This year's Top 10+ sees the completion of a shift that began when i fell in love with the Wicked soundtrack several years ago.
I've finally been utterly and completely seduced by the shiny, happy pop hit world after years of independence. Here's the list:
* M.I.A. - Paper Planes (every version and every mix - and I hope Slumdog Millionaire wins the best picture oscar!)
* Katie Perry - I kissed a girl
* Pink - So What
* The whole Duffy album
* Alexandra Burke (the X Factor victor)'s version of Hallelulah
* Leona Lewis's version of Run
* The coldplay album
* TI - whatever you like, and the Rihanna song
* Rihanna's whole '08 output
Hell....
I even liked Jack White and Alicia Keyes - Quantum of Solace theme
Here's as close to the fresh as I veered:
* Charlotte Gainsbourg's 5.55 is excellent
* Conor Oberst's Cape Canaveral
* Elbow's Grounds for Divorce and On a day like this
* Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan's Sunday at Devil Dirt
* Verve's Forth was nice and Vervey
Zut alors......
I even love Carla Bruni's Comme si de rien n'etait
Dec 29, 2008
Dec 27, 2008
TOMAS COOKMAN - Los Angeles, USA
It is so hard to pick just 10 tracks, let alone full albums in this day and age of excessive attention deficit mode. Here are tracks that I found myself listening to more and more and playing at my end of day blast the speakers from my office playlists. Most of it is indie and there is a demo or two in there and I went over my ten, but I think they are all songs worth listening to. The honorable mentions are songs that you all should hear at least once in your life in case you ever go fully deaf and lose the opportunity to do so.
SONG - ARTIST
Won't Say Anything - Hello Seahorse - Mexico
Tigers in the Fire - Love Grenades - Los Angeles
Deep Princess - The Peronists - La Plata, Argentina
Politik Kills - Prince Fatty Remix - Manu Chao - North Hollywood (he left some stuff in my guest house)
The Step and The Walk - The Duke Spirit - Los Angeles
Rio - Aterciopelados - Bogota
Between Bullets - Zigmat - New York
Flavour - 29th Street - Los Angeles
Beggin'(Pilooski Re-Edit Radio Edit) - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - New Jersey / Paris
Let U Know - Plastiilna Mosh - Mars
Take Me Back To Piaui (Dubben Mix) - Jurandyr Czaczkes - Brazilian Beats 'n' Pieces (Served Up by Phat Kev) - Brazil
Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich & Fussible - Tijuana Sound Machine - Tijuana
International Love - Fidel Nadal - Buenos Aires
Nijaay - Orchestra Baobab - Africa
Black & Gold - Sam Sparro - Los Angeles
honorable mention:
Honey Hush - Johnny Burnette & The Rock 'n' Roll Trio - Rockabilly Heaven
Maruzzella - Renato Carosone - Napoli
So ´nnato Carcerato - Mario Merola - Napoli
SONG - ARTIST
Won't Say Anything - Hello Seahorse - Mexico
Tigers in the Fire - Love Grenades - Los Angeles
Deep Princess - The Peronists - La Plata, Argentina
Politik Kills - Prince Fatty Remix - Manu Chao - North Hollywood (he left some stuff in my guest house)
The Step and The Walk - The Duke Spirit - Los Angeles
Rio - Aterciopelados - Bogota
Between Bullets - Zigmat - New York
Flavour - 29th Street - Los Angeles
Beggin'(Pilooski Re-Edit Radio Edit) - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - New Jersey / Paris
Let U Know - Plastiilna Mosh - Mars
Take Me Back To Piaui (Dubben Mix) - Jurandyr Czaczkes - Brazilian Beats 'n' Pieces (Served Up by Phat Kev) - Brazil
Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich & Fussible - Tijuana Sound Machine - Tijuana
International Love - Fidel Nadal - Buenos Aires
Nijaay - Orchestra Baobab - Africa
Black & Gold - Sam Sparro - Los Angeles
honorable mention:
Honey Hush - Johnny Burnette & The Rock 'n' Roll Trio - Rockabilly Heaven
Maruzzella - Renato Carosone - Napoli
So ´nnato Carcerato - Mario Merola - Napoli
Dec 26, 2008
MELANI TANKEL - New York, USA
1. Tegan and Sara - The Con
2. Radiohead- In Rainbows
3. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
4. Juana Molina - Un Dia
5. Q-Tip - The Renaissance
6. Daedelus - Love to Make Music To
7. Phantom Planet - Raise The Dead
8. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
9. Jack Penate - Matinee (Expanded Editon)
10. Moby - Last Night
2. Radiohead- In Rainbows
3. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
4. Juana Molina - Un Dia
5. Q-Tip - The Renaissance
6. Daedelus - Love to Make Music To
7. Phantom Planet - Raise The Dead
8. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
9. Jack Penate - Matinee (Expanded Editon)
10. Moby - Last Night
Dec 25, 2008
ADELA GONDELLES - Miami, USA
This year I bought a liiitle more than last one. However I continue buying more singles, like everyone else..
bajofondo tango club, mar dulce
vampire weekend, vampire weekend
viva la vida, coldplay
Adele, 19
Julieta Venegas MTV Unplugged (hate to sound so biased, but it’s a very good material)
Josiah Lehming (you can find his work on myspace.com). 17 years old kiddo from AI.
singles:
1. round midnighth, amy winehouse, Frank (B sides)
2. crack the shutters, snow patrol
3. Honey, Erykah Badu
4. human, day & age, the killers.
5. Duffy- Warwick Avenue
2007 albums/tracks discovered in 2008:
Dejame Vivir, Jarabe de Palo, Adelantando
Ana Laan, Chocolate and Roses. If you are in a good mood, this song is for you.
