Elliot Potter's Favorite Albums from 2008

Ah, December.

The chilly snap of the winter air. Christmas lights carefully wrapped around pines. Wish lists written by little hands, bound for the North Pole. 

And a barage of "Best of" lists.

Two of Elliot Potter's elven helpers looked back at the massive amounts of music released in 2008, and after careful consideration came up with their own Top Ten lists of favorite albums from the past year.

Jason's Favorite Albums of 2008

10. The Stage Names by Okkervil River

Will Sheff is the master of being melodramatic without being whiney.  One of my favorite things about this band is the way it plays a traditional, almost Americana style of music while simultaneously being aware of modern pop culture.

Listen to Lost Coastlines.

9. The Seldom Seen Kid by Elbow

This band describes itself as prog-rock without the solos, and I hate them for stealing the best way to describe their music.  Highly recommended strait-ahead rocking.

Listen to Grounds For Divorce.

8. The Midnight Organ Fight by Frightened Rabbit

Dour music from Scotland that goes fine with ale and drizzle.

Listen to Floating in the Forth.

7. Keeper's by Deastro

This kid just got signed and I really hope there’re big things for him.  I’ve gotta be in just the right mood, but when that mood comes around this album is magic.  It’s such a sincere attempt at greatness that even when there are moments that aren’t so great, they’re amazing.

Listen to The Shaded Forests.

6. Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes) by Cloud Cult

Craig Minowa has had a harder life than most of us can imagine.  His music feels like the perfect

expression of that tragedy, and I cannot help but feel a little guilty for being able to experience it.

Listen to When Water Comes to Life.

5. Reality Check by The Teenagers

Come to hear the French guys make fun of Americans, stay for the simple electronics that will blast your headphones to oblivion.

Listen to Make It Happen.

4. Heretic Pride by The Mountain Goats

While not as good as earlier efforts it is still very good.  John Darnielle can write a couplet that’s an epic all by itself.

Listen to Lovecraft in Brooklyn.

3. Hold On Now, Youngster by Los Campesinos!

This album receives the award for being the most ultra-hip-yelpie-Welsh album of the year to feature a Glockenspeil.

Listen to My Year in Lists.

2. You're Awful, I Love You by Ludo

This band takes its name from the furry tusked-fellow in Labrynth.  How awesome is that?  They’re pop-punk with a sense of humor which is something I’m always in the mood for.

Listen to Love Me Dead.

1. Alopecia by Why?

One of the inevitable problems with making a year-end list is the tough decisions that one has to make.  Putting this at number 1 was easy, which means that I either did not listen to enough new music this year, or there simply is not anything out there that even comes close to this.  It’s an inspired place were indie rock and hip-hop intersect and the lyrics are cringe-worthy without being heavy-handed.

Listen to A Sky for Shoeing Horses Under.

Jacob's Favorite Albums from 2008

10. The Stand-Ins by Okkervil River

This companion piece to 2007’s excellent The Stage Names doesn’t quite match its predecessor’s ambitious depth, but it has some of the most immediately appealing and catchy tracks from Okkervil River’s discography. Will Sheff still manages to shove as many words into a song as humanly possible.

I particularly enjoy the bells that adorn this track, Calling and Not Calling My Ex.

9. The Seldom Seen Kid by Elbow

This is the first I had given a listen to this British band, and The Seldom Seen Kid can definitely be labeled as a “grower.” Singer Guy Garvey has a great, raspy voice and his band puts together great music that is just a little edgey, just a little experimental, and accessible.

The Bones of You is among the more rockin’ number on the album.

8. Only As the Day Is Long by Sera Cahoone

I think that 2008 was a good year for country-tinged music, and one of the albums I found that I kept coming back to was Only as the Day Is Long by Sera Cahoone. She was the drummer for Band of Horses, and though she’s a great drummer her real calling is as a country singer. Her world-weary voice is easy-going and friendly, and reminds me of hot summer days drinking beer on the porch with friends, especially on a track like Runnin' Your Way.

7. A Mad & Faithful Telling by DeVotchKa

The success of the film Little Miss Sunshine has been good to the band DeVotchKa, who penned the score to the movie. Their new album, A Mad & Faithful Telling, find the band continuing their eclectic blend of Eastern European, Tex-Mex, and rock. Head Honcho is a rollicking number that I think is a good representation of the album.

