Jason Tate

[Jason Tate]

The end of yet another year -- and this was one of the biggest AP.net has ever had. There were also some great releases this year ... my favorites can be found below.

Top Albums of 2008

30) Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ED8GNU?tag=absolutepunk-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B001ED8GNU&adid=0Q74611QR8BF965RM8F8&)
29) E for Explosion - Reinventing the Heartbeat (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001922P4C?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001922P4C)
28) Valencia - We All Need a Reason to Believe (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F695M2?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001F695M2)
27) Panic at the Disco - Pretty. Odd. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015T2GP2?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0015T2GP2)
26) My Favorite Highway - How to Call a Bluff (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CQITKE?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001CQITKE)
25) Tiger Lou - Partial Print (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=dbziBg1FBPw&offerid=78941&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes. apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStor e.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fi%25 3D293744872%2526id%253D293744832%25 26s%253D143441%2526partnerId%253D30 )
24) Rise Against - Appeal to Reason (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HE0RQ0?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001HE0RQ0)
23) Straylight Run - EP (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W20OR0?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000W20OR0)
22) Right Away, Great Captain - The Eventually Home (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IM0RDO?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001IM0RDO)
21) The Matches - A Band in Hope (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015C8U90?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0015C8U90)
20) The Reign of Kindo - Rhythm, Chord, and Melody (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YMT6B8?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000YMT6B8)
19) The Narrative - Just Say Yes (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E4V140?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001E4V140)
18) Now, Now Every Children - Cars (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013YDEG4?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0013YDEG4)
17) Anberlin - New Surrender (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GO6814?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001GO6814)
16) Wolftron - Flesh & Fears (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00187QH9W?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00187QH9W)
15) Thrice - Alchemy Index (3 & 4) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017AL8SU?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0017AL8SU)
14) The New Frontiers - Mending (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00157I6LM?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00157I6LM)
13) Copeland - You Are My Sunshine (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001I3SZP0?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001I3SZP0)
12) The Living End - White Noise (http://www.absolutepunk.net/thelivingend)
11) Joshua Radin - Simple Times (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GTTT6K?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001GTTT6K)
10) House of Heroes - The End is Not the End (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GD5GVS?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001GD5GVS)
09) Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YN1TGM?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000YN1TGM)
08) City and Colour - Bring Me Your Love (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001L9QDZU?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001L9QDZU)
07) Good Old War - Only Way to Be Alone (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IQQKIG?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001IQQKIG)
06) Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017J4NDS?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0017J4NDS)
05) Fall Out Boy - Folie a Deux (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NB4W4A?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001NB4W4A)
04) Augustana - Can't Love, Can't Hurt (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001378H40?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001378H40)
03) The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CDG3KK?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001CDG3KK)
02) Lydia - Illuminate (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FMSV6W?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001FMSV6W)
01) Astronautalis - Pomegrante (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GD1Q08?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001GD1Q08)

There were a hell of a lot of great albums out this year -- I would highly recommend checking out every band on this list. It was hard to have to put some albums so "relatively" low on the list - but there were just so many albums that hit me perfectly this year and cemented their place high on the list. I will inevitably forget some releases - and probably be annoyed at myself later on. However, for right now - this is the best I can do. Don't miss any of these.

Honorable Mention (and Guilty Pleasures)

Kanye West - 808's and Heartbreak
The Cab - Whisper War
Charlotte Sometimes - Waves and the Both of Us
Alkaline Trio - Agony and Irony
Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs

Worst (Most Disappointing) Albums of 2008

02) All-American Rejects - When the World Comes Down
01) Gym Class Heroes - The Quilt

These aren't albums that "sucked" as much as I wanted them to be so much better than they ended up being -- I was highly looking forward to the releases and ended up being disappointedf with both.

Best Producer of the Year

01) Neal Avron

I love the tones and sounds he gets out of bands - he can do a wide range and 9.9/10 I end up loving the end result. He'd be at the top of my list if I was recording anything.

Best New Band of 2008

01) Good Old War

Runners-Up: The New Frontiers

I absolutely loved both releases, but seeing as we lost The New Frontiers before the year even ended - I had to give it to Good Old War. Just a great all around band releasing one hell of a debut.

Best Lyrics of 2008

05) Tim Skipper
04) Stephen Christian
03) Brian Fallon
02) Dustin Kensrue
01) Andy Bothwell

Best Vocals of 2008

05) Keith Goodwin
04) Dustin Kensrue
03) Patrick Stump
02) Tim Skipper
01) Dallas Greene

Hardest Working Band of 2008

01) Valencia

I despise every neon band that takes a single sale from this band. I think pop-punk is getting shafted, and this is one of the few that are doing the sound any justice and respect.

Best Record Label

02) Epitaph Records
01) Eyeball Records

Eyeball released a plethora of my favorite releases, Epitaph signed my favorite bands.

