10 Albums I Want To See Played Live Front To Back

Some albums will stand the test of time and others will become instant classics. In my life of listening to music, there have been a few records that have just been so good that I keep on revisiting time after time. Some of them I would give anything to see performed live front to back, as that's becoming a trend more and more. Here's a list of 10 of them. This list isn't in any particular order.


Switchfoot - The Beautiful Letdown

Switchfoot has been my favorite band for almost 5 years now. Although I knew of this album and listened to it since its release, I never really listened to the album and its lyrics until I started listening to the band more. Sure enough, the album just kept getting better the more and more I listened to the album (and it still applies today), the more and more I found myself listening to and relating to the lyrics. Now, almost 14 years since release, all I want is for the band to do at least one date in their hometown of San Diego and play this album in full. What a special night that would be.

Anberlin - Cities

How about another one from the golden age of Christian rock? Anberlin's breakout album turns 10 in just under a month, so I'm not ruling out anything just yet. Bands like Underoath and Boys Like Girls have reunited just to play a tour of their biggest album in full, with many more who are together playing 10 year tours and/or festivals. After hearing the live recording of this album, I can't help but hope each of the guys has a spark inside them to do one more tour to celebrate this record. I guess we will see what 2017 holds.

My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade

Even though My Chemical Romance ruled the mid-2000s, I never truly listened to them until last year. So far, The Black Parade is the only album I have listened to by them and despite how much I love the record, I haven't gone to check out their other material. With that being said, though, I heard none of their albums are anything like this one. And no album I have ever listened to is like this one. It is an amazing album from beginning to end. To me, its like if Elvis made a record in 2006.


Underoath - Lost In The Sound Of Separation

I can already tell you that this will be the only metal in this list, but it's just as deserving as the rest. When Underoath announced their Rebirth tour and that they were going to be playing Self Help Fest 2016, I knew I wasn't going to miss it. I also knew that I needed to refresh my memory on their music. So I listened to all their albums with Spencer front to back, and to me, this one is by far the best. Even they agree. I wouldn't knock them out for doing a 10 year tour for this album next year and if they do, I will be first in line for tickets.

U2 - The Joshua Tree

Now this one is happening for me, but I'm still going to put it on the list. I got blessed with growing up with great music. My dad would always be playing artists like Journey, U2, Stevie Ray Vaughn, among others. But there's one record that he played a lot that still sticks out to me. So much so, that I consider it, in my books, the greatest record of all time. I'm probably going to get tickets for their 30 year anniversary tour for this record and dang it, I can't wait.

Flyleaf - New Horizons

Flyleaf is one of those things that went away way too soon. But it's understandable and as sad as it is, I totally support them. To me, they didn't have a bad record but out of all of them, New Horizons is by far my favorite. I wish they would do one last tour with Lacey and play the 3 albums with her front to back because I just miss them so much.

Skillet - Comatose

Before Switchfoot, Skillet was my favorite band. I still love them, just Switchfoot's music has been there for me through hard times. Anyway, I used to jam this record so much back in the day. Being that its the album that really brought Skillet to mainstream success, I am honestly surprised that they didn't do a 10 year tour for this album last year. But that's besides the point. The second I heard Rebirthing for the first time, I was hooked. I then listened to the album and trust me when I say, its one of my favorites of all time.


Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

Coldplay was the hardest band to pick for just one album I want to see live in full. Their entire discography is just amazing and I love the fact that no 2 of their records are the same, musically and lyrically. Chris Martin is one of my biggest inspirations and what he does from album to album just amazes me. They are a phenomenal live band and this album played live front to back would be INSANE.

Thousand Foot Krutch - Welcome To The Masquerade

What an album this was. Thousand Foot Krutch had been playing music for over a decade when this album came out. I don't know what they did to make this such a great record but props to them. To me, this is their best record and that's funny, considering it was their last record before leaving their label. If you've never listened to this record, do it now. It's not too Christian and there is something for everyone

From Indian Lakes - Absent Sounds

Rounding out the list today is Yosemite-based Indie Rock artist Joey Vanucci, better known as From Indian Lakes. Normally, when I go to shows, I'm there for the main artist and to enjoy the opening artists, without buying anything from the opening artist. But, when I saw Relient K on their MMHMM 10th Anniversary tour, this guys (along with his supporting band) impressed me so much that I had to buy their CD. 2 years and a couple of months later, it is truly one of the best albums I have heard ever.

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I know 10 doesn't seem like a lot, but I'm keeping it at 10 for now so I can keep this post as short as possible. If you have never listened to the albums on this list, you seriously need to. I might do another one like this soon, as well so keep your eyes out.

