21. The Week That Was – S/T

Peter Brewis has always done interesting things with his band Field Music, but the leap forward he takes on this new project makes his other band pale in comparison. This group of 8 tracks from his project The Week That Was, which also features his brother David, and several others (TWTW is a 9 piece band) pushing the pop music envelope.

The Week That Was – Scratch The Surface

20. Deerhunter - Microcastle

I’m late to the Deerhunter party, but this album was an undeniable gem. While I have felt annoyed at times by their previous stuff, the early Sonic Youth qualities of this album and the absolute jam that is “Nothing Ever Happened” help it just make my list.

19. Lightspeed Champion – Falling Off the Lavender Bridge

Who knew anything this great could come out of Test Icicles, Devonte Hynes previous band. Dev has the vocal chords of an opera singer and looks like a video game junkie but manages to find a great balance on this debut solo album.

18. Blitzen Trapper – Furr

Somewhere in the great USA, Neil Young and Crazy Horse are jealous, because Blitzen Trapper just made an album that any southern rocker should be envious of. Their sophomore album brings them to full on roots rock status and I like it.

17. Hot Chip – Made In The Dark

The crown for best electro dance pop band was up for grabs in 2008 and no surprise Hot Chip are the champs. It is really not just a couple great tunes, but a collection of dance party hits. And you know I love the hits.

16. The Last Shadow Puppets – My Mistakes Were Made For You

Alex Turner(Arctic Monkeys) and Miles Kane (The Rascals) don’t consider The Last Shadow Puppets anything more than a side venture at this point, but for my money, this album is as good as anything their main projects have released.

15. Beck – Modern Guilt

It’s not that I did not like The Information, but its more like I wish Beck had made an album more like this at that time. It took some help from Danger Mouse behind the decks, but Modern Guilt lives up to the hype and shows Beck is still at the top of his game.

14. Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – S/T

Young, unpolished and unproven are all things that describe MBAR. Another description could be brilliant as his debut (which was released thanks to Kyp Malone of TVOTR and Chris Bear of Grizzly Bear) continues to leave me wanting more. His Dylanesque croon and heartfelt lyrics remind me why I love folk singers.

13. Thao Nguyen – We Brave Bee Stings And All

I heard this record in January and knew it would land on my top 20 at the end of the year. Thao Ngyuen made an album that veteran contemporaries like Cat Power and Jenny Lewis should have made.

Thao Nguyen – Beat

12. The Notwist – The Devil, You + Me

It seems like forever since Neon Golden, the 2002 album from this German group and lots of times that leaves expectations unreasonably high. However, this slow burner of an album kept me interested and will stand the test of time.

11. Horse Feathers – House With No Home

The Portland duo’s KRS debut and second album overall came out of nowhere in 2008. The hushed tones of Justin Ringle vocal over the delicate instrumention and strings of his band and these songs makes for an amazing listen in the morning, and even better listen on vinyl.

Horse Feathers – Curs In The Weeds

10. The Dears – Missiles

This album had everything you could ask for if you wanted failure. A band in turmoil, the 3rd label in as many albums, and the sounds of their Brit-pop past withering. The result? My favorite Dears album to date, with 4 opening songs that might be the best out of the gate on this list.

9. The Walkmen – You & Me

After two listens to You & Me, I wondered what was wrong with me because I did not get it. For some reason I gave it two more passes and it just clicked. The batch of slow burning achy ballads makes it the best Walkmen album since their debut.

8. Elbow – The Seldom Seen Kid

Elbow usually comes across as a ‘singles’ band for me, which is fine, but The Seldom Seen Kid had way more staying power. The sheer beauty of songs like “Mirrorball” and “Someday Like This” combined with the foot stomping gem that is “Grounds For Divorce” make this a solid top 10 choice.

7. Sigur Ros – Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust

Their most upbeat and accessible album to date was the perfect progression for an already incredible band. The more upbeat stuff was great the long atmospheric side of the band was present as well on such epic tunes as “Festival”, which clocks in at a very Sigur Rosish 8 minutes plus.

