#234 - Jack's Mannequin
Jacks Mannequin AFI Metric Pelican Steel Train Thrice Sigur Ros Gym Class Heroes Underoath The Hives Hellogoodbye Social Distortion All American Rejects
##234 – February 2010
IN THE RAG
» MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS OF 2008
It's the end of another year, which means it's time for AP's annual rock 'n' roll yearbook-in-reverse. In addition to getting the lowdown on the 2008 plans of folks like cover stars MOST JACK'S MANNEQUIN, plus AFI, THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS, AMANDA PALMER, RISE AGAINST, PLAIN WHITE T'S, THURSDAY, TAKING BACK SUNDAY, HEAD AUTOMATICA and many more, we also caught up with all seven slackers (cough-PANIC! AT THE DISCO-cough) who didn't deliver this year. Fetch yourself a fine beverage and kick back to ponder all the good reasons why you should seriously think about getting (another) external hard drive for your computer…
» SECTIONS
INCOMING: LOVE LETTERS, HATE MAIL & SOUND ADVICE
» OPINION
Punk stalwart Ben Weasel envisions an all-digital musical world in Op-Ed; and everyone from the Matches to the Color Fred (and you, of course) tell us if guys take advantage of girls at shows in the AP Poll.
» NEW RELEASES
We preview albums from Toilet Boys, Flight Of The Conchords and more.
» WIRETAPPING
Before you can D.I.W.A.T.O.H.P.C (do it with a team of high-priced cronies) you have to D.I.Y. We won't reveal that you use our AP: DIY section for help. This month we've got tips, tricks and traps to avoid from members of Thrice, the Spill Canvas, Dethklok, the Dillinger Escape Plan and the Chariot, along with the techs and other experts who keep 'em running smoothly. AP&R has eight more unsigned bands you need to know now; Chalkboard Confessional talks inspiration with Laurent Schroeder-Lebec of Pelican; Relapse Records gets the Label Profile treatment; and Fuse VJ Steven talks tattoos in his AP-exclusive Untitled Rock Column.
» AP RECOMMENDS
If you're not already listening to Steel Train, Minipop and the Dear & Departed, we won't tell. But, while no one's looking, you better load 'em up on your iPod, stat!
» AP STYLE
Allow us to introduce you to some of the hottest gear burning up our closets. This month, get to know Blue Q and a ton of totes, messenger bags and murses. Plus, we realize that looking good isn't just about your duds; it's also about your 'do… And your makeup… And your nails… You get the picture.
Please turn off all cell phones. Keep talking to a minimum, as not to disturb your fellow readers. Also, be sure to throw away all garbage in the receptacles provided. Now, sit back and enjoy our feature presentation, which includes some quality face time with Ellen Page, Jess Weixler and the rest of what's new and hot in theaters and DVD players this month.
» REVIEWS
Whatever your winter holiday of choice is, there is one unifying bond between them: They're all about getting presents. The AP Record Store is happy to jingle your bells with new discs from the Hives, NOFX, Agnostic Front, Sigur Rós, Cobra Starship, MGR, the Spill Canvas, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Jesu, LCD Soundsystem and more; our In-Store Session with Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer is guaranteed to make your cheeks a tad rosier; our classic-rock and classic-punk columns on Led Zeppelin and Heresy go great with a warm cup of hot cocoa; and before you run out to return those gym socks Aunt Gertrude gave you, peep Collector's Corner, Playlist and Listening Station for excellent exchange ideas.
» 10 ESSENTIAL ALBUMS WE'RE STILL WAITING ON FOLLOW-UPS TO
Usually, the Official AP Crystal Ball(tm) doesn't lead us astray when we're predicting who will have records out in the following year for our annual Most Anticipated specials. But sometimes we jump the gun and/or bands totally drop the ball. We turn to Trevor Kelley to scrape off the 10 eggs we still have on our faces and make them into an embarrassment omelet. Muy delicioso!