Most Overrated Band

01) The Maine

Just awful. I don't see any redeeming quality of this band.

Best (Catchiest Song) Single

03) The Matches - Wake the Sun
02) Fall Out Boy - American's Suitehearts
01) Astronautalis - The Wondersmith and His Sons

Best 'Other' Website

01) Stereogum.com

They're like my indie-brother in law.

Band of the Year

02) Lydia
01) Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy absolutely crushed critics and haters alike by storming to the finish line with a great album. They won back a bunch of fans (from reading comments on AP.net, this is what I deduced) as well as pleased most of their current fans. They showcased how they are at the absolute top of their game - and I have to give them credit for all of the shit they had to go through, and how they delivered.

In Our Memories

I would just like to take this time to remember everyone we lost this year. May angels lead you in ... RIP.

Best Band Related DVD

01) Thrice - Live at the House of Blues (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IKPSYE?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001IKPSYE)

I think this is a must own. I also enjoyed Panic and Paramore's DVDs this year - and admittedly didn't check out very many others.

Best Movies of 2008

01) The Dark Knight (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GZ6QDS?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001GZ6QDS)

There is no other competition. Simply one of the best movies of the past decade.

Best Book of 2008

01) Rock On: An Office Power Ballad (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1565125096?ie=UTF8&tag=absolutepunk-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1565125096) (Dan Kennedy)

If you like good writing, and are looking for a book that focuses on the music industry (and is absolutely hilarious), I could not recommend this any harder. I can't wait to read it again.

Best TV Shows of 2008

03) Dexter
02) House
01) How I Met Your Mother

Making my weeks go by just a little bit quicker.

The Next Big Thing(s) of 2009

10) Almost Gold
09) Valencia
08) Sherwood
07) Lydia
06) Anberlin
05) New Found Glory (they're back)
04) Boys Like Girls
03) Fun
02) P.O.S
01) House of Heroes

This is more a "I wish" list compared to what I think will happen. The new POS album is going to be huge, I want to see House of Heroes blow up, and I hope that Fun album is as good as I think it will be.

Most Anticipated Releases of 2009

08) Thursday
07) Set Your Goals
06) Fun
05) New Found Glory
04) Say Anything
03) Brand New
02) Morrissey
01) Mute Math

Best Songs of 2008

10) Wolftron - Blueberry Waves
09) The Living End - Kid
08) Atmosphere - Dreamer
07) Augustana - Dust
06) Death Cab for Cutie - Grapevine Fires
05) Astronautalis - Trouble Hunters
04) Good Old War - Coney Island
03) The New Frontiers - This is My Home
02) The Gaslight Anthem - Miles Davis & Cool
01) Lydia - Fate

[Garett Press]

Thank you for Astronautalis and sweet list otherwise

[youareallfreaks]

alk3 is agony and irony. not alcohol and irony. unless i'm missing some weird joke.

[Anton Djamoos]

Looking more forward to Mute Math over Say Anything and Brand New? Interesting.

[timba88]

Agree with pretty much everything, would have had Augustana be my number 1, Lydia was my number two. I'm going to agree with Mute Math being more anticipated, given I wouldn't be suprised if Brand New didn't release something new in 2009. Like your call with band of the year (more specifically number 2) and your comments on The Maine, they are garbage.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

albumwise - you obviously missed the boat on Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago. if you like any sort of folk (joshua radin, new frontiers) you will LOVE this.

filmwise - you obviously have not seen Let The Right One In....meet your film of the year.

[hockeyguitar99]

Great list, I need to listen to the Astronautalis album more.

[sean-reid]

4 of my Top 20 in your Top 30. I would of included Lydia, but I've only just recently discovered it.

[Jason Tate]

albumwise - you obviously missed the boat on Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago. if you like any sort of folk (joshua radin, new frontiers) you will LOVE this.

filmwise - you obviously have not seen Let The Right One In....meet your film of the year.
Twelve-year-old Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), the constant target of bullies, spends his time plotting revenge and collecting news items about the grisly murders plaguing his town. Things change for Oskar when he meets new girl Eli (Lina Leandersson), a misfit vampire who steals his heart. As a serial killer continues to prey on teen boys in the small village outside Stockholm, Sweden, Eli helps Oskar find the courage to stand up to his tormenters.

No thanks, not my kind of movie.

[bailmeout13]

Love seeing Augustana in the top five. Going to check out the stuff I haven't heard yet for sure.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

Twelve-year-old Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), the constant target of bullies, spends his time plotting revenge and collecting news items about the grisly murders plaguing his town. Things change for Oskar when he meets new girl Eli (Lina Leandersson), a misfit vampire who steals his heart. As a serial killer continues to prey on teen boys in the small village outside Stockholm, Sweden, Eli helps Oskar find the courage to stand up to his tormenters.

