LimeWire Music Blog

Instead of settling into the holiday season, I’ve been back and forth for the past few weeks, reevaluating the past year of releases, and catching up on any that may have slipped through the cracks. What sounds like a rather taxing affair is generally my favorite superficial time of the year, and this year was no exception.

Though any 2008 list I could muster can’t possibly compete with last year’s incredible offerings (for example: Scott Walker didn’t come out of hibernation for the third time this decade), there have still been enough notable releases for me to propose two lists.  The first, posted below, is a list of my ten favorite records of the year, which will be supplemented in a separate post detailing my top ten songs of the year.

Without any further ado, let’s get this party started:

10. David Byrne and Brian Eno – Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Though this album, the pair’s first since 1981, did not meet my original expectations (being that of a haunting, experimental freakout album like the first), this is still some fine, fantastic pop, complete with the general cheekiness of Byrne and the atmospheric masterwork of Eno. Maybe Eno needs to get a new keyboard, but I do love the majesty that these two have orchestrated on this record.
Recommended if you like: Byrne and Eno’s respective solo careers, David Bowie
Essential Listening: “I Feel My Stuff,” “Strange Overtones”

9. Wire – Object 47
It’s hard to say this is a return to form, when Wire records come few and far between, and are generally solid. Though I prefer the harder edge they donned for 2003’s Send, this record sounds like classic Wire, chock full of arty and angular riffs, catchy tunes, and a commanding talent. When the market seems a bit over-saturated with dodgy ripoffs, it’s great to see a classic act come back and show everyone how it’s really done.
Recommended if you like: classic Wire, Gang of Four, No Age
Essential Listening: “Perspex Icon,” “One Of Us”

8. Quitzow – Art College
A local favorite, but no less amazing, Quitzow’s music is equal parts dance-infused fun and heartbreaking dirge. There’s a lot of heart in this record, through and through, and a lot of interesting sounds to keep it fresh and enticing. Really perfect pop, if you will, chock full of singalong sensibility and moody Moog synths.
Recommended if you like: Kristen Hersh, Prince, Lori Anderson
Essential Listening: “Sponsor,” “Slept In My Car,” “On TV”

7. Dandi Wind – Yolk of the Golden Egg
Technically, this is a 2008 release, though I’ve been familiar with a majority of the tracks since 2007, when a demo version of Dandi Wind’s latest record was leaked to the informed public. That said, they’ve upped the ante with this record, and even the already existing numbers have been embellished upon, all for the better. It’s one of the catchiest, yet most abrasive, records I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing, and it’s a perfect recorded representation of the band’s live energy.
Recommended if you like: Siouxsie and the Banshees, Glass Candy, Fad Gadget
Essential Listening: “Adolescent,” “A Lifetime,” “Dance of the Paralytic”

6. Coil – The New Backwards
This one’s a doozy. Though it dates back to demos recorded in 1993 (at Nothing Studios, New Orleans), this particular Coil release was dusted off and mostly re-recorded over the course of the past few years, and it finally saw the light of day upon John Balance’s unfortunate (and truly ironic) death this year. Though all Coil releases are generally atmospheric and terrifying affairs, this one gets right under my skin, and ranks among their best work. Not an easy feat, considering Coil’s extremely prolific and consistent output.
Recommended if you like: SPK, Brian Eno, Throbbing Gristle
Essential Listening: “Careful What You Wish For,” “Paint Me As a Dead Soul”

5. Weep – Never Ever
A previously cherished demo upgraded to a full record, Weep is the latest and most commanding project of Doc Hammer, formerly of Mors Syphilitica and current writer of Adult Swim’s cartoon,The Venture Brothers. Driving, epic, and breathtaking, and a beautiful little package to boot, weighing in at eight solid tracks. They don’t make such slim and powerful records these days, and it’s a crying shame.
Recommended if you like: Modern English, My Bloody Valentine, Swans
Essential Listening: “Lay There and Drown,” “Can’t Be True”

4. Duchess Says – L’Anthologie des 3 Perchoirs
This glorious record, by a quirky and mysterious Canadian synth-punk act, is messy, dirty, gritty, and downright nasty, yet I can’t help but shake my ass to it all the same. I was already familiar with a few tracks here, including the perfect dance-punk number “Black Flag,” but this record delivers with a fantastic punch.
Recommended if you like: Devo, The Screamers, Erase Errata
Essential Listening: “Black Flag,” “La Friche,” “Tenen Non Neu”

3. Nine Inch Nails – Ghosts I-IV
Though The Slip is chock full of solid standard fare, this is the record I’ve been waiting for Trent Reznor to make since The Fragile rocked my 17-year-old self. Two discs worth of instrumentals, this collection showcases Reznor’s ability to emote and explore various different soundscapes with the greatest of ease.
Recommended if you like: Nine Inch Nails’ more tender moments.
Essential Listening: “01 Ghosts I,” “20 Ghosts III,” “31 Ghosts IV”

2. The Wierd Compilation Vol. II: Analogue Electronic Music 2008
This is less an album, and more of a two-disc opus — a compilation chock full of the best modern minimal wave, industrial, and experimental electronic music available in the world today. Several old and new favorites adorn these vinyl sleeves, including new tracks by Xeno and Oaklander, Demons, and Epee Du Bois.
Recommended if you like: Kraftwerk, Throbbing Gristle, OMD
Essential Listening: Xeno and Oaklander – “Blue Flower,” Led Er Est – “Woman In a Café/Communication,” Opus Finis – “Perplexed Pathos,” and many, many more

1. Wovenhand – Ten Stones
I can’t remember the last time I was giddy as a schoolboy over a new release. I’ve been a 16 Horsepower convert for a few years, but just hopped on the Wovenhand train early this year, and immediately became obsessed. So much so that I sparked two similar obsessions as the year went on. That said, this isn’t my favorite Wovenhand album, but it’s still incredible. Hard-hitting, passionate, and far louder than I’d expected. It sweeps you off your feet, tosses you around a bit, and leaves nothing but your shoes once all is said and done.
Recommended if you like: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Songs:Ohia
Essential Listening: “Not One Stone,” “The Beautiful Axe”

That about catches me up to speed, ladies and gentlemen.  Is your favorite on the list?  Stay tuned until next time for my top 10 songs of the year!