the top ten musical long-playing recordings of 2008
2008 was mostly a crap year for music. I find it incredibly frustrating that nothing really new or exciting has come out since 2004, and most of the "new, exciting" bands are just rehashing old styles. That having been said, there ARE still a number of gems, and you will find most of them on this list.
There is one good thing about this year, though, and that's the fact that this is the best year OPM has heard in a long time. A multitude of great new bands released records, including Taken by Cars, Ang Bandang Shirley, The Dorques, The Rinka Collective, Yosha, the Out of Body Special and The Vince Noir Project. A lot of promising stars defied the sophomore slump and came out with really good follow-ups like Drip, Up dharma Down and Pedicab. Lastly, old favorites like the Itchyworms, Sandwich and Ciudad came out with some of their best material for 08. This year in Pinoy rock for me was more exciting than the last five years combined, to tell you the truth.
Right. On to the music!
10.
Beck - Modern GuiltThis may sound a bit off, but I'm not a big fan of Beck when he's being Beck. Classics like Odelay and The Information don't really appeal to me, but I do adore the records he centers around certain styles or themes. For example:Midnite Vultures, with its Prince-ish, cheesy disco sound; or his folk masterpiece Sea Change, which has become one of my all-time favorite breakup records. His latest album belongs to that vein of Beck album, checking 60s psychedelic rock and 70s folk rock for inspiration and brilliantly combining the songs with his signature beats and beeps. As if that weren't enough, Beck brings in Danger Mouse and Cat Power to collaborate, resulting in my personal favorite release from a major artist in 08.
recommended tracks: Orphans, Gamma Ray, Youthless
9.
Black Kids - Partie Traumatic
Listening to Black Kids' dance masterpiece Partie Traumatic, the following are the first lyrics you will hear:
Knock, knock
Who's There?
Call the ghost in your underwear
Call the ghost in your underwear who?
Call the ghost in your undearwear "boo!"
how can you not love these morons?
recommended tracks : Hit the Heartbrakes, Listen To Your Body Tonight, I'm Not Gonna Tech Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
8.
Up dharma Down - Bipolar
I am a bit ashamed to admit that "Oo" is the number one most listened-to song on my iPod; not because of the song itself, but more because it exposes me as a weepy sap who listens to songs on repeat when in love. Much has happened to UDD since that gem was released two years ago -- relationships were formed, some were destroyed; bonds were strengthened, crimes were committed. Bipolar shows how much we can all change in such a short time, and it's painfully evident in everything from the chaos of its opener "Blessed" to the solemn resignation of its closing bonus track "A Purse of Stories". There's a line from the quiet break-up song "Unspoken Definites" that could sum up what Bipolar is all about -- "I've got everything to lose, so why not lose it anyway?" It would be too presumptuous and amateurish of me to say that I feel I've matured along with the band as well, but isn't that what good music does when all is said and done?
recommended tracks: Taya, Unspoken Definites, and my sentimental fave Sana, which is a tribute to one of my childhood heroes Odette Quesada
7.
Death Cab for Cutie - Narrrow Stairs
A lot of people have been complaining about Death Cab for Cutie's new record. "It's mediocre," they'd say, often following it up with the question "why couldn't they have done something as good as the other albums?" Can't say I didn't see it coming, though. DCFC has finally reached that point in their career where they really don't have anything else to say, and instead are focusing on expanding their musical horizons. It happens to the best of them -- R.E.M. and "Monster", U2 and "Zooropa", even The Beatles and the white album. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just means that most of the time what you'll hear will be art for art's sake. Besides, there are a lot of gems in Narrow Stairs, like the powerful opening track "Bixby Canyon Bridge", the depressingly poignant "Grapevine Fires" and the masterfully-written "Cath" (how could you not be in awe of lyrics like "she holds a smile like someone would hold a crying child"). Alas, there are songs like "Talking Bird" and "You Can Do Better than Me" that feel like Ben Gibbard took a shit on his hand and hurled it at his fanclub. So what do I say when I hear people complain about Narrow Stairs? "It's still pretty good. You know-- it's like all their other albums were my number 1 or 2 of the year and this is just like... a 7."
recommended songs : Cath, Grapevine Fires, Bixby Canyon Bridge
6.
