Best of 2008

1- Bon Iver- For Emma

Man vs the Wisconsin Wilderness = Perfection. This CD was recorded by one man in a cabin in the Wisconsin wilderness and it doesn't have the best audio quality out there but the melodies and lyrics definitely make up for it. This guy is really talented, give it a few listens and you'll agree I knows it.

2- Vampire Weekend – S/T

This is the feel good hipster release of the year. Its structure is so simple that it makes little sense that they would be so popular to indie music fans. You cant help but sing to each song on this release. Simply put I heart this CD.

3- Pompeii- Nothing Happens For A Reason

I was turned onto these guys from my friend Bryce, this is the bands second release and picks up right where Assembly leaves off. Highly recommend for an easy listening period where time doesn't matter. They would fit in somewhere between the sound of The Album Leaf with the vocals of Ben Gibbard. The songs will get caught in your head where you will want to keep them for hours.

4- Sleepercar – West Texas

This is Jim Ward of Sparta's side project that is amazing. I listen to this a lot because its got that Alt-Country vibe but overall is just rockin'. I would say this is the Cassion Sounds of Salvation (my personal favorite of 2007 ) release for this year. I can't begin the CD without playing it all the way through. Also these guys are the opening act for Coldplay this winter.

5- Moving Mountains – Pneuma

"You don't make a CD like this and not expect to get noticed" is my favorite description of this CD. These guys have made something special that fits somewhere in between the vein of Appleseed Cast and Brand New. This post hardcore band from upstate New York is going to explode onto the scene.

6- Conor Oberst – S/T

As a Bright Eyes fan and pretty much anything Conor releases or has influence on I must say that I love this CD. That's right I said it and I will shout it from the roof tops if needs be. It picks up right where Cassadaga left off just without his fellow band mates.

7- Paper Mache – Easier To Lose

These guys are going to be huge. The band hails from Washington and is currently touring the country relentlessly. I saw them when my friends band opened for these guys in June. They have softer melodies and some harder ones as well. The writing talent of their lead singer is far beyond his age. Listen, Listen, Listen!!!!

8- Lydia – Illuminate

This band started the year out on a small label but as since caught the ear of the major labels and within a few months following this release they have made the jump. Coming from Arizona this bands sound is best described as Jimmy Eat World (circa Clarity) meets Straylight Run.

9- Fleet Foxes – S/T

If this list was based on the best smelling band, I think this band would take the cake. This first full length ranks up there, #9 on this list because I still haven't given it the full listening chance it deserves however it is amazing. At points it reminds me of the world waking up in spring time right as the unthawing of the Earth happens. If you get a chance to see these guys live don't let it pass you by.

10- Okkervil River – Stand Ins

I love this band. Although I didn't discover them until this year, they have quickly taken up a large space in my all time favorites. This is the second part of last years Stage Names. Because I love Stage Names so much I haven't given this release as much of the focus it deserves. Give me a few months and I am sure this will rise on this list.


Honorable Mentions

11- Poetica - Liberation: The Catalyst

These guys were amazing. A local band here in the SLC these guys made something remarkable for a first release. They created a unique sound that goes along side Glassjaw, some Minus the Bear influence, and bad ass rock and roll. Catchy drum riffs, and amazingly layered guitars set this group far apart from others in the local scene. They remain close friends of mine, if you can find a copy of the EP make sure to buy it.

12- Northstar - Broken Parachutte

The reason this didn't make the top 10 is because its a EP. I love this release as it is the final chapter of unreleased songs, and demos to a very gifted band. Some of the classics have been redone by Nick Torres to sound less angst and more alt-country. I miss these guys so much, thank God we have Cassino.

Favorite Releases from 2007 that have been discovered this year

1- Manchester Orchestra - I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child

These guys are my favorite new band for the past 11 months. I got this CD at the end of last year and didn't really give it a listen until the start of this year. The song structure and lyrics are so well written that it has become in my top five releases of all time. I cant get enough of what these guys make. Lead singer / songwriter Andy Hull's side project Right Away Great Captain sheds a softer side to the enigma known as Manchester Orchestra.

2- Four Year Strong - Rise Or Die Trying

This CD brings back what I thought was a dead genre. This four piece from Boston has brought back pop-punk with a twist. This CD reminds me of the feeling I got the first time I heard the Self Titled by New Found Glory, or Blue Skies Broken Hearts.... by the Ataris. Don't be surprise when you check out this release and you find yourself singing out loud to each and every song. These guys take that nostalgic feeling that fans of the punk movement from yester-year have while doing it faster, stronger, harder; and who couldn't love a wizard riding a squid through space while fighting off steel sharks with laser beam eyes as the artwork for the album? My thoughts exactly.