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keyinblack
12-17-2008, 11:16 PM
Not my favorite year in music, but it led my tastes in directions I never expected. I'll try to post a track for every album (get em' while they're hot), and the write-up's may get lengthier every 5 or so. Feel free to comment, I love a good discussion about music.

Honorable Mentions:
Destroyer - Trouble In Dreams
Earth - The Bees Made The Honey in The Lion's Skull
Jacaszek - Treny
Kelley Polar - I Need You to Hold on While The Sky is Falling
Arthur Russell - Love Is Overtaking Me

THE LIST:
25. The Hospitals - Hairdryer Peace
24. Amadou & Mariam - Welcome to Mali
23. Air France - No Way Down [EP]
22. Fuck Buttons - Street Horrrsing
21. Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
20. G-Side - Starshipz and Rocketz
19. Vivian Girls - Vivian Girls
18. Kingdom Shore - ...And All The Dogs To Shark
17. Benoît Pouliard - Temper
16. No Age - Nouns
15. Wavves - Wavves
14. British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
13. The Walkmen - You & Me
12. Crystal Antlers - Crystal Antlers [EP]
11. The War On Drugs - Wagonwheel Blues
10. Women - Women
09. High Places - 03/07 - 09/07 / High Places
08. The Dodos - Visiter
07. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
06. Various Artists - HEALTH//DISCO
05. Lindstrøm - Where You Go I Go Too
04. Gang Gang Dance - Saint Dymphna
03. Hercules & Love Affair - Hercules & Love Affair
02. Deerhunter - Microcastle / Weird Era Cont.
01. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours

keyinblack
12-17-2008, 11:17 PM
25. THE HOSPITALS - HAIRDRYER PEACE
http://www.demoniazed.com/hairdryer.jpg

The first of many lo-fi bands to make the list is also the most musically abstract and abrasive. Within is the marriage of the puerile exploration of noise and punk. Sounds are so muddied that their ambiguous forms sound more like broken appliances singing their swan songs than the instrument notes they actually are. I don't expect many to not find it obnoxious, but it certainly has some of the most inventive sounds I've heard all year, and I admire the ambition and unfettered vision.

Key tracks: Getting Out of Bed (http://www.cokemachineglow.com/audio/hospitals_gettingoutofbed.mp3) , Rules for Being Alive, Animal Act Natural

keyinblack
12-17-2008, 11:23 PM
24. AMADOU & MARIAM - WELCOME TO MALI
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y129/keyinblack/WelcometoMali.jpg

When I first heard "Sabali" maybe a month and half ago, I knew no matter how it was packaged it would be one of my favorite recordings of the year. Compelling in its simplicity, and majestic in its power the track is just a revelation. You may not understand what Mariam is singing, but you can feel it's beauty and heart-melting sentiment. It transcends the language barrier, as music is ought to do. The rest of the album may not reach "Sabali"'s heights, but it features groove after groove of effortlessly virtuoso guitar work, complex rhythms, and a certain soul that most bands forgo when they think they've become "serious musicians". Well, these guys are true musicians, in the fact you can still tell that they love what they do, and they have every reason to be: they're great at it.

Key tracks:
Sabali (http://mineorecords.com/mp3/amamar-sab.mp3), Ce N'est Pas Bon, Je Te Kiffe, Sebeke

keyinblack
12-17-2008, 11:29 PM
23. AIR FRANCE - NO WAY DOWN [EP]
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee76/ofLogic/00-air_france-no_way_down-yours0082.jpg

With Swedish compatriots The Studio and The Tough Alliance, Air France has been known to take The Avalanches style of sampled collages to the tropics. Or, at least in their 2006 effort On Trade Winds, on No Way Down while still having sleepy vocals and breezy arrangements, it seems like a summer rain has fallen over this two piece. The heavier emphasis of synths makes the tracks have an 8o's sheen and almost contemplative quality. In this way, it overcomes the pastiche and becomes something original and subtly beautiful in it's own right, without feeling the need to hit you over the head with over-compressed beats. This is how pop should be thought of.

Key tracks:
Maundy Thursday, June Evenings, No Excuses (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52711584874816c8/)

Sven
12-17-2008, 11:35 PM
Whoa, it's keyinblack! I fully expect my not to've heard any of the albums you mention, and I'll be surprised if I've heard of more than a handful of the artists as well. Still, look forward to it, and you should come post more frequently.

keyinblack
12-17-2008, 11:37 PM
22. FUCK BUTTONS - STREET HORRRSING
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51264udOefL._SS500_.jpg

I was a pretty harsh critic when this originally came out earlier in 2008 (and I still hold that it has the worst cover art of the year). I found it to be an uninspired amalgam and brief history of the noise genre. Going all the way from the wall-of-dead-fuzz of Wolf Eyes to the screamo of The Blood Brothers (also w/ the tribal elements of Black Dice thrown in as well.) In many ways it still is a combination of all these acts, but mainly it's a celebration that shakes the stagnation of the genre by allowing it to take form. Using an array of non-classical instruments (electronic toy microphones, other toy electronics) they create a startling tapestry of noise that is both monumental, ever rising, and even sometimes pretty. Not always pretty though, sometimes just raw and atmospheric, but always with a propulsion that latches onto your psyche, terrifying or seductive. Still not sold on the screamo-esque vocals, but the music is doing more fascinating things.

Key tracks:
Sweet Love For Planet Earth (http://www.soundofmarchingfeet.com/mp3/Fuck%20Buttons%20-%20Sweet%20Love%20For%20Planet %20Earth.mp3)*, Ribs Out (https://poptartssucktoasted.sslpowered .com/LP11.24/Wednesday/top%2010/Fuck%20Buttons%20-%20Ribs%20Out.mp3)**, Colours Move



* most indicative of their sound
** favorite track (this is always the one I link in other posts, unless noted otherwise like now)

keyinblack
12-17-2008, 11:41 PM
Whoa, it's keyinblack! I fully expect my not to've heard any of the albums you mention, and I'll be surprised if I've heard of more than a handful of the artists as well. Still, look forward to it, and you should come post more frequently.
Haha, it's nice that someone even recognizes me anymore. School's out for winter so I'm trying to frequent this place more. It's been quite a while.

keyinblack
12-17-2008, 11:43 PM
also, post/av.

Sven
12-17-2008, 11:43 PM
Haha, it's nice that someone even recognizes me anymore. School's out for winter so I'm trying to frequent this place more. It's been quite a while.

Of course. I still remember our epic 2046 debate from way back when. Also, King Kong. And that you were always raving about crazy music the likes of which I'd never heard.

Anyway, do carry on! I'm in acquisition mode, so I'm hoping for some goodies.

keyinblack
12-17-2008, 11:45 PM
21. ATLAS SOUND - LET THE BLIND LEAD THOSE WHO CAN SEE BUT CANNOT FEEL
http://img.hipersonica.com/2008/08/atlas-sound-let-the-blind.jpg

Another one I didn't like from the get-go (although, moreso from disappointment), Bradford Cox's (of Deerhunter) side project seemed like a limp novelty, a safe retreat from all the adventurous sounds that were made on the band's album "Cryptograms". These sounded like B-sides with simple structures and some tape loop noise gimmick to give it edge. Basically, its subtlety flew over my head. While it's not perfect, and at times I feel it is tame, Cox has an incredible ear for textures and layers (turn up "Ready, Set, Glow" as loud as you possibly can, and see what I mean). In the right mindset, this albums kind of slinks down your conscious, Cox's notorious use of vocal repetition becoming like a mantra in the back of your head, and all of a sudden it all kind of makes sense. While Deerhunter is Cox's external act, all brash, loud, and creepy, Atlas sound delves into the internal mirk where melodies still hold the innocence of when you first write them—and this is his plea to keep them like that. We're just now privy to it. (Although, I can't forgive him for ruining my favorite Deerhunter song "After Class" with the incarnation he presents here).

