The Blazing Top 50 of 2008: 10 to 1 [Day 5]

Drum Roll...

#10

Drive-By Truckers
Brighter Than Creation's Dark
New West Records [2008]

Brighter Than Creation’s Dark is a great mark in this groups history because it was the first album after the exit of third guitarist and song contributor Jason Isbell, which left Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley as the primary songwriters. I believe this made the two rise to the occasion with equal sharing of writing duties and at 19 songs that clock in just over 75 minutes they clearly were not hard up for material. This also allowed bassist Shonna Tucker some creative room on three tracks which provided an excellent change of pace and an entire new and fresh look for the Drive-By Truckers placing this record into our Top 10!

Drive-By Truckers Review [2/11/08] @ The Fire Note


#9

The Raconteurs
Consolers Of The Lonely
Warner Bros. Records [2008]

I believe our reviewer called Consolers Of The Lonely back in March likely to be the best "true" rock record for 2008. I would say that this premonition held fairly true as this record tried a new strategy with no promos, no videos, no radio singles – absolutely nothing but the album hitting the street. Sales say that approach may not have been the best but it is not because The Raconteurs didn't bring their best effort. Consolers Of The Lonely brought a classic rock vibe that relies on the commanding front vocals from Jack White and Brendan Benson while supplying big guitars, loud drums and thumping bass that is present regardless of the tracks tempo. The timelessness of this record will give it life well beyond this year and will easily be a favorite for quite some time.

The Raconteurs Review [3/28/08] @ The Fire Note


#8

The Gutter Twins
Saturnalia
Sub Pop Records [2008]

Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan have been supporting each other for years, whether it is Lanegan showing up on The Twilight Singers records or Dulli lending background vocals to Lanegan’s solo outings, The Gutter Twins seems like a natural progression. The Gutter Twins was exactly what you would expect from the duo with their sinister and richly deep vocal deliveries that take you back with their slow burning strength and the ability to rise into stellar harmonies, making every track a keeper. Saturnalia was a great beginning to what should be a successful partnership everytime the duo have the opportunity to create - hopefully for the fans that will be sooner than later!

The Gutter Twins Review [3/4/08] @ The Fire Note


#7

TV On The Radio
Dear Science
4AD Records [2008]

TV On The Radio is emerging as a band that will have a difficult time making a sub-par record. In fact, after Dear Science fans will be aghast of anything that falls below a Top 10 of the year. Dear Science places the group into career act status as their songs fit perfectly into their structures and have a crisp produced sound with more focus on Kyp Malone's and Tunde Adepimbe's vocals that made it a winner. This album grabbed the listener by the ear and showcased the groups multi-talents while providing a solid listen from beginning to end!

TV On The Radio Review [9/26/08] @ The Fire Note


#6

Calexico
Carried To Dust
Quarterstick Records [2008]

Carried To Dust took bits and pieces of each previous Calexico album and morphed their sound into a bigger, cleaner, and smarter machine while retaining the traditional components, Western atmospheres and addictive tracks that has made the band so endearing over the years. It is really a perfect example of how a good band from the start can evolve and experiment while retaining their core. It also was nice that Calexico involved some friends like Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) and Douglas McCombs (Tortoise/Brokeback), which only made Carried To Dust that much better!

Calexico Review [9/5/08] @ The Fire Note


#5

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!
Anti Records [2008]

Nobody told Nick Cave that he should slow down at age 50 because after last years rockin’ side project Grinderman [2007] and a stylish soundtrack score to the western Assassination of Jesse James [2007], Nick Cave returned with the Bad Seeds and hit us with Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! that is filled with electric guitar, Cave’s howl and the complete collaboration of a well seasoned band. On Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! he replaced his more mature self with an energetic Birthday Party era Cave that lead the listener into a straight forward garage rock album. This is a Cave that took no prisoners - This is the Cave we liked!

