When I was 17, Brand New played a secret show put on by Myspace. If I remember correctly, they announced it that morning or the night before. I already had tickets to see them the next night, but this show was at Bottom of the Hill, which is a much smaller venue. They only let the first 100 people in, so we got there around noon or so. The show didn't start until seven or eight, so a bunch of friends and I just sat on a blanket outside the venue and hung out.
Enough about that.The show was mind blowing. Brand New was really secretive about the album, and it felt like ages since they released the previous album Deja Entendu. Brand New really bonded us all together, so it was amazing to see them with my friends in such an intimate setting. I have been to a lot of shows in my short little life, but this was definitely one of the best.

I don't do this as much anymore, but I used to put on my favorite albums in middle school and high school and lie on the floor in the dark while listening to them. It comforted me and helped me feel peaceful when I was dealing with too many strong emotions. (Now that I can drive, I do this in the car. Don't worry, I don't close my eyes.)

One of my favorite albums to listen to on the floor of my bedroom was Brand New's Deja Entendu. It is a good mixture of anger, heartbreak, and calm. It was one of the albums that shaped my musical tastes (and my personality, consequently).

Today is the 10th anniversary of this album, so happy birthday.