6. M83 – Saturdays = Youth

Not at all what I was expecting form Anthony Gonzalez as he released an album so thick with 1980s nostalgia (album cover included) and I felt like part of the Breakfast Club after listening.

5. Fleet Foxes – S/T

For those My Morning Jacket fans that felt the band stepped away from their beginnings, Fleet Foxes was there to provide the appropriate safety net. Their soft and nearly flawless harmonies were an obvious winner for me and loads of others this year. Don’t be turned off by the massive amount of lists you see this album on this year, it’s warranted.

4. Bon Iver – For Emma Forever Ago

Getting an official release this year makes it a no-brainer to give Justin Vernon top 5 billing in 2008. I just cannot stop listening to this record, no matter how hard I try to. For Emma is almost too simple at first but builds into a briliant piece of music from start to finish.

3. My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges

Count me as one of the early MMJ fans that stayed on board for this record which saw Jim James discovering his inner Prince. The full progression which we saw half of on Z was realized on Evil Urges and it made for an excellent all around album. I even loved tunes like “Highly Suspicious”, which raised lots of eyebrows.

2. Foals – Antidotes

Best debut album of the year and nearly the best album overall came from Foals, whos Sub Pop debut Antidotes caught me right away. However it was their energetic live show that put things over the top for me, as they took an early day side stage at Lollapalooza and turned it into an absolute party.

1. TV On The Radio – Dear Science

This will end up on the top of several top albums list this year and justifiably so, TV On The Radio have a sound that right now nobody can match and this album took me from casual fan to dedicated. The songs that are excellent are so many its hard to mention just a few, but “Golden Age” does it for me every time.

Each year, I do a best albums listing that is fairly comprehensive, and I am still working on this years version. However, I also like to do a best of EP’s post, since I generally do not include any in the albums listing. So here it is, my favorite 5 EP’s from 2008.

Air France – No Way Down EP
I really loved this chilled out electronica from Swedens Air France. The sounds at times reminded me of the more low key moments on M83′s Dead Cities… album from a few years back. “Collapsing At Your Doorstep” is a song I could put on repeat all day and not get tired of.

Dirty On Purpose – Like Bees
Dirty On Purpose released a great EP back at the start of 2008, which was the first of 2 EPs in 08′ for the Brooklyn band. Little did I know that they would be parting ways as the year finished up. Even so, this release stands up as what might be my favorite from the band, which says alot.

Grizzly Bear – Friend EP
2008 was the year I really fell for Grizzly Bear (even though this EP was released in 2007.) I know, I know, I’m really late to the party, but this EP was a primer for me and I’m thankful I dove into everything else afterwards. In addition to some great covers from other bands like Band Of Horses and CSS on this EP, the cover of “He Hit Me” is haunting and brilliant.

Joseph Arthur – Could We Survive
Say what you will about Joseph Arthur, who not only released a full length album this year, but 4, count em 4 EP’s as well. Prolific? No, that is what we say about Ryan Adams and Robert Pollard. Arthur is in a league of his own. Could We Survive was the first of the 4 EPs this year, and easily my favorite.

The Bloodsugars – BQEP
Brooklyn’s The Bloodsugars came out of nowhere for me this year, and released an excellent debut EP. This very talented group is just on the cusp of some really great stuff, and this debut is the evidence.

The Decemberists – Always A Bridesmaid Singles
I’m putting these three together and calling it an EP. Some really excellent tunes from the Portland band on all three of these “singles” have me very excited for their new album, which is due out in the spring.

List week rolls on today with some great lists from our contributors. Each Note Secure got some great contributions this week from a handful of people, and a couple of those folks have been kind enough to provide their favorite albums of 2008 below. Enjoy!

***Dave’s Top 10 Albums of 2008

1. My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges

Jim James and company release their most diverse, eclectic bunch of songs yet, and are rewarded by having their best year, in terms of their ever-growing, cult fanbase and a spot at Madison Square Garden on New Year’s Eve. Wait, did I just say that? MMJ at MSG? On New Year’s? Wow.

2. TV on the Radio – Dear Science

A perfectly crafted, artful update of the funk and soul music that artists were so adept at creating in the late 70s, done right by a group of modern-day, Brooklyn-based musicians. At this point, TV on the Radio truly carries the torch for modern musical exploration and innovation.

