#53: Catch 22

Here's to you, to me, to us

You hate me so much then stop singing my songs -Streetlight Manifesto

Next up are New Jersey's own Summer of Ska sensation, Catch 22. I lied, they have three original members, but have gone through several different lead singers.

Wiki Says: Catch 22 is an American ska punk[1] band from East Brunswick, New Jersey. The band was formed by guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Tomas Kalnoky and drummer Chris Greer who recruited trumpeter Kevin Gunther, who was working in a local record store. Bassist Josh Ansley, saxophonist Ryan Eldred, and trombonist Jamie Egan, who was also Kevin Gunther's first music teacher, rounded out the original lineup.

Discovery: Keasbey Nights (1998)

Alone In a Crowd (2000)

Washed Up and Through the Ringer! (2001)

Dinosaur Sounds (2003)

Permanent Revolution (2006)

Notable other contributions: Rules of the Game (1996)

Catch 22 Live (2006)

Ska Is Dead compilation (2007)

Favorite Songs: 10. Leaving

9. Alone In a Crowd

8. It Takes Some Time

7. Hard to Impress

6. Guilty Pleasures

5. Bloomfield Ave. (Which runs through my home town!)

4. Point the Blame

3. What Goes Around Comes Around

2. Arm to Arm

1. Walking Away (Favorite song #85)

Years Active: 1996-Present

Seen live: 2 times (Asbury Park, NJ 2006, 2009. Possibly in Baltimore in August)

Catch 22 is a band that has gone through some major changes of the years. The band that recorded "Keasbey Nights" in 1998 is basically now known as Streetlight Manifesto, who re-recorded it in 2006 and it is much better. "Walking Away" is the only one where I like the Catch 22 version better, although I'm sure there are 9 songs off Catch's Keasbey that I like more than the other songs listed. Pretty much, that is the only song I really recognize as still by Catch 22. Four former members have been in Streetlight, including original singer/guitar player/God Tomas Kalnoky. I have a feeling they'll show up on this list at some time. Current Catch 22 isn't very good in my mind. I liked them the last time I saw them live as they played nothing off of "Keasbey Nights". Really, every album has been no where as good as the previous. It's really sad as "Keasbey Nights" (prior to Streetlights) was considered one of the best ska albums of all time. Oh well, it happens.

#54: The Lawrence Arms

Well I got my bottled water and my nachos, they came in at under 20 bucks

Next up are the Lawrence Arms, who are one of the few bands to ever be banned from the Warped Tour

Wiki Says:
The Lawrence Arms are an American punk rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999 and currently recording for Fat Wreck Chords. They have released five full-length albums and toured extensively. Their music and lyrics juxtapose references from history and literature with American pop culture.

Discovery: A Guided Tour of Chicago (1999)

Ghost Stories (2000)

Apathy and Exhaustion (2002)

The Greatest Story Ever Told (2003)

Oh! Calcutta! (2006)

Notable other contributions: Rock Against Bush Vol. 2 (2004)

Favorite Songs: 10. Necrotism: Decanting the Insalubrious (Cyborg Midnight) Part 7

9. Alert the Audience

8. Like A Record Player

7. Navigating the Winward Passage

6. Cut It Up

5. Warped Summer Extravaganza (Major Excellent)

4. The Devil's Taking Names

3. On With the Show

2. Are You There Margaret? It's Me, God

1. Great Lakes/ Great Escapes

Years Active: 1999-Present

Never seen live

The Lawrence Arms are a band who when I see someone likes they, I have complete respect for their taste in music. They're not the most known band out there, but they're certainly one of the better ones. They were kicked off the Warped Tour of saying on stage how much it sucks.

Up Next: A band who has gone through a lot of turn over to the point that it has no original members.

#55: A Billion Ernies

Please do not reveal the ending

Number 55 are A Billion Ernies, who you can download for free a lot of there music here.

Wiki Says: nothing as they do not have an entry. However...

Myspace says: Guten Tag! We are A Billion Ernies, a hardcore/ska (lolwut?) band from Germany. We enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, apple pie, baseball, and everything else that is stereotypically American. We are 6 broke foos on a mission: to see how long we can live off of the kindness of strangers and make music that we love. We are owned by the US Government and therefore technically owned by the US citizens, so if you have any issues with the musical direction of the band, please email them to abillionernies@gmail.com. We will promptly tell you that we will do something about it, but will ultimately ignore it like most Government agencies

We love God. We love music. We love it when people love each other. We love it when people that love each other love our music and come to our shows to show us love. If you are one of the tens of people that have done this over the past 26 or so years, we thank you and would ask that you do it again next time.

We are on tour for life, and if you feel like helping us out in any way with anything, we would appreciate it. So if you want to make us food, let us crash on your floor, or even book us a show in your living room, that would rule.

Peace, Love, World of Warcraft.

ABE

Discovery: 5 Songs From A Billion Ernies

Please Do Not Reveal the Ending

Dumpster Generation

Favorite Songs: 10. The Lime Tree

9. Point-Click

8. Used Up

7. Revolution Song

6. Stop Calling Us Ska

5. Doomsday (Robot Army)

4. All For the Money

3. Reach for the Skies

2. The Atheist

1. Please Do Not Reveal the Ending

Seen Live: Once: July 2009-West Long Branch, NJ

I'm fairly certain that A Billion Ernies are the only "Christian" band on this list. I really don't care, they're not obnoxious like Underoath. They also don't suck like Underoath. Religion aside, they're really good in a style that is hard to be good at.

Next up: Another non-ska band who formed from the break up of that ska band that broke up and would go on to make Alkaline Trio

#56: Alkaline Trio

So what do you say, your coffin? Or mine?

At number 56 are Chicago's Alkaline Trio, one of many other bands on this list I first heard in 2004 on one of the Rock Against Bush compilations.

Wiki Says: Alkaline Trio is an American punk rock band that formed in McHenry, Illinois, in 1996. The band's line-up consists of Matt Skiba (vocals, guitar), Dan Andriano (vocals, bass), and Derek Grant (drums). To date, the band has released seven studio albums, including their newest, This Addiction, released on February 23, 2010.

