by the QC staff
What is the light of 2008? What a funny question to ask considering that all of us have lived dynamic and complicated years. Regardless, we’ve assembled a list of defining tracks and articles of culture that kept the QC collective sane in ‘08.
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Human definitions of time and space can’t cut a satisfactory slice of what life is. Nor do they beckon the question whether or not our individual states of living feel as they should. Life is organic, spontaneous, fuckin’ Live, in color, real, and random. When your head is right, appreciating others is easy and strange customs seem pleasing. It’s a simple sign. Being nice and open is a good thing. Being elitist and closed is devil music. Are you a dick or a progressive human being? Decide now before you ruin our January..
Grab the entire playlist in this zip: The Definitive Tracks of ‘08 zip
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ALBUM: Women by Women
Post punk with a math rock childhood, Women’s debut album, produced by Chad VanGaalan, is concise yet sprawling, messy yet specific, with moving parts and concrete foundations. It’s lo-fi production comes off as an inspired ecoutrement to first-class songwriting, like staining a fake map with tea and burning it’s edges in order to make it look vintage. My 2008 has been a trip on that map, with ups and downs, sirens and cyclopses i’ve had to duck and dodge, and this album has been with me the entire way.
SONG: Waking Up Drunk by Titus Andronicus
I could have picked any number of singles that grooved me, but this Dayrotter Session cut, a cover of a song by Spider Bag, hits me in the gut. In a year that found me happy, sad, depressed, and elated, sometimes within hours of each other, this song never failed to put a smile on my face.
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LIVE SHOW: The Muslims @ My Basement
Though they recently changed their name to The Soft Pack, The Muslims still fly their planes of post punk into the world trades centers of my heart. That was kind of racist, but I meant it ironically so it’s cool. I saw them a bunch of times this year, But the best show I saw them play was to 15 people and an angry neighbor in my basement. Pure, raw, unhinged, close, sweaty, and beautiful, just the way it should be.
WILDCARD ITEM – BROADWAY: August, Osage County by Tracy Letts
Technically, this play debuted in Chicago in 2007, but by the time I saw it in New York, it was 2008. Broadway has become a mecca for nazi-capitalist-pigs the Di$ney Corporation, spewing forth their Little Mermaids and Mary Poppinses; Either that, or remakes of movies beaten and crippled into the form of disgusting, fluffy musicals with no message or impact on society. Thank god for August, Osage County. Written by Tracy Letts, who wrote the amazing Bug, and shipped over from Chicago’s landmark Steppenwolf Theatre Company, August is a breath of fresh air. A modern day Eugene O’Neil-style family tragedy full of pathos and humor, incredible performances and spot-on direction. It’s three hours that fly by in an instant, yet seem to live on forever. A triumph of the theatre
ALBUM: Who Killed Harry Houdini by I’m From Barcelona
From start to finish, nothing felt better than Who Killed Harry Houdini. It was an album about close calls, brief contact with fate, and moments of calm. I came to seriously respect Emanuel Lundgren’s song writing skills and then a bunch of fools tried to cover “Music Killed Me” and couldn’t make it better. Case and point suckas.
SONG: ME-I by TV on the Radio
And this is when I realized that I didn’t know shit about music. My favorite songs of the year were undiscovered classics. I “technically” run a music website but had never spent the time to listen to Ok Calculator by TVOTR. That shit saved my life or more realistically three months of it.. “Where I can dream.. where i can dream.. where i can dream..”
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LIVE SHOW: Regina Spektor @ Mccarren Pool
Wow I would’ve never guessed that a Mccarren show would be my tops but it’s Regina so it makes alot of sense. Other than Radiohead, few performers have the ability to wrap their audience in a cosmic and mesmorizing blanket of music. Regina shows do that for me and so much more. You’ll get it when you get there.
WILDCARD ITEM - Hot Girl Guardian Angels & the Miami Art Scene
I’ve been blessed the past few months to cross paths with incredibly encouraging and compassionate friends who have guided me beautifully. Life is long so I’m thankful to have people there when I’m tripped up.. Working in unison with that new energy is the waves of contemporary art that I swam in during my time in the real M.I.A. – Art Basel is but one celebration of the incredible contemporary art output that happens on the regular in steamy Miami.