3. The War on Drugs – Wagonwheel Blues

My favorite debut of the year comes not from Fleet Foxes or Vampire Weekend (both great in their own right), but this Philadelphia group. In a year where the influence of Dylan exploded onto the indie-scene, Wagonwheel Blues was the best combination of his Americana with grand musical soundscapes.

4. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive

The Hold Steady produced another fist-pumping, beer-drinking collection of anthems. They truly have evolved into America’s new E Street Band, and with that elite company, how could these guys go wrong?

5. Girl Talk – Feed The Animals

Everyone’s favorite party-starter offered a follow-up as phenomenal as his breakout. Pushing legal boundaries like no other artist, Gillis has created a second masterpiece of perfectly mashed popular music.

6. Blitzen Trapper – Furr

The second of three Dylan revivalists in my Top 10, Blitzen Trapper’s Furr has flown unfortunately under the radar this year, but certainly was one of my most played records of the Fall. Adding eccentric quirks and curveballs to traditional folk music, this band deserves a much wider audience than the one to which they’re accustomed.

7. Portishead – Third

The much-heralded return of this British trio saw a musical leap forward, as the trip-hop days of the late 90s are now behind them. Beth Gibbons vocals are as haunting and gorgeous as they were a decade ago, and Geoff Barrow and Adrian Utley continue to push music to new heights and in directions we have yet to realize.

8. The Walkmen – You & Me

On You & Me, The Walkmen have grown completely comfortable with the space they occupy in the modern musical landscape. Hamilton Leithauser’s guttural vocals shine like never before established on record. This record was the grower of the year for me, with every repeated listen unfolding a new nuance or complexity.

9. Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer

This is no Apologies to the Queen Mary, but At Mount Zoomer stands on its own as a wonderful piece of musical affluence. While not as cohesive as their past work, both Boeckner and Krug have grown more confident in their songwriting abilities, making this anything but a letdown of a sophomore effort.

10. Beck – Modern Guilt

After a slight misstep with 2006′s The Information, Beck reached out to Danger Mouse to co-produce this year’s experimental effort, with fantastic results. Underpinning influences of British psychedelia flow through the album, in no small part due to Danger Mouse’s British obsession, and Beck creates songs that fit perfectly into that format.

***Caitlin’s Top 10 Albums of 2008 (in no particular order)

Peter Adams – I Woke With Planets In My Face

Planets is a lush, beautiful album that channels the organic simplicity of Neutral Milk Hotel with the Eastern European sounds of Beirut. The only drawback to listening to the album may be the overwhelming jealousy when I remember that Peter single-handedly recorded every instrument on the album.

The Dodos – Visiter

I think I was drawn to this album after I heard “Fools” because it sounded like something off Animal Collective’s album, Sung Tongs. The rest of the album is equally interesting.. My favorite song changes every time I listen to the album (right now, I’m stuck on “Walking”).

Sigur Rós – Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust

A friend told me that the only time he ever cried listening to music was when he saw Sigur Rós live. As a firm believer in the philosophy that anything Sigur Rós creates is aural perfection, I think I just nodded empathetically.

Ra Ra Riot – The Rhumb Line

Ra Ra Riot’s allure is in a combination of elements that separate them from the other indie buzz bands: the fusion of chamber pop (the band includes a cellist and violinist) and indie, their endless energy at live shows, and Wes Miles’ distinctive voice.
On a side note, I think I was humming “Too Too Too Fast” for a straight month.

Pomegranates – Everything Is Alive

Pomegranates’ full-length debut put the band in the spotlight they deserve. Their spastic energy from the Two Eyes EP is focused into a shoegaze-tinged indie pop album that reaffirms my confidence in the Cincinnati music scene.

M83 – Saturdays=Youth

If Ladytron recorded the soundtrack to a John Hughes film, it would most likely sound like Saturdays=Youth. It’s a major shift from M83’s previous albums, yet somehow the electronic meets new wave thing works without sounding like a novelty.

