The Beatles Master the Remastered

Well tomorrow 9-9-09 The Beatles will be releasing their Rock Band Game & also all albums remaster in mono & stereo. Now there are 10,000 Box Sets of the Stereo & Mono limited editions released and they are not easy to come by. I never thought I would be able to obtain; one and that over the next month I would buy each album on its own. Well thanks to my great friends at Indy’s Best Record shop I was able to not only buy the Stereo Box set, but also a few days early. So while driving back and forth to Chicago this weekend I was able to hear almost the entire collection. Let me just say that if you are a fan at all of The Beatles then these re-mastered recordings will blow you away. The box set comes with a few more perks, but each album comes as the original Vinyl album was released (in the UK), so the backs have those classic photos, it flips open like a vinyl record and has the original liner notes and more. So not only is the music as stunning as ever, but the whole packaging of all the albums is well done. It is so fresh and so clear…the vocals are as pure as they could be. George’s (and Paul’s) solos hit you in a place. I almost had to pull the car over during “Yer Blues” it was so powerful. John’s vocals on “Don’t Let Me Down” are as personal as he has ever sounded. He is singing from the soul even though he was on a roof top in London. I could go through each song on each album and pin point what I hear as significant differences and advantages of the remastered albums, but I won’t. My time with The Beatles this weekend reminded me that besides everything else these four chaps from Liverpool did for the world and the changing time, their music is truly their genius. The music and relationship they had as musicians was like nothing ever seen before, or may ever be again. Their art is eternal and like nothing else. When an artist reaches a level of perfection they never see it and keep reaching for that next step. Which is the human drive…but most artists fall flat on their face and never realize they have made their masterpiece or , where as The Beatles kept putting out better, deeper, remarkable albums. Hell, if Magical Mystery Tour & Yellow Submarine are your worse pieces of art then you are fucking talented!

** The Remastered Albums are best if heard on quality Sound System and turned it the fuck up!

Nina singing about the King

Simplicity can be the greatest form of anything we do. This song below is evidence of that, with Nina just doing what she does so perfectly. While lyrics are not all to important to me, as the voice is just another instrument , these hit home and send out a message that is as important today as so many years ago.

Hate Was Not his Way, He was not a violent man

Jim James as Yim Yames

Jim James’s of the band My Morning Jacket has just released an EP of 6 George Harrison Songs under the name Yim Yames. Which he recorded shortly after the Death of Harrison. Jim’s version of Dylan’s “Going to Acapulco” from the Film I’m Not There was stunning and his unique voice added so much to that one song, and made the movie somewhat worth it. So I figured I would give this EP of Harrison's song a try. Lets face it Harrison wrote some of the best Beatles songs of all time and his solo albums were pretty damn great. I am always extra critical of covers of Beatles Songs or Post-Beatles Solo Projects covered. However, there are some outstanding covers out there, but for the most part they fall short. So back to Jim’s 6 song album, it’s ok. The album is kind of what I expected, but I was hoping for something more. It is suppose to have the raw acoustic feeling where his voice and an acoustic guitar are the only means of expressing the deep emotion and power of Harrison’s music. However they all kind of sound the same and even with out his backing band he still sounds like he is singing in an empty silo. Which works great with his band and their heavy ‘Southern Rock” style (I use that term lose with MMJ), but with 6 songs all acoustic they seem to all sound the same. If you are a huge Jim James fan then go get the album. If you are a huge Harrison fan then you could pass on it.

Feeling Naked

Feeling a little naked this Monday Morning and thought I would enjoy The Beatles Let It Be Album as it was intended to be and not after the murderous Phil Spector got a hold of it and added his wall of sound. The "Long & Winding Road" was one of my least favorite songs (don't get me wrong that still puts it way higher than most music out there). When they removed all the backing orchestra and extras sounds that Phil likes to do, it quickly became a better song, the way it was supposed to be released. So we thank Ringo for getting the ball rolling on re-releasing it a few years back as Let It Be...Naked. "Across The Universe": below is also on Let It Be Naked, along with the Anthology albums. It is one of the most pure John Lennon recordings out there, during this ever changing time of his life. Again this version with out all of Spectors backings is 100% better and while some like the birds and shit, I don't. I like John and a Guitar singing from the heart.

Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue Turns 50

Below is a link to a great article from Fred Kaplan about the 50th Anniversary of one of the most influential albums of all times, in all genres. This article not only hits on what socially the album means, but more importantly the musical structure and the mind frame of the legend and the band that joined in (and any Jazz Lover knows his band for this recording was truly a who who, just before they became those whos). It truly is a stunning album that even no Jazz lovers can enjoy to its core, and if you are looking for a good first album for some one to turn them on to Jazz, this is a great start. it was my first Jazz album when i was in Jr High and i remember looking at my brother who gave it too me with a sort of "really" & "thanks" at the same time...the "really" was quickly explained when i put the album on and just sat there through all tracks.

http://www.slate.com/id/2225336/

Les Paul, June 9, 1915 - August 13,2009

The Man who brought us the Hollow Body Electric Guitar and Made the sweet sounds of Jazz, Rock & Roll, Blues And so much more has died at the age of 93. his list of accoplishments is endless so i will let Wikipedia take it from here... Les Paul Bio

Hot Single from N.A.S.A. "Gifted" (feat. Kanye West, Santogold, & Lykke Li)

Nice Hip-Hop single featuring 3 artist i love! They all 3 play off each other perfectly...

Havens at Woodstock 1969

With the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock approaching i will posting some great moments for this special and first of its kind (and last to be true) Music Festival. Also below is an articel expliaing more about this perticular song and how this one moment on stage was pure improve...who walks on stage in front of 500,000 people and just makes up a song that will out last all of us, Richie Fucking Havens Does...

From NPR Studio Session August 11, 2004 - Richie Havens will be forever remembered for his powerful performance of the song "Freedom" at perhaps the best-known music festival ever — the three days of peace, love and music at Woodstock, New York, in 1969.

It was the "coming out" party of the rock 'n 'roll generation. And as Havens tells NPR's Tony Cox, "it was the begining of the world, as far I was concerned."

As Woodstock's opening act, Havens was scheduled to spend just 20 minutes on stage. But after his set, he was asked to keep singing because the second act, Santana, was nowhere to be found.

"So I'd go back and sing three more," Havens says. "This happened six times. So I sung every song I knew."

By that time, Havens had been onstage almost three hours — and still they needed more. "And I thought, 'Gosh, what am I going to do?'"

Then he belted out "Freedom," and his electric ad-lib performance set the tone for the next three days. "The word 'freedom' came out of my mouth because this was our real particular freedom," he tells Cox. "We'd finally made it to above ground."

Indy Jazz Fest 2009

The Indy Jazz Fest is trying something a little different this year. Not only is the event later in the summer, but it is a city wide event all week long! So if you even like a little bit of Jazz there is something for you (and close). They seem to be focusing more on Jazz, and not bringing in big Blues, Soul, or R& B acts. Which is fine, and also focusing more on the legendary Jazz World NapTown had to offer so many years ago!

Click Here For Full Schedule of Events...looks like a great line up!

Lykke Li

My Soul Mate in this Life told me about this Swedish Singer Song Writer on Monday, and she is all i can listen to right now. With the dreary weather and the pace of life right now Lykke Li is just what is needed. The music is actually pretty basic but it goes to show that complicated musical numbers are not always needed. The whole album is worth paying for it. She has almost a Feist Feel to her, but it is not the same as Lykke use a little more of that ElectroPop Europe Loves!

Apologies, Ain't No Time

Below is a song that came on my itunes and it reminds me of today for some reason. I guess sometimes all you can say is sorry. Grace Potter is a great artist that i have blogged about before, but this is one of her more mellow tunes. So i hope you enjoy it...



And there is the next song on the album, so i am throwing this in for you... it will bring you out of the funk the last song might have drove you to.

Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses Debut Release

Ryan Bingham and his back up band, The Dead Horses, just released their first album, Roadhouse Blues. It is a hard rocking country album. It’s solid through and through and a perfect Summer Time Album. The lead guitar has that Southern Rock sound that rips through most the tracks. If you are looking for that typical modern Nashville Sound, keep looking because this album is almost more Rock then Country at times. Though one of the best songs is more a bluegrass tune called “Tell My Mother I miss Her So”, if you can sit through this song with out tapping your feet you are one of two things Deaf or Footless!

His voice has a nice raspy soulful quality that matches the songs nicely. His lyrics are full of stories, some good & some bad. Another wonderful release from the LOST HIGHWAY label.