Nick Cave Review [4/14/08] @ The Fire Note


#4

Bon Iver
For Emma, Forever Ago
Jagjaguwar Records [2008]

When Justin Vernon created a new musical vehicle called Bon Iver he self-released his debut For Emma, Forever Ago last year and it received a proper launching from Jagjaguwar Records in 2008. We went ahead and said screw the original release date because it contains a stellar 9 songs of indie folk that puts Bon Iver up there at the top with the likes of Iron & Wine and Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy. Vernon wore his sincerity on his sleeve and the pureness of his imagery shined thru and thru on each quiet but complex track. For Emma, Forever Ago possesses a solid intensity that made repeat listens a must and probably worthy of a Top 10 no matter when it released!

Bon Iver Review [2/15/08] @ The Fire Note


#3

The Gaslight Anthem
The '59 Sound
SideOneDummy Records [2008]

The ’59 Sound from The Gaslight Anthem is the type of album you wait for all year long. The New Jersey bands sophomore outing is full of Springsteen meets the Replacements that all tell a story and hold nothing back track by track. It was this raw bar band quality that made The Gaslight Anthem so appealing and their style of punk rock completely infectious. The ’59 Sound feels complete, heartfelt and contains 100% effort placing it into the Top 3 of the year!

The Gaslight Anthem Review [8/15/08] @ The Fire Note


#2

Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
Sub Pop Records [2008]

There are only a handful of occasions anymore when you can pop a record in and it completely takes you over. That was our exact response after taking just one listen to Fleet Foxes self-titled debut. The band draws from the traditions of an array of genres that include folk, choral music, gospel, world and most importantly indie harmonic pop while creating lush and layered vocals that build off each other to create an earthly sound. Fleet Foxes is an album that simply just is perfect for any setting and really is a new classic for a new age!

Fleet Foxes Review [7/9/08] @ The Fire Note


#1

Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend
XL Recordings [2008]

The first great hype of 2008 was New York’s Vampire Weekend. The band was hailed as the next big thing by everyone and their dog not long after they formed back in 2006 and last year the buzz continued with touring and only a simple 3 song CD-R floating around. Vampire Weekend took their diverse preppy Columbia schooling backgrounds and created a laid back smart indie record that had Western Afro-pop melodies and rhythms that creeped in your head and flowed seamlessly. Each song had the ability to stand alone but yet fit perfectly into the album, each track was somewhat danceable but yet really indie and there were many core instruments but around each corner the instrumentation gave you something new from strings, organ and even a little harpsichord. Vampire Weekend not only backed up the hype but they created a record that never gets old and hence it is our number 1 album of 2008!

Vampire Weekend Review [2/4/08] @ The Fire Note

Well that is it for 2008. Feel free to post some of your top albums this year - we would love to see them. Have a great new year and we will see you on January 5th for our first review in 2009.

Thanks for all the support in 2008 and helping make Fire Drills/The Fire Note a success for another year!
-Staff

The Blazing Top 50 of 2008: 20 to 11 [Day 4]

Almost There...

#20

Alejandro Escovedo
Real Animal
Back Porch/Manhattan Records [2008]

Austin’s living legend Alejandro Escovedo made a huge comeback mentally and physically with his venom powered release Real Animal. After a life threatening battle with Hepatitis C Escovedo is a man on a mission with no regrets and on Real Animal he pushes forward to set the stage for an all new era. This record is full of foot taping sing along tracks that were his most accessible batch of songs in years.

Alejandro Escovedo Review [7/30/08] @ The Fire Note


#19

The Heys
YoungBored&Broke
4 West Records [2008]

The Heys took us by surprise when we first played their debut because it is so straight forward and honest without trying. It has a raw energy that makes YoungBored&Broke so appealing while The Heys “rough around the edges” vibe makes every hand clap more lively, every melody ring truer and the need to see this band in a packed club seem dire. With a fresh spirit like the Arctic Monkeys and the artistic style of The Jam, The Heys created a fantastic debut that rocks timelessly and hums off into the night.

The Heys Review [5/26/08] @ The Fire Note


#18

Los Campesinos!
We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed
Arts & Crafts Records [2008]

We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed dropped approximately eight months after the bands debut full length Hold on Now, Youngster... [2008] hit the airways and it was just as infectious. Was it better? - not sure because both releases were stellar but I think that We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed drives the bands talent home and proves that the first record was no fluke because this record is fun, smart, creative and absolutely catchy with their sing a long indie pop, call outs that rev you up and the back n forth male / female vocals that get you on board with their style of rock right from the beginning.

