Christmas provided a welcome break, but I still have my favorite songs of the year to discuss–and I have a LOT of them. Maybe it’s just that I was more determined to find it, but 2008 was a very good year for my particular taste. These favorite songs come after nearly every single track from my favorite albums, from CDs that sometimes had nothing else that grabbed me as hard as one song. So, in no particular order, I’ll start here with some mostly from EPs that deserve attention (Yoav’s CD is the only full-length).
THIEVES - The Organ
Unfortunately this EP does not signal that The Organ has returned from the dead. We can only be glad that their last efforts at making a record are available to those of use who are fascinated with Katie Sketch’s voice as framed by Jenny Smyth’s stately keys. I found that “the organ” in this small set of songs refers more to Sketch’s vocals than Smyth’s instrument. Definitely worthwhile for fans of their 2004 album Grab That Gun. This song is one of my very favorites of the year because the ache in Sketch’s voice just grabs me.
The Organ: Don’t Be Angry
MySpace | iTunes, eMusic
OAK AND JULIAN - Midlake
This four-song EP contains the lovely acoustic versions of the 2007 hit “Roscoe” and “It Covers the Hillside” from The Trials of Van Occupanther, but the other two do not disappoint either. I hope Midlake will have something new in 2009.
Midlake: Roscoe (acoustic)
MySpace | Website | iTunes, eMusic
MAY IN WINTER and EERIE - Eerie
Reclusive Swede Eric Obo, who records under the name Eerie, made two EPs this year, and both are gorgeous. It’s just extra-bonus-wonderful that he offered them for free download. “In the Twinkle of an Eye,” with its train-ride rhythm and Stone-Roses hushed vocal delivery is a big favorite of mine.
Eerie: In the Twinkle of an Eye
MySpace | Website | Label: Komakino Records
Free download: Komakino Records
Eerie New EP review
CHARMED AND STRANGE - Yoav
Seeing Yoav do a superb cover of Radiohead’s “Idioteque” at the Coachella last April was one of the highlight performances of the year. Although he has not recorded that song, there are several excellent tracks on his debut album that became favorites, notably “Club Thing.” “Adore Adore” and “Beautiful Lie” are another two must-haves.
Yoav: Club Thing
MySpace | Website | Label: Verve Forecast | Lyrics
Buy: Amazon, iTunes
Coachella Preview: Yoav | Yoav at Coachella
NIGHTS - Midnight Movies
Following up their wonderful full-length debut Lion the Girl (2007), Midnight Movies released this EP that showcases the James Iha (original Smashing Pumpkins) remix of “Patient Eye” as well as their English and French covers of the old Moody Blues hit “Nights in White Satin.”
Midnight Movies: Patient Eye (James Iha remix)
MySpace | Website | BUY
Nights EP review
- alt-gramma (371)
- indie.mom (395)
- Uncle T (7)
i really liked yoav’s album, too, and those songs in particular. i can’t listen to it now, for certain reasons, but he’s a pretty interesting musician.
i just today got my top-ten albums list up. i feel like i should do a top songs list, too, but i’m not sure i’ll get around to it before it’s kind of past the point of pertinence!
December 30th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Woo hoo! I will be checkin’ out your top 10! I do not believe that it’s too late to talk about the best of 2008, so keep on, OK? I still have a bit more to come.
I had made a resolution for 2008 to actually ENJOY the music more this year, not just dash through it like I did in 2007. The result was that I had a lot of favorite albums and songs. But then, maybe 2008 was just more to my taste in the first place.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:21 am
I had never heard The Organ before, and I love that song. I, too, hope that Midlake gives us something new this year and that it can surpass “Van Occupanther,” which resided in my cd player for quite a long time in 2006. It’s a treat to hear Roscoe again, and this acoustic version is gorgeous.
January 1st, 2009 at 7:16 am
I’m glad you liked that, Nat. I tried it on my daughter, and she said it was “whiney.” No way! You’ll like the Organ’s older album too. It’s a damn shame they broke up, but maybe the band members will emerge in other groups.
January 1st, 2009 at 10:20 am