Until Next Time, Alex

A Broken Heart Is A Beating Heart

Sometimes life can really hurt. It could feel like a semi truck just hit you at 200 miles per hour. And that is totally okay. I've been there and it totally sucks. I know. Although maybe I haven't found love yet, I have learn to be more okay with it, if you will. For some people its even harder.

The simple thing here is to trust in God. That's really the only way you're going to get anywhere in this life. I go to an amazing church and am blessed to have so many married or engaged or dating couples in the church. (Literally I think I'm one of maybe 2 or 3 people that aren't in some kind of relationship. Sure, when I'm in public it hurts when I'm walking behind a couple and they're holding hands, kissing, etc., but I have learned to accept it, if you will. My pastors have told me a couple times that the desire to be in love is from God and nowhere else. And whoever God has planned for you has a very similar, if not identical, love history as you or me.

I know getting love advice from someone who has never actually been in love is a little cliché, but at the same time, it really isn't. Unlike many (not all) couples, I've experienced being lead on, played with, used, you name it, I've more than likely been there. The thing with the world, though, is that it puts far too much pressure on being in love, having sex, etc. But God doesn't put pressure on any of it. You know why? Because He is love. If you have Him, you really don't need anything else. God isn't out to get you. But Satan and the world are. It'll all look up from here. And if you're reading this right now and have a broken heart, that means that you are breathing. If you're breathing, you have a beating heart. I know at least one of my friends needs to hear this tonight. Do you?

Until Next Time, Alex

An Open Letter To Dean Spanos

Dear Dean Spanos,

Yesterday, when I went to eat lunch at the Fuddrucker's here in Orlando, I didn't even think that they would have ESPN on. Well, they did. I went from about to enjoy a good burger to seeing what the TV screens said and feeling absolutely crushed and sad and even a little pissed off. I'm 2435 miles away because I'm on an internship. But when you announced that, it felt like someone close to me had died.

 I was born into a Chargers family. I was born in 1994, the one season we made the Super Bowl. The day of the Super Bowl was January 29th, 1995. I was just over 5 months old, so I don't remember a thing. But there is one thing that I do remember because we have it documented in a picture. It's me on my dad's lap as he cheers on his and my team. Were we finally going to be the first San Diego sports team to bring home a championship trophy? No. In my 17 years of being able to watch the team and actually understand what is going on and who is playing, I remember some of the greatest players this game has ever seen. Junior Seau, LaDanian Tomplinson, Darren Sproles, Malcom Floyd, Antonio Gates, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers are some of my favorites. I used to have a Gates jersey and now I have an LT jersey signed by King Dunlap, Hank Bauer, among others. Now I want you to ask yourself something. It might be emotional but it needs to be asked. "What would Junior say about this if he was still alive?" Junior grew up in San Diego, Played High School and College ball in San Diego. Then in 1990, his dream of playing for his hometown team came true. He was a great guy. Who loves San Diego. Just like me. Just like millions of your other fans. San Diego is the greatest city in the world. Don't you tell me otherwise. Los Angeles isn't bad either, besides the traffic. But the Chargers. Their colors, their legacy belongs in SD and nowhere else. I know the deal is done and there is no turning back now. Just like many of your fans, we can no longer call ourselves fans of the Chargers. It's not the team. It's not the staff. It's you. One selfish and greedy man singlehandedly messed it all up. And that man is you. I don't hate you, Mr. Spanos. I don't hate anyone. But at the moment, you have left a very bad taste in my mouth, as well as other people's mouths.

I will forever remember going to FanFest every year. And for the past 3 years there, I have proudly given blood. I've taken pictures with the beautiful Charger girls. And I've met some awesome people. September 18th, 2016 was my first and last Charger game. I had a fever and almost didn't go. But I went. Just in case you made the decision to leave SD. I'm glad I sat through the misery because it was an awesome game.

Thank you, Mr. Spanos for 22 years of memories that will live on forever in my heart. I wish you nothing but good luck in LA, but January 11th, 2017 was my last day as a Chargers fan.

Thank you for your time, Alex Vanderspek

My Most Anticipated/Rumored Releases of 2017

Just did my top 20 albums of the year so now its time for the releases that I am most looking forward to in 2017.

The 1975 

Now I know these guys were just at the top of my top albums list. Well, back in September, their singer Matty Healy posted a tweet that read simply "New The 1975 - 2017." That could mean anything, but the band, up until fall, had limited touring this year so who knows what they have up their sleeves. Whatever it is, I'm excited.


