Garett Press

[Garett Press]

Ey yo! Happy end of 2008! I keep anticipating that year where music just sucks, but it never seems to come. Loved many a record this year - even if I only listened to some a few times, there was a lot of quality stuff and it was all a pleasure to hear. My rough list started out with 50 or so albums, sheesh! I'm very content with what I got it down to and I strongly recommend you check out everything here, because I have ridiculously good taste (JK!). Thanks for following the site and specifically Exclusives and Contests. If you've entered a billion contests and haven't won, drop me a line, we'll talk :o)

I tried to make this list interactive with links to myspaces, downloads, and videos. Check her out!

(P.S. Bon Iver first came out last year people! Heheh... but yes, it is $%&@ing incredible)

Albums of the Year
1. Shearwater – Rook (http://www.myspace.com/shearwater)
2. The Reign of Kindo - Rhythm, Chord, and Melody (http://www.myspace.com/thereignofkindo)
3. Good Old War – Only Way To Be Alone (http://www.myspace.com/goodoldwar)
4. Forgive Durden – Razia’s Shadow (http://www.myspace.com/forgivedurden) **(Watch These! (http://www.purevolume.com/videos/438))**
5. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (http://www.myspace.com/fleetfoxes) **(Watch This! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80EvSBwm2Bo))**
6. Dear and the Headlights – Drunk Like Bible Times (http://www.myspace.com/dearandtheheadlights)
7. House of Heroes – The End is Not The End (http://www.absolutepunk.net/houseofheroes) **(Watch This! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2pa2pJKomY))**
8. Miniature Tigers – Tell It To The Volcano (http://www.myspace.com/miniaturetigers)
9. Nada Surf – Lucky (http://www.myspace.com/nadasurf) **(Watch These! (http://www.myspace.com/transmissions_nadasurf))**
10. Why? – Alopecia (http://www.myspace.com/whyanticon)
11. Annuals – Such Fun (http://www.myspace.com/annuals)
12. Phantom Planet – Raise The Dead (http://www.myspace.com/phantomplanet)
13. City and Colour - Bring Me Your Love (http://www.myspace.com/dallasgreen) **(Watch These! (http://www.myspace.com/transmissions_citycolour))**
14. Jamie Lidell – Jim (http://www.myspace.com/jamielidell)
15. Copeland – You Are My Sunshine (http://www.myspace.com/copeland)
16. Portugal. The Man – Censored Colors (http://www.myspace.com/portugaltheman) **(Watch This! (http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=18849211#post18849 211))**
17. She & Him – Volume 1 (http://www.myspace.com/sheandhim)
18. Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band - Self-titled (http://www.myspace.com/conoroberst)
19. Girl Talk – Feed The Animals (http://www.myspace.com/girltalk)
20. Anathallo – Canopy Glow (http://www.myspace.com/anathallo)
21. Titus Andronicus – The Airing of Grievances (http://www.myspace.com/titusandronicus)
22. Vampire Weekend – Self-titled (http://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend) **(Watch These! (http://www.myspace.com/transmissionsvampireweekend))**
23. The Mars Volta – The Bedlam In Goliath
(http://www.myspace.com/themarsvolta) 24. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive (http://www.myspace.com/theholdsteady)
25. Murder By Death – Red in Tooth and Claw (http://www.myspace.com/murderbydeath)
26. Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell (http://www.myspace.com/tokyopoliceclub)
27. Brightwood – Wake (http://www.myspace.com/brightwood)
28. The Mountain Goats – Heretic Pride (http://www.myspace.com/11734232)
29. Atmosphere – When Life Gives You Lemons… (http://www.myspace.com/atmosphere)
30. The Helio Sequence – Keep Your Eyes Ahead (http://www.myspace.com/theheliosequence)

Shearwater's album is simply a prayer. The essence of heavenly mixed with the turmoil of indie rock. It will shake you. Good Old War never left my car stereo - so fun to sing along to. Forgive Durden cut right to the core of my Broadway musical-loving heart. The Reign of Kindo are unbelievable musicians and laid down some of the most intricate melodies of the year, with mathematical timing.

