And now time for your ... <>
TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2008 as presented by Tony I Wilson, or "the original TI" as I like to say.
So this year's list as I've been bragging incessantly about recently was by far the hardest to compile. This year's crop of albums was amazing. Whereas a typical year has me date checking to see if I can squeeze in a few from the previous year this year was full up on worthy additions. Admittedly though I do feel like there were a few albums that came out late in '07 and never made it into my ears until '08. But this year had too many noteworthy albums to stray from the course.
10. Portishead - Third - a top three on everyone's year end list for good reason. i've never owned a portishead album before this one. now i feel like douche for having been a decade and a half behind the curve. Though I could not have hoped for a more incredible introduction ... and hopefully the world will not have to wait another decade for the follow up ...
9. Los Campesinos - Hold on Now, Youngster: Woah ... dude, have you not heard these guys yet? They released another album that is getting a lot of cred. Personally i think the new one is shit. These guys are fucking tits ... brit indie kids with weird names and goofy lyrics and awesome keyboards and tons energy and crazy rock outs with totally wack song titles and a sweet cover pic and you have yourself a definite top 10 piece of work. If you're listening to the radio and you notice at least 3 of these things listed in the last sentence happening and then you reach up and your face is melting off ... you're probably listening to lost campesinos.
8. Titus Andronicus- true arteurs would probably thrash my pinings on this band. maybe i am just a "pitchfork zombie". honestly i try
my best to be open minded. maybe even pitchfork hates these guys now. that said ... this i would give the medal for "most serious contender". there are things being done by an indie rock band, that in my short time as an indie rock fan I have never been in the front row for. There is a seriousness here on many fronts which excites and entices me
- dude, did this kid just rip off conner oberst and join a rock band
- dude, did this kid just "write" lyrics by reading the poetry from his high school diary?
- dude, why am I 28 and still think its cool to reference the bible
- umm, was there a bad song here ... answer= false, amazing top to bottom
anyways, i think maybe my tastes are becoming a little predictable and this album is the height of that notion. But its like people who think Toby Keith is the shit. They just don't know any better.
7. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours - i sometimes believe i am the only person i know who likes this album. and it makes me sad. because seriously if there was one other person on board here ... we'd be soulmates. we could dance and dance and dance some more. The way I feel about this album is the same way I felt about the Kala last year. But apparently it takes an extra year and a hollywood blockbuster comedy to make music cool so here's hoping tina fey does a comedy next summer that has hearts on fire in the commercial, that way, a year after cut copy comes to north america I can leave my usual lame ass remark of "yeah, no shit, they're amazzing and they were here like 6 months ago and no one liked them and when i asked everyone was not interested in going to see them. Bitterness aside ... Cut Copy is a tremendous mix of electronica, enthusiasm, and somehow like 80's brit pop (aussie pop perhaps?) melded together ... and this album is just incredibly fun to shake your ass too ... cross your fingers that I get to see them on their tour this spring .
6. The Walkmen - You & Me: apparently I didn't just have some epiphany about this album. I've seen it popping up all over the place all of a sudden. Its not coincidence. This fucking album completely knocked my socks off. It took more than the initial listen, but not much more. If you haven't heard it yet, you should. And I don't say that about every album. This list is more about my personal musings on the music year in review than it is about making recommendations. However when an album I KNOW would appeal to pretty much anyone who could possibly come across this page ... i need to let them know. THIS ALBUM YOU WILL LIKE ... who the f doesn't like a canadian indie chill bob dylan? thats pretty much the best slew of adjectives i could use to derive how I feel about this fucking amazing album ... do it now!
5. Foals - Antidotes - this band was my biggest surprise band and also a rarity in that I saw them live, then went and got their album, and was not disappointed. Also, i tagged the album as being lame after about a week and a half of non stop listening ... we are now entering month 5 and this album NEVER NEVER lets me down ... it is fucking sweet.. that is of course if you like dour brits, math-rocky time signitures, and sweet dance rhythms...
4. Fleet Foxes - i'm not a huge fan of folk. but this albums is downright special. dude, i just had a dream stroke and after my stroke was done i can tell you i just died and saw fleet foxes at asbury hall in b-lo ... and by the way, it was the most amazing show in the history of amazing shows ever ... i cried ... but honestly ... this album made a genre that doesn't naturally appeal to me make me feel like i only wanted to wear clothes made from hemp, grown dreads, give up working for the man, learn to play hacky sack, smoke a pound of gange, live in a field, eat wheatgrass exclusively, save a puppy ... well you get the idea ... i still have not listened to the Sun Giant EP but i expect more of the same .
3. Omar Rodriguez Lopez - Old Money - i'm not going to beg and plead for anyone to listen to this. i only say the following and if you need to know more you should contact me.
