Spurs vs City reaction/ Amr Zaki/ 6 a Side

Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 0 Hull City.

Anyone who predicted that result ahead of the weekend's game was probably just taking a wild guess. City hadn't kept a clean sheet away from the KC all season and Spurs had scored 11 in their last 5 games. They probably would've added at least another 3 or 4 to that total had it been for Boaz Myhill. Now, to the Tiger Nation, Myhill has always been highly regarded and we've known for a long time that he is a top shot stopper, but his performance at White Hart Lane on Saturday was something else. 7 times Spurs tried to breach his goal. 7 times Myhill stood firm, Gandalf-like between the sticks, his every save crying out "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" Spurs, like the Balrog in Tolkien's 'Lord Of The Rings' had met their match and City's figurative sheet remained clean, pristine and unsullied. Myhill deserved nothing less after what was a truly fantastic display. He'll never play better again in his life, and I, for one, feel privileged to have witnessed such a display from a man who has been a great servant to our football club. Thanks Bo.

Whilst Myhill deservedly took the plaudits the rest of the side should be congratulated too. Let us not forget that this was only City's third point on the road this season and, as I mentioned before, the first clean sheet the Tigers have kept away from home this term. That City took anything from this game is testament to the work rate and commitment shown by each and every player wearing City's blue away strip. Craig Fagan led from the front, as always. His desire to chase lost causes was as great as ever and he worked Tottenham's centre backs whenever he could, tirelessly chasing down lost causes and hassling Bassong and the excellent Michael Dawson. Nick Barmby and Stephen Hunt provided the quality in midfield, linking up in the second half to provide City with their only real chance of note, which Barmby lashed into the side netting. Much of City's travelling contingent, myself included, leapt to celebrate an unlikely lead as soon as the ball left Barmby's boot. Unfortunately we had been deceived and quietly sat back down as the home fans hooted derision. George Boateng did an important job in front of the back four, breaking up countless attacks but when asked to produce with the ball at his feet often fell short. 'The Boat' looked knackered with half an hour to play and that he remained on the field for the remainder of the game highlights his character and desire. Geovanni didn't have his best day creatively either but the diminutive Brazilian worked tirelessly, playing a sort of game that must be entirely foreign to him. This was good to see, as it makes a case for including him in the side when he is not at his attacking best. The back four must take credit too, particularly the centre backs. Kamil Zayatte and former Spur Anthony Gardner were outstanding, displaying a willingness to put their bodies on the line in support of Myhill's quest to keep Spurs' glittering attack at bay. Anthony Gardner has always looked a classy player, but now that he has managed a run of games he is really beginning to look the part and is, in my opinion, the equal of former defensive partner Michael Turner. He'll be off to Sunderland in cut price deal soon then. Well, either that or he'll suffer a freak injury whilst tieing his shoelaces.
Spurs will feel hard done by not to have claimed more than a point from this fixture, and with the chances they created, you would really have expected them to have won comfortably but anything but a clean sheet and point would've been equally hard on Bo Myhill. A draw was a fair result in the end, and it temporarily lifted City out of the drop zone until West Ham's goalless draw at Villa Park the following day dragged them back in. But if this sort of fight and defensive discipline can be shown on a regular basis, City have every chance of pulling themselves clear. We just need a touch more quality up front.