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
On the initial listen, Vampire Weekend's debut album is a bit of a disappointment. Then again that's probably because all year long every blogger and their sister has been praising this band to high heavens. After giving it a few more chances, however, I've found that "Vampire Weekend" is, at its very heart, a good-natured, friendly pop album that just happens to use esoteric, rich people instruments. The album already feels like an instant classic, and I predict that every track on this record, much like the songs on Moby's Play , will be used in every possible commercial. They'd also get a lot of airplay on Wes Anderson films if it didn't feel like Wes Anderson films were the primary musical influence for the band.
recommended downloads: A-Punk, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, Oxford Comma
5.
+/- - Xs on Your Eyes
Back in 2006 +/- made their debut on this list with Let's Build a Fire, which I still consider to be their best album, . Their latest record is a totally different animal -- something more mature and, well, subdued. This is the first album where they really wrote and recorded together as a band, and it shows. Much of the electronics have been replaced with a fuller, more organic sound; which is great because Chris Deaner, one of the greatest drummers alive, really gets to shine in this record. It must also be said that Patrick Ramos's material on this record is his best yet, and I've always been a big James Baluyut fan and the man's just the gift who keeps on giving. I won't lie -- a big part of why they're on this list is because they came over here and gave one of the most memorable concert experiences I've ever had in my life.
recommended tracks : Snowblind, Subdued, Unsung
4.
Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell
Two years ago, Tokyo Police Club's EP "A Lesson in Crime" was my EP of the year. It had an effect akin to getting punched in the face, except after you're riled and ready to get into a fight you find that your opponent has run away. Their debut LP, Elephant Shell, hardly packs as much punch as the first release did, but it's still the sort of rare rock n' roll record where you're not afraid to smile and actually have fun while you're dancing. Just take a listen to the "Your English is Good" anthemic catchphrase "Oh! Give us your vote! If you know what's good for you!" and Tessellate's addicting bassline, and you'll find that its unpretentiousness and powwow attitude will make you want to stay in the ring longer than you have to.
recommended songs: Tessellate, Your English is Good, Listen to The Math
3.
Ciudad - Bring Your Friends
A lot of people criticize me for putting Ciudad on my top of the year lists because they think I'm tooting my own horn. Nothing could be further from the truth -- I haven't been Ciudad's manager for more than two years now and Bring Your Friends is their first album that I didn't name, have a song in or even have anything to do with. If I am at all still connected to Ciudad, then it's as their biggest fan for 14 years now. Their latest album is a triumph, exhibiting a certain sense of depth that can only be gained through pain. From the moment frontman Mikey Amistoso sings “don’t be certain, I’m not hoping, I can’t see the sky” in the opening track "Vanessa, Wait for Him" to his final words of resignation, “this is the last thing I want to do… I can’t imagine life beyond this” in the closer "The Last Thing I Want to Do", it feels like reality has finally caught up with them. Listening to Bring Your Friends f is heartbreaking. It’s also comforting, and strangely enough, elevating.
recommended tracks: Underwater, My Emptiness, You Should, The Last Thing I Want to Do
2.