Los Campesinos! Review [11/21/08] @ The Fire Note


#17

Sun Kil Moon
April
Caldo Verde Records [2008]

Mark Kozelek and his new release April was dense, thoughtful, and mesmerizing. It has 11 tracks in an almost 74 minute running time, with the first two tracks taking about 20 of that. SunKil Moon’s subtle approach and strong lyrical weaving made you forget about the lengths and with the recruited backing guest vocalist of Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) lending their support April was destined for our Top 20.

Sun Kil Moon Review [4/18/08] @ The Fire Note


#16

Deerhunter
Microcastle / Weird Era Cont.
Kranky Records [2008]

Deerhunter made a splash into the scene last year on the critically hailed Cryptograms [2007] and have been described a million different ways from art-punk to ambient based on the track but their new double disc outing narrows the focus and I believe we can just label them a solid alternative band that has the capabilities to sound as much like Pavement as they can fellow noise-rockers Liars. This combo of Microcastle and it's second half or bonus disc Weird Era Cont. made for great repeat listens and propelled Deerhunter into a new artistic level that I am sure will secure their return on future countdowns!

Deerhunter Review [11/10/08] @ Fire Drills


#15

The Seedy Seeds
Count The Days
Eurodorable Recordings [2008]

We are not lying when we tell you that you should love the Cincinnati duo The Seedy Seeds. It was just last summer when we were all crazy for The Seedy Seeds debut record Change States [2007] which landed at #8 on our Blazing Top 25 of 2007. It is no surprise that the follow up Count The Days also ends up in our best of list because Mike Ingram & Margaret Weiner continue their folktronic indie approach, while still incorporating the banjo, accordion and other miscellaneous musical items to offer up 12 more songs of upbeat harmonizing bliss. Just get onboard already!

The Seedy Seeds Review [11/11/o8] @ The Fire Note


#14

Crystal Stilts
Alight Of Night
Slumberland Records [2008]

Brooklyn's Crystal Stilts debut full length Alight Of Night is full of buried vocals, hidden melodies and somewhat muffled instruments. It does not really sound like a formula to make the Top 50 but The Crystal Stilts are a band that stand out as totally unique in today's scene and Alight Of Night is an album that hands down gets better and better with every spin. The masked handclaps, Brad Hargett's distant, laid back and swaying vocals, the spooky organ that swirls around with several rockabilly undertones mixed together give you a giant sonic rush that land The Crystal Stilts unanimously in our Top 50!

Crystal Stilts Review [12/10/08] @ The Fire Note


#13

The Hold Steady
Stay Positive
Vagrant Records [2008]

I'm not sure that The Hold Steady can release much that we don't like. Stay Positive is another completely exhilarating, energetic and rocking album that once again combines a classic rock vibe with a modern alternative edge all stitched together with intriguing lyrical play. This attention grabbing talent makes The Hold Steady completely addicting and Stay Positive another A+ record to their catalog. That is why it they are here again!

The Hold Steady Review [7/17/08] @ The Fire Note


#12

Elbow
The Seldom Seen Kid
Geffen Records [2008]

The Seldom Seen Kid won the Mercury Prize this year and we are in total agreement with Elbow receiving the UK trophy because this band has released some stellar albums in their catalog but The Seldom Seen Kid is a career highlight. The solid bluesy romp of “Grounds For Divorce” was easily our single of the year and makes us plead that if you have never discovered Elbow before now, it is time! I guarantee that after taking The Seldom Seen Kid for a spin, Elbow simply will become one of your favorite bands.

Elbow Review [4/22/08] @ The Fire Note


#11

Giant Sand
proVISIONS
Yep Roc Records [2008]

After a four year absence, Howe Gelb and his musical vehicle Giant Sand returned with proVISIONS that ranked up there with some of his best work to date. Add in the special guests of Isobel Campbell, Neko Case and M. Ward plus a PJ Harvey cover with Gelb's slow brooding approach and narration to country tinged songs about loss and defeat made it the ideal headphone album to just soak in and recognize it as superb!

Giant Sand Review [8/28/08] @ The Fire Note

The Blazing Top 50 of 2008: 30 to 21 [Day 3]

Next...