Also Ryan and the Band will be playing Radio Radio this Friday July 10! Make it if you can…these guys are easy on the eyes as well ;)

Phish Alpine Valley Night 2, 6/21

Back home, clean, but still tired. Last nights show was simply amazing, and a hell of a way to end this leg of the tour and a 3 night stint for me. I was thinking last night while The Divided Sky was jamming away, people go to concerts for that feeling when live music has when it hits you right. While many concerts fail at obtaining that goal, every night at Phish you Feel it. The feeling that we are all together and that Art, in which ever form gets you off can be a very powerful experience. Each Concert Phish is able to send their Phans to that spot. Going in last night we knew it was going to be a stellar set, and it was. One classic jam to the next, again with a solid share of drum, guitar, keys, & bass solos. It truly was a full Phish night...

So Many Highlights: Loved the Wolfman followed by Funky Bitch then Divided Sky.

SET ONE
Brother 5:42
Wolfman's Brother 9:04
Funky Bitch 5:03
The Divided Sky 15:31
Joy 5:22
Back on the Train 7:41
Taste 8:54
Poor Heart 2:26
The Horse 1:06
Silent In The Morning 4:50
The Man Who Stepped into Yesterday 2:44
Avenu Malkanu 3:13
The Man Who Stepped into Yesterday 1:43
Time Turns Elastic 16:51



SET TWO
Crosseyed and Painless 5:53
Alpine Jam 9:16
Down with Disease 13:18
Bug 8:04
Piper 12:50
Wading in the Velvet Sea 6:15
Boogie On Reggae Woman 5:48
Slave to the Traffic Light 13:54



ENCORE
Grind 2:33
Frankenstein 5:46

Phish Alpine Valley first night

These sets have been heavy hitting, last night show was less about Treys leads and
More keys & bass solos. Always welcomed. I was able to sneak down to 20 row for the
First half of the second set and the vibe on the floor was electric! First time at
Alpine and while camping is still a pain the venue is beautiful will rolling hill sitting
In a valley. The vocals sound great and the band sounds tight as will!
Looking forward to what the final night has in store....


SET ON
Punch You in the Eye (9:17)
Runaway Jim (9:32)
Stash (12:08)
Ya Mar (7:14)
Bathtub Gin (13:05)
Kill Devil Falls (8:20)
Train Song (2:47)
Farmhouse (4:55)
Sparkle (3:47)
Run Like an Antelope (10:25)

SET TWO
Waves (8:23)
Sample in a Jar (5:20)
Maze (11:37)
Makisupa Policeman (5:13)
Ghost (11:58)
The Lizards (10:31)
You Enjoy Myself (12:27)
NICU (4:56)
Prince Caspian (6:49)
Waste (5:32)
Fire (5:15)

ENCORE
Character Zero (7:37

BOOO Alpine

NO camping anywhere, no vending, cops everywhere...makes for unhappy
Phish Phans... But taking pulls from a cold bottle of whiskey makes it better

Phish Deer Creek

From the road about to pull into Alpine for two more nights! Last nights show was
Amazing with hour break because of a storm, in all my concerts I have never seen them
Empty the lawn and then just let people in when the storm passed, this allowed for
Phish to play late into the night.

Highlights were Limb By Limb, with a wicked jam. Fluffhead!!!!! Nice selection from the
Lawn Boy album. Its a beautiful day in WI and a little rain last night isn't holding us down.

SET ONE
Backwards Down the Number Line (7:46)
AC/DC Bag (6:51)
Limb By Limb (8:42)
The Moma Dance (7:27)
Water in the Sky (3:51)
Split Open and Melt (12:01)
Lawn Boy (3:22)
The Wedge (6:25)
Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan (6:36)
The Connection (4:41)
Ocelot (9:39)
Fluffhead (15:08)

SET TWO
A Song I Heard The Ocean Sing (11:33)
Drowned (4:16)
Noblesville Jam (6:42)
Twist (9:44)
Let Me Lie (5:44)
Tweezer (12:43)
2001 (8:10)
Suzy Greenberg (5:44)
Possum (10:04)

ENCORE

Sleeping Monkey (5:34)
Tweezer Reprise (4:25)

Lucinda Williams Live at the Vogue 6/9

There are many performers that make the list of shows I must see, well last night I was able to cross one of those performers off, Lucinda Williams. With her distinct voice and country rock style she played for nearly 2 hours to a full crowd. Lucinda is not on many peoples radar, or has had huge commercial success…but if you can handle a little depressing ballad with a mix of fuck you classic country with a strong dose of blues/rock then you should pick up any of her albums. If you get through one album and like it then you will quickly find your self buying her whole collection which dates back to 1979.