Brandi Carlie, most of her work. Great voice. Girls rule!
Grace Kelly, Mika, Life in Cartoon Motion
bajofondo tango club, mar dulce
vampire weekend, vampire weekend
viva la vida, coldplay
Adele, 19
Julieta Venegas MTV Unplugged (hate to sound so biased, but it’s a very good material)
Josiah Lehming (you can find his work on myspace.com). 17 years old kiddo from AI.
singles:
1. round midnighth, amy winehouse, Frank (B sides)
2. crack the shutters, snow patrol
3. Honey, Erykah Badu
4. human, day & age, the killers.
5. Duffy- Warwick Avenue
2007 albums/tracks discovered in 2008:
Dejame Vivir, Jarabe de Palo, Adelantando
Ana Laan, Chocolate and Roses. If you are in a good mood, this song is for you.
Brandi Carlie, most of her work. Great voice. Girls rule!
Grace Kelly, Mika, Life in Cartoon Motion
Dec 24, 2008
HOLLY CARA PRICE - New York, USA
* Who Killed Amanda Palmer – Amanda Palmer. Stunning. Heartbreaking. She's going to be a supernova.
* The Way I See It - Raphael Saddiq. I did not know that they made records like this anymore. Back to the future.
* Sunday at Devil Dirt - Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan. Clearly Mark L is the Leonard Cohen of his generation.
* Mavis Staples - Live: Hope at the Hideout. Stirring. Absolutely terrific.
* Dream Baby Dream – Bruce Springsteen. (CD single) This Suicide cover was the set closer of the shows on Springsteen's "Devils and Dust" Tour. It's spare and haunting.
The following are not 2008 releases but I found them again and fell in love again with them this year:
Jesus Christ Superstar (Original Soundtrack)
Nurds - The Roches
Peter Pan (Original Cast Recording)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Original Soundtrack)
Will the Circle Be Unbroken – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Hobo's Lullaby - Arlo Guthrie
Wednesday Morning 3AM – Simon & Garfunkel
Nebraska – Bruce Springsteen
* The Way I See It - Raphael Saddiq. I did not know that they made records like this anymore. Back to the future.
* Sunday at Devil Dirt - Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan. Clearly Mark L is the Leonard Cohen of his generation.
* Mavis Staples - Live: Hope at the Hideout. Stirring. Absolutely terrific.
* Dream Baby Dream – Bruce Springsteen. (CD single) This Suicide cover was the set closer of the shows on Springsteen's "Devils and Dust" Tour. It's spare and haunting.
The following are not 2008 releases but I found them again and fell in love again with them this year:
Jesus Christ Superstar (Original Soundtrack)
Nurds - The Roches
Peter Pan (Original Cast Recording)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Original Soundtrack)
Will the Circle Be Unbroken – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Hobo's Lullaby - Arlo Guthrie
Wednesday Morning 3AM – Simon & Garfunkel
Nebraska – Bruce Springsteen
LISA HACKETT - New Jersey, USA
Kings of Leon, Only By the Night
Death Cab for Cutie, Narrow Stairs
The Killers, Day & Age
Perfect Symmetry, Keane
Snow Patrol, A Hundred Million Suns
Oasis, Dig Out Your Soul
Coldplay, Viva La Vida
Sigur Ros, Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum End Laust
Adele, 19
Rockferry, Duffy
Beck, Modern Guilt
Death Cab for Cutie, Narrow Stairs
The Killers, Day & Age
Perfect Symmetry, Keane
Snow Patrol, A Hundred Million Suns
Oasis, Dig Out Your Soul
Coldplay, Viva La Vida
Sigur Ros, Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum End Laust
Adele, 19
Rockferry, Duffy
Beck, Modern Guilt
Dec 23, 2008
NEIL STOLLMAN - Oakland, California, USA
(Bakers Dozen, in no alphabetical order)
* Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago (one man, alone way too long in a desolate hunting cabin, voila!)
* Blitzen Trapper, Furr (also rock out of the wilderness, in this case, portland, kinks meet grateful dead)
* Neil Diamond, Home Before Dark (don't laugh, rick rubin's skills and ND's voice...magic)
* Duffy, Rockferry (Just as good, if not better, than joss and amy)
* Fleet Foxes, Fleet Foxes (been termed 'baroque harmonic pop', whatever that means, but I like it)
* Ray Lamontage, Gossip in the Grain (still angst-laden, love ode to meg white)
* Jenny Lewis, Acid Tongue (and maybe best concert of the year overall)
* The National, Boxer (2007, Cal students 'CD of the year' for what that's worth)
* REM, Accelerate (As good as early REM...they're baaaack)
* Rogue Wave, Asleep at Heavan's Gate (2007, Oaktown Boys!)
* Raphael Saadiq, The Way I See It (Motown's back too, baby)
* Rachel Yamagata, Elephants (welcome back, Rachel...we missed you!)
* Lucinda Williams, Little Honey (What? A hint of happy?)
* Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago (one man, alone way too long in a desolate hunting cabin, voila!)
* Blitzen Trapper, Furr (also rock out of the wilderness, in this case, portland, kinks meet grateful dead)
* Neil Diamond, Home Before Dark (don't laugh, rick rubin's skills and ND's voice...magic)
* Duffy, Rockferry (Just as good, if not better, than joss and amy)
* Fleet Foxes, Fleet Foxes (been termed 'baroque harmonic pop', whatever that means, but I like it)
* Ray Lamontage, Gossip in the Grain (still angst-laden, love ode to meg white)
* Jenny Lewis, Acid Tongue (and maybe best concert of the year overall)
* The National, Boxer (2007, Cal students 'CD of the year' for what that's worth)
* REM, Accelerate (As good as early REM...they're baaaack)
* Rogue Wave, Asleep at Heavan's Gate (2007, Oaktown Boys!)
