As we close 2008 forever-ever, we felt we had to revisit what happened in the past 12 months one last time. Here is a list of certified goodness from us, with many many things missed, for sure. Also, RIP Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton. JASON - Best of 2008 (my top 12 in no particular order) ------------------ Gentleman Jesse & His Men, s/t (Douchmaster) This may be the record I listed to the most this year. Nick Lowe needs to produce this band's next record. It might be the only way to outdo this one. Punk-spirited pop music that sounds fresh and powerful despite the obvious retro leanings (right down to the Elvis Costello referencing cover art and Stiff Records-like production). Cheap Time, S/T (In the Red) Twenty-seven minutes of garage-glam perfection straight outta Nashville. (If it stuck around any longer that snot-nosed singer would get annoying.) If you bought that Milk n' Cookies reissue you need this. And vice versa. Buffalo Killers, Let it Ride (Alive) Classic and timeless hard rock from Cincy. Like an all-killer, no-filler James Gang/Crazy Horse collaboration. King Tuff, Was Dead (Tee Pee) Garagey power-pop from a guy who plays in J. Mascis's stoner bro-rock ensemble, Witch, as well as Devendra-toadies, Feathers. Unexpected to say the least. D. Charles Speer and the Helix, After Hours (Black Dirt) Members of NNCK and Sunburned in bar-band mode backing up some dude who sounds a whole lot like David Berman. Thing is, this is BETTER than the last few Silver Jews albums. Davila 666, s/t (In the Red) Rock en Español. Give me more! These guys sound like the Black Lips of Puerto Rico. I find myself singing along to songs I can't understand. Apache, Boomtown Gems (Birdman) This was the year of great debut albums. Here's another. They're like a edgier, Cheap Trick. Catchy as hell. "Boys Life" from this LP is my song of the year. Don Cavalli, Cryland (Everloving) From France! But he sounds like he grew up in the South with Tony Joe White or Jim Ford. I didn't think it possible that country-soul could be this good in '08, or that it even really existed at all, until I heard this album. Jay Reatard, Singles '06-'07/ Matador Singles (In the Red / Matador) Not one, but two singles comps released in one year. Kinda ridiculous. Like a garagey, jacked-up version of the Cars. So many catchy songs between these two collections. Does he have a great LP in him? Who cares. Keep the 45s coming Jay. Menahan Street Band, Make the Road by Walking (Dunham) Debut from soul/funk supergroup featuring members of the Budos Band, Dap-Kings, and Antibalas. All instrumental, all killer. Instant classic. Endless Boogie, Focus Level (No Quarter) Totally misunderstood by every reviewer who touched it. Popular rock crits obviously don't listen to enough ZZ Top. EB are the only modern band I can think of that sees the untapped potential of "chooglin" King Khan & the Shrines - The Supreme Genius of King Khan & the Shrines (Vice) This would probably be my favorite album of the year if it wasn't more-or-less a reissue of a record that came out last year. If you like rock with soul, this is tops. Honorable Mention: Nobunny, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Sic Alps, Times New Viking, Arrington De Dionyso, Agethe Max, Magic Lantern, Thomas Function, Hacienda, Walkmen, My Morning Jacket, Vivian Girls, Women, Lambchop, Blood on the Wall, Tammar, Indian Jewelry, Impossible Shapes JASON - Best Reissues 2008 ------------------ Bob Martin, Midwest Farm Disaster (Riversong; originally on RCA, 1972) One of the best singer-songwriter albums I've ever heard. Period. Up there with the best work of Prine, Townes, Leonard Cohen, anyone. In turns funny and heartbreakingly bleak; sorta breaks you open alternating between the two. Milk N' Cookies, s/t (Radio Heartbeat, originally on Island 1978?) Wimpy power pop of the highest order. Makes 20/20 sound like Motorhead. This LP was cut in the late 70's but only ever released in the UK for some reason. Bobby Charles, S/T (Rhino, originally on Bearsville 