Discovery: Goddamnit (1998)

Maybe I'll Catch Fire (2000)

From Here to Infirmary (2001)

Good Mourning (2003)

Crimson (2005)

Agony and Irony (2008)

This Addiction (2010)

Notable other contributions: Rock Against Bush Volume 1 (2004

Favorite Songs: 10. Calling All Skeletons

9. I'm Dying Tomorrow

8. This Could Be Love

7. Continental

6. Fatally Yours

5. Blue In the Face

4. Private Eye

3. We've Had Enough

2. Armageddon

1. Warbrain

Years Active: 1996-present

Seen Live: Twice (Warped Tour 2007 in Jersey, 2008 in Baltimore)

I have a weird perception of Alkaline Trio. I really want to love them, but for some reason I can't quite get that into them. I bought "From Here to Infirmary" and was very disappointed. Some time later I bought "Good Mourning", and was once again very disappointed. The songs I like by them I like a lot, but the others I don't care for too much. It's pretty much hit or miss. That being said, they are very good, and highly recommended.

Up Next: A band who loves Jesus a lot

#57: Voodoo Glow Skulls

Who do voodoo? We do, fuck you!

Next up at 57 are the Voodoo Glow Skulls, who i believe are the last band on this list who I do not own a full length album of theirs

Wiki Says: Voodoo Glow Skulls are an American ska punk band formed in 1988 in Riverside, California by brothers Frank, Eddie and Jorge Casillas and their longtime friend Jerry O'Neill. Voodoo Glow Skulls first played out at backyard parties and later at Spanky's Café, where they played shows with the Angry Samoans, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Firehose, Murphy's Law and The Dickies.

In 1990 Voodoo Glow Skulls put out their first EP with the help of local band Public Humiliation and also booked their own DIY US tour.

In 1991, the band added a horn section, consisting of Joey Hernandez on saxophone, Joe McNally on trumpet and Osh on trombone (who was replaced later by Brodie Johnson). The band's first independent release came out in 1992 with the "Rasta Mis Huevos" 7" EP for Signal Sound Systems Records, and performed as headliners and support act for The Offspring, No Doubt, Reverend Horton Heat, and 311. The very first trumpet player was a kat named Benji and the first trombone player was Osh. both of which are now tattooers.

Voodoo Glow Skulls recorded their debut album Who Is, This Is? for Dr. Strange Records in 1993, selling 200,000 copies worldwide. The band then signed to Epitaph Records and released four albums that collectively sold over 750,000 copies worldwide. Voodoo Glow Skulls soon began receiving positive reviews and the mainstream support of commercial radio and MTV. Eventually they had main stage spot on the 1998 Warped Tour.

The band has been featured on several of Epitaph's "Punk-O-Rama" releases.

In 2001 Voodoo Glow Skulls left Epitaph Records and signed to Victory records. The band has released three albums on the Victory label and continue to tour.

In 2008, Voodoo Glow Skulls were featured as the headlining band for the "Ska Is Dead" tour.

July 2009, Voodoo Glow Skulls played the 10th Annual Victoria Ska Fest with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and The Slackers.

August 2009, Voodoo Glow Skulls played the legendary "Nags Head" in High Wycombe (England), along with local ska-core legends "Beat The Red Light", and "Random Hand"

Discovery: We're Coloring Fun (1992)

The Potty Training Years (1993)

Who Is, This Is? (1993)

Firme (1995)

Baile De Los Locos (1997)

The Band Geek Mafie (1998)

Symbolic (2000)

Steady as She Goes (2002)

Adiccion, Tradicion, Revolucion (2004)

Southern California Street Music (2007)

Notable Other Contributions: Dive Into Disney (2002)

Forever Free: A Tribute to Sublime (2006)

Ska is Dead (2007)

Punk-O-Rama 2-6

Favorite Songs: 5. Voodoo Anthem

4. DD Don't Like Ska

3. El Coo Cooi

2. Caress Me Down (Sublime Cover)

1. Charlie Brown

Years Active: 1988-Present

Seen Live: 4 times (Asbury Park, NJ; Westfield, NJ; Baltimore , MD (x2)

I wish I had more to say about VGS. I really like them, but never could quite get fully into them. I very much enjoy seeing them live, and that's probably how I'll keep my devotion to them.

Up Next: A band that formed from a broken up ska band and would go on to be really successful in the emo-punk scene

#58: The Specials

I won't dance in a club like this. All the girls are sluts and the beer tastes just like piss

Next up are probably the most influential ska band of all time, The Specials. They were the founders of the 2-tone movement combining both punk and ska, and also having black and white members during sensitive times in England

Wiki Says: The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combined a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The group was formed by songwriter/keyboardist Jerry Dammers, with Terry Hall (vocals), Lynval Golding (guitar, vocals) and a rhythm section. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1979, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Live! EP, reached number one in the UK. In 1981, the unemployment-themed single "Ghost Town" single also hit number one in the UK Singles Chart. Their music is featured in film and television soundtracks. After seven consecutive UK Top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, the band broke up. In 2008, it was announced that the band would reform and embark on a 30th anniversary tour in 2009. As of 2010, they are touring America and Europe.

Discovery: The Specials (1979)

More Specials (1980)

In the Studio (1984)

Today's Specials (1986)

Guilty Until Prove Innocent (1998)

Skinhead Girl (2000)

Conquering Ruler (2001)

Notable Other Contributions: "Explosive" by The Planet Smashers

"Life Won't Wait" and "Hooligans" by Rancid

Favorite Songs: 10. Too Much Too Young

9. Concrete Jungle

8. Stupid Marriage

7. You're Wondering Now

6. (Dawning of A) New Era

5. Monkey Man (Toots & the Maytals cover)

4. Enjoy Yourself

3. Little Bitch

2. Nike Klub (Reminds me of Reefers, check quote above)

1. A Message to You, Rudy (David Livingstone cover)

Years Active: 1977-84, 1996-2001, 2008-Present

Never seen them live

The Specials are almost always cited as an influence by ska bands. They got the movement in England started in the 70's that would make Madness, The [English] Beat, Bad Manners, and even The Clash who they were. They had no problem addressing the issue of race in England and encouraged all people to enjoy their music.

Up Next: A band that has Mexicans!

#59: Time Again

I'm a punk rocker til' the day I die

Number 59 are Time Again, and even though their guest singer sings the lyric above, I like it a lot so deal with it.

