Favorite Releases of 2008…so far
Copying my brah with this one:
1. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
I never get sick of this album, even though I play it constantly and there are 100+ remixes of it. Last year was the year of Justice, but Cut Copy has made a smarter, more solid anthem for 2008.
2. Air France - No Way Down EP
This album takes what I love classic pop’s melodies and dance music’s textures. Those Swedes never fail to impress. I cannot stop listening.
3. Girl Talk - Feed The Animals
What I love about Girl Talk is that Mr. Gillis never feels above anyone. There are few musicians (and yes, I call him a musician) that can look like they are just a part of the party, both musically and physically. And isn’t it more fun to have a communal experience at a show then to sit and watch, say, Kanye West? On the album, superior to Night Ripper in every way, and a shit load more fun.
4. Why? - Alopecia
A good example of an album that had to grow on me. Never cared too much for Why? or cLOUDDEAD, but seeing them live won me over. Going through a mental crisis hadn’t felt this good since of Montreal’s Hissing Fauna (though Alopecia is a far superior album for me).
5. Fuck Button - Street Horrrsing
I can’t wait to see Fuck Buttons at Pitchfork. I hated noise rock because of the harsh rawness of the sound. Fuck Buttons is noise rock with sweet buttery smooth timbres. Many will probably think this is too high of a spot for this album, but maybe I’m partial to British bands that personally advised me to get a fake ID to sneak into their show (true).
6. Sigur Rós - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
Sigur Rós is in another category of their own, and will always be one of my favorite bands. That being said, I don’t care for the first couple songs, with the exception of Gobbledigook. Once Festival comes on halfway through, this album is just as good as anything they’ve put out before. Will any album top ( ) for me, though? Only time will tell.
7. Ruby Suns - Sea Lion
I finally got this album last week, and am surprised I didn’t hear earlier. Still need to listen more, but this album could see a higher position at the end of the year for me. “Remember” is a stand out track for me. Introspective pop that may find comparisons to AC/Panda Bear but has its own deal going on, in a very good way.
8. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
Lykke Li should be on Top 40 music. Her songs are catchy enough, especially with Bjorn of Peter Bjorn and John manning the board for this record. She’s sure cute enough. And even if she’ll probably never have a relationship with Jens Lekman, she’ll still hold a close place in my heart next to him. Move over Ashley and Mandy, this Swede’s the lady of my pop dreams. Highly recommend Hood Internet’s Lykke Mixtape.
9. M83 - Saturday = Youth
This album is in the same category as Med sud… for me. Before the Dawn Heals Us was such a vital part of my late nights when I was 17 years old, and it’s hard for that part of me to embrace the change M83 has gone through. The other side of me loves this album because of that same change. The shoegaze has given way to guitar riffs that resemble Cyndi Lauper’s “Money Changes Everything”, and for the most part, it makes this album more fun.
10. Beach House - Devotion
I constantly listened to this album Jan/Feb, but haven’t revisited since. That being said, I think it is a great solid album that will be high on many year end lists. D.A.R.L.I.N.G., Gila, and Heart Of Chambers are the standouts for me.
