The Midnight Organ Fight was our second favorite album last year, so I imagine people will be glad to know that more Frightened Rabbit is on the way. Here's the first single off of The Winter Of Mixed Drinks. So far so good.
Showing posts with label Best of 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best of 2008. Show all posts
October 29, 2009
December 19, 2008
Quickcrit's Favorite Music of 2008
Thanks for reading and contributing to Quickcrit's Favorite Music of 2008. Although it's the first Quickcrit survey, it's the second time I've compiled the music lists of my friends (and friends of friends). In fact, I started Quickcrit because discussing last year's lists was so much fun and I wanted to keep those conversations going.
Here are the lists one more time:
Here are the lists one more time:
- Top 35 Albums from 2008
All the albums at least a couple of us loved. - The Rest of the Best
The albums only one of us loved. - Favorite Non-2008 Albums
Because sometimes it takes a while to catch on. - Favorite Songs from 2008, Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
One amazing, if long, playlist, annotated with YouTube clips. - Favorite Concerts of 2008
A handful of really great nights. - Biggest Disappointments
A couple of our favorites reemerge. - Our Individual Lists
Just in case you didn't get enough. - Top Portland Albums from 2008
Keeping it local.
Favorite Concerts of 2008
These were our favorite concerts this year, in no particular order. Judging from the list, there were a couple people at the same amazing show.
Jenny Lewis @ The Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz, CA
"The only concert i remember going to this year. it was actually just o.k.” -Alan
Portishead in Florence, Italy
“Need I say more?” -April
The Walkmen in Los Angeles, CA
Les Savy Fav & Dodos @ The Black Cat, Washington, DC
“A truly epic night that started out in a bar, moved to an art gallery with a DJ spinning chill Brazilian beats and handing out cheap wine, then to the Black Cat, where both bands nailed fantastic sets, and finally to the New Vegas Lounge to catch the last set of the funky soul house band and ensure our hangovers were massive.” -awmercy
Outside Lands Music Festival @ Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
“Lots of rad bands, I got to meet DBT and they signed my Jack Daniels shirt, and got to kick it with some good folks.” -Doctor Diggs
Ron Sexsmith @ Doug Fir, Portland, OR
“The attendance was low, so it felt like my own private concert. Ron Sexsmith is great live and played a set of my favorites.“ -Brasilliant
Port O'Brien @ Muddy Waters, Santa Barbara, CA
“Audience participation at its best.” -Ernesto
Colin Meloy at the Rio Theater, Santa Cruz, CA
“When you only go to one concert it's pretty easy to pick a favorite. This one would have been it anyways though. He's so rad.” -ancientindianwizard
“Solo, acoustic, glorious! His banter in between songs cannot even begin to be described without losing EVERYTHING... you should have been there!” -Rain
“At this point in the tour, Mr. Meloy seemed to have lost his mind a little. It made for a totally ruling evening.” -Thecranewife
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
Silver Jews in Nashville.
“Only a block or two from the hotel in which Berman tried to end his life a few years before; at show's end he hopped down from the stage and fully embraced the adoration coming from the crowd. Nice to see.” -Jeremy
Sigur Rós @ The Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA
Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
“I cheated on this one...” -HotCatato
Fleet Foxes @ Webster Hall, New York City, NY
“Why can't all bands harmonize the way these cats do? Seeing them live is incredible enough to turn a nay-sayer into a newly crazed fan. Promise.” -Mona
Pela @ The Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco, CA
“Massive energy! Massive sound! Cool people. This is what live music is all about.” -Nightrain
Los Campesinos @ The Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
“Please refer to my summer short list.” -ve1cro
Tom Waits @ Le Grand Rex, Paris
TV on the Radio @ Treasure Island Music Festival, San Francisco
“Not a very competitive category for me this year, I saw far too little live music. The timing was great to see these guys though, as their new album was released 3 days later, and the excitement was palpable.” -Tex
The Merry Widows
“Didn't get out to many this year, but "The Merry Widows" were awesome. They are a all female psychobilly band with a 300 pound dominatrix lead singer. I have never been so scared and so turned on at the same time in my entire life, really hard to explain actually, you just have to see her in person. Check em out, she belts out a hell of a show, Black Widow is a killer song.” -sandenuts
Jenny Lewis @ The Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz, CA"The only concert i remember going to this year. it was actually just o.k.” -Alan
Portishead in Florence, Italy “Need I say more?” -April
The Walkmen in Los Angeles, CALes Savy Fav & Dodos @ The Black Cat, Washington, DC“A truly epic night that started out in a bar, moved to an art gallery with a DJ spinning chill Brazilian beats and handing out cheap wine, then to the Black Cat, where both bands nailed fantastic sets, and finally to the New Vegas Lounge to catch the last set of the funky soul house band and ensure our hangovers were massive.” -awmercy