King Khan & The Shrines – The Supreme Genius of…

I’m still beating myself up for missing King Khan at Pitchfork this summer. From what I’m told, the ridiculousness of his performance was rivaled only by Les Savy Fav.

The Kills – Midnight Boom

Can indie rock be described as sexy?
I don’t care, I’m using it as anyway. Midnight Boom is sexy (see “Cheap and Cheerful”). Like Yeah Yeah Yeahs with a pulsing beat.

Ida Maria – Fortress Round My Heart

I found myself playing this album a lot over the summer…but only if I was in my car with the stereo up and the windows down. Ida Maria’s sweet growl and catchy hooks (“I like you so much better when you’re naked”? How could you not love this song?) made this a great summer driving album.

Fleet Foxes – S/T

An ideal winter album. Beautiful and subtle, with a chamber folk element that appeals to fans of Grizzly Bear and Bon Iver. I could listen to “Oliver James” over and over and never get tired of it.

This year I wanted to do something different with list season, I wanted ENS to have more than one voice. As much as I love doing lists, I wanted to share the wealth a bit this time. So I asked several artists in Cincinnati and beyond for their favorite albums of the year. The response has been great, and this is the first installment of those lists, enjoy!

For Part 1 Of Cincy Artists Choosing their favorites, go here.

***Isaac Karns*** – (Isaac is a member of the excellent indie pop band Pomegranates.)

My favorite albums this year if they were the citizens of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, a program that celebrates its’ 40th anniversary this year.

French Kicks – Swimming as Mr. McFeely.

McFeely runs the Speedy Delivery Messenger Service in the neighborhood, often bringing Mr. Rogers a video to watch about how things are made. With this album French Kicks give the world a reverb soaked tape on how to write songs that will be around for a while.

Dennis Wilson -Pacific Ocean Blue as Daniel Striped Tiger.

Daniel and Dennis both have names that start with “D” and are both lovable precisely because they’re timid, quiet and coming apart a little at the seams.

Enlou -Passing Islands EP as Prince Tuesday.

Both are young and heirs to different thrones; Prince Tuesday to the throne of the land of Make-Believe, Enlou to the throne of songs that are psychedelic, danceable and have lyrics that are cryptic-yet-straight-to-the-heart.

Javelins- Heavy Meadows as Sergio Pinto.

Sergio runs the bakery in town and this album is certainly full of little sweet treats to take home for late night snacking.

Scarlett Johansson- Anywhere I Lay My Head as Cornflake S. Pecially.

Corny makes rocking chairs in the land of Make-Believe and that is precisely how I would recommend listening to this record, a rocking chair, a sunset and a comfy set of headphones. Forget what you’ve heard, it’s good.

***Joey Cook*** – (Joey is also a member of Pomegranates, and sometimes uses his talents in side project FIRS.)
(in no particular order)

Headlights – Some Racing, Some Stopping

This is a really good album full of driving, up-lifting, and beautiful pop songs written by some of the nicest people I think to have ever graced a stage.

Black Mountain – In the Future

I felt as though they perfected their sound on this album. It’s a great blend of well-done psychedelic rock and some really pretty, more mellow songs. They used mellotron (I think?) pretty effectively in some songs as well (a twist that caught me delightfully off-guard on first listen.)

M83 – Saturdays=Youth

I only listened once… but it seemed like the 80s dream pop I hear in dreams was being projected into my ears, with the van cd player as the medium. So good.

No Kids – Come into My House

So, this maybe cheating, because I haven’t actually heard this album.. However, their performance on Halloween in Louisville was the only forty minutes they needed to make me a huge fan.

LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver

Cheating again… I think this is 2007… I just think it’s such a great album. ehh

***Sebastian Schultz*** – (Seb is the drummer in the Cincinnati indie rock duo Bad Veins.)

M83 – Saturdays=Youth

A perfect blend of ambiance with 80s synth-pop…what more could you want?
Listen to: “Skin of the Night”

Frightened Rabbit – The Midnight Organ Fight

Some of the most honest and emotional songwriting I’ve heard in quite some time.
Listen to: “Poke”

Radiohead – In Rainbows

The more I hear it, the more I love it…it’s so well recorded and the songs speak for themselves.
Listen to: “Videotape”

***Ann Yu*** – (Ann is the lead singer from LoveLikeFire, who despite not being from Cincinnati, is awesome and provided her choices.)

