Super Bowl XLIII

I'm a little afraid to state my prediction for the Super Bowl (which is tomorrow, duh), because I have completely blown it all the way through the playoffs. Sure, I predicted correctly that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be there, but I also picked that they that would lose. I do not want to jinx my favorite NFL team of all time. But, I'm going to take the risk.

In spite of the Arizona Cardinals having a mostly mediocre season, they have truly been studs in these playoffs. I am a believer. Even if wide receiver Anquan Boldin leaves after this year, if Kurt Warner stays on, some sort of running game is established and the defense keeps up how they've been playing the past few weeks, they can be legitimate contenders next year.

But, next year doesn't matter yet. Only tomorrow does. And as things stand, I think Warner has potential actually tear through the Pittsburgh secondary. Only a little bit though. Troy Polamalu is way too good, and is clutch as hell. I could see him as Super Bowl MVP keeping Warner to two touchdown passes. As long as Ben Roethlisberger and company can manage the clock like they do and the Steel Curtain forces plays, I think this is Pittsburgh's game, though it will be a close one. If Willie Parker can get the running game going, then it is over.

With all of this in mind, my prediction is thus: Pittsburgh wins 27-20, in a tight defensive battle.

Weekly Listening Roundup #4

This past week I didn't get very far in the alphabet at all. However, the alphabetical stars did align in such a way that I listened solely to records that I consider "emo," or at least have ties to that late 90s midwest scene (well, not including a few 2009 releases I checked out). And I mean "emo" in the good way. You know what I'm saying, right?


Hey Mercedes EP - Hey Mercedes (Polyvinyl, 2000)
I often wonder if this EP, Hey Mercedes' debut, is comprised of what would have eventually been Braid songs. The first two songs for sure sound in line with the last thing Braid properly released, the Please Drive Faster 7". While not as complex, this EP consists of some solid, somewhat technical, really catchy indie/emo. I loved the flaw's and insecurities in Bob Nanna's voice before, and they are nowhere to be found here. This is not necessarily a bad thing; his vocals for Hey Mercedes are really good, and his melodies are even better. I still think Frame and Canvas is the best thing Nanna, Todd Bell and Damon Atkinson (plus Chris Broach) have ever done (seriously, it was life-changing for me), but the opening track here, "Bells" is totally on par.
Top jams: "Bells," "St. James St."


Everynight Fire Works - Hey Mercedes (Vagrant, 2001)
Hey Mercedes' debut full length, also their first release for controversial emo/pop punk mega-giant Vagrant Records, is very much a continuation of the EP. Only different and more songs sets it apart, which is to be expected. I remember initially being a little bummed by it at first, only enjoying about half of the songs, and discovered that I actually can appreciate it a little more now. I think that's because I have a better grasp on the concept of good melodies, and Nanna sings them in spades here. My favorite moments are the pretty finger tapping guitar part on "Let's Go Blue" and Atkinson's incomprehensible drum fill to begin "Que Shiraz."
Top jams: "Every Turn," "Eleven to Your Seven," "Que Shiraz," "What You're Up Against," "Let's Go Blue"


They Love Those Who Make the Music - The Jazz June (Workshop, 1997)
The Jazz June hailed from Pennsylvania, and their second full length, 2000's The Medicine, is one of my favorite emo records of all time. This being said, going back and trying to make it through their older stuff is a REAL CHALLENGE. Their 1997 debut, They Love Those Who Make the Music, which is one of the most ridiculous and hilarious album titles I've ever heard of, is kind of a trainwreck. For one, the recording sounds like shit. It doesn't help that the drumming is messy as hell and with three guitars, the album just sounds way too busy. The whiney vocals are mostly off key. There also is an element of pop punk in a few of the songs that is completely unappealing. Thankfully there are two redeemable diamonds in the rough that show some real promise.
Top jams: "Transinstrumentalism," "La Villanelle"


The Boom, the Motion and the Music EP - The Jazz June (Workshop, 1998)
This 1998 follow-up to They Love Those Who Make the Music is a little easier to swallow, but not really by much. The recording is considerably better, but most of the songs are still a mess. The EP opens with two of The Jazz June's best songs, which entirely justifies my ownership of this CD.
Top jams: "When the Drums Kick In," "Burn in Hell"


How Memory Works - Joan of Arc (Jade Tree, 1998)
I don't know that I have enough confidence to fully consider Joan of Arc emo, but that is definitely where their roots are, thanks to several members (Tim and Mike Kinsella and Sam Zurick) having been in complex, upbeat, early 90s emo stalwarts Cap'n Jazz. Some characteristics carried over, like the chimey, intricate, waterfall guitar picking and Mike Kinsella's bubbly and flawless drumming. Some of this shit is just weird, though. There is enough of that emo throwback to keep my attention, and I kind of enjoy the task of wading through all the bizarre noise (and Tim Kinsella's terrible yet somehow attractive voice) interspersed throughout.
Top jams: "To've Had Two Of," "This Life Cumulative," "White Out," "A Name," "God Bless America"


Joan of Arc, Dick Cheney, Mark Twain... - Joan of Arc (Polyvinyl, 2004)
Here is a completely different look at Joan of Arc. There is virtually no trace of that signature emo sound anywhere on Joan of Arc, Dick Cheney, Mark Twain..., with the exception possibly being the acoustic "Apocalypse Politics," which is really pretty. What you can find throughout the record is some jazz-inspired pop, interesting electronic experiments, and some insane post-modern spoken word shit. The best way I can think to describe this is a really creepy circus. It's not so obnoxious as that, but almost everything is completely wacky. The album has a more rotating cast feel to it, featuring different members of the JoA crew on each song, including Bobby Burg, the Kinsellas' cousin Nate (both play in Make Believe, with Tim Kinsella and Sam Zurick) and Aloha's Cale Parks. Lastly, a few notes: opener "Questioning Benjamin Franklin's Ghost" is my favorite Joan of Arc song and features some of the best drumming I've ever heard. Also, "Fleshy Jeffrey" is a really funny song title.
Top jams: "Questioning Benjamin Franklin's Ghost," "Apocalypse Politics," "Gripped by the Lips," "Fleshy Jeffrey," "Abigail, Cops, and Animals"

Know Your Onion #10

Super Bowl XLIII Spontaneously Breaks Out On Media Day

Weekly Listening Roundup #3

This is a week late. Anyway...

I had skipped over two records in the 'Ds,' so I had gone back to them last week. I've also decided to start including albums that I've owned for a while, but that I haven't listened to in a long time or hadn't spent much time with in the first place.

So, here are six more albums I discovered or re-discovered last week.


