Hopeless Records released three new remixes for ENTER SHIKARI’s “Arguing With Thermometers.” The tracks as well as the original can be purchased here for $2.99.

If you want to try before you buy, listen to each remix below.

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THE USED will be releasing their new album, Vulnerable, next week via Hopeless Records. Two new tracks from the record are streaming online now. Listen to “Put Me Out” via Hurley, and “Shine” via Alternative Press.

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THE WONDER YEARS and STAY AHEAD OF THE WEATHER released a split 6-inch (yes, 6, not 7) today titled, Punk is Dead. Get a Job. It’s currently available in black (200 copies), clear/black half/half (300 copies), and clear with black swirl (500 copies). Click any of the above links for that specific pressing.

A. The Wonder Years – Me Vs. The Highway

B. Stay Ahead Of The Weather – No Money, Mo’ Problems

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Hopeless Records have added FOR THE FOXES to their roster. The band will be releasing their debut EP, The Revolution, on April 24. Watch a live performance of the title track below.

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THE USED released a digital single for their new song, “Hands and Faces.” The track will be on their upcoming album, Vulnerable. Download the new track at iTunes or stream it below.

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SILVERSTEIN will be releasing their new album, Short Songs, tomorrow via Hopeless Records. The semi-concept album features 22 tracks, 11 original and 11 covers. Every song is only 90 seconds or less. You can now stream the entire record (and you should, it’s less than 20 minutes long) at AOL Music.

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YELLOWCARD and bass player, Sean O’Donnell, have parted ways. O’Donnell seems to be leaving the band on good terms. Read his statement below.

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In April of 2010, the 5 of us met up in Los Angeles to play some music, hang out, and talk about the future of the band. I felt privileged to be invited to get to do so, and it was an amazing couple of days. Fast forward a year and a half and we’ve put out two full lengths, shot 6 music videos, and traveled to almost 30 countries. It’s been an exhilarating time for all of us in the band and some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my music career. Which is why I’m sad today to let you all know that I am leaving Yellowcard. 

This is not one of those ugly messy band member departures that seem to plague rock music. This is a personal decision, and it’s mine. Simple as I can put it, playing in a band that is on a full time touring schedule demands a balancing act of work and family that I can no longer pull off and still remain happy. As you can imagine, this was not an easy decision to make, but usually the really important ones never are. 

While I feel confident in my decision, I know I’m walking away from a lot. I feel truly blessed to have been invited to such a close knit family, one that I was welcomed into completely. I’ll miss the guys, I’ll miss the shows, I’ll miss making all those ridiculous YC sessions videos. I’ll miss all of the love I got from the thousands of fans all over the world. When my former band Reeve Oliver was on tour with Yellowcard in 2005, I said onstage that all I could ever hope for was for us to attract fans who were as supportive as Yellowcard fans. I meant it then, but now I realize the full impact of the love and support you guys give. It’s immense, it’s real, and it’s completely necessary for this band to survive and to thrive.

Yellowcard has made great rock records before me, and will no doubt continue to do so without me. I will now continue on in the role that I have held for the last 13 years, that of a devoted fan. 

Thanks for your time, and thanks for reading this,

Sean O’Donnell

Hopeless Records is giving away a free sampler as a Valentine’s Day gift. The Love Is Hopeless sampler includes songs from THE USED, YELLOWCARD, THE WONDER YEARS, ENTER SHIKARI, SILVERSTEIN and eight more bands. Download it here.

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Thanks to an outpouring of support from their fans, SILVERSTEIN posted another song from their upcoming album, Short Songs. Listen to “My Miserable Life” at the band’s Facebook page.

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Due to an early leak of their new album, Enter Shikari is now streaming A Flash Flood of Colour in its entirety at Alternative Press’ website. Listen to it here. Make sure to pick up a copy of the album when it’s released on Tuesday.

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It’s been an incredible year for music. 2011 saw new releases that should please almost any fan of any genre. Here at likeZEBRA, we have both similar, yet varied tastes and would like to share our favorites of the year with you. Without further ado…

Jon Taggart: Co-founder

Top Albums of 2011 (In no particular order)

Incubus | If Not Now, When? - At first listen I was not a fan at all. After a couple more listens, this album really grew on me. I love the simplistic feel throughout. You can’t go wrong showcasing Brandon’s voice.

Mutemath | Odd Soul - This is an album that I can listen to all the way through and not be bored. I’m still scratching my head as to why I have yet to see them live.

Radiohead | King of Limbs - This was another album that I wasn’t sure of after the first listen. This definitely is an eclectic album that has a little something for everybody.

Harris Grade | SeaInYou - I cannot stop listening to this EP. This gives alt rock the breath of fresh air it needed. I’m expecting big things from these guys in oh twelve!

The Black Keys | El Camino - You can’t go wrong with The Black Keys or this album!

Foo Fighters | Wasting Light - Can Dave Grohl do any wrong?

City and Colour | Little Hell - When you need something mellow, put on this album.

Worst Albums of 2011

Blink 182 | Neighborhoods - Remember when Blink was funny?