Which is where this bloke comes in. Hull City confirmed this week the signing of powerhouse Egyptian striker Amr Zaki on loan for the remainder of the season. Voices within the media have been quick to condemn the decision to sign the challenging striker but to most City fans, it looks a good decision. What the media have failed to realise is that with the club sitting in the relegation zone and suffering financial troubles, we will not be able to bring in players without baggage. Beggars can't be choosers, after all. This is a deal that could benefit both club and player though. After impressing in the first few months of his loan spell at Wigan last season and being linked with a host of top clubs, including Chelsea and Real Madrid, things went sour for Zaki. After repeatedly arriving back to Wigan late from international duty, leading to Steve Bruce, the man who must be every rhinoplastic surgeon's wet dream, branding him the most "unprofessional player" he had ever worked with. Bruce seemed perfectly happy with Zaki when he was banging in goals for the Latics, and bang them in he did. Who can forget his magnificent volley at Anfield? So having seen his star rise and fall so quickly, Zaki went back to the wilderness with Zamalek and must now see the next few months at City as a chance to redeem himself. If he is able to score the goals that help to push City out of relegation trouble, he may get the move to a top club that he desires. If this deal proves to be a success, it can only be good for both club and player.

Finally, I'd like to end this post by wishing my good friend Ian a speedy recovery. Ian fractured his fibula last night in a freak accident after going in for a tackle during one of our 6-a-side football matches and will be in plaster for the next 6 weeks. Hopefully we'll be able to get Ian back in our line up soon, and as league champions as our team, West Hull United, is currently gunning for the league title. Whilst Ian waited for an ambulance, we were forced to carry on with the game a man light, with the game deadlocked 0-0. We demolished our opponents 5-1 in a fantastic display of counter attacking football and quality possession play. Ian's injury was not the only disappointing thing about the game though, as our opponent's goal keeper shouted a disgusting comment to his team mate during the 2nd half. In our league, slide tackling is forbidden as the astro turf is unforgiving and sliding in is dangerous to yourself and your opponent. During the second half, one of our opponent's defenders slid instinctively in an honest attempt at winning the ball but, realising his error, pulled out and missed both ball and man. A free kick was awarded anyway, prompting their keeper to shout "If you're going to slide, at least fucking hit him." Why, in a Monday night game of 6-a-side do some people feel compelled to inflict injury on people who are just trying to get some exercise and play a bit of honest competitive football with their friends? Idiotic, childish and utterly deplorable, especially as he'd seen Ian helped to the side of the pitch in the first half where he sat, awaiting an ambulance. Anyway, following our fifth goal, I reminded him of his fuckwitted comment, saying "If you're going to dive, at least fucking save it."

Thanks for reading, and if you feel you have anything to contribute please leave a comment!

Soundtrack for this post:
Gold Country by Chuck Ragan

(SideOneDummy) (2009)
Rating: 8/10

and

Build & Burn by The Loved Ones

(Fat Wreck Chords) (2008)
Rating: 8/10

Brian Laws Is A Wan.... Premier League Manger?!

Anyone for chicken?

The football world was stunned today when Brian Laws was appointed Burnley mangager. It looks a baffling appointment to the outsider and to most Burnley fans too, I'd imagine. A BBC poll taken today shows that 65% of those polled felt that Laws was the wrong man to preserve the Clarets' Premier League status, with only 16% backing the former Scunny boss. Having taken Shefield Wednesday into a releagtion fight Laws was sacked on the 13th of December last year, but a month later finds himself in the hotseat at Turf Moor. This is definitely a leftfield appointment but perhaps, when looked at a little closer. it's not as confusing as first appears. Laws did a fantastic job at Scunthorpe United, leading them to promotion from the Football League's basement division twice, with relegation in between. He left the Iron in a good position in League One to manage Wednesday and although Laws tenure saw the club slide back towards the Championship relegation zone this season, he was hampered by massive debts. Having proved himself able to work within the constraints of a small budget at Scunthorpe, Laws has been asked to do the same at Burnley. It's also a prudent appointment on Burnley's part. Clearly, Laws impressed their board otherwise he would not have been given the job but it's a low risk appointment as Laws will not command the same wages as other big name managers linked with the job. Having signed a two and a half year deal, should the need arise to sack Laws, Burnley will not be worried about the financial implications of his departure. But the Premier League is a whole different animal to the lower leagues and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be successful. Personally, I think it's only a matter of time before the man not-so-affectionately referred to as Pissy Pants by some City fans leads Burnley back to the Championship. Needless to say I can't wait to see how many food fights he instigates between now and May, and of course the chance to chant "BRIAN LAWS IS A WANKER" at the KC again is something I'm looking forward to greatly.