American Don - Don Caballero (Touch and Go, 2000)
The first time I had ever heard the phrase "math rock" was in reference to this band. It's a silly name for a sub-genre of rock music, but it is sort of fitting. There are plenty of weird time signatures and changes. And, from my understanding, American Don is Don Caballero's mellow record, right? It is filled to the brim with looped clean channel guitars, really cool yet nonsensical bass lines and some jazzy, improvised and completely insane drumming. Definitely more in line with what I was listening to in the early 2000s, but my mind was still blown this time around.
Top jams: "Fire Back About Your New Baby's Sex," "Ones All Over the Place," "A Lot of People Tell Me I Have a Fake British Accent"

Pink Moon - Nick Drake (Island, 1972)
My interest in Nick Drake began when I heard Bryter Layter's "Fly" in The Royal Tenenbaums. It then piqued thanks to the inclusion of "From the Morning" on a fall mix CD that my friend Danny made for me a couple years ago. I've spent the last year appreciating the raw and stripped down beauty of Pink Moon with its odd guitar tunings and intricate picking patterns. Now I have come to be fascinated with the darker moods represented within the songs, namely self-conciousness and despair. Nick Drake's story is tremendously unfortunate, and Pink Moon is an eerie and tragic, yet stunning document of it.
Top jams: "Pink Moon," "Place to Be," "Which Will," "Parasite," "From the Morning"

Are You Experienced? - The Jimi Hendrix Experience (MCA, 1967)
I've never really been a fan of the blues, or any blues-inspired band, for that matter. This changed ever so slightly a few years ago when I started getting into The Rolling Stones. Now I can chalk one more talley under the blues colume thanks to The Jimi Hendrix Experience's Are You Experienced?. My dad gave me this on CD at some point during college, I think, and I listened to it maybe once. I remember being in awe of Mitch Mitchell's drumming, and shrugging off the rest. This time around, I can tell you: Jimi Hendrix really is as good (and important) of a guitar player as everyone says he is. He's obviously got some impressive chops, and definitely was unique for his time. The record is a cross between blues and 60s psychadelia with some sped up tempos for the most part. There are hints at some nice grooves, but Mitchell doesn't stand for that for too long. He is AWESOME. The most shocking moment for me is that in parts, "Third Stone From the Sun" sort of sounds like Pavement. Weird!
Top jams: "Manic Depression," "Hey Joe," "The Wind Cries Mary," "Fire," "Third Stone From the Sun"


Make Up the Breakdown - Hot Hot Heat (Sub Pop, 2002)
Hot Hot Heat were one of those early 2000s hype bands that had perfect timing, like The Strokes. Perhaps HHH payed more dues (this wasn't their first release), and weren't nearly as popular, especially long term (their second record, Elevator, was BORING). But, Make Up the Breakdown, I believe their debut full length, is a little gem. Listening to it nowadays, I realize that it is indeed an obnoxious record, which back in 2003 I was able to neglect for some reason. In between all of what now I will admit to being kind of bullshitty are some sweet guitar and organ driven, new wavey indie pop jams.
Top jams: "Naked In the City Again," "Get In or Get Out," "Aveda," "This Town"

You'd Prefer an Astronaut - Hum (RCA, 1995)
What a bad ass album. I thank God for my old high school buddy, Bryan, for getting me into Hum. When I first started listening to You'd Prefer an Astronaut back in high school, I loathed the noisier, less melodic first half. Of course, "Stars," even though I'm over it, is awesome, and "The Pod" had that really cool backwards guitar effect, but other than that, I thought the band was just trying to sound huge for the sake of sounding huge. I don't feel so negatively about it now, but I still am of the mindset that the second half is where all the best songs are. "Why I Like the Robins" leaves a little more room between the instruments than usual, which is nice, and "Songs of Farewell and Departure" is an unusually mellow and pretty ballad to bring things to a close. I still prefer Downward is Heavenward, but You'd Prefer an Astronaut has its moments.
Top jams: "Why I Like the Robins," "I'd Like Your Hair Long," "I Hate It Too," "Songs of Farewell and Departure"

Antics - Interpol (Matador, 2004)
I feel that in spite of the critical acclaim their first record, Turn On the Bright Lights, recieved, Interpol got a bad wrap as "that band that just tries to sound like a modern day Joy Division." I don't understand this at all. Sure, vocalist Paul Banks kinda sorta sings in monotones like Ian Curtis (though Banks' monotone voice actually formulates some really solid melodies). And, at least on Unknown Pleasures, which is the extent of my Joy Division album knowledge, the band creates these dirgy atmospheres that are completely void of melody. It's stupid to deny that Joy Division are an influence on Interpol, but they are much more than a modern version of them. Now, Turn On the Bright Lights, without question, is far superior to Antics. And in a way, Antics really is just more of the same (2007's Our Love to Admire is even more so). This is a less dire sounding affair, though, with some really good pop songs. During this revisitation, I found that about half of it is more boring than I remember, but there are still some top notch jams.
Top jams: "Evil," "Narc," "Not Even Jail," "C'Mere," "A Time to Be So Small"

Weekly Listening Roundup #2

Here's another recap of what records I've been enjoying over the past week.


Singles Going Steady - The Buzzcocks (Capitol, 1979)
I unintentionally surpassed this collection of singles and b-sides from these 70s love-punks in my alphabetical journey. It seems like most of late 70s punk rock had a political leaning, while The Buzzcocks spiced things up with fast and angry sounding songs about love. This is punk in the same way that The Clash was: simple, fast and loud. Not every song is good, but there sure are some jams. "Why Can't I Touch It?" sticks out, sounding more post-punk ala Television or Wire.
Top jams: "I Don't Mind," "Everybody's Happy Nowadays," "What Ever Happened To...," "Why Can't I Touch It?"


Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! - Devo (Warner Bros., 1978)
I was shocked to discover how much I would come to love this record. Devo present a post-punk, borderline new wave record that is phenominal through and through. Every song is at least really good and about half of it is AWESOME. The instrumental work (guitar, bass drums, some synths) is appropriate while at the same time completely fascinating, and Mark Motherbaugh's zany personality tops everything off while not being overbearing. This record will stick with me for a long time to come.
Top jams: "Uncontrollable Urge," "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," "Space Junk," "Gut Feeling (Slap Your Mammy)," "Come Back Jonee," "Sloppy (I Saw My Baby Gettin')"


Without a Sound - Dinosaur Jr. (Reprise, 1994)
Of course I have been familiar with the jam of jams from this record, "Feel the Pain," for several years, but I didn't really dive into Dinosaur Jr. until 2007's return to indie rock royalty in Beyond. I now own three of their albums, and two of them are better than this one (Beyond and 1993's Where You Been). I can't shake that almost everything sounds the same with this band, and that denies them status of one of my favorite bands. But, still, this (and all of their records I am familiar with) showcases raw power and emotion, and some bad ass guitar playing. For me, J. Mascis' melodies are hit or miss, but there are moments where he shines.
Top jams: "Feel the Pain," "Yeah Right," "Even You," "Over Your Shoulder"


Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots - The Flaming Lips (Warner Bros., 2002)
I know, I know, I know. I was not born under a rock. I have no idea why it took me so long to get around to devoting some time to this, The Flaming Lips' most recent claim to fame. Granted, it was almost a year ago that I purchased this album. I guess I just didn't have my priorities straight, being much more interested in 1995's Clouds Taste Metallic over Yoshimi... Sorry! But anyway, yeah, this is an incredible, beautiful and weird pop album. I will also honor the consideration of this as a classic, though it is my third favorite Lips album (I like Clouds Taste Metallic better).
Top jams: "Fight Test," "One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21," "In the Morning of the Magicians," "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell," "Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia)"


The Colour and the Shape - Foo Fighters (Capitol, 1997)
Here's an album I seriously hadn't listened to since 1997, maybe 1998. I remember then, in my young, incredibly immature days, that I found it to be ovwhelmingly inconsistent. Sure, I loved the singles ("Monkey Wrench," "Everlong," "My Hero") which still are totally awesome, and I was into the bad ass rocker that was pretty late on the record, "Enough Space." But, I didn't get all the ballads and catchy pop songs hidden in between. This time through I was floored. There are still one or two of the ballads that I think are completely corny, but aside from that, Foo Fighters nailed it. I guess I'm just not as stupid as I was then.
Top jams: "My Poor Brain," "Up in Arms," "See You," "Enough Space," "New Way Home"

A Somewhat Favorable Blog Review?