2. Iron & Wine - shepard's dog - With the exception of number 1 I found this album to be an exceptional piece of work. Also helping this was the luxury of catching some of the work performed live. Initially a brief introduction to their work here was had during a random passing by at Lollapalooza. Actually moved by the intensity of the aural melodic confluences, I soon after sought this album out. This turned out to be more than I could have hoped for, and immediately dissolved all of my misconceptions about Iron and Wine. Much like fleet foxes there was some trepidation because the category I had generalized this group under is not what I could consider my top priority on the musical taste list. However, I think probably that is why I regard this album so highly. It was so amazing it broke down some serious musical barriers for me. The thing I love most about music the fact that at any time a new album can make me feel like I'm growing as a person by expanding what I thought I knew about myself. This album to me ended up being one of those experiences, and for that I am truly greatful... this album is a true example of the type that encourages this hobby and my enthusiasm and makes me excited about the future ...
1. Why? - Alopecia - I tried to hard to write this. Over pumped from the previous year's splendor of circumstance being that the album
I speak of was also attempting the over the top emotional onslaught. But that is not what this album is about. If you have not listened
to alopecia ... do ... if you have already ... starting listening to it again. If you are not in the mood, then i am not in the mood for you.
At one point I had a theory about secrets. I thought this album was ambitious in its elusiveness. Maybe its not really, and I just don't
know a lot of people who would put this album on the same pedestal. Regardless this album was by far my favorite that was released this year.
For starters I found the album to be lyrically brilliant. Are they actual thoughts, they truly read like a traveled man's diary. More interesting though I thought that instrumentally Why? offers some very unassuming musical layers. Stuff that isn't going to hit you in the face, but upon further review the power of the incredible lyrical delivery is equally matched by its musical complement. I think a really corny way I might explain it would be to say that I seriously feel like at point on any day I can turn on ANY song and immediately feel like I am swept away to my own personal paradigm. Singular,subtle, sublime ...
Still after more than 9 months since this record fell in my lap I'm still trying to find out what exactly they're hiding. Though I'm content with continuing to try and discover just what that is.
So that is it for this year. The way things are going I would like to put out a couple more shorter, more corny year end lists. But I'm pretty sure no one is reading this anyways so I guess if I do or don't it not really important. Anyways, I found this year's list to be quite challenging so I hope to at some point receive some feedback. I am looking forward to keepin it rock n real in '09.
2008-12-28
2008-12-24
From one moment to a next
Things I just learned:
Animal Collective IS NOT from Athens, GA. Actually the band consists of friends from the Baltimore area who have since dispersed.
Any band name that is an animal's name is NOT part of the Animal Collective - this misconception is because during the same year that Strawberry Jam came out Panda Bear released person pitch, also Deerhunter released the noise rock anthem Cryptograms ... and i got confused about the whole deal. Panda Bear IS a member of the Animal Collective. Deerhunter is NOT.
The whole interweb nonsense over the upcoming release of Merriweather Post Pavilion (new AC album due next year) got me really interested in giving this band a second shot. In terms of music my tastes are tied strictly to the mood / theme of my life at that moment. And whatever was going on then ... well it just wasn't receptive to Animal Collective ... I remember thinking "wow, this is a boring pile of shit" ... as you might have suspected since I decided to devote a whole post to the band ... Strawberry Jam is definitely the tastiest treat I've had this christmas ... its pretty much awesome ... not boring. Mostly the music is a lot more interesting than I thought. Also the I am way way into lyricists that use their voice as an equally important "instrument". So bands tend to use their vocals to spread a message, and the voice seems to just fit nicely. However if the vocalists in AC were set to their own track ... it would make for a fruitful and interesting song on its own. Its really really incredible ... Strawberry Jam ... its sweet.
Animal Collective IS NOT from Athens, GA. Actually the band consists of friends from the Baltimore area who have since dispersed.
Any band name that is an animal's name is NOT part of the Animal Collective - this misconception is because during the same year that Strawberry Jam came out Panda Bear released person pitch, also Deerhunter released the noise rock anthem Cryptograms ... and i got confused about the whole deal. Panda Bear IS a member of the Animal Collective. Deerhunter is NOT.
The whole interweb nonsense over the upcoming release of Merriweather Post Pavilion (new AC album due next year) got me really interested in giving this band a second shot. In terms of music my tastes are tied strictly to the mood / theme of my life at that moment. And whatever was going on then ... well it just wasn't receptive to Animal Collective ... I remember thinking "wow, this is a boring pile of shit" ... as you might have suspected since I decided to devote a whole post to the band ... Strawberry Jam is definitely the tastiest treat I've had this christmas ... its pretty much awesome ... not boring. Mostly the music is a lot more interesting than I thought. Also the I am way way into lyricists that use their voice as an equally important "instrument". So bands tend to use their vocals to spread a message, and the voice seems to just fit nicely. However if the vocalists in AC were set to their own track ... it would make for a fruitful and interesting song on its own. Its really really incredible ... Strawberry Jam ... its sweet.
