But it’s still Rock ‘n Roll to me
December 31, 2008 – 10:01 amEarlier in the year, I wrote about how my music preferences are entering lock-down mode — fewer new artists are entering my mental music vault.
I recalled that post after reading the 2008 Pitchfork’s year-end lists. Let’s just say, there were more bands I didn’t know than ones I recognized. And even if I recognized them, I don’t own any of the albums listed in the top 50.
Perhaps you’re like me and like what you like and don’t put as much weight on sites like Pitchfork any longer. (Honestly, I rarely read the site these days let alone look to them for how I spend my money on music.)
That said, I found 2008 to be a damn fine year music-wise. Despite what I just wrote above, there were some artists/bands who entered my mental music vault, particularly on the local music scene. One of the reasons I moved to Portland was because of the music scene and 2008 definitely allowed me to appreciate it. I was even lucky enough to interview one of those local artists.
Maybe it really does take having the economy in the shitter, an unpopular president, while also having a candidate (now President-elect!!) who truly inspires hope that things will get better…to make artists create some great music.
If possible, I’ve linked to where you can listen/buy the songs or albums that I’ve listed.
And with that incredibly wordy preamble that ironically is reminiscent of Pitchfork, I bring you my “Best of 2008″ lists.
Favorite Shows:
The Gutter Twins at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City, NY (2/14/08)
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals at Elsinore Theatre in Salem, OR (1/25/08)
The Gutter Twins at the Wonder Ballroom in Portland, OR (3/3/08)
Matt Sheehy/The Dimes/Derby at the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland, OR (11/1/08)
Oasis at The Pearl in Las Vegas, NV (12/6/08)
Bob Mould & band at the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland, OR (3/28/08)
Joseph Arthur & guests at the Museum of Modern Arthur in New York City, NY (2/15/08)
Favorite Songs (excludes songs from favorite albums):
“Killer’s Knife” – Joseph Arthur
“Ghosts” – Ladytron
“Just Dance” – Lady GaGa
“You Don’t Know Me” – Ben Folds and Regina Spektor
“Electric Feel” – MGMT
“Last Summer” – Pete Yorn
“Cath…” – Death Cab for Cutie
“Loose Medusa” – Little Beirut
“I Feel It All” (Britt Daniel remix) – Feist
“Hundredaire” – Hey Willpower
A song I rediscovered this year and now realize it may be one of the most perfect songs ever recorded (2008 edition): “Birthday Girl” – The Replacements
Favorite Albums/EPs and some of the stand-out tracks:
Tigerphobia – Matt Sheehy
Stand-outs include: “Go Missing,” “Freeway,” “Hold Your Breath”
Saturnalia – The Gutter Twins
Stand-outs include: “The Stations,” “God’s Children,” “Front Street”
Cardinology – Ryan Adams & the Cardinals
Stand-outs include: “Go Easy,” “Sink Ships,” “Stop”
Could We Survive (EP) – Joseph Arthur
Stand-outs include: “Walk Away,” “Shadow of Lies,” “Morning Cup”
New England (EP) – The Dimes
Stand-outs include: “The Liberator,” “Clara” (bonus points for covering one of my favorite John Lennon songs, “Watching the Wheels”)
Live at the Triple Door – Greg Dulli
Stand-outs include: “Tonight,” “King Only,” “The Killer”
@#%&*! Smilers – Aimee Mann
Stand-outs include: “Freeway,” “Thirty One Today,” “Little Tornado”
Favorite New Holiday Album:
A Very Rosie Christmas – Rosie Thomas
Stand-outs include: “O Come O Come Emanuel,” “Why Can’t It Be Christmastime All Year”
Honorable Mentions:
Seldom Seen Kid – Elbow
Adorata (EP) – The Gutter Twins
49:00 – Paul Westerberg
Temporary People – Joseph Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts
Flight of the Conchords – Flight of the Conchords
Who I’m looking forward to hearing new music from in 2009 (hopefully): Pete Yorn (and tour, too, please?), Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, The Dimes
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