Mates of State - Re-Arrange Us
If there is a band I feel closest to in the United States, it is Mates of State. Not only because they give great intimate live shows, or because their albums are so delightful, but mostly because as a fan I was able to see them blossom from cutesy indiepop boyfriend/girlfriend to troubled husband and wife and then further on into grown-up parents. All their albums seem to mirror the stages in their lives as a couple, and I find myself rooting for these two not only as artists, but as people. Their fifth album Re-Arrange Us is their best album since their 1999 debut My Solo Project, mostly because it's the one that sounds most different from that. The sound is fuller, more ethereal, utilizing everything from grand pianos to strings and horns. The beauty is, even re-imagining these lush pieces in the Mates of State signature drums+keyboard arrangement, these songs are more significantly evolved.
recommended tracks: My Only Offer, The Re-Arranger, Jigsaw
1,
Taken by Cars - Endings of A New Kind
A milestone in my history of music list-making, since this is the first time a Filipino album has made it to the top. I'm not saying that this is a classic like the Eraserheads' Cutterpillow or Cynthia Alexander's Rippingyarns, but it definitely has the makings of one. At first listen Taken by Cars feels like another generic dancepunk act, and they're good at what they do. One of my favorite singles this year, "Weeknight Memoir in High Definition", is irresistibly head shaking, as are songs like "The Blackout", "Uh Oh" and "Neon Brights". Tracks like the quiet "The Afterhours" and the elegant "Shapeshifter", however, are what shot this album to the top of my list. They show vocalist Sarah Marco's soulfulness and solace, and perfectly fit her cool, distant voice. The pundits can hate all they want and say things like "Taken by Cars just rips off bloc party", but I'm really proud and in love with this band, and for my money they can kick Bloc Party's ass any day of the week.
recommended tracks: Weeknight Memoir in High Definition, Neon Brights, The Afterhours, Shapeshifter
HONORABLE MENTION: Kaki King's Dreaming of Revenge, and those dreams are beautiful. CSS's Donkey has arguably more solid songs than their initial outing, but lacks the wit and tongue-in-cheek appeal the first one so brilliantly displayed. Ben Folds' Way to Normal is nice, but way too normal. Juliana Hatfield teaches us How To Walk Away, and it's solid, but it just didn't make the list. I love Flight of The Conchords, but I'm not sure if I'd feel the same way without the TV show. Portishead have outdone themselves again, shedding off their trip hop skin and once again making new roads of music with a sound that is both retro yet uber-experimental. Hot Chip's Made in The Dark, TV on The Radio's Dear Science, Cut Copy's In Ghost Colours and Foals' Antidotes are excellent dance albums. I'm especially proud of The Dorques, because their album is a hell of a lot of fun (though honestly Alessandra Tinio is sorely missed in the record).
BEST EP: Strangely enough this wasn't a good year for EP's, but following the local theme of this article Eggboy's Dragzbanny EP is a great electronica record. Diego Mapa is one of my top three Filipino songwriters ever, and even though his songwriting genius only shines in the more oldskool Eggboy track "Suko Na Ako", the rest of the EP is a good testament to Mapa's evolving
SINGLES FROM ALBUMS NOT ON THE LIST:
Alphabeat's "Fascination" and MGMT's "Electric Feel" are my favorite singles of the year, though if we count singles from albums not released this year then Paramore's "That's What You Get" is the hands-down winner. Oh, and I really do love Juliana Hatfield's "My Baby..." and "This Lonely Love".
VIDEOS OF THE YEAR:
Spike Jonze is my lord and saviour. Kanye West's video for "Flashing Lights" is another reason why.
Jorma Taccone will be a great man, just you wait. And if it's not for Lonely Island's addicting and hilarious "Jizz in My Pants", then it's for his portrayal as a heartbroken sap in Gnarls Barkley's "Who's Gonna Save My Soul"?
Encyclopedia Pictura's video of Bjork's "Wanderlust" is a bit overrated, but nonetheless a wonderful testament to vision and originality. And if you don't love it yet, you will when you see it on 3D.
Kieth Schofield's video of Supergrass's "Bad Blood" is the best performance vid of the year, and I suspect we'll see some local band ripping of the video sometime soon.
Funnily enough, when all is said and done, i still go home to Patrick Daughters' brilliant video of Leslie Feist's "I Feel It All", His promos for "1 2 3 4" and "My Moon, My Man" were the best of 2007, and now we have this. Feist's videos always make me smile, and remind me of how lovely life is.