Key tracks:
Recent Bedroom, Quarantined (http://cdn4.libsyn.com/funeralpudding/AtlasSound-Quarantined.mp3?nvb=2008121707 2141&nva=20081218073141&t=09957b495f2de6d0be29f), Cold as Ice, Ready Set Glow, Ativan

keyinblack
12-17-2008, 11:51 PM
20. G-SIDE - STARSHIPZ AND ROCKETZ
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y129/keyinblack/StarshipzandRocketz.jpg

Unfortunately, this is the only hip-hop album to make the list, but I feel it would trump other albums regardless of what year it came out. This is the Alabama hip-hop scene via space. The album shines in its smooth and stellar production. It takes the last few years of synth fetishizing hip-hop and perfects it so it communicates something beyond the surface. Despite being relatively underground, the group have a confidence and ambition that's deserved and will help them soon dominate their peers. But, honestly, they may not care; they're probably the best producers in the game, but they're on another world, and thank god they gave us a sample of what's going on out there.

Key tracks:
G-SIDER, Strictly Buzinezz (http://www.zshare.net/audio/5288959330e2f608/), Hit Da Block, Speed Of Sound

D_Davis
12-17-2008, 11:56 PM
Cool thread man - definitely way more indie than my list. I just don't have the time anymore to dig this deep, so I look forward to what you list here.

keyinblack
12-17-2008, 11:58 PM
19. VIVIAN GIRLS - VIVIAN GIRLS
http://www.victimoftime.com/media/images/viviangirls-1.jpg

Taking from the 90's tradition of twee and shoegaze, Vivian Girls sculpt their self-titled debut as a concise, immediate, and rollicking 20 min pop album. What they don't have in technical skill they make up for in heart and strong melodies and constructions (as well as inventive use of doo-wop girl group vocals, i.e. "Such A Joke"). It's true that this year had a lot of bands just re-appropriate older fringe genres rather than contributing anything fresh, but Vivian Girls add to the genre they love, and it becomes more than a admiring tribute but an additional document to the sound. This is fun, carefree music, best enjoyed without pretense, but with an appreciation of the DIY spirit. It's a testament that you can listen to this on repeat for hours and still find it's pop hooks timeless.

Key tracks:
Such a Joke (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52890324b7dd287f/), Wild Eyes, Where Do You Run To, I Believe In Nothing

D_Davis
12-17-2008, 11:59 PM
Unfortunately, this is the only hip-hop album to make the list, but I feel it would trump other albums regardless of what year it came out.

Q-Tip's new album is incredible. So mature, and full of confidence. He's at the top of his game right now. He's got nothing to prove, nothing to lose, and just lets the rhymes flow. The production is top-notch as well; it's very creative.

I haven't listened to a lot of hip hop from this year, but from what I've heard it hasn't been a great year.

Otherwise, it's been a fantastic year for music, at least for me. New amazing albums from Eno, Lanois, Budd and Byrne...now that is something special.

Sycophant
12-18-2008, 12:01 AM
Hey, it's keyinblack! You're one of those posters I occasionally wonder what became of.

I was thinking and I don't think I've heard a single new album from 2008. I also don't think I've heard of a single one of the bands you've mentioned so far. Still! interested to see the list play out, and maybe check some out.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 12:06 AM
18. KINGDOM SHORE - ...AND ALL THE DOGS TO SHARK
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y129/keyinblack/aatdts.jpg

By far the most erudite album on my list, and I have only scratched the surface. Composed with only 4 violins, this music is horrifying, startling, evocative, and always a few steps ahead. Imagine a schizophrenic Arvo Part with a penchant for horror films or Steve Reich studying under The Nation of Ulysses and you might get a glimpse of what this is like. This is not an accessible album, but a pure testament of the artist making no allowances for appeal. Once your ears get accustomed to the incredibly intricate structures, rhythms, counter-rhythyms, and harmonics you'll find something constantly engaging and constantly evolving. All of these songs seem to tell stories, as I listen, all I do is imagine the visual counterpart. It's not higher up only because I believe I need to listen more, but nevertheless I present to you the most stimulating thing you'll probably hear all year. Whether you like it or not.

Key Tracks:
Stray Bullets Singing “It’s Not What You Say But Who You Give It To (excerpt) (http://www.blackbough.ca/mp3/Stray%20Bullets%20Singing%20(e dit).mp3), ...And All Dogs To Shark, Little Birdie, Little Birdie, Why Do You Sing Your Song? Such A Short Time To Be Here, And A Long Time To Be Gone.

Watashi
12-18-2008, 12:10 AM
Please ban keyin.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 12:11 AM
re: Daniel Davis
Q-Tip is an artist I have yet to listen to much of, but I'll heed this recommendation. Thanks.

I'm not a big hip-hop guy (mostly because I know so little about the genre) but the instant I heard Starshipz and Rocketz I knew I'd love it. I pretty much always place music (or production in this case) in front of vocals when i first hear something, and this really engaged me.

I've only really heard Tha Carter III from this year and I was pretty underwhelmed.

re: Sycophant
Nice to see you too. My list may get more familiar as it goes on, but then again, i'm kind of out of touch of what may be familiar.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 12:17 AM
17. BENOîT PIOULARD - TEMPER
http://blog.iso50.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/temper-cover.jpg

Following up his promising debut "PrecÃ*s" the cultivated persona Benoît Pioulard gives us more autumnal strumming, airy vocals, and found soundscapes, but now with a little more interest in drone (check out the Stars of the Lid-esque "Modèle D'éclat"). Truthfully, the album doesn't constitute much growth on his part, but that does not stop it from being incredibly pleasant, deft, and a perfect companion to long winter walks. What separates him from the slew of boring and innocuous singer/songwriters is his affinity for texture. All of the sounds seem like field recordings and he bathes them in a celestial drone and beauty, creating a nostalgia around his work that can be called contrived, but ultimately, it works. Although it may not show progression, this is still gorgeous stuff, and why try to fix what's not broken?

Key tracks:
Ahn, The Loom Pedal, Modèle D'éclat, A Woolgathering Exodus, Hesperus (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52898940408ae7a8/)

transmogrifier
12-18-2008, 12:18 AM
Actually, just out of interest, do you have a Best of 2007 list? I'd be interested in that too.

PS: Welcome back.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 12:22 AM
Actually, just out of interest, do you have a Best of 2007 list? I'd be interested in that too.

PS: Welcome back.
I never wrote one down, but I had a vague idea of my top. Funny you ask, 2007 is my favorite year in music this decade.

p.s. Thanks.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 12:26 AM
16. NO AGE - NOUNS
http://www.urb.com/uploads/reviews/cd_reviews/No_Age_Nouns_Sub_Pop.jpg

Some point to these guys for starting (or popularizing) the neo lo-fi trend emerging, but they'd probably shrug it off. They're not as concerned with the genre trappings as capturing the spirit of their community in an artful and appropriate way. Although these songs may seem to be bent on creating little nuggets of pop rock (and quite well at that), underneath the surface is an interest in the artlessness and innocence of adolescence. These songs sound like memories of the music an older brother would play, or what someone's first party would be like, condensing all the awkward emotions into all-over wall of sound (which is impressive given that this is only two guys) and contemplative ambience (e.g. "Keechie). I guess there are a few perks of being a wallflower.

Key Tracks:
Miner, Eraser, Things I Did When I Was Dead (http://mineorecords.com/mp3/nage-thi.mp3)*, Sleeper Hold (http://justsayinisall.com/music/11-15/SleeperHold.mp3)**


* - favourite track
** - most indicative of their sound.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 12:26 AM
alright, break time

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 12:47 AM
Actually, just out of interest, do you have a Best of 2007 list? I'd be interested in that too.

