Most Anticipated Albums Of 2011

Well, it's 2011 and the economy still sucks, Christopher Drew is still making music and Steve Carell is leaving "The Office," but it's not all bad. The new year is bringing plenty of fresh tunes to get stoked on. Wanna know the best? Then keep reading and check out Backstage Press' Most Anticipated Albums of 2011.

Bayside - Killing Time

Release: February 22nd

Bayside spent most of 2010 recording Killing Time, their fifth studio album. Having already released two singles, including "Sick, Sick, Sick" and "Already Gone" it's clear that the Long Island outfit are showing maturity in their sound. The songs are a natural progression from 2008's Shudder, but bring back the raw aggression and punk feel from their early work. This will certainly be the "can't miss" record of 2011.

Yellowcard - When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes

Release: March 22nd

It's been almost four years since we heard last heard from the Florida pop-rockers. But Yellowcard are back, and armed with a new record for your listening pleasure. When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes is creating quite a buzz online so far. And with the release of the album's first single, "For You, And Your Denial", Yellowcard are starting their climb to the top again. Look for this record to sell well this year.

D.R.U.G.S. - Abigail (Will Be Born With Four Friendly Eyes) **

Release : February 22nd

Craig Owens' newest supergroup are poised to be the reigning post-hardcore champs of 2011 with the release of their debut album. In the past few months, D.R.U.G.S. have released three songs off the record - "Sex Life", "If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is" and "Mr. Owl Ate My Metal Worm". Each is seemingly as catchy as the next, and has led to an outpouring of support from fans nationwide. Plus, being a band comprised of members from other notable scene acts, it will be great to see whether or not this record holds up to the previous releases of each member.

Handguns - Don't Bite Your Tongue

Release: February 22nd

The Mid-Atlantic pop-punk quartet will be putting out their new EP, Don't Bite Your Tongue, on Pure Noise Records this year. The seven-song recording is their answer to 2010's Anywhere But Home - an album packed with as much honesty as you'd expect from The Wonder Years, and as memorable as the early work of The Starting Line. Handguns have released their first single off Don't Bite, "Scream Goodbye", which continues in ABH's footsteps of upbeat lyrics and catchy guitar riffs. If you miss when pop-punk was pop-punk, you're going to want to grab this record.

Rise Against - Endgame

Release: March 15th

Since we last heard from them on their 2010 DVD, Another Station, Another Mile, Chicago punks, Rise Against, have been hard at work on their sixth full-length album, Endgame. Recorded at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado, the band invested in the help of Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore for producing efforts. Having released the song, "Help Is On The Way", it's clear that the band have not left their roots. The song, as it's anticipated the rest of the album will be, is politically charged and driven by issues of humanity. This record will not disappoint loyal fans, and is sure to turn a few new heads.

Taking Back Sunday - TBA

Release: TBA

Having just finished recording in December, Taking Back Sunday are putting the finishing touches on what will be their first release since 2009's New Again. They've gone back to the Tell All Your Friends-era band lineup, leading many to speculate that 2011's record will harken back to classic TBS both lyrically and musically. Late last year, TBS released a completed song with the working title, "Best Places To Be A Mom". Listen to it here, and check back for more info on the 2011 TBS release.

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A number of other bands will be releasing records or getting back into the studio this year. Check 'em below.

blink-182 - Currently in the studio

The Wonder Years - Currently in the studio; record release slated for summer 2011

The Get Up Kids - New album out 1/25

This Time Next Year - Currently in the studio with Chad Gilbert of NFG

Emery - New album out 3/22

Set Your Goals - Currently in the studio

Vanna - Currently in the studio

Dance Gavin Dance - New album out 3/8

** - No formal name has been given for this record. Various sites list it as Abigail, while others leave it untitled.

Sugarcult Comeback in 2011?

There was no formal breakup. The word "hiatus" was never muttered. If anything, Sugarcult, the punk-rock four-piece from California, just sort of fell off the map.

Sugarcult haven't had a consistent schedule since 2007, when they were touring in support of their last release, Lights Out. But this may all be changing in 2011. Late last year, Sugarcult hinted on their Facebook page that they would be playing a number of shows in the UK come April.

2011 also marks the 10-year anniversary of the release of their album, Start Static, which propelled the band into the ears of teens and twenty-somethings worldwide when its hit song, "Bouncing Off The Walls", made the Van Wilder soundtrack.

