Artist Spotlight of The Year: Last One Out

It was a thrilling contest right down until the very end, but Last One Out trounced the competition to win the 4th Annual Artist Spotlight of The Year award! The band were perennial mainstays here on the site from the very beginning, making their first appearance back in August when they conducted an interview for the site in the midst of a hectic touring schedule. Coverage heated up going into October when they were featured as an Artist Spotlight, and I reviewed their fantastic Still Life Moves EP just a week later. I had the honor and privilege of checking them out in concert at The Middle East Upstairs this past fall, and they nearly brought the house down with an incredible performance that was the best first impression of an artist I can remember in recent memory with their stage presence being completely impeccable, and I was also able to interact with a few of the guys after the show and they were extremely gracious and thankful for being featured on the site, which has garnered them much attention and adoration from fans and other music critics alike, with one fan having their logo tattooed on their arm which just goes to show the undying devotion and love that the band have received up until this point.

And with that, this is my final post on the site for the year. Thank you guys so much for all the support of the site in 2013, it means so much to me and I'm constantly humbled by all the positive word of mouth that I received by e-mail and in person which has made this site totally worth doing. I wish all of you a very happy holiday season and I look forward to seeing all of you in 2014!

Top Music News Stories of 2013

Scores of headlines made waves in the music world this year, and they all definitely provided for some memorable moments as we begin to close out 2013. From the sudden closing of Boston Phoenix and WFNX.com to the horrific moments of the Boston Marathon bombing, to more happier times like the Boston Calling festival, this has been a truly eventful year to say the least. And without further ado, here are the top music news stories that I covered on the site this past year:

Boston Phoenix Shutters, WFNX Dies A Second Time

On March 14, I broke the story of the sudden closing of the Boston Phoenix, and with it the unfortunate demise of the new WFNX.com stream, which launched just five months prior. The news sent shockwaves throughout the Boston community as there was now no station from which to have a local beacon to inform the public about shows, events, and the latest music from area bands. WFNX will still live on though in the hearts and minds of every music fan currently living in the city, and I myself owe an enormous deal of gratitude to them for influencing my music tastes over the years, and I probably would not be writing this article if it wasn't for them.

 The Boston Marathon Bombings

On April 15, 2013 the entire landscape of the City of Boston was shattered at 2:50PM when explosions rocked the finish line at the Boston Marathon, killing 3 people and injuring over 200. The events of that day and what was about to transpire over the course of the entire week forced me to do something I had never done in the 4 year history of the site: suspend all posts until further notice. In my first post about 2 days after the bombing happened, I said that music was the only thing helping me get through the entire ordeal and allowed me to look at things from a different perspective. After the perpetrator was apprehended, life slowly started to return to normal and we all carried on with our lives and the site returned to its duty of covering music from Boston, the city of champions.

The Death of Caspian Bassist Chris Friedrich

Over the summer, fans of the Beverly, MA based group Caspian were shocked and saddened to hear that their beloved bassist, Chris Friedrich died unexpectedly. The band has just played a street festival in their hometown in the time leading up to his death, and this was a major blow to the core foundation of the group whom I had the pleasure of interviewing here on the site earlier this year. The band soldiered on after taking the intervening time off to aid in the grieving process, and the band will continue on but Chris's memory lives on in the hearts and minds of all of his bandmates, but most notably his fans.

Boston Calling Music Festival Arouses Area Concertgoers

The much anticipated Boston Calling Music Festival made its debut over Memorial Day weekend this past year with fun., The National, Of Monsters and Men, and Silversun Pickups anchoring the inaugural edition of the festival that was a rain soaked event at Boston's City Hall Plaza, but a number of people braved the elements to watch their favorite indie acts take their talents on a mass stage gathered right in the heart of the city. The festival returned just 4 months later on Labor Day weekend with Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, and Local Natives among the plethora of acts gathered on a idyllic summer day where yours truly was able to deliver the goods and report on all the happenings at the festival, which went way beyond my expectations and only made my heart grow fonder for this city and all of the people that live in it.

MusicBoxPete Presents: Towering Over London Released

My sophomore Bandcamp compilation, Towering Over London was released in November and immediately became a smash hit here and across the pond where all of these bands were bred and raised. I had high hopes going into the making of this compilation as I was convinced that this disc would be something special and one that would be well received by the general public. In the end, all the hard work paid off from contacting all of the bands to gathering all of the recorded material, everybody came through in the clutch and what results is one of the most cohesive and eclectic compilations I've had the great pleasure of handling. Acts such as Alexander, Lower Lands, and Maycomb are among some of the most gifted and talented acts I've ever come across, and I'm blown away at the reception of this disc from the general public.

