Year-End Report: Looking Back at 2012 - Top 50 Albums 10-01

I think I've made it clear over the course of this blog that I have a serious music addiction, probably worthy of its own show on TLC, the “learning” channel. I’m not sure how big the audience is for watching me strung out around a pile of records, listening to my tenth of the day, and ranting about Brian Eno's genius; but hey, I’m willing to field offers from networks. Anyway, we have reached my Top 10, which I have culled from an astonishing 433 albums that I listened to in 2012. If you are wondering how I knew that number, I kept a list that I continually updated after I listened to something new. Sure this borders on insanity, but the records that made the cut mean more to me than I can probably put into text. These are the ones that came with me through many important and often frustrating moments in my life over the past year. Without further ado, I give you the definitive ten best albums of 2012.

Pile, Speedy Ortiz Play New Songs at Great Scott

There is very little I enjoy more than seeing a bill that is stacked with promising bands on the rise. A bout of insomnia had kept me up the night before, but I knew I had to drag myself out to the show on April 9th at Great Scott. The unbelievable lineup included Slothrust, Speedy Ortiz, Buildings, Crinkle Face, and Pile. If I were to recommend five bands to keep your eyes on in the coming months, it would be the ones that were on that bill. Needless to say, I was pleased that I had dragged my lazy ass out to see all of them in action. To make the night even more satisfying, I captured performances of new songs from Speedy Ortiz and Pile, both of whom have upcoming releases on Exploding in Sound Records.

Pile Kick Off Tour + More

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Year-End Report: 2011 Odds & Ends

I hope you enjoyed Stereo Typing's Top 50 Albums of 2011 and explored all the featured bands. It's now time to take a look at the other aspects of 2011 which made it a special year. Below are a few lists of my favorite EPs, 7"s, reissues, shows, disappointments, comedies, movies, and some other categories of interest. I've included a few quick words and plenty of media where available. Check it all out after the jump.

Ugh God Pile on the Tunes at Kung Fu Necktie

Last week, I went on quite the adventure to see Boston powerhouse Pile perform at Kung Fu Necktie in Philadelphia. I was in northeast PA for the holidays and had the simple plan of driving down with a friend to see the band perform alongside Psychic Teens and Ugh God. In typical fashion, my friend bailed and my car broke. After unsuccessfully trying purchase a bus ticket, I was starting to give up hope that I would be able to witness the excellent bill. With nothing to do the next day, my dad offered to drive me there and back. After hearing about the last minute to trip to Philly, my mom decided she wanted to tag along as well. It was evident from the start that this was going to be one of the more interesting concert experiences I’ve had in a while and a strange family outing on top of that.

Pile Reveal New Tour Dates and Single

In addition to their recent signing with Exploding in Sound Records, Pile have announced a string of east coast dates. If you have the chance to see this band live, do not miss it as they are one of the best live forces currently tearing through the country. The band also have a new single called "Pigeon Song" that is available on a compilation from fellow Boston bloggers, Boston Hassle. You can purchase the compilation on a wearable button here. That's right, it's on a friggin' button! The compilation features other Stereo Typing favorites from the Boston area like Doomstar!, Fat History Month, Big Digits, Skimask, and Kal Marks. But really, the whole thing is great so give it a spin below.

Stereo Typing is Proud to Announce: Exploding in Sound Records Sign Boston's Pile

Every blogger has probably thought about starting their own record label at one point. I've been talking about it since I started writing about music in high school. Starting a record label > Talking about starting a record label. That simple equation explains why I am so excited that this dream is coming to fruition. Exploding in Sound Records is a new label co-founded by Dan Goldin of Exploding in Sound, Ty Griffin of Escaping the Ordinary, and yours truly. Together, we make a passion team of innovative thinkers who are ready to make an impact in the ever-changing music industry. We all have extensive experience in the industry [myself holding a degree in music industry] and the hunger to make a difference. I am proud to announce that our first signing is none other than Boston's finest, Pile. I have ranted and raved many times on this blog about the potential the band possesses and now I am ready to do my part in helping them reach it. The full announcement is after the jump along with all of the details.

Pile Gives Another Explosive Performance

September 1st is a nightmare in Boston. It is moving day and thousands of students flood the streets with U-Hauls. At once, the population of Boston seems to double and everyone appears in your way. After a few years in the city, it becomes tiresome. Naturally, you want something to take your mind off the chaos and I found a perfect solution in the show I saw at Great Scott presented by Exploding in Sound. Moving day is also known as Allston Christmas around here due to the abundance of free, albeit bedbug ridden, furniture and other goodies. It certainly felt like we were getting a Christmas present at Great Scott with the array of amazing and diverse bands.

Young Adults Make An Impression at Great Scott

I’ve been meaning to write a review for the incredible line-up I saw on August 20 at Great Scott. On that Saturday, I spent a good portion of my night watching a who’s who of up-and-coming bands. The lineup consisted of Shores (Grand Rapids), Quilty (Brooklyn), Creepoid (Philadelphia), and Young Adults (Boston). Each band had their own unique style and presentation and did not hold back as the performances got better and better.