I hate to compare artist, so I will do it anyways. I consider Ryan Adams to be the male counterpart to Lucinda. I am not a lyrics man, but her lyrics are full of emotions, and very well written, much like Ryan. Yet they have their unique rock style that is heavily influenced by rock & blues. This has produced some of the best songs of the last 15 years. I have heard talk about how much effort she puts into lyrics and it shows. And wouldn’t you know they are on the same Label (Lost Highway Records).

Not often do vocals these days sound better live then on an album with all the tricks of the studio. However Lucinda’s vocals were on spot and she sounded better then any of her albums. The show started with more of country acoustic mood, ending with more of her fuck you/heart break rock she knows how to deliver. It’s easy to really enjoy a concert when you have the artist full album collection and know every song, but the main highlight for me was when she played “Come On” off her WEST album. The song is a good slap in his face for being a bad mate and not making her, Come On.

Other songs that were wonderful to hear live were “Atonement”, “Joy”, “Can’t Let Go”, “Concrete & Barbwire” “Are you Alright”, “Jackson”, “People Talkin’”, “Real Live Bleeding Fingers & Broken Guitar Strings”, “Little Rock Star” (which fucking rocked) “Circles & X’s” “Real Love” and her classic “Essence” and a host of other. If I can find a set list I will post it.

Monday Music

Your Monday Music....

Here is a Classic from Nina, great Blues Track recorded in late 1966 and early 1967 in NYC with Bernard "Pretty" Purdie on drums -- Bob Bushnell on bass -- Eric Gale on guitar -- Rudy Stevenson on guitar -- Ernie Hayes on organ -- Buddy Lucas on harmonica & tenor saxophone -- Nina Simone on vocal & piano . First release was on "Nina Sings the Blues" which is an album any Nina or Blues fan should have.

Long Live the Queen

Yesterday the music world lost another legend, Famed Blues singer Koko Taylor. (aka The Queen of Blues) Very few women have been able to conquer the male dominated blues world; however Koko was one that earned the respect of all Bluesmen with her deep passionate vocals. She was the first women to ever sing the blues to me, and being a lover of blues guitar and the vocal stylings of raspy women it was only a matter of time before I discover her and her pipes. She has been awarded every possible Blues & music award she could, and while I never had the chance to see her in person I have heard and read about how she could dominate the stage. Her later albums are a collection of amazing vocals, but it is her early recordings that have the raw blues feeling that hits the core of the soul. I suggest you pick up any of her albums if you are a blues fan, you will not be disappointed.

Koko Taylor I m A Woman
by Zone19

3 stellar Nights in the Hampton...

Phish just ended a 3 night gig at the famous Hampton Coliseum in Virgina...while i wasn't there (deer creek, and 2 nights in alpine can not come soon enough!) I have been keeping up with the news from the shows and for the most part the reviews have been positive.

At phish's official web page that has all 3 nights set list posted. You will also be able to download a free copy of all three shows. The set list seems to be a greatest hit and plenty of jamming that phishheads keep coming back for.

There was a great review of the weekend from the NYT & here is the bands flickr site with plenty of photos from the weekend.

No Silly Love Songs For Pauls Recent The Fireman Release

In Nov 2008 Paul McCartney released his second album under the alias The Fireman, Electric Arguments and while the album is not a typical release for Paul, it might be one of his best releases in 30 years. It is by far the most Rock & Roll album he has put out. Teaming up again with producer/musician Youth (Martin Glover), there are two previous The Fireman albums from early 90’s. However, this is the first of the 3 albums to have vocals…which is a dead give away of it being Paul. From track 1 to track 14 the whole album is a stunning piece of art that flows from song to song like long summer drive. We all know how amazing Paul is and what beautiful records he can put out, but I have to admit while I like his last 3 main stream releases this Fireman release takes the cake. I feel he was able to let go and not have to answer to any one in the music industry (like he does anyways), and could truly make an album he wanted in the moment, a true work of art. Each track was created and finished in one day…then they would move on to the next track the next day. The album was done in 13 days, and only a true genius like Paul could pull off such a great album in 13 days…Well the first Beatles album was done in a day. So I guess the only one to trump Paul is The Beatles, ironic!