Top Songs of 2013

Time for my annual recap of the top songs of 2013. This year was an outstanding one as scores of songs were heard in all facets of the world, and all had a positive effect on the listener that made the song a constant presence in their everyday lives, whether it be Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" at your summer barbecue, Vampire Weekend's "Diane Young" at a raucous house party in your backyard, or The Neighbourhood's "Sweater Weather" unwinding after a long day at work. These songs all in one way, shape, or form helped those special memories seem more enjoyable and pleasant, and with that here is my personal playlist of my favorite songs of 2013:

Vampire Weekend - Diane Young
Red Star Super Giant - Geisha's Garden
The Mowgli's - San Francisco
Daft Punk f/ Pharrell Williams - Get Lucky
Capital Cities - Safe and Sound
Abadabad - Take It Slow
Lower Lands - Canvas
Jake Bugg - Two Fingers
All Time Low - Somewhere In Neverland
Gentlemen Hall - Sail Into The Sun
Sea Wolf - Old Friend
San Cisco - Awkward
Lorde - Royals
The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
Mumford & Sons - Lover Of The Light
Alexander - Say Hello
Bastille - Pompeii
Avicii - Wake Me Up
The Bynars - Dancing On A Dream
Fitz & The Tantrums - Out Of My League
Maycomb - Dynamiter

Were there any songs from this past year that you enjoyed that are noticeably absent from this list? Let me know and I'll be sure to include them as a honorable mention here on the site as we start to close out the year in style!

Top 10 Albums of 2013

It's that time of year again where I unveil my personal list of the Top 10 albums of 2013. This past year was an amazing year for music where so many terrific collections were released including Daft Punk and Vampire Weekend just two weeks apart of each other in May, a return to form effort from Eminem, and a host of others that I really gravitated towards immensely over the past year. And without further ado, here is my list of the Top 10 Albums of 2013 handpicked by yours truly:

Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

Paris, France's EDM superstars creating a mind bending, genre defying smash with their latest album, Random Access Memories. The album featured the quintessential song of the summer "Get Lucky" featuring Pharrell Williams, who also contributed to "Lose Yourself To Dance", and Julian Casablancas offered up his talents to "Instant Crush" that was a non-stop smorgasbord of EDM paradise with energetic rhythms that hearkened back to the late 70's early 80's era of music emanating from L.A., and officially put the helmet wearing duo into the stratosphere of stardom.

Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of The City

NYC's indie superstars Vampire Weekend returned to their roost with their third effort, Modern Vampires of The City. The effort further cemented the band's status as the perennial indie rock poster boys of our generation, and pushed themselves even further to craft a rapturous, sonically penetrating effort that peeled off different layers of each of the member's individual personalities as well. Tracks like "Diane Young", "Unbelievers", and "Ya Hey" are the highlights of Vampire Weekend's best studio effort to date, and one of their most cohesive as well.

The Mowgli's - Waiting For The Dawn

So Cal's own The Mowgli's made their presence known with their full length, debut studio effort Waiting For The Dawn. This upbeat, jolly collection of tunes really put a smile on everyone's faces, and enabled them to take charge of their lives and enjoy whatever comes their way. Amazing songs featured on this collection include "San Francisco", "Slowly, Slowly" and "Hi, Hey There, Hello" evoked their carefree, positive image that they sought out to cultivate and has gotten them into the hearts of countless listeners already.

The Bynars - X vs. X

Boston's own dance rock sensations made a hell of a first impression with their effort X vs. X. The eclectic, dance infused effort featured a wide ranging collection of jams that infused a great deal of spirit and enthusiasm into a burgeoning scene that is constantly evolving and changing at this very moment. Some amazing tracks that came from this effort include "Dancing On A Dream",  "Tired Of Hooking Up With You", and "Every Little Thing You Love". A band that is already well embedded within the Boston music scene and is ready for prime time.

Pat Brown - In My Room EP

Bloomington, MN based singer-songwriter Pat Brown stepped out on his own with his debut solo EP In My Room. The former Sing It Loud frontman made his solo debut this year with a heartwarming, earnest collection of tunes that really tugs at your heartstrings and makes you appreciate the breadth of talent that is pouring out of this man's lungs. Some amazing songs for you to fall over include "iPod on Shuffle" "In My Room" and "Who We Are". An amazing, undiscovered talent that has a very promising future ahead of him.

Maycomb - I Opened My Heart To Caustic Things

The Wolverhampton, U.K. based group Maycomb washed up on the shores of American music listeners with this amazing debut effort. The collection is reminiscent of mid '00s pop-punk that has a unique and streamlined sound that allows the members to find their collective identity, while still maintaining their individual aesthetic that has them stand out prominently from the other British upstart acts currently making their way through. Highlights from this one include "New Storms", "Dynamiter", and "I Am A Constant Variable".

Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP 2

Detroit's native son Eminem continued to build upon his impressive resume with his new album. A sequel to 2000's classic The Marshall Mathers LP, this effort finds the rapper in a more mature state of mind and making peace with his past and moving on forward with his best overall studio effort since that fateful album. Amazing compositions from this one include "Bad Guy" "Monster (f/Rihanna)", and "Berzerk". One of the preeminent rap geniuses of our time that only gets better with age and shows no signs of slowing anytime soon.

Body Language - Grammar

Brooklyn's dance rock sensations Body Language made their mark this year with their new effort titled Grammar. The indie group enthused listeners with their upbeat blend of electro guided dance tunes conjured upon an energetic framework that definitely turns heads the second you hear it, and you can't help but to fall victim to its wants and desires. An enticing effort from an on the rise act looking for their second wind. Recommended tracks include "The Chasing", "I'm A Mess", and "Well Absolutely". The future has never been so fun to dance to and welcome with open arms.

Troy Cartwright - Bull Run

Dallas, TX based singer songwriter Troy Cartwright expanded his audience a bit with his new one titled Bull Run. The effort is a folk rock based effort, with a strong lyrical mindset that makes you appreciate the authenticity and clear mindset that he is expressing with clear lyrical fluidity throughout that you can clearly relate to and apply into your own life. A great album featuring standout tracks like "Sixteen", "Coffee In The Morning & Whiskey At Night", and "Paris, TX". An extremely talented and authentic singer songwriter that is carving his own musical path right in front of him.

Ryan Harris Brown - Wave Goodbye Wave Hello

Nashville, TN's own Ryan Harris Brown made a clear impact with his all new EP Wave Goodbye Wave Hello. The effort has a clear folk rock mindset, but it's his musical maturity and depth of talent that will really strike you and you can hear how comfortable he feels pouring his heart out in each and every song on the album that will make you drop you jaw in awe and be amazed that you're in the presence of such a talented and gifted songwriter. Songs to check out from this one include "Begin", "Let It Go Easy", and "Forever Means For Good".

What were some of your favorites that didn't make the cut on this list? Let me know via the Comments section as to what albums you just couldn't get enough of this year.

Rebuilder Release Special Limited Edition Christmas EP

Boston's own Rebuilder have released a special, limited edition Christmas EP. The 4-song collection is a harmonious effort of holiday tracks designed to get you into the spirit of the season with a pop-punk leaning collection of tunes that will really put a smile on your face and makes you look forward to Christmas that is approaching ever so quickly. Here is the track listing for the effort:

1. Antarctica
2. X-Mas Punx
3. Exhaustion (Acoustic)
4. When I Grow Up (Acoustic)

The band made handcrafted Christmas cards with a special download code embedded inside that were personally signed and numbered by the band members themselves! Only 50 of these were made, and to get your copy of the exclusive EP before they run out, head on over to the band's Big Cartel site right here and unwrap the spirit of the holidays from a prominent, on the rise Boston act.

BREAKING: Steve Klein Departs New Found Glory

Developing story just coming now, Steve Klein, the founding member and guitarist of New Found Glory has officially departed the band. The group broke the news just a short time ago on their Facebook page. Here is the full text of their statement:

To All Our Fans,

It is with heavy hearts that we must let you know that Steve Klein is no longer a part of New Found Glory. We’ve had our differences with Steve over the years that have led us to this decision. We love Steve however personal differences have guided this decision and we no longer feel we can work with him. Rest assured that New Found Glory will still go on! After the Parahoy Cruise we are planning to write a new record and start this new chapter for our band. We have not decided on who will fill Steve’s position however we will let you know our plans as soon as we figure that out. We love you, our fans, so much and appreciate your dedication and loyalty to our band. We hope you stick by us during this difficult time.

We love you,

Chad, Jordan, Cyrus, and Ian

This is shocking and sudden news from the NFG camp, who have been a mainstay in the Coral Springs, FL music scene ever since the group was founded in 1997. For him to have been ousted from the band indicates that there was a growing rift developing between Steve and his bandmates, and it came down to a group vote that he had to leave. We'll see where this takes the band moving forward, and no word yet on his replacement just yet, but we'll be sure to let you know once it becomes available.

BoyMeetsWorld - Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal

Cincinnati, OH's own pop-punk sensations BoyMeetsWorld have released their first Christmas album titled Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal. The disc is an energetic and fast paced collection of holiday tunes designed to get you into the spirit as the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is fast upon us, and this disc will provide the perfect soundtrack as you rush to get your holiday shopping done on time.