* Raphael Saadiq, The Way I See It (Motown's back too, baby)
* Rachel Yamagata, Elephants (welcome back, Rachel...we missed you!)
* Lucinda Williams, Little Honey (What? A hint of happy?)
Dec 22, 2008
DANNY KEENAN - Sydney, Australia
AC/DC - Black Ice
Children Collide - The Long Now
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson - Ramblin' Bones
Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night
Shane Nicholson - Familiar Ghosts
The Saboteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely
Skybombers - Take Me To Town
CW Stoneking - Jungle Blues
Various - Easy Fever: A Tribute To The Easybeats & Stevie Wright
Honourable mentions...
Ting Tings - We Started Nothing
REM - Accelerate
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
The Living End - White Noise
Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads
Gyroscope - Breed Obsession
The Dirty Secrets - The Dirty Secrets
Darker My Love - 2
The Presets - Apocalypso
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Children Collide - The Long Now
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson - Ramblin' Bones
Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night
Shane Nicholson - Familiar Ghosts
The Saboteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely
Skybombers - Take Me To Town
CW Stoneking - Jungle Blues
Various - Easy Fever: A Tribute To The Easybeats & Stevie Wright
Honourable mentions...
Ting Tings - We Started Nothing
REM - Accelerate
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
The Living End - White Noise
Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads
Gyroscope - Breed Obsession
The Dirty Secrets - The Dirty Secrets
Darker My Love - 2
The Presets - Apocalypso
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Dec 19, 2008
TREVOR LAFARGUE - Miami, USA
Not all 2008 releases, but top 10 that kept me going this year.
* Nine Inch Nails - The Slip (just a diehard fan. free albums also go way up on my list)
* Bloc Party - Intimacy (really cant stand the first track, but the rest is kick ass)
* M83 - Saturdays=Youth (the French do pop right)
* Kitsune Maison - Compilation 5 (and all the ones before)
* Jamie Lidell - Jim (feel good in the morning on the way to the grind kinda stuff)
* Interpol - Our Love to Admire (this album took a few listens before it really sunk in and I couldn't stop listening to it.. "Lighthouse" is lovely)
* Chris Clark - Body Riddle ("wow" is about all i can say. check the video for the song Ted)
* Fujiya Miyagi - Transparent Things (good working grooves, they are not japanese...lol)
* Toumani Diabate - The Mande Variations (Kora - amazing instrument from West Africa played with amazing talent. very nice when having incense lit, like being far far far away.)
* Bob Dylan's Telltale signs (sadly enough, I truly just discovered dylan this year)
* TV on the Radio - Dear Science (best album of the year, had to add it as 11th album)
* Nine Inch Nails - The Slip (just a diehard fan. free albums also go way up on my list)
* Bloc Party - Intimacy (really cant stand the first track, but the rest is kick ass)
* M83 - Saturdays=Youth (the French do pop right)
* Kitsune Maison - Compilation 5 (and all the ones before)
* Jamie Lidell - Jim (feel good in the morning on the way to the grind kinda stuff)
* Interpol - Our Love to Admire (this album took a few listens before it really sunk in and I couldn't stop listening to it.. "Lighthouse" is lovely)
* Chris Clark - Body Riddle ("wow" is about all i can say. check the video for the song Ted)
* Fujiya Miyagi - Transparent Things (good working grooves, they are not japanese...lol)
* Toumani Diabate - The Mande Variations (Kora - amazing instrument from West Africa played with amazing talent. very nice when having incense lit, like being far far far away.)
* Bob Dylan's Telltale signs (sadly enough, I truly just discovered dylan this year)
* TV on the Radio - Dear Science (best album of the year, had to add it as 11th album)
Dec 18, 2008
PATRICK DOLAN - New York, USA
These are not all from 2008 – most aren't but they are tunes I've been listening too this year. Check this one out – Icelandic Folk – it is awesome - Í nýju húsi - Ólöf Arnalds (Við og við)
1) Friendly Ghoast – Eels (Soul Jacker)
2) Beck - Gamma Ray (Modern Guilt)
3) MGMT - Time to Pretend (Oracular Spectacular)
4) Í nýju húsi - Ólöf Arnalds (Við og við)
5) Blue Flower/Blue Flame – Destroyer (Trouble In Dreams)
6) Mirror In the Bathroom - The English Beat (I Just Can't Stop It)
7) Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John (Writer's Block)
8) Trouble Is a Friend – Lenka (Lenka)
9) Black Cab - Jens Lekman (Oh You're So Silent Jens)
10) New York – Cat Power (Jukebox)
1) Friendly Ghoast – Eels (Soul Jacker)
2) Beck - Gamma Ray (Modern Guilt)
3) MGMT - Time to Pretend (Oracular Spectacular)
4) Í nýju húsi - Ólöf Arnalds (Við og við)
5) Blue Flower/Blue Flame – Destroyer (Trouble In Dreams)
6) Mirror In the Bathroom - The English Beat (I Just Can't Stop It)
7) Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John (Writer's Block)
8) Trouble Is a Friend – Lenka (Lenka)
9) Black Cab - Jens Lekman (Oh You're So Silent Jens)
10) New York – Cat Power (Jukebox)
JACQUELINE CANTORE - Brooklyn, NY, USA
El Guincho, "Alegranza". Every track is fantastic! "Palmitos Park" is irresistible.
Gnarls Barkley, the true kings of pop, "The Odd Couple". And "Going On" is the best video of the year.
