Top 10 Albums
Crystal StiltsThis Brooklyn band made shoegazers look up and take notice, conjuring comparisons to the Jesus and Mary Chain thanks to Brad Hargett's distinctive, melancholic voice meandering over moody music that is simultaneously dark and upbeat, simple and complex. The pop sensibilities created by percussion and keyboards cut through the shadowy haze of the guitar, injecting a '60s pop feel to tracks such as "Crystal Stilts" and the "Prismatic Room."
The CureEveryone's favorite Cure is different—while one person might love the simple punk tracks of Three Imaginary Boys, another might prefer the dark Disintegration. The band's 13th album seems to include a variety of their sounds, beginning with a Disintegration-type intro, Porl Thompson's dreamy guitars complemented by Simon Gallup's moody bass, before Robert Smith's unmistakable vocals meander in. "Sleep When I'm Dead" actually was written for 1985's Head on the Door, while "Scream" might appeal to those who love that album or the psychedelic-sinister feeling of 1984's The Top. "The Only One" and "Freakshow" might be too Wild Mood Swings for those who prefer "Switch" and "It's Over," which add elements of Wish and Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. It's not that 4:13 Dream sounds like a retrospective or re-hash—rather it's a reminder how much the Cure has evolved over their career, and continues to do so.
Crystal Castles
Fleet Foxes
Lykke LiThough Lykke Li's voice has an ethereal little-girl quality, there's a wisdom that shines through—disarmingly sweet, unexpectedly resilient. The Swedish phenom's debut was produced by Björn Yttling of Peter, Björn and John, so there's some of his magic at work, reminding us that sometimes simple is best. (The clapping in "I'm Good, I'm Gone" is what the whistling was for PB&J's "Young Folks.")
Flight of the ConchordsWith many comedy-based bands, the jokes get old, but upon hearing the Flight of the Conchords' record, you realize these talented musicians have no end of comedic creativity. The New Zealand comedy duo, known for their oddball HBO show detailing their fictitious adventures in NYC, manages to keep the laughs coming with the post-robot uprising binary solo of "0000001" on "Robots," the impersonation of the Thin White Duke in "Bowie" or the faux seduction of "Business Time."
Sons & DaughtersThis Glasgow quartet's powerful second full-length record melds rock with hints of folk on tracks such as "Split Lips" or "Rebel With a Ghost," making you want to raise a fist, your glass or your kilt in salute to the dynamic songs. This album sweeps you up in the willful tempest that is Sons & Daughters, so give in and clap your hands to "The Nest" as Adele Bethel's strong voice glides over the heavy rhythm.
PortisheadAfter listening to Third, it's hard to believe Portishead has been gone for 11 years. Though they started out in the trip-hop era of the mid-90s, the new record seems current, yet still undeniably, hauntingly "Portishead." Just as Beth Gibbons' voice simultaneously belongs in a bygone era and in the future, so does the melding of distorted orchestral sounds with the digital age.
Japaneses MotorsInstead of being solely from the garage, the products of which no doubt influence this Southern California band, tracks such as "Single Fins & Safety Pins" were also formed on sunny beach shores. It's easy to compare the band to the Strokes, because of Al Knost's vocals, but the infectious hooks and backing harmonies will make you glad you were invited to their sonic beach party.
BauhausBauhaus makes this list because they were once one of my favorite bands, but by that token, the latest New Kids on the Block might have been here, too. The difference: I still love Bauhaus. Though Go Away White is more Love and Rockets fronted by Peter Murphy (being very Peter Murphy), there's still some Bauhaus left ("Endless Summer of the Damned," "Undone"), though not as much goth. As the liner notes say, "I come with this darkness and go away white."
Top 10 Shows of 2008
The Cure—Bobcats Arena, Charlotte, North Carolina
After waiting a year to see this show, delayed because of the band's recording conflicts, it didn't disappoint. Robert Smith was resplendent as the band played a good part of its catalogue. The band gave the audience older tunes such as "10:15 Saturday Night" and "Faith," as well as songs from the then forthcoming 4:13 Dream. Smith introduced "Charlotte Sometimes" to the Charlotte crowd with, "This one's obvious."
Love Is All with Crystal Stilts—Bowery Ballroom, New York
Swedish indie popsters Love Is All had the crowd demanding encores—even when pixie-ish singer Josephine Olaussan's apologized for covering "I Ran (So Far Away)" by Flock of Seagulls. Though Crystal Stilts often seems to channel shoegaze a la Jesus and Mary Chain, thanks to their beautifully moody, atmospheric sound, they hit upbeat notes live, including a Beatles cover.
Boss Hog—Maxwell's, Hoboken, New Jersey
Stunning Cristina Martinez was the focal point of the night, commanding the stage with her sultry, strong vocals. Martinez's husband, Jon Spencer, provided the guitar and some additional stage banter, as well as shared vocal duties for "I Dig You."
Flight of the Conchords—Value City Arena, Columbus, Ohio
You've probably seen the HBO show detailing their fictitious adventures in New York, but the New Zealand duo is even more hilarious and endearing in concert, thanks to their in-between-song banter. After seeing "Business Time" or "Bret, You've Got It Going On" live, you might briefly consider venturing into creepy fandom, like Mel (perfectly played by Kristen Schaal) on the TV show.
Mudhoney—Cafe Bourbon Street, Columbus, Ohio
The Seattle legends played to a capacity crowd at this small venue and delivered favorites such as "Touch Me I'm Sick," as well as the new "I'm Now." Something in the show did stink—one audience member smelled as if he hadn't showered since grunge was king in 1994.
The Swell Season—Central Park, New York
Glen Hansard hammed it up with stories and banter, and the crowd ate it up. And they proved him wrong when he said he was told not to ask them to sing along and added, "I know you're New Yorkers, and you're too cool for school." Hansard and Markéta Irglová, stars of Once played tunes from the movie, including "Falling Slowly" (which won them an Oscar) and the sad vacuum repairman, upon request.
Electric Grandmother—Andyman's Treehouse, Columbus, Ohio
It's not your typical rock show—you'll either laugh and sing along or head to the bar and drink away your confusion. EG pairs oddball ditties, mostly about '90s sitcoms ("Hangin' Out With Mr. Cooper Sucks," "Here Comes the Urkel"), and nostalgia ("Car Phone") with a slideshow. Topless Bea Arthur, anyone?
M.I.A.—Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio
Though the Sri Lankan sensation had an impressive video background for her live show, it couldn't compete with M.I.A. herself as she ran around the stage with the mic, dancing and rapping. She even invited the girls onstage to dance, and when she called up the boys to the stage to dance to "Boyz," they were happy to oblige.
Poison—Value City Arena, Columbus, Ohio
I've long stopped writing off Poison as a guilty pleasure and just admitted that I like them, even as my musical taste matured. The reason is their live shows. Poison still plays with as much energy and charisma as in their heyday, not easy to do after 25 years, when most of their counterparts have long ago hung up their leather pants. And you know the words to "Talk Dirty to Me." Admit it.
Unknown band—Broadway/Nassau Subway Stop, New York
I love the saxophone and bass duo that plays at the Broadway/Nassau stop by the A and C train stops. I'm so happy when they're playing that I almost forget that the C doesn't arrive very often... almost.
Other Writers
Kevin J. Elliott • Dorian S. Ham • Tom Butler • Michael P. O'Shaughnessy • Ron Wadlinger • Jennifer Farmer • Phil Goldberg • Stephen Slaybaugh