2008-12-23
Best shows of '08
There's a high liklihood this list won't even exist this year, but because I made it to Lolla ... i know you're asking yourself when am i going to stop talking about fucking lolla already, but seriously I can't help because of the sheer number of epic shows I got to see in the 3 days I was there. However listed below isn't supposed to be any personal ranking of shows i've saw. But shows that were fucking incredible scenes that I would sacrifice a testicle for a chance to see again.
Colin Meloy (Buffalo) - I laughed, I cried, I made fun of a guy while he was puking because he was such a dick during the show. Alas ... no red right ankle
Girl Talk (Lolla) - Dude, this was the most amazing dance party I have ever been part of. Honestly I can't even listen to a studio album. I basically think the style of music played is just not interesting to me. But shit, you get a couple thousand people together to all dance and since along to the same classic songs and have a good time ... well it turns out that is down right incredible to be part of ... this was probably the most fun I had at any single show at Lolla.
Radiohead (Lolla) - Radiohead has a history of not disappointing the concert goers. And as far as a show, song selection, stage performance, visuals, and overall quality ... radiohead's set was worth the price of all three days admission to Lolla. My only complaint is the 250k other people who had heard the same thing and decided to check them out as well. I was about a mile away for this show, and before that I was in a sea of bodies unable to catch more than glance every few seconds of the stage. Still this was a life goal that was met ... and i feel an extraordinary amount of achievement having witnessed this show ... i will never forget that night.
Foals (Lolla) - Foals are the one band that I saw at Lolla that I had never heard of. Their show was incredible and was the closest in matching the intensity of the Girl Talk set. I recall asking my friend Bill numerous times. Who are these guys? I remember being like, woah, this is like the first time i heard Bloc Party and the first time I heard Depeche Mode, and the first time I heard Battles but like simultaneously ... When I got home I got their album antidotes, which usually translates into disappointment, and another reassurance that live shows are still the best way to see any band. However ... 6 months later and its still in regular rotation. Foals are one of my new favorite bands ... I actually got to see them twice on the same day ... once festival style and once later in a club setting. Both shows were equally amazing.
Broken Social Scene - I'm not the world's biggest BSS fan. Sure, I might start some shit if you try to say shit about You Forgot it in People (amazing record if you haven't listened). But I knew one thing. These canandian bastards know how to put on an incredible show. They did not let me down. I really came away with a huge level of respect for these guys.
Black Lips - See ... I actually saw these guys twice. But both shows were so fucking electic ... its impossible for me to decide which was better.
Show 1 (Buffalo) - Band arrives hella late, need help getting their shit together ... in an act of drunken bravery I stepped in and helped them unload shit from their van ... that was fucking sweet! Then watched as regardless of the hour or the trip watched those guys put on the most lively fucking indie rock show I have ever wintnessed. Dancing was done, shoes were lost, microphones were touched ... but no Navajo was sung ...
Show 2 - I will just say this ... the fucking guitarist broke his beer bottle against the stage and used it as a slide guitar mid song ... that was the most rock fucking move ever .... I AM FEELING GAY ... for black lips ... they make me want to be emo so I can try and pull off a "I heart Athens" t.
Rage Against The Machine - They play an incredible live show. Crossed ahuge life regret off my list. Pissed that they close with Killing In the Name and people treat it as their "best song".
Explosions in the Sky (Buffalo) - Epic, impressive, beasts of the stage ... but no so much of standing.
Colin Meloy (Buffalo) - I laughed, I cried, I made fun of a guy while he was puking because he was such a dick during the show. Alas ... no red right ankle
Girl Talk (Lolla) - Dude, this was the most amazing dance party I have ever been part of. Honestly I can't even listen to a studio album. I basically think the style of music played is just not interesting to me. But shit, you get a couple thousand people together to all dance and since along to the same classic songs and have a good time ... well it turns out that is down right incredible to be part of ... this was probably the most fun I had at any single show at Lolla.
Radiohead (Lolla) - Radiohead has a history of not disappointing the concert goers. And as far as a show, song selection, stage performance, visuals, and overall quality ... radiohead's set was worth the price of all three days admission to Lolla. My only complaint is the 250k other people who had heard the same thing and decided to check them out as well. I was about a mile away for this show, and before that I was in a sea of bodies unable to catch more than glance every few seconds of the stage. Still this was a life goal that was met ... and i feel an extraordinary amount of achievement having witnessed this show ... i will never forget that night.
Foals (Lolla) - Foals are the one band that I saw at Lolla that I had never heard of. Their show was incredible and was the closest in matching the intensity of the Girl Talk set. I recall asking my friend Bill numerous times. Who are these guys? I remember being like, woah, this is like the first time i heard Bloc Party and the first time I heard Depeche Mode, and the first time I heard Battles but like simultaneously ... When I got home I got their album antidotes, which usually translates into disappointment, and another reassurance that live shows are still the best way to see any band. However ... 6 months later and its still in regular rotation. Foals are one of my new favorite bands ... I actually got to see them twice on the same day ... once festival style and once later in a club setting. Both shows were equally amazing.