Elbow, "The Seldom Seen Kid"
Hercules and Love Affair
Adele, "19".
Fleet Foxes,"Fleet Foxes"
Beck, "Modern Guilt"
Sia, "Some People Have Real Problems", very cool website too
David Byrne & Brian Eno - "Everything that happens will happen today"
A few singles to count as an album: Lenka, this year's Feist, "Trouble is My Friend" is a cool little waltzy single; Duffy's "Mercy", Moby's "Last Night", Keane's "Spiralling", Vampire Weekend's "Oxford Comma"
From Brazil:
3 na Massa, "3 Na Massa"
Lily & Maria, "Lily & Maria"
although I now live in Brooklyn as you know ;-)
Gnarls Barkley, the true kings of pop, "The Odd Couple". And "Going On" is the best video of the year.
Elbow, "The Seldom Seen Kid"
Hercules and Love Affair
Adele, "19".
Fleet Foxes,"Fleet Foxes"
Beck, "Modern Guilt"
Sia, "Some People Have Real Problems", very cool website too
David Byrne & Brian Eno - "Everything that happens will happen today"
A few singles to count as an album: Lenka, this year's Feist, "Trouble is My Friend" is a cool little waltzy single; Duffy's "Mercy", Moby's "Last Night", Keane's "Spiralling", Vampire Weekend's "Oxford Comma"
From Brazil:
3 na Massa, "3 Na Massa"
Lily & Maria, "Lily & Maria"
although I now live in Brooklyn as you know ;-)
MARC ZIMET - Miami, FL
I will not do a Top Albums list this year...I'd feel like a bit of a fraud because I honestly just don't listen to albums the same way I used to. So, I offer my Top 30 tracks of the year instead...these songs are all from 2008 releases.
In alphabetical order according to Itunes:
The Airborne Toxic Event- Somewhere Around Midnight
Beck- Chemtrails
Cool Kids- Black Mags
Dennis Wilson- River Song
Darker My Love- Two Ways Out
David Byrne/Brian Eno- Strange Overtones
Delta Spirit- Trashcan
Duffy- Warwick Avenue
The Duke Spirit- The Step and the Walk
Estelle feat Kanye West- American Boy
The Fireman- Dance ‘Till We’re High
Friendly Fires- Paris
Gabriella Cilmi- Sweet About Me
Guillemots- Get Over It
Hockey- Too Fake
Kaiser Chiefs- Never Miss A Beat
Kimya Dawson- Alphabutt
Kings of Leon- Sex on Fire
The Last Shadow Puppets- The Age of the Understatement
Lily Allen- The Fear
N.E.R.D.- Love Bomb
Oasis- The Shock of the Lightning
Santogold- L.E.S. Artistes
She and Him- Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?
Supergrass- Butterfly
The Ting Ting’s- Great DJ
Tricky- Far Away
TV on the Radio- Golden Age
The Verve- Valium Skies
Yelle- Tristesse/Joie
In alphabetical order according to Itunes:
The Airborne Toxic Event- Somewhere Around Midnight
Beck- Chemtrails
Cool Kids- Black Mags
Dennis Wilson- River Song
Darker My Love- Two Ways Out
David Byrne/Brian Eno- Strange Overtones
Delta Spirit- Trashcan
Duffy- Warwick Avenue
The Duke Spirit- The Step and the Walk
Estelle feat Kanye West- American Boy
The Fireman- Dance ‘Till We’re High
Friendly Fires- Paris
Gabriella Cilmi- Sweet About Me
Guillemots- Get Over It
Hockey- Too Fake
Kaiser Chiefs- Never Miss A Beat
Kimya Dawson- Alphabutt
Kings of Leon- Sex on Fire
The Last Shadow Puppets- The Age of the Understatement
Lily Allen- The Fear
N.E.R.D.- Love Bomb
Oasis- The Shock of the Lightning
Santogold- L.E.S. Artistes
She and Him- Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?
Supergrass- Butterfly
The Ting Ting’s- Great DJ
Tricky- Far Away
TV on the Radio- Golden Age
The Verve- Valium Skies
Yelle- Tristesse/Joie
Dec 17, 2008
SANJIV DESAI - Miami, USA (Additional List)
BOX SETS / RERELEASES
1. Bob Dylan, Bootleg Series, Volume 8
2. Nina Simone, To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story
3. Oscar Peterson, The Complete Clef/Mercury Recornding of Oscar Peterson Trio
4. Mosaic Select: Boogie Woogie & Blues Piano
5. Lest Young/Count Basie Sessions 1936-1940
6. Neil Young, Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House 1968
7. Led Zepplin, Definitive Collection
8. Miles Davis, Kind of Blue 50th Anniversary
9. Otis Redding, "Live" in London and Paris
I have not listened to Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia, or Hank Williams "The Unreleased Recordings". I get a sense that they would all be added...
Best song for driving down Macarthur Causeway: Raphael Saadiq's "100 Yard Dash"
1. Bob Dylan, Bootleg Series, Volume 8
2. Nina Simone, To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story
3. Oscar Peterson, The Complete Clef/Mercury Recornding of Oscar Peterson Trio
4. Mosaic Select: Boogie Woogie & Blues Piano
5. Lest Young/Count Basie Sessions 1936-1940
6. Neil Young, Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House 1968
7. Led Zepplin, Definitive Collection
8. Miles Davis, Kind of Blue 50th Anniversary
9. Otis Redding, "Live" in London and Paris
I have not listened to Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia, or Hank Williams "The Unreleased Recordings". I get a sense that they would all be added...