PS: Welcome back.
1. panda bear - person pitch
2. the studio - yearbook #1
3. after dark - v/a
4. spoon - ga ga ga ga ga
5. burial - untrue
6. deerhunter - cryptograms
7. HEALTH - HEALTH
8. pantha du prince - this bliss
9. frog eyes - tears of the valedictorian
10. animal collective - strawberry jam
11. deerhoof - friend opportunity
12. of montreal - hissing fauna are you the destroyer
13. !!! - myth takes
14. the tough alliance - a new chance
15. mia - kala
16. andrew bird - armchair apocrypha
17. lcd soundsystem - sound of silver
18. stars of the lid - and their refinement of the decline
19. battles - mirrored
20. the field - from here we go sublime
21. the national - boxer
22. a place to bury strangers - a place to bury strangers
23. el guincho - alegranza
24. beirut - the flying cup club
25. yeasayer - all hour cymbals
26. menomena - friend and foe
27. dungen - tio bitar
28. radiohead - in rainbows
29. map of africa - map of africa
30. gui boratto - chromophobia
31. chromatics - night drive
32. kanye west - graduation
33. working for a nuclear free city - businessmen & ghosts
34. no age - weirdo rippers
35. strategy - future rock

transmogrifier
12-18-2008, 12:53 AM
1. panda bear - person pitch
2. the studio - yearbook #1
3. after dark - v/a
4. spoon - ga ga ga ga ga
5. burial - untrue


It was a good year. I'll never, ever understand why people like Spoon though.

Sven
12-18-2008, 01:04 AM
It was a good year. I'll never, ever understand why people like Spoon though.

Spoon was bouncy. It's f**kin' Person Pitch that confounds me. Argh.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 01:06 AM
It was a good year. I'll never, ever understand why people like Spoon though.

I couldn't stand them before this album; they were always so cold and methodical, which translated to formulaic edginess, but this album had a swagger to it, and a certain drunken classiness to it (if that makes any sense) that really loosened up their sound.

It also made me reach further into their back catalog and discover Girls Can Tell, which I think is one of the best albums of this decade. Who knew.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 01:08 AM
Spoon was bouncy. It's f**kin' Person Pitch that confounds me. Argh.
haha. Person Pitch to me is just a great vision executed immaculately. Every time I play it I just feel happier.

I can understand why people don't like it, but I do think, objectively, that it's a very good record in terms of articulating an artist's identity and hard work behind it's creation.

Boner M
12-18-2008, 01:16 AM
Yay, keyin!

Only heard 4 from this so far; the No Age, Fuck Buttons, and Atlas Sound. Liked the latter a whole bunch, even more than the Deerhunter, the other two I'm mixed on, though I'll probably see them next month.

Hope Grouper shows up here. And hope that stupid El Guincho doesn't (I'll take Nomo's Ghost Rock and Kasai Allstars' contribution to the Congotronics series as far as party records go).

Boner M
12-18-2008, 01:28 AM
Man that Kingdom Shore album sounds great. imacheckitout

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 01:31 AM
hey, Boner!

I think you'd dig Vivian Girls and a slew of upcoming entries.

If the El Guincho came out this year it would have a good shot (I'm a sucker for that sound, he stole it before AC could put out their next album proper.) I know I need to listen to Nomo, but I always forget.

edit: re: kingdom shore:
yeah, it's so intense. definitely the most interesting thing i've heard all year.

Boner M
12-18-2008, 01:34 AM
If the El Guincho came out this year
I suck.

d/l'ing Kingdom Shore now, Vivian Girls later today. Wheee.

Duncan
12-18-2008, 01:59 AM
Welcome back keyin.

So far:
Like Fuck Buttons.
Gave Atlas Sound a couple listens and deleted from my hard drive.
Am totally addicted to the new No Age album. I cannot stop listening.

Dislike Spoon, but am coming around on Person Pitch though it's mostly because of my friend's constant nagging.

D_Davis
12-18-2008, 02:08 AM
17. BENOîT PIOULARD - TEMPER


This is cool. I've been meaning to pick it up. Totally my thing - ambient and atmospheric.

Have you heard Hammock's newest one? It's incredible.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 02:13 AM
15. WAVVES - WAVVES
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/4840/folderbz9.jpg

A somewhat complement to No Age is Wavves, another emerging lo-fi artist. Although they share an interest in lo-fi and teen culture, Wavves focus more on writing concise pop songs than the emotions behind them. Sure they're there, but it's a celebration rather than contemplation; this is meant for the beach and the summer, juvenile pranks and mishaps. They too revel in noise in the same way The Hospitals do, but they package it in a much more accessible way with actual hooks. It may not be all that developed in terms of lyrics, but this is a surface record, meant to be immediate and fun. Highly recommended.

Key Tracks:
California Goth (http://cdn.stereogum.com/mp3/Wavves%20-%20California%20Goth.mp3), Wavves, Vermin, Side Yr On

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 02:16 AM
re: duncan:
The Atlas Sound can be underwhelming, I totally understand that sentiment. I think you're the first to like Fuck Buttons, so that's refreshing.
it's been awhile, can you remind me who you were? I think I have an idea, I just don't want to embarrass myself.

re: daniel davis:
Glad you like it! It's probably the only think on my list like it, but hey, at least it's something. I have not heard the new Hammock, I'm actually not all to familiar with the artist.

D_Davis
12-18-2008, 02:27 AM
re: daniel davis:
Glad you like it! It's probably the only think on my list like it, but hey, at least it's something. I have not heard the new Hammock, I'm actually not all to familiar with the artist.

I predict a new entry onto your list!

:)

Check it out. Hammock - Maybe They Will Sing for Us Tomorrow

It is incredibly dense and atmospheric, almost entirely guitar-based ambient music, accompanied by some soft vocal samples and cello. The track "Eighty-four Thousand Hymns" is especially good.

It's definitely not lo-fi though...
;)

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 02:30 AM
14. BRITISH SEA POWER - DO YOU LIKE ROCK MUSIC?
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y129/keyinblack/DoYouLikeRockMusic_bsp.jpg

I'll admit, I'm not as hot on this album as I was when it first came up, but feeling the nostalgia and excitement I felt when I first heard it was enough for it to get this far. This is pure unadulterated stadium rock, by the one band that, despite their irony, can deliver such a promise. They obviously wanted something huge and epic, and musically, they succeeded. This thing cascades in reverb, bounces off the walls, and on the few tender moments, lilts along despite the enormous pressure they put on their shoulders to "bring it" (i.e. "Open the Door", probably their most beautiful mid-tempo song). Unfortunately, although they nail the music, they don't quite get what makes classics like Joshua Tree and Born To Run what they are—memorable lyrics. This band has always been known for their non-sequitors but they don't translate to this sound. However, this is still good fun, and this band knows how to craft a tune. Now if they spent a little more effort on writing, they might make it to where they want to be.

Key Tracks:
Lights Out For Darker Skies (http://www.dbf-music.com/bsp-lightsout.mp3), No Lucifer, Waving Flags, Atom, Open The Door.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 02:32 AM
re: daniel davis:

listening now. reminds me a tad of stars of the lid, which is a very good thing.
this is why i'm so wary to make these lists, i always end up finding something later that would make them.

D_Davis
12-18-2008, 02:36 AM
re: daniel davis:

listening now. reminds me a tad of stars of the lid, which is a very good thing.
this is why i'm so wary to make these lists, i always end up finding something later that would make them.

Totally.

I think Hammock is a little more melodic than Stars... which is probably why I like them a little more, at least I seem to turn to them more often. Not to disparage Stars... at all - that group of musicians is fascinating.