Broken Social Scene - I'm not the world's biggest BSS fan. Sure, I might start some shit if you try to say shit about You Forgot it in People (amazing record if you haven't listened). But I knew one thing. These canandian bastards know how to put on an incredible show. They did not let me down. I really came away with a huge level of respect for these guys.
Black Lips - See ... I actually saw these guys twice. But both shows were so fucking electic ... its impossible for me to decide which was better.
Show 1 (Buffalo) - Band arrives hella late, need help getting their shit together ... in an act of drunken bravery I stepped in and helped them unload shit from their van ... that was fucking sweet! Then watched as regardless of the hour or the trip watched those guys put on the most lively fucking indie rock show I have ever wintnessed. Dancing was done, shoes were lost, microphones were touched ... but no Navajo was sung ...
Show 2 - I will just say this ... the fucking guitarist broke his beer bottle against the stage and used it as a slide guitar mid song ... that was the most rock fucking move ever .... I AM FEELING GAY ... for black lips ... they make me want to be emo so I can try and pull off a "I heart Athens" t.
Rage Against The Machine - They play an incredible live show. Crossed ahuge life regret off my list. Pissed that they close with Killing In the Name and people treat it as their "best song".
Explosions in the Sky (Buffalo) - Epic, impressive, beasts of the stage ... but no so much of standing.
Top 10 Tracks of '08
My 10 favorite new tracks from the year:
10. Dance Dance Dance - Lykke Li
9. Four Provinces - The Walkmen
8. Song of the Shepard's Dog (Wolves) - Iron and Wine
7. Your Protector - Fleet Foxes
6. Hearts on Fire - Cut Copy
5. I've underestimated My Charm (Again) - Black Kids (wizdards of ahhs version)
4. Walcott - Vampire Weekend
3. Cassius - Foals
2. Old Money - Omar Rodriguez Lopez
1. Simeon's Dilemma - Why?
10. Dance Dance Dance - Lykke Li
9. Four Provinces - The Walkmen
8. Song of the Shepard's Dog (Wolves) - Iron and Wine
7. Your Protector - Fleet Foxes
6. Hearts on Fire - Cut Copy
5. I've underestimated My Charm (Again) - Black Kids (wizdards of ahhs version)
4. Walcott - Vampire Weekend
3. Cassius - Foals
2. Old Money - Omar Rodriguez Lopez
1. Simeon's Dilemma - Why?
part 1
preface: and so here is part 1 of my best albums of '08. I tried to get this out a lot sooner. not that anyone was waiting on it. but its something that I really enjoy doing. however in my efforts to always improve upon the last year's edition i somewhat struggled in getting together all the thoughts I wanted to share abouteach one of these albums. as you'll read again '08 was pretty much amazing in terms of albums that were actually released this year ... here's hoping '09 is as fruitful
Best Albums of '08 HONORABLE MENTION LIST:
As the precursor to the big Year End Top 10 Albums I've decided to do a separate post about just the runners up. Mostly because 2008 was such a great year for new music. Past years left me date checking album release dates. This year though I had way more than enough albums that were stand out and defintely qualified as a best of.
Below in no particular order are some short thoughts on a few of the albums I really took to this year ... enjoy.
Marnie Stern - This Is It And I Am It And You Are It And So Is That And He Is It And She Is It And It Is It And That Is That
Can you believe that this did not make the top 10? Me either, but looking back at the competition there was just no way i could justify it. Maybe if i had made it to her kissing booth that would've put it over the edge. But seriously, the first time i listened to this album i thought i was listening to a techno record. Then one day i shit myself as i watched a youtube vid of her rocking out. And suddenly I simultaneiously fell in love with a stranger and also shed all my presumptions about female rock guitarists. Marnie in '09 is a on my list. Plus this album wins best drumming performance ... the dude who drums this album made me soil ... you rearrange your mind, you re-ah re-arrange your mind... word?
Deerhunter - Microcastles - Don't get me wrong. This album is totally the cats shit. It is downright fucking tight from tops to the bots. But it ain't no "9" if we're talking 9's and shit. Its like some dude who only made shit that was barely listenable and somehow got cred for it then went and made an album that was seriously enjoyable to listen to. He doesn't get credit for making his shit listenable ... anyways i have not given up on Atlas Sound or Cryptograms ... its just that I have a day job and can't do drugs like that any more. Microcastles is deerhunter for the sober so i guess that would make sense that if you are on drugs than this album is a 9.
Black Lips - Go Bad Not Evil - this album is a collection of amazing sing alongs ... good for the whole family, short dudes finally fucking rule the earth, next time i see you I will break a bottle over your face and play my guitar with it then spit in the air and catch it in my mouth then rock and then rock some more fucking awesome ... p.s. special consideration because I was their merch guy for like 4 seconds last June ... best band ever though, realsies.
Technically released in '07, but not Tony approved until '08. And i'm making this exception because this album is simply fucking rock. And everything i love about rock and roll.