Best song for driving down Macarthur Causeway: Raphael Saadiq's "100 Yard Dash"
ADRIAN BLAKE - Omaha, Nebraska, USA
SONG OF THE YEAR (OUT OF NOWHERE)
Rachel Unthank and the Winterset: Blackbird
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9BcyyTc16k
A left-field choice for my song of the year, but nothing else I heard hit me like this. It's the Roches meet traditional English folk music, with a KILLER hook. And if you’re into harmony singing, this is a lot more impressive than Fleet Foxes. Nominated for the Mercury Prize, which means it’s not necessarily obscure, but definitely not traditional pop.
KID-FRIENDLY DIVISION
Chester French: She Loves Everybody
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXGxM_zbuEs
Harvard represents! (Better than Bonnie Raitt, ’69) Poptastic slice of 80’s synthfunk. Fun with a little melancholy.
MIA: Paper Planes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sei-eEjy4g
My favorite sample of the year, but then I bought Combat Rock (on cassette) the day it came out.
Kaiser Chiefs; Never Miss a Beat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz40P1hFvWs
It’s not curing cancer, but it uses guitars and hooks to make you jump up and down. God’s work, indeed.
Yelle: Tristesse/Joie (as well as Je Veux Te Voir)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgo-R9VQTUY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLTGxNuSzW4
The Human League were huge in France, so why not? V old-school synths, dirty French lyrics, and catchy catchy catchy.
Adele: Make You Feel My Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0put0_a--Ng
Great white soul obscure Dylan cover. She’s at her least American Idol here, which makes all the difference.
The Ting Tings: That’s Not My Name
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UX0p7uAW2s
The Ting Tings: Great DJ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myJnsqGgxxM
The Ting Tings: Shut Up and Let Me Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r23cm7bL9E
My favorite singles act this year. When you can steal hooks from Eddie Money AND Chic in the same year, you have something going on.
Amy Winehouse: Hey Little Rich Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNq4TXpnxgA
Every year she comes out with something good. Wonderful Specials cover.
Santogold: Lights Out
Air Traffic: Charlotte
Coldplay: Lost
Feist: I Feel it All
Duffy: Mercy
Estelle: American Boy
Carrie Underwood: All American Girl
Metro Station: Shake It
Flight of the Conchords: Hiphopopotamus
Lily Allen: The Fear
B-52s: Pump
Vampire Weekend: M79
Copycat: Knowing the Rhythm is Right
GROWNUPS DIVISION
Nicole Atkins: Party’s Over
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os6ZzUWvKv4
A 2007 release, but found this year. Amazing alto voice. Halfway between Crowded House and David Poe.
Hayes Carll: She Left Me for Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3ie4VhcLT0
NPR should not be one’s primary source of country music discovery, but this is a gem. It’s one joke, but a fantastic joke. “If I ever find Jesus, I’m kickin’ his ass.” If you listen to one country song this year (and we’re all open-minded people here), this is the one.
Lightspeed Champion: Midnight Surprise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rMwc10uNOg
Really beautiful song about obsession and loneliness. Kicks the ass of every emo act.
Morrissey: All You Need is Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElemRKA9r1c
Shouldn’t he be boring and irrelevant by now? He’s doing a wonderful job of shedding the mopiness and focusing on the funny. Wonderful hook and lyrics. “You don’t like me but you love me/ either way you’re wrong.”
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds: We Call Upon the Author
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k2Hf6Vc2FE
You know what you’re getting with Nick Cave—instant rock snob credibility and the most dire of Old Testament worldviews. Full on JAMC meets early Bob Dylan. Strong album, great song.
Radiohead: Go Slowly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6GkPkwkgSE
Pick what you want from In Rainbows, but this is the prettiest thing they’ve done since No Surprises.
The Hold Steady: Constructive Summer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU7Y0DdLN48
The Hold Steady: Sequestered in Memphis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjDI1oouS8w
Probably my favorite album of the year. Everything I like about classic rock.
Ben Folds & Regina Spektor: You Don’t Know Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP9csWhlHWM
Two great tastes that taste great together. Like everyone else, Ben Folds is best when he’s got some discipline and doesn’t get all mopey and self-indulgent.
The Gaslight Anthem: The ’59 Sound
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxTmgUx2TOE
Roots-punk in the vein of old favorites X.
Glen Campbell: Sing , All I Want Is You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69PPpkKTamo
I can’t believe Rick Rubin wasn’t involved in this, but an excellent comeback effort by Mr. Campbell. Travis and U2 covers? Why not?
REM: Supernatural Superserious
Portishead: The Rip
Glasvegas: Geraldine
Young Knives: Turn Tail
A plus D: Close to Konichiwa Bitches
Jens Lekman: I am Leaving You Because I Don’t Love You
Beck: Gamma Ray
Bloc Party: Biko
Roisin Murphy: You Know Me Better
Drive-by Truckers: Daddy Needs a Drink
Best Gig: Ted Leo & The Pharmacists at Slowdown, Omaha, NE.
Best wishes to all for 2009.
Rachel Unthank and the Winterset: Blackbird
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9BcyyTc16k
A left-field choice for my song of the year, but nothing else I heard hit me like this. It's the Roches meet traditional English folk music, with a KILLER hook. And if you’re into harmony singing, this is a lot more impressive than Fleet Foxes. Nominated for the Mercury Prize, which means it’s not necessarily obscure, but definitely not traditional pop.
KID-FRIENDLY DIVISION
Chester French: She Loves Everybody
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXGxM_zbuEs
Harvard represents! (Better than Bonnie Raitt, ’69) Poptastic slice of 80’s synthfunk. Fun with a little melancholy.
MIA: Paper Planes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sei-eEjy4g
My favorite sample of the year, but then I bought Combat Rock (on cassette) the day it came out.
