We have finally made it to the end of 2013 and wow! What a year! We want to thank everyone who participated in our year-end poll. There were more voters who participated than last year, and also much more music coming out of Springfield. We have to say that pretty much all of the music that came out of Springfield this year is worth mentioning and all of you musicians and artists out there deserve a round of applause. We are going to start off by listing some of your favorite songs that came out of Springfield this year. Write-ups have been done by different people who have been active in various parts of the music scene this year. This was a close contest with ties for the number 2 and number 5 choices, and a couple of bands had multiple songs in the running.

5. Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts – When We Were Young

When you press play on any of Josh Catalano‘s work, you’ll immediately be glad you did. Light, inspirational guitar work and honest, beautiful vocals collide in the song “When we were young” for a truly pleasant experience. I’m honestly sad it took me this long to discover this gentleman’s work. Catalano comes together with his company in Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts to bring you a series of wonderful tracks, but “When we were young” jumps out as an instant hit. It starts with a nearly quiet acoustic guitar line into a beautiful vocal melody, eventually building via string section and well placed guitar work into a driving, meaningful experience altogether forcing you to replay over and over. Its short and sweet, and definitely one of my favorite pieces to ever come out of this local music scene. If you haven’t given this music a listen, I strongly suggest you do. “When we were young” will be on repeat for me, as a great listen, and an inspiration to me as a musician. -Clint Kesinger (Good Times, Battalion)

5. Soap Scum – Fiberglass/Compactor

If there was one definitive sound of 2013, it was Cory VanMeter’s opening bassline to Fiberglass, Soap Scum‘s epic ballad that tells the tale of Brian Galecki cleaning out Black Sheep’s fiberglass, resulting in one if the most memorable coughing fits in the history of Springfield’s music scene.

On the other hand, the phrase of 2013 was “Sweep the floor; Mop the ceiling,” from Soap Scum’s all star smash hit, “Compactor.” As my personal favorite Soap Scum song, it holds a special place in my heart, but not without subjecting my ears to minutes of reckless guitar from groovemaster Mario Cannamela, paired with some sick beatz from Papa Kevin. Two great tracks from some of the best hardcore I’ve ever seen come out of little old Springfield, IL. -Mitch Baker (Lovecow, Wir Können, Looming)

5. Big Storm – Wasting Away

2013 was a big year for emo, harsh noise, band reunions, and… power pop? Big Storm had a good year, particularly with the release of “Wasting Away”. When first listening to this song it seems like nothing to write home about, some dude just whining about being alone, like that’s never happened before. But Brandon Carnes and company aren’t like most guys, they have horn sections and big harmonies! I can’t wait to see what 2014 brings for this band and this guy hopes they “stay here forever” and keep bringing the feel good!       -Jeff Black (The Radon Lounge)

4. Battalion – Resilience

With earth shattering guitar tones, creative drumming, heavy grooves, killer two steps, gang vocals, and all ending with a fantastic melodic passage, it’s no wonder that Battalion’s song, “Resilience” made the cut for this list. Battalion has been around for quite sometime in the Springfield music scene and resilience completely solidifies what the band has grew into. As voted by the people, the results have obviously been well received! Fans of modern heavy music, you won’t be disappointed at all by this track. -Cameron Franklin (Table Drama, Skywalker)

2. Good Times – All My Friends Are Ghosts

Clint Kesinger’s project Good Times is a clear stylistic departure from Battalion, the band he’s fronted for quite some time now. The first track of his ‘Good Times’ EP (available for free download at goodtimesstl.bandcamp.com) is a 3 and a half minute sample of Clint’s softer, more easy-going side. ‘All My Friends Are Ghosts’ chronicles a night of waking a ghost, presumably with song, and inviting her to ‘kick back and chill’ with him. It’s an upbeat tune that’s easy to nod along to, and has hooks that are bound to keep you repeating the chorus, “we’ll all keep singing along, and i won’t tell anyone”. This jaunty tune is a great introduction to Good Times, a fantastic way to start off of the EP, and one can only imagine there’s plenty more ‘Good Times’ to be had! -Brandon Carnes (Looming, Big Storm, The Timmys)

2. Our Lady – Buque/Feeding Fields

Our Lady definitely brought their A game this year, and this song is certainly no exception. With Buque, the band showed a more intense side of themselves. With this song being the first revealed from Dawning, the band finished their transition and became dark as all heckie. Our Lady blew up bigger than they already previously were this year, and with this song, they only grew stronger. They are now a 12 foot, 2 ton beast waiting to take on every scene in the entire world. Watch out, everyone. -Austin Connelly(Wir Können, Montagh)

1. Looming – Definition of Home

Surely by now you have all heard Looming’s “Definition of Home” and probably know most of the lyrics. The song was the band’s very first and they debuted it well before their first show. That first day it hit the net, I listened to it at least 10 times. It is good. Really good.