2005
2004
2003
There is one good thing about this year, though, and that's the fact that this is the best year OPM has heard in a long time. A multitude of great new bands released records, including Taken by Cars, Ang Bandang Shirley, The Dorques, The Rinka Collective, Yosha, the Out of Body Special and The Vince Noir Project. A lot of promising stars defied the sophomore slump and came out with really good follow-ups like Drip, Up dharma Down and Pedicab. Lastly, old favorites like the Itchyworms, Sandwich and Ciudad came out with some of their best material for 08. This year in Pinoy rock for me was more exciting than the last five years combined, to tell you the truth.
Right. On to the music!
10.
Beck - Modern GuiltThis may sound a bit off, but I'm not a big fan of Beck when he's being Beck. Classics like Odelay and The Information don't really appeal to me, but I do adore the records he centers around certain styles or themes. For example:Midnite Vultures, with its Prince-ish, cheesy disco sound; or his folk masterpiece Sea Change, which has become one of my all-time favorite breakup records. His latest album belongs to that vein of Beck album, checking 60s psychedelic rock and 70s folk rock for inspiration and brilliantly combining the songs with his signature beats and beeps. As if that weren't enough, Beck brings in Danger Mouse and Cat Power to collaborate, resulting in my personal favorite release from a major artist in 08.
recommended tracks: Orphans, Gamma Ray, Youthless
9.
Black Kids - Partie Traumatic
Listening to Black Kids' dance masterpiece Partie Traumatic, the following are the first lyrics you will hear:
Knock, knock
Who's There?
Call the ghost in your underwear
Call the ghost in your underwear who?
Call the ghost in your undearwear "boo!"
how can you not love these morons?
recommended tracks : Hit the Heartbrakes, Listen To Your Body Tonight, I'm Not Gonna Tech Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
8.
Up dharma Down - Bipolar
I am a bit ashamed to admit that "Oo" is the number one most listened-to song on my iPod; not because of the song itself, but more because it exposes me as a weepy sap who listens to songs on repeat when in love. Much has happened to UDD since that gem was released two years ago -- relationships were formed, some were destroyed; bonds were strengthened, crimes were committed. Bipolar shows how much we can all change in such a short time, and it's painfully evident in everything from the chaos of its opener "Blessed" to the solemn resignation of its closing bonus track "A Purse of Stories". There's a line from the quiet break-up song "Unspoken Definites" that could sum up what Bipolar is all about -- "I've got everything to lose, so why not lose it anyway?" It would be too presumptuous and amateurish of me to say that I feel I've matured along with the band as well, but isn't that what good music does when all is said and done?
recommended tracks: Taya, Unspoken Definites, and my sentimental fave Sana, which is a tribute to one of my childhood heroes Odette Quesada
7.
Death Cab for Cutie - Narrrow Stairs
A lot of people have been complaining about Death Cab for Cutie's new record. "It's mediocre," they'd say, often following it up with the question "why couldn't they have done something as good as the other albums?" Can't say I didn't see it coming, though. DCFC has finally reached that point in their career where they really don't have anything else to say, and instead are focusing on expanding their musical horizons. It happens to the best of them -- R.E.M. and "Monster", U2 and "Zooropa", even The Beatles and the white album. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just means that most of the time what you'll hear will be art for art's sake. Besides, there are a lot of gems in Narrow Stairs, like the powerful opening track "Bixby Canyon Bridge", the depressingly poignant "Grapevine Fires" and the masterfully-written "Cath" (how could you not be in awe of lyrics like "she holds a smile like someone would hold a crying child"). Alas, there are songs like "Talking Bird" and "You Can Do Better than Me" that feel like Ben Gibbard took a shit on his hand and hurled it at his fanclub. So what do I say when I hear people complain about Narrow Stairs? "It's still pretty good. You know-- it's like all their other albums were my number 1 or 2 of the year and this is just like... a 7."
recommended songs : Cath, Grapevine Fires, Bixby Canyon Bridge
6.