No thanks, not my kind of movie.
lol. see the movie dude. trust me. it's not at all what you're thinking it is. especially from that synopsis. if its playing around you somewhere take a couple of hours and watch it. you won't be sorry.

[sweetforever]

Thought Lydia was going to take your top spot, but I didn't realize how much you enjoyed Astronautalis. Very good list regardless.

[fromoc2dc]

Great list, but I'd love to see a longer list of your favorite movies.

I've got Dark Knight at 1, Slumdog Millionaire at 2, and Milk at 3. I'm still trying to rank the rest.

[billyboatkid]

Glad to see Lydia, Wolftron, Reign, and FOB.

Great lists.

[c_rob2700]

I'm writing down any of these releases I missed

[konstantine86]

right on with all the lydia, also my number 2. such a damn good band. and good call on the grapevine fires from death cab. incredible song. i'm very excited for NFG, fun, and say anything also. seems to be a good year...

[tm decomposer]

Weak list. IMO

[thiseternalsnow]

Anybody like the MGMT album? Just wondering, seeing as it's on so many "best of" lists for this year.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

Anybody like the MGMT album? Just wondering, seeing as it's on so many "best of" lists for this year.
isn't that an answer to your own question?

[Jason Tate]

lol. see the movie dude. trust me. it's not at all what you're thinking it is. especially from that synopsis. if its playing around you somewhere take a couple of hours and watch it. you won't be sorry.
I'll add it to my Netflix. Just for you.

[Jason Tate]

Weak list. IMO
I take that as a compliment coming from you.

[AMAAS]

jack's, city, and good old war all made my top 10....House of Heroes and Gaslight both made my top 50....also your top songs list is pretty good too "Grapevine Fires", "Coney Island", and "This Is My Home" all made my list too

[fromoc2dc]

Anybody like the MGMT album? Just wondering, seeing as it's on so many "best of" lists for this year.
It's on my list at least :shrug:

[Vermont]

Are you a fan of This Is My Suitcase? AP has covered them before, and they've played with FOB and the Matches, and their new album comes out in march and it's my most anticipated album of next year... I think it'd be your kind of thing.

[anamericangod]

LYDIA AT #2 OMG HYPE MACHINE OMG

Nice list. I need to check out Astronautalis.

[imtimwhoareyou]

Thanks for Astronautalis this year, Jason. His older stuff is just as good too.

How did you feel about Bon Iver?

[timbedinosaur]

Jason, you made a great list, but I would like say that I think 111 deserves to be on best label. I'll name two of the bands that had great releases this year: Rookie of the Year and The Reign Of Kindo. Both put out great CD's this year alone and lets not forget who they have signed:
Canon, Dearest Azazel, Devin Lima And The Cadbury Diesel, Inkwell, Kiernan McMullen, Little Pieces, The Spill Canvas, Stepsonday, and The Windupdeads.
Past Signed Bands: foreverinmotion, I Am The Dream, Jinxed, The Exit Radio/Mashlin, Thin Dark Line, Rory, and This Day & Age.

[nellson13]

Gotta say, with all the love I've seen you give Valencia (quite a bit), I'm surprised you only ranked WANARTB at 28. Great list though, altogether. Illuminate is hands down my album of the year.

[Jason Tate]

Thanks for Astronautalis this year, Jason. His older stuff is just as good too.

How did you feel about Bon Iver?
That's apparently the album I missed this year. I'm going to go pick it up tomorrow - it's being recommended by all sorts of people and I guess it just slipped under my radar.

[robat19]

Can't wait for P.O.S.

[WhoSaidThat?]

All the best for AP in 09, muhfuckers!

[Klatzke]

any astronautlis love is good in my book. Have you happened to listen to the Miniature Tigers album?

[Julia Conny]

I'm writing down any of these releases I missed

Have you checked out Astronautalis? That album still blows me away.

[VIVALAMATT]

I just can't agree that there were 14 better cd's than the latest Thrice release. FOB as "band of the year"? Well seeing as I don't agree that they "crushed critics and haters" with Folie A Deux, I can't agree that they're band of the year. You didn't give any love to MGMT, but you got Atmosphere correct at least. Good choice for DVD of the year...no, great choice.

Death Cab should made the top 30 though...the Straylight Run EP was better than "Narrow Stairs"? Nooo way.

[Jason Tate]

Have you checked out Astronautalis? That album still blows me away.
He appears on the secret track on the new POS album (who appears on the last track on the Astronautalis album) -- I think you'll enjoy that release when it drops.

[Julia Conny]

He appears on the secret track on the new POS album (who appears on the last track on the Astronautalis album) -- I think you'll enjoy that release when it drops.

Nice. Thanks for the heads up.

[Cliff Diver]

Just bought Astronautalis on Amazon. Its such a breath of fresh air. I love it as well (so far).

Good list.

[Ryzenfall]

House of Heroes continues to impress me. Every time I listen to them they get better it seems and it always feels like I'm hearing them for the first time. Like a virgin.