Incidentally, the BBC's Paul Fletcher has posted a blog concerning Laws's appointment that is well worth your time. You can read it here.

African Cup Of Nations Roundup
So the first round of group fixtures in the ACN has come and gone and it's time to look at how the City contingent has fared in their nation's opening games.
Seyi Olofinjana was an unused substitute as Nigeria limped to a 3-1 defeat to defending champions Egypt and outcast striker Daniel Cousin scored Gabon's winner in an unlikely victory against highly rated Cameroon, in an entertaining and open game. Cousin's goal brought Gabon only their second ever victory in the tournament's finals and guarantees Cousin hero status in his homeland. Unless of course he follows up his heroics with a year's worth of lazy display and only showing occasional flashes of his undoubted talent a la last season, post Arsenal. Then his international repution might be a bit more like the one he has at the KC.

That's it today. I wasn't panning on blogging until after the Tottenham game so it might be that I'm back unexpectedly tomorrow or it might be next week. It just depends on what stories break between now and the weekend! Thanks for reading, and please leave a comment if you feel that you have anything to add. It'd be nice to get a discussion going on some of the stories I've written about so far!

Soundtrack for this post:
'New Brains for Everyone' by The Brokedowns

(THICK Records) (2007)
Rating: 7/10

Preview: Spurs vs City/The African Cup Of Nations/Robbie Savage

There's a few things I'd like to cover with this entry, and I've outlined them in the title so I'll start with Robbie Savage's fantastic and, in my opinion, justified rant at a BBC Radio Derby reporter. If you've not heard it, please listen here before reading the rest of my post. It's a ten minute piece, so just take a moment or two to familiarise yourself with the story.

Before I continue then, I'll assume that you've listened to Savage's defence of his manager, Nigel Clough, and his criticism of BBC Radio Derby journalist Colin Gibson's post match coverage of Derby County's 1-4 defeat at the hands of the Scunts. Clearly, losing by 4 goals to 1 at home in any game is not good enough. Losing by 4 goals to 1 at home to Scunthorpe United is shocking. Scunthorpe United had, until the weekend's game at Pride Park won only once away from home, a 4-0 victory at Crystal Palace back in September, scoring only 9 times in 12 outings away from Glanford Shoebox. So Derby's defeat to the Iron would rankle with anyone connected with the Rams, none moreso than Robbie Savage, the club captain. Savage took umbrage with Gibson's comments after the game and decided to take him to task at a press conference. The Soccer AM favourite criticised Gibson for commenting on rumours that members of the Derby changing room did not back the capabilities of the backroom team and, in Savage's opinion, encouraging listeners to attack Derby County and spread further the feelings of dissatisfaction that are rumbling around the stands at Pride Park.
The reason I bring this up is because too many times journalists, in pursuit of a story, are able to get away with lazy journalism. Perhaps Gibson did hear rumours that Derby players were unhappy with Clough and his staff, but the correct thing to do would be to investigate these rumours and try to establish whether or not the rumours had any grounding in fact before the broadcast. You would expect better of a BBC journalist than to comment on hearsay and pupport it as fact. As Savage states in his diatribe, he would expect such a thing from the Sun or the Daily Mail, but not from the local media, who can play a huge role in encouraging support and generating goodwill towards the club's players and staff. So I say good on Robbie Savage for defending his manager and hitting out at boo happy fans. Okay, it's easy to criticise, and as somebody who unfortunately succumbed to booing the Tigers following our dismal 5-1 defeat to Colchester back in November 2006, I can understand the Derby fans' feelings but it really accomplishes nothing. It only creates more pressure and further reduces the confidence of a struggling team. Get behind the team, in good times and bad. Nobody wants to see them fail so give them a helping hand and back them to the hilt. Booing your team's players are what the opposition fans are for so to do it yourself is counter-productive.

