“I have a decent little vinyl collection. It’s primarily made up of classic rock records like The Beatles’ “White Album,” Sgt. Peppers, Revolver (seeing a trend?), and other vintage staples like Queen’s A Day At The Races and A Night At The Opera. However, the record with the most significance related to my own pursuit of music is Almost Here by The Academy Is…”
“This record came out as I had just entered high school in 2004, and it massively influenced my teenage years. I would listen to Almost Here on the ride into school and back every day, and as soon as I got home I would pop it on my iPod and drum to the entire record from start to finish, literally every day for years. The Academy Is… were such a big part of my life; I’d constantly burn the CD and give it out to classmates to listen (sorry Fueled By Ramen), and I would attend every single one of their shows in Philly throughout high school—totaling more than 15 times—far more than any other band I’ve seen.
I was part of their fan club, would go to meet and greets, and was simply in love with everything the band did, from the TAI TV episodes (just before or at the beginning of YouTube), to their Livejournal communities. No other band or record made me so sure that I wanted to play music for a living. I still know every single lyric, melody, and drum beat to that record, and although I don’t listen to it daily anymore, it always finds its way into my rotation, and more importantly, always has a very special place in my heart.
Thank you William Beckett, Adam T Siska, Mike Carden, Tom Conrad, and The Butcher for being such positive role models in my life at such a vulnerable age.”
—Dustin, guitar
“As far as music appreciation and record collecting goes, I attribute my early affinity with classic rock and records to my mom.”
“My family immigrated from Ukraine around the time the Soviet government was dissolving and of the things my mom shipped over was her illegal record collection which included albums by The Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Abba, and the Bee Gees, among many other Russian albums. By the time I was born and old enough to start enjoying music, I remember growing up listening to most of the bands, especially The Beatles, which is probably still my favorite band to this day. As far as albums by them goes, hard contenders for #1 include Abbey Road, Magical Mystery Tour, and the “White Album.” I attribute a lot of how I play bass to what Paul McCartney might do.”
—Taver, bass
“Soup by Blind Melon…ever since I first listened through the album it’s been one I can’t go more than a week without. The way the band can change styles so flawlessly and transition smoothly within a song instantly captivated me.”
“Then I dove further into the lyrics and was blown away by how well their singer Shannon could paint a picture and make me feel like I was a part of it and lived through it. Songs about losing a son, or even being a serial killer are topics I have no experience with, but I felt like I understood after feeling the raw emotion he put behind every syllable.”
—Richie, vocals
“My favorite record has to be Catch For Us the Foxes by mewithoutYou. There is something seriously captivating about the energy and vibe to this record for me that no other album has ever matched.”
“Every member feels like they are so in sync with one another on these tracks and I never have trouble listening to it all start to finish. Plus, Rickie Mazzotta’s drums on this album in particular carried a lot of weight in shaping the drummer I am today. I can’t say I have a true favorite track, but “The Soviet” stands out as one I often jam out a little harder to than the rest. Sad to say I never managed to get my hands on the actual vinyl for this album, but it is easily my white whale.”
—Kevin, drums
“My favorite record would have to be Juturna by Circa Survive.”
“It’s a hard toss-up between that and their second album, On Letting Go. Those two albums helped me through so much, and they mean so much to me. Hours and nights spent listening, pulling thoughts and emotions out of me that I normally shut away. Every time you listen, especially on Juturna, you hear something brand new. Every single song sounds like five dudes having a deep conversation in the middle of a winter night, and I’ve only dreamt about reaching people in that way.”
—Pat, guitar
“Growing On Me,” the new single from Philadelphia’s Tiny Hueman is in stores now.
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PHOTO: STEVE GARFINKEL