MGMT – Oracular Spectacular

This album is so different from song to song that seems like it may turn some people off who like them for a specific song, but it’s the reason I think they are so great. My favorites on the album are changing and almost every track keeps me engaged throughout. The production is amazing and I love the themes captured and the vulnerable and rich quality of Andrew van Wyngarden’s voice is pretty
awesome.

The Last Shadow Puppets – The Age of the Understatement

My cousin turned me onto this band, they capture something of an old western movie and James Bond films for me. I love the cinematic quality of the music, and it’s good walking music too on a semi-foggy day. There’s a sinister quality to it that I like that seems to be in the arrangements which is appealing to me too.

The Walkmen – You and Me

I just started listening to this album recently and at first I wasn’t sure about it, but I loved the general quality of it and so I kept listening and fell in love. It’s an album that requires a little patience I think but so perfect once you wrap your head around the meandering and soothing vocals and sparse yet compelling arrangements. It makes me feel nostalgia and longing, which is why I love this album so much.

***J. Tom Hnatow*** – (Another non Cincinnatian, multi-instrumentalist for These United States.)

Shearwater – Rook

My favorite record of the year. Opener “On the Death of the Waters” literally startled me out of my seat, and the record only gets better from there. So fragile and devastating – it constantly teeters on the edge of precociousness but always gracefully stays balanced. And the attention to detail is stunning from instrumentation to the packaging to the “hidden” track on the LP version, the whole thing is as lovely and perfect a piece of Art as was released this year.

Sun Kil Moon – April

The devil is always in the details when it comes to Mark Kozelek. And in a long career filled with subtlety, April might be the most subtle of the bunch – which says a lot. Still, like a dreary, rainy day of the title month, the music has a way of quietly seeping into your consciousness until you’re not sure if you’re hearing his heart breaking or yours.

The Notwist - The Devil, You + Me

Rather than the giant stylistic leaps made between previous records, The Devil, You + Me finds the Notwist exploring the niche they discovered on their breakthrough Neon Golden. Despite their pop inclinations, I don’t know of any band who arranges noises so beautifully – from burbling synths to glockenspiel to the 21 piece orchestra that accompanies them on some tracks, this is a band primarily interested in SOUND. Vocalist Markus Acher’s voice, much like Bernard Sumners of New Order, adds a distinctly human element over the sometimes alienating proceedings whirling around him.

Bob Dylan – Tell Tale Signs

There’s not much else that can be said about Bob Dylan. What makes this set stand out are the musicians backing him up throughout – their willingness to follow Dylan’s every whim makes the songs especially essential and revelatory.

Calexico - Carried to Dust

Shrugging off the playing-it-too-safe misstep of Garden Ruin, Calexico return to doing what they do best – and create yet another cinematic, genre-blending masterpiece. Despite their top-notch songwriting and impeccable musicianship, Calexico are always one of those bands that somehow slip under the radar, which I find consistently baffling.

(photo by David Evans of MOKB)

Each year I start this post off with something to the effect of, “I did not see nearly as many shows as last year”, and I have a hard time not saying the same thing this time. However, if I really allow myself to think, I remember I got to go to four great festivals this year (Lollapalooza, Monolith, Forecastle, MidPoint) and saw loads of great shows in those weekends alone.

I am also making way for Dave this year on the favorite concerts list, he has done several excellent reviews for us here at ENS this year, and I think you will enjoy his list as well. Feel free to leave your own favorites in the comments section.

So, without further do, here are my favorite concerts of 2008.

#11 – Liam Finn @ Monolith Music Festival (WOXY.com Stage)
#10 – Explosions In The Sky @ Lollapalooza

Explosions was worth the wait though, as they took the stage with a Texas flag hanging from an amp and mentioned that “without fans like you, we would not be here”

#9 – Pomegranates @ MidPoint Music Festival
#8 – Okkervil River @ Mad Hatter

After a great set of songs from The Stage Names, Black Sheep Boy and more, Will and Charles treated us to a re-interpretation of a song from Down The River Of Golden Dreams, “It Ends With A Fall.”