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ALBUM: The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Upon its subtly ironic November 4th Arrival, Q-Tip’s, The Renaissance pleased the ears and settled the minds of countless listeners. Being a huge A Tribe Called Quest fan it was one of my most memorable 2008 moments to finally be at ease with the realization that Q-Tip has found his niche and effectively expressed his abstract genius via a solo career. This much needed album is nothing but genuine and exceptional hip-hop. It was by my side through too much for me to not give it such credit.
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SONG: Flesh Colored Canvas by Dead Confederate
Flesh Colored Canvas off of Dead Confederate’s album Wrecking Ball is my choice for favorite song of the year. This twelve minute chilling track never fails to inspire me in a different way each time I hear it.
LIVE SHOW: MURS @ The Bowery Ballroom
Live show of the Year: In October MURS paraded into The Bowery Ballroom with more energy than I thought a single person could obtain; definitely my favorite show of 08′.
WILDCARD ITEM – ENCOUNTER: William O’Connell
This year I was lucky enough to meet an interesting man with an interesting story. This college professor, William O’Connell, spent a summer living amongst the homeless of Venice Beach, CA and has published a book entitled Homeless in Paradise, based on his experiences. (Hopefully soon I will be able to rummage up an interview with the author).
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This isn’t an easy thing to do. In typical fashion, I’m going to write not what’s asked of me, but rather how I think the question should be answered. Cause I’m a dick like that.
ALBUM: Only By The Night by Kings of Leon
I think I’m going to have to throw in equal parts Kings Of Leon and Passion Pit. With a side of Attack and Release, by the Black Keys. With a dash of Vampire Weekend’s self titled. Okay, enough silly cooking analogies. Only By The Night by KOL truly rocked my world. Embodying everything that a rock album should be, track after track was as solid and hotly intense.The hooks, the melodies, the electric static and guitar riffs. “Crawl” can instantly wake you and remind you just how good these guys really are. And even though PP’s Chunk of Change was just a 5 song EP, there’s no denying it’s genius. Every song is original and spirited and adrenalized as all hell. If this is a precursor of what’s to come, get excited. VW’s self titled album is simply great. I can’t say there’s a song in there that I’m not into. “Oxford Comma” and “The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance” make the album worth it on their own.
SONG: Multiple
As far as songs go, there were a couple that made the days of 2008 substantially more enjoyable. “Keep Yourself Warm” by Frightened Rabbit still makes me feel something profoundly torturous every time I hear it. It’s raw, it’s hopelessly genuine. “You won’t find love in a, won’t find love in a hole. It takes more than fucking someone to keep yourself warm” are some of the most starkly poignant lyrics I’ve heard in a long while. Gnarles Barkley’s “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul Now?” is a song that’s equally heart-rending. Freaking jazz funk tears of joy. The Odd Couple in general is a work of art, but that song in particular is a bluesy throwback that deserves a shot at being song of the year. “Golden Age” by TVOTR has to be in the top 3 songs of ‘08. The beats, the synths, the electric bass line that can’t help but thrust itself into the middle of the party – this song fucking rocked my year, no doubt.
WILDCARD – BOOK: A Man Without A Country by Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut’s most recent book was published in 2005 (at 82!), but I was only able to get my hands on it this past summer. It’s one of my favorites, to date. A Man Without A Country is definitely a lighter version of the Vonnegut most of us know, but in no way is that a bad thing. Quite the opposite actually. Reading it on my front porch, the late July sun setting over the Hudson, I was happy to have this version of Vonnegut. Feeling somewhat stuck in the “what do I do now” phase of my life, through laughs and wisdom, ol’ Kurt jolted me into realizing that it was all going to be okay. I’ve since torn out and displayed the page that reads,”What is it, what can it possibly be about blow jobs and golf?” – Martian Visitor. Guy’s still fucking hilarious in his 80’s. It was a hopeful book, to say the least. Go buy it.
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ALBUM: Conor Oberst by Conor Oberst
This cd makes me think of the times of 2008 when I was happiest. It reminds me of summer nights, driving with the windows down, dancing on lawns, and debates in my living room. “Get-Well Cards” makes me think of the time my roommate and I collaged the walls of our dorm room, and “Moab” takes me back to road trips I couldn’t afford and the feelings of promise I never wanted to forget. “Sausalito” represents new friends, “Souled Out!!!” represents old friends, and “Milk Thistle” represents times alone, when I didn’t need friends to know where my place was in this crazy world. I’m sure I could’ve found an album that was more fitting towards this year as a whole, but when it comes down to it, why remember the times you’d rather forget? I’d rather live the good times through this album, and be defined by the moments of 2008 where I felt the most alive.