It can't have escaped your attention that the Togo national team were attacked by terrorists on their way to their base for the African Cup of Nations in the Angolan province of Cabinda. It's easy to forget in the post-attack talk of World Cup safety and Togo's withdrawal from the tournament that three of the people who were injured on the bus have reportedly died. Football should not really be the issue, and the importance of a victory in a game is put starkly into perspective by the events of last week. Sadly the 2010 ACN will forever be remembered and tainted by this incident, but let's hope that it will also offer up positive memories, such as Mali's stunning fightback against Angola in the tournament's opening game, with Stephen Keshi's side exhibiting possibly the greatest comeback since Lazarus, or maybe even Elvis, to turn around a 4-0 deficit to draw 4 apiece and claim a vital point. Amazingly, Angola led by 4 goals as late as the 79th minute of the game. Seydou Keita's goal proved to be the turning point and sparked a fantastic revival that was capped by Mustapha Yatabare's goal that came deep into stoppage time. Even more bizarre than this though was seeing former City loanee and generally rubbish footballer Manucho score. Yes, it was a penalty but those of us who were unfortunate enough to see Manucho doing a barely passable impression of a footballer in a City shirt will realise just what an achievement this was for him.

And so we move onto the real meat and potatoes of this entry. This weekend sees City travel to deepest, darkest North London and White Hart Lane, home of Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham are still the best team I've seen this season. They visited the KC for City's first home game of the season and were devestating. Jermaine Defoe was in fantastic form and showed exactly why he will be a key member of Fabio Capello's World Cup squad this summer. He was brilliant and was joy to watch, unfortunately. He claimed a hat trick that night. Hopefully this Saturday will see Defoe in abject, listless form but that doesn't look likely. The striker has got two goals in his last two games, carrying on his great season so far. Tottenham sit in 5th place in the Premier League on the back of a blinding opening half of the season and look well placed to push all the way for a Champions League spot. Including the routine win against Peterborough United in the FA Cup 3rd Round, Tottenham's recent results point towards a team at the peak of their powers. They are without defeat in their last five games, winning each one except their fixture away at Fulham which was a goalless draw. Looking at the bigger picture, they have lost only once in the Premier League since the start of November, a 1-0 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. In that time they have recorded eye catching victories against Manchester City (3-0) and of course Wigan Athletic (9-1). Impressively, they haven't conceded since December the 12th, with Kevin Doyle being the last player to breach their defence in that Wolves victory. This can be put down in part to Michael Dawson's recent impressive run of form, a run which has seen him emerge as contender for a seat on England's plane to Sith Ifrica.