#7 – Band Of Horses / Catfish Haven / Cass McCombs @ Halfway To Forecastle

Ben and company launched into all the good tunes you would expect from both Everything All The Time and Cease To Begin. I cannot think of a tune that I was hoping to hear that did not get played.

#6 – Radiohead @ Lollapalooza

What ensued was a brilliant 2 hour performance that plucked gems from every Radiohead album (save Pablo Honey) and included favorites of mine like “Airbag”, “The Bends”, “Everything In It’s Right Place”, “Weird Fishes/ Arpeggi”, “15 Step” “I Might Be Wrong” and more that I lost track of quickly.

#5 – Grizzly Bear @ MusicNow Cincinnati

A band I was already impressed with earned a few extra points for me during this live performance, possibly the best individual performance of the entire festival.

#4 – TV On The Radio @ Monolith Music Festival
#3 – Foals @ Lollapalooza

It was certainly one of those sets that smack everyone upside the head and as I predicted, several people walked away saying “that was great, who were those guys”?

#2 – Bon Iver @ Southgate House

Without getting too silly here, his guitar solo on Blindsided shocked the hell outta me, I mean, for a minute there, the man seemed to morph into Santana or something, really a jawdropper.

#1 – Wilco @ Lollapalooza

The band came out on stage wearing brand new custom tailored sequins suits, colorful and shiny. Jeff claimed that the had been “doing a lot of sewing to get ready for this show” and they broke into a brilliant 90 minute set.

Dave’s Top 10 Concerts Of 2008

10. Mike Gordon/Freekbass – Cleveland – Beachland Ballroom – September 5
9. Girl Talk – Cincinnati – Bogart’s – November 9
8. Animal Collective – Jersey City – All Points West Festival – August 9

7. Elephant 6 Collective – Columbus – Wexner Center – October 19

Mangum’s voice is absolutely as amazing live as it is on record, and sounded even more vulnerable and beautiful live.

6. Josh Ritter – Bellbrook, OH – Bellbrook Jamboree – May 16
5. Yeasayer/Man Man – Columbus – Wexner Center – April 15
4. Bruce Springsteen – Cincinnati – US Bank Arena – March 22
3. Radiohead – Noblesville, IN – Deer Creek – August 3
2. My Morning Jacket – Louisville – Waterfront Park – August 16
1. Trey Anastasio Band – Brooklyn – Music Hall of Williamsburg – August 7

View the entire Each Note Secure Live Review Archive right here…

This year I wanted to do something different with list season, I wanted ENS to have more than one voice. As much as I love doing lists, I wanted to share the wealth a bit this time. So I asked several artists in Cincinnati and beyond for their favorite albums of the year. The response has been great, and this is the first installment of those lists, enjoy!

***Daniel Martin Moore*** – (Moore released an excellent debut album this year on the Sub Pop label, Stray Age, and is a native of Cold Spring, KY)

Basia Bulat – Oh My Darling

I first heard her when she opened for Devotchka at the SGH back in May. She walked out in front of a chatty audience and sang, a cappella, an old ballad about death. That took guts, plus she nailed it. Then, as the evening brought out her own songs, it became clear that she is an artist of high degree. This record is further proof. The arrangements are sweet and sometimes unexpected. And there’s a since of honesty, as both concern and joyfulness, that makes this one a keeper for me.

Beck – Modern Guilt

Beck’s songwriting is what draws me in. His lyrics are sometimes abstract, always vivid. Even at their most obscure, they are still direct in setting the scene. And musically, Beck is a seemingly endless source of catchy and/or beautiful melodies. With each release, he moves in a new direction and that’s an admirable quality in any artist. “…Modern Guilt, I’m under lock and key…” This is another collection of great songs.

Rachel Unthank and the Winterset – The Bairns

This album may have come out in 2007, but I think it wasn’t until 2008 that it made its way across the sea to us. I like everything about it. And, don’t miss a chance to catch this group live. In these recordings the atmosphere moves, old is new and the songs spring to immediate life. On stage, it’s much the same, but the sadness deepens, and the connections are magnified.