Echosmith

The sibling Indie Pop band from LA recently announced the departure of guitarist and backing vocalist Jamie Sierota, but that isn't stopping them. Lead Singer/ Occasional Guitarist/Keyboardist Sydney recently released a clothing line with Hollister. In the trailer for the line, there was a 30 second preview of one of the band's new songs called "Hurts To Be 18." If that isn't enough, I ran into her at a Switchfoot show and she told me the new album will be out in Spring 2017 so get excited!


Being As An Ocean

Ever since 2012, Melodic Hardcore band Being As An Ocean has put out at least one new song per year. 2017 will be no different with the release of their 4th record, Waiting For Morning To Come. They have put a few previews on Instagram and Twitter and needless to say, I'm REALLY excited.


Stephen Christian

The Anberlin break up just over 2 years ago affected a lot of people because of lead singer Stephen Christian's amazing songwriting. Just before the disbandment, Christian announced that he had interest in releasing a worship album. After joining Calvary Chapel Albuquerque's worship team and hinting about it on his socials, his worship album will finally see the light of day in 2017.

Hearts Like Lions

In 2014, my friends, better known as Hearts Like Lions, released their debut major label EP called These Hands. Since then, the band has released no music. That is until last week when they released the debut single from their upcoming debut album titled Make Your Move. This band has the potential to blow up once this album is released so remember that you heard it here first.

Taylor Swift

2016 was finally the year that the world's biggest pop star broke her streak of releasing an album every two years. That's fine by me because it gives her a chance to perfect her 6th album. She released a surprise new song last week with former One Direction member Zayn for the upcoming Fifty Shades Darker movie and if her next album is anything like this, it will be an instant classic.

Coldplay

Coldplay released one of the best albums in their career, A Head Full of Dreams, in December 2015 so it was surprising to see a Facebook post from singer Chris Martin a while back saying they are putting the finishing touches on their Kaleidoscope EP and that it will be out in 2017. I'm really excited to hear music from one of my favorite bands.

Train

For me, Train and Coldplay are in the same boat. They are one of my favorite bands that I've seen live and are also one of my favorite bands. January will see the release of the band's 8th album titled A Girl, A Bottle, A Boat. They've so far released 2 songs from the album and from what I'm hearing so far, this is going to be another great Train album.

Knuckle Puck

Knuckle Puck's 2015 debut record Copacetic was and still is one of my favorite Pop Punk records. So much as to having one of my friends design a tattoo for their song Evergreen off that album. From hearing interviews about the new record, I'm very excited to see what they come up with.



Christina Grimmie

Even though Grimmie was shot and killed in June at one of her shows, her memory and legacy lives on forever. Before she died, she was recording an album. Her family is currently getting those songs mixed as well as some existing songs remixed and have said it will be released as an album next year. The first single Invisible will be released in January.


Smallpools

Although I only discovered LA-Based Indie-Rock band Smallpools a few months ago, I have quickly become a big fan of their music. Their style of music is very much in my realm of stuff I listen to. They released the lead single from their upcoming 2nd record on Black Friday. Although Run With The Bulls is only a minute and a half, it intrigues me to see what's coming up next from them.



Ed Sheeran

The British Acoustic Pop artist was absent from social media for a full year before finally updating again. Well, sort of. He changed all his profile picture on all his social media to a light blue. Friends of the singer have said that his album is finished and is set to be released soon. Even as soon as January. Seeing as I discovered him a year before he got huge, I'm excited what will be on album 3. Especially since he has said it will be his best material yet.


Hollyn

The Christian pop singer rose to quick fame after her debut single Alone (which features TobyMac's son TRU) blew up not only on Christian radio but everywhere. The 19-year-old has a crazy vocal range which is shown in both Alone and current debut single from her upcoming debut album Love With Your Life. I'm really excited to hear the rest of her album.



Brad Paisley

I don't listen to nearly as much Country Music as I used to, but there is one Country artist that I still love and enjoy. Brad Paisley can wail on a guitar and combines Classic Rock riffs with Classic Country instrumentals and lyrics. Brad is one of the best artists out there and I'm anxious to hear his amazing guitar work on the new album Love and War.



John Mayer

I haven't listened to a whole lot of John Mayer's music but when I have, it was very enjoyable. I'm very much addicted, if you will, to his lead single from his upcoming album which is called Love On The Weekend. The song is a feel good Indie Pop song that is very different to anything he has really ever done and it excites me a lot.

Top 20 Albums/Releases of 2016

Its that time of year again. I saw various music sites doing it, so its time for my annual top 20 albums of the year.