This all makes rather bleak reading for City fans. Our own form has, somewhat predictably, suffered since Jimmy Bullard's latest injury at Villa Park. But with Bullard's return in sight, is there reason to be hopeful for the Tiger Nation? Well, yes, actually, I think there is. Ignoring the Reserves' appalling 2nd half display away to Wigan in the Cup and concentrating solely on league form, City's performances of late haven't been rewarded with the points many feel that they merited. The performance against Bolton on the 29th of December was an abject one for 70 minutes, and then Stephen Hunt decided to start playing. His two quick goals in the 71st and 78th minutes salvaged a point for the Tigers and City actually finished that game the stronger side and wouldn't have been bad value for a win that looked unlikely following Ivan Klasnic's opener and Kevin Davies's 61st minute header. The listless nature of the performance is perhaps understandable given that the team remained unchanged after the 3-1 home defeat to champions Manchester United. Looking at the result doesn't tell the full story as the herculean effort that City put into that game went unrewarded. For 90 plus minutes, they gave United no peace. The outstanding Craig Fagan led from the front as he gave Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic and torrid time and deservedly got on the score sheet as he kept his cool to net a penalty that he had played no small part in winning. Wayne Rooney, a striker who cost United more than City's entire squad, was the difference that day and City were once again left to reflect on glorious defeat. The trip to Arsenal also ended in similar circumstances, with the 3-0 scoreline again not telling the full story. For much of that game, Phil Brown got his tactics spot on and City gave their illustrious opponents a difficult time. Unfortunately, this game was a tale of poor refereeing decisions and missed opportunities. Arsenal's opener came from a beautifully struck Denilson free kick after referee Steve Bennett generously awarded Arsenal a free kick for an alleged foul on Abou Diaby. Under challenge from George Boateng, Diaby went down easier than an Amsterdam prostitute and Denilson only added to our anger by duly scoring. The second half saw City handed a similar stroke of luck when Bennett ridiculously judged that Craig Fagan had been fouled by Silvestre and awarded a penalty. But the chance to draw level was spurned, as Geovanni saw his tame effort saved by wannabe Englishman Manuel Almunia. Arsenal made the most of their luck, City didn't and were made to pay for their profligacy only moments later when Eduardo's easy finish rounded off a slick passing move. The Gooners ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in the end. On other days, City might've taken more than they got from their last three games but they didn't and this serves only to highlight the lack of quality in our ranks. With reports of Wolves firming up their interest for Stephen Hunt, this transfer window could see that situation worsen but as long as City continue to exhibit the spirit, determination and fighting qualities they have shown of late (and providing we can get the most out of Jimmy Bullard!) then they will give themselves every chance of staying in the Premier League for another seemingly unlikely season of top flight football.

So what, then, will be the outcome of the visit to White Hart Lane? Another 1-0 victory with a piece of Goevanni magic? Perhaps, but probably not. I'll go for a home win. Enjoy the game, and thanks for reading

Soundtrack for this post:
'To The Confusion Of Our Enemies' by The Riverboat Gamblers

(Volcom Entertainment/No Idea) (2006)
Rating: 5.5/10

The Best Of The Decade 2000 to 2009

These are my top 20 albums of the last decade. I was going to flesh it out and comment on each album, but time's dragging on and I can't keep drawing this out. So here it is:

20. Black Holes & Revelations - Muse
19. I Get Wet - Andrew W.K.
18. Maybe I'll Catch Fire - Alkaline Trio
17. Love Travels At Illegal Speeds - Graham Coxon
16. The New What Next - Hot Water Music
15. Searching For A Former Clarity - Against Me!
14. The Bronx (The First One) - The Bronx
13. Streetcore - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
12. Poetry Of The Deed - Frank Turner
11. The Greatest Story Ever Told - The Lawrence Arms
10. Situationist Comedy - Dillinger Four
9. The Gold Record - The Bouncing Souls
8. American Idiot - Green Day
7. The Futureheads - The Futureheads
6. Sink Or Swim - The Gaslight Anthem
5. It's Great To Be Alive - Fake Problems
4. From Here To Infirmary - Alkaline Trio


3. As The Eternal Cowboy/The Original Cowboy - Against Me!
I've put both The Eternal Cowboy and The Original Cowboy in at number 3 together because they are, essentially, the same album. Each contains different versions of the same songs, recorded at different times and released several years apart. Even if you own only one of these releases you should know that the number three spot is jutsified. The Eternal Cowboy clocks in at just over 25 minutes long, barely making it a full length but it's a brilliantly fast paced record, only letting you catch your breath during the acoustic moments 'Sink Florida Sink,' 'Unsubstantiated Rumours...' and 'Cavalier Eternal'. Otherwise this is just a pure rock-fuck-out record. Actually, that does it an injustice. Tom Gabel's prowess as a lyricist means that you also have to listen to what he's singing. Releasing 'The Original Cowby' might have been seen by some as cash in by Fat and Against Me! themselves on the band's burgeoning popularity but I think it was a brilliant idea. It enhances what was already a brilliant collection of songs by showing them in an even rougher, rawer light and doesn't disappoint at all. Buy The Eternal Cowboy first if you don't own it, enjoy it for yourselves, and then, just as you begin to tire of it, buy The Original Cowboy and rediscover it all over again. Awesome.


