Adrian Villagomez
11/30/08, 01:32 PM
2008: A Year in Music Review
Ah, another year with AbsolutePunk.net. I'm feeling like a veteran now. I'm Adrian (in case you don't know me (http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=79172)), and below you'll find the music that shaped me in 2008. I'm fairly sure I've listened to more new music this year than any other year of my life, and I'm hoping to dive into even more in 2009. But in case I left out your favorite artist/release/etc., let me know what a dummy I am for missing ______. See you all in 2009, and thanks for the memories.
Top Albums
25. The Scenic - Find Yourself Here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FFind-Yourself-Here-Scenic%2Fdp%2FB001A4K4K6%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230186698%26 sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
24. Rivers Cuomo - Alone II: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FAlone-II-Recordings-Rivers-Cuomo%2Fdp%2FB001IBC1GQ%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230186544%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
23. Matt Pryor - Confidence Man (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FConfidence-Man-Matt-Pryor%2Fdp%2FB001AZ8BNC%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230186611%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
22. Fall Out Boy - Folie à Deux (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FFolie-Deux-Fall-Out-Boy%2Fdp%2FB001FBIPF0%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230186656%26sr% 3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
21. The New Frontiers - Mending (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FMending-New-Frontiers%2Fdp%2FB0011WMHWK%3Fie%3D UTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230186442 %26sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
20. Right Away, Great Captain! - The Eventually Home (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FEventually-Home-Right-Great-Captain%2Fdp%2FB001L1I58Q%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171385%2 6sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
19. The Matches - A Band in Hope (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBand-Hope-Matches%2Fdp%2FB0012IWHQE%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171356%2 6sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
18. Good Old War - Only Way to Be Alone (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FOnly-Way-Alone-Good-Old%2Fdp%2FB001INZ6UW%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171320%26sr% 3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
17. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FEmma-Forever-Ago-Bon-Iver%2Fdp%2FB0011HF6GE%3Fie%3DUTF8% 26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171284%26sr %3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
16. Augustana - Can't Love, Can't Hurt (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FCant-Love-Hurt-Augustana%2Fdp%2FB0015FQZEY%3Fie%3D UTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171252 %26sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
15. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FStay-Positive-Hold-Steady%2Fdp%2FB001BP4K4K%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171145%26 sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
14. Northstar - Broken Parachute (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBroken-Parachute-Northstar%2Fdp%2FB0010V90FE%3Fie%3D UTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171112 %26sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
13. Ace Enders and a Million Different People - The Secret Wars (http://www.myspace.com/aceendersandamilliondifferentpeople )
12. Tourmaline - The Swindle (http://www.myspace.com/tourmaline)
11. Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2F808s-Heartbreak-Kanye-West%2Fdp%2FB001FBIPFA%3Fie%3DUTF8% 26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230170965%26sr %3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
10. Dorsey - The Skeleton Show (http://www.myspace.com/listentodorsey)
09. Val Emmich - Little Daggers (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FLittle-Daggers-Val-Emmich%2Fdp%2FB0017V7HE8%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230167026%26 sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
08. Valencia - We All Need a Reason to Believe (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FWe-All-Need-Reason-Believe%2Fdp%2FB001C47ZPG%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166993%2 6sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
07. Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FConor-Oberst%2Fdp%2FB001APM3XQ%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166954%26 sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
06. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FVampire-Weekend%2Fdp%2FB0010V4TZU%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166917%2 6sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
05. Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FWhen-Life-Gives-Lemons-Paint%2Fdp%2FB0012ZALDI%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166775%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
04. Astronautalis - Pomegranate (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FPomegranate-Astronautalis%2Fdp%2FB001CVCBIA%3Fi e%3DUTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D123016 6706%26sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
03. Lydia - Illuminate (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FIlluminate-Lydia%2Fdp%2FB001G9LVJI%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166659%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
02. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2F59-Sound-Gaslight-Anthem%2Fdp%2FB0017V7GTY%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166624%26 sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
01. Forgive Durden - Razia's Shadow: A Musical (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FRazias-Shadow-Musical-Forgive-Durden%2Fdp%2FB001GZQ42G%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166507%26 sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
Noteworthy EPs
03. Straylight Run - Un Mas Dos (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=554581)
02. Manchester Orchestra - Let My Pride Be What's Left Behind (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=656502)
01. A Great Big Pile of Leaves - The Fiery Works II (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=320827)
I only listened to a handful of EPs this year, so here they are. Funny enough I ended up reviewing two of them. All three are worth a try, but make sure you download The Fiery Works II for free (http://www.agreatbigpileofleaves.com/). Nothing to lose, and as you can read below, it contains one of my favorite songs of the year.
