SHREDnews

Ashley Pagano joined the Shred News staff in August 2009. Ashley’s a friend of previous Shred News launch member, Nicole. She’s a muscian with dreams of going to Berklee College Of Music in Fall 2010. Ashley’s the only New York writer Shred News has and does her part to get press with some of the up and comers there, like The Vandersons. With a wide interest in music ranging from Paramore to Lady Gaga to The Vandersons, Ashley brings a lot to the table. See Berklee, you should let her in!

Brand New Eyes was definitely my favorite album this year. I’ve been following Paramore since their first album, All We Know Is Falling, and the band has grown musically so much since then. Each song holds a special place in my heart, because I related to each and everyone one of the songs, and they helped me get through some really hard times, and reminded me of a lot of experiences and struggles, which just made me love and appreciate Paramore and their music that much more.

Who Are You Now?-This Providence

This album, when I first heard it, didn’t really catch my attention. I liked a few of the songs, but I had stopped listening to it shortly after. Then I had my ITunes on shuffle and their song “Sand In Your Shoes” came on, from the album, and I completely fell in love with it. It really moved me and it seemed so real. So then I listened to the album again, and fell in love with all the other songs on the album, and I couldn’t stop listening. The songs all seemed so sad, and like whoever wrote them was really going through a difficult time, and like the writing really helped get them through it. I loved it.

The Listening- Lights

The pop, synthesized sound of Lights’ music usually is not my genre of choice, but after listening to Lights for a while, and watching her video updates, she seemed like such a down to earth person, musician, and songwriter, that her music seemed to just grow on me. She’s a really talented artist, and her lyrics are very real, and very inspiring.

New Junk Aesthetic- Every Time I Die

I love Every Time I Die, not just because they come from my own town, but they’re one of the first hardcore bands I really got into. Their shows all always so much fun and this album is just as awesome. I could listen to it forever.

The Fame Monster-Lady Gaga

I am not ashamed to say I am a Lady Gaga fan. Her songs are all so catchy, and I loved her first CD. After this one came out, I was really impressed. The songs were really artistic, and unlike a lot of pop artists out there, she actually has an awesome voice to show. She actually deserves to be famous. I may not like all her outfits, but her music I am definitely a fan of.

The Dear Jack EP-Jack’s Mannequin

I have always had a huge level of respect for Andrew McMahon and his music. I love that through his struggle with leukemia; he still released his first album, and started playing shows as soon as he was healthy enough. The Dear Jack EP had a song called “There, There Katie” that I had heard before, but he had not had a recorded version of it. This song is so beautiful, and though there are only 4 songs on the EP, it just gets better and better. I will always be a diehard fan of Jack’s Mannequin.

Everybody-Ingrid Michaelson

I love the sound that Ingrid Michaelson has. Her songs are all so calming and peaceful, and her lyrics always leave my jaw dropped. Everybody is my favorite CD of hers. It’s just overloaded with awesome songs. I can always relate to her music, and it always makes me feel better. She’s such an inspiration.

Armistice- MuteMath

I know that huge MuteMath fans may hate me for saying this, but I heard of the band from Twilight. Their song “Spotlight” was awesome, and when this album came out, I had to get it. The whole CD is awesome.

Battle Studies-John Mayer

John Mayer is another artist who I just love the whole relaxing feel to his music. He’s an amazing songwriter, and his songs are always so real. Battle Studies was just another awesome album for him. I fell asleep to it pretty much every night when I first got it. He’s phenomenal.

Beggars-Thrice

I have to admit, I miss the harder rock sound that Thrice’s previous albums have, but I also enjoyed different sound that Beggars has. I love the vocals and they will always be one of my favorite bands.