2. Oh! Calcutta - The Lawrence Arms
If you're not into punk rock or friends with someone who is, you probably won't have heard of The Lawrence Arms. But if you are into punk rock, you will know and love The Lawrence Arms. One of Chicago's finest exports, since well... the Alkaline Trio. This album has really snuck up on the outside to take second place in this rundown. I've had it since its release but it's only really in the last year that it has found it's way more and more often into my CD player or being played on my iPod. And that is simply because it's a magnificent album, and, as you probably know, I want magnificence. Nothing less. It is the culmination of The Larry Arms's development as a band, as they really do sound like a proper band on this release. No longer do Chris and Brendan sing their own songs but their vocal intertwine to great effect. Brendan's growl coupled with Chris's croon sound fantastic, lending a manic effect to the slower songs and a more tuneful side to the all out punk rock of others. Not to leave anyone out, Neil's drumming defies the attachment of any superlatives and helps to make 'Oh! Calcutta!' a must have for any punks, and a great place for the newbie to start his or her collection. Yes, it does.


1. The '59 Sound - The Gaslight Anthem
Derivative. Bruce Springsteen rip offs. Doing absolutely nothing new. Trite. These are just a few of the criticisms I've heard or read of The Gaslight Anthem, but anyone who might offer these opinions, for me, just doesn't get it. Okay, I accept that what The Gaslight Anthem do is hardly ground breaking but they'd be the first to tell you that themselves. I love this album. It's pretty much soundtracked my life since the day I got it. It's a wonderful record. Yes, they reference The Boss but they also pull references (both lyrical and musical) from a myriad of sources, including Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, The Replacements, Social Distortion, Tom Petty and The Clash to name but a few. I think the references that Brain Fallon makes in his lyrics to other bands and their songs work brilliantly and really contribute to the feel of this record and the stories contained within the songs. Fallon has admitted himself that he sees this record as the band's contribution to the story of American rock and roll and like all good connoisseur's, he knows his history and isn't afraid to wear his influences on his sleeve, along with his heart. It's a record of many faces too. It has rockers, ballads, tear jerkers and songs to lift your spirits. If you haven't heard it yet, where have you been? I'd urge you to pick up a copy. If you like honesty, passion, good time rock and roll and (of course) Springsteen, you'll be into this. If you don't like those things, chances are that this will make a convert of you.

Honourable Mentions must go to the following:
Pump Up The Valuum - NOFX
Conspiracy Of One - The Offspring
Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes - Propagandhi
Look What I Almost Stepped In - The Vandals
How I Spent My Summer Vacation - The Bouncing Souls
Global A Go Go - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
The Green Album - Weezer
Reinventing Axl Rose - Against Me!
Caution - Hot Water Music
Apathy & Exhaustion - The Lawrence Arms
Internet Dating Superstuds - The Vandals
Good Mourning - Alkaline Trio
File Under Black - None More Black
The Empire Strikes First - Bad Religion
Cool To Be You - Descendents
God Don't Make No Trash or Up Your Ass With Broken Glass - The Falcon
Happiness In Magazines - Graham Coxon
So Jealous - Tegan And Sara
Where The Humans Eat - Willy Mason
A Certain Trigger - Maximo Park
Capture/Release - The Rakes
A Healthy Distrust - Sage Francis
With Love And Squalor - We Are Scientists
The Bronx 2 - The Bronx
The Sufferer And The Witness- Rise Against
Baby 81 - BRMC
Panic Prevention - Jamie T
Human The Death Dance - Sage Francis
Four One Five Two - Sundowner
New Wave - Against Me!
Agony & Irony - Alkaline Trio
The Last Pale Light In The West - Ben Nichols
C I V I L W A R - Dillinger Four
Love, Ire & Song - Frank Turner
This Is Not The World - The Futureheads
Glasvegas - Glasvegas
Build & Burn - The Loved Ones
Appeal To Reason - Rise Against
Heart Burns - Tom Gabel
Ignore The Ignorant - The Cribs
Senor & The Queen - The Gaslight Anthem
Buttsweat & Tears - The Lawrence Arms
Chasing Hamburg - Polar Bear Club
Supporting Caste - Propagandhi