Top Tracks
10. Matt Pryor - "Where Did I Go Wrong"
09. Lydia - "This is Twice Now"
08. Forgive Durden - "Meet the King"
07. A Great Big Pile of Leaves - "Drought of Snow"
06. Valencia - "All at Once"
05. Astronautalis - "The Wondersmith and His Sons"
I am a lover, lady,
Who sees just what you dream.
I know you're going crazy
Livin' with him and without me.
You trust me, don't you baby?
Yeah, you'd hand your life to me.
04. Conor Oberst - "Danny Callahan"
There's no system, there's no guarantee
That the love you feel you carry inside can be passed.
But you try, I know you do, you still talk to your plants.
Ask, "How are you gettin' on alone?"
03. The New Frontiers - "Black Lungs"
If I was blind,
Said that everything's fine,
Would you kick me out the back door?
Or would you show me what I'm looking for?
02. Atmosphere - "Dreamer"
Little girl was her first reason to breathe,
And her little man was the first man she believed in.
She gotta live right and do right by self.
She do for self, she don't want your help.
01. The Gaslight Anthem - "Great Expectations"
I saw tail lights last night in a dream about my first wife.
Everybody leaves, and I'd expect as much from you.
I saw tail lights last night in a dream about my old life.
Everybody leaves, so why, why wouldn't you?
Best Cover Art
10. Young Widows - Old Wounds (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=185752)
09. Search the City - A Fire So Big the Heavens Can See It (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=57071)
08. The Human Abstract - Midheaven (http://i39.tinypic.com/2n8sin5.jpg)
07. Lydia - Illuminate (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=59296)
06. Transistor Transistor - Ruined Lives (http://i42.tinypic.com/2ex3nuu.jpg)
05. God is an Astronaut - God is an Astronaut (http://i41.tinypic.com/az8guv.jpg)
04. Johnny Foreigner - Waited Up Til It Was Light (http://i40.tinypic.com/311qfi8.jpg)
03. Blacklisted - Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=185742)
02. Wolftron - Flesh & Fears (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=62673)
01. Sleepmakeswaves - In Today Already Walks Tomorrow (http://i41.tinypic.com/dzic8y.jpg)
A note to bands that actually care about having their cover art make it onto my end of the year lists: if the central figures on your respective covers have their arms spread (http://i41.tinypic.com/az8guv.jpg) out (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=185742) wide (http://i41.tinypic.com/dzic8y.jpg), they have a good chance of landing you a spot in my top five. I haven't listened to most of these albums yet, but I sure am interested after being taken in by their covers.
Best Music Video
Manchester Orchestra - "I Can Barely Breathe (http://www.vimeo.com/1004080)"
Runners-Up:
Manchester Orchestra - "Golden Ticket (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DGbwFD_THs)"
Manchester Orchestra - "Now That You're Home (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bQGh1mEcsM)"
A dark spin on The Wizard of Oz, a drawn bird flying to life across pages, and a stop-motion lumberjack with one lofty goal - Manchester Orchestra's music videos are an unusual blend of creativity and graphic savvy. Enjoy them, and make sure to pick up the band's album I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=297065) if you don't own it yet.
Band of the Year
Forgive Durden
Artists Discovered (Past and Present)
+44
Ace Enders and a Million Different People
Aqualung
Astronautalis
Atmosphere
Augustana
Autopilot Off
Blackpool Lights
Bon Iver
Conor Oberst
The Gaslight Anthem
Good Old War
The Graduate
A Great Big Pile of Leaves
The Hold Steady
The Kooks
Lydia
Matt Pryor
Modest Mouse
The New Frontiers
Radiohead
Right Away, Great Captain!
Tourmaline
Val Emmich
Valencia
Vampire Weekend
Wolftron
Here are the "new" artists I listened to in 2008. Some of these artists are brand new (like Good Old War), but most of them were established before 2008. I'm not attempting to pass off the older artists as newly established, I'm simply listing off what's new to me. Of course I heard some of these artists before 2008 (see: Radiohead (http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showjournal&tag=radiohead&j=1704)), but it was this year that I finally listened to one or more of their albums/EPs. As you can tell by the list, it's been a great year for discovery.
