Top 5 Long Time Coming Records
Lifetime - Lifetime
Obviously, Lifetime's self-titled album sent hearts all a twitter prior to its release and was an immensely anticipated album; at least amongst the throngs of Lifetime fan, especially the ones that the band acquired post breakup?i.e. the majority of their fans. Regardless of how I personally feel about the album, it was one of those records that many people hoped and prayed for in their heart of hearts. So, it definitely deserves its spot on here, as it was a long-time coming and highly anticipated and probably is the number one long time coming record.
Coalesce - Salt & Passage
Coming in at number two on the list is the new Coalesce 7", Salt & Passage. Even though it is only two songs, it still has been hotly anticipated since the Coalesce boys announced their semi-return in 2005. Not only is it just two songs and barely whets your appetite, but it may possibly be a precursor to the album that the boys are working on now for late 2008/ early 2009. So, it continues to stoke their fans' anticipation for more of their work.
108 - A New Beat From A Dead Heart / Shellac - Excellent Italian Greyhound
108's A New Beat from a Dead Heart ties with Shellac's Excellent Italian Greyhound for the third long-time coming record. 108 returned from "retirement" to lay down one of the most challenging hardcore records of the year. It is a bit of irony that it takes a band that had been dead for almost ten years to put out what is arguably the best hardcore album of 2007. Shellac, on the other hand, continues to march to their own beat, delivering on an album that adds to their impressive, quirky, and uncompromising legacy.
Black Cross - Severance Pays
On a more personal note, and that of several of my friends, Black Cross's sophomore album, Severance Pays is for sure a long time coming and I am making it the five spot on this list. Although a bit different in sound, Black Cross continue to challenge their listeners with great D.C. inspired sounds and poignant commentaries on the political and social theaters. Hopefully the band will continue to release new music, even if it is sporadic.
The Future
It was a good year for records that we all had been anxious to hear in one way or another. Here's to another year of getting what we want on the recording front from bands. Here's to hoping for the release of Quicksand's un-released album and their B-sides/Rarities. Now that record is truly a long time coming.
(Bob)