#30

Ra Ra Riot
The Rhumb Line
Barsuk Records [2008]

In June of 2007, Ra Ra Riot's drummer/co-founder and co-writer John Pike was found dead after a show in Providence, RI. This tragic event could have been enough for this album to never see the light of day but instead became the drive for the remaining members to finish and release a solid product that Pike would have been proud of. Ra Ra Riot not only lived up to any hype the band once adorned but more importantly The Rhumb Line pays a honorable tribute to John Pike’s work and life.

Ra Ra Riot Review [8/19/08] @ The Fire Note


#29

Crooked Fingers
Forfeit / Fortune
Red Pig/Constant Artists Inc. [2008]

Crooked Fingers has always been considered a side project of leader Eric Bachmann but Forfeit/Fortune finally brought the project full circle and released a record that is as colorful as it was catchy! It features an all-star indie cast of contributors like Brian Kotzur (Silver Jews), Tom Hagerman (Devotchka) lending some string parts and the best collaboration is the closing duet "Your Control" with the always superb Neko Case. Forfeit/Fortune is probably Bachmann's best attempt at commercial success and it turned out great.

Crooked Fingers Review [10/3/08] @ The Fire Note


#28

Okkervil River
The Stand Ins
Jagjaguwar Records [2008

There was no expectation for this record following last years critically hailed The Stage Names (#1 on our Top 25 of 2007). Turned out that The Stand Ins was no throwaway and from the opening instrumental track leading into the catchy "Lost Coastlines", Okkervil River pulled out all the tricks and sound their most confident to date.

Okkervil River Review [9/9/08] @ The Fire Note


#27

The Dutchess And The Duke
She's The Dutchess, He's The Duke
Hardly Art Records [2008]

Kimberly Morrison and Jesse Lortz make up the Seattle duo known as The Dutchess And The Duke. Their album is really simple that sounds dated with everything from the crackling vibe of vinyl to the spotty muffed vocals that were recorded over 8-track. She's The Dutchess, He's The Duke is an album that got better and more addictive with every spin while creating an electricity that hit you with harmonies and melodies that remained in your head long after this thirty minute adventure ended.

The Dutchess And The Duke Review [9/3/08] @ The Fire Note


#26

Jay Reatard
Matador Singles '08
Matador Records [2008]

Jay Reatard signed to a major indie label and spent the year releasing 7" singles. Turns out they were pretty good and Matador Singles '08 collects all of them in one space and adds a bonus track which captures his crazy hyper lo-fi attack in one 33 minute package.

Jay Reatard Review [10/29/08] @ Fire Drills


#25

The Trophy Fire
A Lifetime In The Middle Of The Ocean
Talking House Records [2008]

What The Trophy Fire accomplished on A Lifetime In The Middle Of The Ocean was to generate the illusion of being an upbeat bright album with a lot of bounce and angular guitar chords, when in reality it is a more hidden powerful piano-driven emo album with dark lyrics that entrance the listener. This entrancement carries through the completion of A Lifetime In The Middle Of The Ocean and made San Francisco's The Trophy Fire one of our surprise finds of the year!

The Trophy Fire Review [8/27/08] @ The Fire Note


#24

Love Is All
A Hundred Things Keep Me Up At Night
Whats Your Rupture? Records [2008]

Love Is All simply destroyed the myth of the sophomore slump with the release of A Hundred Things Keep Me Up At Night because it is not only as catchy and cool as their debut Nine Times That Same Song [2006] but it may even be better. What took this record to the next level was the slightly cleaner production and more straight forward drums that allowed the catchy pop side of Love Is All shine out of the distortion as well as the snare beats that gave each track a clear tempo and showcases this band at the top of their game!

Love Is All Review [11/20/08] @ The Fire Note


#23

The Republic Tigers
Keep Color
Chop Shop Records [2008]

Building on their excellent debut self-titled EP; The Republic Tigers released their full-length Keep Color, which held up to the hype and anticipation by offering another solid batch of textured symphonic pop that ranged from the strong pulses of Interpol to the more simplistic harmonies of The Shins. One common denominator for the record is singer Kenn Jankowsi’s soft and memorable vocals that lifted every track while being complemented by an array of instruments like accordion, trumpet, trombone, synthesizers and programmed strings that not only enhanced the experience but helped put Keep Color into the Top 25.