Outside Lands Music Festival @ Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA“Lots of rad bands, I got to meet DBT and they signed my Jack Daniels shirt, and got to kick it with some good folks.” -Doctor Diggs
Ron Sexsmith @ Doug Fir, Portland, OR“The attendance was low, so it felt like my own private concert. Ron Sexsmith is great live and played a set of my favorites.“ -Brasilliant
Port O'Brien @ Muddy Waters, Santa Barbara, CA“Audience participation at its best.” -Ernesto
Colin Meloy at the Rio Theater, Santa Cruz, CA “When you only go to one concert it's pretty easy to pick a favorite. This one would have been it anyways though. He's so rad.” -ancientindianwizard
“Solo, acoustic, glorious! His banter in between songs cannot even begin to be described without losing EVERYTHING... you should have been there!” -Rain
“At this point in the tour, Mr. Meloy seemed to have lost his mind a little. It made for a totally ruling evening.” -Thecranewife
Stephen Malkmus and the JicksSilver Jews in Nashville. “Only a block or two from the hotel in which Berman tried to end his life a few years before; at show's end he hopped down from the stage and fully embraced the adoration coming from the crowd. Nice to see.” -Jeremy
Sigur Rós @ The Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CAOutside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA“I cheated on this one...” -HotCatato
Fleet Foxes @ Webster Hall, New York City, NY“Why can't all bands harmonize the way these cats do? Seeing them live is incredible enough to turn a nay-sayer into a newly crazed fan. Promise.” -Mona
Pela @ The Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco, CA“Massive energy! Massive sound! Cool people. This is what live music is all about.” -Nightrain
Los Campesinos @ The Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA“Please refer to my summer short list.” -ve1cro
Tom Waits @ Le Grand Rex, ParisTV on the Radio @ Treasure Island Music Festival, San Francisco“Not a very competitive category for me this year, I saw far too little live music. The timing was great to see these guys though, as their new album was released 3 days later, and the excitement was palpable.” -Tex
The Merry Widows “Didn't get out to many this year, but "The Merry Widows" were awesome. They are a all female psychobilly band with a 300 pound dominatrix lead singer. I have never been so scared and so turned on at the same time in my entire life, really hard to explain actually, you just have to see her in person. Check em out, she belts out a hell of a show, Black Widow is a killer song.” -sandenuts
Biggest Disappointments of 2008
There weren’t many. I guess it was a pretty good year for music. Oddly, some of our favorites were also some of our disappointments.
In no particular order.
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
“I keep trying to like this album and keep failing to do so.” –awmercy
"Z was so damn good, and this is so damn strange... disappointment is an understatement.” –Nightrain
Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue
“Everyone is entitled to make a lukewarm album, I guess...” -ve1cro
“While there are 3 or 4 good cuts on this record, most of it is boring and repetitive, borderline obnoxious, and that Elvis Costello guest spot is an embarrassment to them both.” -Tex
Mars Volta-The Bedlam In Goliath
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
The New Pornographers - Live
“Too perfect. I felt like I was listening to the album. What’s the sense. No Neko.” -Jennifer
The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
“Maybe they're the "best bar band in America" but even a not so great bar band can still be pretty enjoyable. What distinguished the two previous albums were the lyrics, and here the new album falls awfully short. "magazines and daddy issues" ... but what *about* the daddy issues. It's a cheap shorthand that goes nowhere. Maybe it's because I know Craig Finn better now, but the meanspiritedness which has always kind of been there feels on this album more like his than the characters'. Witness, "Sequestered in Memphis." Ugh.” -Jeremy
Dr. Dog – Fate
“Booo!“ -HotCatato
Larson Holgers
“I need to be more on the ball of reviewing albums and seeking out new music. Total New Year Resolution time.” -ancientindianwizard
Death Cab For Cutie - Plans
“I think it's time someone develops a drug problem or they part ways due to "creative differences." It sounds like a diss, but it's not. I'm only upset because I expect brilliance from them, so really, it's still a compliment laced in with a diss.” -Mona
R.E.M. - Accelerate
“WTF! Just generic and it kind of broke my heart. It wasn't bad. It was just bland.” -Rain
Kanye West- 808s & Heartbreak
“Actually, I haven't heard this, but trusted sources tell me it blows. I am disappointed, because I expected only greatness from the craziest man in the game.” -Thecranewife
The Breeders - Mountain Battles
The Fashion - The Fashion
“They kind of remind me of Mona's band The Sounds, only not as cool, and no boobs on the cover. I heard one of their tracks ‘Solo Impala’ and liked it, so I bought the album expecting a lot, and was sorely disappointed with only 3 songs worth listening to.” -sandenuts
In no particular order.