Kaiser Chiefs; Never Miss a Beat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz40P1hFvWs
It’s not curing cancer, but it uses guitars and hooks to make you jump up and down. God’s work, indeed.
Yelle: Tristesse/Joie (as well as Je Veux Te Voir)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgo-R9VQTUY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLTGxNuSzW4
The Human League were huge in France, so why not? V old-school synths, dirty French lyrics, and catchy catchy catchy.
Adele: Make You Feel My Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0put0_a--Ng
Great white soul obscure Dylan cover. She’s at her least American Idol here, which makes all the difference.
The Ting Tings: That’s Not My Name
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UX0p7uAW2s
The Ting Tings: Great DJ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myJnsqGgxxM
The Ting Tings: Shut Up and Let Me Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r23cm7bL9E
My favorite singles act this year. When you can steal hooks from Eddie Money AND Chic in the same year, you have something going on.
Amy Winehouse: Hey Little Rich Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNq4TXpnxgA
Every year she comes out with something good. Wonderful Specials cover.
Santogold: Lights Out
Air Traffic: Charlotte
Coldplay: Lost
Feist: I Feel it All
Duffy: Mercy
Estelle: American Boy
Carrie Underwood: All American Girl
Metro Station: Shake It
Flight of the Conchords: Hiphopopotamus
Lily Allen: The Fear
B-52s: Pump
Vampire Weekend: M79
Copycat: Knowing the Rhythm is Right
GROWNUPS DIVISION
Nicole Atkins: Party’s Over
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os6ZzUWvKv4
A 2007 release, but found this year. Amazing alto voice. Halfway between Crowded House and David Poe.
Hayes Carll: She Left Me for Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3ie4VhcLT0
NPR should not be one’s primary source of country music discovery, but this is a gem. It’s one joke, but a fantastic joke. “If I ever find Jesus, I’m kickin’ his ass.” If you listen to one country song this year (and we’re all open-minded people here), this is the one.
Lightspeed Champion: Midnight Surprise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rMwc10uNOg
Really beautiful song about obsession and loneliness. Kicks the ass of every emo act.
Morrissey: All You Need is Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElemRKA9r1c
Shouldn’t he be boring and irrelevant by now? He’s doing a wonderful job of shedding the mopiness and focusing on the funny. Wonderful hook and lyrics. “You don’t like me but you love me/ either way you’re wrong.”
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds: We Call Upon the Author
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k2Hf6Vc2FE
You know what you’re getting with Nick Cave—instant rock snob credibility and the most dire of Old Testament worldviews. Full on JAMC meets early Bob Dylan. Strong album, great song.
Radiohead: Go Slowly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6GkPkwkgSE
Pick what you want from In Rainbows, but this is the prettiest thing they’ve done since No Surprises.
The Hold Steady: Constructive Summer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU7Y0DdLN48
The Hold Steady: Sequestered in Memphis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjDI1oouS8w
Probably my favorite album of the year. Everything I like about classic rock.
Ben Folds & Regina Spektor: You Don’t Know Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP9csWhlHWM
Two great tastes that taste great together. Like everyone else, Ben Folds is best when he’s got some discipline and doesn’t get all mopey and self-indulgent.
The Gaslight Anthem: The ’59 Sound
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxTmgUx2TOE
Roots-punk in the vein of old favorites X.
Glen Campbell: Sing , All I Want Is You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69PPpkKTamo
I can’t believe Rick Rubin wasn’t involved in this, but an excellent comeback effort by Mr. Campbell. Travis and U2 covers? Why not?
REM: Supernatural Superserious
Portishead: The Rip
Glasvegas: Geraldine
Young Knives: Turn Tail
A plus D: Close to Konichiwa Bitches
Jens Lekman: I am Leaving You Because I Don’t Love You
Beck: Gamma Ray
Bloc Party: Biko
Roisin Murphy: You Know Me Better
Drive-by Truckers: Daddy Needs a Drink
Best Gig: Ted Leo & The Pharmacists at Slowdown, Omaha, NE.
Best wishes to all for 2009.
Dec 16, 2008
DAVID BARNES - Brooklyn, NY, USA
James Hunter - the Hard Way
Al Green - Lay It Down
Esperanza Spalding - Esperanza
Lizz Wright - The Orchard
Heavy D - Vibes
Tomas Doncker - Small World
Soulive - No PLace Like Soul (2007 - I didn't get hip to it until 2008)
Shinehead - Ruff and Rugged (1986 - CD released 2008)
Al Green - Lay It Down
Esperanza Spalding - Esperanza
Lizz Wright - The Orchard
Heavy D - Vibes
Tomas Doncker - Small World
Soulive - No PLace Like Soul (2007 - I didn't get hip to it until 2008)
Shinehead - Ruff and Rugged (1986 - CD released 2008)
SULDI - The Road
In no particular order:
Orbital - I Wish I Had Duck Feet (album: Snivilisation)
Bitty McLean - Dedicated to the One I Love (album: Just To Let You Know)
Bad Brains - Sacred Love (album: I Against I)
The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die (album: Invaders Must Die)
Seeed - Goosebumps (album: Next!)
War - Lowrider (album: Gone In 60 Seconds O.S.T.)
Thin Lizzy - Southbound (album: Live & Dangerous) no life without Phil Lynott!
Chris Cornell - Fell On Black Days (album: Unplugged in Sweden)
Youssou N'Dour - Mame Bamba (album: The Guide (Wommat))
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - More News From Nowhere (album: Dig Lazarus Dig!!!)