[Ryzenfall]

I just can't agree that there were 14 better cd's than the latest Thrice release. FOB as "band of the year"? Well seeing as I don't agree that they "crushed critics and haters" with Folie A Deux, I can't agree that they're band of the year. You didn't give any love to MGMT, but you got Atmosphere correct at least. Good choice for DVD of the year...no, great choice.

Death Cab should made the top 30 though...the Straylight Run EP was better than "Narrow Stairs"? Nooo way.

Look up the word "opinion" in the dictionary and come back.

[Christian Otte]

Surprised that you think (=wish) Boys Like Girls will be big in 2009, and The Cab's CD was on your honorable mentions list - I thought you didn't like those bands.

Good list, though - I need to check out Astronautalis.

[xtheaudition]

i cant wait for new nfg & thursday =D

[The Personist]

Nice list. Glad to see A Band In Hope on there. I was afraid that would slip through so many radars, but seeing it on a list makes me smile. It was in my top ten, though it was no Decomposer.

In general, though, good list.

[luckyboy611]

you liked underoath more than less than jake? ouch.

[jasoneyeball]

We're glad you dug our 2008!!

[MusicTalks]

I'm glad that The Cab made it on your list. I really loved the album, even tho people pretty much shit on it the entire year. I agree with your Fall Out Boy bullets, but I think that "I Don't Care" is the catchiest song on the album and was good for their first single. Most anticipated album, I wanted to see Cartel's new album. My most anticipated album for 2009, for me at least.

[TKTKrob]

I think you need to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I went into the movie hoping it sucked nads compared to The Dark Knight... I came out with a new choice for movie of the year.

[tm decomposer]

I take that as a compliment coming from you.
lawls.

good to see you giving The Narrative some love though.

[tm decomposer]

oh jason, thoughts on this band? it'd be cool to see you run an exclusive or something. the dude sounds like a little bon iver/damien rice.

http://www.myspace.com/peasant

[googirl8907]

Glad to see Can't Love, Can't Hurt so high on your list Jason.

[Clockwork]

Wow, I'm stoked that I wasn't the only one to recognize House of Heroes talent and Tim Skipper's vocals. I'm really hoping your Next Big Thing(s) prediction holds true with respect to these guys.

[mrzippo3]

That's awesome that your most anticipated album is Mute Math. Same goes for me. I would have thought Brand New for you.

[AShannon04]

Great list, although I think Dallas' last name is spelled without an E at the end.

[lightcollapse]

mute math more anticipated than brand new and say anything??!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

[Mitch]

Twelve-year-old Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), the constant target of bullies, spends his time plotting revenge and collecting news items about the grisly murders plaguing his town. Things change for Oskar when he meets new girl Eli (Lina Leandersson), a misfit vampire who steals his heart. As a serial killer continues to prey on teen boys in the small village outside Stockholm, Sweden, Eli helps Oskar find the courage to stand up to his tormenters.

No thanks, not my kind of movie.
Twelve-year-old Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), the constant target of bullies, spends his time plotting revenge and collecting news items about the grisly murders plaguing his town. Things change for Oskar when he meets new girl Eli (Lina Leandersson), a misfit vampire who steals his heart. As a serial killer continues to prey on teen boys in the small village outside Stockholm, Sweden, Eli helps Oskar find the courage to stand up to his tormenters.

No thanks, not my kind of movie.

Like another poster said, it's nothing like what the description probably makes you think. It's much more a drama than a horror, and it's beautifully filmed. That's not to say I agree with the 97 percent it has on RT--I don't.

http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=612702&highlight=let+the+right+one+in
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lat_den_ratte_komma_in/

As for you having not listened to the Bon Iver album yet, you have to! Soo good, especially for this time of year. My number two of the year.

[lbc182]

I'm really surprised i don't see Butch walker anywhere on these lists. Such a great album.

[ExplodingStereo]

I think Tim Skipper has been #1 on my personal Best Vocals in Music for a couple years now. It's insane to see how popular House of Heroes is becoming, and I really hope they make another record in '09 (Tim and AJ already said they've written a majority of the next record since it took so long to release The End Is not the End) And just a quick, annoying know-it-all note, Tim Skipper doesn't write all the lyrics, most of the lyrics are written by the bassist AJ.

I can't wait for NFG and Say Anything, I really have to start listening to Lydia and Gaslight Anthem. I think I heard of Lydia about a week ago, I have "Sleep Well" so far. Great great song. I think your list is closest to what I thought were the best of '08.

[c_rob2700]

Have you checked out Astronautalis? That album still blows me away.
No, I haven't.
But seeing it's near the top of a lot of lists i definetly will soon

[cscwell107]

I wish Valencia was higher but other than that its a great list.

[zubinmoosa]

2009 will be awesome.

