"Pants" is the opening track to one of my favorite records of 2008, Get Better, and this stripped-down rendition of it is somehow even more adorably awkward than its studio counterpart. Hey, Lemuria: just keep putting all the awful things you think you are wherever you see fit, and I'll keep loving your band. Deal?

Anytime I'm feeling down (which is A LOT you guys) I know I can throw my grayish-purple copy of From The Bottom on the turntable and think to myself, "Yeah, my life might suck, but compared to Ryan Young I must sound like a fuckin' ray of sunshine." Come to think of it, I prefer hearing suicidal, self-loathing musings over an infectious pop-punk beat more often than not. I still have yet to see this band live, even though they've played about 30 dates in Florida in the last year or so. Coupling that with this video only bums me out about that more, yet I continue watching because I know what's good for me.

My friend Barrie showed this to me when it was first posted, and much like she and some of other commenters have remarked, it really is one of the best covers I've ever heard. My musical talent doesn't extend beyond the occasional karaoke belting of Journey's "Open Arms", but I would imagine that covering a song -- especially such a landmark song from an endlessly influential band -- is pretty damn difficult. There's a fine line there between loyalty and blasphemy that the band doing the covering has to toe ever so carefully, lest the intent and/or message become skewed in the eyes of the listener. This version of "Waiting Room" succeeds, though; it's simultaneously unique and recognizable. And the setting for this looks so cool and punches me in the face with insane jealousy.

This song is really great and causes me to wonder why it was left off It's Great To Be Alive. Too tender? Too heartfelt? Too relatable? I can think of a million reasons not to go to Naples, Florida -- most of them revolving around that place containing enough touristy bullshit to make a native Floridian such as myself gag -- but the one reason I would go would be to see Fake Problems play in their hometown. I bet they're big there, and soon, they'll be big everywhere else, too. Mark my words.

I actually just saw these guys and gals play at the first annual Harvest of Hope Fest, and it's astounding how awesome they were. In fact, they were the best band I saw there all weekend (and I must've watched at least 40 bands, if not more). The passion and energy behind their songs is so palpable and contagious, just watching this video gives me chills. The intricacies in this song are so impressive; it seems like I discover something new to love about it every time I hear it.

Resignation Day was actually my introduction to the fantastic, gruff pop-punk these guys execute so flawlessly, but this EP is just as good, if not better. Maybe I'm closed-minded or impatient, but I have a hard time getting into any song without a recognizable hook. And yeah, sometimes it takes a few listens to find said hook, but that's hardly the case with Banner Pilot; the hooks reel the listener in like a largemouth bass and barely let up.

This whole record is so sloshy and raw, I can't help but be endeared to it. Plus, I will follow Joe from Marked Men everywhere he goes, but not in a creepy way.

Yeah, yeah, we all miss Latterman. But man, it sure seems like all of the post-Latterman bands have been ridiculously good. This little demo, that unfortunately also equals the band's entire recorded output (or so it would appear) is no exception.

This one, too. I hear these guys do a mean cover of Temple of The Dog's "Hunger Strike", as well.