Bob Dylan – Tell Tale Signs

A glimpse into an artist’s method. How could any fan resist a collection of alternate takes from such a fruitful period? My favorites: ‘Mississippi’ and ‘Can’t Wait’ from Disc One, and ’32-20 Blues’ from Disc Two. Wow.

Ben Sollee – Learning to Bend

This record is full of surprises, and never even thinks of resting on its laurels. The instrumentation is rich, impressive (cello, harp, electric guitar, banjo, sax, the list keeps going!) and so well-placed. The songs are straight from the heart. Ben is also an artist whose live show is not to be missed.

***Cameron Martin Cochran*** – aka Paul Bunyan – Cam is one half of The Sheds, a great Cincinnati duo and has been trying his hand at behind the decks a bit more this year. Enjoy his favorite albums….

Lil Wayne – The Carter III

If you want to look at the future of music listen to hip hop radio. Pop music has continually looked to this genre for advice on how to produce new music. Little Wayne’s Carter III absolutely destroyed everything else that came out this year. Driving home this past year “A Millie” came on the radio and my jaw dropped. Sean Carter spit venom over a dope beat…no hooks…no flair…just ill, plain and
simple. He is a rock star.

King Khan and the Shrines – The Supreme Genius of King Khan and the Shrines

Speaking of rock stars… have you ever met King Khan. This dude is the real deal. Let’s be honest nobody really likes garage rock…people want something that sounds timeless and King Khan has the recipe. Blues, booze, horns and cocaine…sure it has all been done before, but we liked it then and we still like it now.

M.I.A. – Kala
Okay, so this is supposed to be a best of 2008 but MIA still rules the roost. “Paper Planes” is a comercial hit this year. MIA has only gotten hotter. Kala from start to finish is perfect. Get on board
people.

***Chris Haubner*** – Chris is the other half of The Sheds, and has recently launched a new project called The Solid Pack.

My favorite CDs this year hands down are from local folks. Most are not official releases. Sometimes you can just ask your favorite artists for stuff they’re working on and wind up with everything they’ve ever recorded. It is so very cool to know the folks that are singing the songs you’re listening to. Our city has some truly talented, sincere and genuine artists.

Matthew Shelton – unreleased demos.

Matt inspired me to write the first love song I ever wrote, something I’d never have dared attempt for fear of adding to the pile of garbage growing out there. He can somehow take all the awkwardness, pain, joy, desperation, confusion, elation and triumph that comes with love and do them justice in a song like you’ve never heard.

The Stick Figures – unreleased demos.

Their songs remind me of all the good times I’ve had during bad times. A oasis of friends, intoxication and perfect weather. They are as sweet as they sound.

The Seedy Seeds – Count the Days.

This is my most recent local acquisition. I’ve always loved the Seedy Seeds and I loved Count the Days right off the bat, but I keep listening and it keeps deepening. I love an album that you can appreciate, then dissect, then appreciate in a whole new way. I’m always secretly wishing I were part of their band.

Rainy Day Parade – bootleg live recording.

You can hear some sweet recordings via myspace, but this duo has to be heard live. I’m glad I kept all my tape recorders. Steve Hasser’s delivery and tone remind me of Will Oldham at his best. Alisa Cook is a perfect ray of sunshine. Just when you relax into a song, a word or phrase comes along that surprises you, kind of like when someone swims up under your raft in the pool. Its good to be tipped.

In the past couple of years, I’ve listened to nothing but locals. I can’t wait to hear the sounds of 2009, released, given or captured on-the-sly.

***Stuart MacKenzie ***- Stuart is the frontman for The Lions Rampant, one of the best live acts in town, be ready for something new from then in 2009.

The Sundresses – Barkinghaus –

Before this album was released, Cincinnati’s musical community feared that the album was turning into the Queen City’s “Chinese Democracy” … but Barkinghaus was definitely worth the wait. I enjoyed the superior soundscapes Brian Niesz crafted and the addition of piano to the recordings as well as other extra instruments/sound effects that are icing on the cake to songs that already stand on their own! To Cincinnati natives it’s like seeing your girlfriend get all gussied up for a date–and you forgot how pretty she is!