Orbital - I Wish I Had Duck Feet (album: Snivilisation)
Bitty McLean - Dedicated to the One I Love (album: Just To Let You Know)
Bad Brains - Sacred Love (album: I Against I)
The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die (album: Invaders Must Die)
Seeed - Goosebumps (album: Next!)
War - Lowrider (album: Gone In 60 Seconds O.S.T.)
Thin Lizzy - Southbound (album: Live & Dangerous) no life without Phil Lynott!
Chris Cornell - Fell On Black Days (album: Unplugged in Sweden)
Youssou N'Dour - Mame Bamba (album: The Guide (Wommat))
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - More News From Nowhere (album: Dig Lazarus Dig!!!)
MICHAEL ANDEREZ - Miami, USA
In no particular order:
M83 – Saturdays = Youth
NOTE: Their best album yet
Kanye West - 808's and Heartbreaks
NOTE: On another level
TV On The Radio - Dear Science
NOTE: Great Album
Brendan Canning - Something For All Of Us...
NOTE: Awesome Live
N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds
NOTE: Ridiculous beats
Beck - Modern Guilt
NOTE: Another a great Beck album
R.E.M - Accelerate
NOTE: Classic
Portishead - Third
NOTE: Great background music
No Age - Nouns
NOTE: Doesn't get old - no pun intended
The Notwist - The Devil, You + Me
NOTE: One of my favorite bands -
Neon Golden is their best album
GZA - Pro Tools
NOTE: One of my favorite Hip Hop albums this year - Classic GZA
Liquid Swords II
Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping
NOTE: Great lyrics
M.I.A. - Kala
NOTE: Amazing live
Common - Universal Mind Control
NOTE: Sounds more like Outkast
Q-Tip - The Renaissance ($5 on Amazon)
NOTE: Feel good music
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
NOTE: Great Album - still a cheesy name.
Better and Alt name: Death and All His Friends
M83 – Saturdays = Youth
NOTE: Their best album yet
Kanye West - 808's and Heartbreaks
NOTE: On another level
TV On The Radio - Dear Science
NOTE: Great Album
Brendan Canning - Something For All Of Us...
NOTE: Awesome Live
N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds
NOTE: Ridiculous beats
Beck - Modern Guilt
NOTE: Another a great Beck album
R.E.M - Accelerate
NOTE: Classic
Portishead - Third
NOTE: Great background music
No Age - Nouns
NOTE: Doesn't get old - no pun intended
The Notwist - The Devil, You + Me
NOTE: One of my favorite bands -
Neon Golden is their best album
GZA - Pro Tools
NOTE: One of my favorite Hip Hop albums this year - Classic GZA
Liquid Swords II
Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping
NOTE: Great lyrics
M.I.A. - Kala
NOTE: Amazing live
Common - Universal Mind Control
NOTE: Sounds more like Outkast
Q-Tip - The Renaissance ($5 on Amazon)
NOTE: Feel good music
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
NOTE: Great Album - still a cheesy name.
Better and Alt name: Death and All His Friends
MITCH KOZUCHOWSKI - New York, NY
1) KATHLEEN EDWARDS -- ASKING FOR FLOWERS
2) IKE REILLY ASSASINATION -- POISON THE HIT PARADE
3) LUCINDA WILLIAMS -- LITTLE HONEY
4) HANK WILLIAMS III -- DAMN RIGHT REBEL PROUD
5) OASIS -- DIG OUT YOUR SOUL
6) PAUL WELLER -- 22 DREAMS
7) PAUL WESTERBERG -- 49:00
8) RADIOHEAD -- IN RAINBOWS
9) VAMPIRE WEEKEND -- VAMPIRE WEEKEND
10) DENNIS WILSON -- PACIFIC OCEAN BLUE (RE-ISSUE)
2) IKE REILLY ASSASINATION -- POISON THE HIT PARADE
3) LUCINDA WILLIAMS -- LITTLE HONEY
4) HANK WILLIAMS III -- DAMN RIGHT REBEL PROUD
5) OASIS -- DIG OUT YOUR SOUL
6) PAUL WELLER -- 22 DREAMS
7) PAUL WESTERBERG -- 49:00
8) RADIOHEAD -- IN RAINBOWS
9) VAMPIRE WEEKEND -- VAMPIRE WEEKEND
10) DENNIS WILSON -- PACIFIC OCEAN BLUE (RE-ISSUE)
JOSE TILLAN - Miami, USA
I thought overall 08 had some good stuff... Most of it not on major labels.
In no particular order:
Santogold – Santogold
Burial – Untrue
Calvin Harris – I Created Disco
CSS – Donkey
Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours
Sigur Ros - Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust
David Byrne and Brian Eno – Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Death Cab For Cutie – Narrow Stairs
M83 – Saturdays = Youth
Robin Guthrie and Harold Budd – After The Night Falls
Other stuff that should have been in my top 10 if it was not a Top 10, but a Top 18.
Goldfrap – The Seventh Tree
Ladytron – Volocifero
Sam Cooke – Sam Cooke Live at the Harlem Square Club
Autechre – Amber
Brian Eno – On Land
Figurine – The Heartfelt
Coldplay – Viva La Vida
The Black Kids – Party Traumatic
Keep an eye for Pepvert’s ambient releases “Spitzer’s Friends” and “Italian Girls” as well as Popvert “Infidelity Park” coming out in 09.
In no particular order:
Santogold – Santogold
Burial – Untrue
Calvin Harris – I Created Disco
CSS – Donkey
Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours
Sigur Ros - Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust
David Byrne and Brian Eno – Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Death Cab For Cutie – Narrow Stairs
M83 – Saturdays = Youth
Robin Guthrie and Harold Budd – After The Night Falls
Other stuff that should have been in my top 10 if it was not a Top 10, but a Top 18.
