FIVE ALBUMS WITH COBRA-KRAMER WELKER FROM YOU VS YESTERDAY

By Ray Cobra

One of the coolest aspects about going to local shows on a regular basis are the friendships made. About three years ago this pop-punk band from Dayton, OH that would morph into pop-rock started playing shows here in Columbus, OH on a regular basis. Over a few shows I started conversations with the singer, Kramer Welker, and a friendship was born—one that is rooted in the love of music, especially certain bands. And that is one reason I enjoy doing this piece every month or so. I get to talk to local musicians about the music they love. I will say this: I wish this is one I could have done in person, as I’m sure it would have turned into an hour-long conversation or at least until You Vs Yesterday had to take the stage.

Over the past three years, it has been a joy watching this band grow into the machine it is now—and to know that this is just the start of something amazing. If any band is going to breakout of our scene here, it’s these guys. And if you don’t believe me, just listen to any of their releases or start with their just-released single, “My Mistake,” which was produced by Will Pugh, yes that Will Pugh. How many Will Pughs do you know? Or if you get the chance to see them live, go!!!!! You will not be let down. The passion that these guys have is unreal.

So enough of that, I give you Five Albums with Cobra: Kramer Welker from You Vs Yesterday.

FALL OUT BOY-TAKE THIS TO YOUR GRAVE

I figured I’d start with the blatantly obvious, haha! I’ll never forget coming home from my first day of 6th grade, finding the remote and watching the video countdown on Fuse. “Where Is Your Boy Tonight” may have been the first Fall Out Boy song I ever heard. I conned my grandparents into buying me this CD and never looked back. Soaring melodies, infectious guitar hooks—truly a start to finish album for me and a big reason why I play today.

I recommend the “Pros and Cons of Breathing.”

ARMOR FOR SLEEP-WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE DEAD

From the pre-gap hidden track all the way to the end, this album is a heartbreaking and haunting look into the afterlife. Armor For Sleep were brave making an album about depression and suicide in a time where it was widely ignored. I know this one got me through some tough times growing up. If you aren’t familiar, I suggest “The Truth About Heaven.”

THE SPILL CANVAS-ONE FELL SWOOP

I remember a time in my life where this was the only CD I would listen to. It’s full of lyrics that tell a captivating story of an unhealthy relationship, of a woman who plans to end her life and a man who wants nothing more than to prevent that and get to know her.

This album will be one I share with new friends for years to come.

Standout tracks: (“Self-Conclusion” and “Teleport a, b”)

RELIENT K-MMHMM

Relient K was always creating music I wanted to listen to. With Mmhmm, they truly came to form and became a staple of my record collection. Listen to “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been,” and try to say they aren’t masters of the craft.