Stray tracks from 2008 (part 1)

Atmosphere-Yesterday

The best song off the best Atmosphere album since God’s Love Ugly is the great revealer. It means something to everybody until the last twenty seconds when Slug grabs it back from the listener. The piano sample snakes through the thumping bass as Slug raps like he’s talking to a corrections board- strictly on his best behavior and almost relatable.

Mark Kozelek (Michigan)

Kozelek’s rampant sentimental streak has always sat somewhere between him committing suicide or building a time machine, but here it almost seems angelic. The reworking of Old Ramon’s classic transforms a band number into a solo masterpiece. His mumbles evoking emotions that they technically shouldn’t be able to, as his fingers work across the guitar frets, making the bass note pound and the high notes twitter.

Chris Walla- Everybody Needs a Home.

There was nothing really wrong with Walla’s debut (other than the fact that ‘mobilest’ is not a word), but there was nothing earth shattering about it either (musician hates Bush, footage at 11). He’ a perfectly adept, but he also showed us who the real brains of Death cab are. Still, the best moments where when his politics collided head on with Death Cabby sentiment- the twee sentimentality of a home coupled with Katrina sermonizing.

Black Mountain- Tyrants.

FUCK YOU! I CAN ROCK!

Mates of State- The Re-Arranger

Okay, so maybe I can’t.

Vampire Weekend- Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

You probably don’t remember these guys. They were popular ages ago. Lots of people liked them. There where quite a few unwarranted ‘Paul Simon’ and ‘Graceland’ comparisons being thrown about. They were on the cover of Spin. Lots of people started to hate them. Somewhere in all this it was forgotten that Vampire Weekend are pretty good at making enjoyable pop music and that doesn’t really matter that they got kind of popular.

Panic at the Disco- Folkin’ Around.

What can I say? This was a nice surprise.

Jackson Browne- My Stunning Mystery Companion

Time the Conqueror was a disaster (okay! We get it. You hate Bush!), but Browne did have a better moment in 2008- the release of another Solo acoustic CD. Not only did it prove that the 70’s where a long, long time ago for Browne, but also that he’s his most endearing when he’s embracing his miles long sentimental streak with nothing but guitar or piano.

Kanye West- Love Lockdown

WHEN I FIRST HEARD WHAT KANYE WAS DOING I WAS SO MAD THAT I ALMOST BROKE THE KEYS ON MY MACBOOK AIR. “WHAT A SQUIDBRAIN!” I THOUGHT, NO WONDER HIS MOM WANTED OUT SO BAD, SHE WAS FUCKING EMBARRASSED.

The major barrier to me totally embracing West is his rampant egotism, but his knack for picking singles is phenomenal. The drums sound off like air raid sirens as Kanye mobilizes his forces against Love. West’s internal battle isn’t predictable, and that’s the best thing about it.

Colin Meloy- Here I Dreamt I was an Architect

Meloy’s solo re-imagining (or re-hashing) of what continues to be one of The Decemberists finest five minutes brings a little of the unexpected. Sure, there’s the same schorarly lyrics, condescending whine and two chords, but there’s also something special- Fleetwood Mac! The crowd’s reaction- half cheers and half laughter- sums it up perfectly- is this dude being ironic or not?