jimmymontreal’s top albums and tracks of 2008
albums
5. For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver
I was going to start off with a bunch of excuses about this and that — not enough time to focus on the music this year, etc, etc… — but fuckit. I’m pleased with my “Best Of” for this year ‘08. And to kick things off I’m keeping Bon Iver in the starting line-up. Not because of the hype (a bit too much, but whatevs) or because of the songs (which are on the whole quite strong), but because of the lesson it represents: whatever it takes to record what you must, do it. If you need to escape reality, find a shed. If you can’t afford a studio, maybe you can afford a laptop. If all you have is a 57 and a shitty guitar, maybe you don’t need vintage mics to capture what you need. To those who want to get into the digital versus analog debate in recording today — a giant, massive, resounding FUCK YOU!! There is a utility and a place for both.
4. Motion to Rejoin by BrightBlack Morning Light
I have no idea where this group came from or what they’re all about. Frankly, I don’t really care. It’s not superawesome songwise, but I found myself listening to it over and over again this year. And with each listen I’d dorkshat my pants, because kids — THIS is what compression sounds like. Every instrument is just crushed: the rhodes, drums… even the vocals. FLAPjacks, I love that sound! Add to that an album opener that consists of a jam on but one chord… I mean c’mon.
3. Third by Portishead
Time was I listened to Portishead on long car rides on my way to somewhere. Maybe nowhere… I forget. I’m different now. Ten years in the making, PHead’s different too. They’ve traded the turntables for samplers. They’ve traded the huge horn-hits for an out-of-tune fingerpicked acoustic guitar. But they’ve kept Beth’s scorched melodies. The result is a curious and badass album.
2. Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust by Sigur Rós
I myself am relatively late to the Sigur Rós party. I started off with a headfirst dive into ( ) and boy were those waters cold. But mgdistrict encouraged me to take a gander on Takk… and hotdamn I was hooked! Their latest is super good. Sigur Rós’ trademark textured ambiance and falsetto vocals are matched up nicely with a more straightahead rock sound. Must say, this made for perfect airplane listening right over the Rockies as the sun was setting. Just sublime.
1. You & Me by The Walkmen
All the songs on this album are good, yes. But it’s the manner in which it’s produced that gets me goin’. And I don’t want to look up a single thing about how it was recorded, lest I ruin what it does for my imagination: set up in a giant warehouse, room mics set as far away from the band as possible, drums mic’d through the floorboards and guitars through the air vents. And the vox all recorded in the most disgusting bathroom you’ve ever smelled… THAT is what this album sounds like. And I love it.
tracks
10. “Cold Son” by Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
9. “Furr” by Blitzen Trapper
8. “Flume” by Bon Iver
7. “I Thought I Saw Your Face Today” by She & Him
6. “Hold On To Yourself” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5. “Oppressions Each” by BrightBlack Morning Light
4. “Joe’s Waltz” by The Dodos
3. “Grounds for Divorce” by Elbow
2. “Canadian Girl” by The Walkmen
1. “The Rip” by Portishead
… and other good stuff from 2008
ALBUMS THAT I ALSO LIKED: Dig, Lazarus, Dig!! by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Visiter by The Dodos. Furr by Blitzen Trapper. Real Emotional Trash by Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks.
MOVIES THAT I LIKED: Man on Wire — just watched it last night… so good. I also liked Gonzo, The Dark Knight and Quantum of Solace. I haven’t yet seen Frost/Nixon, but it looks good.
I HAVE A FEELING: that 2009 is going to be a very good year, music- and other-wise. Happy New Year, kids.