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges “I keep trying to like this album and keep failing to do so.” –awmercy
"Z was so damn good, and this is so damn strange... disappointment is an understatement.” –Nightrain
Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue “Everyone is entitled to make a lukewarm album, I guess...” -ve1cro
“While there are 3 or 4 good cuts on this record, most of it is boring and repetitive, borderline obnoxious, and that Elvis Costello guest spot is an embarrassment to them both.” -Tex
Mars Volta-The Bedlam In GoliathTV on the Radio - Dear ScienceThe New Pornographers - Live
“Too perfect. I felt like I was listening to the album. What’s the sense. No Neko.” -Jennifer
The Hold Steady - Stay Positive “Maybe they're the "best bar band in America" but even a not so great bar band can still be pretty enjoyable. What distinguished the two previous albums were the lyrics, and here the new album falls awfully short. "magazines and daddy issues" ... but what *about* the daddy issues. It's a cheap shorthand that goes nowhere. Maybe it's because I know Craig Finn better now, but the meanspiritedness which has always kind of been there feels on this album more like his than the characters'. Witness, "Sequestered in Memphis." Ugh.” -Jeremy
Dr. Dog – Fate“Booo!“ -HotCatato
Larson Holgers “I need to be more on the ball of reviewing albums and seeking out new music. Total New Year Resolution time.” -ancientindianwizard
Death Cab For Cutie - Plans “I think it's time someone develops a drug problem or they part ways due to "creative differences." It sounds like a diss, but it's not. I'm only upset because I expect brilliance from them, so really, it's still a compliment laced in with a diss.” -Mona
R.E.M. - Accelerate “WTF! Just generic and it kind of broke my heart. It wasn't bad. It was just bland.” -Rain
Kanye West- 808s & Heartbreak “Actually, I haven't heard this, but trusted sources tell me it blows. I am disappointed, because I expected only greatness from the craziest man in the game.” -Thecranewife
The Breeders - Mountain BattlesThe Fashion - The Fashion “They kind of remind me of Mona's band The Sounds, only not as cool, and no boobs on the cover. I heard one of their tracks ‘Solo Impala’ and liked it, so I bought the album expecting a lot, and was sorely disappointed with only 3 songs worth listening to.” -sandenuts
December 18, 2008
Favorite Singles From 2008
These are the Top 10 songs that rocked our worlds in 2008, even if they didn't come out this year. Stay tuned for more favorite singles from 2008!
Every effort has been made to find a suitable youtube clip for each song. Some songs were skipped because the embedded video was disabled by request (Lame!) or the live versions sucked too hard to do the song justice. My apologies to those songs.
