Here we are again...the end of another year, and on the verge of entering the last year of the decade with a hopeful new president. Admittedly, I didn't get a chance to explore music quite as much as I have in previous years due to my retirement from DJ'ing since last February. Nevertheless, I did discover a few gems in 2008, and I'd definitely like to share them with the masses. I've noticed in my selection below that my taste has become a bit tamer as I begin to enter my mid-thirties. However, don't get me wrong, I must say that I've enjoyed electronic music much more this decade than in the '90s. It has a definitive '80s feel, which is most reflective of my taste. Without further ado, enjoy the below tracks. As always, I've hyperlinked to YouTube videos where available, as well as included the links to their respective Myspace pages. Enjoy!
And finally, if you'd like to hear many of my favorite tracks, check out my personal playlist.
“I’m Good, I’m Gone” – Lykke Li
www.myspace.com/lykkeli
The 22-year-old Swede exploded onto the American indie scene this year with her debut album, Youth Novels produced by Björn Yttling (of Peter Björn and John). Her single, "I'm Good, I'm Gone" has a very soulful feel while still encompassing choppy electro beats. She's most definitely someone to keep on your radar for 2009. She possesses the talent to become the next Björk if she puts her mind to it.
“Courtship Dating” – Crystal Castles
Named for the Crystal Castle in the 1980s animated series She-Ra: Princess of Power (though widely believed to be named after the early '80s Atari game of the same name), the Toronto-based Crystal Castles have created quite a name for themselves over the past few years as producers and remixers. They've also headlined tours for the likes of Vice Magazine and NME alongside notable acts like These New Puritans, The Teenagers, and Friendly Fires. This year, they released their self-titled debut album featuring their signature chirpy Atari-esque electro sound. "Courtship Dating" is a perfect example of the exciting consistency the duo constantly delivers.
“Paris is Burning” – Ladyhawke
Twenty-seven-year-old New Zealand-born Phillipa "Pip" Brown (a.k.a. Ladyhawke, named for the 1985 fantasy film staring Matthew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Rutger Hauer) channels divas (both stylistically and aesthetically) from early '80s rock like Pat Benatar, Scandal's Patty Smyth (remember "The Warrior"?), Heart, Kate Bush, and even the late Laura Brannigan. The opening lyrics and style of "Paris is Burning" bear a striking resemblance to Gary Numan's "Cars." The track is more than just catchy, as the hook and chorus play over and over in your mind. Kudos to Miss Pip!
“I Lust U” – Neon Neon (featuring Cate Le Bon)
www.myspace.com/neonx2
Perhaps the most interesting collaborative project of the year comes from Super Furry Animals front man Gruff Rhys and electronic producer/musician Boom Bip. Together, these two form the dynamic duo, Neon Neon. Their debut album, Stainless Steel, released earlier in the year is a concept album, and is based on the life of John De Lorean (the engineer/playboy of the De Lorean Motor Company). In fact, the album title is a pun for the De Lorean DMC-12, which features a body made of stainless steel. The album also features guest appearances from familiar faces like Fab Moretti of The Strokes, Spank Rock, and Har Mar Superstar, as well as vintage sythesizers like the Casio SK-5, Korg MiniKorg 700, and Roland SH-101 to create the mid eighties synth-pop sound. When Welsh singer Cate Le Bon lends her sexy vocals to the track "I Lust U," one feels immediately transported back to the age of excess.
“Blind” – Hercules & Love Affair (featuring Antony Hegarty)
Like Blondie did in the late '70s, DJ Andy Butler (the brainchild behind musical project Hercules & Love Affair) proves once again that Disco and New Wave create a beautiful combination. Releasing the self-titled debut album earlier in the year, Hercules & Love Affair have been a dance floor sensation. One of the most powerful tracks on the album is Antony Hegarty's vocals (of Antony & The Johnsons) on the track, "Blind." The effect is reminiscent of '80s synth-pop band Bronski Beat (the similarity between Hegarty's and Jimmy Somerville's voices is uncanny).
“Shut Up and Let Me Go” – The Ting Tings
Based in Salford, UK (I can't help but think of The Salford Lads' Club in The Smiths' 1986 video "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before"), the pop-punk duo scored a number one hit on the UK charts with "That's Not My Name," as well as number one album for their debut, We Started Nothing earlier in the year. Their most recognized and downloaded track from the album is "Shut Up and Let Me Go," a wonderful blend of pop, punk, a tinge of reggae, and a dab of hip-hop.