Tokyo Police Club - elephant shell - see this is my "aha!" ... this album was panned by critics ... i fucking fell in love with it. Hey, what can i say I'm a "pop music" man at heart and this album pops and pops and pops some more. CANNOT get enough ... these guys are definitely on my concert watch list at this point. They would be INCREDIBLE .. and I hope I get the opportunity.
Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer: I was a late bloomer on this one. But damn am I happy I found out about this album. I don't know too much else beside I am having trouble turning it off. Also, it is constantly being added to the regular rotation playlist. Its really quite an interesting listen. I highly recommend.
Islands - Arm's Way - i didn't expect shit from this album ... much like the last ... its no unicorns so no thanks. Also upon first glance i was a little intimidated that the average song length (see pop roots) was over 5 minutes and i knew that diamonds wasn't about to bust out repetitive jellycones for more than 3:30 max ... however ... much like the first islands album I eventually not only got over my hesitations but grew to fucking LOVE this album. Yeah, the songs are long, but seriously ... they are awesome songs and its not all filler, its just really awesome songs, well crafted by a true canadio indie jam master. I mean Kids don't know shit ... right?
Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping - apparently of montreal has like 5 LP's. I own 3. Last year's was #1. This one is not as good. And also
I am feeling undecided whether they are consistently brilliant or consistently consistent. Consistency is not really a trait I go for. But whenthe part that is consistent is their attempts at throwing as much wacky shit that they can muster into one song I have to hold them in the highest regard. Cheers fellows.
Vampire Weekend - of course my claim will always be "i was all over this shit" and to make this claim really means nothing. Still no matter how "in" or "lame" or whatever VW has become this album (version I have .. had to add that last lame caveat) I seriously and most definitely LOVED this album to bits. To the point where only 2 or 3 tracks are even listenable. I remain astonished at the corporate machine that was able to push A-Punk as their lead single AND somehow possibly make them popular. That song is and will always be the one blemish on an otherwise impeccable lead album. I don't expect too much further, but still I cannot take away from was undeniably the most fun album I had listening to a new album '08. I mean seriously, who does give a fuck about an oxford comma?
The black keys - attack and release - learned about the black keys in april, got 2 albums. LIke the one that got poor reviews more for the first month, like the other one more a month later ... 6 months later ... i am kind of on the fence, but they are not a live act to be passed on. Fucking amazing live, don't ever miss it if you have opportunity.
Times New Viking - Rip It Off: this album came and went in the taste department as well. Though shit, if you need some serious awesome fuzz rock these kids will kick your ass to the door. I put this album on here mainly due to potential. I think these kids are fucking onto some awesome shit. Whereas most people would put No Age's - Nouns here in the list with similar metaphors for their artistry I much preferred Rip it off. Though for a bit there I was thinking the theme of the year would def be fuzz punk. p.s. if they ever post the lyrics to "end of all things" fucking send that shit to me. Best fucking song ever, this band oozes potential like a jefferson.
Tv on the radio - this album actually kind of just sucked, minus like 2 songs. But holding up a fat guy windbreaker against a couple of
armani suits, you're generally not going to be looked upon too favorably. Thats the way I felt about this album. Of course
it took me a while (longer than most) to come around on cookie mountain, so my hope is that I'll have a "god i'm a dumbass" post at some point where the lightbulb goes on. I will say this though ... the track DLZ on this album is incredible, def a top 10 track of 08.
Deerhoof - Offend Maggie - Hahahahaha. Dude, I think these guys are indie brilliant. Also a must see live type of band. I think it would just be the most awesome show ever.
Hot Chip - Made in the Dark - fun fun fun ... great album. this album tells no lies. and neither should i.
Lykke Li -Youth Novels - This probably would've made the final cut ... just seriously didn't come under radar until too late. I actually still in the process of wearing it out till its no longer listenable. There are like 6 awesome songs, 3 incredible songs, and 1 aight song. This album has got me motivated for Oslo. That and Jose Gonzalez and the Knife of course and that one Of Montreal track ...
Crystal Castles - Another case of me being too late to the game. This album marks the trifecta (add marnie and lykke li) of amazing female vocals. My mind was blown away by the females this year. And this album was the icing on the cake. I'm still kind of taking this one in as well. I have nothing bad to say about it ...
Albums that I just simply know I missed out on and proobably would've made one of hte lists had I not been a lazy jackass:
m83 Saturdays = Youth
Hercules and Love Affair
Best Albums of '08 HONORABLE MENTION LIST:
As the precursor to the big Year End Top 10 Albums I've decided to do a separate post about just the runners up. Mostly because 2008 was such a great year for new music. Past years left me date checking album release dates. This year though I had way more than enough albums that were stand out and defintely qualified as a best of.
Below in no particular order are some short thoughts on a few of the albums I really took to this year ... enjoy.
