Always Brand New.

Brand New will always be one of my very favorite bands, and this was solidified today. It just seems like no matter where I'm at it life, they have a song that hits home, writing my feelings better than I could ever dream. I've always been awful at writing songs (I can think of 2 that I've ever written and liked, one's posted), so it's like I find my feelings put to words in the songs of Brand New. I could probably craft a soundtrack for the past year or so of my life, completely of Brand New songs.

I know they're not a band for every ear out there, but even if their sound doesn't exactly excite your musical senses, take a couple minutes to really listen to their songs, or look up some of their lyrics. The words are beautiful and artfully crafted in a way that makes me overwhelmingly envious. I admire anyone who can put such honesty into music, out in the open for any number of listeners to build up or tear apart. Thank God they did share that intense variety of emotion with the world, because at least I can say that it's helped me immensely.

Music is a friend that seems to know everything about you without judging you for it. You can find advice in it without telling it a damn thing. Your secrets are safe, and yet you feel just a little bit more free. Jesse Lacey's lyrics have been that friend to me more than the words of any other author. The things you can't bring yourself to say, the feelings you push from mind and fight because you just don't want to feel them; it's revealed and analyzed by someone who doesn't even know your first name or eye color.

Brand New has gotten me through one awkward summer and a potentially deadly disorder, watching my first love fall and accepting the end, finding a calling in music and words and acting on it, the probable thoughts in one lover's mind during that mock rekindling, and constantly reassuring myself that I'm strong. I'm even more thankful now for that September day when they graced my hometown. I remember closing my eyes and moving my lips as I tuned out the sweaty kids and spilled beer. There was nothing but the song in my ears and the electric current in my body. Freshly fulfilled. This music, it's powerful.

Currently: Me Vs. Maradona Vs. Elvis, The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot, Fork and Knife, You Won't Know, The No Seatbelt Song.

Give them a shot, or check out these lyrics. You won't regret it.