This?

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Best Music of 2008

Lord. It's around this time of year when the best of and critics polls for the end of the year start coming out, and I always have my moment of wondering what culture I belong to - because I've never even heard of any of them. I'm just not one of those 'new music' guys, and it always makes me feel a little deficient. It will pass, I'm sure: pursuing new music is one of those things that really has to be nearly a full-time avocation if you want to have a go at it, so things like having a job and school and a band and life kind of get in the way.

But still, it's a little embarrassing to be a musician and songwriter and generally self-identify as an artist and have zero interest in seeking out new music.

D.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

This year I've actually been on top of what was being released...

Two words... Fleet Foxes..

Best album of the year by miles.. One of the best albums of the last 10 years... Check them out on Walrus in the We Recommend section if you haven't aready..

Other notables this year.. Little Joy, Benji Hughes, No Age, Ruby Suns, M83, Tallest Man in the World, The latest in the Bob Dylan Bootleg Series... and Vampire Weekend...

It was actually a great year for music... too bad no one has heard them.. this is comletely the fault of the record industry...

Dave Kopperman said...

I've heard both Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend, but neither did much to hold my interest. And you know how I feel about Dylan.

So, of those others - and knowing the general outlines of my tastes - what do you think would appeal to me?

D.

Anonymous said...

I think you might like the Santogold album.. I didn't mention her album...

Benji Hughes too.. at least parts of it.. thats on We recommend as well..

I dunno what to tell you that Fleet Foxes album is a beautiful record from beginning to end.. I dont see how that wouldnt hold your interest.

shaunian said...

I also love the Fleet Foxes album. Dave, they are kinda in the same vein as Band of Horses and My Morning Jacket, if you've heard of those...

Dave Kopperman said...

I am, and always have been, extraordinarily resistant to new music. And that includes old music that's new to me. I really need to find stuff on my own, and approach it from a place of total ignorance.

There have been exceptions to this over the years, but few.

D.

Anonymous said...

With you its a crap shoot.. I really have no idea what would capture your imagination bandwise.. Youve hated things I've loved and yet you've also really connected with some like Television for instance.. so I just dont know..

Dave Kopperman said...

I know, and I apologize. I think Television vs. Pet Sounds gives some kind of clue, though: I'm not really that into 'producers' music or ear candy. I like a tight and distinctive rhythm section, to boot.

I should start a Pandora station with some of my favorites and see what comes out.

D.

Anonymous said...

Yeah.. thats actually a good idea.. I've been turned on to a few cool things through Pandora....

shaunian said...

You should try Last FM, too. I have been happier with the random stuff I've discovered from that than with the stuff via pandora.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, some good stuff on Last FM too..