Best New Feature on AP.net
Amazon MP3 Deal of the Week (http://www.absolutepunk.net/tags/index.php?tag=/cheap-music/)
I'm a big fan of Amazon.com, so of course I was excited when Jason let the staff members know that we were going to be teaming with the uber-popular online retailer. Now we're working with Amazon MP3 to "bring inexpensive, high-quality, DRM free music to our readers" - how wonderful. This means we can give readers the heads up when our favorite albums (example 1 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=663662), 2 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=725562)) are available for download at about the price of a Happy Meal. Make sure to keep up to date (http://www.absolutepunk.net/tags/index.php?tag=/cheap-music/) with these deals, and also check out AbsolutePunk.net's Recommended Listening (http://www.amazon.com/b/?node=1240547011&tag=absolutepunk-20&ASINs=B001IQQKBI,B000X6TZ6G,20B000X 6TZ6G,B0017AHKS2,B001GD37WI,B001FMY Q9I,B000X6M7HU,B000YQWFGW,B001DWPAF 4,B0015T47RM,B001B7EEYE,20B000WLILZ I,20B000W127NU,B0016Q45XK,B000YN0A5 8,B0013IGC9Q,B000QOJPHE,B0017JE0IG, 20B001GD6ZE0,B0011Z0YH2,B000WB52PK, B00122ERAE,B00122EMJA,B001GTZPPO,B0 0168F9JC,B000QVPBMA,B0015CB038,B000 SH5NTS,B000VZHRDM,B000VF1OX6,B001IB 8UKM,B000TDG3Z4). We know what good is.
AP.net Thread of the Year
Lol Wut (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=376081)
Runner-Up:
Thursday - Common Existence - Feb 17th (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=686102)
AP.net and Amy Hopler. Amy Hopler and AP.net. It's cyclical, it's disturbing, it's funny as hell. If you're looking for a twisted romance heavily steeped in AbsolutePunk.net "epic" history, make sure to read the first post by anamericangod in "Lol Wut (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=376081)." And if you want to skip ahead to the fireworks in "Thursday - Common Existence - Feb 17th," check this out (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=27277242#post27277 242).
Most Anticipated Releases of 2009
16. I Am the Avalanche
15. Third Eye Blind
14. New Found Glory
13. Saves the Day
12. Two Tongues
11. Say Anything
10. +44
09. Kevin Devine
08. Radiohead
07. The Decemberists
06. Straylight Run
05. mewithoutYou
04. Fun
03. Manchester Orchestra
02. Bright Eyes
01. Brand New
Smiley That Should Be Renamed :adrian: in the Future
:spidey:
--
View my list from last year (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=281283).
View other (http://www.absolutepunk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=212) staff and band members' end of the year lists
Ah, another year with AbsolutePunk.net. I'm feeling like a veteran now. I'm Adrian (in case you don't know me (http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showentry&e=79172)), and below you'll find the music that shaped me in 2008. I'm fairly sure I've listened to more new music this year than any other year of my life, and I'm hoping to dive into even more in 2009. But in case I left out your favorite artist/release/etc., let me know what a dummy I am for missing ______. See you all in 2009, and thanks for the memories.
Top Albums
25. The Scenic - Find Yourself Here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FFind-Yourself-Here-Scenic%2Fdp%2FB001A4K4K6%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230186698%26 sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
24. Rivers Cuomo - Alone II: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FAlone-II-Recordings-Rivers-Cuomo%2Fdp%2FB001IBC1GQ%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230186544%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
23. Matt Pryor - Confidence Man (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FConfidence-Man-Matt-Pryor%2Fdp%2FB001AZ8BNC%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230186611%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
22. Fall Out Boy - Folie à Deux (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FFolie-Deux-Fall-Out-Boy%2Fdp%2FB001FBIPF0%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230186656%26sr% 3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
21. The New Frontiers - Mending (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FMending-New-Frontiers%2Fdp%2FB0011WMHWK%3Fie%3D UTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230186442 %26sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
20. Right Away, Great Captain! - The Eventually Home (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FEventually-Home-Right-Great-Captain%2Fdp%2FB001L1I58Q%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171385%2 6sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
19. The Matches - A Band in Hope (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBand-Hope-Matches%2Fdp%2FB0012IWHQE%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171356%2 6sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
18. Good Old War - Only Way to Be Alone (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FOnly-Way-Alone-Good-Old%2Fdp%2FB001INZ6UW%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171320%26sr% 3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
17. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FEmma-Forever-Ago-Bon-Iver%2Fdp%2FB0011HF6GE%3Fie%3DUTF8% 26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171284%26sr %3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
16. Augustana - Can't Love, Can't Hurt (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FCant-Love-Hurt-Augustana%2Fdp%2FB0015FQZEY%3Fie%3D UTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171252 %26sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
15. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FStay-Positive-Hold-Steady%2Fdp%2FB001BP4K4K%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171145%26 sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
14. Northstar - Broken Parachute (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBroken-Parachute-Northstar%2Fdp%2FB0010V90FE%3Fie%3D UTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230171112 %26sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