[emery3993]

Great list overall, really glad the reign of kindo and house of heroes made it on they are both incredible bands who released incredible albums, also good call on my favorite highway I am really enjoying their music

[TheJazzDJ]

Charlotte Sometimes is a guilty pleasure of mine too. And glad to see The Living End on that list, White Noise is nuts.

[andrewa5]

Jason your lists, i find are all really well put together!

[lolliot]

Having followed your blog for most of the year the list is pretty much as I expected it to be. I'm happy and surprised to see that I'm not the only one who likes Grapevine Fires off of Narrow Stairs though!

[TheOtherAndrew]

Glad to see Miles Davis and the Cool so high up on your songs of the year list.

[lexidoodleellis]

i love house of heroes.

i am pretty sure they are going to eventually take over the world

[johnh5304]

I totally agree with you on the Mute Math release.

[Aphasia17]

Of all the lists I read, your list easily contains the most of my favorites of 08. Great to see Anberlin and Wolftron getting some love! I actually went and bought the Atmosphere album on your reccomendation and I love it, so it's great to see that album on your list as well.

Also, props for mentioning the Thrice, Panic, and Paramore dvds. All three are great!

[MarkyMark1984]

Great list Jason! I haven't picked up Now, Now Every Children yet, but my band will be playing with them when they come down to KC in January, so I will be sure to get it then. Also, are/were you a fan of The Early November? Excited for new Ace Enders material at all? I feel like he's a great artist that has kinda fallen off because of Drive-Thru's incompetency.

[Jason Tate]

Great list Jason! I haven't picked up Now, Now Every Children yet, but my band will be playing with them when they come down to KC in January, so I will be sure to get it then. Also, are/were you a fan of The Early November? Excited for new Ace Enders material at all? I feel like he's a great artist that has kinda fallen off because of Drive-Thru's incompetency.
I have been following his stuff ... just hard to get behind until there's something tangible, you know?

[Jason Tate]

Having followed your blog for most of the year the list is pretty much as I expected it to be. I'm happy and surprised to see that I'm not the only one who likes Grapevine Fires off of Narrow Stairs though!
Thanks for the love, and for following my blog! Glad you liked them.

[Jason Tate]

I think you need to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I went into the movie hoping it sucked nads compared to The Dark Knight... I came out with a new choice for movie of the year.
I saw it. It was good. Not even close to TDK level for me though. I actually liked Marley and Me better.

[Jason Tate]

Like another poster said, it's nothing like what the description probably makes you think. It's much more a drama than a horror, and it's beautifully filmed. That's not to say I agree with the 97 percent it has on RT--I don't.

http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=612702&highlight=let+the+right+one+in
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lat_den_ratte_komma_in/

As for you having not listened to the Bon Iver album yet, you have to! Soo good, especially for this time of year. My number two of the year.
I'll netflix it.

I'm really surprised i don't see Butch walker anywhere on these lists. Such a great album.
I just never got into the release in a big way -- liked it, never 'loved it'. Shoulda put it in the honorable mentions section though ... you're right.

[Jason Tate]

mute math more anticipated than brand new and say anything??!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Yep. I think it'll be one of the best albums of the year - I can't wait for that release.

[Jason Tate]

Wow, I'm stoked that I wasn't the only one to recognize House of Heroes talent and Tim Skipper's vocals. I'm really hoping your Next Big Thing(s) prediction holds true with respect to these guys.
Me too! I love his vocals - I think he's extremely underrated. Great tone and control.

[Jason Tate]

Jason your lists, i find are all really well put together!
Thank you!

[Jason Tate]

We're glad you dug our 2008!!
Keep it up! Haha. You guys ruled 2008.

[Jason Tate]

Nice list. Glad to see A Band In Hope on there. I was afraid that would slip through so many radars, but seeing it on a list makes me smile. It was in my top ten, though it was no Decomposer.

In general, though, good list.
I agree with you. I still love them though.

[Jason Tate]

Surprised that you think (=wish) Boys Like Girls will be big in 2009, and The Cab's CD was on your honorable mentions list - I thought you didn't like those bands.

Good list, though - I need to check out Astronautalis.
Yeah, they're ok ... I like pop music for the most part - and I think they're pretty good pop bands. Martin from BLG is awesome.

[Jason Tate]

I'm glad that The Cab made it on your list. I really loved the album, even tho people pretty much shit on it the entire year. I agree with your Fall Out Boy bullets, but I think that "I Don't Care" is the catchiest song on the album and was good for their first single. Most anticipated album, I wanted to see Cartel's new album. My most anticipated album for 2009, for me at least.
I am looking forward to a Cartel release actually. Forgot about that.

[PopPunkKid]

Nice list, I totally agree with what you said about FOB.

Cool to see Pretty.Odd. cracking the list too.

[JacquelineNancy]

Must admit, this is one very well put together list. I'm definitely going to check out some of these albums that I missed out on.