Today is a good day for Emotional Drumming. Even though I don't consider this a local Detroit music blog, I still happened to get a review from those hilarious, honest and harsh blog bloggers, Lazer Sharkz. And, I would consider it quite a favorable review, albeit very sarcastic. It is a really funny post that made me laugh out loud at work while my boss was installing a financing program on the computer next to me.

Anyway, here's a link to the review.

Know Your Onion #9

I have decided I will continue sharing my favorite Onion articles that I come across. This one is timely and really short.

Jake Delhomme Throws Keys To Wrong Valet

Thoughts: NFL Conference Championships

Whoops. Sorry, my NFL playoff predictions were way off. WAY off. I picked only one team to correctly go to the conference championships. I would apologize for being an idiot, but instead I'll apologize for the consistent randomness that occurs with each NFL season, which is always fascinating and sometimes frustrating.

I'm only half bummed about these two conference championship games, the reason being that I am not a fan of the idea of a team with only nine wins going to the Super Bowl. That is just preposterous. When it comes to the NFL, especially the playoffs, I am really into justice. Meaning, I want the teams I think deserve to win to win. Let's take last season for example. Sure, the New York Giants upset the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. The average person loves when this happens, especially when it is to the degree that it was: a team that barely and undeservingly made the playoffs defeating the first perfect team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Also, in their eyes, the Patriots were cheaters and bullies, although to my knowledge, there is only proof of them cheating in the second game of the season.

Anyways, I was totally rooting justice (the best team winning), but also for the more exciting side of history: the undefeated team, all the way through the Super Bowl. I was hoping to experience this in my lifetime. And you can argue all you want that the Giants were the best team in that game. Yes, true. BUT. There is no way in hell that they were the better overall team, through the season. That goes to the Patriots, and that is why I wanted them to win the Super Bowl.

Plus, how awesome if it would have happened and I wouldn't have to worry about it anymore? Hmm?

Okay, so with this year, in spite of my sadness over this nine win thing, here are my picks for this coming Sunday:

Philadelphia Eagles - 27
Arizona Cardinals - 20

Pittsburgh Steelers - 23
Baltimore Ravens - 20

I truly think the Eagles were better than their record indicates, and Donovan McNabb truly is awesome. Arizona will play well, and Kurt Warner will help them stay in the game, but Philly will be too much on both sides of the ball.

I am so nervous about this Pittsburgh/Baltimore match. It really is anyone's game. I pick Pittsburgh really only because that's who I WANT to win. Although they are evenly matched pretty much at every position with the exception of QB, where I will give Pittsburgh the nod due to Ben Roethlisberger's experience over Joe Flacco's.

It should be an interesting Sunday!

Weekly Listening Roundup #1

I'm a total weirdo when it comes to listening to music. I don't know how many people I have explained my listening habits to (not many, for sure), but they are strict and very geeky. What I do, is I pick a large batch of specific CDs and listen to them over time IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. For instance, during the second half of December I picked out all of the albums from 2008 that I knew I really liked, and listened to them one last time through, in alphabetical, which really helped in ordering my list around. Strange? Yes. Obsessive? A little bit.

Right now I am going through all of the CDs I have acquired over the past year that I have very limited to absolutely no experience with, in alphabetical order of course. And, I think I want to talk about the albums I come across that I end up really liking. I would like to make this a seriously consistent, actual weekly blog post, but we'll see if I can keep up with it.

Below, I shall highlight my six favorite albums that I've listened to this past week, based off of one or two listens to each.


Magical Mystery Tour - The Beatles (Capitol, 1967)
I've only been a Beatles fan for just over a year now. What was my problem? I don't know. Idiocy? Anywho, it seems like my friend of friends, Travis, is making it a tradition to give me Beatles CDs for Christmas (in 2007 he gave me Abbey Road, Revolver and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band). This past year I recieved Magical Mystery Tour, and I am thankful. For me, it wasn't nearly as steady or immediate as Rubber Soul or The White Album, but, there are definitely a few glorious tracks. "Strawberry Fields Forever" is clearly fantastic (probably one of their best ever) and way ahead of its time. The secret chunk of gold here though is "Blue Jay Way," sounding like an odd and very modern indie rock tune.
Top jams: "Blue Jay Way," "Strawberry Fields Forever"


The Coast is Never Clear - Beulah (Velocette, 2001)
I had heard the name Beulah floating around various people I knew and music magazines I've followed for several years, and for some reason never took note or figured that I should check this Elephant 6-associated band out. This sudden interest was spurred on in November when I heard a song of theirs in my friend Beth's car. It was awesome. Around Thanksgiving time I found The Coast is Never Clear used at Wazoo in Ann Arbor and picked it up on a whim. I listened to it once right away and thought, "Huh, this is a pretty nice pop album, I guess," and shelved it. Revisiting it again this week was an awakening slap to the face. On The Coast is Never Clear, Beulah evoke elements of the Elephant 6 (obviously), as well as late Belle and Sebastian and a little bit of Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. It is simple and catchy, yet with expansive instrumentation including various keyboards and horns and wind instruments. I listened to this and Belle and Sebastian's Dear Catastrophe Waitress (which I won't be showcasing here due to having been into it for several years by now) pretty much back to back and was unable to shake how similarly these two records feel. This is not a bad thing. They are both quality pop records with some brilliant moments.
Top jams: "Hello Resolven," "Gene Autry," "Silver Lining"


The Clash (U.K. Version) - The Clash (Sony, 1977)
Right here is MY punk rock album created by MY punk rock band. The Clash were not as good on this, their self-titled debut as they were on their epic and incredible sophomore effort, London Calling (one of my favorite records of all time), which was a much more varied pop affair, as well as a pure masterpiece. But The Clash is still remarkable. It is nothing but a straightforward, brutal, catchy and anthemic album with an unignorable political vibe. It is fast, brash, loud and sounds really good. I already knew that "Janie Jones," "I'm So Bored With the U.S.A.," "White Riot," "London's Burning" and "Police & Thieves" were all awesome, but I was totally surprised by "Cheat" (including its flangey drum sound towards the end) and "Garageland." I had given up on punk rock a long, long time ago, but if I keep finding old shit that sounds like this, I may be cruisin' for a bruisin'.
Top jams: "Janie Jones," "White Riot," "Cheat," "Police & Thieves"