Marnie Stern - This Is It And I Am It And You Are It And So Is That And He Is It And She Is It And It Is It And That Is That
Can you believe that this did not make the top 10? Me either, but looking back at the competition there was just no way i could justify it. Maybe if i had made it to her kissing booth that would've put it over the edge. But seriously, the first time i listened to this album i thought i was listening to a techno record. Then one day i shit myself as i watched a youtube vid of her rocking out. And suddenly I simultaneiously fell in love with a stranger and also shed all my presumptions about female rock guitarists. Marnie in '09 is a on my list. Plus this album wins best drumming performance ... the dude who drums this album made me soil ... you rearrange your mind, you re-ah re-arrange your mind... word?
Deerhunter - Microcastles - Don't get me wrong. This album is totally the cats shit. It is downright fucking tight from tops to the bots. But it ain't no "9" if we're talking 9's and shit. Its like some dude who only made shit that was barely listenable and somehow got cred for it then went and made an album that was seriously enjoyable to listen to. He doesn't get credit for making his shit listenable ... anyways i have not given up on Atlas Sound or Cryptograms ... its just that I have a day job and can't do drugs like that any more. Microcastles is deerhunter for the sober so i guess that would make sense that if you are on drugs than this album is a 9.
Black Lips - Go Bad Not Evil - this album is a collection of amazing sing alongs ... good for the whole family, short dudes finally fucking rule the earth, next time i see you I will break a bottle over your face and play my guitar with it then spit in the air and catch it in my mouth then rock and then rock some more fucking awesome ... p.s. special consideration because I was their merch guy for like 4 seconds last June ... best band ever though, realsies.
Technically released in '07, but not Tony approved until '08. And i'm making this exception because this album is simply fucking rock. And everything i love about rock and roll.
Tokyo Police Club - elephant shell - see this is my "aha!" ... this album was panned by critics ... i fucking fell in love with it. Hey, what can i say I'm a "pop music" man at heart and this album pops and pops and pops some more. CANNOT get enough ... these guys are definitely on my concert watch list at this point. They would be INCREDIBLE .. and I hope I get the opportunity.
Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer: I was a late bloomer on this one. But damn am I happy I found out about this album. I don't know too much else beside I am having trouble turning it off. Also, it is constantly being added to the regular rotation playlist. Its really quite an interesting listen. I highly recommend.
Islands - Arm's Way - i didn't expect shit from this album ... much like the last ... its no unicorns so no thanks. Also upon first glance i was a little intimidated that the average song length (see pop roots) was over 5 minutes and i knew that diamonds wasn't about to bust out repetitive jellycones for more than 3:30 max ... however ... much like the first islands album I eventually not only got over my hesitations but grew to fucking LOVE this album. Yeah, the songs are long, but seriously ... they are awesome songs and its not all filler, its just really awesome songs, well crafted by a true canadio indie jam master. I mean Kids don't know shit ... right?
Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping - apparently of montreal has like 5 LP's. I own 3. Last year's was #1. This one is not as good. And also
I am feeling undecided whether they are consistently brilliant or consistently consistent. Consistency is not really a trait I go for. But whenthe part that is consistent is their attempts at throwing as much wacky shit that they can muster into one song I have to hold them in the highest regard. Cheers fellows.
Vampire Weekend - of course my claim will always be "i was all over this shit" and to make this claim really means nothing. Still no matter how "in" or "lame" or whatever VW has become this album (version I have .. had to add that last lame caveat) I seriously and most definitely LOVED this album to bits. To the point where only 2 or 3 tracks are even listenable. I remain astonished at the corporate machine that was able to push A-Punk as their lead single AND somehow possibly make them popular. That song is and will always be the one blemish on an otherwise impeccable lead album. I don't expect too much further, but still I cannot take away from was undeniably the most fun album I had listening to a new album '08. I mean seriously, who does give a fuck about an oxford comma?
The black keys - attack and release - learned about the black keys in april, got 2 albums. LIke the one that got poor reviews more for the first month, like the other one more a month later ... 6 months later ... i am kind of on the fence, but they are not a live act to be passed on. Fucking amazing live, don't ever miss it if you have opportunity.
Times New Viking - Rip It Off: this album came and went in the taste department as well. Though shit, if you need some serious awesome fuzz rock these kids will kick your ass to the door. I put this album on here mainly due to potential. I think these kids are fucking onto some awesome shit. Whereas most people would put No Age's - Nouns here in the list with similar metaphors for their artistry I much preferred Rip it off. Though for a bit there I was thinking the theme of the year would def be fuzz punk. p.s. if they ever post the lyrics to "end of all things" fucking send that shit to me. Best fucking song ever, this band oozes potential like a jefferson.
Tv on the radio - this album actually kind of just sucked, minus like 2 songs. But holding up a fat guy windbreaker against a couple of
armani suits, you're generally not going to be looked upon too favorably. Thats the way I felt about this album. Of course
it took me a while (longer than most) to come around on cookie mountain, so my hope is that I'll have a "god i'm a dumbass" post at some point where the lightbulb goes on. I will say this though ... the track DLZ on this album is incredible, def a top 10 track of 08.
