Thank Christ the holidays are just about over.

I love 'em, but when they're done, they're done. I'm ready for 2009.

I hit this wall every year. As a self-proclaimed Christmas whore, I spend the entire month of December submersing myself in everything Christmas and I get bogged down with holiday music and pretty music and emotional music and as much as I love it then, it's the last thing I want to hear by December 31st. By the time January comes around I need something fast and happy and loud... I need some goddamn pop punk.

Pop punk is the laxitive of the music world. It refreshes. It cleans you out with very few side-effects. You don't get emotionally involved with the songs—they're only meant to stick around just long enough to make you dance, make you feel good and right now Jersey band Yo Man, Go is clearing my head and washing away all the heaviness the holidays can bring.

It's your typical east coast punk rock—hyper, anthemic, and simple—but it's doin' the trick. Unfortunately (according to their MySpace) they already broke up, so there's no chance I'll be seeing them live anytime soon. But you can download their small discography for free at www.ifyoumakeit.com/albums!

And I suggest that you do. You know, if you're into that sort of thing.

Cheer up and dance, crankypants. It's almost the new year.