Best of 2009

So that was 2009. The year that was. And actually, although, I said many, many times what a shitty period it was for music, that wasn't true. It was a fantastic year for music, you just had to look hard to find the good stuff which actually makes it more rewarding and enjoyable when you did find something that was good. But I didn't just find good stuff, I found a lot of great stuff. So here's my rundown of my 17 favourite records of 2009. Why 17? Because I couldn't whittle it down to 10. I'll only detail my top 5 because I don't have time to explain all 17 choices, and you don't have the inclination to read 17 quick reviews of albums you probably already own. And you only stumbled across this blog because you thought I was offering free downloads of Frank Turner's album. I'm not, but read on anyway.

Best of 2009:
17. Tegan And Sara - Sainthood
16. Jamie T - Kings And Queens
15. Lucero - 1372 Overton Park (Only rated in at 15 because I only got it a couple of weeks ago and it doesn't seem fair to rate it above albums that had a bigger impact on my year.)
14. Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
13. Weezer - Raditude (Right, it's fun. You'll never get Pinkerton part 2, so enjoy this. It's a bloody good pop rock record.)
12. American War - Rhetoric (Download for free HERE!)
11. Crazy Arm - Born To Ruin
10. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
9. Chuck Ragan - Gold Country
8. Dinosaur Pile-Up - The Most Powerful E.P. In The Universe!!
7. NOFX - Coaster
6. Propagandhi - Supporting Caste


5. The Cribs - Ignore The Ignorant
I've always sort of liked The Cribs, which is odd because they're one of those bands who have a rabid following. Their fans are fiercely loyal, but for some reason I've never really understood the level of devotion that they command in some. Until this year. In 2009, The Cribs blasted back with a new album and most importantly, I feel, a new member in perma-young guitarist Johnny Marr (former guitarist with some band from Manchester? Apparently they were successful once?). Marr's second guitar complemented the bands sound, adding a richness and a real sense of melody to the band's trebly indie punk sound and turned the Wakefield trio into a true English Punk Rock band. A fantastic record and, it's worth noting, an amazingly good live act.

Oh, and the record was brilliantly packaged in the fantastic 'Roses' edition.

Choice cuts: We Were Aborted, Cheat On Me, We Share The Same Skies, Emasculate Me, Ignore The Ignorant, Nothing.


4. Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg
Polar Bear Club are another band who I had previous expereince of and again, didn't really get until a little bit later on. I saw them supporting Gaslight Anthem in March of last year and didn't really enjoy their set. But I didn't know any of the songs and you know what that's like. It's hard to decipher the lyrics and often the songs blur into one another. But then a few months later I was encouraged to try them again and and I'm happy to say I took this advice because had I not done so I wouldn't have got this great record. I've heard them called a slower Rise Against and I would go along with this although that is perhaps an oversimplification of just how good this record is. Okay, it's yet another album covering ground that was mapped and claimed by intrepid explorers long, long ago but that's not to say 'Chasing Hamburg' isn't worth your time or money. It's well worth both. PBC's dual guitar assault makes for great listening, at times blistering riffs blast out of the speakers but these boys know how to kick back and let things breath. A brilliant second album that serves to only heighten the anticipation for where this band might go next. Great cover art too.

Choice cuts: See The Wind, Living Saints, Boxes, Drifting Thing, Light Of Local Eyes, One Hit Back.