Although historically Hammock has been more into the neo-sheogaze thing, but with this new album they completely ditched the rhythm section. I kind of hope they continue with this sound.

I had forgotten about that Temper album, and now I may have to adjust my own list! I will only be doing a top 10 though, with some honorable mentions, and I don't think it will make it there. However, I'm really glad you reminded me of it!

D_Davis
12-18-2008, 02:40 AM
I've never listened to British Sea Power before now. They seem pretty cool. I may to check them out more.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 02:47 AM
13. THE WALKMEN - YOU & ME
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2717469468_bcdcae0732.jpg

This band grows with me like a best friend. From late high school now to late college, I've been with them thick and thin. Through their maudlin rants to their hard break-ups and now to this. By far their most mature work, they take all of their elements that define their identity (the main singer's tipsy croon, organ, surf guitars, and inventive drumming) and cultivate them to something that's confident and casual. They're not trying to define or break into any scenes, they're just some guys recording some great songs that seem ageless. Because of their organ and penchant for sleigh bells, this band has always been associated with Christmas, and I couldn't argue that. The embody the strange mix of emotions of visiting the neighborhood you grew up in or seeing relatives and friends you hardly ever see outside of the Holidays. Most importantly, they have a wit and swagger to them that makes you relate. Not to mention, the music is pretty damn good at this point.

Key Tracks:
On The Water (http://www.danieljohnsonwrites.com/foneculture/on_the_water.mp3), In The New Year, Postcards From Tiny Islands, Four Provinces, I Lost You

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 03:05 AM
you had me at shoegaze. I'm gonna definitely check out more by them (him).

British Sea Power have two earlier albums, their debut is all over the place but incredibly fun. Their second is kind of like a throwback to 8o's acts like The Chameleons and Echo & The Bunnymen, but with a little more sheen.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 03:17 AM
12. CRYSTAL ANTLERS - CRYSTAL ANTLERS [EP]
http://www.ithandikappad.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/chrystal-antlers.jpg

Nothing really prepared me for this band. As British Sea Power do stadium rock, Crystal Antlers do, well, heavy-psych-whatever rock. It doesn't really matter, as these guys really pull out all the stops and go straight for the jugular. Hardly a pause in this melange of breakneck riffs, time-signatures that change on a dime, prog keyboards, caterwauling vocals, and blues-laden bass. All with an excitement that seems uncool these days, you can feel the energy these guys give out (and their live performance is something to behold.) They're immensely talented musicians, and quite varied in their backgrounds. But that's all thrown out for an honest to god rock record (well, ep). They run the gamet, from psych tinged dirges to shuffles to marches, these guys are good, and they're breaking through, not with a whimper but a bang.

Key Tracks:
Until The Sun Dies (Part 2) (http://switchburn.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/until-the-sun-dies-part-2.mp3), A Thousand Eyes, Parting Song For the Torn Sky

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 03:29 AM
11. THE WAR ON DRUGS - WAGONWHEEL BLUES
http://pinhead.blogsome.com/images/WaronDrugsWagonwheelBlues.jpg

Another surprise. I figured this would be some MOR indie band that cling onto their gimmick because they realize it's the only thing keeping them relevant, but after a few listens, the music really grew on me. It could be my bias on the particular sound but this sounds like Bob Dylan via 8o's jangle and 9o's shoegaze. Despite this high concept, the music yields more than just a fascinating novelty, it actually works and shows incredible promise for this young band. They're not entirely mashing two genres, they add their own flair in several ways, such as their use of voice as instrument in "Taking the Farm" or their use of the oppressive and overbearing church organ that forms the base of the anthem "A Needle In Your Eye #16". All these elements combined make it the ideal road album of 2008, one that you can ride endlessly in it's crystal guitar plains.

Key Tracks:
Arms Like Boulders, Taking The Farm (http://www.scjag.com/mp3/sc/takingthefarm.mp3), A Needle In Your Eye #16, Show Me The Coast

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 03:29 AM
Top 10 Tomorrow!

D_Davis
12-18-2008, 04:45 AM
you had me at shoegaze. I'm gonna definitely check out more by them (him).

British Sea Power have two earlier albums, their debut is all over the place but incredibly fun. Their second is kind of like a throwback to 8o's acts like The Chameleons and Echo & The Bunnymen, but with a little more sheen.

And you had me at The Chameleons....

:)

D_Davis
12-18-2008, 04:48 AM
The War on Drugs sounds pretty cool. Totally Dylanesque, but that's totally cool. Never heard them before, and I totally dig it.

transmogrifier
12-18-2008, 06:48 AM
Fuck Buttons is my favorite on your list so far*


*that I've heard

Duncan
12-18-2008, 12:58 PM
re: duncan:
The Atlas Sound can be underwhelming, I totally understand that sentiment. I think you're the first to like Fuck Buttons, so that's refreshing.
it's been awhile, can you remind me who you were? I think I have an idea, I just don't want to embarrass myself.
I used to be called DonnCath.

Dig that Walkmen album.

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 09:46 PM
I used to be called DonnCath.

Dig that Walkmen album.
I remember you now. You had that great, well-informed and all-inclusive list (including porn and cigarettes) before the great migration. Definitely a highlight.

Also, The Walkmen went to your school, but I think you know that.

Next entry coming up!

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 10:14 PM
10. WOMEN - WOMEN
http://www.flemisheye.com/images/albums/FLCR016_lg.jpg

The most frustrating album to search and download this year is only moreso because it's one of the best. Women are a four piece that hail from Calgary and despite only using a four track make quite the raucous album. Their influences range from all over the place, sometimes delving into This Heat inspired dissonance and cacophony ("Lawncare") to late Velvet Underground detached sing-songs ("Black Rice") to songs that show incredible guitar dexterity all with an ease that belies the tension of the song a la The Joggers ("Shaking Hand"). They could be called lo-fi as well (the last on the list that could qualify as such) but they're interests are far-out. I don't quite understand the statement they're trying to make with this album given it's variety, but it does, somehow, cohere. This mystery of intention keeps me coming back for more as maybe this is just a resume, maybe it's a preview of coming attractions. Either way, it's one of the more fascinating debuts this year that seemingly sounds fresh and like it could come from any time.

Key Tracks:
Lawncare (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52944316a18aa47e/), Black Rice (http://www.herohill.com/MP3/04%20BLACK%20RICE.mp3), Group Transport Hall, Shaking Hand (https://poptartssucktoasted.sslpowered .com/LP11.24/Wednesday/top%2010/Women%20-%20Shaking%20Hands.mp3), Upstairs

keyinblack
12-18-2008, 10:55 PM
09. HIGH PLACES - 03/07 - 09/07 / HIGH PLACES
http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/wp-content/pictures/2008/05/highplaces_album_cover.jpghttp ://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y129/keyinblack/highplaces.jpg

Double trouble. I included the first because it's a compilation of their earlier ep's while the latter is their proper album. High Places is a two piece that use and record unconventional percussion and instruments (toys, music boxes), chop it up, and re-assemble them into incredibly well-rounded, dimensionally deep, and increasingly sophisticated sound scapes as the female vocalist's nursery rhyme-esque singing weaves thru the units of sound. Not much to look at live, their music has an elegance unparalleled in the Brooklyn scene in which they are often lumped into. The music evokes such a beautiful sense of space and wonder, like a child's initial curiosity and imagination of the universe.

Initially I shrugged it off as another antique of this generation, an album that could not exist outside of 2008, but that's also it's charm. It's a testament to the constantly creative and thriving music scene. Unlike their counterparts Telepathe, this antique can be looked at in appreciation, not embarrassment. But really, who cares, this is beautiful, expressive, and oft sonically poignant music.