The Republic Tigers Review [4/30/08] @ The Fire Note


#22

The Week That Was
The Week That Was
Memphis Industries [2008]

The Week That Was really is an extension of the former band Field Music lead by Peter Brewis. The bands self-titled debut differentiates itself by offering more complex song structures, intricate piano arrangements, background horn placement and an overall prog-rock approach. The Week That Was music direction follows some of the more experimental artists of past such as Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel, while keeping most of their tracks around the 3 and 4 minute mark and really offering something outside the conventions of most indie-guitar music. Not only a great album in 2008 but a band to watch for 2009!

The Week That Was Review [9/16/08] @ Fire Drills


#21

Robert Pollard
Robert Pollard Is Off To Business
Guided By Voices, Inc. Records [2008]

With all of the output in this mans career his solo records always seems to just miss the mark of offering the complete package on a single album mostly due to his multitude of ideas and styles. Well Robert Pollard Is Off To Business tries to rectify that previous statement because it is a concise ten songs that includes big rock hitters like “Gratification To Concrete” and “To The Path!” plus the bouncy GBV like “Weatherman And Skin Goddess” with an average 3:30 for ten songs. This record is one of Pollard's all-time cleanest and slick sounding albums as well as one of his most focused and stellar vocal accomplishments since the GBV days. Easily worthy of its Top 25 inclusion!

Robert Pollard Review [6/16/08] @ The Fire Note

The Blazing Top 50 of 2008: 40 to 31 [Day 2]

Let's Keep It Rolling....

#40

Horse Feathers
House With No Home
Kill Rock Stars [2008]

The duo of Justin Ringle and Peter Broderick create an atmosphere that is warm and cozy with their intricate string sets, haunting but pleasant vocals and almost choir like harmonies that take something so simple and turn it into something special for Horse Feathers sophomore record. It is the album this year that you put on and just let it play because it possesses an elegance to it that is always hard to find.

Horse Feathers Review [10/22/08] @ The Fire Note


#39

Nada Surf
Lucky
Barsuk Records [2008]

This record came out in February and at the time it was not necessarily on the Top 50 radar but the record never was removed from the office shuffle. Lucky definitely contains a more upbeat cheery side of the band that sounds not only relaxed but shows the band feeling very comfortable in their current indie status. What makes Nada Surf successful is that their songs contain killer hooks that bring you into their albums and back for more every time - Lucky was no different.

Nada Surf Review [2/6/08] @ The Fire Note


#38

Vivian Girls
Vivian Girls
Mauled By Tigers/In The Red Records [2008]

10 songs in 21 minutes flashes by in an instance but the Vivian Girls rock out with their lo-fi garage style. The all girl trio from Brooklyn disguise their melodies under a fuzzy haze that sound classic and right out of the California 60's with their harmonizing while remaining completely modern with their speed and precise beats that gave their self-titled debut a special appeal.

Vivian Girls Review [11/19/08] @ The Fire Note


#37

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
Cardinology
Lost Highway Records [2008]

Cardinology finds Ryan Adams and his band The Cardinals completely relaxed and flexing their cohesion with sounds out of the CSY&N or The Band playbook. The groups layered harmonies, roots style and country elements injected into a classic rock pulse create an atmosphere where all of the songs simply get better with every spin and place Adams up there with some of the great songwriters in this decade.

Ryan Adams Review [10/28/08] @ The Fire Note


#36

Jenny Lewis
Acid Tongue
Warner Bros. Records [2008]

Jenny Lewis's second solo record Acid Tongue was another winner from the Rilo Kiley frontwoman and totally is a look of what might be the future. Not only did Lewis get the opportunity to work with boyfriend Johnathan Rice, M Ward, Chris Robinson (of The Black Crowes), Benji Hughes, Zooey Deschanel (of She & Him) and Vanessa Corbala (of Whispertown 2000) and Elvis Costello she delivered an album that was so warm and friendly that had killer production and catchiness ultimately never letting you put it down.