Wiki Says: Time Again is a street punk band from st. petersburg florida. The band was formed in the summer of 2004 by Daniel Dart and Elijah Reyes. Before they even had a full band or a single song written, they began printing stickers and flyers for Time Again to heavily promote their band, resulting in numerous shows being booked. Time Again only came together as a full band a few days before their first show. The band says all their musical influences are Rancid, The Clash, and Op Ivy. In June 2005, Time Again released a self-titled EP on Rancid Records. This EP would result in heavy radio play on several Los Angeles radio stations, including Fungus 53 XM, which would name the EP as one of the top 25 albums of 2005, and the song "I Go Back" as one of the top 10 songs of 2005. It included a cover of Rancid's song "Tattoo". The band released their debut full-length, The Stories are True, on April 25, 2006, on Hellcat Records.

in june 2005 Wyly Weeks was ask to leave the band because of drinking problems

In August 2006 Brian Burnham left the band (He Is Currently In Mad Marge and the Stonecutters) and was replaced with Oren Soffer .

Tim Armstrong appeared on the band single "Stories Are True" on their first full length album Stories Are True.

The band released their new album Darker Days in early 2008.

Before their 2008 fall tour, Ryan Purucker left the band to return to his home state of Alaska, and was replaced with Jake Belush. In 2009 guitarist Elijah Reyes left the band for a two year long Mormon trip. It is unknown if Elijah will return to the band in 2011.The band originally considered taking two years off to wait for him but ultimately decided to replace him with a long time friend guitarist Kris Idol.

• I think this entry is better with all those grammar mistakes.

Discovery: Time Again EP (2005)
The Stories Are True (2006)
Darker Days (2008)
(naked) (2009)

Favorite Songs: 10. Day Like This
9. Life On the Run
8. Soon It Will Be
7. Lost In Hollywood
6. Broken Bodies
5. Kenny
4. Junkies
3. Streetwalker
2. Cold Concrete
1. The Stories Are True (Featuring Tim Armstrong)

Years Active: 2004-Present

Seen Live: Twice (2006-Montclair, NJ & 2008-Baltimore, MD)

Time Again I saw live as an opening act for Against All Authority in 2006 and I was so impressed by them I bought their album. I was pretty disappointed by "Darker Days" and have more or less given up on them but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy what I already have. If not for Left Alone, they'd be the next coming of Rancid...probably why Tim Armstrong sings with both bands at times.

#60: Bad Manners

Give me more, all I want is a barrel of you, my special brew

Number 60 are Bad Manners, who if you've seen "Office Space" play the song "Ska Mambo #8" during the opening traffic jam scene.

Wiki Says: Bad Manners are an English 2 Tone ska band. They quickly became the novelty favourites of the UK pop scene through their bald outsized frontman's on-stage antics, earning early exposure through their Top of The Pops exploits and an appearance in the live film documentary, Dance Craze.

Discovery: Ska 'n' B (1980)

Loonee Tunes (1980)

Gosh It's....Bad Manners (1981)

Forging Ahead (1982)

Mental Notes (1985)

Return of the Ugly (1989)

Fat Sound (1992)

Heavy Petting (1997)

Stupidity (2003)

Favorite Songs: Bang the Drum Al Day

Buffalo Ska

This Is Ska

Blue Summer

Lip Up Fatty

My Girl Lollipop

Can Can

Woolly Bully

Skinhead Girl

Years Active: 1976-Present

Seen Live: Once (January 09 in Baltimore)

Bad Manners are the forgotten 2-tone ska band of the late 70's/early 80's from England. They're behind The Specials, Madness, The (English) Beat, and The Selector in terms of ability and popularity in my mind. That being said, they are one of the most fun bands I've seen live. Buster Bloodvessle, their very fat lead singer, is great on stage, and 40 years after their formation they were still great live.

Up Next: A punk band that sounds like TIM [Armstrong] AGAIN

#61: SGR

But I gotta get my ass out of this lame town

Number 61 is SGR, who I saw live twice but were so good that they come in this high on the countdown.

Wiki says: SGR was a ska band from Voorhees, New Jersey that formed as a five piece act in 1996, during the United States third wave ska boom. The band's catalog spans four albums (one released on cassette, three others on compact disc), a live recording, and a handful of compilation appearances. The band's last live show took place in June 2007.

Discovery: For the Crazy Indian (1997)

Livin' The Good Life (1999)

The Tenby Chase (2002)

Atomic Pony (2005)

Favorite Songs: V-Town

Constellation

Metuchen

Somethings Never Change

Looking Down

Years Active: 1996-2005, 2007

Seen Live: 2 times (2005 Montclair, NJ. 2005 Asbury Park, NJ)

SGR I saw live at one of my first shows in May of 05, and promptly bought one of their albums, "Atomic Pony". They were already excellent live, and on CD they were even better. Later that fall I saw them in Asbury Park with the Ska is Dead tour, and they were even better. Unfortunately, that was the end of them. They stopped touring following Ska is Dead, and were essentially never heard from again until their reunion in 2007. Their website is no more, and as you will see, Youtube doesn't keep their legacy alive. I have a recording session with Matt doing the vocals on "Potter's Field" and then a cover of one of their songs, as performed by the Distorted Penguins

Up Next: A British band who has music in the movie "Office Space"

#62: Suburban Legends

Sun is shining bright outside, think I'll go for a ride. I plan not to ever return

Number 62 are Suburban Legends, who had two of its original members go on to form what is now Avenge Sevenfold. They, however, are a disco, funk, ska band.

Wiki Says: Suburban Legends is a six-piece pop/rock/third wave ska band that formed in Huntington Beach, California, in 1998, and are currently based out of Santa Ana, California.

Discovery: Original Edition (1999)

Suburban Legends EP (2001, 2002 with new singer)

Rump Shaker (2003)

Dance Like Nobody's Watching (2006)

Infectious (2007)

Let's Be Friends...and slay the Dragon Together (2008)

"Untitled Ska Album" (2010)

Notable Other Contributions: Dead Band's Party: A Tribute to Oingo Boingo (2005)

Favorite Songs: 10. Mean Girl

9. Golden Touch

8. Do It for the Kids

7. Bright Spring Morning ("Dance Like..." version)

6. Come Back Home

5. I Want More

4. Hey DJ

3. Last Dance

2. High Fives!

1. Bright Spring Morning (Rump Shaker version)

Years Active: 1998-Present (more or less present at least)

Seen Live: 6 times -Asbury Park, NJ 2006

Bound Brook, NJ 2007

East Hackensack, NJ 2007

Sayerville, NJ 2007 x2

Towson, MD 2008

As shown by my seen live, had this been 3 years ago Suburban Legends would be without question in my top 25. Back then, I love seeing them. They had choreographed dance moves with every song. How many other bands were doing that? That was until they released "Infectious" in 2007. That album was NOT good. I lost a lot of interest in them after that. The band has a lot of turn over since they've been around, including 4 different singers. They claim that they'll be releasing a true ska album this year, but I have my doubts since 2 of their members have been touring with Big D & the Kids Table for a while now.