13. Ace Enders and a Million Different People - The Secret Wars (http://www.myspace.com/aceendersandamilliondifferentpeople )
12. Tourmaline - The Swindle (http://www.myspace.com/tourmaline)
11. Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2F808s-Heartbreak-Kanye-West%2Fdp%2FB001FBIPFA%3Fie%3DUTF8% 26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230170965%26sr %3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
10. Dorsey - The Skeleton Show (http://www.myspace.com/listentodorsey)
09. Val Emmich - Little Daggers (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FLittle-Daggers-Val-Emmich%2Fdp%2FB0017V7HE8%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230167026%26 sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
08. Valencia - We All Need a Reason to Believe (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FWe-All-Need-Reason-Believe%2Fdp%2FB001C47ZPG%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166993%2 6sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
07. Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FConor-Oberst%2Fdp%2FB001APM3XQ%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166954%26 sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
06. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FVampire-Weekend%2Fdp%2FB0010V4TZU%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166917%2 6sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
05. Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FWhen-Life-Gives-Lemons-Paint%2Fdp%2FB0012ZALDI%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166775%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
04. Astronautalis - Pomegranate (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FPomegranate-Astronautalis%2Fdp%2FB001CVCBIA%3Fi e%3DUTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D123016 6706%26sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
03. Lydia - Illuminate (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FIlluminate-Lydia%2Fdp%2FB001G9LVJI%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166659%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
02. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2F59-Sound-Gaslight-Anthem%2Fdp%2FB0017V7GTY%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166624%26 sr%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
01. Forgive Durden - Razia's Shadow: A Musical (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FRazias-Shadow-Musical-Forgive-Durden%2Fdp%2FB001GZQ42G%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1230166507%26 sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
Noteworthy EPs
03. Straylight Run - Un Mas Dos (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=554581)
02. Manchester Orchestra - Let My Pride Be What's Left Behind (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=656502)
01. A Great Big Pile of Leaves - The Fiery Works II (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=320827)
I only listened to a handful of EPs this year, so here they are. Funny enough I ended up reviewing two of them. All three are worth a try, but make sure you download The Fiery Works II for free (http://www.agreatbigpileofleaves.com/). Nothing to lose, and as you can read below, it contains one of my favorite songs of the year.
Top Tracks
10. Matt Pryor - "Where Did I Go Wrong"
09. Lydia - "This is Twice Now"
08. Forgive Durden - "Meet the King"
07. A Great Big Pile of Leaves - "Drought of Snow"
06. Valencia - "All at Once"
05. Astronautalis - "The Wondersmith and His Sons"
I am a lover, lady,
Who sees just what you dream.
I know you're going crazy
Livin' with him and without me.
You trust me, don't you baby?
Yeah, you'd hand your life to me.
04. Conor Oberst - "Danny Callahan"
There's no system, there's no guarantee
That the love you feel you carry inside can be passed.
But you try, I know you do, you still talk to your plants.
Ask, "How are you gettin' on alone?"
03. The New Frontiers - "Black Lungs"
If I was blind,
Said that everything's fine,
Would you kick me out the back door?
Or would you show me what I'm looking for?
02. Atmosphere - "Dreamer"
Little girl was her first reason to breathe,
And her little man was the first man she believed in.
She gotta live right and do right by self.
She do for self, she don't want your help.
01. The Gaslight Anthem - "Great Expectations"
I saw tail lights last night in a dream about my first wife.
Everybody leaves, and I'd expect as much from you.
I saw tail lights last night in a dream about my old life.
Everybody leaves, so why, why wouldn't you?
Best Cover Art
10. Young Widows - Old Wounds (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=185752)
09. Search the City - A Fire So Big the Heavens Can See It (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=57071)
08. The Human Abstract - Midheaven (http://i39.tinypic.com/2n8sin5.jpg)
07. Lydia - Illuminate (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=59296)
06. Transistor Transistor - Ruined Lives (http://i42.tinypic.com/2ex3nuu.jpg)
05. God is an Astronaut - God is an Astronaut (http://i41.tinypic.com/az8guv.jpg)
04. Johnny Foreigner - Waited Up Til It Was Light (http://i40.tinypic.com/311qfi8.jpg)
03. Blacklisted - Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=185742)
02. Wolftron - Flesh & Fears (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=62673)
01. Sleepmakeswaves - In Today Already Walks Tomorrow (http://i41.tinypic.com/dzic8y.jpg)
A note to bands that actually care about having their cover art make it onto my end of the year lists: if the central figures on your respective covers have their arms spread (http://i41.tinypic.com/az8guv.jpg) out (http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=185742) wide (http://i41.tinypic.com/dzic8y.jpg), they have a good chance of landing you a spot in my top five. I haven't listened to most of these albums yet, but I sure am interested after being taken in by their covers.
