Friday, December 12, 2008

My Best of 2008

My Top Ten Albums of 2008:

1. Dylan - Tell Tale Signs
By far the most interesting album of the year. It got a lot of play in my house.

2. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
My first experience with THS thanks to Postcard. Not their best but a very exiting record. Their live performance was incredible. My favorite current band.

3. Van Morrison - Keep it Simple
I'm an unapologetic Van fan and this record is among his best of the last ten years. "Behind the Ritual" alone makes this record worthwhile.

4. Gary Louris - Vagabonds
For the first part of the year I thought this would be my number one. A bunch of solid songs.

5. Lucinda Williams - Little Honey
I'd bang her in a heartbeat and I love this record.

6. BB King - One Kind Favor
BB's return to form - his best, most raw, bluesy record in decades. His live shows have sucked recently but this record might make me see him again.

7. Calexico - Carried to Dust
This one, like all of Calexico's records is well played, well written and inspired. I don't think they are capable of making a bad record.

8. Mudcrutch - Mudcrutch
I don't know if Petty could ever be relevant again, but my gut loves this record.

9. Black Angels - Directions to See a Ghost
Psychadelic, eastern influenced, neo-velvet, buzz guitar drone-rock. I'm a sucjker for this shit.

10. Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark
I love the Truckers in spite of the hate of late. Saw them twice this year and would see them anytime. Fuck you haters.

Almost:

Ryan Adams - Cardinology
Only had this a couple of weeks, not as good as Jacksonville but I'm liking it a lot.

Black Keys - Attack & Release
Just got this. My wife and my dog hate it but me likey. Katz once referred to them as "a couple of guys with a bag of weed". What's not to like about that.

Cat Power - Jukebox
There's some good stuff on this record. And I'd bang her, but it's not enough for a top ten.

Dr. John - City That Care Forgot
Dr. John's records are always worthwhile.


Top Five songs:
1. Van Morrison - Behind the Ritual
2. The Hold Steady - Both Crosses
3. Dylan - Red River Shore
4. Mudcrutch - Crystal River
5. Gary Louris - D.C. Blues
6. Cat Power - I Believe in You
7. Lucinda Williams - Honey Bee
8. The Black Angels - Deer-Ree-Shee
9. Dylan - Duncan & Brady
10. Calexico - Writers Minor Holiday


Best shows:
1. Gary Louris - Somerville Theatre
2. Wild Magnolias - Scullers
3. The Hold Steady - Orpheum
4. Drive By Truckers - Paradise
5. Walter Wolfman Washington - The Maple Lounge
6. Southside Johnnie - Cape Cod Melody Tent
7. Return to Forever - Bayside
8. Allman Bros - Mansfield

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