"Christmas Time Again" kicks off the effort with an intense, frenetic blast introducing you to the lead vocals of Craig Sulken who adds a certain distinct element to all of their songs that is hard to miss and can't possibly be ignored as we delve deeper into the album. My favorite tune off the collection is "Rather Be But Here", a toned down acoustic number that is the perfect accompaniment as you relax by the fireplace with your hot chocolate admiring the warmth of the holiday season and the sheer, unbridled beauty of this little musical nugget totally exemplifies the holiday spirit that all of us seek to find year in and year out. "Alone For The Holidays" does an exquisite job of accentuating the heartwarming spirit of the holidays as you put your stockings up by the fire, drinking your hot chocolate and basking in the warmth and glow of those you love with this indelible number providing the backdrop for the whole scene.

The disc's latter portion features "Home For The Holidays" a relaxing, merry number filled with top notch, chestnut wooded acoustic guitar riffs that give off the aura of the Christmas season so acutely that you can practically smell the wood burning from the fireplace and see the band play right in the comfort of your own living room. The title track is a gritty but reflective number that features deep and punctuating guitar riffs and poignant, introspective lyrics that make you feel the emotion pouring out of the band, and you can feel the heartfelt sincerity as well that goes along with the message embedded within the walls of this album if you listen really closely. "O Holy Night" concludes matters here on the album, and the band do a solid job of putting their all into this Christmas staple that totally exemplifies the Christmas magic and spirit that will warm you up and surround you with great fervor and anticipation as you sit back and watch the magic unfold right before you. This is the first time I've reviewed a Christmas album on my site before, and I was a little hesitant to review holiday albums in the past as all of them sound the same to me, but this holiday album in particular really struck my fancy as it kept things simple and straightforward, and gave us an introduction to the band and the musicianship and camaraderie that they exemplify on this effort is uncanny and a marvel to see unfold musically right before your ears.

All in all, a spectacular Christmas album from BoyMeetsWorld, a band that you should pay special attention to in the New Year as they bring their unique blend of pop-punk to the masses with a blast, and this Christmas collection should tide you over until the new year rolls around with bountiful musical gifts aplenty awaiting on the other side.

                                                                                                                            Album Score: 3.5/5

Track Listing:

1. Christmas Time Again
2. Rather Be But Here
3. Alone For The Holidays
4. Home For The Holidays
5. Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal...
6. O Holy Night    

Music Inspired Sports Team Logos

Combining the worlds of sports and music today with a rundown of my favorite music inspired sports team logos. Some sports teams from across the country have adopted logos that take their influence from the world of music, and I managed to round them all up today to show the vast influence that music in general has had on the logos of professional sports teams from across the country. Here is a list of some notable designs:

 Utah Jazz

The NBA's Utah Jazz have an awesome, snazzy music note shaped in the form of a 'J' with a multicolored basketball representing the team's youthful and dynamic image. The team originally resided in New Orleans where jazz music was popularized, and the team eventually moved out to Salt Lake City in 1979 where they continue to reside today. This is probably my favorite of all the music inspired sports logos as it has the perfect name and logo to match that totally encapsulates the bond between sports and music that has the most spirited color representation proudly displayed here. The team has been to the NBA finals twice in 1997 and 1998, losing both times to Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls. Their musically inclined image has kept them grounded and the people are proud of them and what they represent as a whole to the city.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL have sported a flying 'P' logo in the shape of a vinyl record that has embodied the class and spirit of the City of Brotherly Love ever since their creation in 1967. The team has won 2 Stanley Cups so far in their history, once in 1974 over my beloved Boston Bruins and again the next year over the Buffalo Sabres. This logo has an overall simplicity to it that I can appreciate and identify with and take something away with me in the process as well. While my B's were able to exact revenge on them two years ago by sweeping them in the playoffs and avenging the epic collapse from the year prior, I always have a soft spot in my heart for Philly who are alot like in Boston in most aspects due to their rich and cultured history that goes back a long way and continues to resonate to this day. 

St. Louis Blues

Another team from the NHL that has some musical influence with its logo is the St. Louis Blues. Also founded in 1967 during the league's expansion from 6 to 12 teams, this ultra seek blue music note with a gold trim has been the cornerstone of the team ever since, and they initially obtained a great deal of success in their early years with 3 straight Stanley Cup Finals appearances, all ending in losses most notably with the 1970 Finals where they were swept by the Boston Bruins in one of the most memorable clinching games in history that occurred in overtime when Blues defenseman Noel Picard tripped Bobby Orr that allowed the winning goal to be scored just 40 seconds in overtime, with that image now represented in a statue just outside the TD Garden in Boston. This team can take pride in the fact that they contributed to one of the most memorable games in history, while still pursuing a championship to call their own to this day but still have an terrific logo to show for it.