20.) ZAYN - Mind of Mine

In his debut solo album, the former One Direction takes a much different direction than 1D ever did. What came out is a very weird pop album. He was able to truly show off his vocal talent in songs like Pillowtalk and It's You. He has done very limited touring for the record, but if I'm honest, I wouldn't mind checking his live show out sometime.


19.) Lecrae - Church Clothes 3



















In what he called "the album before the album," Christian rapper Lecrae released, in my opinion one of the best Rap mixtapes of all time. CC3 deals with racism, inequality, among others. I don't know what Lecrae has coming out of the studio next but after 2 and a half years between full length albums, I cannot wait to see.


18.) Pierce The Veil - Misadventures



















The fourth LP from San Diego natives Pierce The Veil comes after almost 4 years without a studio album. The album is all over the place. In a good way. One minute, you're listening to screaming from various band members in The Divine Zero and the next you hear some soft pop-rock such as in Floral & Fading. This, in my opinion is the quartet's best album to date.


17.) A Day To Remember - Bad Vibrations




















After releasing their best record, Common Courtesy, in 2013, A Day To Remember had to step it up. Although it didn't beat CC, what ADTR did on Bad Vibrations shows what they can do as a band. As they were writing this album, they were battling for their right to be released from Victory Records. They recently won the case, but doesn't mean it didn't stop them from releasing a pissed off, mostly metalcore record.


16.) Anchor & Braille - Songs For the Late Night Drive Home

Sadly, in November 2014, Modern Hard Rock outfit Anberlin came to an end. That left many fans, like me sad, wondering when we would ever be able to hear lead singer Stephen Christian's unique voice ever again. Well that chance came in February of 2016, when he released his third solo album (A&B is the name of it). The record is aptly named and this, to me, is a perfect record to listen to at ungodly hours with friends turned up LOUD, even though its electronic indie pop, unlike Anberlin's music.


15.) Memphis May Fire - This Light I Hold

This Light I Hold is honestly the first MMF record that I have ever listened to front to back and even though it's their latest, I think it was a good place to start. I love their songs The Rose and Miles Away and I feel like this record totally combined those songs and somehow made one of the best hard rock/metal records that I have ever heard.


14.) DNCE - DNCE




















It's not easy to follow up such a smash hit such as DNCE's Cake By the Ocean. But did the Joe Jonas-led band do it well. The Funky R&B Pop of their debut self-titled immediately sees you dancing, even if you're not very good at it. So not that Nick and Joe have rediscovered fame, where is Kevin musically?


13.) Thrice -  To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere




















2016 sure seemed to be the year to reunite or comeback for my generation's middle school angst bands. There was Underoath, blink-182, and Further Seems Forever to name a few. But among all of those, Thrice was perhaps the best (although I didn't get to see them live, but Underoath was freakin incredible. The band's comeback album is perhaps their best yet and I'm glad they are back.


12.) NF - Therapy Session




















To follow up his 2013 debut album, Mansion, NF knew he had to do something that not many rappers, Christian or Mainstream, have done. In all the albums that I have listened to in my lifetime, this is honestly the most personal. You could hear the pain of him talking about losing his mom to drugs and when he cried in a couple of the songs, I found myself doing the same.


11.) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - This Unruly Mess I've Made




















Macklemore & Ryan Lewis had a big task ahead of them to follow up 2012's monster album The Heist. An album that won a GRAMMY. Which is fitting why they open up This Unruly Mess I've Made with their GRAMMYs experience and trying to figure out how to get nominated again. Although it wasn't nominated for any, this album sure deserves it.


10.) The Summer Set - Stories For Monday





















What does a band do after nearly breaking up? Make the best album of their career of course! Arizona's The Summer Set have made Pop Punk, Alternative Rock, and now have the best pop album since Taylor Swift's 1989. (I was able to get my copy of this cd autographed and tell them that and they loved it. Especially Brian.) This album basically follows the band through what seems to be the best party ever. And I'm glad they took us along.


9.) Bridgit Mendler - Nemesis EP




















First you leave your label, then your computer crashes and you lose your entire album, then you and your long time boyfriend break up. What a crazy couple of years it has been for the former Disney Channel star. But that didn't stop her. Instead, she releases 4 song EP which seem like was her way with coping with the breakup. Although way far different from her 2012 debut, Hello, My Name Is..., she still seems to have a lot of talent. It's not as good as the album, to me, but it is still a gem and is a good way to get her foot in the Mainstream Pop door.