Jenny Lewis Review [9/22/08] @ The Fire Note


#35

Shearwater
Rook
Matador Records [2008]

Jonathan Meiburg’s vocals soar throughout Rook fronting a full band sound but on many occasions accomplished a more personal passionate approach to the delivery. This sincerity made Shearwater's record endering but also added instrumentation that made it feel bigger, more grandiose and sonic then anything they have released before. With harps, strings, organs, trumpets and beating drums, Rook is a solid piece of changing work!

Shearwater Review [5/29/08] @ The Fire Note


#34

Beck
Modern Guilt
Interscope Records [2008]

Modern Guilt is arguably one of the most mature and focused works Beck has released since Sea Change [2002], which abandoned all of his postmodern grooves. Modern Guilt of course brings them back and has the Beck vibe with an array of drum loops, splices, and guitars that comes in at 10 tracks and just over a half an hour with dense subject matter that may not of immediately appealed to fans but truly gets better with repeat spins.

Beck Review [7/10/08] @ The Fire Note


#33

The Manhattan Love Suicides
Burnt Out Landscapes
Magic Marker Records [2008]

This record is actually a collection of 27 noise filled gems that includes all the tracks from The Manhattan Love Suicides three limited edition 7" singles, tracks from the now impossible to find limited edition Cloudberry 3" CD single, a few other rarities, fully remastered WOXY live radio session tracks recorded at SXSW in Austin Texas in 2007, and four brand new and exclusive recordings. It was somewhat questionable if we include Burnt Out Landscapes in the Top 50 because it rides the line of a compilation but it is so stellar we felt it had to make it!

The Manhattan Love Suicides Review [10/10/08] @ The Fire Note


#32

Lemuria
Get Better
Asian Man Records [2008]

Lemuria reminded us of classic 90’s indie albums from The Breeders, Blake Babies and That Dog with their eager flair that rings in every melody and an approach that sounds as fresh today as it would 10 years ago or 10 years from now. Lemuria’s hooks on Get Better hold you song to song with seamless transitions that are fun, catchy and solid while keeping the package of this synergy to 12 songs in 28 minutes. This is a band to keep an eye on for their sophomore release because this debut was spectacular!

Lemuria Review [4/9/08] @ The Fire Note


#31

Department Of Eagles
In Ear Park
4AD Records [2008]

Department Of Eagles is Daniel Rossen from Grizzy Bear and his old college roommate. In Ear Park was four years in the making and it is a completely musically and harmonic sprawling indie record that has a collage of guitars piano, banjo and horns. It is driven from a deeper substance which relate to Rossen's late father who passed away in 2007 but does not necessarily dwell on his death as it does the good times the two spent together in life. I am sure that In Ear Park is that album this year which surprised many and will land on many critics "best of" list, which it completely deserves!

Department Of Eagles Review [10/17/08] @ Fire Drills

The Blazing Top 50 of 2008: 50 to 41 [Day 1]

Only a few rules here at Fire Drills/The Fire Note for an album to be in our Top 50:

• The album was released in 2008.
• We had to review it here or at the mother ship The Fire Note.
  

After all the staff voted and the results were tallied we officially present Fire Drills/The Fire Note Top 50 of 2008: 50 to 41 [Day 1] - Happy Holidays!

#50
Pretty & Nice
Get Young
Hardly Art Records [2008]








Based on the single "Tora Tora Tora" alone this Boston's bands sophomore record belongs in the Top 50. Get Young is only 30 minutes long and contains ten bouncy Devo like tracks that are smart, catchy and gizotastic!

Pretty & Nice Review [10/20/08] @ The Fire Note


#49
Boston Spaceships
Brown Submarine
GBV Inc. Records [2008]








Mr. Pollard has a brand new band and this time out he brings along Chris Slusarenko (Takeovers, GBV) and John Moen (Decemberists, Elliott Smith) for the creative output. The group already has another record coming out next February and it looks like the Boston Spaceships could be a bit more permanent with their style and swagger of great lighthearted Brit pop-punk. Brown Submarine feels fresh and alive with a GBV energy which lands it in the Top 50.