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SONG: Turpentine by Brandi Carlile
Not only is this one of the most beautiful and honest songs I’ve ever heard, but it has one of the most important lines: “I’m warning you, we’re growing up.” I think this was the year I finally understood exactly what that meant.
WILDCARD – BOOK: A Freewheelin’ Time: A Memoir of Greenwich Village in the Sixties by Suze Rotolo
I’ve never been a die-hard Dylan fan. I actually only bought this book because I wanted to learn more about bohemian America in the 60’s and the roots of folk music. By the time I finished reading, not only did I want to have in depth conversations with Rotolo about how I could make my life as cool as hers, but my Dylan collection seriously increased.
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ALBUM: For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver
It was hard trying to choose between Bon Iver and Fleet Floxes as album of the year. But after seeing Bon Iver perform live I have to go with For Emma, Forever Ago. Justin’s voice makes you feel as though he means every word he sings, whether on record or in person. The subtle instrumentation really helps the lyrics stand out, making me analyze them more than any other aspect of the music. The entire album is compelling, unfeigned, and speaks to me as if I’m the only one listening.
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SONG: Another World by Antony and the Johnsons
As soon as i sat down and spun this record, i knew it’d be sad. But with Antony and the johnsons it’s not just sad. It’s angelic, gut-wrenching, and it gets under your skin whether you want it to or not. Another World perfectly shows how Antony And The Johnsons have maintained their own sound without sacrificing quality. On the track, Antony sings, “I need another world.This one’s nearly gone.” There’s no escaping his words. They are delicately permanant and aggressively beautiful.
WILDCARD – FILM: WALL-E
Maybe it’s silly of me to pick this, but I was amazed with this movie. I didn’t read much about it, but after seeing it, I was just shocked at how perfect of a film was…even moreso for being animated. The visual aspects of the film are extraordinary. On the surface, the film looks lighthearted but the plot and storyline deal with serious topics in which both kids and adults are effected by. Wall-e succeeds in not only pleasing moviegoers of all ages, but also making the audience realize that it’s not just another Disney Pixar film.
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ALBUM: Only By The Night by Kings of Leon
My favorite album this year was Kings of Leon’s Only By The Night. From first song to last I couldn’t get this album out of my head. The album also coincides with my favorite live show: I photographed and reviewed their killer set at Webster Hall the day of the album’s release. This album set a new standard by which I judged all other albums this year.
SONG: I Will Possess Your Heart by Death Cab for Cutie
This song captivated my heart before Ben Gibbards lyrics even started. Almost 5 minutes of beautifully orchestrated instrumentals intro the song that then tells an all too familiar story of unrequited love.
LIVE SHOW: Kings of Leon @ Webster Hall
Best Live Show: Kings of Leon (see above). Best Live Show Runner Up: Connor Oberst and Ben Kweller at Terminal 5. The amount of fun these two performers had playing to a wild NYC crowd was both infectious and inspiring.
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WILDCARD – GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES: Y: The Last Man
This long running series sadly came to an end this year. The story follows the adventures of Yorick Brown and his pet monkey, Ampersand. They are the only surviving males in a world in which a mysterious plague has killed off everything on the planet with a Y chromosome. The sci-fi and action elements are smart and realistic, the humor is consistently funny, and the romance, drama, and tears are all thoughtful and feel just right. It’s no wonder that the TV show Lost, enlisted Vaughn as a writer, producer, and script supervisor. Since a movie release is inevitable, you better read it now, before everyone you know starts talking about Yorick Brown.
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ALBUM: Evil Urge by My Morning Jacket
When thinking about the album that defined my 2008, it was a fairly easy choice. What album more so than any other really got me into that band? Got me to listen to their back catalog? What album from 2008 do I see myself listening to far beyond, well, 2008? Well, the same album I picked at the half-way point of the year, Evil Urges by My Morning Jacket. It’s just that good. It’s a record that knows no boundaries; a record that takes you into different dimensions, sonically. From southern rock-n- roll to new wave to psychedelic -country, trust me when I tell you this, Evil Urges gets better after each listen. Hell, it makes me feel cool just listening to it. It’s just that kind of album. One in which you discover something new after each listen Every song has character- a different sound, taking you to a different place. Standout tracks: Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pts 1 & 2, Smokin’ From Shootin & Librarian.