It should be noted that SL used to play multiple times a day in Disney Land, which is why I have chosen one of the videos that I did. They also cover "Under the Sea" a lot of times live. The first video is very old in their history, coming from their 2001 EP, two singers ago. I hope they rebound and play closer to their stuff pre-"Infectious".

As you may have noticed, there is a new blog layout. This is because the old one couldn't fit the entire pictures or music videos.

Up Next: A Band who will be pretty hard for me to research online as they were very much only on the local scale.

#63: Passafire

Or you can work for yourself, earn a little wealth and find some time to be happy

Up next is Passafire, who are the first band on this list without a wikipedia page.

They are a reggae band from Georgia, who I think are going to get a lot bigger quickly. They are on Pepper's record label, so they are getting a lot of exposure from touring.

Discovery: Passafire (2006)

Submersible (2007)

Everyone on Everynight (2009)

Favorite Songs: Submersible

Who You Know

Divide

Bell Jar

Asteroid

Seen live: 3 times-Baltimore with The Wailers and Trevor hall,

Towson with Pepper and The Supervillians

Baltimore as headliners

Up next: A band whose original members would go on to become Avenge Sevenfold, but couldn't sound any less like them

#64: Toots and the Maytals

So I was innocent of what they done to me, they was wrong

After one day off of this the countdown comes back with number 64, reggae legends Toots and the Maytals

Wiki Says: Toots and the Maytals, originally called simply The Maytals, are a Jamaican musical group and one of the best known ska and reggae vocal groups. According to Sandra Brennan at Allmusic, "The Maytals were key figures in reggae music. Formed in the early 1960s when ska was hot, the Maytals had a reputation for having strong, well-blended voices and a seldom-rivaled passion for their music. Hibbert's soulful style led him to be compared to Otis Redding".

Discovery: Well, Wikipedia list 19 studio albums, and I don't want to list them all.

Favorite songs: Pressure Drop

Monkey Man

Take Me Home, Country Road

54-46 Was My Number

Years Active: 1963-1982, 1992-present

Never seen them live

Toots and the Maytals are unfortunately in Bob Marley's shadow. They have been notably covered by The Clash, The Specials, Reel Big Fish, Sublime, and 311. Also Amy Winehouse, but that is a lot less flattering. They are the "newest" addition to this list, as I only recently added songs of theirs to my iTunes.

Up Next: We're about to get into the bands I'm much bigger fans of. I originally wanted to do 65 as the past ones I'm not too too familiar with, but 65 is a weird number to use. So next, a reggae band from Georgia you've never heard of

#65: Social Distortion

You say to yourself, 'dear God, what have I done?', and hope it's not too late because tomorrow may never come

Number 65 are punk legends Social Distortion. You know they're big because they've been in Guitar Hero

Wiki Says: Social Distortion (sometimes referred to simply as Social D or SxDx) is an American punk rock band formed in 1978 in Fullerton, California. The band currently consists of Mike Ness (vocals, guitars), Jonny Wickersham (guitars), Brent Harding (bass) and Scott Reeder (drums). They are often credited as one of the leading bands of the 1980s hardcore punk explosion.

Social Distortion temporarily disbanded in 1985, due to frontman Ness' drug addiction and troubles with the law, which resulted in extended stints in various rehabilitation centers, that lasted for two years. However, the band reformed around 1986 and have continued being active today, even after the death of longtime guitarist Dennis Danell, who succumbed to a brain aneurysm in 2000. Since its inception the band lineup has been a virtual revolving-door of talent, with many members coming and going – Ness has been the only constant member.

To date, Social Distortion has released six full-length studio albums, two compilations, one live album and two DVDs. The band released its debut album Mommy's Little Monster in 1983, which was quite popular in the United States. Social Distortion did not release a second album, Prison Bound, until 1988. That album attracted the attention of Epic Records, who signed the band in 1989 and issued their highly successful self-titled third album a year later, which peaked at number 128 on the Billboard 200, and featured their well-known hit singles "Ball and Chain", "Story of My Life" and the cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." The next two albums, Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell and White Light, White Heat, White Trash were also well-received but not as successful as the self-titled album. Social Distortion released their most recent studio album, Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll, on September 28, 2004. The band also released their first Greatest Hits compilation on June 26, 2007. As of May 11, 2010, Social Distortion is in the studio finishing up their next album, which is due for release this fall.

Discovery: Mommy's Little Monster (1983)

Prison Bound (1988)

Social Distortion (1990)

Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell (1992)

White Light, White Heat, White Trash (1996)

Sex, Love, And Rock n' Roll (2004)

TBA (2010)

Notable Other Contributions: Rock Against Bush Vol. 1 (2004)

Live at the Roxy 1998

Favorite Songs: It's The Law

Story of My Life

Lost Child

Mommy's Little Monster

Reach for the Sky

Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash cover)

Angel's Wings

Years Active: 1978-Present

Never seen them live.

Social D came around the same time as other California punk acts the Dead Kennedys, the Circle Jerks, and Black Flag. They'd go on to influence many of the acts that will be popping up on this chart. I really started to listen to them from Tony Hawk's Underground (this is going to be a reoccurring place where I got into a lot of these bands), and only have one full album and a bunch of other tracks. Their combination of punk, rock n roll, and folk to me is like if you were to combine Johnny Cash, Elvis Costello, and The Clash.

#66: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Soft spoken with a broken jaw. Step outside but not to brawl

Number 66 are one of the few non-punk-related acts on my countdown, the Red Hot Chili Peppers

Wiki says:
Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The band's current line-up is Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Michael "Flea" Balzary (bass), Chad Smith (drums) and Josh Klinghoffer (guitar). Their musical style has fused traditional funk with elements of other genres including hip hop, punk rock and psychedelic rock.

The group originally featured guitarist Hillel Slovak and drummer Jack Irons. Slovak, however, died of a heroin overdose in 1988, resulting in Irons' departure.[1] Irons was replaced briefly by former Dead Kennedys drummer D.H. Peligro before the band found a permanent replacement in Smith, while Slovak was replaced by up-and-coming guitarist John Frusciante. This lineup recorded the band's fourth and fifth albums, Mother's Milk (1989) and Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991).