[Geoffthurs]

SHIT!!!! ASTRONAUTALIS!!!! I listen to this record almost every day. Such a talented dude. You ever just space and leave out something you absolutely love off a year end list? and then there are a few things you put on that you barely ever listen to? Good list, brother-man.

[Jason Tate]

SHIT!!!! ASTRONAUTALIS!!!! I listen to this record almost every day. Such a talented dude. You ever just space and leave out something you absolutely love off a year end list? and then there are a few things you put on that you barely ever listen to? Good list, brother-man.
I do that almost every single year, and then I look back at my lists a year later and have an "ahhh, crap" moment.

Thanks for the love! Can't wait for the new Thursday disc.

[Phil507]

Thanks for calling out the bullshit that is The Maine.

[refgirl23]

-A lot of my favorites in there, and Neal Avron does deserve a lot of credit; it wasn't until just the other day it sunk in he did both Anberlin and FOB's new album.
-Rock On is a great book. I've passed that on to a few people this year.
-Glad to see Charlotte Sometimes make the honorable mentions list.

[bobby runs]

Whats so enjoyable about The Cab's release? "Bounce" sounds like a boy band doing a rock song. I feel that The Maine have at least a little bit more redeeming quality than the Cab.

[timb89]

i thought jason was tottaly pro razias shadow :(
and i thought copeland would have been higher
better up my stalking lol

[TKTKrob]

I saw it. It was good. Not even close to TDK level for me though. I actually liked Marley and Me better.
I just thought that it is more deserving of movie of the year because of it's incredibly original concept (not to mention beautiful cinematography and incredible acting). Where The Dark Knight is by far the most well-done superhero movie to date; it's still a superhero movie. Sure, it has elements of other movie-genres and the characters have in-depth psychological personalities... but the Batman character (and story) has had over half a century to develop. It SHOULD be as good as it was. And although it is my second favorite movie of the year, I feel like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button had a better and more original script. The movie didn't need the 50+ years of trial and error to become ground-breaking. It was a one-off masterpiece.

[alltimelove]

Jason, have you seen the show Mad Men on AMC? I think you would like it.

[lightcollapse]

Yep. I think it'll be one of the best albums of the year - I can't wait for that release.
but...those are the 2 best bands ever. i mean mute math's first album was good but...

[poppunknerd182]

pretty bummed The Swellers didn't make your next big thing of 09 or your most anticipated release lists

I think 09 will be HUGE for them

[sparkle7]

good list. I've gotta make a note to check out Astronautalis. I'm so stoked you included fun for your things in '09. Words can't describe how excited I m for their release.

[jings]

Great list. Two releases I'm really looking forward to are Grammatics' and Green Day's.

[get up kidd]

As far as the hardist working band I think it should go to the wonder years..but that's just me

[zubinmoosa]

No Razia's Shadow? really....

[humanafterall]

I completely agree with your reason of where you placed albums on your best of. Feed the Animals has been my Number one since the moment I heard it. It's one of the albums that influences me. The bottom of my list was harder to place, tho.

[ohitisjess]

awesome lists.

[recomposed]

So glad that Atmosphere is in your top 10

[Jason Tate]

i thought jason was tottaly pro razias shadow :(
and i thought copeland would have been higher
better up my stalking lol
That's one of those releases I knew should have been on there - but I just forgot to include.

[Jason Tate]

pretty bummed The Swellers didn't make your next big thing of 09 or your most anticipated release lists

I think 09 will be HUGE for them
I didn't know they were recording for 2009.

[Spenny]

Thank you for putting Augustana so high. Amazing album, nice to see it get some recognition.
And also, I agree with Valencia being the hardest working band this year.

And I might take advantage of that Astronautalis deal on Amazon.
Great list. :D

[eman83]

Jason,

Did you forget about The Graduate for 2009? Or is it going to be 2010?

And Great list. I love this feature of the website. I find a lot of good bands I may have missed.

[S9Dallasoz]

Good call on Almost Gold.

[fifpb99]

So you're not looking forward to the new Manchester Orchestra CD?

[Jason Tate]

So you're not looking forward to the new Manchester Orchestra CD?
I am, just skipped my mind. I thought I had it on there.

[Jason Tate]

Jason,

Did you forget about The Graduate for 2009? Or is it going to be 2010?

And Great list. I love this feature of the website. I find a lot of good bands I may have missed.
I have no idea when they're releasing anything - so I didn't include them.

[poppunknerd182]

I didn't know they were recording for 2009.
Yeah, they have all their shit written and are recording and shopping in January, they said it should be out by summer.

[sargentlgfuad]

nice list.
definately different, but i love the majority of the ones i do know in your list.
so i will be checking some out.
thank you, very much.

[mrwallybrown]

i agree with everything you mention about lydia. most def their credit is due.
a band for you to check out....Honey Claws. anyone else heard of them?
my roommate does a music review blog perchmusic.com and go thier album as a promo, check it out!