Definition of Home is a well crafted song. The lyrics allow the listener to create their own meaning and ideas. I relate to the lyrics on a personal level. “I’m running home when everyone’s running away” can mean different things. To me, it is about accepting your surroundings and making the most of them.

I feel Springfield in my bones. I like my bones. Please celebrate your own definition of home. Your city, your music scene, your bones, and Looming’s 6 track EP. It’ll make Springfield a better place… and you a better person. -Robbie Kording (The Black Sheep Radio Show, The Timmys)

The end of 2013 is finally approaching and we have to say that it has been an outstanding year for local music in Springfield. Last year we had a lot of fun with our best of polls for Springfield music in 2012. You can check out the results for those polls here, here, and here. We want to hear what your highlights were for this year! We have a poll going for favorite local shows, albums, and songs from the year 2013. Keep in mind that this is not just a poll for Black Sheep- we are interested in votes for all different types of local Springfield bands as well as shows that happened at other venues! We want you to pick five songs, albums, and shows that may have stuck out to you in the year 2013. You can find the link to the poll below. Polls will be open from now up until Sunday, December 22nd. Then we will post the results before the end of the year!

VOTE HERE

This has been an amazing year in our music scene. Bands have been climbing out of the sewers, emerging from the clouds and doing everything in between. So, of course we’re going to make a compilation list of all of the releases of 2013 and eventually start our year-end poll! You can check out the list we started below. We are sure that we are forgetting a number of Springfield releases from this year! We need your help in listing all of them. If you can think of any Springfield releases or play in a band that we missed, comment below or email us at blacksheepspringfield.com. Our year end polls will start very soon. In the meantime you can check out your voted best Springfield albums, shows, and songs of 2012 right here, here, and here.

Aporia – Brusque Changes
Battalion – Resilience
Borealis – Borealis
Caterpillar Club – Path On The Sea
Dog Of Panic – Tip Of The Tongue
Epsom – Epsom 7″
Gazeebo – Forever
Go!Tsunami – The Tsultri Tsounds of Go!Tsunami
Good Times – Good Times EP
IAMIAM – Welcome
Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts – Give Away The Night
Like… With Jetpacks – Melt Faces Melt Hearts
Looming – Looming EP
Lovecow – Lovecow
Lovecow – More Afraid Of You Than You Are Of Us
The Luzhin Defense – The Luzhin Defense
Montagh/Worms – Split
Montagh/Unraveler – Split
Naughtalus – Copyright Infringement EP
Nephrons – Black Bedroom
Obi-Wan Kanblo Mi – Episode VI: Return Of The Red Eyes
Our Lady – Dawning
Our Lady – Dawning (II)
Our Lady – Vessels 7″
Runic – Turning Tides
The Seething Coast – Olympia
The Seething Coast – We Would Have Saved You If We Could
Skywalker – Mind of a Martytr
Soap Scum – Demo
Scott Blacula – Jobbers
Table Drama – Heel EP
War Magic – Cyclomancy
Wir Können – Glow/Man Pedi
Witchweed – The Temple Of Doom
Worms – Dirt Pile EP

First of all, THANK YOU to everyone who voted in this category. We had about 100 people vote which is AWESOME! Our number one album this year won in a landslide, but the runners up were all neck-in-neck. We actually had a three way tie for fifth! So here it is, your top five (or seven) choices for Springfield album/release of 2012!

5. Our Lady – 2012 Demos

2012 has been a productive year for Our Lady! Following their 2011 release ‘Scales’, they have put out several short but sweet demos. With each effort they seem to peel back another layer, explore new sounds, and catapult themselves forward. These once-folk-punks have snowballed into a force to be reckoned with, blending driving and eventful songs with angsty yet articulate lyrics, and – you can’t miss it – a cello! Our Lady will spend the latter half of January 2013 touring, playing tunes from their 2012 releases and a handful of new tunes.
– Brandon Carnes

