I had a tough time picking just one favorite album this year--so tough, in fact, that I didn't do it at all. Instead I picked four, each of which has made a huge impression on me over the course of this year. So, as far as albums go, here's what really defined 2008 for me:
Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Flight
As hard as I tried to set this aside and listen to other things as the year went on, I found myself coming back to the album again and again and again. Scott Hutchinson's lyrics seem almost embarrassingly introspective at times, like you're reading over his shoulder as he writes a diary entry, yet sung in his triumphant voice they become something even deeper, like a parable for the broken-hearted. Happy, sad, bored, or busy, The Midnight Organ Flight is the album that I found myself listening to most this year, and one that seems to affect me differently every time I listen to it. Great lyrics, great music, great album.
This album feels like a fresh start for a band that I already liked a lot, and probably the best jazz release I've heard all year. Though Nomo hasn't given up on Afrobeat entirely just yet, they've added a few new tricks this time, with some crazy homemade electronics and the resulting rhythmic experimentation. Yes, there are still the pulsing tribal rhythms, the jazz hooks and extended solo sections, but Ghost Rock proves that these guys have their own unique identity and a hell of a lot of talent. Definitely one of the best things I wrapped my ears around in 2008.
The War on Drugs - Wagonwheel Blues
That I'm a lifelong Bob Dylan fan may have helped this album sink its claws into me initially, but there's more to this album than just a love for Mr. Zimmerman. With druggy folk atmospherics and a knack for brilliant songwriting, this one has been growing on me since the first time I heard it, and continues to still. It's a work that defies convention as much as it pays tribute to it--the album could easily be compared to Dylan, Velvet Underground, or Sonic Youth, but to me its more than a sum of influences. It's an incredible debut album that will stand the test of time, and I'm excited to see what Adam Granduciel (I got to interview him! Here's the IDS article) and co will do on their next record.
I must agree with Katie on how incredible this album is; it's another one that really stole my soul for a while. Yoni Wolf's voice may put some people off (I'll admit that I wasn't a huge fan of Elephant Eyelash at first listen), but it's a taste that's worth acquiring--Alopecia is so unique and fascinating that I feel like it deserves its own genre title. Then again, I don't know if anyone could pull it off anywhere near as well as Yoni does here. His twisted wit makes this album both hilarious and sympathetic, but if you have trouble finding masturbation funny, feeling empathy for stalkers, or nasally voices, Alopecia might not be for you.
Other great musical things that happened in 2008:
Favorite Show: Radiohead - Lollapalooza 08
I don't know how many years I'd been waiting to see Radiohead play live, but when the moment finally came I thought I might lose my mind. That they were as good live as in my dreams just solidifies my belief that they're the greatest band in the world.
Favorite Music Video: MGMT - Time to Pretend
I typically don't care a whole lot about music videos anymore, but the first time I saw this one it really impressed me. It's schizo, psychedelic, and just plain weird (I wish I could ride a giant cat across the moon), but all in all a really cool video, and probably the one time all year that I found a new band I enjoyed from a video on MTV.
Favorite New Online Music Feature: Pitchfork.tv
Despite Pitchfork's pretentiousness, my hat goes off to them for being the best place I've come across for good music reviews and news on the web. This new site now puts video at their fingertips as well, featuring live performances, music videos, original programming, and interviews from some of the best artists on today's music scene. There was this great independent film they had where a camera followed Beirut's Zach Condon around New York to different locations, meeting his band at each stop to play the songs from The Flying Club Cup in order. I love the Let It Be-style "Don't Look Down" shows as well, where they get great bands to play sets on NYC rooftops on camera (Yeasayer's was especially amazing).
That's it for this post, thanks to all of you who read Live Buzz and all the musicians who made my 2008 better than I had ever hoped!
Greg
