The Get Up Kids

Artist: The Get Up Kids

Album: Problems

Label: Polyvinyl Record Co.

Reason We’re Cranking It: Unlike the lackluster pay off of waiting for what felt like a medieval lifetime to watch the final season of “Game of Thrones,” the eight-year-long wait for the next The Get Up Kids album was worth the pumping of the pop-punk brakes. The Kansas City-born band has not only returned to their signature sound, but improved upon it by creating a collection of songs that forces fans – old and new alike – to get up and listen.

What The Album Tells Us About Them: People love to put things – and others – into boxes. It certainly happened with The Get Up Kids, who after the release of their 2011 offering, “There Are Rules,” discovered that many of their fans liked them just fine the way they were. The sonic switch-up to their sound with that particular album, their fifth together, confused some long-time listeners, and whether the band took note or not, “Problems” has taken them full circle. Filled with tracks that feel vintage The Get Up Kids, the only problem with “Problems” is that there isn’t more of it to enjoy.

Track Stuck On Repeat: “Salina” is a standout, building slowly towards a memorable chorus that inspires singalongs wherever you’re at – in the office, at the gym, or at the stoplight waiting for the light to turn green.

And that means…

Artist: Reggie and the Full Effect

Album: “41″

Label: Pure Noise Records

Reason We’re Cranking It: Seven albums and 20 years into this solo project, The Get Up Kids’ James Dewees is comfortable in his own sonic skin, delivering plenty of uptempo ups and very few downs for your digital download consumption. (Album drops February 23)

What The Album Tells Us About Him: Dewees isn’t afraid to experiment with his sound, but at the same time, never ventures too far away from what we think a Reggie and the Full Effect album should/would sound like. He manages to surprise us while also making sure that we’re comfortable on the journey.

Track Stuck On Repeat: The one we find ourselves continuously drawn to is the track that feels the most removed from the overall feel of the album. “Heartbreak” plays like a song in the opening scene of everyone’s favorite 80s comedy starring John Cusack or Anthony Michael Hall. Even without a stage to play on, it sets one. If being a teenager again had a musical feel, this would be it.

Coming To A City Near You: Check out the list of cities/dates here.

And that means…