1972) If you're a fan of the Band, this is sorta the missing piece. They're all on here save for Robbie Robertson. Charles' voice oozes soul, sounds like an even more relaxed J.J. Cale. Nerves, One Way Ticket (Alive) Collects most of the recorded material from Peter Cases' pre-Plimsouls pop-punk band, staples on the mid-70s L.A. scene. They released only one EP before they split. Timeless pop songs that deserved a wider audience. The Quick, Untold Rock Stories (Rev-o-la) Another L.A. band from the mid-70s, the Quick were the bridge from glam to power-pop/punk. The released only one LP. This collection brings together the demos they cut while looking for a record deal. If you like early Sparks, check this out. Nick Lowe, Jesus of Cool (Yep Rock, originally on Radar, 1978) This is one of the best pop albums ever. It's criminal that it has been out of print for so long. There's nothing else I can say except buy it if you don't have it. Dennis Wilson, Pacific Ocean Blue (Sony, originally on Caribou 1977) Reissue of the other troubled Beach Boys' solo material. His lone solo LP is here paired with what was supposed to be it's follow-up, the lost, mythic Bambu LP. Sir Victor Uwaifo, Guitar Boy Superstar 1970-76 (Soundway) I suppose you could call him the T-Bone Walker of Nigeria. This is a career overview of a wild and flamboyant, but still pretty funky and soulful, performer. He invented his own guitar as a young boy (thus the "guitar boy"). Rodriguez, Cold Fact (Light in the Attic, originally on Sussex 1970) Psychedelic folk-soul that's more about the vibe than the actual content. The vibe, however, is really cool. Somehow reminds me of a folky cousin to Eugene McDaniel's /Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse./ John Terrill, Frowny Frown (Family Vineyard) Bloomington's own bedroom pop genius. This was originally self released about a decade ago. Every time I listen, I hear another would-be classic. So many nuggets buried here. TYLER (aka the new guy) Miscellaneous Best Of 2008 ------------------ New LPs: Brainbombs - "Fucking Mess" (Lystring) Grails - "Take Refuge In Clean Living/Doomsdayer's Holiday" If Ennio Morricone and Meddle-era Pink Floyd toked together in an opium den and jammed on 'Dies Irae,' you'd have Grails. Pretentious description, spectacular results. (Important/Temporary Residence) Ocrilim - "Annwn" Sounds like the SNES Legend Of Zelda dungeon music re-imagined through sheets of LSD, seven layered guitars, and old black metal/Man Is The Bastard 7-inches. If you're not already turned off by this write-up (but are in fact TURNED ON), buy this record." (Hydra Head) Portishead - "Third" (Mercury) Jonathan Richman - "Because Her Beauty Is Raw & Wild" This is another lesson in aging gracefully from the legendary Jon Richman. It's a shame this album wasn't met with more acclaim upon its release, as he and Tommy Larkins have never sounded better together. (Vapor) A Silver Mount Zion - "13 Blues For Thirteen Moons" (Constellation) The Weakends - S/T (Rob's House) Honorable mentions: Marnie Stern's "This Is It [...]," Oneida's "Preteen Weaponry" Best Local Releases: Medusa - "En Raga Sul" Almost a full two years after witnessing their 3rd show opening for the late/great GOSPEL, The Fuck Fright collective has cursed my ears once again with this no frills/all balls jam. (Hawthorne Street) Various Artists - "All Tangled Up: Holy Ghostly Gospel 45's" A compilation of amazing gospel tracks lost in the shuffle over the years. This is the first cassette I've given as a gift in years - maybe ever. Pick it up from local analog label Magnetic South! (Magnetic South) Best New-To-Me/Reissued LP's: Bohannon - "Stop & Go" (1972) Mostly instrumental soul cuts from this former Motown percussionist/arranger/band leader. James Brown - "Sho' Is Funky Down Here" (1971) More along the lines of Parliament's "Osmium" than any record in the Godfather's catalog. (Polydor) Dog Faced Hermans - "Mental Blocks For All Ages" (1991) I only just purchased this LP, but it's downright infectious. Think post-bop