“Guilt” – The Long Blondes
www.myspace.com/thelongblondes
Sadly, as I write this year in review, The Long Blondes have officially broken up (as of October 20th), with five years of fantastic music behind them. The Sheffield, UK band was most revered for their distinctive sound, which was reminiscent of '60s garage rock and late '70s mod revivalist and post-punk/new wave. "Guilt" was released last summer from their second studio album, Couples, produced by famed electro DJ and producer/remixer, Erol Alkan. The ballad shows their softer side, with melodic vocals, smooth riffs, and light electronica.
“Cassius” – Foals
Undoubtedly one of my favorite bands of the year from one of my favorite cities on the planet. "Cassius" is a brilliant blend of pop and punk. For more on this artist, see my post "ON THE RADAR: Five Acts to Watch in 2008."
One of the most acclaimed indie bands of the year comes from one of the most unlikely of places...Jacksonville, Florida. Suffering from a bit of a time-warp, Black Kids sound like they should be on a John Hughes film soundtrack instead of in the indie limelight, but God bless 'em. For more on this artist, see my post "ON THE RADAR: Five Acts to Watch in 2008."
“Lights & Music” - Cut Copy
Compared to iconic '80s cult band New Order, Cut Copy has been one of Modular's most successful acts to date (a label that has produced a string of acts that have helped define indie music this decade including The Presets, Wolfmother, New Young Pony Club, The Avalanches, Ladyhawke, etc.). Gaining popularity over the past few years when they began touring with acts like Franz Ferdinand, Junior Senior, and Bloc Party, their sophomore effort, In Ghost Colours, catapulted them from Aussie bars to international acclaim.
“L.E.S. Artistes” – Santogold
www.myspace.com/santogold
After witnessing her as the opening act for Björk in September of '07, I knew Brooklyn-based Santogold would have a phenomenal year. Not since M.I.A. burst onto the scene in early 2005, have I seen an artist with such an innovative and unique edge. After touring with both the previously mentioned artists, as well as Architecture in Helsinki, she's been in collaboration with such notable names as Spank Rock, Freq Nasty, and Diplo. As she continues to make wise marketing and PR decisions with her career, her popularity continues to skyrocket. She's recently toured with Coldplay, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and supported Beastie Boys' Get Out and Vote '08 tour. "L.E.S. Artistes" is one of her most recognized singles over the past year... To me, her vocal style very much reminds me of the Canadian twins, Tegan and Sara. I predict Santogold will become a mainstay in pop music over the coming years.
“I Will Possess Your Heart" – Death Cab for Cutie
Quickly gaining cult status this decade like Phish did in the '90s, DCFC have released a number of crtically acclaimed albums and singles over the years. Admittedly, they've never really been my "cup of tea" until I discovered this gem of a track earlier in the year. It's very soulful, and very touching. I highly recommend you give it a listen.
“If You Wanna Be A Star” – Walter Meego
“Fire” – The Whip
The Manchester UK band is still relatively obscure in the US, but their debut, X Marks Destination (produced by Jim Abiss, who has worked with Arctic Monkeys, Ladytron, Sneaker Pimps Editors, and Kasabian), caught my attention earlier this year, and I've been a fan ever since. They've also gained notoriety as remixers ("Anyway You Choose to Give It" by The Black Ghosts, which appeared in my best of 2007 blog post is among them). "Fire" is a dancey new wave delight which has been in constant rotation on my iPod over the past year.
“Skeleton Tiger” – Tame Impala
Not since the '90s have I heard a psychedelic band with so much promise. The Perth, Australia trio was recently signed to Modular, and a full-length debut is on the way. They remind of a good blend of '60s garage and '90s Britpop. I suspect 2009 will bring them much success, and "Skeleton Tiger" is one of my favorite tracks so far.
“Weekend Wars” – MGMT
Without a doubt, one of the most innovative and prolific bands of the year is Brooklyn-based duo, MGMT. A string of fantastic singles is already under their belt from their debut album, Oracular Spectacular. For more on this artist, see my post "ON THE RADAR: Five Acts to Watch in 2008."
