I don't want you to try and save me.

No, I don't want you at all.

...

Let's see what I've recently picked up.

Blue Man Group: The Complex Talk about eclectic. Smash together new wave, hard rock, and some very nice instrumental work, and you'll have some idea of what they sound like. But perhaps it's exactly that element of surprise that makes this so good. An addicting listen...if your CD doesn't skip like mine.
Bond: Shine I love it! It's electronic classical, if that's possible. It's Mark Wood but...not sure if "better" is the right word. It's sweet. Yeah. Let's leave it at that. I adore it.
Chiodos: Bone Palace Ballet As I've stated before, any band with a lead singer who can't sing (but man, can he scream) that is able to pull off a tight and above all, original act is definitely worth a listen or two. Or ten. Chiodos' success from their debut All's Well That Ends Well is sure to carry over. Good, good album. Not for the faint of heart.
Death Cab for Cutie: The Photo Album Before Plans, this was Death Cab's best. (Because honestly, a gorgeous record like Plans is nearly impossible to beat.) They're in their element here with that indie/pop/alternative/acoustic mixture that is just mesmerizing to the listener. And Ben Gibbard's lyrics aren't too shabby either. =)
Death Cab for Cutie: We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes Not Death Cab's best (since I already established their best up above). Yet not their worst, either. They're a young band on this album with a lot of growing room. Probably not a good first Death Cab record, but definitely interesting for fans.
The Faint: Media Well...The Faint aren't The Faint on this album. Yet. They're lacking their usual upbeat, techno sound and resemble The Caesars more than a good dance group. But they're getting there.
The Hush Sound: Like Vines There is no band quite like The Hush Sound. With a style that is truly their own, they paint a lush, colorful musical portrait. (I sound like an art critic.) It's refreshing to hear something so original.
Midnight Movies: Lion the Girl An interesting and relatively unknown band, Midnight Movies might be described as the female version of Interpol but with more of a psychedelic feel. Definitely worth a listen.
Monty Are I: Wall of People I. Found. It. YAY! Forget American Idiot. This is a true rock opera. Monty Are I have great things in their future. A truly wonderful, inspiring record. YOU WILL GET IT. I COMMAND YOU.
Thursday: Waiting I still maintain that earlier Thursday is better. This continues to prove my point. Yes, they may be classified as "emo" (a label I reject and replace with "post hardcore"), but that doesn't mean they're wrist-slitting, woe-is-me shrimps. It's good music with an important, albeit depressing, message. I'm diggin' it.

Motion City Soundtrack is at Sokol on October 22. You should all go. With any luck, I'll be there.