Honorable Mentions
Ludo - You're Awful, I Love You
Islands – Arm’s Way
The Dodos - Visiter
Mates of State – Re-arrange Us
M83 – Saturdays = Youth
La Dispute - Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair
Punchline – Just Say Yes
Augustana – Can’t Love Can’t Hurt
The Felice Brothers – Self-titled
Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours
Black Mountain – In The Future
Illustrate – The Stuff
Duffy – Rockferry
Frightened Rabbit – The Midnight Organ Flight
Joshua Radin – Simple Times

Most Dissapointing
Anthony Green - Avalon
Robin Thicke – Something Else
John Legend – Evolver
Ray Lamontagne – Gossip In The Grain
Anathallo - Canopy Glow
Jack’s Mannequin – The Glass Passenger
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Houston Calls - The End of an Error

My R&B boys John and Robin both put out very solid records, but did not reach unfairly high expectations after amazing sophomore efforts. Ray Lamontagne is still beautiful to the bone, but he too couldn't come up with a comprehensive third effort. Jack's Mannequin had its moments, but again, potential definitely not reached.

Best EPs of the Year
1) Chris Bathgate – Wait, Skeleton (http://www.myspace.com/chrisbathgate)
-This EP is ice cold and mesmerizing, a perfect winter listen. RIYL Bon Iver and stuff.
2) Fleet Foxes – Sun Giant (http://www.myspace.com/fleetfoxes)
-Every bit as good as the full-length. Can they miss?
3) Deas Vail – White Lights (http://www.absolutepunk.net/www.absolutepunk.net/deasvail)
-This is the music only our genre can create. Listened to this constantly for weeks.
4) The Avett Brothers – The Second Gleam (http://www.myspace.com/theavettbrothers)
-Avett Bros doing slow songs? *Fawns*
5) Dear Hunter – Random EPs (http://www.myspace.com/thedearhunter)
-My boy, masterful remixes, a joyous cover, and some soullll power.
6) Antony & The Johnsons – Another World (http://www.myspace.com/antonyandthejohnsons)
7) The Cool Kids – Bake Sale (http://www.myspace.com/thecoolkids)
-Hood + Stylish
8) New Found Glory - Tip Of The Iceberg (http://www.myspace.com/newfoundglory)
9) Stars – Sad Robots (http://www.myspace.com/stars)
10) Joshua Radin – Unclear Sky (http://www.myspace.com/joshuaradin)
11) You, Me, and Everyone We Know - So Young, So Insane (http://www.absolutepunk.net/youmeandeveryoneweknow) **(Free Download! (http://www.absolutepunk.net/youmeandeveryoneweknow))**
12) Closure In Moscow – The Penance and the Patience (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofi le&friendID=48876901)
13) Polaris at Noon – The Pilot EP (http://www.myspace.com/polarisatnoon) **(Free Download (http://www.absolutepunk.net/youmeandeveryoneweknow))**

Songs of the Year
Phantom Planet - "Leader" (Listen (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F watch%3Fv%3DaR8ftMDAMCY&ei=MNA5SYrlMpuiednTuf8G&usg=AFQjCNGR5YnQhEBfrJoDBvJY1XQqPp9 -fQ&sig2=6y2wcPfl-fuM7LHkcPFWKQ))
People In Planes - "Pretty Buildings" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp-Wg0njn7Y))
Miniature Tigers - "The Wolf" (Listen (http://www.myspace.com/miniaturetigers))
Q-Tip - "Gettin Up" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A3OHelBweY))
Fleet Foxes - "Oliver James" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80EvSBwm2Bo))
House of Heroes - "In The Valley of the Dying Sun" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2pa2pJKomY))
Forgive Durden - "Genesis" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx23qxZyIrY))
Brightwood - "Swan Song" (Listen (http://www.imeem.com/sweeetdudeexp/music/J1K0Ei-E/brightwood_swan_song/))
Atmosphere - "Puppets" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsiU07io1TI))
Ray Lamontagne - "Let It Be Me" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LWpw3CMCEg))
Kings of Leon - "Use Somebody" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCZfJ5ai07U))
Socratic - "May I Bum A Smoke" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV2EsnG81Cc))
Jason Mraz - "Beautiful Mess" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaV22HU2s7k))
Islands - "Abominable Snowman" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k6fi_Mc8tg))
Usher - "Love In This Club" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqqY07OZWps))
Black Mountain - "Tyrants" (Listen (http://www.scjag.com/mp3/jag/tyrants.mp3))
MGMT - "Time To Pretend" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVnRzEjpUmE))
Annuals - "Confessor" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMjIQFU9nbg))
Conor Oberst - "NYC - Gone, Gone" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uThWnXU4m3E))
All Get Out - "Water & God" (Listen (http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individua l&videoid=44143330))
Jack's Mannequin - "Caves" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhh4phuNty0))
Weezer - "I Am The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIbnlvjF5PY))
Joshua Radin - "You've Got Growing Up To Do" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMHEXkO3aIs))
Jamie Lidell - "Another Day" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89Qa5rNAeEs))
Anthony Green - "I've Been Dying To Reach You" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTuT73CwAyM))
Duffy - "Mercy" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_pQgoAgciY))
City & Colour - "Forgive Me" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TskifPmxz0Q))
Deas Vail - "Last Place" (Listen (http://www.absolutepunk.net/deasvail))
Dear and The Headlights - "I Know"
Kanye West - "Love Lockdown" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVZX-W3vo9I))
Lil' Wayne - "3 Peat" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBSDjCrIy6U))
Common - "Gladiator" (Listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qks_0286qrU))