M.I.A. - "Paper Planes"
“This song makes me feel strong and radical. Sometimes I make little shooting gestures during the gun noises.” -Thecranewife
MGMT - "Kids"
“Look, I realize this song came out a few years ago. But, I hadn't heard it until this year, so there. More than any other song I heard this year, this one really made me want to move and smile.” -Jeremiah
“This song tickles my fancy... some of their other songs, not so much.” -Doctor Diggs
Herman Düne - "I Wish That I Could See You Soon"
“They're dry and hilarious in a stiff, French duo sort of way. I can't get enough!” -Brasilliant
“Their casual off hand phrasing kills me.” -awmercy
Hockey - "Too Fake"
“TBD” -awmercy
“Rod Stewart-ish vocals, and 80s dance grooves kept me warm through the long stretch of winter finals.” -Nightrain
Port O'Brien - "I Woke Up Today"
“It's so damn catchy. I can't help myself.” -Brasilliant
“I want to live my life forever as the man in yellow shirt.” -awmercy
Kings Of Leon - "Sex On Fire"/"Use Somebody"
“Usually played consecutively on the juke box at The James Joyce, so they get the same vote.” - Doctor Diggs
“Yup, my sex is on fire. It also feels like a long lost Bruce Springsteen song.” -ve1cro
Beyonce - "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
“Maybe I'm still hypnotized by the video, but this is a fantastic track. Perhaps even taking a page out of the Prince booklet with no discernible bass line. You gotta love atypical pop arrangements that still sound very poppy.” -Kevin
Chris Brown - "Forever" vs. Usher - "Love In This Club"
“I couldn't decide, but both are awesome. In the club, in your whip, whether switching 4 lanes with or without the top down, they are classic summer anthems.” -Mona
Frightened Rabbit - "Head Rolls Off"
“My ipod, work computer and home computer know this song by heart.” -ancientindianwizard
Frightened Rabbit - "The Modern Leper"
“My favorite track off my favorite album of 2008. Powerfully good!” -Nightrain
Every effort has been made to find a suitable youtube clip for each song. Some songs were skipped because the embedded video was disabled by request (Lame!) or the live versions sucked too hard to do the song justice. My apologies to those songs.
“This song makes me feel strong and radical. Sometimes I make little shooting gestures during the gun noises.” -Thecranewife
“Look, I realize this song came out a few years ago. But, I hadn't heard it until this year, so there. More than any other song I heard this year, this one really made me want to move and smile.” -Jeremiah
“This song tickles my fancy... some of their other songs, not so much.” -Doctor Diggs
“They're dry and hilarious in a stiff, French duo sort of way. I can't get enough!” -Brasilliant
“Their casual off hand phrasing kills me.” -awmercy
“TBD” -awmercy
“Rod Stewart-ish vocals, and 80s dance grooves kept me warm through the long stretch of winter finals.” -Nightrain
“It's so damn catchy. I can't help myself.” -Brasilliant
“I want to live my life forever as the man in yellow shirt.” -awmercy
“Usually played consecutively on the juke box at The James Joyce, so they get the same vote.” - Doctor Diggs
“Yup, my sex is on fire. It also feels like a long lost Bruce Springsteen song.” -ve1cro
“Maybe I'm still hypnotized by the video, but this is a fantastic track. Perhaps even taking a page out of the Prince booklet with no discernible bass line. You gotta love atypical pop arrangements that still sound very poppy.” -Kevin
“I couldn't decide, but both are awesome. In the club, in your whip, whether switching 4 lanes with or without the top down, they are classic summer anthems.” -Mona
“My ipod, work computer and home computer know this song by heart.” -ancientindianwizard
“My favorite track off my favorite album of 2008. Powerfully good!” -Nightrain
Favorite Singles From 2008, Part 2
“One of my favorite songs from her newest album. Makes you want to grab a drinking buddy and sing.” -Brasilliant
“A great side-one-track-one. I never get tired of this song.” -awmercy
“Honest and catchy.” -ve1cro
“Thanks Mercy, love this guy.” -sandenuts
“Wonderful, joyous, a new direction that I hope they folllow through on.” -Tex
“Harpsichord. Muthafuckin' harpsichord.” -Doctor Diggs
Favorite Singles From 2008, Part 3
“What Coldplay would sound like if they were black.” -Alan
(Okay, this video isn’t of the whole song, and has nothing to do with TV on the Radio, but if you don’t shed a tear then you have a cold cold soul.) - Brasilliant
“I realize this probably costs me cool points, but of all the songs released this year, this one is about the catchiest -- and not in an annoying way. This is what I love about Coldplay, catchy but not annoying, easy-listening but not KWAV-y. What can I say, I'm not that complex when it comes to music.” -Jeremiah
And just because...