Paul plays almost all, if not all the instruments on the album. I bet that studio was pretty smoky! The layers & producing that Youth intertwines through each track is also a work of art. I complain a lot of over producing. Well producer take note on how adding multi tracks can work out for the best, when done right! The vocals that Paul provides are perfect as always, he still sounds as good as the days of The Cavern Club. While the album has some great rock songs it is not with out the beautiful sing a longs & melody makers that Paul is so famous for. “Light From Your Lighthouse” is just that, with a wonderful guitar riff that brings it all together. The following track “Sun is Shining” is one of his best up beat ballads in decades; it sounds like it could have come straight out of Nashville, with a Paul twist. Through out the album you can also pick up hints of David Bowie, with the smarts of Paul…not dissing Bowie, but come on this is PAUL!

This album might not have the hype and press of his major releases but if you like The Beatles, Paul, or a good artsy album then this one is not to be missed. He also just released a LP with a few live tracks from this album…all can be found at your local Record Shop.



For copy right reasons i cant post the vid i wanted here...so here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcfiViHa1F4

Lilly Allen Second Release, Rates Second

So one of my favorite English Artists of the modern times released her second album a few weeks ago; and while it is a good album, it falls into the Sophomore Slump category. It just isn’t as good as her first release, though it does have some high points, and is true to her musical form. One thing that always attracted me to Lilly was her clever and witty lyrics and well this album does just that. “Fuck You” might sound like a bitter song to an Ex - well kind of, how about to Americas Ex-President Bush! The first few songs on the album are the best, then it kind of goes downhill from there; however, it never hits rock bottom…just not a full album of hits like her last release was. It is very apparent that she is growing older and thinking about leaving the party life of the young pop star. The album is full of how we judge age and party too much and how she just wants to live a low key life most of the time. Track 3, “Not Fair,” might be my favorite track of the album and has great Lilly Vocals and that upbeat Euro Electro Pop beat that we have learned to embrace over on this side of the pond! It is one cleverly written song with double meanings that presents the understandable needs of this woman in a relationship. Also, the amped up banjo is a nice touch. Like most second albums I am afraid this has been over produced with too many sounds and beats over laying each other. “Back to the Start” is a good example of this; it could be a great song, but the tempo and the overlays are too much. I don’t ever see how she might be able to do this song live, but if she can pull of the vocals live, then I stand corrected. You get lost in the trance of that techno beat; it’s like 3 bad gay bars mixed songs together and didn’t know how to stop!

So I would suggest burning this album from a friend. It might be good for when company is over and getting ready to go out on the town or for keeping you awake on the drive to where ever you might be going.

Happy Birthday Nesta

I want to wish Robert a Happy Birthday up in Rastafarian Heaven, i bet the green up there is amazing...here is a classic to get you through this cold Friday & celebrate one of the greatest talents of our time.

Old Crow Medicine Show, 1/31/09 Vogue Indianapolis

Nothing melts a foot of snow like a hot ass, foot stomping Bluegrass Concert; and that is what the Old Crow Medicine Show put on Saturday night at a sold out show at the Vogue. This 5 piece Bluegrass band out of Nashville, TN has been rocking the concert series for over 10 years and the heart and soul they pour into their shows give hope to the live music world, and is bringing Bluegrass Music into many peoples lives that might not listen to it. The first set was a little slower & mellow with many traditional songs, but the highlight of the first act was a dedication of “I hear them all” to Folk Legend Pete Seeger, which could have easily been a Pete song. They followed it with a great bluegrass cover of John Lennon’s “Crippled Inside” which just made my mother fucking night! The second set was an upbeat hoe down full of their more popular songs. The place was steaming by the time they played Wagon Wheel & CC Rider (Elvis Cover). The second act seemed more like one big party out in the country filled with a hot band…and hot oh have you looked at these boys photos! The whole night I felt like I was back in Nashville seeing one of many amazing acts play in a local bar, which got me thinking to why this band has made it out of Nashville with so many other great musicians there trying to do what O.C.M.S. is doing.

It was a concert jam-packed of excitement and delight, with out all the glitz and glamour that is so often needed for a live concert, just a lot of energy. Every member except for the Bass player passed around their 4-6string instruments and played them almost perfectly. While a normal Bluegrass band has a Mandolin O.C.M.S. does not have a mandolin player, but instead Ketch Secor plays a bad ass harmonica and doubles on the fiddle. Each member took their turn singing and picking their own tunes while also covering some of the most classic bluegrass around. If you want to introduce a Bluegrass Virgin to the genre I think one of their shows or albums might be a great start before throwing them into the greats of Monroe, Watson, Scruggs, Stanley and so on…

The Day The Music Died?