Lady Gaga | Born This Way - The album art says it all for this terrible follow-up album. (insert album art screenshot)

Justin Beiber | Never Say Never - Remixes - You can’t remix a turd and expect a great result, musically speaking of course.

Limp Bizkit | Gold Cobra - I actually didn’t listen to this album…..I have a feeling I don’t have to.

Alisha Kirby – Writer: Reviews, Interviews

2011 Top 10:

1.   The Wonder Years - Suburbia, I’ve Given You All and Now I’m Nothing

This album came out back in June and has never left my ears for more than a week or two since. It resonated with me in a huge way, and has seen me through the ups and downs of this year. If you haven’t checked it out yet, why not?

2.   La Dispute - Wildlife

La Dispute knows how to write incredibly powerful music. The combination of “King Park”, “Edward Benz, 27 Times”, and “I See Everything”, brought me to tears on more than one occasion. This album is perfect.

3.   The Horrible Crowes - Elsie

 Brian Fallon writes music that anyone with ears can get into, and this project is no different. With his amazing voice and the darker vibe compared to The Gaslight Anthem, this album could only have turned out well.

4.   The Dangerous Summer - War Paint

I don’t care about all of the drama surrounding this band, because if you ignore all of that War Paint is still a fantastic album. They’ve grown a little as musicians since Reach For The Sun and it shows.

5.   Mansions - Dig Up The Dead

I haven’t spent this much money on an album since Tegan and Sara’s The Con. I had a good feeling about this album when I pre-ordered the CD, and again when I ordered it on vinyl…I wasn’t disappointed.

6.   Bayside - Killing Time

 Bayside has always, and will always be one of my favorites. I wasn’t too thrilled about Shudder, but Killing Time made it easy to forgive. This album is some of their best work, hands down.

 7.   Transit - Listen & Forgive

These guys seem to release something every other month (exaggerating, but only slightly) and continue to get better by leaps and bounds. Transit fails to ever disappoint, and this one’s no different.

8.   Jack’s Mannequin - People and Things

If this year hadn’t been so full of great releases this album would be much higher on the list. McMahon’s voice has strengthened significantly, and some of his influences are rearing their heads beautifully in his music.

9.   Fireworks - Gospel

As much as I loved All I Have To Offer Is My Own Confusion, Gospel blows it out of the water. I feel like a proud parent watching this band’s evolution. The kind of “proud parent” who has no relation to the kid at all.

10.     Young Statues - Young Statues

Young Statues came out of nowhere at the end of the year with this gem. There’s not a lot I could criticize on this one. If you’re going to release a debut, this is the way to do it: really well.

P.S. I don’t include EPs in my list, but if I did, there would be The Hotel Year (It Never Goes Out), They Had Faces Then (1997), A Great Big Pile of Leaves (Boom!), and Streetlight Fire (Architects). Just saying.

Greg Fulleman – PR, Social Media

Top 10 of 2011

10. Glassjaw – Our Color Green

While these songs have been available in bootleg form for a few years, it’s great to get an official release from such an influential band.

9. Touche Amore – Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me

The feelings of being detached from friends and loved ones while on tour isn’t a new lyrical concept, but vocalist Jeremy Bolm sings about the subject in a way that is relatable to any listener, not just people in other bands.

8. MuteMath – Odd Soul

Odd Soul is groovy. It feels modern and retro at the same time. Seeing these songs performed live was all it took to confirm a place in my list.

7. Defeater – Empty Days & Sleepless Nights

Their albums are all pieces of narrative for a bigger story and now I can’t wait for their next release to uncover more. It’s an uncommon concept in the hardcore genre, but they pull it off perfectly.

6. Bayside – Killing Time

Bayside created an album that is memorable, catchy and heartfelt. This is one of their best and a great record to begin with for those who are currently missing out.

5. Rival Schools – Pedals

I’m so happy this band is still together and making good rock music. This is an album that I can play at any time and always be in the right mood for it.

4. Innerpartysystem – Never Be Content

Such a shame that this band broke up. They creatively combined electronic music with rock in ways that no other band could.

3. Doomtree – No Kings
The collective of Doomtree joined forces and created, without a doubt, the best hip-hop album of the year.

2. Foo Fighters – Wasting Light

I’ve always liked Foo Fighters, but felt that their singles are much, much better than the rest of their albums. There’s usually just too much filler in between. I’m happy to say that Wasting Light is worth listening to all the way through, repeatedly and loudly.

1. La Dispute – Wildlife

This is the heaviest record of the year. When I say that, I don’t mean it’s full of breakdowns and chugging metal beats; I mean it’s full of emotionally powerful songs that can sometimes create heartache when you least expect it. If you follow along with the lyrics at all (you should, you really should), you’ll quickly realize what I mean. I don’t think I’ve ever been so intensely punched in the heart like that from any other band. Listen to “King Park” and you’ll understand.  

Biggest Let-Down:
Dredg - Chuckles and Mr Squeezy

Let’s hope they never collaborate with Dan the Automator again. This incredibly creative and talented band tried something new, which is commendable, but it just didn’t work.

Most Anticipated (in no order)