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SONG: Sympathetic Noose by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Although the song is off their 2005 album, the enormously underrated Howl, “Sympathetic Noose” was new to me in 2008 and was probably the song I listened to most frequently this year. Simply put, it’s a beautifully written song with one of the best guitar riffs and choruses I’ve ever heard in a song.
LIVE SHOW: My Morning Jacket @ Festival Pier – Philly
My first time seeing this band. They had no opening act and I missed half the show and still saw them play the best show of the year for over 90 minutes… in pouring rain.
WILDCARD – BOOK: This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin
I don’t read many books and I certainly don’t write about books on QC, but I was very intrigued when I saw this one on a shelf at Barnes & Noble a few months ago and it did not disappoint. “This is Your Brain on Music” is a scientific look into why music affects us so deeply. Specifically, Daniel Levitin studies cognitive neuroscience: mental processes and their related behaviors. The book digs into the real science of music– the psychology of why we listen to the types of music we listen to; why we create the music we create and why we become attached and sometimes have physical reactions to these songs.
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ALBUM: Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust by Sigur Ros
2008 was a year of stride and discovery. My music afficiando neighbor in Park Slope Brooklyn brought Sigur Ros to my attention, word of mouth. Shortly after, Sigur Ros was mentioned online and in magazines. Awareness led to discovery. You can run, work or play to this album. Discovery helps you keep the pace, keep in motion, and stride with strength.
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SONG: Criminal by The Roots feat. Truck North and Saigon
Turtle from Entourage discovered Saigon. I believe that.
LIVE SHOW: Ola Podrida @ Pete’s Candy Store – Brooklyn
WILDCARD – STYLE: Gladiator Inspired Peep Toe Pumps
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Glam went punk in 2008, in case anyone forgot that fashionista divas can kick your ass. |
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ALBUM: Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
My favorite album of 2008 is Vampire Weekend. I love when bands incorporate different genres into their music and use unconventional instruments. “A-Punk” makes flutes cool again and “M79″ has really unique string arrangements. Plus, lead singer Ezra Koenig sounds like Buddy Holly and the band makes great music videos. Anyone who thought these guys were just a buzz band was wrong. Vampire Weekend is a solid group with informed lyrics and a true understanding of music’s past and present. If you haven’t checked them out already, get out from the rock you’ve been living under and give them a listen.
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SONG: Multiple
Hrmmmmmmmmm.. defining track of the year, you say? I have two: “Gamma Ray” by Beck. Modern Guilt is a SOLID album and I love how Beck always sounds fresh; and “Kids” by MGMT. It’s so catchy. So fun. Exactly what music should be! One side note: I always have a “favorite song of the moment.” It changes every two or three weeks but right now it’s “Single Ladies” by Beyonce. loooove! “All the single ladies… all the singles ladies…” man. So good!
WILDCARD ITEM – FESTIVAL: Summerlicious
Summerlicious is a festival in Toronto that runs every summer. You can go to the most expensive restaurants in the city and get a full meal for like $30. I went to a bunch of restos.. probably more than I could afford.
ALBUM: Oracular Spectacular by MGMT
I have to give honorable mention to Secret Machines (Secret Machines), STS9 (Peaceblaster), The Black Keys (Attack and Release), Vampire Weekend (Vampire Weekend), Lotus (Hammerstrike), and The Raconteurs (Consolers of the Lonely). But the album that turned up the most on my radar throughout the year (and on my playlists) was Oracular Spectacular by MGMT. Perhaps it was just because there was something about this album that was just…. new. It was a refreshing dose of hip, with a big, cool sound, and some great tracks for dancin’! This also inspired me to download their 2005 “Time to Pretend” EP, which features a much cooler version of “Kids”. MGMT seems to have made a number of “Best of ‘08″ lists, and with good reason. They more or less came out of nowhere, and are now… everywhere. For some added entertainment, check out this OLD video of them covering the Talking Heads’ “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)”. Good stuff.
SONG: Time to Pretend by MGMT
I discovered – Hmm. That’s a tough one. I’d have to say “Time to Pretend” by MGMT would best define 2008 for me, musically. Great song, hear it everywhere, and can’t seem to get sick of it. Great mission statement for anyone in a band.
BEST LIVE SHOW: The Secret Machines @ Rothbury
This is a tough one, because I wasn’t able to get to very many shows I wanted to see because I was on the road with some lame band, but The Secret Machines at Rothbury were quite a highlite. I’ve been trying to catch them for several years, and literally had to set an alarm to get up early enough to see them… but totally worth it. They were awesome and spacey and LOUD and awesome. Also, Lotus at the Trinumeral Music and arts fest in Asheville, NC. Fantastic live show… they have gained a huge reputation in 2008.
