TOP ALBUMS AND SHOWS OF 2008

MOST-LISTENED-TO ALBUMS

1. At Mount Zoomer – Wolf Parade
Yes, it’s true. I have a serious hard-on for Wolf Parade. If you ask me about musical faves, I’ll inevitably blather on about Spencer and Dan or, by extension, Sunset Rubdown, Handsome Furs or Swan Lake, even. My love for the band, however, is not unfounded; I think they write fantastic shit -– both lyrically and musically –- and the uniqueness of the two lead vocals solidifies the fact. Apologies to the Queen Mary was, and still is for me, a close-to-perfect album –- one that grabs you with its catchy hooks, and lingers with its lyrical dexterity. So much so that three years later, it’s still on my heavy rotation list. You could imagine, then, how much I was anticipating their sophomore record -– especially after seeing what the two leads were doing with their side projects. Admittedly, At Mount Zoomer didn’t really stick right away -– it took several listens for me to warm up to it. But when I did, *sigh,* I really did. Unlike Apologies’ quick catchiness, ... Zoomer beckons us slowly, almost subtly at first, and has more of an experimental and epic feel to it, revealing that Dan and Spencer have interpolated their side-project musings into Wolf Parade. This is not a bad thing. The tracks maintain an air of unpredictability, many of which build up to gloriously satisfying climaxes (“California Dreamer” “Kissing the Beehive,”). Songs like “Language City,” however, keep up the spirit of the band’s generational-anthem sing-alongs that made their debut so yummy. Oh, and their use of keyboards totally kicks ass. Don’t believe me? Check out “Animal In Your Care” and “The Great Estates.” What else can I say about this album except that it makes me cry happy tears?

2. Crystal Castles – Crystal Castles
I debated putting this album on my list at all, never mind making it my number two. The controversy surrounding the band gives me a headache, but, unfortunately, they managed to sample their way into my heart. Their use of excerpts from the likes of Death From Above and Van She, and their collaboration with Health yielded some of my most listened-to songs of 2008 (“Untrust Us,” “Vanished” and “Crimewave”). And while at times this album sounds like a schizophrenic Atari console, it finds balance with more mellow and highly listenable tracks. Like it or not, these kids have upped the ante on late 2000’s electronic music, and will have, no doubt, a slew of both copycats and followers.

3. Midnight Boom – The Kills
How do you perfect the lo-fi bluesy goodness of No Wow? You release Midnight Boom, evidently. With hints of Blondie and Peaches, this album has more of a dance spin to it but never abandons the raw feel that the band is known for. Overall, a refreshing and sexy rock release. Oh, and do me a favour and see The Kills live, too.

4. You Have No Idea What You’re Getting Yourself Into – Does It Offend You, Yeah?
“We Are Rockstars” was swimming around the scene for years without a home, so it was fine time these guys released an album. While You Have Know Idea… consciously combines all that is trendy in dance-punk today, it does it well enough to create a fun, energized album. Sebastian Grainger’s vocal appearance is also *very* welcomed.

5. Welcome To The Third World – The Dandy Warhols
Courtney Taylor-Taylor and his crew continue to what they do best -– self-consciously, and successfully, allude to different rock eras. I still enjoy.

6. We Are The Night – The Chemical Brothers
The Brothers still manage to work it out. A fantastic record to drive to.

7. Dear Science – TV On The Radio
In my opinion, Dan Sitek, Tunde Adempipe and co. can do no wrong. Wait, I lie. Return to Cookie Mountain was a slight downer for me, simply because parts of it felt like a rehash of some of Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes’ finer moments. Dear Science, however, is a step in an exciting direction, and the follow-up album I had been hoping for.

8. Heavenly Bender – Sam Champion
Maybe I have a little soft spot for Sam Champion because they were the first band I ever interviewed (and they were so damn nice!) Regardless, Heavenly Bender houses some wonderfully nostalgic garage tracks.

9. Saturdays = Youth – M83
A valentine to children of the 80’s everywhere.

10. A Heart Full of Sorrow – Yussuf Jerusalem
I have Mike to thank for introducing me to this gem of an album. I’m really not sure how to describe the sound, other than awesomeness, and maybe lo-fi 60’s garage. Not interested? You will be, after you’ve checked him out. No, seriously, check him out. I demand it.

Forgotten Mentions (how could I?):
Modern Guilt - Beck
Trouble In Dreams - Destroyer

Honourable Mentions:
Attack & Release – The Black Keys
?Como Te Llama? - Albert Hammond Jr.
In Ghost Colors - Cut//Copy
Dystopia - Midnight Juggernauts

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MOST AMAZING SHOWS

There is too much to be said about all these concert experiences, so I will save their elaboration for my blog. All you need to know about them is…THEY GAVE ME ONE. (100 points for identifying obscure quote.)

1. Wolf Parade @ Metropolis
I didn’t think I could love Wolf Parade any more. I love them even more.

2. Caribou @ La Tulipe
One of the best shows I’ve seen. Ever.

3. The Kills @ Le Studio Juste Pour Rire
Hot chemistry + hot music = hot concert

4. Radiohead @ Parc Jean-Drapeau
Do I really need to explain? Didn’t think so.

5. Beck @ Theatre St-Denis
Proof that Beck still has it and will always have it.

6. Destroyer @ Lambi
Dan Bejar is really not as pretentious as you may think! He's awesome, actually.