Best Lyrics
Why?
Conor Oberst
Dear And The Headlights
La Dispute

Best Bob Dylan Impression
1) The Walkmen
2) Joe Pug
3) The Felice Brothers
4) Conor Oberst

Best Concert
The Avett Brothers (Pier Six, Baltimore) **(Watch This! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXu2aHlo9mI))**

Band of the Year
Forgive Durden
For taking the two years to plan this concept, invoke the help of such high caliber guests, and deliver the most imaginative, risky, and enchanting concept record of the year. All the work paid off big time. This record is a trap door to a secret garden of musical delight. Hopefully this inspires other bands to be as courageous.

Best New Artist
1) Miniature Tigers (http://www.myspace.com/miniaturetigers)
-Can't recommend these guys enough! Copeland + Death Cab For Cutie, you will love them.
2) Good Old War
3) Closure in Moscow

Next Big Thing...
The Brobecks (http://www.myspace.com/brobecks)
Mark my words! This band has the perfect combination of My Chemical Romance dark-pop and Muse-like riffage to turn heads. I've been waiting patiently to feature them, hopefully I get the chance soon - but don't wait - check it! (http://www.myspace.com/brobecks)

Best Web Tool
Foxytunes (http://www.foxytunes.com/)
-if you use Firefox or IE and read mp3 blogs, get this! It makes it so easy to just click any song or cycle through all the songs on one page. Changed my mp3 blog experience.

Best Online Videos
Just 2 Guys (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt2OVAgkHBc)
The Kissing Family (http://www.hulu.com/watch/44521/saturday-night-live-kissing-family)
-Brother Ali Freestyle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1wTb6F7swU)
-Will & John C. Reilly:
Dark Knight Spoilers (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/4272f343a2/dark-knight-spoilers-with-will-ferrell-and-john-c-reilly-extended-edition-from-will-ferrell)
Espys
(http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/6cb55e1074/will-ferrell-and-john-c-reillys-espy-demands-from-espys-john-c-reilly-and-will-ferrell) Satisfaction Guaranteed (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/e105aebf92/john-c-reilly-in-satisfaction-guaranteed-from-adam-ghost-panther-mckay-and-john-c-reilly)
-Prop 8 Musical (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones)
-Making Music With John Mayer (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/611387370c/makin-music-with-john-mayer-from-john-mayer-judd-apatow-kristen-bell-gerrybednob-ian-roberts-and-cohenobrien)
-Yes We Can (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY)

Best Movies
Walk Hard (late 2007, but too phenomenal not to include)
Step Brothers **(Watch this! (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/4272f343a2/dark-knight-spoilers-with-will-ferrell-and-john-c-reilly-extended-edition-from-will-ferrell))**
Role Models (David Wain of Stella directed it, mad love)
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Pineapple Express
Cloverfield

Best Musical Album
In The Heights: Original Broadway Cast **(Watch This! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2Rd7Cpx-Ss))**
-Rap and Latin music in a Broadway musical?! Yuppp. Sick.

Best Musical
Next To Normal (Arena Stage, Virginia) **(Watch This! (http://www.arenastage.org/season/08-09/sub-text/next-to-normal/video-montage.shtml))**
-A rock musical about depression, drug routines, and family. Devastating.