Blood Sugar Sex Magik was a significant record for the band; having sold over thirteen million copies, it provided the group's initial mainstream commercial success. Frusciante grew uncomfortable with this new found success and left abruptly in the middle of the tour for the album in 1992, descending into heroin addiction. After recruiting guitarist Arik Marshall to finish the tour, Kiedis, Flea, and Smith employed Dave Navarro of Jane's Addiction for their subsequent album, One Hot Minute (1995). Although fairly successful, it did not match the critical acclaim of Blood Sugar Sex Magik and sold less than half the copies of its predecessor. Shortly afterwards, Navarro departed the band due to creative differences. Frusciante, fresh out of drug rehabilitation, rejoined the band in 1998, at Flea's request. The reunited quartet returned to the studio to record Californication (1999), which went on to sell fifteen million units worldwide, becoming their most commercially successful album to date. It was followed three years later with By the Way (2002), which continued their success. In 2006, the group released the double album Stadium Arcadium, giving them their first American number one album.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have won seven Grammy Awards. The band has sold over 55 million albums worldwide, has had eight singles in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 (including three singles in the Top 10), five number one singles on the Mainstream Rock charts, and holds a record of eleven number one singles on the Modern Rock charts.

Romo Says: Once again, they're yet to come up as he likes them appropriately more than I do given their talent.

Discovery: The Red Hot Chili Peppers (1984)

Freaky Styley (1985)

The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987)

Mother's Milk (1989)

Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)

One Hot Minute (1995)

Californication (1999)

By the Way (2002)

Stadium Arcadium (2006)

Notable other contributions: We're a Happy Family: A Tribute to the Ramones

Favorite Songs: Can't Stop

Scar Tissue

Havana Affair (Ramones cover)

By the Way

Suck My Kiss

Californication

Road Trippin'

Under the Bridge

Otherside

Give It Away

Years Active: 1983-present

Never seen them live

RHCP is yet again, a better band than how they rank on here. I only have their greatest hits CD and a couple other tracks as well. When Romo posts his on them, read his. It'll be much better than this.

Tomorrow: a punk band that Romo has seen live and I have not

#67: The Offspring

Morality won't help her when she lies silent in a morgue

Number 67 are the Offspring, yet another band that is a lot better than where I have them placed if I only listened to them more.

Wiki Says: The Offspring are an American rock band formed in Huntington Beach, California in 1984. Since its formation, the band's line-up has included Dexter Holland (lead vocals, guitar), Noodles (lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals) and Greg K. (bass, backing vocals). In 1987, Ron Welty would replace James Lilja as the drummer for The Offspring, completing the band's most successful lineup that would last for 16 years. Their current drummer is Pete Parada, formerly of Face to Face, and Saves the Day, who has been with the band since 2007.

The Offspring has been credited, along with fellow California punk bands Green Day and Rancid, with reviving mainstream interest in punk rock in the United States during the mid-1990s. To date, The Offspring has released eight studio albums, one compilation, four EPs and three DVDs. They have sold over 34 million albums worldwide, making them one of the best-selling punk rock acts of all time. Each album since the release of Smash (1994) has sold over a million units

Since the release of Smash, which is generally cited as the best-selling independent label album of all time, The Offspring has achieved commercial success over five albums, with singles such as "Come Out and Play" and "Self Esteem". The band's next three albums, Ixnay on the Hombre, Americana and Conspiracy of One, were also successful, with Ixnay on the Hombre and Conspiracy of One reaching platinum certification, and Americana achieving multi-platinum status. Longtime drummer Ron Welty left The Offspring in early 2003, and was replaced by Atom Willard. Later that year, the band released their next album, Splinter, to moderate sales and fairly warm reviews. In 2005, The Offspring released a greatest hits album and toured in support of the compilation. Their most recent studio album, Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace, was released on June 17, 2008 and spawned the hit singles "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid" and "Hammerhead." The Offspring is currently taking a break from recording their ninth studio album, which is due for release sometime in 2010.

Romo Says: Well, they haven't come up yet on his countdown because they're so high, but I'm sure he has a lot of nice things to say

Discovery: The Offspring (1989)

Ignition (1992)

Smash (1994)

Ixnay on the Hombre (1997)

Americana (1998)

Conspiracy of One (2000)

Splinter (2003)

Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace (2008)

TBA (2010)

Other Notable Contributions: Rock Against Bush Vol. 1 (2004

Idle Hands (a movie you've never heard of) soundtrack, they appear at the prom, playing the Ramones

We're A Happy Family: A Tribute to the Ramones

Favorite Songs: Baghdad

Jennifer Lost the War

Worst Hangover Ever

Come Out and Play

I Wanna Be Sedated (Ramones Cover)

Years Active: 1984-Present

Never seen them live (might change this summer!)

The Offspring were the band that changed Epitaph Records in the 90's. They really changed punk back then, getting it back mainstream. Still, despite their tremendous success, they're still pretty loyal to their roots more or less. Shows are still affordable and they're still a punk band, the same can't be said for bands like Smash Mouth and Blink (for the most part).

#68: Flogging Molly

And if there's a ship that sails tonight, I'll captain that too just to be there with you

Number 68 are the celtic-folk punk awesomeness that are Flogging Molly

Wiki Says: Flogging Molly is a seven-piece American Celtic punk band that formed in Los Angeles, California and is currently signed to SideOneDummy Records.

Discovery: Swagger (2000)

Drunken Lullabies (2002)

Within a Mile of Home (2004)

Float (2008)

Notable Other Contributions: Whiskey on a Sunday EP (2006), purely for the title

Rock Against Bush Volume 2

Favorite Songs: Drunken Lullabies

Salty Dog

What's Left of the Flag

Every Dog Has Its Day

Selfish Man

Years Active: 1997-present

Seen live: Once (Warped Tour 2009)

Flogging Molly is a lot better than a band that should be at 68 on this list. They're so much more talented than most of the bands I listen to, and I really don't know why I've been too lazy to get into them more. If you don't listen to them, you should.