The Turnbull ACs – Small Town Parade –

Another great Cincinnati release … there is no filler on this 8 song EP … (for the record, I, was well as the Stooges and a lot of other great bands believe that 8
songs make an album, not and EP, but hey, who’s counting?) Anyways, Dan Mecher recorded a lot of these songs at home and it shows… the recording are well thought out, and arranged while still maintaining a lot of levity and looseness. The recordings also showcase the band’s growth from being very guitar driven to a more diverse sound with many songs written around a piano arrangement. This album (there I go again) is a indie-rock masterpiece… name a bad song on there, I dare you!

King Kahn and the Shrines – The Supreme Genius Of King Khan And The Shrines –

This is a “greatest hits” CD released by VICE records with a bunch of songs released only in Europe by notorious weirdo and garage-rock legend, King Kahn. Listening to this album I hear Sun Ra, James Brown,the Sonics, Dion, JSBX, Elvis, Motown, Sex Pistols …. Just buy this album, we’ll talk about it for days.
Standout tracks: Torture, I Wanna Be a Girl, Welfare, No Regrets.

We have another installment of Artists pick for you later this week……..

List week begins with a list I do every year highlighting my favorite albums released by Cincinnati area musicians this year. (2007, 2006) It was another great year for new music in Cincinnati, with the emergence of brand new artists like Daniel Martin Moore and Alone At 3AM, and bands that we have come to love already like The Seedy Seeds and Peter Adams all releasing excellent albums. Have a look below at my favorite Cincinnati albums of 2008 in no particular order.

Peter Adams – I Woke With Planets In My Face
A brilliant sophomore record from singer/songwriter Peter Adams. Still very young, Adams new album carries the maturity of an artist in mid-career stride, while he only just beginning.

Peter Adams – The Observatory (Live On WOXY.com)

Pomegranates – Everything Is Alive
One of our favorite group of guys also happened to release one of our favorite local albums this year. Everything Is Alive sees the band taking great strides on their debut full length album. The sugary sweet pop from these youngins is a great tonic for the over-garage rocked Cincy music fan.

Pomegranates – Whom/Who

The Seedy Seeds – Count The Days
While this album did not have the immediate impact on me that their debut did, it stands up well with anything released in Cincinnati this year. Mike and Margaret did an excellent job with Count The Days, and added an amazing idea for a bonus disc, which saw their fellow musicians covering the Seeds’ tunes.

The Seedy Seeds – Drive Me To The Center (Live On WOXY.com)

Alone At 3AM – City Out Of Luck
The more I hear this album, the more I like it. I’ve said in the past that any fan of the alt-country heavyweights from the 90′s will love this album, and it’s true. Pick it up from the good folks at Tiberius Records now!

Alone At 3AM – Mexico

Daniel Martin Moore – Stray Age
He came out of nowhere for just about everybody, including his label Sup Pop, but Daniel Martin Moore’s debut album may have been the most pleasant surprise out of the area in 2008. His low key and beautiful songs bring to mind a young Chet Baker to me, and the simplicity of the album helps it stand out amongst his peers.

Daniel Martin Moore – Stray Age

Seabird – Till We See The Shore
Seabird have been on our radar for quite some time, (they made our year end list 2 years ago) but really made a splash here in town this year. The only band signed to a major label that calls Cincinnati home’s debut full length was worth the wait, and the piano led indie pop/rock throughout the record not only caught the Tri-State’s attention but also landed them a couple of spots on network television (Grey’s Anatomy, Pushing Daisies). And it all ended with a victory at the CEA’s for Artist of The Year.

Seabird – Let Me Go On(remix)

The Griefs – Throwing A Tempo Tantrum
Garage rock still dominates many areas of Cincinnati, and we still love it here at ENS as well. The Griefs made one of the more underrated albums in town this year, put out on the Spoonful label, and is a must listen for fans of The Greenhornes, Thee Shams and old school garage like The Customs.

The Griefs – Whenever You’re Around

Sorry if I left you out, there were several other albums locally I enjoyed this year, but these were my absolute favorites. Who is on your list?