Best Music Video
Manchester Orchestra - "I Can Barely Breathe (http://www.vimeo.com/1004080)"
Runners-Up:
Manchester Orchestra - "Golden Ticket (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DGbwFD_THs)"
Manchester Orchestra - "Now That You're Home (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bQGh1mEcsM)"
A dark spin on The Wizard of Oz, a drawn bird flying to life across pages, and a stop-motion lumberjack with one lofty goal - Manchester Orchestra's music videos are an unusual blend of creativity and graphic savvy. Enjoy them, and make sure to pick up the band's album I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=297065) if you don't own it yet.
Band of the Year
Forgive Durden
Artists Discovered (Past and Present)
+44
Ace Enders and a Million Different People
Aqualung
Astronautalis
Atmosphere
Augustana
Autopilot Off
Blackpool Lights
Bon Iver
Conor Oberst
The Gaslight Anthem
Good Old War
The Graduate
A Great Big Pile of Leaves
The Hold Steady
The Kooks
Lydia
Matt Pryor
Modest Mouse
The New Frontiers
Radiohead
Right Away, Great Captain!
Tourmaline
Val Emmich
Valencia
Vampire Weekend
Wolftron
Here are the "new" artists I listened to in 2008. Some of these artists are brand new (like Good Old War), but most of them were established before 2008. I'm not attempting to pass off the older artists as newly established, I'm simply listing off what's new to me. Of course I heard some of these artists before 2008 (see: Radiohead (http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showjournal&tag=radiohead&j=1704)), but it was this year that I finally listened to one or more of their albums/EPs. As you can tell by the list, it's been a great year for discovery.
Best New Feature on AP.net
Amazon MP3 Deal of the Week (http://www.absolutepunk.net/tags/index.php?tag=/cheap-music/)
I'm a big fan of Amazon.com, so of course I was excited when Jason let the staff members know that we were going to be teaming with the uber-popular online retailer. Now we're working with Amazon MP3 to "bring inexpensive, high-quality, DRM free music to our readers" - how wonderful. This means we can give readers the heads up when our favorite albums (example 1 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=663662), 2 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=725562)) are available for download at about the price of a Happy Meal. Make sure to keep up to date (http://www.absolutepunk.net/tags/index.php?tag=/cheap-music/) with these deals, and also check out AbsolutePunk.net's Recommended Listening (http://www.amazon.com/b/?node=1240547011&tag=absolutepunk-20&ASINs=B001IQQKBI,B000X6TZ6G,20B000X 6TZ6G,B0017AHKS2,B001GD37WI,B001FMY Q9I,B000X6M7HU,B000YQWFGW,B001DWPAF 4,B0015T47RM,B001B7EEYE,20B000WLILZ I,20B000W127NU,B0016Q45XK,B000YN0A5 8,B0013IGC9Q,B000QOJPHE,B0017JE0IG, 20B001GD6ZE0,B0011Z0YH2,B000WB52PK, B00122ERAE,B00122EMJA,B001GTZPPO,B0 0168F9JC,B000QVPBMA,B0015CB038,B000 SH5NTS,B000VZHRDM,B000VF1OX6,B001IB 8UKM,B000TDG3Z4). We know what good is.
AP.net Thread of the Year
Lol Wut (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=376081)
Runner-Up:
Thursday - Common Existence - Feb 17th (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=686102)
AP.net and Amy Hopler. Amy Hopler and AP.net. It's cyclical, it's disturbing, it's funny as hell. If you're looking for a twisted romance heavily steeped in AbsolutePunk.net "epic" history, make sure to read the first post by anamericangod in "Lol Wut (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=376081)." And if you want to skip ahead to the fireworks in "Thursday - Common Existence - Feb 17th," check this out (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=27277242#post27277 242).
Most Anticipated Releases of 2009
16. I Am the Avalanche
15. Third Eye Blind
14. New Found Glory
13. Saves the Day
12. Two Tongues
11. Say Anything
10. +44
09. Kevin Devine
08. Radiohead
07. The Decemberists
06. Straylight Run
05. mewithoutYou
04. Fun
03. Manchester Orchestra
02. Bright Eyes
01. Brand New
Smiley That Should Be Renamed :adrian: in the Future
:spidey:
--
View my list from last year (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=281283).
View other (http://www.absolutepunk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=212) staff and band members' end of the year lists