Though there has been more buzz on Sugarcult's website and social networking sites recently than in the last few years, the band have yet to hint to any permanent US touring, or any new recording of any sort.

Since we last heard from the California outfit, each member has been working on their own musical ventures. Most notably, guitarist Marko DeSantis has stayed busy with his worldwide DJ'ing efforts, an online radio show and running a rock 'n' roll summer camp for teens in San Diego.

Lead singer Tim Pagnotta moved from the vocal booth to behind the soundboard as the producer/co-writer for Neon Trees. The band had the hit single of the summer with "Animal".

Bassist Airin Older is still on the road, touring with his new band, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.

And lastly, drummer Kenny Livingston recently finished a cross-country bike ride to raise awareness toward healthier lifestyles and nutrition in America. To make the feat even cooler, Livingston did it all on his vintage beach cruiser. In your face, Lance Armstrong!

So don't expect much more than some touring this year, Cult enthusiasts. Regardless though, it's nice to have the band back after such a long absence. Be sure to check in with Backstage Press and follow us on Twitter for any updates regarding Sugarcult.

Best Music Videos Of 2010

Music videos may or may not be a thing of the past. Regardless, bands are still making them, and 2010 had a few memorable ones that are worth noting. So check out some of the best videos this year has had to offer right here.

Motion City Soundtrack - "A Lifeless Ordinary (Need A Little Help)"

One continuous shot? The swimmer's life flashing before her eyes? Or have Motion City just gone off the deep end? Either way, this single off MCS' My Dinosaur Life is as visually fun as the song is catchy.

D.R.U.G.S. - "If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is"

Interrogation rooms, shallow graves, a cockroach infested motel room and a hint of nudity. What more could you want? If there was one video this year that stands as a snapshot of a band as a whole, it's this one. Get ready for D.R.U.G.S. in 2011, kids.

My Chemical Romance - "Na Na Na"

MCR are known for their epic videos (see, "Helena" & "Welcome To The Black Parade"). So did we expect anything less for their first release in four years? "Na Na Na" is a fun video. It's a comic book come to life - complete with gun battles, fast cars and funny dressed superheroes.

Bring Me The Horizon - "It Never Ends"

This dreamlike account of being chased by bloodthirsty zombies fits perfectly into BMTH's signature style of gore. But you've gotta watch the whole thing to see if Oli makes it out alive.

Anberlin - "Impossible"

Super slow motion with a hint of 80s rock 'n' roll makes this single off Anberlin's latest release, Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place, an irresistible video. Plus, those little lead pellets flying everywhere are as mesmerizing as a lava lamp.

Bands We Said Goodbye To In 2010

While 2010 was loaded with a number of great new records and stellar shows, it was also a year in which the scene lost some of its best and most renown acts. So let's have a look at a few of the bands we had to say goodbye to this year.

Fall Out Boy

In the beginning of the year, the pop-punk megastars called it quits. Having taken a break after their stint as openers on blink-182's '09 reunion tour, FOB came forward and announced their hiatus from the scene. In a February interview with Spin Magazine, lead singer Patrick Stump announced, "I'm not in Fall Out Boy right now." This, in addition to a slew of Tweets by celeb-bassist Pete Wentz, solidified the news that would break car-crash hearts worldwide.

In the meantime, however, each FOB member has embarked on new musical ventures. Wentz is currently keeping his hipster status with his new band, Black Cards. Stump has decided forego a full band, and is working on his solo project. You can listen to his first single, "Spotlight", off his yet-to-be-released album, Soul Punk, here. Drummer Andy Hurley and guitarist Joseph Trohman have joined forces with Scott Ian and Rob Caggiano of Anthrax and Keith Buckley (Every Time I Die) to form the hardcore outfit, The Damned Things.

Envy On The Coast

After dropping one of the best, and most honest, records of the year (Lowcountry), EOTC sent out

shock waves across the underground when they announced their final few shows at the end of August. It seemed that constant turmoil with their record label over the lack of promotions Lowcountry was receiving drove the band to call it quits.

Though their final shows were packed with as much energy as ever, (Backstage Press was at the Boston show), nothing seemed to be able to hold the Long Island outfit together.

However, lead singer Ryan Hunter and guitarist Brian Byrne have already started working on a new musical project. It's still in the early stages, but according to Hunter's blog, the band is named North Korea. Have a look at their latest video/recording here.