Goldfrap – The Seventh Tree
Ladytron – Volocifero
Sam Cooke – Sam Cooke Live at the Harlem Square Club
Autechre – Amber
Brian Eno – On Land
Figurine – The Heartfelt
Coldplay – Viva La Vida
The Black Kids – Party Traumatic
Keep an eye for Pepvert’s ambient releases “Spitzer’s Friends” and “Italian Girls” as well as Popvert “Infidelity Park” coming out in 09.
VICENTE SOLIS - Mexico City, Mexico
Unwantedly listened to the most (the kids and the local radio are to blame)
Tokio Hotel - Monsoon
------
The Guilty Track:
Madonna – Give It 2 Me
------
The albums or portions of The albums, in Alpha order:
* The Darjeeling Limited OST (album!)
* Death Cab For Cutie - (the following tracks from the album NARROW STAIRS): I Will Possess Your Heart, Cath..., You Can Do Better Than Me, Your New Twin Size Bed, Long Division, Pity And Fear, The Ice Is Getting Thinner
* Hercules and Love Affair (the following tracks): Hercules’ Theme, Athene, Blind, Iris, This Is My Love
* MGMT – Oracular Spectacular (album)
* Portishead - (the following tracks from the album THIRD): Silence, Nylon Smile, The Rip, We Carry On, Machine Gun
* Santogold – Santogold (album)
* Tindersticks - (the following track from the album THE HUNGRY SAW): The Flicker of a Little Girl
* The Ting Tings – We Started Nothing (album!)
* Ximena Zariñana – Mediocre (album!) MEXICAN FEMALE REVELATION
* Zoe – Reptilectric (album) MEXICAN BAND
-------
The 2007 albums discovered in 2008:
* Porter - (the following tracks from the album ATEMAHAWKE) MEXICAN BAND FROM GUADALAJARA. Sadly disbanded already: Vaquero Galáctico, Host Of A Ghost, Bailando Con Mi Virginidad, Cuervos, Ana Paula (Viaje Al 113), Xoloitzcuintle Chicloso
* LCD Soundsystem – 45:33 (album!)
* Lupe Fiasco – Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool (album)
Tokio Hotel - Monsoon
------
The Guilty Track:
Madonna – Give It 2 Me
------
The albums or portions of The albums, in Alpha order:
* The Darjeeling Limited OST (album!)
* Death Cab For Cutie - (the following tracks from the album NARROW STAIRS): I Will Possess Your Heart, Cath..., You Can Do Better Than Me, Your New Twin Size Bed, Long Division, Pity And Fear, The Ice Is Getting Thinner
* Hercules and Love Affair (the following tracks): Hercules’ Theme, Athene, Blind, Iris, This Is My Love
* MGMT – Oracular Spectacular (album)
* Portishead - (the following tracks from the album THIRD): Silence, Nylon Smile, The Rip, We Carry On, Machine Gun
* Santogold – Santogold (album)
* Tindersticks - (the following track from the album THE HUNGRY SAW): The Flicker of a Little Girl
* The Ting Tings – We Started Nothing (album!)
* Ximena Zariñana – Mediocre (album!) MEXICAN FEMALE REVELATION
* Zoe – Reptilectric (album) MEXICAN BAND
-------
The 2007 albums discovered in 2008:
* Porter - (the following tracks from the album ATEMAHAWKE) MEXICAN BAND FROM GUADALAJARA. Sadly disbanded already: Vaquero Galáctico, Host Of A Ghost, Bailando Con Mi Virginidad, Cuervos, Ana Paula (Viaje Al 113), Xoloitzcuintle Chicloso
* LCD Soundsystem – 45:33 (album!)
* Lupe Fiasco – Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool (album)
GRAHAM ASHTON - Brisbane, Australia
NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS – DIG LAZARUS DIG
DELTA SPIRIT – ODE TO THE SUNSHINE
PORT O’BRIEN – ALL WE COULD DO WAS SING
THE LIVING END – WHITE NOISE
THE GIN CLUB – JUNK
BON IVER – FOR EMMA, FOREVER AGO
THE RACONTUERS – CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY
CONER OBERST – CONER OBERST
THE HOLD STEADY – STAY POSITIVE
THE BRONX – THE BRONX
DELTA SPIRIT – ODE TO THE SUNSHINE
PORT O’BRIEN – ALL WE COULD DO WAS SING
THE LIVING END – WHITE NOISE
THE GIN CLUB – JUNK
BON IVER – FOR EMMA, FOREVER AGO
THE RACONTUERS – CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY
CONER OBERST – CONER OBERST
THE HOLD STEADY – STAY POSITIVE
THE BRONX – THE BRONX
Dec 15, 2008
SANJIV DESAI - Miami, USA
1. TV On The Radio - Dear Science, (#1 album of the year, hands down)
2. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
3. The Hold Steady
3. White Denim - Exposion
5. The Walkmen - You & Me
6. Spiritualized - Songs in A & E
7. Black Keys - Attack & Release
8. Beck - Modern Guilt
9. Gnarls Barkley -
10. Fleet Foxes
11. Kanye West - 808's
12. Blitzen Trapper - Furr
single of the year -- m.i.a.'s paper planes, hands down.
2. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
3. The Hold Steady
3. White Denim - Exposion
5. The Walkmen - You & Me
6. Spiritualized - Songs in A & E
7. Black Keys - Attack & Release
8. Beck - Modern Guilt
9. Gnarls Barkley -
10. Fleet Foxes
11. Kanye West - 808's
12. Blitzen Trapper - Furr
single of the year -- m.i.a.'s paper planes, hands down.
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