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
On the initial listen, Vampire Weekend's debut album is a bit of a disappointment. Then again that's probably because all year long every blogger and their sister has been praising this band to high heavens. After giving it a few more chances, however, I've found that "Vampire Weekend" is, at its very heart, a good-natured, friendly pop album that just happens to use esoteric, rich people instruments. The album already feels like an instant classic, and I predict that every track on this record, much like the songs on Moby's Play , will be used in every possible commercial. They'd also get a lot of airplay on Wes Anderson films if it didn't feel like Wes Anderson films were the primary musical influence for the band.
recommended downloads: A-Punk, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, Oxford Comma
5.
+/- - Xs on Your Eyes
Back in 2006 +/- made their debut on this list with Let's Build a Fire, which I still consider to be their best album, . Their latest record is a totally different animal -- something more mature and, well, subdued. This is the first album where they really wrote and recorded together as a band, and it shows. Much of the electronics have been replaced with a fuller, more organic sound; which is great because Chris Deaner, one of the greatest drummers alive, really gets to shine in this record. It must also be said that Patrick Ramos's material on this record is his best yet, and I've always been a big James Baluyut fan and the man's just the gift who keeps on giving. I won't lie -- a big part of why they're on this list is because they came over here and gave one of the most memorable concert experiences I've ever had in my life.
recommended tracks : Snowblind, Subdued, Unsung
4.
Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell
Two years ago, Tokyo Police Club's EP "A Lesson in Crime" was my EP of the year. It had an effect akin to getting punched in the face, except after you're riled and ready to get into a fight you find that your opponent has run away. Their debut LP, Elephant Shell, hardly packs as much punch as the first release did, but it's still the sort of rare rock n' roll record where you're not afraid to smile and actually have fun while you're dancing. Just take a listen to the "Your English is Good" anthemic catchphrase "Oh! Give us your vote! If you know what's good for you!" and Tessellate's addicting bassline, and you'll find that its unpretentiousness and powwow attitude will make you want to stay in the ring longer than you have to.
recommended songs: Tessellate, Your English is Good, Listen to The Math
3.
Ciudad - Bring Your Friends
A lot of people criticize me for putting Ciudad on my top of the year lists because they think I'm tooting my own horn. Nothing could be further from the truth -- I haven't been Ciudad's manager for more than two years now and Bring Your Friends is their first album that I didn't name, have a song in or even have anything to do with. If I am at all still connected to Ciudad, then it's as their biggest fan for 14 years now. Their latest album is a triumph, exhibiting a certain sense of depth that can only be gained through pain. From the moment frontman Mikey Amistoso sings “don’t be certain, I’m not hoping, I can’t see the sky” in the opening track "Vanessa, Wait for Him" to his final words of resignation, “this is the last thing I want to do… I can’t imagine life beyond this” in the closer "The Last Thing I Want to Do", it feels like reality has finally caught up with them. Listening to Bring Your Friends f is heartbreaking. It’s also comforting, and strangely enough, elevating.
recommended tracks: Underwater, My Emptiness, You Should, The Last Thing I Want to Do
2.
Mates of State - Re-Arrange Us
If there is a band I feel closest to in the United States, it is Mates of State. Not only because they give great intimate live shows, or because their albums are so delightful, but mostly because as a fan I was able to see them blossom from cutesy indiepop boyfriend/girlfriend to troubled husband and wife and then further on into grown-up parents. All their albums seem to mirror the stages in their lives as a couple, and I find myself rooting for these two not only as artists, but as people. Their fifth album Re-Arrange Us is their best album since their 1999 debut My Solo Project, mostly because it's the one that sounds most different from that. The sound is fuller, more ethereal, utilizing everything from grand pianos to strings and horns. The beauty is, even re-imagining these lush pieces in the Mates of State signature drums+keyboard arrangement, these songs are more significantly evolved.