[Beej 347]

there are a lot worse bands out there than the maine, imo.

[imtimwhoareyou]

That's apparently the album I missed this year. I'm going to go pick it up tomorrow - it's being recommended by all sorts of people and I guess it just slipped under my radar.

Haha fair enough. I hope the hype doesn't ruin it for you... It took me a while to really enjoy it, but like you said about Astronautalis:

For me those are the kinds of tracks that grow on you. I found new favorites months after release - it reminds me of all my all time favorites in that way: tracks I didn't know I'd love I end up loving after time passes.

[AShannon04]

I wasn't crazy about Good Old War when I first heard the album (I still can barely listen to I'm Not For You all the way through), but it's definitely grown on me a ton. Definitely would have been in my Top 10 of the year if I'd heard it sooner.

[eman83]

I have no idea when they're releasing anything - so I didn't include them.

Oh gotcha. I guess with the label situation and them just going into the studio, everything is up in the air for now.

[emery3993]

Are you a fan of the wedding? I thought their EP this year was awesome, really hoping they release a full length in 09 that would be one of my most anticipated

[Jason Tate]

Are you a fan of the wedding? I thought their EP this year was awesome, really hoping they release a full length in 09 that would be one of my most anticipated
Love the vocals.

[Fradleck]

Thank you for giving the new Augustana album some love. Guarantee people are gonna regret missing out on this one a few years down the road. "Sweet & Low" might be one of the best pop ballads I have heard in years.

I might punch anyone who labels them one hit wonders after what they put out with this album.

[semisonic30]

I really thought that Frightened rabbits The Midnight Organ Fight was going to be on everyones best of list this year. Guess that one slipped everone by :(

I was absolutely floored by that album.

[fadedmemories]

I agree with FOB being band of the year.
I'm surprised Whisper War was in the guilty pleasure list.

[MusicTalks]

I am looking forward to a Cartel release actually. Forgot about that.

I haven't heard anything definitive on a release date/album title. They've sung "The Perfect Mistake" (I believe that's the title) at a show I went to a while back, but I haven't heard anything since. I saw that you blogged about the new demos, so I was wondering if you might be in the know about a release date?

[xxragexlovexx]

The Minnesota hip hop scene is getting better day by day.
I couldn't be more psyched for the new p.o.s. album. his stuff blows my mind.
and atmosphere's release this year was supurb. none other like it.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Good Call on The Maine

[semisonic30]

Most anticipated album of 2009 just has to be the Cary Brothers.

[Deadbolt01]

Why is Thrice not in ANYONES list?

[thesiz]

the fall out boy album is awful.
but i understand you HAVE to be kind to them.
its good business.

[Matthew]

It totally boggles my mind that someone would actually buy 30 different pop-punk-emo-core albums in one year. There was nothing outside that niche that you liked? I mean... you said you read Steregum, like maybe download a single thing they rec'ed?

I'm just saying, I worry about you.

[AvengeCasper]

i disagree with your all american rejects bash.

i thought the cd was exactly the direction they should have headed in.

the jack's mannequin cd was more of a disappointment for me.

but it's all subjective.

[ryanhartkopf]

Your "Best Lyrics" and "Next Big Thing" lists are dead on. House of Heroes is going to be huge once they get their physical release in stores.

But from what I understand, AJ Babcock writes their lyrics, not Tim Skipper.

[chelseagirl]

couldn't agree more with mute math being the most anticipated album of next year. I'm really just stoked for them to tour again. they put on the most amazing live show ever

[Jason Tate]

It totally boggles my mind that someone would actually buy 30 different pop-punk-emo-core albums in one year. There was nothing outside that niche that you liked? I mean... you said you read Steregum, like maybe download a single thing they rec'ed?

I'm just saying, I worry about you.
It totally boggles my mind that you think all 30 of those releases were pop-punk-emo-core albums. I worry about your reading skills.

[Jason Tate]

the fall out boy album is awful.
but i understand you HAVE to be kind to them.
its good business.
Obviously countless people disagree with you - and it's bullshit for you to claim it's "business" simply because someone has a different opinion than you. That's crossing the line.

[Jason Tate]

Why is Thrice not in ANYONES list?
It is on a bunch of lists ... including mine.

[Jason Tate]

i disagree with your all american rejects bash.

i thought the cd was exactly the direction they should have headed in.

the jack's mannequin cd was more of a disappointment for me.

but it's all subjective.
The lyrics were some of the worst I have heard and the vocals got more whiny ... I don't know how that could be a positive direction.