Fantasma - Cornelius (Matador, 1998)
This is some weird shit. I was turned on to Cornelius by my friend Anthony (who also keyed me into Stereolab). When I purchased Fantasma in Chicago back in May, I was expecting lots of polyrhythm, technical guitar excercises and some utterly insane drumming. Instead, what I got (or at least thought I got at first) was an obnoxious and difficult experimental piece of trash with two really amazing songs. This time around, going through the record twice, I found that it is more cutely obnoxious, and yes, it is still difficult. But, one cannot deny Keigo Oyamada's extraordinary talent and obvious love of spending a lot of time in the studio and messing with his listeners. Also, this is way more of a pop record than I first realized. I mean, not your typically clear-cut album, but pop in the way that The Flaming Lips are pop. This is just much more uncanny.
Top jams: "New Music Machine," "Clash," "Star Fruits Surf Rider," "Thank You for the Music"


This Year's Model - Elvis Costello (Columbia, 1978)
I'm not exactly sure why I never cared about Elvis Costello, especially when I was living with two fairly big fans of his in Ann Arbor for two years. Alas, here I am in 2009, finally realizing that This Year's Model is one of power pop's finest albums. I was taken aback when I noticed Costello isn't really a guitar god as I was anticipating, but instead just writes really interesting pop tunes with great chords. His voice is awesome, albeit a little too good for my liking (Ted Leo, who obviously wants to be Costello, is the same way). And his drummer is top notch. Just listen to "No Action," sheesh.
Top jams: "No Action," "The Beat"


The Runners Four - Deerhoof (Kill Rock Stars/5RC, 2005)
Now THIS is an album. It took me a while, but with 2007's Friend Opportunity, which was a departure from my understanding, I finally came to appreciate Deerhoof. And, as a lot of my buds know by now, Offend Maggie was my third favorite album of 2008. Now it's time to move backwards with the band, and I might as well start right here. The Runners Four has been pushed on me by several friends, and who knows why I never caved until now. Like Offend Maggie, there is plenty of classic rock riffage, and Greg Saunier plays the drums like Keith Moon on speed. It seems like everyone knows the most difficult hurdle to leap over with Deerhoof is Satomi Matsuzaki's borderline annoying child-like vocals. The thing is, her melodies are so mysterious and beautiful, I'm confused as to why I ever struggled with this in the first place. Deerhoof is a bizarre band, sure, but in all the right ways.
Top jams: "Running Thoughts," "You Can See," "Lightning Rod, Run"

2008 NFL Playoff Predictions

Unfortunately, all my year-end music list posting is complete. It's time to move on to something almost equally as important: The NFL playoffs.

Tomorrow begins Wild Card Weekend, which usually makes for the most exciting weekend of football aside from the first week of the season, and the Super Bowl, of course.

My preseason predictions were way off, so here's my second shot at guessing how the playoffs are going to pan out.

AFC Wild Card Round

(3) Miami Dolphins vs. (6) Baltimore Ravens
As cool as it is to see Miami so successful (they headed up one of the ultimate turnarounds going from 1-15 last year to 11-5 and winning the AFC East), especially with Chad Pennington being tossed from the New York Jets only to enjoy a much better season than Brett Favre, I cannot imagine this "Wildcat" offense overcoming Baltimore's historically dominant defense. And that Ravens offense has been looking shockingly good all year long.
Winner: 27-21, Baltimore Ravens

(4) San Diego Chargers vs. (5) Indianapolis Colts
I am personally offended that the underachieving Chargers won their division and are guaranteed a home game in the opening round with an 8-8 record. In my eyes, this is proof that the NFL playoff system is faulted. What is even more obscene is that there are ESPN commentators who think San Diego will win this game. Give me a break. LaDainian Tomlinson had a mediocre season (by his standards), and yes, Philip Rivers carried the team and looked like a potential MVP, but he is not Peyton Manning, who is clutch, and could win this game on his own the way San Diego's defense has played all year. It helps that the Colts defense got their heads out of their asses and should show up here.
Winner: 27-17, Indianapolis Colts

NFC Wild Card Round

(3) Minnesota Vikings vs. (6) Philadelphia Eagles
I like Minnesota's running attack (Adrian Peterson) and that run defense, and the Eagles are way better than their record indicates, so this should be a really good, interesting game. However, I'm going to go with Philly in a landslide here as their offense has more dimensions thanks to Donovan McNabb (who truthfully is one of the five best QBs in the league) and Brian Westbrook, and their defense has been utterly nasty of late. If Peterson is stopped, the Vikings don't stand a chance.
Winner: 34-13, Philadelphia Eagles

(4) Arizona Cardinals vs. (5) Atlanta Falcons
Midway through the season, I was convinced Arizona could make a strong run in the playoffs, maybe all the way to the NFC championship game. This for sure will not happen, especially since they got stuck playing the hot as hell Atlanta Falcons right off the bat. I was pulling for this Cardinals time, and I like seeing Kurt Warner succeeding again, but Atlanta's (who soon should be the best team in the NFC) young and extremely talented offense will be too much for them. It should be close though, and Atlanta's going to have to score quite a bit.
Winner: 31-28, Atlanta Falcons

AFC Divisional Round

(1) Tennessee Titans vs. (6) Baltimore Ravens
Ya know, I think this is any one's game. Tennessee and Baltimore are almost the same team in the sense that they have great two-headed running games (Tennessee's being the greater), quarterbacks that don't create too many turnovers and can control the clock and sick defenses that should give those great running games some hell. Tennessee gets the slight edge due to more experience at QB and Chris Johnson being the best running back in this particular game.
Winner: 24-20, Tennesee Titans

(2) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (5) Indianapolis Colts
This game could either be the best throughout the playoffs, or an utter disaster. The Steelers should be the greatest challenge for the Colts offense. As long as Ben Roethlisberger is healthy, the offense should be able to do just enough to maintain the lead through the game, and the Pittsburgh D should create enough chaos to frustrate and eventually consume Manning to the point that he won't be able to make anything happen at the end of the game, which is something he's typically great at. If Pittsburgh's running game shows up, then there's no question who will walk away victorious.
Winner: 21-14, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC Divisional Round

(1) New York Giants vs. (6) Philadelphia Eagles
I would love to see Philadelphia take this, but the Giants are just too good. Eli Manning is coming off his best year yet, and even though the lack of Plaxico Burress means he doesn't have much to work with, New York's running game is phenomenal. The Eagles should be able to score fine against a talented run defense, so this would be an extremely fun and tight game to watch. Both offenses will perform, so what this will come down to is which defense can create the most turnovers and sack the opposing quarterback most.
Winner: 37-30, New York Giants

(2) Carolina Panthers vs. (5) Atlanta Falcons
Even though Carolina's defense is pretty good and has its stars in Julius Peppers and Jon Beason, I could see this being another high scoring affair. The rushing stats should be off the charts with Atlanta's Michael Turner (a should-be candidate for NFL MVP) and Carolina's DeAngelo Williams (my pick for MVP) running the ball. Atlanta rookie quarterback Matt Ryan's inexperience will finally get the best of him, and mistakes will be the difference maker.
Winner: 32-28, Carolina Panthers

AFC Championship

(1) Tennessee Titans vs. (2) Pittsburgh Steelers
This will be a much better game than their regular season meeting which I believe also was in Tennessee. The Titans have the edge when it comes to coaching experience and running game, but that Steelers defense is miraculous. They will fuck with Kerry Collins to no end, and if Roethlisberger and keep from getting sacked too much. that should be that.
Winner: 20-16, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC Championship