5. Brandon Carnes – De Rerum Natura

Next time you’re in the mood for a secular serenade, check out Brandon Carnes’s folksy americana tunes. He’s one of the most thoughtful and catchy songwriters Springfield has, and is in more local bands than you’ve probably ever heard of. He’s selling this new 4-song EP at shows, and you can find free downloads at brandoncarnes.bandcamp.com. His full band, Big Storm, is playing BxS New Year’s day, and he’s playing a solo set on the 11th, so come on out and support one of the people who help shape the identity of BxS!
– Mitch Baker

5. Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts – EP

website
Josh Catalano has been rock-pounding Springfield’s anus for years now.. and he is getting better at it all the time. With his most recent project, Josh Catalano and the Dirty Thoughts, Josh has added the reach-around to his musical arsenal. His band consists of some of the most rugged deviates ever to grace the Springfield stage. Sexy scumbags, if you ask me. My favorite JC&DT song is their most softiest-rockest tune entitled “When We Were Young”. Be sure to listen to this song in private, as it is sure to make you cry and jizz at the same time. After cleaning yourself off, go check out Josh Catalano and his Dirty Thoughts at Donnie’s Homespun on March 2nd along with Nephrons, Witch Feet, and The Sun & The Sea.
– Robbie Kording

4. Tiger Tank – EP

iTunes

Tiger Tank, for fans of Park. Duh! If your hopes were already high, do not worry. Their self titled EP does not disappoint. Veteran Springfield emo-rockers Ladd Mitchell and Miles Parkhill have returned with their new outfit, Tiger Tank! Joined by Brandon Carnes, they released their debut 5 track, self titled EP this year. The songs are reminiscent of Park’s trademark sound, featuring intertwined overdriven leads, precise drumming, and lyrical depth. The Tiger Tank EP is dynamic and driven, and a good listen for long-time Park fans and newcomers alike.
– Jessica Knight

3. Big Storm/Brother George – Split

Upon listening, the Big Storm/Brother George split has many different aspects the listener may pick up on. Starting off the split with a fresh new pop sound singer/ songwriter, Brandon Carnes, sets the tone for a hopeful future while reminding us not to dwell on the past. As the songs go on you fall in love with the raw emotion put into every song without knowing the full story. Aside from the lyrical content there is much to be said for the musicianship. From twinkly bells to ear shattering guitar swells, Big Storm brings a wide variety of music into one memorable sound that will keep your head bobbing.
– Jordan Fein

2. Patchwork 2012 (Springfield Music Compilation)

I was excited about the release of “Patchwork 2012”, it is a tremendous statement that this kind quality is amongst the Springfield music scene. Many of the bands on this comp I’ve seen morph over the years into their current incarnations. The songs are all genuinely good, as well as being a good representation of where we stand as a music town. It’s good to know we hold our own and that the best is yet to come. I’ve been excited about this crop of locals as well as the class of this year. Mucho thanks to Robbie and crew for putting this out!
– Kevin Bradford

1. The Timmys – Sangamon County Minefield

Ever since I got my first taste of punk rock music in the late 90s – back when people shared tapes and burned cds before the internet made it easy, I have always been on a quest for that elusive, refreshing sound and energy. Around 12 years ago now I remember seeing The Timmy’s for the first time and thinking – THIS – this is punk rock!

Over the years life happened I experienced a lot of music and got more into punk rock as I watched it mutate so many ways. Sadly, a lot of that raw and rude yet intelligent punk rock faded into the background.

Fast forward to last year when The Timmy’s released an EP called “that’ll do” and started playing more shows – I thought, “YES, they are still releasing that good stuff!’. It was a nice hold me over for the regional punk pulse in central IL – but when I got a copy of Sangamon
County Minefield it blew me away and didn’t leave my car stereo for weeks.

I procrastinated with writing this review because I wanted to say the right things.  So here goes my attempt at giving the record the props it deserves.

Sangamon County Minefield harnesses all the ingredients and spares no excess for what I would have wanted to hear when I was 15, and all the things I’ve come to appreciate as I have reached my late twenties, making it the a very enjoyable record.

The Timmys have done it right with a truly intelligent and cohesive release.  It can be listened to all the way through, and every time through it still evokes a fire inside of me.  The music itself is full of drunken debauchery, youthful disregard, tongue in cheek laughs, and even a few cheeky metal riffs that come outta left field.

It is loud, fast, and rude just the way the Descendants would have wanted it when they started.   At the same time,  the music is balanced with great playing, great song structure, and hooks and catch that you won’t find on most peoples’ playlists.   It is enjoyable to hear great bass hooks and leads with hooks.  The rhythm section is tight and it is nice to be able to follow the lyrics and smirk throughout all the stories that are told.