So I was going to write about the 50th anniversary of what many people have called the Day the Music Died. But I really liked this article by David Hinckley in today’s NY Daily News. It pretty much sums up my thoughts that the music really didn’t die as much as became very underground with out its main stars (or any for that matter)out in the spotlight any more, which allowed for the Huge Explosion of The Beatles 5 years later and for Rock & Roll to live on.

Better then Whitney?

Who wasn't impressed By Jennifer's Performance last night! I think she sounded better then Whitney, though Whitney was at her peak (pre-crack...Bobbbbie). Let me know what you think was she a flop or did this girl work it...

Phish Summer Dates

Phish has announced a short summer tour, i am sure more dates for Aug and the Fall are to follow. I am very happy to see Deer Creek as one of the stops, and ending in Alpine..sounds like a great weekend to me! Also the show in St. Louis is sure to be amazing in a small 5,000 person venue. Most tickets go on Sale Dec 30th.

http://www.phish.com/tourdates/

The Best of 2008

I have been reading the top Album list from both Paste & NPR, which I find to be the best of the best of list because it is not done by some snobby music critic but voted on by the patrons of NPR & Paste, true music fans. Many of those albums I also find to be the best albums of the past year. During my time stuck in ATL’s airport (twice in 2 weeks I might add) I revisited and really listen deep to the albums on these list. I strongly agree with the compiled list of top albums and will let you in on some of the best albums from the last year that you might need to pick up if you don’t already have. I am not going to rank them or put them in any particular order, and trust me I am leaving so many great albums off this post…

Vampire Weekend: This self title First Release might be the best album of the year with its upbeat afro-pop sounds. It reminds me & G of very early Police albums in that each song is very well put together and never drops a beat. The guitar playing on it is spectacle awaking; the bass line not only follows the songs perfect but also adds its very own spectrum to the songs. Each song is its own special gem in the collection of great songs. It is a great album for long road trips or getting work done around the home

Fleet Foxes: This is the Seattle’s Based group first album (which is a trend among the top albums of 2008)…the vocals remind me of My Morning Jacket (that whole singing in a Silo thing). It is more of an upbeat folk album with many layers to each song. The album rolls together perfectly, you almost feel like it is one long intertwined song…which is why it is one of the top albums of the year.

She & Him: Now Hollywood types love to venture into music and some make it. She & Him is one example of just that (Zooey Deschanel). This wonderful Folk Due tackles classics while also debuting Zooey’s wonderful song writing talents. While a simple Folk Album can be lost among the large amounts of “popular” music, this album stands out as something special in today’s world of music because of its purity. Her voice is like, well butter.

TV on The Radio, Dear Science: If you thought the last release from them was stunning just wait. This Electro-Rock album will rock you to the core. While other albums on the list are stunning from the start to the end, this one does have a few songs that could be looked over. However the tracks that grab you will make up for it. Tunde Adebimpe has one of the most distinctive voices out there. They went into the studio after their last release and were able to trump what I thought was a brilliant album. I find that to be a sign of a great band, who pushes themselves to make something even better then the last, no phoning it in for this one.

Blind Pilot, 3Rounds and a Sound: Portland Due recording all on their own and again another mellow acoustic album full of interesting sounds surround basic chords and progressions. This album I love, it takes you on an emotional rollercoaster of sounds, with their basic acoustic instruments. Just when you think the album might put you out for the night they bring you right back.

MGMT, Oracular Spectacular: If you ever are feeling down or lazy pop this album in and you are taken back to those college days of staying up all night just because you can and living life fully in the moment. Most albums take me a few listen before I truly judge or like them. Not this release, from the moment my friend gave it to me it has been playing on my IPOD weekly. I am normally a fan of more traditional styles of music (ie classic instruments and not music made on the computer), but this album that is heavily electro based is fantastic though it knows when a real instrument makes the sound perfect. I feel we will be dancing to it for years to come.

Santogold: Imagine if M.I.A & the Brazilian Girls were to collaborate on an album (which would be amazing)…well this is what I hear from this first major release of Santogold. She once led a Punk band from Philly and now is one of the top artists of 2008. All I can say if you like Females who know how to rock, and mix the high energy of the whole process with the creative passion an artist should have then you will enjoy this album…trust me though you will need to play the whole album at least twice through to really grasp how fucking talented she is

These are just a few of the best albums out there, and I could feel many pages on the top albums that came out. One thing that strikes me as a huge positive is the fact that the best albums of 2008 are not from large names but many are debut releases. It gives hope to the newer musicians who are trying to record and get their music out there that with hard work and dedication you too can make it to can make a great album that the world will enjoy and share