Key Tracks:
Head Spins (http://www.strangerdance.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/high-places_03_07-09_07_01_head-spins-extended-version.mp3), Banana Slugs / Cosmonaut, Shared Islands (http://www.zshare.net/audio/529457517e29be27/), Jump In (For Gilkey Elementary School); The Storm, Golden Coin, From Stardust to Sentience (http://thrilljockey.com/drop/freebies/High_Places_From_Stardust_to_S entience.mp3)

D_Davis
12-18-2008, 11:03 PM
09. HIGH PLACES - 03/07 - 09/07 / HIGH PLACES


These dudes are pretty cool, just checked them out. They remind me a bit of old His Name is Alive. I've heard a few new bands this year that remind me of old His Name is Alive. I guess young fans of that band have grown up, and are now making their own music. That's cool.

One of the other bands is Grouper.

D_Davis
12-18-2008, 11:06 PM
10. WOMEN - WOMEN


The most frustrating album to search and download this year is only moreso because it's one of the best.

This has been available on iTunes and Amazon for some time. I remember checking it out awhile ago. I didn't like it...

:)

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 02:11 AM
re: daniel david:
definitely hear the his name is alive, if just a little more percussive.

i initially didn't like the women album all that much but it really grew on me.

Sven
12-19-2008, 02:14 AM
But what about (insert name of popular album here)? It was good, wasn't it?

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 02:38 AM
08. DODOS - VISITER
http://pic.leech.it/images/cbc21417eamztse.jpg

I present the most promising indie rock band this year, The Dodos. Just two guys, guitarist and drummer, they pound out such solid songwriting that they give us too much of a good thing (14 songs, just a few seconds under an hour, 4 songs clocking well over 6 min.) They're strength is their ingenuity, combining passionate strums and a even a flavor of delta blues with rollicking Animal Collective like percussion (and sometimes vocal cadences and shouts) but somehow, it maintains it's identity with it's incredibly strong songwriting and understanding of structure.

Now, this isn't the best debut of the year (but obviously it's pretty damn close), but by seeing how prolific these guys are in this one album, I think they'll be around for a while and producing quality material. What's also fantastic about it is it's utter lack of pretense. These sound like friends you know with inventive means to express themselves, not far-out, out-of-touch artists who can't be accessed. They just have a passion and a voice, and if this is the state of indie rock today, then the kids are alright.

Key Tracks:
Red and Purple (http://wakingupto.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/02-red-and-purple-1.mp3), Fools (http://www.matthewjamesyoung.com/sbt/Dodos-Fools.mp3), Joe's Waltz, Ashley, The Season (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52952289197f1489/), God?

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 03:07 AM
07. FLEET FOXES - FLEET FOXES
http://dkpresents.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/fleet_foxes-fleet_foxes-cover.jpg

We've all seen this before. Buzz-worthy band releases EP and shortly after critically praised debut. Their next LP is lucky to have half of the strength of the debut, and from there, the quality decreases exponentially. Honestly, I don't expect much from these guys in the future, but none of that matters, as it does not discredit what a refreshing achievement this is. Pastoral and lilting guitars, beautiful vocal harmonies, and strong motifs on the natural world, this transcends Fairview Convention posturing, it really enters into the realm of timeless song writing (a cliche i'm using a lot, but if the glove fits..).

The album has nary a dull moment, and constantly impresses with it's range of vocals and evocations. The production gives everything such a beautiful and full quality. If nothing else, this band will be remembered for "White Winter Hymnal", one of those simple but perfect songs that enter into the collective conscious of everyone. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Key Tracks:
White Winter Hymnal (http://www.minneapolisfuckingrocks.co m/mp3/fleetfoxes_whitewinterhymnal.m p3), Ragged Wood, He Doesn't Know Why (http://www.speedofdark-web.com/speedofdark/2008/Best/ff-hedoesnt.mp3[/url), Your Protector, Blue Ridge Mountains (http://www.zshare.net/audio/529530851ddba2b0/)

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 03:33 AM
06. VARIOUS ARTISTS - HEALTH // DISCO
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61vKY9iGvzL._SS500_.jpg

I'm not a remix guy, usually. Given the thousands of variables on any given song, finding all the right components to make a song good again or even better seems like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, given material from the ruthlessly noisy, wildly arty, and all around fractured sounds from the band HEALTH, something good would have to come out. What I appreciate more than anything about this album is his cohesion and overall tone. It keeps the creepiness and tension of the band, but adds cold synths and beats to make you tap your feet.

Its range in remixes is also quite impressive, and almost akin to what you expect from a regular album; the club-banger, the slower-tempo'd driving songs, the epic. It's all here. What's also great is the remixers are talented and throw in elements that go beyond the obligatory 4 to the floor beats and simple synth work, but really communicate their identity as artists in their own right (like CFCF's interpretation of "Triceratops" as Italian horror film soundtrack, or Thrust Labs "Problem Is" as 80's teen gang drama). The album can be just as challenging as the source, it's not just here to make you dance, but to make you re-evaluate just how malleable music can be in different hands. Also, check out the HEALTH's self-titled debut from 2007: these guys have some promise.

Key Tracks:
Triceratops (Acid Girls Rmx A), Lost Time (Pictureplane Rmx) (http://www.merryswankster.com/mp3/Health-Heaven_(Pictureplane_Remix).mp 3), Crimewave (Crystal Castles Vs Health) (http://taylored.com.au/mp3s/Crystal%20Castles%20-%20Crimewave%20(Crystal%20Cast les%20vs%20Health).mp3), Problem Is (Thrust Lab Rmx), Triceratops (Cfcf Rmx) (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52953754d4db4dd7/)

D_Davis
12-19-2008, 03:41 AM
Just checked out The Dodos - sounds great. I will probably end up buying this in the future.

I don't like the Fleet Foxes. I've tried, but I just can't get into them. I think I have a problem with all of the recent bands that contain the name of an animal - especially the deer-bands.

:)

And yet I dig the Dodos!

Theory debunked!

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 03:42 AM
Great Songs From Albums That Did Not Make The List:

Constantines - Our Age
The Hold Steady - Constructive Summer
Jeremy Jay - Beautiful Rebel
Kanye West - Coldest Winter
Lykke Li - Little Bit
M83 - Graveyard Girl
Morgan Geist - Detroit
Nico Muhly - Mothertongue III: Hress
Of Montreal - Wicked Wisdom
Ponytail - Celebrate the Body Electric (It Came From an Angel)
TV On The Radio - Crying
Wolf Parade - Language City
Xiu Xiu - No Friend, Oh!


I may upload a few later.

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 03:43 AM
The Dodos are excellent, they just have such a young and fun fervor to them but matched with great talent. I'm glad you like them.

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 05:09 AM
05. LINDSTRØM - WHERE YOU GO I GO TOO
http://musicatosis.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/r-1412919-1217565406.jpg

The epic. This is a vision so precisely articulated and right that the instant I heard it's atmospheric open, all distant bells, cymbal taps, and deep desert like soundscapes, I knew I was in for Lindstrøm's prog space disco masterstroke. This thing is a powerhouse, start to finish. 3 tracks, nearly an hour, this is more than just a concept album, this is a Lindstrøm declaring is supremacy. So many parts and suites can be used to make amazing short tracks, but instead, like a virtuoso he weaves them all in to craft something so grand it's difficult not to at least appreciate all the effort.

As mentioned before, this is disco remade through inter-galactic travel. And if that sounds cheesy, I can guarantee that this is the classiest album of the year. It's subtle and all-encompassing simultaneously, needing several listens to discern all the masterful details, but also always able to deliver satisfaction if just on in the background. A close and far listen, mannered as well as bold. The cover presents the man himself, modestly letting you into his marvel. The music needs no visual introduction, it stands so tall and monumental on it's own and really casts a shadow on everything in the genre.

