My Top records of the year
Dear Science is one of the most unforgettable and comprehensive albums I have heard in years.
1. TV on the Radio – Dear Science – (Interscope)
Dear Science is one of the most unforgettable and comprehensive albums I have heard in years. Every song is unique and stands on its own, but they easily flow together better than anything TV on the Radio has ever released (maybe with exception to Young Liars (Touch and Go) ep). I get chills every time I hear the drums pick up near the end of Family Tree, as well as the double climax of the last two tracks DLZ and Lover’s Day. With Dear Science, TV on the Radio has proven that being signed to a major label is not always a hindrance on creativity, but rather an opportunity to create more.
http://www.myspace.com/tvotr
2. All the Saints – Fire on Corridor X – (Touch and Go)
One of the best Touch and Go releases in recent memory, Fire on Corridor X has been in regular rotation with me for quite awhile now. It has a modern twist on the shoegaze and noise of the nineties, with a completely original feel. To top that off the songs are excellently written and memorable.
http://www.myspace.com/allthesaints
3. Carpenter – Law of the Land – (Smallman)
Law of the Land is a solid, catchy, energetic rock release. A throwback to the emo-core releases of the late nineties, but with a roots-rock twist. The songs have huge guitars and great stop-start moments, with lyrics that focus on agribusiness issues and the independent farmer.
http://www.myspace.com/johncougarisgod
Runners up:
4. 65daysofstatic – The Distant and Mechanised Glow of Eastern European Dance Parties EP – (Monotreme)
http://www.myspace.com/11488230
5. Mogwai – The Hawk is Howling –(Matador)
http://www.myspace.com/mogwai
Most under-rated record of the year
Lights Out Asia – Eyes Like Brontide – (n5MD)
I am blown away that this album was virtually ignored here at our station. Very chill, but intense at the same time. Easily the best album Lights Out Asia have released.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=13935750
Most over-rated record of the year
Black Mountain – In the Future – (Scratch/Jagjaguwar)
I just don’t get it. If I wanted to listen to Jefferson Airplane, Black Sabbath, Hawkwind and Pink Floyd, I would listen to Jefferson Airplane, Black Sabbath, Hawkwind and Pink Floyd. I personally do not believe they have added anything new to the genre. I did like the album cover though….
http://ca.myspace.com/blackmountain
Best local release
Endangered Ape – Variations on a Theme EP – (Independent)
The first time I saw Endangered Ape live, I knew I was witnessing something special, something bigger than Lethbridge, but yet a perfect fit for Lethbridge. This EP is very noisy and brooding, but it has a charm all its own. Underneath all the noise there are great straight to the point rock songs, with excellent musicianship, and a subtle sense of purpose.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=32641435
Best personal campus/community radio moment or experience of the year.
Seeing as I am new to campus/community radio, so far everything has been memorable.
Record you are most anticipating for 2009
Dredg – TBA – (Interscope?)
Release Date: March 24, 2009
Can’t wait, Dredg is one of the most underrated bands in rock music today. They are one of those bands that kind of float between indie rock and radio rock, allowing them to be despised and loved from both sides of the spectrum.
http://www.myspace.com/dredg