Sun Kil Moon - April
Whether it's his "solo" releases or his albums under the moniker Sun Kil Moon, Mark Kozelek continues to astonish. This year, he released the second SKM of completely original material on April Fools Day. The album title? April, of course. This is some of the best songwriting I've ever heard. So much so that it boggles the mind that this guy isn't getting more mainstream press or getting headlining stints at bigger venues. Which I guess works out for the people who are crazy about him. If you've never heard of him, you've probably seen him in a movie or two. He plays the quiet bass player in Almost Famous, as well as the mentor to Jason Schwartzman's character in Shopgirl.Worst Kept Secret of 2008:
Vampire Weekend - Self-Titled
I've got absolutely nothing against this band. I really loved their debut album, but I will go on the record to say that Vampire Weekend has had the easiest path to success in the history of music. As already mentioned, VW was the first band to grace the cover of Spin without releasing any material. I'm pretty sure they played SNL before their album even charted. Before you knew it they had songs in movies, commercials, and video games. By year's end they played not one, not two, but THREE sold out shows at New York's Terminal 5. At this rate, I have a good feeling they'll get their first Garden show in 2009.And for the record, yes, it is pure coincidence that the year's best and worst kept secrets just happen to feature what appears to be camera mistakes at unsuspecting chandeliers. Oh the hilarity.
Best Live Album of 2008:
The Clash - Live At Shea Stadium
It's only appropriate that The Clash finally released this legendary set the week after the Mets played their final game at their home stadium. I have a soft spot in my heart for this album because it was recorded at a place where I had experienced so many fond memories (oddly enough, the album was recorded two months before I was born). I couldn't think of a better venue/band pairing if I tried. Shea Stadium and The Clash are one in the same: both were never the sexiest or best at what they did, but they both MATTERED. And now, like the band, the stadium is now just a part of history. Probably for the best.
Worst Live Album of 2008:
Fall Out Boy - **** Live In Phoenix
Alright, first thing's first. I like Fall Out Boy more than I should. There, it's out there. Hey, if Elvis Costello is a fan, these guys gotta be doing something right. Their new album (Folie A Deux) is actually incredible. The live show, on the other hand, needs work. They should have mabye considered this before releasing a live CD/DVD this year. Thanks for the memories, but you really shouldn't have.Best EP of 2008:
The Avett Brothers - The Gleam II
I've noticed an proliferation of EP's this year. I don't know if this is a new thing, but artists big and small (Coldplay, Cat Power, Fleet Foxes) have been releasing these babies like wildfire. That being said, I need to give the award to the Avett Brothers simply because theirs best exemplifies what an EP is intended to do: showcase a good sampling of a relatively unknown artist. The Gleam II is a perfect little folk concoction that gets the job done in under 20 minutes. Looks like it worked. Supposedly this brother act is opening up for Dave Matthews Band on its upcoming spring tour.Worst EP of 2008:
The National - The Virgina EP
This unfortunate distinction is by no means a reflection of The National itself. Boxer is one of the best albums of the decade, and this band has one of the more promising careers in the indie rock realm. However, this supposed EP (which breaks all EP rules) is nothing more than a compilation of demos, b-sides and live tracks. To me, this is all pretty unnecessary at this point. Sorry, guys.
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