Top of 2008

Here goes my sorry attempt:

Top 10 Albums:

1. This Will Destroy You - S/T

This band's music takes me places that no other band has ever been able to do. The sheer beauty in their soundscapes is like nothing I have ever heard before. The emotion it evokes within is unbelievable. I listen to this album everyday.

2. Kay Kay and his Weathered Underground - S/T

I was so stoked on this band when I first heard their early demos and not even because it features two members of Gatsby. This is good music that definitely does not seem like it should have been released in 2008. The 10 piece pop arrangements are wonderful. It's music to listen to on a sunny day.

3. Copeland - You Are My Sunshine

What a band. This was by far their calmest record to date. The songs are so well put together and this album has a really good flow. I also really enjoy the two tracks with the female vocals.

4. The New Frontiers - Mending

I stumbled across this band by accident and am so glad that I did. These guys prove that you don't need a lot going on to be powerful. Just listen to the songs "Mirrors" or "Walking on Stones" and you'll know what I'm talking about. So captivating.

5. Forgive Durden - Razia's Shadow

The fact alone that this is my number five shows how good of a year 2008 was for music. This was hands down my most anticipated release of the year. On top of Durden being one of my favorite bands, the list of featured musicians was unbelievable. The album was absolutely mind boggling and definitely will be one I listen to for YEARS to come

6. Damiera - Quiet Mouth Loud Hands

What can I say? Damiera knows how to write damn good songs with super technical guitar parts. I'm in.

7. Lydia - Illuminate

I really like the guitar tone on this record. I'm just gonna throw that out there. It's really crunchy. Plus Mindy is a babe. Oh yeah, the songs are really, really, really good. They definitely blew their old album out of the water. The arrangements on this disc are wonderful.

8. Your Best Friend - S/T

The only "local" band to make my list. These guys are on the verge of breaking it and with a record like this it's no surprise. They put everything that I'd want in a band all in one.

9. The Matches - A Band In Hope

The Matches are a weird-ass band and that's why I love them. Their songwriting on this album blew me away. The progressions they use are unheard of for a pop-based band.

10. Portugal. The Man - Censored Colors

They make my list every year. They are consistently one of the best bands and they're always putting out new music. I really dug the Floyd-ish feel on this one.

Honorable Mentions:

Colour Revolt - Plunder, Beg, and Curse
Saints Never Surrender - Brutus
Verse - Aggression
Playradioplay! - Texas
Panic at the Disco - Pretty. Odd
Polar Bear Club - Sometimes Things Just Dissapear
Matt Pryor - Confidence Man




Top 5 EPs:

1. All Get Out - S/T

Such good songwriting. I'm completely hooked on this band.

2. Ender - S/T

I don't know if they even realize how good this is. I would listen to this all the time even if I wasn't friends with the guys.

3. Maps & Atlases - You and Me and the Mountain

This band is mindblowing. I dream to be able to play guitar like they do.

4. New Found Glory - Tip of the Iceberg

They went back to their roots and put out one of my favorite releases by them of all time.

5. You, Me, and Everyone We Know - S/T

This band is catchy as hell and do so with out losing musical integrity.

Top 10 Songs:

1. Naked and Red - Colour Revolt

The last minute and a half of this song is spine-chilling. So much passion.

2. The Missing Piece - Forgive Durden

It's a love song. So what? Lizzie Huffman's guest vocals are absolutely beautiful and the tradeoffs with Thomas make it that much better of a track.

3. Another Bag of Bones - Kevin Devine

This song is jaw dropping. It's the only way to put.

4. Strange and Unprepared - Copeland

Such a simple song. It's just voice and piano. Aaron really shines with his singing on this one.

5. Mirrors - The New Frontiers

This song gives me the chills every time I listen to it. I can't believe this band is no more.

6. Freedom Blade - This Will Destroy You

The most beautiful song that I have ever heard.

7. Dig My Own Grave - New Found Glory

It's fast and hard hitting. Exactly what I want from them.

8. Wasting All My Breath - All Get Out

Soft, Loud, Soft, Loud. I love the formula of this song.

9. Another night in the rock - Polar Bear Club

I just love this band and this my favorite song.

10. In between Halloweens - The Matches

One day I'll be able to write a song this good.


Top 5 Movies:
1. Cloverfield
2. Wall-E
3. The Dark Knight
4. The Strangers
5. Saw 5

Worst Moment of 2008:
Highschool Musical fad.

Best Moment of 2008:
Obama getting elected

Best TV Show of 2008 (and ever):
Lost



I may add more stuff. This is all for now.