[thesiz]

Obviously countless people disagree with you - and it's bullshit for you to claim it's "business" simply because someone has a different opinion than you. That's crossing the line.
well...
its no secret that you/this site has strong allegiances to fall out boy.
their role in (helping to) popularize pop-punk music has had a huge impact on this sites popularity.
you cant deny that.
now im not saying that they are the sole reason for the popularity of this site... but they certainly dont hurt traffic at all.

the reason why i said it would be bad business for you to give them an bad/honest review is...
as much as you would like to think that you are geniune friends with them, it would be bad business on their part NOT to befriend the (ex) owner of a site such as this.
no offense... but do you think they would give a fuck about you if you werent the (ex) owner of this site... id be willing to bet my salary they wouldnt.

you play right into your role.
you/this site gives them praise/good reviews/keeps them in the spotlight every few days with a pointless news post about them, and they are happy.
on the other hand, if you were to say "eh.. the album just isnt as good as i was anticipating"... your calls dont get returned, your exclusives/advances stop coming in, etc.
thats the way it is... its the "you scratch my back., ill scratch yours" mentality thats rampant in every BUSINESS.

example: kanye.
people give him a bad review/snub him on an award, he simply wont deal with you anymore. why? because somehow, some way, despite him not being able to sing/rap, and being the most arrogant fuck on the planet... HE CAN. its annoying and jeopardizes the integrity of the magazine, website, station, whatever, but its a necessary evil for them. its like a write-off.

the fact of the matter is... i think the new FOB cd is awful. i listened to it over and over again, front to back... i was hoping it would be good... its just not. to be completly honest, i ended up throwing it away.

but thats just my opinion.and as far as i know, im allowed to have an opinion on this site.

[Jason Tate]

well...
its no secret that you/this site has strong allegiances to fall out boy.
their role in (helping to) popularize pop-punk music has had a huge impact on this sites popularity.
you cant deny that.
now im not saying that they are the sole reason for the popularity of this site... but they certainly dont hurt traffic at all.

the reason why i said it would be bad business for you to give them an bad/honest review is...
as much as you would like to think that you are geniune friends with them, it would be bad business on their part NOT to befriend the (ex) owner of a site such as this.
no offense... but do you think they would give a fuck about you if you werent the (ex) owner of this site... id be willing to bet my salary they wouldnt.

you play right into your role.
you/this site gives them praise/good reviews/keeps them in the spotlight every few days with a pointless news post about them, and they are happy.
on the other hand, if you were to say "eh.. the album just isnt as good as i was anticipating"... your calls dont get returned, your exclusives/advances stop coming in, etc.
thats the way it is... its the "you scratch my back., ill scratch yours" mentality thats rampant in every BUSINESS.

example: kanye.
people give him a bad review/snub him on an award, he simply wont deal with you anymore. why? because somehow, some way, despite him not being able to sing/rap, and being the most arrogant fuck on the planet... HE CAN. its annoying and jeopardizes the integrity of the magazine, website, station, whatever, but its a necessary evil for them. its like a write-off.

the fact of the matter is... i think the new FOB cd is awful. i listened to it over and over again, front to back... i was hoping it would be good... its just not. to be completly honest, i ended up throwing it away.

but thats just my opinion.and as far as i know, im allowed to have an opinion on this site.
I understand why you said it - however making defamatory statements that are no where close to true is why I responded with the truth. There's no reason to go into a long winded posted explaining why you think something when I am telling you - flat out - you're wrong. That's not an opinion, that's you making statements without any substantiative fact. I say plenty of bands are awful ... I've said plenty of bands I know are awful ... I've said plenty of bands on the same label as FOB are awful.

You're flat out lying.

[bobby runs]

you play right into your role.
you/this site gives them praise/good reviews/keeps them in the spotlight every few days with a pointless news post about them, and they are happy.
on the other hand, if you were to say "eh.. the album just isnt as good as i was anticipating"... your calls dont get returned, your exclusives/advances stop coming in, etc.
thats the way it is... its the "you scratch my back., ill scratch yours" mentality thats rampant in every BUSINESS.
Jason has openly trashed 3oh!3 and yet they turned in a EOTY list. They'll take any publicity.

[thesiz]

Jason has openly trashed 3oh!3 and yet they turned in a EOTY list. They'll take any publicity.
youre comparing apples to oranges. 3oh!3 does not/will never have the influence of FOB.

[mike'smannequin]

Like the list i loved the new underoath cd so that would have been in my top 5

[EllainaLynn]

I totally disagree with your opinion on The Maine, they're a really talented, hard-working band.

[paramorefan!!!!]

i do agree with the maine being total crap...mutemath i agree with being most anticipated but lydia really should have been your number 1. hey...did we forget about escape the fate??? and wut happened 2 paramore they were totally awesome this year and this new year in 2009 i think they will do totally awesome

[Shorty1227]

Kanye's CD is really catchy!

[iam1bearcat]

Excellent choice with "New Band" in Good Old War. Their debut is simple, yet so amazingly layered - and just downright awesome. It's hard to describe the feeling you get during / after listening to that album.