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WILDCARD ITEM- FESTIVAL: Rothbury Festival
Rothbury Festival , in Rothbury, MI. This was a festival in it’s first year, and MAN…. they got it right. It was such a pleasure to be at this event. From having the most stellar artist lineup I’ve ever seen, to really creating a unique atmosphere that made you forget there was a real world just a few miles away, they couldn’t have done it better. Keeping my fingers crossed for ‘09.
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ALBUM: Consolers of the Lonely by The Raconteurs
An underrated offering from Jack White & Co. carried me through 2008: The Raconteurs’ “Consolers of the Lonely” is rock & roll in the purest American tradition, drawing from blues, soul and punk in its set of 14 tracks, all as eclectic as they are hard-driving. It’s loose and tight at once, a testament to White, Benson et al. growing more comfortable as a group and tightening as a band. Their product isn’t just an improvement on their debut, it’s a stronger album than the White Stripes’ last two. The closers, “These Stones Will Shout” and “Carolina Drama,” pack a one-two that had me dropping the needle in for another spin every time.
SONG: Everything That Happens by David Byrne and Brian Eno
David Byrne and Brian Eno’s Everything That Happens Will Happen Today is an album perhaps most notable for its accessibility, and its first single “Strange Overtones” is probably the catchiest song about writing a song, ever written. Given the abstract sensibilities of Byrne and Eno, it’s a small miracle that such a perfect pop tune came out of their new collaboration. This one’s just impossible to deny. Even my dog likes it.
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WILDCARD ITEM- FILM: WALL-E
I gotta go with John on this one. The fact that WALL-E is a film made for children is one that will likely be lost in time, as it goes down in history as one of the most original and affecting cinematic visions of Armageddon ever presented. From the indelible opening images of an abandoned earth (grim even for a film designed for those over eight,) to the horrifically-pristine space station Axiom, WALL-E carried the strongest and most cohesive message of empowerment and freedom of choice of any film to yet emerge from the Bush 2 years, on top of being visually astonishing, and – oh yes – completely fucking hilarious. WALL-E isn’t just the movie of the year, it’s the movie of 2008.
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ALBUM: New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War) by Erykah Badu
New Amerykah just makes so much sense as the follow-up to Worldwide Underground. No matter how many times I listen to it I still crave this album. Maybe I’m biased though, I love this woman so much that I waited by myself in a line as long as an entire city block to see her perform! Check out the track, The Healer.
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SONG: Paper Planes by M.I.A.
Already an “old classic” this song is hot fiyah. M.I.A. don’t play!
BEST LIVE SHOW: Roy Ayers @ Blue Note
Roy Ayers is funky and smooth and beautiful! This one is in the top ranks of all shows. Check out his cover of We Live in Brooklyn, Baby. “We live in Brooklyn, baby, We tryin’ to make it, baby!”
WILDCARD ITEM: Cheetah Reeboks
My cheetah print Reeboks. They give me super powers.
ALBUM: The Kills - Midnight Boom
With my blood thumping I made a mockery of a few of my fears. I went a little crazy because I got bored being sane. I showed my shark tipped teeth and said farewell to several black balloons. That’s my 08′ and that’s what this album brings, in spades. “Running into trouble, running into trouble. You got heavenly eyes, a thousand highs. Always on a mission; it’s not lovin’, it’s not kissin’. It’s the heavenly ride. You still got wheels, kid.”
SONG: The Kills – Alphabet Pony
“I cancel Sunday. Cancel Monday. Don’t look at me. I’ve been running on a note tomorrow, roadie great speed. N-n-n-need a punch, a pop, a bang, a different song. Like a nice new pope needs a mean straight dog.”
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BEST LIVE SHOW: Blind Faith at MSG
Old school Winwood and Clapton. CAPACHOW
WILDCARD ITEM – BOOK: Moo-Cow Fan Club – Sword of the Ramurai
The cow rules man! Rock it with Samurai warriors on the eve of battle with the coolest gang of children’s characters this galaxy’s got. That Ramses knows how to rage.
6 Comments
Y: The Last Man is straight dope.
Dope post.. Nice playlist
oooh .. I like how my picture is right beside Beck’s in the banner-thing you made.
We’d make a hot couple, huh?
:D
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