slathered Contortions meets "Penis Envy"-era Crass. (Mississippi) Most Memorable Local Show: ONEIDA @ The Bluebird  performing "Preteen Weaponry" in its entirety + a few old ones. It was an old-fashioned freak-out from these modern masters. Best DVD: Mick Barr - "Archive 4-5" Although this DVD features intimate footage of Orthrelm, Octis, and Ocrilim in various live settings, the real reason to snag this double disc set is the live duo improv from Mick and 'popcorn-maker-in-a-trash-can' (in a good way!) drummer Zach Hill. Never before has "face-melting" been such apt terminology. (Archive) CYRUS' Top Ten Turn-Ons of 2008 ------------------ 1. Terrastock 7 I don't go to many festivals, but this was one of the best concert-going experiences I've ever had. Amazing music from the likes of Oneida, Entrance, Jack Rose, Simply Saucer and Grails among many others, a lovely setting, good sound, great vibes and an appreciative, respectful audience that is actually there to watch music.  I was really blown away. Hopefully it's in Louisville again next year... 2. El Kinto (Lion Productions) One of my favorite reissue finds of the year.  These Uruguayan fellows clearly overdosed on "Revolver," its infectious air of 'anything goes' creativity seeped its way deep into their collective subconscious.  A litter more subdued than their Brazilian contemporaries, it's the songs that really shine here. 3. Cheap Time - S/T (In the Red) This record grabs you by the throat right away and never lets go.  I've been listening to it steadily since its release and I'm still not sick of it. Blown-out power pop done to absolute perfection, rock record of the year.  They were great live @ the Statehouse as well. 4. Sic Alps - U.S. EZ (Siltbreeze) A little cleaner and more tuneful than "Pleasures and Treasures," these San Fran boys really hit their stride on this one.  Throttling back the fuzz a little bit helps show what talented songwriters they are, lyrically too.  I wonder if they've heard Marmoset? 5. The Impossible Shapes - S/T (Secretly Canadian) The most straightforward rock 'n' roll album to date from the Shapes, and definitely one of their best.  A really great, solid set of guitar-driven songs with a powerful, raw but still playfully trippy sound.  Kudos, gents. 6. The Rebirth of Shindig! Magazine While, no I never knew about the first run of Shindig! when it was a more low-budget fanzine and, yes, I realize the first issue of the revived version was released in Nov. '07, 2008 has been their year!  Now a lovely, glossy full-color garden of delights for any 60's/psych fan.  Each issue is better than the last. 7. Rodriguez - Cold Fact (Light in the Attic) A legitimate lost classic here. Sixto Rodriguez comes off  like a more ghetto Donovan (one of my all-time faves), far grittier and angrier than the hurdy-gurdy man and with his ear placed firmly to the (under)ground.  Lyrically dynamite and well-produced, Sixto's songs are pure magic and are still relevant today. 8. Gentleman Jesse & His Men - S/T (Douchemaster) Pure power pop gold, this one is all ringing guitars, stomping drums and mammoth hooks.  Very easy to play over and over again, as we proved in the store.  Like a long lost Elvis Costello album that just happens to have the exact same album art as another E.C. record... 9. Thee Oh Sees - The Master's Bedroom is Worth Spending a Night In (Tomlab) A real mouthful of a title, but worth stumbling over to recommend to a friend.  Great, pounding garage done with a real sense of adventure and whimsy.  Unhinged guitars and distorted vocals help create a psychedelic vibe, but not too spaced-out to bring some real rock action. 10. Marmoset - Record in Red LP (Secretly Canadian/Joyful Noise) Finally, its format lives up to its title.  Definitely one of the top SC releases ever, it was really nice to see this one finally come out on vinyl.  Hopefully the re-release won the album some new fans, it deserves it.  Sounds great too!  "Today it's You" next please? HEATH Year End Faves Not Mentioned By Others ------------------ Portishead - Third (Mercury) After waiting sooooo long, it feels sooooo good. Dark, weird, hurtful, awesome. Gregor Samsa - Rest (Kora) Slow motion chamber music for watching ice break around your heart. If you reversed all the notes of Sigur Ros it might be this beautiful. Earth - The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull (Southern Lord) Panoramas across a western ghost town. Beautiful landscapes, long-soaks of color that burn like molasses on the dashboard. A call from the mesa to the clouds, the sun, the desert. Megafaun - Bury the Square (Table of the Elements) Bon Iver got all the attention in 2008 (and his album is great!) but Justin's buddies deserve some praise too. Deconstructed and reconstructed old-time made with a flair for the avant-garde with a soul. Magic Lantern - High Beams / S/T (Not Not Fun / Woodsist) Of all the nu-jamz bands out there right now following in the footsteps of krautrock, Hawkwind, etc, the Lantern are hitting it best for me at the moment. Killer acid riffs, long psych jams, record store rock. True Widow - s/t (End Sounds) Opium burnt downer rock from Texas. Bedhead meets Sabbath? Kinda like Arboretum without the bluesy-ness. Or a less depressed Codeine. Morgan Geist - Double Night Time (Environ) Like New Order, Pet Shop Boys and Junior Boys, Morgan knows how to make dance music for heartbreak. Flying Lotus - Los Angeles (Warp) This man has taken the baton from his forefathers (Richard D James, Tom Jenkinson, Mike Paradinas, Aaron Funk) mixed it with hip hop production wizardry (Madlib, Dilla) and run with it. His new album leaps ahead of the pack of newbies. M83 - Saturdays = Youth (Mute) I tried to not like this but it keeps growing and growing on me. A wonderful blend of 80s new-wave and 90s shoegaze. Azeda Booth - In Flesh Tones (Absolutely Kosher) This CD sat neglected in the listening booth nearly all summer. For shame. Its gorgeous 4AD-esque shimmer with a hint of electronic and androgynous vocals seperate it from the rest of the nu-gazer pack. Honorable Mentions: Devastations, Radiohead, Mahjongg, Clutchy Hopkins, King Khan, Atlas Sound, Chin Chin, Eli Reed, Connie Price, Jay Reatard, Nomo, Gentleman Jesse, Cheap Time, Hold Steady, Just Farr A Laugh HEATH Best Shows of 2008 ------------------ My Bloody Valentine (Chicago) Anyone who has asked me about this show has received a flood of seemingly unbelievable metaphors: like seeing God, laying beneath the space shuttle at lift-off, floating in outer space. All that and more is true. Loudest show ever. EVER. No contest, no debate. You HAD to be there. Mudhoney / Fleet Foxes (Seattle) Jason and I had the pleasure of seeing these two together this past spring in a tavern the size of the Cinemat. The Foxes weave harmonies rich enough that I am okay with their album being as popular as it is. Mudhoney, to me, felt like seeing the Stooges, almost. Thats a good thing. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (Bloomington, Jake's) A dream/goal come true. It will never touch seeing them the first time at the Double Door in Chicago a few years ago, but it was wonderful to see the joy and musicianship brought to my hometown. I am glad so many witnessed it! Radiohead / Grizzly Bear (Indianapolis) I'm not a HUGE Radiohead fan, but I have seen them 3 times before so thought that they couldn't surprise or impress me again. I was wrong. The New Year (Champaign) I have been a fan of the Kadane Bros for a long time but never seen them live. This poorly attended show was nearly ruined by a rude woman in the audience but completely saved by other huge fans in the crowd and amazing music coming forth from the stage. Why aren't they bigger? Cheap Time (Bloomington, Statehouse) As you can tell, Landlocked is really into this band. Monotonix (Bloomington, Bluebird / Festers) Rawk und Rowl!!! Perhaps the most epic live performance since Lightning Bolt? Honorable Mentions: Dirtbombs, Nomo, Megafaun, Oneida, Tussle, Elephant 6 Thing, Drive-By Truckers, Hold Steady, Howlies, every local band + a million more.