Dave’s Top Five Albums and Songs of 2008
I’ve been told by Pat that my 2008 list is “obscure.” I didn’t think so when I came up with it, but I guess that just means I will have to start posting some embarrassing pop pleasures. Believe me, they will come.
Top Five Albums
1. Portishead - Third
Remember when trip-hop was big in the mid-to-late 90’s? I don’t, I was listening to The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers at the time. Portishead was too moody for me. Now I’m older and moodier and hey, Portishead put out a new album after 11 years. Oh, and it’s good too.
2. Late of the Pier - Fantasy Black Channel
When I was young, I had a synthesizer and learned to play Christmas songs. When these guys were young, they had guitars and synths and formed a band that played indie electronic rock music. I’m fairly happy with how things worked out for me, but I kind of wish I had a record deal.
3. Does It Offend You, Yeah? - You Have No Idea What You’re Getting Yourself Into
Obnoxious name. Obnoxiously long album title. And a song called “Attack of the 60 ft. Lesbian Octopus”? There’s a lot to hate about these guys. But luckily plenty to love.
4. Girl Talk - Feed the Animals
If you’re a Girl Talk fan, see him live. You won’t regret it. If you’re not a Girl Talk fan, see him live. You won’t regret it.
5. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
I’m not entirely convinced that Cut Copy isn’t New Order in disguise. You know how Garth Brooks created that lame Chris Gaines alter-ego? This is like the same thing. Except this is actually good.
Top Five Songs
1. Sébastien Tellier, “Divine”
So Europe does this crazy Eurovision Song Contest. It’s like the Euro Cup but for pop music. France selected “Divine” as their entry, then people complained because the lyrics weren’t even French. Sébastien Tellier was like, “Um, whatevs” and then this happened. And this too!
2. The Brighton Port Authority feat. David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal, “Toe Jam”
The YouTube tags for the “Toe Jam” video include “naked girls”, “censor bars”, and “fun”. That sums it up nicely. Everything is blocked out, but it’s perhaps not safe for work if you work in a nunnery.
3. Late of the Pier, “Focker”
I think the dude’s glasses flying off at the beginning of the video makes me enjoy this song even more. Even if the rest of the video is kind of douchey.
4. Kanye West, “Paranoid”
I give credit to Kanye for trying something new. About half of 808’s and Heartbreak is dope. The rest is eh. It’s no coincidence that “Paranoid” is the least AutoTuned track and also the best.
5. Nosaj Thing, “1685”
A rad little instrumental track from an upcoming L.A.-based producer. Apparently he enters a lot of production/remix contests and wins a good number of them. Here’s a video of some guy poppin’ to the song. Check out the Billy Bass!
