I feel Bad

After that last post i feel a little bad about being so negative, so how bout a more positive post, a reflective post. This one will be devoted to the albums that defined my 2008. They might not all be from 2008, but regardless, they all played a big part on my '08. So in no particular order here they are:

The Avett Brothers - "The Second Gleam"

Just beautiful! Listen to "Murdered in the City" and try not to tear up, in a good way. They have really defined the last 2 years of my life. Thanks to my friend Shane, they really have changed my life when it comes to music. Seeing them live is a religious experience to me and I hope to go back to church sometime soon!

Key Track - Murdered in the City

The Hold Steady - "Stay Positive"

This is my kind of bar music! It took me a lil bit to get used to his voice, but after that its pretty sweet. It makes me miss my favorite bar in the world, Tony's in Athens OH. For some reason these songs remind me of the wood covered walls and a $2 pint of Killians. 

Key Track - Constructive Summer

Mates of State - "Re-arrange Us"

Such an awesome Indie-Pop album. Every song is sooo catchy. She is hott! But they are married, which is cool. This is one of those albums that I can't imagine anyone saying "nah that sucks!" It's so catchy that you would have to be the stupid humans from Wall-e to hate this!

Key Track - The Whole Album!

Death Cab for Cutie - "Narrow Stairs"

A very solid album. Now it doesn't hit anything special emotionally for me, but its one of those cds that i find myself playing a lot. "I Will Possess Your Heart" reminded me of my last quarter of college, for various reasons, but as a whole a very solid album that will probably get played a lot more.

Key Track - Cath...

Bishop Allen - "The Broken String"

This is kind of a funny story. So i watched the movie Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Now its not the best movie in the world, but one band from the soundtrack stuck out, Bishop Allen. So i got a hold of their cd, and it was awesome! It's one of those albums where the first time you hear it you go..."uh oh! this is good!" So i have been overdosing myself with this cd. Let's just say that i have an 8 gb ipod, doesn't hold all the songs i want, and i never delete this album. Perfect mix of slower folk songs and upbeat pop songs. 

Key track - Rain, and Click Click Click

Stars - "Set Yourself on Fire"

I must give my room mate Charlie credit on this one. He has tried to get me into them for a while now. He took me to one of their shows and I was convinced, they are awesome. They are definitely one of those bands that after you see them live, you get it. And now when i listen to them i have a whole new appreciation for them. Plus i got a girl's number at this show...but lost it, oh well.

Key Tracks - Your Ex-Lover is Dead

Motion City Soundtrack - "Even If It Kills Me"

There are few bands from my high school days i really keep up with. But for some reason MCS always keeps me interested. This is such a catchy album, not unlike their other stuff. But there is something about this album that is so solid i never get tired of it. I put this on when i dont know what else to listen to and it alway hits the spot. 

Key Track - Can't Finish What You Started

Lydia - "Illuminate"

When The Format went on hiatus, i was upset...but along came Lydia. Their songs can be a tad depressing, but sooo beautiful at the same time! The whole album sounds like a big opus, like one big song. But every song gives you something a little different. They are a perfect marriage of The Format and Mae (for me at least) and with that combo, they are winners with me.

   Key Track - This is Twice Now

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band - "Conor Oberst"

WOW! I got this and started playing it, thinking "Oh this is gonna sound just like Bright Eyes, which is cool, but we'll see" And after the first half of the album it quickly became my favorite album of 2008! Seriously, he is awesome, lyrics are amazing, and the music is better than ever. I never get tired of this cd, it brings me back to my trip to San Fran with my mom. For some reason it hits the spot. 

Key Tracks - Sausalito, I Dont Want to Die (in a hospital), NYC-Gone, Gone

Langhorne Slim - "Diamonds and Gold"

Another Shane credit here as well. Catchy awesome country infused album. It is perfect for upbeat listening and dow beat country. This is one of those albums you can hang out and having play in the background, bar music, or playing when you are writing a blog about your favorite music of the last year. This is a close #2 behind Conor Oberst for my favorite album of 2008. 

Key Tracks - Spinning Compass, Rebel Side of Heaven

Runners up:

Regina Spektor - "Begin to Hope"

Right Away, Great Captain! - "The Eventually Home"

Streetlight Manifesto - "Somewhere in The Between"

The Weakerthans - "Reunion Tour"

Well that's about it for that. 2008 was a great year for music in my world. Stuff to look forward to in 2009....

Kevin Devine

Manchester Orchestra

Fun 

Mute Math

I couldn't find any more, oh well, I will find something dont you worry. 

http://www.last.fm/user/wfpdrummer10