From First To Last

Just four months after releasing Throne To The Wolves, a blistering 11-track album, FFTL cashed out of the scene.Their reasoning, following your standard break-up blog post, was simple. Having been on tour for almost eight years was taking its toll on the band. They wanted to try new ventures, and see what else life had in store for them. You know, you've heard this all before.

But, in a stunning and sudden twist of events (literally the day after FFTL's announced hiatus), the band's frontman/guitarist Matt Good announced he would be joining Craig Owens' new band, D.R.U.G.S. (Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows). You can check them out here. No word on what other FFTL members are currently doing.

Crime In Stereo

Another band that fell victim to this summer's slew of breakups. In early August, the New York

natives Tweeted, "Crime In Stereo Is Dead (2002-2010)." Information beyond that was slow coming, but the band finally released a statement almost a month later confirming that the hardcore outfit were in fact breaking up, and would play a handful of final shows in the Northeast.

Their last show was scheduled to be this past November, but some fans weren't let into the venue, leading the band to add one final performance slated for January 14, 2011 in Long Island, New York. For ticket information, click here.

CiS' last release was this year's I Was Trying To Describe You To Someone, which was released on Bridge Nine Records.

Paramore

Before we get started, let's just clear the air. Paramore claim to STILL be a band, though earlier this month two of the founding members, Josh and Zac Farro, quit the band leaving only guitarist Taylor York, bassist Jeremy Davis and frontwoman Hayley Williams.

Originally, the remaining members released a statement regarding the split without input from the Farro brothers. Days later, the brothers shot back putting out a statement with a much darker and different side of the story. They cited that the band were more a part of, "Hayley's dream" than anything else. Ultimately, neither Josh or Zac felt comfortable anymore, which led them to calling it quits.

The news was so unexpected that it made waves in the mainstream media, too. Yahoo placed the story on their main page. Ultimately, the future of Paramore remains up in the air at this time as lineups are still to be determined. Be sure to check back here for the latest on the band.

Circa Survive - Band Of The Year 2010

Three days before the release of their third full-length album, Blue Sky Noise, Circa Survive was in Norwood, Massachusetts for a free acoustic performance in celebration of Record Store Day. The venue, a small independent record store, was decked out in Circa's signature artwork, done by artist Esao Andrews. The band seemed obliged to meet and talk with fans, snapping pictures and signing autographs before and after the short set.

This scene would play out countless numbers of times after that, the third weekend in April 2010. Circa spent a good deal of the next eight months on the road touring in support of Blue Sky Noise. From Boston to San Francisco, Canada to the United Kingdom, the Doylestown, Pennsylvania outfit was once again out doing what they do best.

But Circa had been virtually absent since their 2007 release, On Letting Go. After a few tours in support of that record, and a summer solo tour by lead singer Anthony Green, Circa found themselves at a crossroads. Their future was unsure. The writing process for a new record, one they felt they needed to make for themselves, was shaky.

The quintet found themselves living in separate places for the first time in years. Green checked himself into a psychiatric ward after his wife's miscarriage - an incident that happened twice, and eventually found its way onto Blue Sky Noise (Listen to "Spirit Of The Stairwell"). And, above all else, the band questioned whether or not they would continue making music.

But, amongst all the turmoil, Circa regrouped and put together one of the best and most complete records of 2010. Working with producer David Bottrill (Muse, Tool), the band achieved a sound that not only satisfied their thirst for progression, but didn't alienate their cult-like following of fans.

It's almost as if Blue Sky Noise was a rebirth for the band. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums. The 12-track record marked some of the band's most literal work to date, allowing listeners a real glance into the soul of the charismatic Green and his counterparts. It was quickly becoming clear, 2010 was the year of Circa Survive.

But, as if writing one record wasn't enough, the band opted to release a follow-up to Blue Sky Noise this year. The five-track EP, Appendage, was put out in late 2010, and featured a tracklisting worthy of being BSN b-sides. Circa's hungry fan base really couldn't ask for more this past year.

Given all this, the pressure to release the best album of their career-to-date, their constant fighting of personal demons and their inexplicable way to overcome the obstacles against them, we at Backstage Press would like to name Circa Survive as Band of the Year 2010.

They made a triumphant return to the scene, taking with them the uphill battles they fought since we last heard from them in '07. They released two albums in one year, toured constantly and reinvented themselves as innovators of the music industry. No other band even came close this year.

Congratulations, gentlemen. You've earned it.