Key Tracks:*
Where You Go I Go Too, Grand Ideas (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52956241d25f14fa/)

* a little silly for this album, but I offer the shortest track, "Grand Ideas" which clocks in at 10 min.

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 05:41 AM
04. GANG GANG DANCE - SAINT DYMPHNA
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y129/keyinblack/SaintDymphna.jpg

Gang Gang Dance, one of the weirder bands of the Brooklyn scene, turn their interests to making a dance album? This news boggled me when I first heard it, trying to imagine their Eastern fetish, at times terrifying vocals, and all around experimentalist approach to be reconciled with some 4 to the floor backing beat. Of course, they do something stranger and far more interesting. The album goes in so many strange directions and turns that by the end you're not quite sure what you heard, but you know it's not your typical "dance record". "Bebey" opens with the album with an oriental guitar, some clattering drums, and beautiful synths climbing over each other like ants. Could be a club banger if they replaced the synth line in the chorus with a voice. The track lead us into "First Communion" a highlight that sounds like a possessed M.I.A. or Santogold singing for some sort of distant, future ritual with cascading guitars and synth arpeggios. "Vacuum" sees them deconstruct My Bloody Valentine shoegaze into a whirlpool of loops, more rattling drums, and pretty much make real an aspect of an altered state. Once the rapper Tinchy Stryder makes his jarring introduction on the track "Princes" you know to expect the unexpected.

Although this all seems weird, and even self-parodying, Gang Gang Dance make it fascinating and sonically interesting. Texturally, this is the best album of the year, hands down. They use so many interesting contrasts and sounds that each song has a sort of inner conflict, battling the pretty with the harsh and abrasive. But when they do decide to make something accessible, they give us "House Jam" an 8o's synth ballad a la Madonna, but with their signature all over it. The album finishes with the contemplative "Dust" a pleasant wisp of a track in which it all slows down, giving you time to digest what you just heard. It's certainly a grower, but each listen yields new rewards.

Key Tracks:
Bebey (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52957032ad21395a/), First Communion (https://poptartssucktoasted.sslpowered .com/LP11.24/Monday/live%20picks/Gang%20Gang%20Dance%20-%20First%20Communion.mp3), Vacuum, House Jam (https://poptartssucktoasted.sslpowered .com/Albums%2008/30-50/08%20House%20Jam.mp3), Desert Storm

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 06:21 AM
03. HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR - HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR
http://graveyardshiftshane.files.word press.com/2008/03/hercules-love-affair.jpg

The disco revival has come full swing in considering this entry. As seen by last year's critically acclaimed After Dark, a compilation of modern disco acts, and the increasing theme of disco in remixes and on the dance floor, here comes another angle often not considered: the perspective of the fringe groups that popularized the genre: the LGBT community and the minorities. The album opens with Antony Hagerty (from Antony and The Johnson's) familiar gender bending voice, and proceeds to get funky and fresh, using all the tricks in the book to turn out disco infused numbers that have a relative coolness to them.

What makes this great however is just how well they pull it off. This record is not so much a textbook but a loving tribute to the genre. This is a celebration, not raucous and chest-pounding, but cool, precise, and even-handed. This album exudes a professional sharpness in the genre and can be mellow ("Iris") as it can be star-eyed on the dance floor ("Blind"). This thing is just so damn smooth and well done, and for that hats off.

Key Tracks:
Hercules Theme (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52398367e2f3e6dd/), Athene, Blind (http://wakingupto.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/05-blind-1.mp3), Iris (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52958063b3595e8e/), True False, Fake Real

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 06:59 AM
02. DEERHUNTER - MICROCASTLE / WEIRD ERA CONT.
http://brainwashed.com/common/images/covers/krank127.jpg

My most anticipated album of this year made good on my expectations, but in a way I didn't expect. When this initially leaked, Microcastle, I found it pleasent, but I was a little disappointed that they scaled back their wild, creepy, and ambient side that was so captivating on their album from 2007 "Cryptograms". It wasn't bad, it was just tame. Sure it had "Agoraphobia" one of the best songs of the year that from right off the bat sounded like an instant classic with it's distant yearning and milky guitar textures, but the rest was just so unadventerous. Knowing how much of a music geek lead man Bradford Cox was, it seemed like his attempt to craft, in his mind, a perfect little indie pop/rock album, using song structure's from the 50's and 60's. Another band shrugging off it's identity to retreat to a safe place where critics can't harm you as much.

However, when Weird Era Cont. leaked, it was a revelation. This was the Deerhunter I knew and loved. Scrappy, brash, loud, juvenile fascination with sound and ambient, and all around just having fun. There's a certain breeziness and just-recorded-to-tape quality about the album, but it in no way compromises their songwriting ability, but in fact, enables the best sequence of songs this band has ever written. "Vox Celeste" -> "Cicadas" -> "Vox Humana" stuns me every time, starting with joyous shoegaze where guitars climb to the heavens, to the plaintive last-days-of-summer ambiant aftermath, to a beautiful little ditty that conjures such deep nostalgia and innocence that you can't help but to smile. This was enough to cement the deal that this was the best rock album of the year.

Weird Era Cont also made me reconsider my initial judgments on Microcastle, and I realized that they're perfect complements. Microcastle appealing more to solid pop hooks, and Weird Era for something a little dirtier, something more raw. All in all, together they are an unstoppable force, and a great addition into the indie rock canon.

Key Tracks:
Agoraphobia (http://sonicitchmusic.com/mp3s/02%20Agoraphobia.mp3), Never Stops, Nothing Ever Happens (http://www.letssexyfighting.com/media/nothingeverhappened.mp3), Neither of Us, Uncertainly; Backspace Century, Vox Celeste (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52958813596058b4/), Cicadas (http://www.thedecibeltolls.com/mp3/Deerhunter_-_Cicadas.mp3), Vox Humana (http://www.t-sides.com/Music/Deerhunter%20-%20Vox%20Humana.mp3)*, Calvary Scars II/ Aux Out


* - I suggest you download and listen to these three back to back in this order. My favorite musical moment in 2008.

transmogrifier
12-19-2008, 08:27 AM
*Waits patiently*

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 08:28 AM
I'm kind of exhausted, these last couple have really tired me out.

I'll most likely post the no. 1 in the morning. In the meantime, enjoy the tunes.

Boner M
12-19-2008, 09:15 AM
Third?

I listened to half of the Kingdom Shore album yesterday but wasn't really in the mood. I'll give it another go sometime.

Microcastle is OK, though the stretch of songs in between "Never Stops" and "Nothing Ever Happened" is a bit of a slog. Everything else is incredibly strong; shoulda been an EP. Haven't heard NWE yet.

The GGD is in my top 10; I've been driving to it for the last few months.

I avoided Fleet Foxes simply based on a publicity photo that showed they all have beards, which usually means their music should be mediocre.

Why no Dear Science?

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 09:45 AM
Yeah, I expressed my lukewarm opinion on Microcastle in my write-up; it's really Weird Era Cont that got it there (I highly recommend you listen to it and check out the tracks I posted above.)

I listened to Fleet Foxes before I saw any of them, but yeah, that would have probably changed my mind. Just cringe-worthy.

I have issues with Dear Science. I think it's an identity crisis of an album with some disastrous songs. Dancing Choose is entirely silly and Golden Age is such second rate funk with no hook it boggles me that it was chosen as a single. Family Tree and Red Dress are embarrassing in the fact that any band could have written those songs. Lover's Day as well, but I kind of dig it. On the whole, the songwriting is just not up to par, this band that for so long ran from cliches uses them as crutches on a few songs. Like Shout Me Out and Halfway Home, everything is seen a mile away.