3. The Lawrence Arms - Buttsweat & Tears EP
How is that the Lawrence Arms have, armed with only a 4 or 5 song E.P. (depending on format) managed to force their way into so many end of year lists for 2009? Because Buutsweat and Tears is brilliant. Utterly, utterly, brilliant. For us Larry Arms fans, the 3 year wait between the frankly ace 'Oh! Calcutta!' (any superlative attached to this record does it an injustice. Check it out for yourself if you don't own it already, it's glorious) and 'Buttsweat and Tears' has been far, far too long. Although this E.P. doesn't continue along the same lines as 'Oh! Calcutta!' or 'The Greatest Story Ever Told' in further developing the band's sound, it's testament their songwriting abilities that we weren't disappointed by this. In fact, some of the Lawrence Arms's best material yet recorded can be found on this E.P. The only downside to this release is that it's too short, but that is also it's strength. It leaves you wanting more, and now I'm looking forward to their next full length more than ever. What a great way for them to mark their 10th year as a band.

Choice cuts: All of it. It's only 5 songs long, and they're all great.


2. Frank Turner - Poetry of the Deed
I'll be honest. I've never heard a Million Dead song. But then a lot of Frank Turner's fans probably haven't either. It seems to me that Frank has carved a reputation for himself that is entirely his own, and it's to his credit that he isn't known as 'Frank Turner, ex Million Dead', but 'Frank Turner- Blindingly Good Folk/Punk Troubadour'. He's achieved his lofty status through 1 - being a bloody good songwriter and 2 - touring his arse off. Frank can normally be found of a night playing his heart out in a venue somewhere in the world, either as a solo act or with his band of great musicians. He continued his upward curve in 2009 with the release of 'Poetry of the Deed.' His latest effort is even better than 2008's 'Love, Ire & Song' which is frankly (no pun intended) amazing because that was only released in 2008. It amazes me that artists can come out with two brilliant albums in consecutive years, but Frank is one of those who can and has done it. Would you bet against him doing the same in 2010? If you like music played with honest, fire, passion and no little talent then this one's for you.

Choice cuts: Live Fast Die Old, Try This At Home, Dan's Song, Poetry of the Deed, Sons Of Liberty, The Road, Richard Divine, Sunday Nights, Our Lady Of The Campfire, Journey Of Magi.


1. Fake Problems - It's Great To Be Alive
And so to number one. The best record of 2009. And that record is 'It's Great To Be Alive' by Florida's Fake Problems. I came across this record almost by accident. Allow me to indulge myself and tell you the story. For my 23rd birthday I received a small amount of money that I decided to spend on Epitaph's remasters of The Offspring's 2nd and 3rd albums, 'Ignition' and 'Smash'. But, disappointed by the job they'd done remastering and with the frankly lazy new artwork, I returned them to HMV and exchanged them for Angels & Airwaves 'I-Empire' and this, my number 1 record of the last year. It wasn't love at first listen though. I didn't get it. I left it alone after the first listen. I wasn't ready for it. But when I returned to it whilst out one day, by God, it made sense. Bloody. Good. Sense. Who knows what I was thinking when I first listened to it, because I love this record now. Love it. Drawing influences from all over the place, Fake Problems have a sound that is all their own and stands out amongst the glut of folk punk bands that have followed in Against Me!'s footsteps. With 'It's Great To Be Alive' though, Fake Problems have made an album that is every bit as good as anything Againt Me! have released (and they're nice blokes too!). Buy it, buy it now. They are the next big thing and you want to get on this wagon before everybody else does.

Choice cuts:
Again, all of it. Seriously, I'm not kidding.

That's it! You'll have your own thoughts, but these are mine. Tomorrow (hopefully) I'll bring you my top 20 records of the past decade, as well as reaction to City's miserable trip to Wigan in the Third Round of the F.A. Cup.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.