(1) New York Giants vs. (2) Carolina Panthers
Carolina's second playoff game is another doozey against another spectacular running team. In spite of New York's defense, there should be a lot of scoring here. I really could see this going either way. If Steve Smith is heavily involved, that could seal the NFC title for the Panthers. With both offenses probably flourishing in such a big game, this could also be like the Minnesota/Philly wild card game in that turnovers and sacks and will be the clincher.
Winner: 35-27, New York Giants

Super Bowl

(1) New York Giants vs. (2) Pittsburgh Steelers
As much as I hate to admit it (as the Pittsburgh Steelers are my favorite NFL team), I think this is the Giants' year. It's pretty much been looking that way all year to me. Either way, this won't be the most exciting Super Bowl, that's for sure. It will be ugly. These defenses will be on point, Manning and Roethlisberger will get sacked a lot. Quite a few turnovers. It will be brutal. Unfortunately, I just don't think Pittsburgh's offense is strong enough to outscore the Giants. New York's has more potential to be potent against such a behemoth of a defense. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward will bash away at the Steel Curtain, leading them to a repeat title.
Winner: 23-17, New York Giants
MVP: Brandon Jacobs

2008 Year-End List #5: Favorite Albums #20-1

Moving right along, here is the second half (you can find the first half here) of my 40 favorite albums of the year. You have been waiting all year for this, now here it is: numbers twenty through one.


(20) Devotion - Beach House (Carpark)
As the great snoozefest of '08, Beach House's sophomore outing, Devotion, is shockingly good. Surprising, as the band's fortes are organ drones, some secluded, twangy guitar, unnoticeable percussion or organ beats and the most tired of melodies. That's all there is to it. Yet, somehow, these songs are remarkable. The organ is huge and haunting, and I give Victoria Legrand's sense of sleepy melody an A+. Beaut.
Top jams: "Wedding Bell," "Turtle Island," "Astronaut"


(19) Dear Science - TV on the Radio (4AD/Interscope)
Upon first listen, I thought for sure this was going to be album of the year for me. Well, I was way off. Don't get me wrong, Dear Science is great and all, and easily TV on the Radio's most fun record. But, that's just the thing. 2006's Return to Cookie Mountain sucker punched me right in the belly, catching me unawares and compelling me to vomit affection all over it. I didn't know what hit me. It was strange and difficult and huge, and it only got better with each listen. Dear Science is easy-peasy. Every song is accessible, whether it be an upbeat and loud track, or a slightly experimental ballad. For me, the party tracks are the most difficult ones, and that is only because they aren't as good (with the exception of "Crying," which is simply awesome, in spite of its stupid title). Like I said, this is a very good record with very good songs and very good production. I just prefer Return to Cookie Mountain's version of TV on the Radio.
Top jams: "Crying," "Lover's Day"


(18) We Brave Bee Stings and All - Thao with the Get Down Stay Down (Kill Rock Stars)
My experience with this album could be comparible to that of last year's Papercuts album that I loved so much (Can't Go Back). They both appeared out of thin air, and barely any of my friends were knowledgeable of their existence. All I really know about Thao and her backing band, the Get Down Stay Down, is that they done good with We Brave Bee Stings and All. This is indie pop at its finest and most concise. The instrumentation (guitar, bass, drums, some keyboards) and structure of these songs are so basic, but Thao's quirky vocals and lyrics make things interesting. Throw in some nice guitar licks, a good drummer and some subtle horns and keys lightly sprinkled throughout, and we have ourselves a mighty fine record.
Top jams: "Big Kid Table," "Yes, So On and So On," "Fear and Convenience"


(17) Hercules and Love Affair - Hercules and Love Affair (DFA/Mute)
When it comes to electronic dance music, I just don't give a shit. But, when my friend Zach Curd recommends a brand new album (which never happens), I HAVE to check it out. I believe this is what they call disco, or even house music, right? Maybe both? Anyway, it took me a while to realize it, but Hercules and Love Affair are awesome, as is this self-titled album. There are some weird instances, like when Antony sings on several tracks (his voice is creepy). But, this is a really fun, good and funky dance album that I just cannot ignore. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it just might be my favorite dance record since Daft Punk's Discovery.
Top jams: "Time Will," "Hercules Theme," "Athene," "Iris"


(16) Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel - Atlas Sound (Kranky)
Under his Atlas Sound alias, Bradford Cox shows us exactly what a bedroom pop album should be with Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel. The lonesome-at-home recording venture is limiting, sure, but if the right equipment and amount of time are at hand, then imagine what can be accomplished. Let the Blind... is a prime demonstration of this. Bradford fucks around with song structure, recording procedure, tape experiments and various instruments and sounds, and creates something beautiful, challenging and worthwhile. If you haven't, listen to it with headphones.
Top jams: "Recent Bedroom," "River Card," "Quarantined," "Cold as Ice"


(15) The Chemistry of Common Life - Fucked Up (Matador)
I haven't listened to anything nearly as aggressive as The Chemistry of Common Life since the early 2000s, when I dug on more technically minded heavy bands such as The Blood Brothers, Botch, Shai Hulud and Strongarm. I never thought I would have gotten into a record like this again, but here I am. Though, it's not like Fucked Up have persuaded me to get passionate about punk rock and hardcore and other hostile genres of music again. There's just something about this particular album. It is simply bad ass huge, the drummer is awesome, and the guitars are ENORMOUS and at times sound utterly beautiful. These things combined with all the little quirks like flutes and keys and Vivian Girls singing back up vocals make The Chemistry of Common Life a behemoth of a punk record. It makes me want to have a violent yet unifying party with all my friends, where we wrestle and fight and laugh and love all at the same time. Fucked Up vocalist Pink Eyes will be our shouting ringleader.
Top jams: "Crooked Head," "No Epiphany," "Twice Born"


(14) Alopecia - Why? (Anticon)
I had no idea what to expect when I first heard Why's Elephant Eyelash during the summer of 2006. I was under the impression that Yoni Wolf and friends were just bizarre hip hop dudes. Little did I know that lyrical flow was only one minute detail of the band. I instantly loved Elephant Eyelash's bright indie pop as the backing to Yoni's melodic rap-sing, so Alopecia's darker, dirgier sounds took a bit for me to get used to. Seeing some of these songs performed live really helped (it's offensive how good Yoni's brother is at the drums). The album was a steady grower for me, and I have come to appreciate it for its less appealing yet still impressive musical tirade as much as its jaw-dropping lyrical flow.
Top jams: "Good Friday," "The Hollows," "Fatalist Palmistry," "Brook & Waxing"


(13) Real Emotional Trash - Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks (Matador)
90s indie rock's crowned prince returns with his forth album under his birth name, and it is truly a rock 'n roll album. Elements of Pavement can still be found in pretty much every song, but Stephen Malkmus seems to be moving away from slacker god status. Instead, he is making a home as an indie rock guitar hero. As for this Real Emotional Trash, it is half Pavement and half jammy bar band. This actually sounds like, and is, a great combination. The album's validity is turned up a notch thanks to some superb drumming, two outstanding pop songs, and a bunch of jammy ones that I can tolerate, let alone enjoy listening to.
Top jams: "Hopscotch Willie," "Cold Son," "Gardenia"