Most Anticipated in '09
New Found Glory
The Dear Hunter
The Brobecks
Coheed and Cambria?
Say Anything
Two Tongues
Saves The Day
Brand New
The Avett Brothers
Kiss Kiss
The Decemberists
Lupe Fiasco
Rx Bandits
Fun

[Garett Press]

First!

[Blake Solomon]

knew I could count on G.Press for some Avett Brothers and Why? love!

[Garett Press]

knew I could count on G.Press for some Avett Brothers and Why? love!
:headbang:

[Travis Parno]

awesome list!

"(P.S. Bon Iver first came out last year people! Heheh)"

i'm ignoring this!!! M-(

[Garett Press]

awesome list!

"(P.S. Bon Iver first came out last year people! Heheh)"

i'm ignoring this!!! M-(
Hahaha, BUT it definitely definitely deserves to be acclaimed for another year!

<3 <3

[Steve Henderson]

Good Old War wasn't self-titled, silly :)

Oh, and how is Anathallo on the best of and most disappointing lists?

[Garett Press]

Good Old War wasn't self-titled, silly :)

Oh, and how is Anathallo on the best of and most disappointing lists?
o0o0o0 nice catch!

Anthallo is on both, because they could have put something better out. They came in at number 20 - a drop from where Floating World landed a few back. I enjoyed the record but expected more. :-(

[hockeyguitar99]

I NEED to check out the Shearwater record.

[WhoSaidThat?]

First!
Dammit!

Next year....

[Garett Press]

Dammit!

Next year....
Hahah, happy chanukah!

[WhoSaidThat?]

Hahah, happy chanukah!
Thanks, dude. And thanks for being the first guy to comment on my "nagger" avatar.

[VIVALAMATT]

I like the top 30 list, but am very surprised with your disappointing list. I thought Anthony Green, Jacks Mannequin, and Death Cab put out awesome releases.

And how is "Puppets" one of the songs of the year? I can name three better songs off that album, one of them being the single "You".

[Ryzenfall]

I agree with a crapload on this list. Nice!

[The Personist]

Hell yes for mentioning Ludo! That was an underrated album, in my opinion.

[skellorock]

props for including Walk Hard, it was definatly released at the 11th hour and deserves its place in 08!!

[live.]

Loving all of this Miniature Tigers love. I recommended them back when Jason was looking for a new band to feature on the front page.

[Gobigvt7]

.This list is fantastic. It's rare to find something you agree with more than 75% of. Godspeed, Garett

[Garett Press]

I like the top 30 list, but am very surprised with your disappointing list. I thought Anthony Green, Jacks Mannequin, and Death Cab put out awesome releases.

And how is "Puppets" one of the songs of the year? I can name three better songs off that album, one of them being the single "You".
I liked the Anthony, Jack's, and Death Cab records - but they just didn't live up to my expectations, that is why they fall under that section. Disappointed means simply that. It's doesn't mean I disliked them, they just let me down a bit.

[Garett Press]

.This list is fantastic. It's rare to find something you agree with more than 75% of. Godspeed, Garett
Godspeed! Glad you enjoyed, we should share favorites this year.

[combatbaby]

The Avett Brothers absolutely deserves best concert. They blow me away every single time I see them. Loved The Second Gleam.

[Garett Press]

props for including Walk Hard, it was definatly released at the 11th hour and deserves its place in 08!!
SO good. Especially for music fans.

[Geoffthurs]

Fuckin A!!! Great list. Shearwater would have ended closer to the top of my list if I had made it more recently. and also WHY?--- SOOOO good.

[Garett Press]

Fuckin A!!! Great list. Shearwater would have ended closer to the top of my list if I had made it more recently. and also WHY?--- SOOOO good.
Hahah, holy &$#%, Geoff just complimented my list. Thanks dude!

Can't wait for new Thursday, and being friends with the Moving Mountains dudes, a second-hand thank you for your support of them. :-)

[lolliot]

Best list I've seen so far, and this is the second I'm looking at!

[sargentlgfuad]

thanks for including The Mars Volta and Conor Oberst.
finally someone agrees with me about TMV!

[zubinmoosa]

Those Thomas Dutton acoustic vids are pretty cool.

[Steve Henderson]

I finally started listening to the Miniature Tigers record...such fun :)

[jasminlazereyes]

so.. INTERACTIVE!

[Garett Press]

so.. INTERACTIVE!
Hahaha, thanks!

[hectorial85]

Phantom Planet, Cut Copy........etc.

Alotta my faves in there too.