“‘I'll turn off the TV/ It's killing us we never speak.’ Light some candles and dance around, son.” -Thecranewife
“Amazing sound. Better on the album than live, but still spine-tingling.” -Nightrain
“The short but sweet ditty that has stuck in my head day in and day out for the last few weeks. Thanks to Stereogum for turning me onto this.” -Tex
“After hearing forever about these guys I finally listened to them. This song floored me. Great walking music if you want to be somewhere in a hurry.” -ancientindianwizard
Favorite Singles From 2008, Part 4
“Lists are fun." -ve1cro
“One minute and 41 seconds of seduction. And, it's a cover!” -Thecranewife
“This was the first time I heard a MMJ song and didn't say, "So, this is the new Neil Young..." It's just rocky enough to keep it interesting and unlike their other stuff, the Southern-style 70s guitar work didn't bother me in the least. “ -Jeremiah
“The song that got me into these guys. Honorable mention is the Whiskeytown cover, as well. Recorded in 1997, but available on Strangers Almanac's 2008 Bonus re-release, but yeah. Both effin rock.“ -Mona
“Ok, I know its corny pop country, but I love this song, the lyrics are right on the money.” -sandenuts
Favorite Singles From 2008, Part 5
“Was a little disappointed in the album, but good god, this song makes up for it, The Faint at it's finest.” -sandenuts
“Couldn't stop listening to this song, blasting it, putting it on loop. Much like ‘ExitingARM’ by Subtle.” -Mona
“This is one of those songs I could listen to over and over again...and have. And still love it!” -Brasilliant
“I've fallen into a deep peaceful slumber to this song more than once.” -Tex
“This song started the love affair.” -ancientindianwizard
Favorite Singles From 2008, Part 6
“The Mexican Bruce Springsteen (el jefe).” -Alan
“This song always convinces me that maybe I should try smoking pot again. I shouldn't.” -ancientindianwizard
“Supposedly, these guys are listed under gospel. I don't know about their politics, but this track is fun.” -Jeremiah
“Finally, these guys get what Bay Area rap is all about.” -sandenuts
“My favorite songs always get me moving, and by that metric this song tops my list.” -awmercy
“Twilight soundtrack.” -April
“This one got a lot of play time early in the year, but I forgot about until tonight. Glad it reemerged.” -Brasilliant
“I dare you not to throw up horns to this masterpiece.” -Tex
Favorite Singles From 2008, Part 7
“Played this song every time I got into The Van.” -Doctor Diggs
“My guilty pleasure. Such a fun, get-up-and-dance song. Perfect for jumping around in your room alone while still high off a really great date (or something).” -Mona
“What is this song about? I can't really figure it out, but moves me. And moved me to play it over and over and over.” -Thecranewife
“Pop bliss.” -ve1cro
“My mom had this cassette in her car and I would always insist that we listen to this song several times on the way to school. After rediscovering this tune, I wonder if my mom thought I was a weird 7th grader.” -ve1cro
“I would have loved this song if it had come to me at ages 8, 10, 15, 22, 24, 39, 83, 112... and everything in between. A soft, sweet narrative that will always remind me of the drive through Mendocino county.“ -Tex
“Romantic. Stunning. Pretty. Gorgeous. Scintillating. Induces tingles. This song is just luminous.” -Mona
Favorite Singles from 2008, Part 8
“Intriguing album, awesome song.” -sandenuts
“Not the same band that sang ‘Popular’. Ok well technically they are but this song is so much better!” -ancientindianwizard
“I guess if this was my favorite album, one of the tracks should be listed higher. Part of what I liked though, was that all the songs were good, but this was probably the standout.” -Jeremiah
“Twilight heart throb.” -April
“The video for this song is just Mike Skinner walking around. That's what I like to do when I listen to this song. Coincidence?” -Thecranewife
“Instant, aggressively funky gratification!” -Nightrain
December 17, 2008
Favorite Non-2008 Albums
Because sometimes it takes a while to catch on.
These are the albums we loved this year that were released sometime before that. The top 5 were chosen at least a couple times. I guess that means they are must-have's. The rest, like with the other lists, are ranked according to their position on an individual's list and then alphabetically.