8.) Good Charlotte - Youth Authority




















Like I said, 2016 was the year for comebacks and boy did it ever do well for early 2000s Pop Punk band, Good Charlotte. Their hiatus was a good thing. They made the best record of their career (but who am I to say? This is the only record that I have listened to by them. Which isn't really a bad thing, either.


7.) Bethel Music - Have It All




















The past few years have seemed like a perfect time to make a modern worship album. Ever since Hillsong UNITED released Oceans in 2013, it's like every church worship band is getting played on radio. Bethel Music became big because of their 2015 hit No Longer Slaves, which still just gets to me. They expanded on their horizons and made an excellent worship album that I still love listening to, almost a year later.


6.) Leeland - Invisible




















It's been quite awhile since the world has heard anything from Leeland. But I'm so glad their back. In their first studio album in over 4 years, the band made a record that sounds like nothing you have ever heard in modern worship. This album honestly sounds like if The 1975 all became Christians and made a worship album. I hope to keep hearing more from these guys and also hope that worship begins to sound more like chill, laid back Indie Pop.


5.) Relient K - Air For Free




















Relient K has certainly had a rocky history. But that doesn't stop high school best friends Matt Theissen and Matt Hoopes from making music. For Air For Free, original drummer Dave Douglas returns for half the album. Air For Free is an amazing combination of Pop Punk, Indie Rock, Surf Rock and even a little bit of worship in my personal favorite on the album, God. We never know what the boys from OH-IO will cook up next but I'm so glad they have remained true to their art and faith through all of it.


4.) Yellowcard - Yellowcard




















Saying goodbye is hard. Especially when it's a band that you love. Saying goodbye is a lot easier when a band releases possibly the best album of their career to end it all. Yellowcard's final, self-titled, and 10th record is going to stand the test of time. This record is nothing like the pop punk of their first 9 records. Instead, its just a good rock and roll album that I can't stop listening to.


3.) Real Friends - The Home Inside My Head




















Before this album came out, Real Friends was predicted to be the break out Pop Punk band of 2016. After this album came out and two national tours, that proved to be true. It's a sad record with an even sadder ending, but singer Dan Lambton didn't show that at all when I accidentally wandered backstage at their San Diego show with The Wonder Years. In fact, I couldn't believe this was the same guy that was singing these songs.


2.) Switchfoot - Where The Light Shines Through




















My favorite band Switchfoot's 10th album came really as a surprise. No, they didn't release it overnight like Beyonce or Drake. They brought their guitars back. They broughy John Feldmann back for the first time since The Beautiful Letdown to produce the album. I feel like this album is as if they put their first 9 records in a bowl with some (Holy) water and out came some amazing soup that has a kick. I hope Switchfoot stays rock, although 2014's Fading West is an amazing Pop album.


1.) The 1975 - I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It

In February 2016, The 1975 returned with their second album. Now this wasn't a typical 1975 record. In fact, there is a song talking to God on the album, which lead singer Matty doesn't like doing. But in all, the album is a Pop record that makes fun of pop. Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie couldn't have said it better. "It's sugar made into music." And I agree. With rumors of their 3rd album coming out in 2017, I cannot wait to see what is next for the British Indie Rockers.


Well there you have it! Did any of your favorites make the list? If not, post a comment and tell me what I'm missing.

Until Next Time, Alex


Top 5 Honorable Mentions:

5.) Rachel Platten - Wildfire

4.) Lacey Sturm - Life Screams

3.) Thirdstory - Searching EP

2.) Panic! At The Disco - Death of a Bachelor

1.) HAWAI - Working All Night EP

Thoughts on Love

The longer I’m not in love, the more time I have to think. Some of it bad, but most of it good. I want the kind of relationship where we drive in the rain to no set destination while listening to some indie rock. I want the kind of relationship where we go to the beach while its cold and almost dark and have a picnic and just walk on it holding hands and talking about our lives, jobs, whatever. I want the kind of relationship that isn’t based on sex. It’s literally just love without lust. I want the kind of relationship where we have weekly coffee meetings where we pick a Bible passage and discuss what it means to us. I want the kind of relationship where no one questions us because we are so good for each other. I want the kind of relationship where we dont give up on each other, no matter how hard it gets. I want the kind of relationship where there is no judging. I want the kind of relationship where there is not even a question of leaving each other. I want the kind of relationship where fellow Christians model their relationships on us. I want the kind of relationship where we go to so many concerts together. I want the kind of relationship where we never fall out of love. Ever. Not matter how unattractive the other may become. Most of all, I want the kind of relationship where we base everything we do off of Jesus' love.

Until Next Time, Alex