(12) Sea From Shore - School of Language (Thrill Jockey)
Sea From Shore was the first Field Music related release of 2008, coming from David Brewis, brother of The Week That Was' Peter Brewis. I am only slightly surprised that I prefer School of Language to TWTW, thus far. While Peter brought the beauty and catchiness to Field Music, Sea From Shore is proof that David brought the subtle complexity and quirky and original drumming. The album is all (mostly) rockin' guitars, weird time signatures and changes and distorted THUNDERDRUMS. Not to mention the songs are really good and melodies wonderful (though David is not his brother). Nice forays into writing albums on your own, Brewises. Now get your heads out of your asses, kiss and make up, and bring Field Music back, please. Make sure to wash your faces first, though.
Top jams: "Rockist, Pt. 1," "Disappointment '99," "This is No Fun"


(11) At Mount Zoomer - Wolf Parade (Sub Pop)
I had been anticipating the arrival of a second Wolf Parade album for quite a while by the time At Mount Zoomer was released. 2005's Apologies to the Queen Mary was an album of all albums, and by that I mean it is one of my absolute favorites over the past several years. I would say that At Mount Zoomer is an appropriate sophomore album, though not even close to Apologies' level of grandness. It is approrpriate in the way that Wolf Parade still sound like the band they once were in some ways, but have also taken some daring leaps of faith into new lands of sound, experimentation, structure and fantasy. What I love about the record is that the cheesy sounding yet catchy as shit synth melodes still show their faces from time to time, depending on the song. Also, much like on Apologies, all of Dan Boeckner's songs are awesome. Spencer Krug delivers some jams, like "Bang Your Drum," albeit the end of it sounding like a section of the original score to The Princess Bride, but Boeckner is moreso my guy. I blatantly do not like this nearly as much as that classic debut, but I shall not consider it a disappointment.
Top jams: "Soldier's Grin," "Language City," "Bang Your Drum," "The Grey Estates"


(10) Microcastle/Weird Era Cont. - Deerhunter (Kranky)
"BLAH BLAH BLAH, Deerhunter are the greatest newer band in all the world." That's what all the "important" music critics seemed to be saying, until all of a sudden they decided that TV on the Radio and Fleet Foxes were better. I never wanted to buy into the Deerhunter hype, and I still don't, entirely. But Microcastle is outstanding, so how could I avoid it? I'm not familiar with the band's earlier work, but from what I gather, this is way more up my alley anyway: slightly shoegazey, psychadelic indie pop as opposed to what, like noisy and spacey post-rock? Ah... complicating genres. Anyway, as of this year, I will not deny that Deerhunter are writing and recording albums that are both great and important. And, Microcastle's physical release tag-on, Weird Era Cont. is no detractor of that. I don't think it's as good (less complete, messy), but I don't think it's supposed to be. It is still worth investigating due to their being some sweet songs with cool ideas. Also, it is a neat way to show their appreciation for their fans, and that is commendable.
Top jams: "Agoraphobia," "Never Stops," "Nothing Ever Happened," "Operation," "Calvary Scars II/Aux. Out"


(9) All Together - Pattern is Movement (Hometapes)
Here is my random/out of the blue album of the year, right here. I knew nothing, I took a risk, and it turned out for the best. Pattern is Movement are two big, burley, bearded dudes, one behind some keyboards, the other behind a drumkit. The keyboards mix and match between Fender Rhodes and RPG-fairy-dust-twinkle-synth. And, for only two people, their sound is complex on this recording, as the songs are fleshed out with various string and horn arrangements. The melodies are slightly out there (in a good way), and dude's voice is great. Plus, this drummer is a rhythmic gargantuan. A spectacular surprise.
Top jams: "Bird," "Right Away," "Sea Captain," "Sound of Your Voice"


(8) Canopy Glow - Anathallo (Anticon)
Anathallo have ventured beyond Floating World's drama and fairy tales (which I loved) and are veering closer to the world of pop song. Canopy Glow still has traces of the drama (just listen to "The River," "Sleeping Torpor" and "Bells"), but all of the songs are much more about the grooves and textures instead of complex structures and the aspect of aural community. These changes are very much welcome ones to my ears. Floating World still rests deep inside of my heart, but I think Canopy Glow is the better album.
Top jams: "Noni's Field," "Northern Lights," "All the First Pages"


(7) Red, Yellow and Blue - Born Ruffians (Warp)
I see how Born Ruffians could be considered obnoxious, mainly due to the piercing, high pitched shout-sang vocals and all the clickity-clackity rim shots. However, these are things I really like about the band and their debut full length, Red, Yellow and Blue. Without them, they would be your run of the mill indie rock band who write pretty good songs. With them, they are a fascinatingly quirky band who somehow manage to be totally weird by using the most basic of rock band instrumentation (guitar, bass, drums), and also write really great songs. I have not stopped enjoying this since the beginning of the year.
Top jams: "Hummingbird," "Foxes Mate for Life," "In a Mirror"


(6) Heavy Meadows - Javelins (Suburban Sprawl)
With Heavy Meadows, Javelins have claimed the title as my favorite local band. Without question. This record is majestically mine. It jams with the artsy 80s, touches on The Sea and Cake, and is accentuated by some MBV. That the band is local and their record is on par with some of the real greats of the year is quite a feat, and makes me proud. I'm tellin' ya, I can feel a Javelins craze on the horizon. Just you wait.
Top jams: "Heavy Meadows," "The Pounding," "Roman Saints"


(5) You & Me - The Walkmen (Gigantic)
When I saw The Walkmen open for Spoon back in April, I knew their upcoming record was going to be nothing short of great. You & Me might have exceded most of my expectations (it's still up in the air if I can consider this my favorite album of theirs). What is missing is an all out jam of jams, like "We've Been Had" and "Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone" from the album of the same name, or "The Rat" and "Little House of Savages" from Bows & Arrows. "In the New Year" is the closest thing, which is a-ok, as it is an exceptional song. You & Me presents a spookier version of The Walkmen. They are floating around, indecisive, and they decided to create a really ALBUM album. This is the result, and what an album it is.
Top jams: "Donde Esta La Playa," "In the New Year," "I Lost You"


(4) Car Alarm - The Sea and Cake (Thrill Jockey)
Here is an album by The Sea and Cake. Car Alarm is exactly what I would expect as a follow-up to their 2007 masterpiece, Everybody. There are some similar elements between the two (pop sensibility, for one). In addition , there are some throwback moments, namely the blippity synth pattern on "Weekend," which hearkens back to The Fawn. The list goes on. All I'm saying, is THIS IS A RECORD BY THE SEA AND CAKE, whom I love with everything that is in me. I rest my case.
Top jams: "A Fuller Moon," "On a Letter," "Weekend," "Window Sills"


(3) Offend Maggie - Deerhoof (Kill Rock Stars)
I am slowly but surely getting to understand this Deerhoof band. It must be getting easier. Well, actually, I don't know about that, but at the very least, Offend Maggie has been the easiest album of theirs for me to fall for. Why? I think it's because underneath the unignorable vocals and other little weirdisms, two things that I really like are combined. They are 90s Chicago emo guitar chords and classic rock guitar sounds. A number of Offend Maggie's songs sound like The Who trying to play Cap'n Jazz or Joan of Arc songs. Seriously, I'm not even kidding. This is why it was easiest for me to get this album, and over time this understanding bloomed into immense admiration. I shiver and get the goosebumps when I think of the guitar playing and especially the drumming on these songs. What else has done that all year? Nothing.
Top jams: "Offend Maggie," "Family of Others," "Jagged Fruit"