Deerhoof - Offend Maggie - Hahahahaha. Dude, I think these guys are indie brilliant. Also a must see live type of band. I think it would just be the most awesome show ever.
Hot Chip - Made in the Dark - fun fun fun ... great album. this album tells no lies. and neither should i.
Lykke Li -Youth Novels - This probably would've made the final cut ... just seriously didn't come under radar until too late. I actually still in the process of wearing it out till its no longer listenable. There are like 6 awesome songs, 3 incredible songs, and 1 aight song. This album has got me motivated for Oslo. That and Jose Gonzalez and the Knife of course and that one Of Montreal track ...
Crystal Castles - Another case of me being too late to the game. This album marks the trifecta (add marnie and lykke li) of amazing female vocals. My mind was blown away by the females this year. And this album was the icing on the cake. I'm still kind of taking this one in as well. I have nothing bad to say about it ...
Albums that I just simply know I missed out on and proobably would've made one of hte lists had I not been a lazy jackass:
m83 Saturdays = Youth
Hercules and Love Affair
2008-12-21
so seriously
i literally just saw a commercial that ended by flashing the following phrase on screen, while a dude with a deep voice read it: "you auto buy now"
you auto buy now .... holy shit. hahahahahahahahahaha. i think i was just the victim of attempted brainwashing. that was strange.
you auto buy now .... holy shit. hahahahahahahahahaha. i think i was just the victim of attempted brainwashing. that was strange.
hancock - spoiler alert
my favorite part about hancock is the end when there's two superheroes, but they have to stay apart from each other and so the resolution to this is to put on the U.S. west coast and one on the east. Hahaha. america ... fuck yeah.
i mean since they can fly its not like its hard to get somewhere else on earth quickly, but basically that movie ending is implying that the two places on earth that they prefer to live are both in the U.S. and that seems wildly and absurdly arrogant. but also totally awesome.
i mean since they can fly its not like its hard to get somewhere else on earth quickly, but basically that movie ending is implying that the two places on earth that they prefer to live are both in the U.S. and that seems wildly and absurdly arrogant. but also totally awesome.
2008-12-18
remember that one time i was like whatever goes biatches... well right now i've got the best of '08 playlist finished ... if you were shelley you'd get this on a dvd ... otherwise look, learn, live....
