Lists, lists, lists. Normally, I’m all over that shit but is anybody else becoming increasingly bored by the extra notch the end of the decade has ramped up the this time of year’s traditional list-making frenzy?
And yet, I still play along. It’s an interesting exercise by which to measure my changing tastes, and besides – how else to see the Gaslight Anthem’s 2008 album recognised as one of my near-constant musical touchstones this year?
It’s strange: a few months ago I remember distinctly wondering how to give this blog more of a “voice”, some kind of running theme that would tie the fractured threads of my thoughts together. Recently I’ve been working on a growing number of musical features – and yet, I wonder if that is really what I want to be doing.
Something to think about as we move into the next decade, perhaps.
Anyway, on the offchance you are interested, here’s a quick rundown of how my 2008 favourites have fared in my affections twelve months on. My 2009 list will follow next week.
10. Death Cab For Cutie: Narrow Stairs [5]
They’re not indie Death Cab. They’re not going to be indie Death Cab again. But they’re still going to produce gorgeously overpowering songs like “I Will Possess Your Heart” in all its eight minute splendour, so what’s to complain about?9. Sun Kil Moon: April [4]
The perfect dreamy springtime shower to see you through any journey spent making finger marks in dirty windows.8. The Indelicates: American Demo [NE]
Wickedly cynical, lyrical indie that seems to get better with extended listens.7. The Hold Steady: Stay Positive [1]
Shush. I still love it. Just not as much as their older albums.6. Laura Marling: Alas, I Cannot Swim [8]
One of those charmers you forget just how incredible it is until you listen to it. Side note: was listening to Marling’s Christmas single earlier, and now cannot wait for forthcoming album #2.5. Blitzen Trapper: Furr [NE]
One of my Princeton treasures, an album of melodic alt.folk with secretly dark themes.4. Amanda Palmer: Who Killed Amanda Palmer [NE]
Deranged, epic, angry, beautiful.3. Kathleen Edwards: Asking for Flowers [=]
My own first lady of alternative country, whose third album is by turns both ballsy and tragic.2. The Gaslight Anthem: The ’59 Sound [NE]
It’s a shame what has technically been my album of 2009 is inelligible for entry to this year’s list, but seeing them in Cincinnati was one of its highlights.1. Matthew Ryan: Matthew Ryan vs. The Silver State [2]
One of those go-to albums I suspect will pick me up on bad days for years to come.
0 Responses to “down, down, down from our youth to the ground: 2008 revisited;”