#69 (lol!): Save Ferris

I only want to have a little fun, but every time I try they tell me "you're not 21"

Number 69 LOL is Save Ferris, and to this day I am still madly in love with their lead singer, Monique Powell. You may remember them from the prom scene in "10 Things I Hate About You"

Wiki Says: Save Ferris was a ska punk band formed circa 1995 in Orange County, California. Their name is a reference to the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Discovery: Introducing Save Ferris (1996)

It Means Everything (1997)

Modified (1999)

Notable other contributions: Cover of "Artificial Life" by Operation Ivy

"10 Things I Hate About You" soundtrack

Favorite songs: Come On Eileen (Dexys Mindnight Runners cover)

The World is New

Spam

Under 21

Little Differences

Artificial Life (Operation Ivy cover)

Superspy

Everything I Want to Be

Sorry My Friend

Goodbye

Years Active: 1995-2002

Never seen them live

Save Ferris was clearly a product of the 94-98 ska trend and unfortunately, they did not survive it like fellow SoCal ska bands Goldfinger and Reel Big Fish. Their singer, Monique Powell has sung with both those bands as well. I am in love with her. Their name is awesome, and they were in "10 Things I Hate About You". They are not the only band to appear in a teenage romantic comedy on this list (2 others!). The second video is from Conan in 97!

#70: The Forces of Evil

I know you shouldnt rhyme shit with shit, but this is my song and I'm gonna sing it how I want to sing it

At number 70 are the Forces of Evil, who currently make up 50% of Reel Big Fish, but when active only made up 16% (or whatever 1/6 is)

Wiki Says: The Forces of Evil was an Orange County-based third wave ska band, formed in January 2001 with the intention of creating a ska supergroup. The band split in 2005 after releasing a four-song EP, which was available on their website. Their website hasn't seen an update since December 2004, and their touring has ceased.

Discovery: Friend of FOE (oh puns), (2003)
Four Song Obituary (2005)

Also contributions to: Forever Free: A Tribute to Sublime (2005)

Favorite songs: Mistake

My Life

Vague Love Song

Fight

Angry Anthem

Independent

Maybe I'm Wrong

Ball & Chain (Sublime Cover)

Dance the Night Away (Van Halen Cover)

Worst Day

Years Active: 2001-2005

Never seen them live

The Forces of Evil were formed from members of Reel Big Fish, Jeffries Fan Club, The Scholars, and Lone Raspberry by RBF frontman Aaron Barrett back when he thought Reel Big Fish was going to break up, which they did not. They were essentially Reel Big Fish with other muscians, everything else sounds exactly like RBF. Even Jive Records thought was puzzled on why this wasn't a RBF album. All of the songs are very enjoyable, and had I listened to this back in 03 I would have been glad Aaron Barrett was still making good ska (but RBF is back to that now!)

#71: Pennywise

God Save the U.S.A., blame the president, and say your prayers tonight

Number 72 are contemporary punk legends, Pennywise.

Wiki Says: Pennywise is an American punk rock band from Hermosa Beach, California, formed in 1988. The name is derived from the monster, It from the Stephen King novel, of the same title.

Between their 1991 self-titled debut and 2005's The Fuse, Pennywise had released an album every two years on Epitaph Records, a label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. To date, Pennywise has released nine full-length studio albums (a tenth one is due in 2010), one live album, two EPs and one DVD. Their most recent studio album is 2008's Reason to Believe, which was released for free through a partnership between MySpace and Textango, a mobile music distributor. The album was also sold in stores through MySpace Records in the United States and Epitaph in Europe.

Pennywise's line-up, which remained constant from 1996 to 2009, consisted of Jim Lindberg (vocals), Fletcher Dragge (guitars), Randy Bradbury (bass) and Byron McMackin (drums). They kept their original line-up until original bassist Jason Thirsk committed suicide in 1996, due to issues with his alcoholism, after which Bradbury joined as

Discovery: Pennywise (1991)
Unknown Road (1993)
About Time (1995)
Full Circle (1997)
Straight Ahead (1999)
Land of the Free? (2001)
From the Ashes (2003)
The Fuse (2005)
Reason to Believe (2008)

Notable Other Contributions: Look at all the Love we Found: A Tribute to Sublime (2005)

Seen Live: One time (Warped Tour 2008)

Favorite Songs: Bro Hymn
God Save the USA
Same in the End (Sublime Cover)
Yesterdays
Fuck Authority

Years Active: 1988-Present

Pennywise (along with, in my mind, NOFX and Bad Religion) changed pop punk in the 90's. They established that you can play punk and still make it easy to listen to and not suck. I'm not really sure why I never got into them too much, but what I do listen to I love.

Up Next: a band that is basically going to show up again about 60 slots higher

#72: Lagwagon

So I assume the role, open my mouth, and clumsy words escape

Number 72 is Lagwagon, a band that I really think I should listen to a lot more.

Wiki Says: Lagwagon is an American punk rock band originally from Goleta, just outside Santa Barbara, California. Their name comes from the band's old tour van, which can been seen on the back cover of the album Trashed. The band has 10 releases through Fat Wreck Chords: seven studio albums, one EP, one live album and a collection of B-sides, compilation tracks and demos.

Discovery: Duh (1992)
Trashed (1994)
Hoss (1995)
Double Plaidnum (1997)
Let's Talk about Feelings (1998)
Let's Talk about Leftovers (2000)
A Feedback of Truckstop Poetry EP (2000)
Blaze (2003)
Resolve (2005)
I Think My Older Brother Used to Listen to Lagwagon EP (2008)
Full Length Album #8 (2010/2011)

I also have song(s) from: Rock Against Bush Volume 2 (2004)

Favorite Songs: Violins
Falling Apart
Status Pool
A Feedback of Truckstop Poetry
Leave the Light On

Years Active: 1990-Present

Never seen them live

I really need to listen to Lagwagon more. One notable thing is that Yellowcard BUTCHERED "Violins" on the second Rock Against Bush. Look it up on Youtube, but don't listen.

#73: The Transplants

I've taken more shots than Carl Malone

Number 73 is (are?) The Transplants, who you know from the for Garnier Fructis commercials with their song "Diamonds and Guns"

Wiki says: Transplants are an American rap rock supergroup. They formed in 1999 when Tim Armstrong of the band Rancid played his friend and roadie Rob Aston some beats he had made using Pro Tools and asked Rob if he would consider contributing lyrics. Initially, Tim played all the instruments himself but as the project grew, he invited musician friends such as Matt Freeman (Rancid), Lars Frederiksen (Rancid), and Vic Ruggiero (The Slackers) to add to the sound. Before long, Tim and Rob decided to officially form a band, but to make things complete, they wanted a drummer, so Travis Barker from Blink-182 was asked to join in 2002. Tim first became inspired to work with loops and samples after being introduced to London's speed/garage scene by Kerrang! magazine writer Mörat in the mid-90s.