Boston Spaceships Review [9/16/08] @ The Fire Note


#48
Julie Ocean
Long Gone And Nearly There
Transit Of Venus Records [2008]







If you like power pop then you should already know about Julie Ocean. The Washington D.C. quartet has an impressive resume of indie experience which is lead by guitarist/singer JimSpellman of Velocity Girl fame and guitarist/singer Terry Banks of Saturday People, Tree Fort Angst and Glo-Worm. The hooks are where it is at on Long Gone And Nearly There and they go along way making this one infectious record after multiple listens.

Julie Ocean Review [5/28/08] @ The Fire Note


#47
Love Is Chemicals
Song Of The Summer Youth Brigade
New Earth Objects [2008]







This San Fran band sort of snuck up on us this year with their straight ahead indie pop. Song Of The Summer Youth Brigade ebbs and flows into moments of shoegaze, west coast sun, slow burning rockers and smooth Brit-pop. For all of these reasons and seamless transitions of style puts Love Is Chemicals in our list and kept the record in our player!

Love Is Chemicals Review [8/14/08] @ The Fire Note


#46
Langhorne Slim
Langhorne Slim
Kemado Records [2008]







Langhorne Slim is a great artist that is finally around because he was a casualty of the alt hip label V2 going belly up and the record placed in limbo.Langhorne Slim is now on Kemado Records and his self-titled record released this year turned out to be worth every minute that ticked by. Slim’s overall vocal style is very Dylan like and he can tell a story with the best of them, which backed by the solid band The War Eagles his sound and tales are even more vibrant.

Langhorne Slim Review [5/14/08] @ The Fire Note


#45
Sloan
Parallel Play
Yep Roc Records [2008]







Parallel Play confirms my notion that Sloan is one of the top acts from Canada that should have a huge following everywhere becasue album after ablum they put out a stellar Beatlesque pop that should not be turned away. Now on their ninth record, Sloan proves why they are a career band that releases consistently good albums because the hooks grab you harder each time around and the harmonizing melodies never get old.

Sloan Review [6/9/08] @ The Fire Note


#44
Wolf Parade
At Mount Zoomer
Sub Pop Records [2008]








At Mount Zoomer delivers a solid batch of jangly indie rock that is not only unique but completely addicting. The interesting thing about Wolf Parade is that since their initial release both primary songwriters Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner have had great success with their other individual projects (Sunset Rubdown, Swan Lake, Handsome Furs) but they still seem completely on the same page and on direction as they share songwriting duties for At Mount Zoomer. This cohesive vibe creates a flow that not only sounds fresh but has more confidence and presence than before.

Wolf Parade Review [7/04/08] @ The Fire Note


#43
The Airborne Toxic Event
The Airborne Toxic Event
Majordomo Records [2008]








The self-titled debut from The Airborne Toxic Event is the complete package for a great record: smart lyrics, catchy hooks, perfect pace and just 10 tracks in 37 minutes. From beginning to end the band surpasses any expectations for their hyped debut and completely lives up to Rolling Stone naming them one of the top 25 MySpace bands in December 2006 and the club frenzy they have been causing in LA over the past year.

The Airborne Toxic Event Review [8/8/08] @ The Fire Note


#42
Jessica Lea Mayfield
With Blasphemy So Heartfelt
Polymer Sounds [2008]








She was named “Vocalist of the Year” in March by The Cleveland Free Times, and has already opened for bands like Lucero, The Black Keys, and The Avett Brothers. She contributed background vocals on The Black Keys latest album Attack & Release and had Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys produce this debut record making Jessica Lea Mayfield not only a best new artist but one to keep an eye on for future projects!

Jessica Lea Mayfield Review [9/11/08] @ The Fire Note


#41
The Soft Hands
Hours Pass By
Fidotrust Records [2008]








The Soft Hands play a sort of angular post punk indie rock that you would never guess would come out of Long Beach. Hours Pass By is an album that is based on a traditional underground punk that calls up memories of the Minutemen and Wire while containing a cutting edge style of Camper Van and Spoon. This is a record that we have only been listening to for a month and it gets better with every spin. Maybe with more time it would have placed higher but I candefinitely tell you that The Soft Hands is a band to watch in 2009!

The Soft Hands Review [11/21/08] @ Fire Drills