There's a place off Ocean Avenue

...where I used to sit and talk with you / we were both 16 and it felt so right / sleeping all day, staying up all night...

These lyrics enchanted many listeners when they were first played across the airwaves in 2004.  I was one of them.  From the moment I first heard, I was drawn into Yellowcard's heart-pumping American summer sound and never got out.  And I'm really glad I didn't, because Yellowcard has to be my favorite modern rock band.

Part of the reason--okay, most of the reason--I'm so addicted to Yellowcard is the fact that they have a violinist in their ensemble.  It's just a totally unique sound, one that I would have never expected to hear from a punk rock band.  The contrast between the smooth beauty of the violin and the pulsing guitars, bass, and drums cannot be matched by any other band.

I've been dying to see Yellowcard in concert since I fell in love with them in middle school.  I came close a couple summers ago when they did a tour with Runner Runner, but the closest they got to me was Baltimore.  And then they didn't tour for a little bit.  But this January, that will change.  Finally.

A really good friend of mine at VT is almost as big a Yellowcard fan as I am, if not more.  We found a concert listing for Green Day over our winter break, in a town about halfway between where we live at home.  I like Green Day, but not nearly as much as I used to, so I wasn't terribly excited about that listing.  And then a few days ago, he told me that Yellowcard added a show in Lancaster, PA, which is about 45 minutes from where I live!  And even better, tickets were only $20, $17 in advance!  Needless to say, we quickly created a plan, and it's official: we're going to see Yellowcard on January 10th!!  Cue excitement!!

Since my friend and I made that decision a few days ago, I've had nothing else on my mind.  Every time I get in my car, I turn on my Yellowcard.  Every time I turn on my iTunes, I play Yellowcard.  And that has brought me to the actual point of this post...my top 8 favorite Yellowcard songs that I hope and pray they play at their concert...barring "Ocean Avenue," of course, because I'm pretty sure that's a given.  I was going to do top 5, but I knew better than to think I could only pick 5.  Regardless, if you're already a fan, enjoy.  If you're not already a fan, I hope I've inspired you to check them out further and give Yellowcard a chance.  I promise it will not be a waste of your time.

And now...in no particular order...

Disclaimer: These are just my favorite songs.  I am by no means saying I think these are their BEST songs.  Of course I think they're great songs, but I emphasize favorite over best.


8. Everywhere, from the compilation Punk Goes Pop -- a great cover that not many people know about!  I loved the original song by Michelle Branch, and Yellowcard's version gives it some extra energy and pizzazz.  Love it!

7. Empty Apartment, from Ocean Avenue -- a friend gave this song to me in high school after a rough ending to a relationship.  I'd be lying if I said this song doesn't make me at least tear up whenever I hear it.  Whether I'm dealing with an icky situation or not, this song brings out all sorts of emotions, and the violin solo is unspeakably beautiful.  Well done, Sean Mackin.  The acoustic version of this is also wonderful, but here is the studio version:

6. Lights and Sounds, from Lights and Sounds -- talk about energy!  This was actually the first full album I purchased by Yellowcard, and it's not hard to see why I like it so much.  Every song on this album blasts powerful riffs (except the softer "How I Go") that make you want to jump around and be crazy with them.  What better way to kick off the album than with this track?  There's an acoustic version of this song, but I definitely like the studio version better.

5. Sing For Me, from When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes -- Yellowcard's mellow side at its finest.  This song can be used in so many different situations and for so many different reasons.  It's versatile, and I love it.  It's also pretty easy to learn on guitar.  But that aside, it's simply beautiful.  Yellowcard did a full acoustic version of When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes, and I hope they do it for Southern Air, too!

4. One Year, Six Months, from Ocean Avenue -- I discovered this song a little late, but that doesn't change how much I love it.  Another wonderful example of Yellowcard's mellow side, with the true American feel that comes with the Ocean Avenue album.  This live acoustic version is fantastic:

3. Light up the Sky, from Paper Walls -- I won't lie, I originally had the track "Paper Walls" listed here instead, but then I found this awesome acoustic version of "Light up the Sky" and I had to switch it around.  Can you tell I like acoustics?

2. Awakening, from Southern Air -- the title track from their August release.  The instant I put the new album into my laptop and started playing, I was hooked and haven't stopped listening since.  My favorite track from Southern Air is a very close three-way tie among this, "Always Summer," and "Sleep in the Snow."  But in the end..."Awakening" wins.  I just love the message of the song.

1. With You Around, from When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes -- I can play this song on guitar.  I feel special.  No, but seriously.  This has to be my all-time favorite Yellowcard song ever.  It's so passionate, yet simple.  I...I just can't get enough.  If this isn't played at the concert in January, I will cry.  A lot.  So Ryan Key, if by some miracle you ever see this...please play this for me.  I'm giving the acoustic version of this one, but that is no way a deterrent from the original.

This list is by no means conclusive, or limited.  I have 58 Yellowcard songs in my iTunes library...choosing these 8 was difficult enough!

I am so excited for the concert.  Do I really have to wait until January to see them?