recommended tracks: My Only Offer, The Re-Arranger, Jigsaw
1,
Taken by Cars - Endings of A New Kind
A milestone in my history of music list-making, since this is the first time a Filipino album has made it to the top. I'm not saying that this is a classic like the Eraserheads' Cutterpillow or Cynthia Alexander's Rippingyarns, but it definitely has the makings of one. At first listen Taken by Cars feels like another generic dancepunk act, and they're good at what they do. One of my favorite singles this year, "Weeknight Memoir in High Definition", is irresistibly head shaking, as are songs like "The Blackout", "Uh Oh" and "Neon Brights". Tracks like the quiet "The Afterhours" and the elegant "Shapeshifter", however, are what shot this album to the top of my list. They show vocalist Sarah Marco's soulfulness and solace, and perfectly fit her cool, distant voice. The pundits can hate all they want and say things like "Taken by Cars just rips off bloc party", but I'm really proud and in love with this band, and for my money they can kick Bloc Party's ass any day of the week.
recommended tracks: Weeknight Memoir in High Definition, Neon Brights, The Afterhours, Shapeshifter
HONORABLE MENTION: Kaki King's Dreaming of Revenge, and those dreams are beautiful. CSS's Donkey has arguably more solid songs than their initial outing, but lacks the wit and tongue-in-cheek appeal the first one so brilliantly displayed. Ben Folds' Way to Normal is nice, but way too normal. Juliana Hatfield teaches us How To Walk Away, and it's solid, but it just didn't make the list. I love Flight of The Conchords, but I'm not sure if I'd feel the same way without the TV show. Portishead have outdone themselves again, shedding off their trip hop skin and once again making new roads of music with a sound that is both retro yet uber-experimental. Hot Chip's Made in The Dark, TV on The Radio's Dear Science, Cut Copy's In Ghost Colours and Foals' Antidotes are excellent dance albums. I'm especially proud of The Dorques, because their album is a hell of a lot of fun (though honestly Alessandra Tinio is sorely missed in the record).
BEST EP: Strangely enough this wasn't a good year for EP's, but following the local theme of this article Eggboy's Dragzbanny EP is a great electronica record. Diego Mapa is one of my top three Filipino songwriters ever, and even though his songwriting genius only shines in the more oldskool Eggboy track "Suko Na Ako", the rest of the EP is a good testament to Mapa's evolving
SINGLES FROM ALBUMS NOT ON THE LIST:
Alphabeat's "Fascination" and MGMT's "Electric Feel" are my favorite singles of the year, though if we count singles from albums not released this year then Paramore's "That's What You Get" is the hands-down winner. Oh, and I really do love Juliana Hatfield's "My Baby..." and "This Lonely Love".
VIDEOS OF THE YEAR:
Spike Jonze is my lord and saviour. Kanye West's video for "Flashing Lights" is another reason why.
Jorma Taccone will be a great man, just you wait. And if it's not for Lonely Island's addicting and hilarious "Jizz in My Pants", then it's for his portrayal as a heartbroken sap in Gnarls Barkley's "Who's Gonna Save My Soul"?
Encyclopedia Pictura's video of Bjork's "Wanderlust" is a bit overrated, but nonetheless a wonderful testament to vision and originality. And if you don't love it yet, you will when you see it on 3D.
Kieth Schofield's video of Supergrass's "Bad Blood" is the best performance vid of the year, and I suspect we'll see some local band ripping of the video sometime soon.
Funnily enough, when all is said and done, i still go home to Patrick Daughters' brilliant video of Leslie Feist's "I Feel It All", His promos for "1 2 3 4" and "My Moon, My Man" were the best of 2007, and now we have this. Feist's videos always make me smile, and remind me of how lovely life is.
2005
2004
2003