These are the albums we loved this year that were released sometime before that. The top 5 were chosen at least a couple times. I guess that means they are must-have's. The rest, like with the other lists, are ranked according to their position on an individual's list and then alphabetically.
Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala
“I used to think there was only song by Jens I would ever like (Black Cab, if you're interested) but I fell in love with this album at the end of summer.” -Tex
“My friend Lacy met Jens Lekman. She took a picture with him and put her hand on his butt. She is so cool!” -Thecranewife
“So I finally fell under the trance of this young man and immediately felt stupid for not already being there.” -ancientindianwizard
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
“It's atmospheric and psychedelic, yet glammy and danceable. What a sweet combo.” -awmercy
"Flashy, stylistic beats and synth, good for the dance floor & upbeat runs. Awesome album!" -Nightrain
Herman Dune - Giant
“Oh man, I love this duo. They'd be like, you wanna have my babies? And I'd be like, yeah. And we'd go woo woo woo.” -Brasilliant
“For fans of Jens Leckman. ‘I Wish That I Could See You Soon’ and ‘1 2 3 Apple Tree’ simply rule.” -awmercy
Tegan And Sara - The Con
“Stop laughing Jesse. I'm a fan of their vocals and angst.” -ve1cro
“Reminds me of my sister in law, getting tattooed and Brian (for some odd reason).” -ancientindianwizard
Yeasayer - All Hour Cymbals
“Following in the footsteps of TV on the Radio, this post-freak folk band put out a transcendental and extremely listenable first album.” -Tex
“A fun and weird album. High on my list of bands I need to see live.” -awmercy
Beirut - The Flying Club Cup
"Anything by Beirut." -Alan
Doug Burr - On Promenade
“This is probably one of my top 10 albums this year, but alas, it was released in 2007. He's another singer-songwriter who stole my heart.” -Brasilliant
Kanye West - Graduation
“Pure Brilliance. I can't say enough good things about ‘Good Life.’” -ancientindianwizard
Lily Allen - Alright, Still
Nancy Wilson - Save Your Love For Me
“One of the best voices of all time, doesn't get enough props.” -sandenuts
New Order - Singles (Discs 1 and 2) 
Rufus Wainwright - Want One
Ryan Adams - Rock N' Roll
"He's such a whiny little bitch, but his music hits the mark every time." -Mona
Stars - Set Yourself On Fire
“This album got me back into painting. Check it out.” -ve1cro
Various Artists - The Broken Flowers Soundtrack
“Mulatu Astake's weird Ethiopian jazz bits make this...” -Rain
The Constantines - Shine A Light
“My favorite Contantines album by far.” -Jennifer
The New Pornographers - Challengers
“Slipped by me last year, but highlighted a wonderful early '08.” -Tex
Acid House Kings - Sing Along With the Acid House Kings
“Brasilliant is responsible for me loving this band.” -ve1cro
Bonnie "Prince" Billy - I See A Darkness
“Still as dark and uplifting as ever.” -Rain
Chromeo - Fancy Footwork
“Resurrecting of the keyboard and 80s funkyness, thank you Chromeo, thank you, thank you, thank you.” -sandenuts
David Bowie - Live in Santa Monica '72
Joe Bataan - Call My Name
“Don't hurt em' Joe.” -sandenuts
Joe Gibbs & the Professionals - More Scorchers from the Mighty Two
Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures
“It's like I'm trying to make up for two decades of not listening to it.” -Thecranewife
Nick Drake - Pink Moon
“Oh man, I love him. I just got back into him and have been asking myself why I ever stopped listening? Sorry Nick!” -Mona
Nicole Atkins - Neptune City
“Also another one of my top 10 favorites this year. Atkin's voice is powerful and her retro crooning makes me belt out tunes like Rufus Wainwright singing Judy Garland.” -Brasilliant
Pela - Anytown Graffiti
“Tons of energy, tons of action... on the album and especially at their live shows. Absolute must have/see.” -Nightrain
Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad
The Boggs - Forts
“Bring on the drums.” -awmercy
The Velvet Underground - Loaded
“Why did it take me so long to give 'em a listen?” -Jennifer
Colin Meloy- Colin Meloy Sings Morrissey!
