Since I really got into music all those years ago back home in South Georgia, I have always loved local scenes. There is something about them that is pure and wholesome. Much like now, back then you could always find me at a local show before a huge tour. And I was at most of them, at the same venue (R.I.P. 1-UP). All these years later I find myself doing the same thing. Going to mostly local shows at the same venue (Donatos Basement). Nothing really changes in my world, and I’m ok with that. Mainly, this is because I have come to know some great bands in amazing scenes.
I don’t venture too much away from Columbus, but I should (at least to a certain area). “What area is that?” you ask. Over the past few years the area of Dayton/Springfield has become something special with bands like You Vs Yesterday, Nightbeast, Overbite, Weathervein, Better Anyway, and more. However, if you are reading this then you probably know that this area has rich history with acts like Dead Poetic, Twelve Tribes, Guided By Voices, The Devil Wears Prada, John Legend, Quentin Jackson, and Hawthorne Heights. So it really should be no surprise that this area is making noise again.
One of the bands I mentioned above, Better Anyway has only been a band since last year, but they have roots in the scene, and it shows in their EP Reflections, which are six tracks of aggressive pop-punk that are sure to quickly pull you in. And their live show is one that you have to see for yourself. Vocalist Nick Burkhard was kind enough to talk with me about 5 albums that he enjoys. So let’s get to his list, Five albums to jam this Spring.
Nick writes:
The Night Game – The Night Game
Picture this: you’re cruising around town on a cool spring/summer night with the windows down. You turn this record on, and you’re immediately hit with good vibes. This is a new band that is fronted by Martin Johnson (singer of everyone’s favorite band, Boys like Girls). The cool thing about this record is that it possesses elements of 80’s pop/rock and singing styles of Prince and Tom Petty. This band is bound to be the next big thing.
The Wonder Years-The Greatest Generation
The Wonder Years are hands down one of my favorite bands of all time, and I first discovered them years ago around the beginning of spring. After being a fan through “The Upsides” and “Suburbia,” in May of 2013 they released what I consider to be a perfect record. There isn’t one song that I don’t like on this album, and when it dropped it was definitely on repeat for a while. This is record is a go to for me when it gets warm out.
Green Day – Dookie
If you had to name your top 10 favorite Green Day songs, there’s a huge chance that half of them come from this album. “When I Come Around,” “Longview,” “Welcome to Paradise,” “Basket Case,” and my personal favorite, “She,” all come from this record, and it’s obvious that this album is a favorite among Green Day fans everywhere. Also, this record provides a huge nostalgia trip with each spin.
Of Machines – As If Everything Was Held In Place
With the 10-year anniversary of this album passing by this past March, this album left me wanting more from Of Machines. Unfortunately, the band called it quits after this record. I fell in love with this album upon first listen, and it is packed with sing-along parts throughout its course—if you can hit those high notes, that is. I can’t. Album still slaps though.
Hawthorne Heights – Bad Frequencies
Hawthorne Heights really stuck to their roots on this one. This album almost sounds like it could be a follow up to one of their first two records because of the style similarities. I would even venture to say that this is my favorite Hawthorne Heights record. With songs like “Just Another Ghost” and “The Perfect Way to Fall Apart,” it’s really hard to say anything negative about this album.
-Ray Cobra
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