The group's music is a combination of hip hop, reggae, drum n bass, dub, and punk. Although many are used sparingly throughout the album, punk and rap remain as the most prominent styles. Lyrically, Rob Aston describes their songs as ranging from topics such as murder ("Quick Death") to the passing of a loved one ("Sad But True") to failed friendships ("We Trusted You").

After the release of their first album, The Transplants briefly disbanded in 2003, due to all members being involved in their own projects, including Rancid and Blink-182. Then in 2004, they reunited to record their second album (Haunted Cities) before going on hiatus again. As of January 2010, the band is active again.

Discovery: Transplants (2002)
Haunted Cities (2005)
One Blood (2010)

Favorite songs:

California Babylon
Diamonds and Guns
We Trusted You
Weight On My Mind
DJ, DJ

Year Active: 1999-2006, 2010

Never seen them live

The Transplants first album was really something different than most punk I've heard. I really liked the combo of rap and punk. I wasn't a big fan of Haunted Cities, and we'll see about this new one.

#74: Bob Marley and the Wailers

Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights

As I told Romo, I'd get my first whiskey induced post since the World Series (look up November 2009). Number 74 is Bob Marley and the Wailers

Wiki Says: Bob Marley & The Wailers was a reggae band created by Bob Marley in 1974, after Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer left the precursor band, The Wailers. The brothers Carlton (drums) and Aston "Family Man" Barrett (bass) – who had joined The Wailers four years earlier – chose to stay with Marley.

The Barret brothers originally played with the Wailers while still in Lee "Scratch" Perry's studio band The Upsetters [1]

Bob Marley & The Wailers consisted of Bob Marley himself as guitarist, songwriter and lead singer, the Wailers Band as the backing band, and the I Threes as backup vocalists. The Wailers Band included the brothers Carlton and Aston "Family Man" Barrett on drums and bass respectively, Junior Marvin and Al Anderson on lead guitar, Tyrone Downie and Earl "Wya" Lindo on keyboards, and Alvin "Seeco" Patterson on percussion. The I Threes, consisted of Bob Marley's wife Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths.

Sometimes, usually for marketing purposes, recordings are indiscriminately attributed to either "Bob Marley", "The Wailers", or "Bob Marley & the Wailers".

Romo says: Number 93 is reggae master, Bob Marley. I only have "Legend", but that album itself lands him on the countdown.

Discovery:
The Wailing Wailers (1965)
Soul Rebels (1970)
Soul Revolution pts 1-2 (1971)
Catch a Fire (1973)
Burnin' (1973)
Rasta Revolution (1974)
Natty Dead (1974)
Rastaman Vibration (1976)
Exodus (1977)
Kaya (1978)
Survival (1979)
Uprising (1980)
Confrontation (1983)

Favorite songs:
Buffalo Soldier
Iron, Zion, Lion
I Shot the Sheriff
No Woman, No Cry
Stir It Up
Jamming
Three Little Birds

Last seen live: The Wailers (minus Bob Marley obviously), spring 2008

Year Active: 1963-1983, 1999-present

Bob Marley's music is overrated (yeah, I said it), and under appreciated. His Reggae as a whole isn't anything too special, but his message in his lyrics is on a whole new level. Believe it or not, Bob Marley did more than smoke pot, he made reggae what it is today and beyond.

75 Favorite Artists-#75: Hepcat

So in the same way that Romo has been counting down his 100 favorite artists, I've decided to do the same. As you may have noticed, I'm only doing 75. That is because I didn't want to pile 25 artists where I know and like one song onto the beginning of this list.

Like he has been doing, I'll begin with a quote, a brief intro, what Wikipedia has to say (only in the heading section), discovery, and favorite songs. However, to distinguish myself, I'll also add in some other facts (probably years active and something about me seeing them live if applicable). Then again, like him, I'll have more of my feelings on them, and then videos. I'm going to try to get a live video in addition to a music video if I can. Hope you enjoy

As mentioned above, first up is Hepcat

And shake it baby like I like it

#75 is Hepcat, a late addition to this list but worth it.

Wiki says:
Hepcat is a ska and reggae band formed in southern California in 1989.

Their soulful harmonies and mellow rhythms were unlike those of contemporaries and more akin to musicians from the heyday of 1960s Jamaican ska, also referred to as the first wave.

Discovery:
Out of Nowhere (1993)
Scientific (1996)
Right on Time (1998)
Push 'n Shove (2000)

Favorite Songs:
Earthquake and Fire
Dance Wid' Me
Push 'N Shove
The Spins
I Can't Wait

Years Active: 1989-2000, 2003-Present

Never Seen Live

What is best about Hepcat is their singer, Alex Desert. You may know him as Mr. Williams on Boy Meets World. There is one episode when Corey is having a dream, and Mr. Williams is standing outside of a Jazz club and actually says the words, "Don't mind me, I'm just the Hepcat". Since I can't find any videos with him from Boy Meets World, I'll just post one from Hepcat (he is the singer in the grey suit) and one from the Nick Jr. hit show, Yo Gabba Gabba

Europe Recap: Paris and return

Final post recapping the trip:

Day 11 continued (5/26): On the total of 10 hour bus ride we found out that due to the British Airways strike we would not by flying from London to Baltimore. Half were going to Philly and the other half to Chicago then Baltimore. That put a damper on the whole bus ride, but we made the most of it. We got to Paris eventually and went out to dinner. Rather than going out to these bars a bunch of us just went back to hang out at the hotel bar.