(2) Water Curses EP - Animal Collective (Domino)
I know this is only an EP, but I HAD to include it, at such a high ranking, too. I believe, in my heart of hearts, that as of late December in 2008, Water Curses is the best thing Animal Collective has ever released. It only consists of four songs, all of which are gorgeous, awesomely strange in their own right, and most importantly, perfect. I need not explain any further.
Top jams: "Street Flash," "Cobwebs"


(1) Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (XL)
Here it is, my favorite record of 2008. Are you disappointed in me? Am I some kind of trendy hipster dolt? Noooo... Vampire Weekend and their self-titled nugget of awesome is just that great! I totally buy all the hype! It isn't quite perfect, but that is only because the first six songs make it so incredibly top heavy that it's not fair. The songs during the second half are not forgettable by any means, but paired up against the first half, it's no contest. This said, I cannot refute the evident greatness of an album that I have listened to so often. And this is the one. The album I spent the most time with, the album I loved and tended to and sang along with more than any other. It's seen me through the good and the bad, snowy snow and sunny sun. Thanks be to you rich, prep school, sweater wearing dudes, for you just fucking nailed it in 2008. I hope against hope that this is not the end of your brilliance. Please ring true!
Top jams: "Mansard Roof," "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa," "M79," "Campus"

2008 Year-End List #4: Favorite Albums #40-21

Finally, it starts: My 40 favorite albums of 2008. This year was shockingly good. 2007 was outstanding, and I was expecting barely anything great to come out this year. I was terribly wrong.

While several albums were released in 2007 that came to be potential life long classics, and I was completely confident in my top 20 list, this year there is so much more. Only one classic, but 19 other albums that I absolutely flipped out about, and 20 others that I simply loved or had a strong liking for.

Anyway, I'll stop rambling and begin with numbers 40 through 21.


(40) Sea Lion - The Ruby Suns (Sub Pop)
I did not spend nearly enough time with this record. I love the blatant calypso feel of the first three tracks and the sudden shift to synthier, more grandiose lo-fi pop. "Morning Sun" is truly bizarre.
Top jam: "Tane Mahuta"


(39) Fate - Dr. Dog (Park the Van)
My passion for this record has gone back and forth, and most recently I have not been as impressed with it as I was back in say, October. That's not to say I don't like it anymore or anything. It is obvious that these guys love The Beatles, and that's a good thing, duh. Nothing original, but still a nice, solid pop album.
Top jam: "The Rabbit, the Bat and the Reindeer"


(38) Chemical Chords - Stereolab (4AD)
Back in May my friend Anthony subjected me to Stereolab for the first time, and I was floored. I figured Chemical Chords would without question be a bone blower. I was sadly mistaken. I am most bummed about how the record is a little too cohesive: most of the songs run together in a sort of monotony. Fortunately there are some redeeming characteristics that still merit this at the 38th position on my list, namely the vintage analog love the band have given to these recordings and the Brian Wilson-esque arrangements.
Top jam: "Self Portrait With Electric Brain"


(37) I Was Raised on Matthew, Mark, Luke and Laura - Pas/Cal (Le Grand Magistery)
Truly a mind boggler on first listen, this came to be one of two entirely overwhelming-yet-good albums that were released this year. For one, most of the songs are too long (no song as poppy as any of these should be any longer than four minutes, and a lot of these are five). Secondly there is just way too much going on. Too many instruments and an overabundance of sections per song (in 2007, Field Music had mastered this within a three minute timeframe). In spite of all of this, I am still infatuated by how lush and complex these songs are, even after I just finished complaining about it. The songs are beautiful elaborations on piano-driven indie pop, and the band's skill level is top notch.
Top jams: "The Truth Behind All the Vogues She Sold," "Cherry Tree (Suite Cherry Pt. 2)"


(36) Something for All of Us - Brendan Canning (Arts & Crafts)
I believe the Broken Social Scene guys are losing it. To this day, You Forgot It in People is one of the greatest albums I've ever come across. The self-titled is a great follow-up and all, but in my opinion, is nowhere near as good. And, this extended break they're taking to record all these solo albums is getting tiresome. Kevin Drew's sounded more like YFIiP than Broken Social Scene did, but it was painfully long and masturbatory. With Something for All of Us, Brendan Canning has recaptured that energy that was the reason us fans originally loved BSS, but still, something just isn't right. Maybe it's too straightforward? I think that is the main issue here. There are good rock songs like "Churches Under the Stairs" and "Hit the Wall" (which is especially awesome), and a few pretty tracks, but what is missing is true inspiration. Still, it's music written and recorded by guys in Broken Social Scene, and I will continue to buy into that.
Top jam: "Hit the Wall"


(35) Phylactery Factory - White Hinterland (Dead Oceans)
This came out of nowhere. I don't even remember what initially peaked my interest, but Phylactery Factory was a welcome surprise. Some moments are reminiscent of Vince Guaraldi's piano work, and every song is aurally attractive. It's lengthy for a nine track album, and pretty much everything is a little too drawn out, but I can forgive that due to its simplistic beauty.
Top jams: "Dreaming of the Plum Trees," "Hometown Hooray," "A Beast Washed Ashore"


(34) The Devil, You + Me - The Notwist (Domino)
Nothing on The Notwist's long awaited return comes even close to touching anything on their magnificent Neon Golden. Originally I thought "Good Lies", which was the first track released, was a sure sign of good things to come, but The Devil, You + Me is a total snoozer. However, much like Phylactery Factory, the beauty found deep within was enough to sway me into digging it.
Top jam: "Gloomy Planets"


(33) Plunder, Beg, and Curse - Colour Revolt (Fat Possum)
Finally, Colour Revolt have backed up the promise of their self-titled debut EP, and it is a terrifying doozy. Within, one will find a bad ass three guitar attack, some great rhythmic decisions from a good drummer and some of the most intense and intimidating vocals of the year. All of this is spiced up with a taste of the south and some frightening fire 'n brimstone quandaries. It took me a while, but I get it. Now I have these guys to thank for instilling in me the fear of God yet again.
Top jams: "Moses of the South," "Swamp," "Ageless Everytime"


(32) Women - Women (Jagjaguwar)
I am confident that if I started listening to this record earlier than I had, it would be ranked at a higher position on this list. There are a few noise tracks that are barely tolerable, but "Cameras," "Black Rice" and "Group Transport Hall" are phenominal pop songs with some nasty, lo-fi production via Chad VanGaalen. "Shaking Hands" is a fantastic tribute to 90s midwest emo, which was the most pleasant surprise amongst several pleasant surprises.
Top jams: "Black Rice," "Group Transport Hall," "Shaking Hands"


