrew McMahons vocals are solid throughout, constantly changing paces, and always very passionate. The instrumentals are really outstanding this go around as well, although I do miss the happy care free piano work from Everything In Transit.

Deep within the album is my favourite track, The Resolution, which epitomizes the strength and persistence of Andrew McMahon. Not only that, but I feel the lyrics convey exactly what I feel about The Glass Passenger. While all the lyrics are completely meaningful and passionate, and often get dark and dreary, they never feel selfish or seek anything more then the message they convey. Likewise, the song is about finding an answer and not seeking attention or forgiveness, and it’s an incredibly refreshing and sincere message. A powerful song, it’s inspiring on every listen and makes me respect Andrew McMahon and his band Jack’s Mannequin a little more every time.

The Glass Passenger is an unbelievable album, and a great follow up to their debut. I’m going to do something out of the ordinary and rate this on a numerical scale, because I feel it deserves that much. Out of 10, it’s definitely a 10+, because I can’t think of a better more matured sound then what this album delivers. I though Everything In Transit was perfect and I still do, but The Glass Passenger is another completely different yet perfect sound altogether. Accompanied by a very strong sense of lyrics and meaning, Jack’s has created a piece of art that’ll go down in my record books as a classic.

Check out their Myspace for official tour dates and album info.

Jack’s Mannequin – The Resolution
Jack’s Mannequin – Swim

The reason I got tickets so late, was the line-up originally consisted of Paramore, Phantom Planet, and Paper Route for the Toronto show. As soon as Jack’s Mannequin was added to the bill, it became a star-studded event, and I had to go. It began inside the packed, very hot, and unventilated club, where concert-goers got a chance to play the new Guitar Hero 4. The night started off with Paper Route, an indie band from Nashville, Tennessee. Their ambient/electronic sound is very mellow but epic. With really hard hitting drums, and some very cool synths, it was a fairly interesting set, but not quite up my alley. The frontman followed in the direction of the music, and never played towards the audience as he could have, keeping in mind there are a ton of angst teens in the audience. But as for the music, it sounded very professional and quite extravagant live, which is a feat for any opening act.

Phantom Planet was up next, and I was honestly not the least bit excited to see them. After hearing about their signing to Fueled By Ramen, I thought how could FOB stoop so low. Of course, it’s time to eat crow, and I must say, Phantom Planet truly impressed me that night. With a highly revamped sound, they embodied that cool feel-good rock as seen in bands like Hot Hot Heat. The music was fun and enjoyable, and I found myself rocking out to their stuff. Most importantly, frontman Alex Greenwald, played the role well, with his cool demeanour, he got me more than excited. Finally finishing the set with the classic OC theme, California, I became an unlikely fan, and thought their performance was really good for an opener.
Phantom Planet – Do The Panic

Jack’s Mannequin was up next, and having seen them live earlier this month, I was ready to get the full concert experience. First and foremost, Andrew Mcmahon is INTENSE, and he’s always really exciting to watch. Beyond that, Everythin In Transit (first album), happens to be my favourite album of all time, therefore the music was absolutely amazing. Andrew has an incredible back story, one which you should read up on or watch when Dear Jack is released. Back to the performance, Andrew’s exuberant head bobbing, and ridiculous enthusiasm was definitely the best part of the night, all while playing the piano. He frequently got up and played the crowd, but everything for him was natural and passionate. Ending off by stepping on the keys, and swinging his stool, it was an EPIC finish to an extra long finale. The only quarrel I had with the performance was a noticeably short set list, consisting of only 6-7 songs, similar to his Warped Tour act. Although the set list was short, the performance was never short of amazing.
Jack’s Mannequin – The Resolution

Finally, Paramore took the stage to an extremely crowded, sell out audience. As a fan of Paramore, I was really excited to see them live. Hayley is definitely one of the hottest ladies on the planet, and her whole persona is just way too cool. Luckily for Toronto, she brought that swagger to the concert, and the performance was everything I expected and more. The music was so much better live, from the vocals to the fancy guitar work. One of the highlights was when bassist Jeremy Davis did a flip while holding his bass, it was extremely entertaining. Not only did they play a super long set, just over an hour and a half, they had some acoustic songs, and even a cover of Hallelujah. They also played a b-side track which I never heard before, and overall it was an AMAZING headlining performance by one of the hottest bands out today. Paramore pulled through to cap off the best concert I’ve ever been too, dethroning TAI of that honour.
Paramore – Misery Business

Check out their myspace: Paper Route , Phantom Planet , Jack’s Mannequin , Paramore for other info.

After arriving, I was pretty confused as to the schedule and locations of the stages. After about twenty minutes of wandering and what not, I found the schedule and planned the day accordingly. Seeing as how I had already missed The Academy Is…, We The Kings, and Automatic Loveletter, I headed towards the Myspace tent to watch a special acoustic set by Forever The Sickest Kids. The tent was packed, but there probably weren’t more than fifty people, and the performance was amazing. The vocals were spot on to the recordings, and the acoustic instrumentals were warm and mellow. While their personalities really shined, I expected that their performance on stage would be ten times more energetic with room to rock out. So after that acoustic set, I was bent on seeing them later that afternoon.

After the acoustic set by FTSK, I caught the last three songs by A Cursive Memory. One of the songs they played was a cover of Vanessa Carlton’s A Thousand Miles, which was actually really good. They also played their infamous single, Everything, and if you haven’t seen the music video for that song, do it now. I was shocked to see a very small crowd formed in front of the stage, with not more than forty people. Nonetheless the performance was still amazing, and everything from the vocals to the drums stood out. I was pleased to see that the two vocalists had really talented voices, and they complement each other very well. While I only caught three songs, I had to head over to their merch table and get some stuff.

At this point I had a bit of a break to check out all the merch tables and different shops setup. The venue was located at the parking lot in front of Arrow Hall, so it was quite a big venue, although Downsview Park would have been much nicer. At the ACM table all the cds were sold out, so I left empty handed but my friend scored a free EP. I did get a chance to pick up some EPs that would otherwise be hard to find in Canada, such as Automatic Loveletter’s. Being my first time at a music festival I enjoyed the whole walking, and choosing what I wanted to see and how my day would go, though I didn’t quite agree with the schedules, since they had bands in similar genres on different stages. It was quite a hassle to walk from one end of the venue to the other to see bands that should be grouped together, but not exactly a big deal.

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