Weekend Warm-Up No. 3: Punk That Pops

–Words and list by Kevin Madert

Nothing quite compares to the all-around upbeat nature of a well-crafted pop-punk tune. Major chord progressions, scything drum kicks, and positive to a fault lyrics delivered with a boyish (or girlish) smirk. My inner 10th grader couldn’t help but pump his fist and pretend every word was written to describe me. Whether on the heavy side – “Beatdown in the Key of Happy” and “The Downfall of Us All” drip with post-hardcore –  or lighter fare – “Everything Is Alright” and “Plays Pretty For Baby” for starters – it’s all nostalgic, and it’s all too damn catchy.

Tracklist

Motion City Soundtrack – Everything Is Alright
Say Anything – Hate Everyone
Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer – Plays Pretty for Baby
Hellogoodbye – Finding Something To Do
Cartel – Let’s Go
A Day To Remember – The Downfall of Us All
New Found Glory – Drill It In My Brain
Four Year Strong – Beatdown in the Key of Happy
Hit The Lights – Stay Out
blink-182 – Feeling This