(31) In Ghost Colours - Cut Copy (Modular/Interscope)
I don't consider In Ghost Colours so much of a dance album as a really fun, mostly electronic pop album. The first half consists of straightforward, almost mainstream radio pop songs. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as these are solid. The dancier tracks start trickling in during the second half, and there are some prize jewels. Sure, "Hearts on Fire" obviously is a great song, but "Far Away" and "Strangers in the Wind" are even better.
Top jams: "Far Away," "Strangers in the Wind"


(30) The Globe - The Silent Years (Defend/First Date)
I'm not entirely familiar with The Silent Years' debut album, but I can still tell that adding three members of Detroit's defunct Rescue as their base instrumentation was the best idea. The result is great pop songs, a plethora of intriguing textures and some mind-altering structural and rhythmic trickery. Throw in Radiohead's The Bends and even some Sunny Day Real Estate for good measure, and you have one of the best albums to come out of Detroit in recent memory. Two complaints that aren't crucial at all: there are no real standout cuts, and Josh Epstein's voice may be a little too good.
Top jams: "Ropes," "Goddamn You!," "The Axiom"


(29) April - Sun Kil Moon (Caldo Verde)
I was extremely weary at first when I found April's 11 tracks clocked in at almost 80 minutes. Miraculously, the songs seem to fly by in nowhere near that amount of time. I don't know how that works. I could see how this could be considered boring, but every song is gorgeous enough and Mark Kozelek's guitar playing great enough for no real dull moments, at least for this listener. And, in spite of the title, with every listen I can't help but reminisce about all my favorite fall memories, which always makes for a nice, bittersweet experience.
Top jams: "Moorestown," "Tonight in Bilbao"


(28) Swimming - French Kicks (Vagrant)
I have two issues with this, French Kicks' fourth full length. First off, I miss Doug Boehm's production work. The band recorded Swimming on their own, and the production is uneven, to say the least (and I'm not going to get into it). Secondly, they seem to be known as this bland and boring band (which I have always disagreed with), and I cannot deny that this is their most boring record. This said, it is still a French Kicks album, and it has most of the elements I anticipate from a typical French Kicks release, just done in a different way. The fact that most of the songs are so slow (boring) and the way everything sounds so distant puts a spin on their sound that caught me off guard. Unlike their past two records, Swimming was a grower, and when I finally got it, I really got it.
Top jams: "Abandon," "Over the World," "All Our Weekends," "Sex Tourists"


(27) Stars of Stage and Screen - The Pop Project (Suburban Sprawl)
Put simply, this is an awesome pop record. The band's name says it all. The Pop Project take different sub-genres of pop music and either fuse some together all in one track, or switch things around from song to song. "Secondary Players," "House of Books" and "You've Won the Lottery" are prime examples of the former, and "Coerce," "Another Kind of Love" and "Stand In" the latter. The geekiness put on display throughout is very charming, and what a bonus that all four members are absolute masters at their craft.
Top jams: "Never Got the Breaks," "The Longest Time," "House of Books," "You've Won the Lottery"


(26) Furr - Blitzen Trapper (Sub Pop)
Furr is not as zany or all over the place as last year's Wild Mountain Nation, and I think that's what makes this the better record. Blitzen Trapper's overall sound is still intact (backwoods country music mixed with your modern indie pop), but it is more contained and mature. It's missing a mega-jam like WMN's "Futures and Folly," but there are still some monumental peaks, and the album's consistency is a plus.
Top jams: "God + Suicide," "Saturday Nite"


(25) For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver (Jagjaguwar)
Yes, yes. I know Bon Iver blew Pitchfork's mind with this little record a year ago. I wasn't born under a rock. Lay off. Don't you know it was re-released by Jagjaguwar this year? That's when I finally decided to see what all the hype was about. It turns out For Emma, Forever Ago isn't stupid boring folk fluff like I was expecting. The songs are totally good, and this dude's voice is awesome. I don't usually get into the whole cabin-porch-in-the-woods production (of course Nick Drake nailed it on Pink Moon), and I know it's a folk mainstay, but it is what makes this record.
Top jams: "Lump Sum," "Skinny Love," "Re: Stacks"


(24) Soft Airplane - Chad VanGaalen (Sub Pop)
Soft Airplane is another album where more time spent with it would have led to it ranking higher on the list. There are some regrettable tracks like the maddening racket of "Frozen Energon" (and I think "TMNT Mask" is fairly obnoxious), but most everything else is pure gold. VanGaalen plays weird and inspiring bedroom pop, showcasing a balance between pure indie rock and expansive folk music. Soft Airplane also completed the task of forcing me to pay attention to the lyrics (which so rarely happens), which encourage the listener to use their imagination, yet still exhibit mesmerizing visuals. A lot of the words are eerie, morbid, violent and extremely fascinating. About a month ago I saw a video for "Molten Light," which is probably the most morose song, musically and lyrically, and it forever creeped me the fuck out.
Top jams: "Willow Tree," "Inside the Molecules," "Molten Light," "City of Electric Light"


(23) Your Anchor - Lackthereof (Barsuk)
Lackthereof is the side project of Menomena's Danny Seim. I have this to say about his 2008 record, Your Anchor: I like it a lot more than I did his band's critically acclaimed 2007 release, Friend & Foe. I'm not exactly sure how, or why. Your Anchor lacks variety, and it is an incredibly sparse record; there is not much going on. There is just some inexplicable charm about it. I know I like these songs better than Friend & Foe's (which I also thought lacked variety, in a way). The drumming and the lo-fi production sound good. There is a cover of The National's "Fake Empires," and it's kind of shitty (and also too soon). I just don't know what to say. I really enjoyed this quirky pop record that doesn't really have much to offer, and I can't clarify why. Sorry.
Top jams: "Chest Pass," "Last November"


(22) In Ear Park - Department of Eagles (4AD)
I was really excited about In Ear Park the first few times I heard it, then it struck me: "Wait just a minute, this is tiresome." I took a break from it, and came back again fairly recently, and changed my mind again. I mean, it's a little sluggish, but completely original. A lot of the songs are set to this beautiful fantasy world mood, and are a bit wintery, which is very cool. These are olde towne songs. Whatever that means. Lastly, three of the guys who played on the record are in Grizzly Bear (one of which is a real member of Department of Eagles), so in all honesty, this really just sounds like an in-between Grizzly Bear album. Obviously, I am fine with this.
Top jams: "Teenagers," "Floating on the Lehigh"


(21) The Week That Was - The Week That Was (Memphis Industries)
My boys, the brothers Brewis, have supposedly all but killed Field Music (the band who recorded and released my second favorite album of 2007). I am still disheartened, but this year they have been trying to make up for it by splitting in two and recording separate projects. Peter's The Week That Was proves that he was Field Music's Paul McCartney, while David is maybe John Lennon. His self-titled debut (featuring friends, like HIS BROTHER AND EX-BANDMATE DAVID) is a much more straight and narrow affair than FM, and highlights the lush string arrangements and pop simplicity he offered his old band (the simplicity only slightly). What's interesting about the album is that about half of it brings to mind pop acts like The Beatles and later XTC, while the rest sounds like pieces to an original film score (not a specific one). Like I said in my top 20 songs of 2008 list, as long as Peter is writing songs like "The Airport Line," (and also as long as the Brewis bros. are creating music in some capacity), I think I can cope. It's just not the same.
Top jams: "The Story Waits for No One," "The Airport Line," "Come Home"