“I think this is what started off my mania for cover songs this year.” -Thecranewife
Cowboy Junkies - The Trinity Session
“Aside from ‘Sweet Jane’ and Margo Timmins' voice giving me chills each and every time, but ‘Blue Moon Revisited (Song For Elvis)’ is sonic perfection. Why aren't/weren't they more popular!? Jeez.” -Mona
Deerhoof - Milkman
“I have a hard time immersing myself in their catalog, but this album gets me going when nothing else will.” -Tex
Elliott Smith - Figure 8
“I was a Elliott Smith late bloomer so this is still in heavy rotation.” -Rain
Pavement - Brighten the Corners
“Classic, this one sticks with me the most though.” -Jennifer
Sigur Rós - Hvarf / Heim
The Builders And The Butchers - The Builders And The Butchers
“The live show is a guaranteed good time... if you like wash board and banging on pots and pans, but their album is also quite special in a unique, high-pitched vocals sort of way.” -Nightrain
Thievery Corporation - Cosmic Game
“Revisited this album while working on atmosphere music for a nightclub, very solid music for chillin wit a lil bit a illin.” -sandenuts
Van Morrison - Into The Music
“I experienced some loss this year. This album is perfect mourning/morning music.. Makes my day brighter everytime.” -ancientindianwizard
The White Stripes - Icky Thump
(Smog) - The Doctor Came At Dawn
“Oh Bill Callahan, what made you so sad?”-Rain
Big Star - #1 Record
“Love is a mixtape, baby.” -ve1cro
Candie Payne - I Wish I Could Have Loved You More
“Of the blue-eyed soul singers, she's my favorite.” -awmercy
Cherry Ghost - Thirst For Romance
“I regret every day of 2007 that I did not listen to Cherry Ghost. Get this fantastic album now!” -Nightrain
Modest Mouse - Building Nothing Out Of Something
“Never fully got the chance to properly go through their entire discography, but glad I finally did start with this compilation of A and B-sides. Orgasmically amazing sounds.” -Mona
Old Canes- Early Morning Hymns
“As the prompt says, because sometimes it takes a while to catch on.” -Thecranewife
Rilo Keily - Under the Black Light
“This was a second chance kind of listen for me while I was on vacation in New Hampshire and Vermont last winter. I'm glad I had all those miles of snowy road and solitude to get to know this.” -TexSoko -Not Sokute
“Clever lyrics, adorable french accent, and totally insane. Love her!” -Brasilliant
The New Original Sonic Sound - The New Original Sonic Sound
“New twist on the epic band The Sonics.” -sandenuts
The Replacements - Don't Tell A Soul
“First time I have ever devoted attention, long over due!” -Jennifer
Coheed and Cambria - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Vol 1 & Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Vol. 2
“The subtitles are ‘From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness’ and ‘No World For Tomorrow.’ For some reason these insane, overblown and Hot Topic-esque songs get me after a night of drinking... Am I recommending them to anyone? Nope. Do I listen to them with frequency? Yep. Go figure.” -ancientindianwizard
Dolly Parton - The Ultimate Collection
“Seriously, rocks my world.” -Brasilliant
Gregory and The Hawk (2003 - current)
“All her EP and LP work. She rocks, and I'll be listening to this her well into '09.” -Mona
Joe Purdy - Take My Blanket And Go
“Take My Blanket has passionate and sincere song-writing & vocals, and a fully developed sound that elevates it above his previous (also stellar) releases. This is an album that I have listened to over and over, but have not grown sick of.” -Nightrain
LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
“This was one I just didn't get around to until it popped up on everyone's best of '07. That's why I love this time of year and the roundups... I always find 15 things I missed.” -Tex
Le Tigre - Le Tigre
“Awesome pop/punk album, these chicks (and guy) know how to rock the party.” -sandenuts
Mark Kozelek - What's Next to the Moon
“Once I was listening to this album and Ancientindianwizard said, ‘You know this is all AC/DC covers, right?’ The silence that followed was the sound of my mind being blown.” -Thecranewife
Sixteen Horsepower - Folklore
“My favorite artist of the decade.” -Rain
The Replacements - Let It Be 
Wilco - A Ghost Is Born
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