It's disappointing because they give us a glimpse of how good the album could have been in this new direction with Crying. Honest to God, this is in my top 5 tracks of the year. Everything is on par, the dueling vocals, beautiful falsetto, amazingly evocative and sexy chorus, and production that doesn't substitute the songwriting, but really enhances it. The horns don't sound gimmicky, the synths sound amazing, and the percussion and guitar accents are tight and inventive—the reason I used to love this band. It's a shame they couldn't live up to it, and a bigger one that critics slobber over it because it conveys a message and statement that they feel is relevant of the time (cynicism of Bush administration matched with the Hope of Obama), but doesn't have the songwriting to back it up.

Boner M
12-19-2008, 09:55 AM
I have issues with Dear Science. I think it's an identity crisis of an album with some disastrous songs. Dancing Choose is entirely silly and Golden Age is such second rate funk with no hook it boggles me that it was chosen as a single. Family Tree and Red Dress are embarrassing in the fact that any band could have written those songs. Lover's Day as well, but I kind of dig it. On the whole, the songwriting is just not up to par, this band that for so long ran from cliches uses them as crutches on a few songs. Like Shout Me Out and Halfway Home, everything is seen a mile away.

It's disappointing because they give us a glimpse of how good the album could have been in this new direction with Crying. Honest to God, this is in my top 5 tracks of the year. Everything is on par, the dueling vocals, beautiful falsetto, amazingly evocative and sexy chorus, and production that doesn't substitute the songwriting, but really enhances it. The horns don't sound gimmicky, the synths sound amazing, and the percussion and guitar accents are tight and inventive—the reason I used to love this band. It's a shame they couldn't live up to it, and a bigger one that critics slobber over it because it conveys a message and statement that they feel is relevant of the time (cynicism of Bush administration matched with the Hope of Obama), but doesn't have the songwriting to back it up.
I pretty much agree, but I'd rate it slightly higher (just misses my top ten). The topicality feels calculated indeed, but then, I find that's true of virtually every critically acclaimed band today so I'm over it. I like "Family Tree" even though it sounds like Grey's Anatomy and I have no guilt in liking "Red Dress". "Dancing Choose" and "The Golden Age" are pretty stupid but enjoyable if I don't think too hard about. "Stork and Owl" is totally boring. The rest of the songs are rather great I think.

Duncan
12-19-2008, 03:06 PM
Dear Science was probably my biggest disappointment of the year.

Fleet Foxes are just too damn pretty for me.

The Dodos are great. Favourite song on that album is Jodi.

Turns out it was Hercules and Love Affair that I deleted, not Atlas Sound. Got my mythological figures confused. Haven't heard the Atlas Sound album, but I like Deerhunter so I'll look into it.

Duncan
12-19-2008, 03:08 PM
I remember you now. You had that great, well-informed and all-inclusive list (including porn and cigarettes) before the great migration. Definitely a highlight.

Also, The Walkmen went to your school, but I think you know that.

Next entry coming up!

Yeah, the first concert I ever saw in New York was The Walkmen on my campus. It was good show, but I don't think they really gave a fuck about technical precision that day. They were pretty much just messing around, having a good time. Had a soft spot for them ever since.

monolith94
12-19-2008, 04:37 PM
Great, great, thread, Keyin.

Derek
12-19-2008, 08:27 PM
SO FAR
25. The Hospitals - Hairdryer Peace
24. Amadou & Mariam - Welcome to Mali
23. Air France - No Way Down [EP]
22. Fuck Buttons - Street Horrrsing
21. Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
20. G-Side - Starshipz and Rocketz
19. Vivian Girls - Vivian Girls
18. Kingdom Shore - ...And All The Dogs To Shark
17. Benoît Pouliard - Temper
16. No Age - Nouns
15. Wavves - Wavves
14. British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
13. The Walkmen - You & Me
12. Crystal Antlers - Crystal Antlers [EP]
11. The War On Drugs - Wagonwheel Blues
10. Women - Women
09. High Places - 03/07 - 09/07 / High Places
08. The Dodos - Visiter
07. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
06. Various Artists - HEALTH//DISCO
05. Lindstrøm - Where You Go I Go Too
04. Gang Gang Dance - Saint Dymphna
03. Hercules & Love Affair - Hercules & Love Affair
02. Deerhunter - Microcastle / Weird Era Cont.

Awesome list keyin! I've heard 19 of the 24 so far and the only one I actively dislike is The Hospitals. That kind of album is all or nothing, at least for me, so I can understand why people love it. 8 of those will actually be on my own list, which I should be starting in the next few days and I really like almost all the others. I couldn't get into Hercules & Love Affair (if there was a way to listen to it sans Antony, I'd give it another go), Vivian Girls or Kingdom Shore, but the rest are aces. Definitely one of the most interesting year-end lists I've seen so far. Kudos!

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 09:08 PM
01. CUT COPY - IN GHOST COLOURS
http://noledigasanadie.files.wordpres s.com/2008/05/51x4eiavjul_ss500_.jpg

Completely out of left-field, this once low key electronic outfit explode onto the main stage with the best crafted pop album of the year. Only it's disguised as dance album. From the get-go of "Feel The Love" you can read the confidence this band has in its new sound and on this record. You can tell this is supposed to be "the album" by just looking at the tracks and observing the little interludes in between. They're proud and they have every right to be; like The Avalanches landmark s/t'd opener "Since I Left You", "Feel the Love" invites you in, pops the champagne and "welcomes you to paradise". The song is immaculately structured, from the call-and-response verses, to the bouncy doo-wop bridge, to the funky guitar and voxed out chorus. This is all channeled through a production that cast a hazy fog over the analog and non-analog instruments to equalize them in perfect harmony. And the album only gets better.

Again, the main criticism of this is that it could easily be labeled pastiche, combining New Order and Daft Punk to create an empty product. But I have to stress not only how well they do it, but how substantive it is. There is so much craft and love put into this album that reveals itself it ways not only melodic, but heart-rendering (e.g. the short respite of "Midnight Runner" or full on come-down ballad "Strangers In The Wind"). It's not just a facsimile, its an accomplishment that should not be short-changed.

What I really admire about the album is not just its cohesion and lack of filler, but how they try so many different ranges and nail every single one of them. So often when bands sit down to write the obligatory ballad or radio-friendly track, they slip into cliches, compromising their sound for something more universal. The slower tracks on this album could have been disastrous, but they crafted each song so well and uniquely, that there is no filler, each song stands on it's own. They nailed all of the components so that you have your summer jam ("Unforgettable Season"), your club bangers ("Lights and Music", "Hearts on Fire"), your rocker ("So Haunted"), and even your come-down ("Strangers In The Wind") all wrapped up in a perfect and solid package.

I never expected this to be my no. 1, but it's so perfectly crafted and at the end of the day, transcends year-end lists. This is something I can see myself returning to often as it's just one of the perfect albums, where skill and inspiration collide, that come every once in awhile,regardless of genre. Enjoy.

Key Tracks:
The whole damn thing, but here are some tracks to listen to: Feel The Love (http://www.zshare.net/audio/5298928728354e26/), Hearts On Fire (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52989422ff315f19/), Strangers In The Wind (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52989555bed9c287/), Nobody Lost, Nobody Found (http://www.zshare.net/audio/52989705bc02276a/)

keyinblack
12-19-2008, 09:26 PM
Thanks for all the comments everyone, I really appreciate them!

If anyone's interested in any of the albums, shoot me a PM.

Boner M
12-19-2008, 11:38 PM
Cut Copy I have avoided on account of them being an electro-rock band from Australia. Although the singles I've heard have been decent. Still, very surprising #1!