1. the crippled jazzer - marnie stern
2. cassius - foals
3. Simeon's dillema - why?
4. nobody lost, nobody found - cut copy
5. four provinces - the walkmen
6. J'amie Vous Voir Quitter - Islands
7. Lost Coastlines - Okkervil River
8. Let's reggae all night - CSS - tired of being sexy
9. Your protector - Fleet Foxes
10. Two Steps Twice - Foals
11. This is how You Spell "Hahaha This is How We've Destroyed The Hopes and Dreams of a Generation of Faux Romantics"
12. DLZ - Tv on the Radio
13. Let it Fall - Lykke Li
14. Fine Young Cannibals - Wolf Parade
15. House by the Sea - Iron and Wine
16. Wrestlers - Hot Chip
17. Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend
18. Listen to the Math - Tokyo Police Jam
19. Beware Our Nubile Miscreants - Of Montreal
lah lah la lah lah lahhh lahhhhhhhhhhhhhlalalalala
20. Never Stops - Deerhunter
21. Safety Bricks - Remember when they told us how to vote
22. The Package Is Wrapped - Marnie Stern
23. He Does't know Why - fleet foxes
24. I've Underestimated My Charm (Again) - Black Kids
25. Fatalist Palmistry - why?
26. Canadian Girl - The Walkmen
27. Air War - Crytal Castles
28. Kim & Jesse - m83
29. A thousand Eyes - Crystal Antlers
30. Hearts on Fire - Cut Copy
31. Old Money - best song ever
32. End of All things - Times New Viking
33. In the New Year - The Walkmen
34 - Dance Dance Dance - Lykke Li
35. Kids Don't Know Shit - Islands.
1. the crippled jazzer - marnie stern
2. cassius - foals
3. Simeon's dillema - why?
4. nobody lost, nobody found - cut copy
5. four provinces - the walkmen
6. J'amie Vous Voir Quitter - Islands
7. Lost Coastlines - Okkervil River
8. Let's reggae all night - CSS - tired of being sexy
9. Your protector - Fleet Foxes
10. Two Steps Twice - Foals
11. This is how You Spell "Hahaha This is How We've Destroyed The Hopes and Dreams of a Generation of Faux Romantics"
12. DLZ - Tv on the Radio
13. Let it Fall - Lykke Li
14. Fine Young Cannibals - Wolf Parade
15. House by the Sea - Iron and Wine
16. Wrestlers - Hot Chip
17. Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend
18. Listen to the Math - Tokyo Police Jam
19. Beware Our Nubile Miscreants - Of Montreal
lah lah la lah lah lahhh lahhhhhhhhhhhhhlalalalala
20. Never Stops - Deerhunter
21. Safety Bricks - Remember when they told us how to vote
22. The Package Is Wrapped - Marnie Stern
23. He Does't know Why - fleet foxes
24. I've Underestimated My Charm (Again) - Black Kids
25. Fatalist Palmistry - why?
26. Canadian Girl - The Walkmen
27. Air War - Crytal Castles
28. Kim & Jesse - m83
29. A thousand Eyes - Crystal Antlers
30. Hearts on Fire - Cut Copy
31. Old Money - best song ever
32. End of All things - Times New Viking
33. In the New Year - The Walkmen
34 - Dance Dance Dance - Lykke Li
35. Kids Don't Know Shit - Islands.
2008-12-16
welcome to sonic anarchy
welcome to the inaugural post of the sonic anarchy blog spot.
Please stand by for the requisite mission statement:
The sonic anarchy blog has the following goals...
1. first and foremost this blog is intended as an outlet for my own personal musings. My personal thoughts, ideas, opinions, verbal tirades, and other such creative outpourings should be taken by any viewer as just that. One person's opinion and nothing more. If you don't agree then don't read.
2. i reserve the right to change any content at any time in order to make myself look like less of a jackass in the case where a short sighted, uninformed expression or idea made its way within this page. I don't think that will be fully necessary, probably a small admittance of my mistake will suffice. But god dammit, i reserve that right...
3. i'm highly prone to inaccuracies by all measures of the word. i wouldn't take anything you read here to the bank. i'm kind of a dumbass. also, i don't plan on doing any 'fact checking' or some such nonsense ... again, don't be writing checks that your ass can't cash ... or variable sillyness.
4. sonic anarchy is an idea i've had for a couple of years now. not in terms of a blog, but in terms of the evolution of music, the music industry in america, people's rights to express, create, learn, and enjoy without confinement, commitment, or condescension. the theory is not well developed. and musicians and those who represent musicians probably wouldn't like all my ideas. but i plan on using this space to evolve the idea. let it grow and see what we get.
5. you know the saying those who can't play .. coach. Or those that can't ... teach. Thats pretty much how this turned out as my best option due my lack of musical creativity coupled with a hereditary disorder which left me with debilitating lack of hand eye coordination, and near epileptic rhythm control.
6. As far as music content goes i'm not entirely sure what to expect yet. I'd like to say that i'm going to have regular record and concert reviews. I'd like to say i'm going to have some sweet posts of shit that I'm totally into at the moment. But honestly I think it'll probably turn more into "dude, have you heard that lykke li album, i just got a boner listening to little bit" or some near equivalent.
7. Finally I reserve the right to post on topics outside the music realm. I tend to drink a lot so you never know what might make its way up here.
Well that should get you started. Oh shit:
8. I reserve the right to change any of this at any time. So stuff your sorries in a sack mister.
Please stand by for the requisite mission statement:
The sonic anarchy blog has the following goals...
1. first and foremost this blog is intended as an outlet for my own personal musings. My personal thoughts, ideas, opinions, verbal tirades, and other such creative outpourings should be taken by any viewer as just that. One person's opinion and nothing more. If you don't agree then don't read.
2. i reserve the right to change any content at any time in order to make myself look like less of a jackass in the case where a short sighted, uninformed expression or idea made its way within this page. I don't think that will be fully necessary, probably a small admittance of my mistake will suffice. But god dammit, i reserve that right...
3. i'm highly prone to inaccuracies by all measures of the word. i wouldn't take anything you read here to the bank. i'm kind of a dumbass. also, i don't plan on doing any 'fact checking' or some such nonsense ... again, don't be writing checks that your ass can't cash ... or variable sillyness.
4. sonic anarchy is an idea i've had for a couple of years now. not in terms of a blog, but in terms of the evolution of music, the music industry in america, people's rights to express, create, learn, and enjoy without confinement, commitment, or condescension. the theory is not well developed. and musicians and those who represent musicians probably wouldn't like all my ideas. but i plan on using this space to evolve the idea. let it grow and see what we get.
5. you know the saying those who can't play .. coach. Or those that can't ... teach. Thats pretty much how this turned out as my best option due my lack of musical creativity coupled with a hereditary disorder which left me with debilitating lack of hand eye coordination, and near epileptic rhythm control.
6. As far as music content goes i'm not entirely sure what to expect yet. I'd like to say that i'm going to have regular record and concert reviews. I'd like to say i'm going to have some sweet posts of shit that I'm totally into at the moment. But honestly I think it'll probably turn more into "dude, have you heard that lykke li album, i just got a boner listening to little bit" or some near equivalent.
7. Finally I reserve the right to post on topics outside the music realm. I tend to drink a lot so you never know what might make its way up here.
Well that should get you started. Oh shit:
8. I reserve the right to change any of this at any time. So stuff your sorries in a sack mister.
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