Day 12: In the morning we headed outside of Paris to meet the reps from Disneyland Paris. After the meeting we were able to go into the parks for the day, which was the greatest news I could have hoped for. In the park we went to Big Thunder Mountain first, which had an annoyingly long line. After that I made sure that we went to the Haunted Mansion, or as it is there, the Phantom Manor. The Haunted Mansion was my favorite ride growing up and I still love it. This one was a lot of the same, but a bit different too. The younger ride allowed better effects, but the ride itself wasn't as enjoyable. We then went on Pirates of the Caribbean, which was also a lot of the same. There was an Indiana Jones roller coaster we went on which was fun but painful in the rain. We then went to the other park to go on Tower of Terror: amazing in Paris and Orlando. We went to Rock n Roller Coaster, but by time we got to the station it had broken down and was closing. The park closed around 6:30, and we were on our way back to the hotel. I was pretty beat from the day so that night I went to an Internet cafe and got nice and lost on the train on the way. But I got to see the Eiffel Tower and Arc De Triumph at night which were nice

Day 13: Our morning site wizit was cancelled so we got to sleep in. In the afternoon we went to Microsoft's European headquarters which was really interesting. That night we had a river cruise of the Seine River. Afterwards, we went as a big group to an ice bar in the middle of a terrible neighborhood in Paris. It was 38 Euro cover and my camera died, but 100% worth it as pictured above. We got a half hour in the ice part, and got 5 drinks. Drink 1 tasted like bubble gum. Drink 2 was lemon basil. Drink 3 was oragney. Drink 4 was vodka and chocolate chips and was horrible. Drink 5 was just straight vodka, also rough. But it was a fun time, as was drinking at the hotel bar afterwards.

Day 14: On our last full day we had a free day in Paris. A lot of us took a bus tour in the morning, but about half of us got off at the Eiffel Tower. We walked by it and I harassed the vendors that were harassing us. We then went to the Arc De Triumph and got lunch before heading back to the hotel. At night we all got dinner together and there were some epic speeches made. With a long day ahead we just hung out at the hotel bar with some other American students at the hotel.

Day 15 (5/30): Oh what a long ass day. I'll give it in local times but Eastern Standard Time as well. I woke up at 6am Paris (Midnight EST), got breakfast and checked out. We got to the airport around 9 something (3am EST) and it was a mess checking in. We flew to London and got there after 11 am London (6am EST). The Philly people left and we headed to our gate. We found a TGIFriday's there and it was like finding buried treasure. We left London at 2:30pm (9am EST) and were on our way to Dallas (oh yeah, Dallas is NOT a district of Chicago we found out a couple days earlier despite what we hoped.....). After 10 hours on a plane and 10 minutes of sleep, we arrived in Dallas at 6:30 pm (7:30pm EST). BUT....it wasn't so simple. First we missed the runway because another plane was landing. THEN it was a storm, so we had to wait outside of customs for our luggage.

We got it eventually, around 7:30 pm Dallas (10pm EST) and went to our next gate. Then, once we got there, THEY MOVED OUR GATE. Back on the tram! We get to our gate and finally depart around 9:20 Dallas (10:20 EST). Keep in mind my iPod is long dead at this point. The flight was short cause I slept for a solid 2 hours or so on it. Some woman on the plane was being such a pain in the ass that we almost had to land in Nashville. I would have killed someone if we did... Anyway, we land in Baltimore around 1:20 am Eastern Standard Time, and I finally get back at school around 2 am. For those of you keeping track at home, I was up from 12am Sunday until 2am Monday EST. That is 2 hours of sleep over the course of a 26 hour day. I was not a happy camper.

Crappy return home aside, these were the best 2 weeks of my life. I had a great time with all 31 in our group (28 students, 2 instructors, and Hans), and had fun the whole trip. I made new friends, became closer with old ones, and completely changed my opinions on some people. All in all it was worth any hassles, and I'm so glad I did it. Pictures are on my facebook and tagged as well, so check them out.

Europe Recap: Austria & Switzerland

Day 5 (Thursday, 5/20): We left Munich for Innsbruck, Austria, in the morning but on the way stopped in the city of Kufstein and visited the plant for Reidel Glassworks. They make very nice wine glasses and we got to see them glass blowing which was really interesting. The "tour" was weird, it was like a fun house....not really sure what it had to do with glass but oh well. Eventually we got to Innsbruck and that afternoon met with my group's business, the Innsbruck Tourism Board. There is where we signed up for our free day events, which went on two days from then. That night we found some bars, but I spent most of the night at the casino in the hotel. I won 90 Euro in total that first day, so all in all it was good.

Day 6: In the morning we drove to northern Italy and went to the Leitner Ski Lifts factory. My god was that awful. Just boring as hell. Long tour, couldn't hear a thing, just terrible in every way. During the afternoon I went to the casino again and won another 95 Euro, so I was in a good mood to say the least. That night the whole group went on a lantern hike up the Alps. At the top was this little tavern where these two guys played music and we sung and danced and drank. It was worth the hike. That night a couple of us went out to a bar to get ready for the next morning that awaited us.

Day 7: Our free day in Innsbruck was very busy for me. In the morning myself, Steve, Vida, James, Brian O, and Mike M (all pictured above, post jump) went bungy jumping off a bridge near Innsbruck. It was 192 meters, 600 ft....the third highest bungy in the world. It was such a great experience. I went fourth, so I knew what to expect for the most part. Hopefully the video will be up soon. That afternoon half the group went canyoning (pictured above) and the other half white water rafting. Canyoning was pretty difficult, but a lot of fun. All that made this easily the most productive day of my life, and also one of the most fun ever.

Day 8: Not the most exciting day in my life. We travelled by bus to Lausanne, Switzerland, which took like 6 hours not counting stopping. Switzerland was expensive, and didn't use the Euro which made it difficult. After getting settled, we went to this Canadian bar which was one of the few open for the holiday weekend. It was a nice, relaxing night. Only real highlight was that some guy passed out drunk on the table to the point he couldn't stand up.

Day 9: We went to the Cailler Chocolate factory in the morning which was like Hershey's Chocolate World, a fun time. Afterwards we stopped at a rest stop where I oddly ran into Ryan Flannery, one of my friends from high school. That was quite the coincidence. We also stopped by Gruyere, this like medieval tourist town stop. That was fun, but nothing too amazing. That night we all went to a bar under a bridge not far from the hotel, which was another nice relaxing night out.

Day 10: In the morning we went to the Chillon Castle on the lake, which was really nice. We had the afternoon to ourselves, which we too advantage of. A bunch of us went to this park near the beach at the lake. The park had these nice pools and beach volleyball courts, so it was a nice way to spend the day. The pool had a 10m high dive, which might have been scarier than bungy jumping and certainly hurt to hit the water.

Day 11: It was our last day in Switzerland and in the morning we went to the Nestle headquarters. On the way our bus driver, Hans, drove down to a bridge the bus wouldn't fit over. So to get back he drove the bus backwards up a windy, narrow hill. It was the most bad ass thing I've ever seen. After the site wizit we started going towards Paris, and got the bad news about our upcoming flights.