Didn't like Third, huh? Seemed like a keyin-ish album.

keyinblack
12-20-2008, 12:37 AM
re: cut copy: i'm as surprised as you, but it's just really good.

re: third: i'm not a huge fan of their earlier stuff so I never even downloaded this one. I guess i'll give it a go though.

Boner M
12-20-2008, 12:38 AM
re: third: i'm not a huge fan of their earlier stuff so I never even downloaded this one. I guess i'll give it a go though.
It's a complete departure.

transmogrifier
12-20-2008, 04:19 AM
re: third: i'm not a huge fan of their earlier stuff so I never even downloaded this one. I guess i'll give it a go though.


Do it. Awesome album. My second fav of the year.

keyinblack
12-20-2008, 04:45 AM
That's two recommendations; downloading now.

Milky Joe
12-20-2008, 05:55 AM
As long as you're taking recommendations, I'll throw out Celebration by Thomas Function. One of my favorites of the year that seems to be recognized by nobody. Really high energy jangly pop with a southern tinge to it. Think you'd like it.

keyinblack
12-20-2008, 06:11 AM
I had this on my harddrive and lost it somehow.

From what I heard I remember really enjoying it. I'll have to download that as well, thanks for reminding me.

DSNT
12-20-2008, 11:41 AM
Great thread. I've had less time to find quality in music in 2008, so I know less of your list than usual .. although our 2007 lists are very similar. This list is a good place to start.

Surprised to see the BSP album. I'm a huge fan of their debut, was disappointed in their followup, and lukewarm on Rock Music. It has a few moments. Been in love with the Fleet Foxes album for months now.

I highly recommend Third and the Nick Cave album.

Idioteque Stalker
12-22-2008, 06:54 AM
Glad to know that, like me, you're still lurking around.

There's a lot here I need to check out. From a musical perspective, I've completely failed this year. There might be--and I mean might be--ten albums with which I'm familiar (although I could give gut reactions to probably around 25 or so).

I feel like I remember our tastes being more similar than they are now. Four of my top five are missing entirely from your list:

1. Vampire Weekend - s/t
2. TV On the Radio - Dear Science
3. Fleet Foxes - s/t
4. Beach House - Devotion
5. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
(I should point out here that, admittedly, Visiter holds my #6 spot as well as your #8.)

Gut reactions to albums I've heard a bit of:
Cut Copy seems to be little else than an immediately attractive facade that will, after repeated listening, become boring and reveal little under the surface. Please convince me that I'm wrong because that facade is very attractive indeed.

You and I had complete opposite reactions to Deehunter. I was really impressed by most of Microcastles (to me it seemed a great and accessible direction for the band that maintained a bit of their unique aesthetic), but after listening to WEC once I can't bring myself to say anything good about it apart from recognizing its singularity--sure, they are successfully creating unique indie guitar rock, but that says nothing about the quality of the music.

Air France seems like a sorry retread of the similarly produced and constructed celebratory dance album Since I Left You.

I would honestly love for someone to point out why No Age is so good because they sound great on paper. The music, however, is so unimpressive that I would even venture to call it mediocre.

Walkmen seems good and something I could get into (I still return to The Rat every once in a while and am happy).

Listened to Black Rice by Women and it was awesome. Definitely going to check out more.

High Places, after one listen a while back, left me very unimpressed. Seemed like experimental music masquerading as pop? Wait, that sounds kind of cool. Hmm... Pop music masquerading as experimental, maybe? Either way, I remember thinking it sounding this close to being awesome, but that little missing bit likewise kept it from being good.

I listened semi-passively to Lindstrom once and thought it was cool, but kind of sterile. I'll listen again and hopefully hear more subtleties.

Gang Gang Dance could be totally awesome. Need to listen more. Vaccuum reminds me of the short track from Loveless for some reason.

Maybe it's just because I actively dislike the centerpiece Blind, but I can't get behind Hercules & Love Affair. I remember really boogying to some of it, though.

Oh, and Dear Science is a masterpiece and TVOTR's best album by far. The only weak track is Golden Age, and even it has its merit. Finally they have harnessed all of their great ideas and delivered them in a consistently palatable manner. I Was A Lover is still my favorite by them, but so many of the songs on Dear Science come close to its brilliance, while none of them come close to the over-the-top iconoclasm of the bad half of their last two albums. People say that Synecdoche, New York suffers from Kaufman's typically outlandish vision not being reeled in by Gondry or Jonze; well, Dear Science is a document of some crazy musicians making music that is just harnessed enough to be accessible (and that much more relatable and powerful for it): it's more pleasing than challenging (even though you do have to dig at a couple of tracks), more musical than theoretical, more accessible than experimental. Because of all this, though, I think it will actually prove to be more influential than their other, more progressive records.

For me, 2008 was the year of solid albums. All of my top five albums have at most one track that I don't love, yet none of them would break my top fifteen of the decade, while only two would make my top 30. Still, I'll be listening to music from this year for a long time, in many situations, with many people.

keyinblack
12-22-2008, 10:27 PM
cut copy is as much surface as new order's low-life or daft punk's discovery. there are affecting moments, but it's my no. 1 because straight thru, it's a perfectly crafted album and exceeds expectations and succeeds wildly in what it wants to be. Take a dive, even if you don't return to it, you'll have a hell of a week with it.

parts of microcastle are just so bland. boner has a good point in saying that it should have been an ep. little kids and the s/t'd track are such paint by numbers indie rock songs that it's sad to see this band that had so much sonic curiosity just regurgitate some guitar pop cliches. weird era cont to me compromises the new direction with cryptograms sonic palate. not perfectly, but as i stated in my review, that three song sequence kills me every time.

air france. somewhat, but air france isn't as celebratory, but rather breezy. as it stands it's just an ep, and until avalanches come out with something new (rumors say slated for 2009) this is the best we got.

i have to admit, there are many days where i just don't like nouns. it's horribly mixed. but somedays, it just works. it might be the naivete in his voice (even tho everything this band does is so calculated now) or the strange ambient interludes that reveal this awkward adolescent emotions, but really i don't know. i think it's overrated, but still good.

high places. i pretty much agree with your sentiment, but they're still young, and they're growing nicely. if they can record on album on par with just from stardust to sentience then we really have something great ahead of us.

lindstrom. it's sterile in how finished and professional it is, i'll agree. I know it seems daunting also, but there really is so much going on (especially in the opener) that it warrants a few close listens.


i resectfully disagree, i think dear science is their most lyrically iconoclastic and at times, incredibly embarrassing thing this band has done (I mean, c'mon, the R.E.M. rap that makes up the verses of Dancing Choose is just painful to me). But do you at least see my point in how family tree is incredibly out-of-character for the band, and not in a good fresh way, but a cliched lets-add-a-ballad way? and how you've heard the rock breakdown in Shout Me Out (with the indie cheerleader "hey!"s) a billion times before? It would be naive to say the only think keeping this album together is its production, as that's the only thing that kept their previous efforts, but i also think there is very very clear lack of strong songwriting. i still hold that return to cookie mountain is their best, because i can return to that record and still hear something new every time. This one is so immediate that I don't think anyone will listen to this 3 months from now. It just seems totally disposable.

But different strokes. As I said earlier, Crying is one of the best songs this band has ever written and easily in my top 5 of songs of the year.

in retrospect, i don't think this was a great year for music (or at least my taste in music.) 3 of my top 5 are such marginal acts that just surprised me. 2009 on the other hand is looking like it should be a colossal and exciting finale to the decade (even if i know early on that there's little chance that anything will top Merriweather Post Pavilion for me.)

also, i think you'd like the dodos.

jesse
01-05-2009, 04:42 AM
Key tracks:
Sabali (http://mineorecords.com/mp3/amamar-sab.mp3) *now obsessed with*

I have nothing else to add (yet), other than I too very much liked that Arthur Russell album.

-jesse