Sangamon County Minefield is tied together with themes such as cancerous emo bands ripping off kids, dramatic suicide attempts, getting wasted before the party begins, shady drug dealers, and all things related to crazy situational stories you may find yourself in if you were a valiant rock and roll monster.  The Timmys do a great job of telling stories that keep you just as entertained as the music. That is absolutely refreshing in comparison to most contemporary acts one would compare them to.

It is also notable that The Timmys self produced and recorded the record themselves – and the quality is great.  Not so polished that it sounds fake but not so lo fi it is unpalletable.  It is nice to hear the music with clarity and then go to a show and get what you heard or more.  That is something I respect with any band. The Timmys pull this off well and that puts them a cut above a lot of bands, even nationally.

Perhaps The most enjoyable part of the record is Their self-admission in ‘nutshell’ that they “aren’t hereos, but part time musicians and career alcoholics” yet the record happens to be one of the tightest and refreshing records I’ve heard in years.  Contrary to what would be expected by such an admission, The record is nothing but full on integrity that could only be created by friends who have been playing together for years.  All twelve songs are both refined and explosive. I find that musically enjoyable, and a notch above most of
what I’ve heard nationally this last year.

It has the snap and appeal of everything I love about punk rock music and its coming out of a great DIY hotbed we are lucky to have in Springfield, without any of the trite and trendy bullshit that’s floated downstream in the last decade.

Sangamon County Minefield is my favorite local record of 2012, and quite honestly one of the best records that came out this year in general.

I pity anyone who hasn’t picked up a copy or had the chance to hear about it, or anyone who is too stuck up or high strung to cut loose and lose their minds to this record.

Long Live

– Benny Dewitt

We want to thank everyone who went the extra step and filled out the blank spots in our poll for best Springfield songs of 2012. We had some truly great songs come from great bands in our town this year. And here are your top five choices for the best Springfield songs of the year! Check back tomorrow for the winners of the best albums and releases.

5. Big Storm – Hands Upon

If you see bands in Springfield, you know who Brandon Carnes is. You also know that Brandon can write one hell of a song; from the swoopy hair pop hits to the classic folk jams. But 2012 brought us something very special in the World of Brandon: “Hands Upon.” This cut shows his true musicianship and song writing prowess. Brandon has strong melodic parts with alternative instrumentation matched with driving, genuine power pop hooks to make one powerhouse of a tune. You will be hard pressed to find a much better song in Springfield.
– Cory VanMeter

4. Hospital Job – City Water Light & Power

This was my favorite song on the Patchwork 2012 compilation and is also one of the best songs about Springfield ever. Hospital Job is this town’s best kept secret and are a band that way more people around here should get into. Do yourself a favor and pick up the vinyl for their full-length album Downer Downer Downer at their next show (I think they have a one coming up at Black Sheep January 9^th). You will NOT be disappointed.
– Brian Galecki

3. The Transatlantic – Small Towns

When I first heard The Transatlantic’s “Small Towns” it blew me away. It’s a really well written, well executed, and well recorded song. Guitar and vocal duo Kirk and Dustin form a hit making rock machine that is primed and oiled by Lucifer himself. “Small Towns” is a midwest rock classic that features lyrics that are easy to relate with. You can see the “Small Towns” official music video on the band’s website: http://thetransatlanticmusic.com. Be sure to keep an eye on The Transatlantic’s schedule, as they are likely coming to your small town in the near future!
– Robbie Kording

2. Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts – When We Were Young

You know those times when you hear a song and you know right away that the artist has struck gold? That was exactly my first thought when I first heard Josh Catalano and the Dirty Thoughts’ “When We Were Young.” Springfield’s rich music culture has produced another amazing pop hit. Josh has successfully written a true radio hit without losing any independent rock vibes. This track has taken the standard of Springfield to the next notch.
– Cory VanMeter

1. The Timmys – Premature Intoxication

First off, let me just say that the Timmys’ newest record, “Sangamon County Minefield” is an extremely solid release!! One tune from it that I can’t seem to get out of my head recently is “Premature Intoxication”. This song is extremely well written. One thing I’ve always admired about Robbie’s lyrics is how straight-forward and blunt they are. Certainly no exception here! The arrangement is just as genius. Starts off strong with a short lead in from Wes on the drums followed by a full on attack that only Ian, Tyler and Brandon can deliver. Once the vocals start, the tempo shifts to let Robbie’s vocals shine. Then…before you know it, BAM!! The tune kicks into high gear and slides into a chorus that can only be described as an instant Timmys classic:

Now, everyone’s sober but me
And I’m so sorry
There’s no alcohol
Because I drank it all

Words don’t really do this song justice. I certainly recommend catching the fellas performing it live to get the full experience. …and do your ears a favor and pick up a copy of the new record, “Sangamon County Minefield” NOW!! Easily one of the strongest local releases of 2012!! A fine display of a well-oiled songwriting machine that is Springfield’s second longest-running punk band!! Well done, gentlemen, well done!!
-Anthony Bollero

Just a reminder for you all that we are keeping our poll for best Springfield albums, songs, and shows of 2012 open for one more day as we will be posting the final results for the three categories starting tomorrow. To vote head over HERE to our poll. (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XX8W532). From there you can click on your favorite Springfield albums, but you will have to fill out your choices for best songs and shows. We will be posting the top five for each category starting tomorrow.

Here is a quick little update on how our best of Springfield 2012 poll is going!

The results are looking close! We have updated a poll to make it a little easier for you all to vote. If you head over HERE (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XX8W532) we have a nice poll set up where all you have to do is click on your favorite albums and then write in your favorite Springfield songs and shows for the year.

If you have already voted though commenting on our earlier post or emailing us then don’t worry! We will still count your votes.

We have also extended the voting deadline for another week, the last day to vote being Christmas.

It is time to vote for your favorite songs, albums, and shows that came out of Springfield in 2012! First let’s take a look at the long list of albums we compiled.

Big Storm/Brother George Split
boon – boon
Brandon Carnes – De Rerum Natura
Emperor Norton – 2012 Demo
Foxtail – 4 Song Demo
Hospital Job – Downer Downer Downer
Intricate Collapse – The Seraph’s Trance
Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts – Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts EP
Nephrons – Strange Weather/Heartbreaker
Our Lady – Demo 2012
Our Lady/False Light Split
Patchwork 2012 (Compilation)
Scott Blacula – Jobbers Demo
Tiger Tank – Tiger Tank EP
The Timmys – Sangamon County Minefield
The Transatlantic – Small Towns EP
Up In Arms – Glory Days EP

If you are in a band that released music in 2012 and do not see it listed, then let us know! We will update the post as soon as we can.

TO VOTE: Voting is divided into three categories. You can choose to participate in some or all of these.

Albums: What are your favorite albums released by Springfield bands in 2012? These include demos, EPs, etc. The list we put together of Springfield releases in 2012 is towards the top of the post. In your vote you can include up to five albums. You can also rank them in order you would like, and we will add up the votes accordingly with more weight on the higher ranked albums.

Songs: Let us know what your favorite five songs were from any Springfield band in 2012. The songs have to be released this year. You can include multiple songs from the same band! If you can’t think of five songs you can also vote for less!

Shows: We want to hear your top five (or less) shows in Springfield for 2012! These do not have to include shows just at Black Sheep! This is a poll for all of Springfield music.

When you are done compiling your votes, either comment below and we will make sure to add up the votes or email blacksheepspringfield@gmail.com. If you would like you can include comments or short reviews in your votes and we will include some of them in our final results!

Voting will go until December 19th. The results will be announced shortly after around Christmas.

Here at blacksheepspringfield.com we are all about trying new things. That is why right now we want to try to put together a year-end poll of all of your favorite local Springfield shows, albums, and songs of the year. Before we can begin the poll, we need your help in compiling a list of what bands released music this year. Here is the list we have so far:

Big Storm/Brother George Split
boon – boon
Brandon Carnes – De Rerum Natura
Emperor Norton – 2012 Demo
Foxtail – 4 Song Demo
Hospital Job – Downer Downer Downer
Intricate Collapse – The Seraph’s Trance
Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts – Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts EP
Nephrons – Strange Weather/Heartbreaker
Our Lady – Demo 2012
Our Lady/False Light Split
Patchwork 2012 (Compilation)
Scott Blacula – Jobbers Demo
Tiger Tank – Tiger Tank EP
The Timmys – Sangamon County Minefield
The Transatlantic – Small Towns EP
Up In Arms – Glory Days EP

If you can think of anything that needs to be changed added to this list of releases, comment below or email us at blacksheepspringfield@gmail.com. Voting will begin sometime later next week, so be thinking of some of your favorite songs and releases from local bands in the past year, and also of your favorite shows in Springfield for 2012!