6. Furr by Blitzen Trapper

Blitzen Trapper ratcheted up their sound after last year’s promising but uneven Wild Mountain Nation. Instead of jumping all over the musical map, Blitzen Trapper choose to refine their sound for Furr, sticking to what they sound best at: countrified rock, Dylanesque story songs, and tunes that vaguely sound like the Beatles.

Gold For Bread is a fun track that has something to do with a midget.

5. Alpinisms by School of Seven Bells

School of Seven Bells consists of ex-Secret Machines guitarist Benjamin Curtis and twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza. While Curtis takes care of most of the music on the disc, the Deheza sisters sing in otherworldly harmony, giving this album a dreaming, spacey vibe that becomes hypnotic. This is the one of two debut albums that I have on my list this year, and I can't wait to see if School of Seven Bells expands upon this musical palette in the future.

The opening track, Iamundernodisguise, immediately draws the listener in to this hazy album.

4. The Rhumb Line by Ra Ra Riot

This is the other debut album I chose for my list this year. Ra Ra Riot plays infectious indie pop with an undercurrent of darkness, setting them apart from others within the genre, such as Vampire Weekend or The Shins. The band’s singer, Wes Miles, has drawn comparisons to Sting. They have fulltime violin and cello players, and the addition of strings feels natural.

The Rhumb Line is overshadowed by tragedy, as drummer and founding member John Pike drowned after a show in 2007. He shared co-writing credits on many of these tracks, including The Rhumb Line's driving opening, Ghost Under Rocks.

3. Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust by Sigur Rós

Sigur Rós released one of the most beautiful albums of 2008, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust. While the classical orchestration and falsetto voice of Jónsi Birgisson remain, the group added more percussion, cut back on the bombast, and produced probably the “loosest” album in their discography.

I just find it amazing that this complex, ethereal music consistently tops the charts in Iceland. I can’t imagine this playing in malls in the US.

Inní mér syngur vitleysingur is probably the closest thing that Sigur Rós has ever come to composing a pop song.

2. Dear Science, by TV on the Radio

Of all the artists on this list, I find TV on the Radio to be the most difficult to describe. They meld so many genres seamlessly into their music, and they are relentlessly experimenting with new sounds, that it is impossible to categorize them. They usually get lumped into the “indie” category simply because they don’t fit any neat and tidy sound. Honestly, I feel that only TV on the Radio and Radiohead are the only two currently active rock bands that have a sound all of their own.

There are so many good tracks on Dear Science, that it is tough to pick just one, so we'll go with Golden Age because it's the most immediately appealing.

1. Rook by Shearwater

As soon as I heard this album, I knew it would make my “Favorites of 2008” list. But Rook is such a grower that it gets better and better with each listen. Jonathon Meiburg’s voice soars over beautiful music. And the drumming … drummer Thor Harris adds intensity to these compositions that manage to be both pretty and menacing. Meiburg is an ornithologist, which makes me think that ornithologists ought to write more music.

Rook also wins my award for best cover art of the year.

Like Radiohead's OK Computer or The National's Boxer, individual tracks from the album manage to sound good on their own, but listening to the entirety of Rook brings a far more rewarding experience. The Snow Leopard is probably the most representative track of this album as a whole.

Album Review: The Stand Ins

Okkervil River is the type of band that you can just kind of have on in the background, and end up missing out on. So, the first thing I'd ask of you is to try not to let that happen.

The Stand Ins is supposed to be a sequel to last year's excellent The Stage Names. Indeed, they are thematically similar, but I wonder if these are actually b-sides, rather than a sequel.

This album seems much more content to stay in the background than The Stage Names, and doesn't make the effort to rescue you from whatever else it is you're doing.

It does have a lot to offer, if you're willing to meet it half-way. "Lost Coastlines" is amazing, with frontman Will Sheff being joined by crooning from Jonathan Meiberg, who recently left Okkervill River to focus on his other band, Shearwater. As always, Sheff is melodramatic without being obnoxious.

So, it's very good, just not as good last year's offering. If you're a fan, you're already on board, if you're not, check out The Stage Names and Black Sheep Boy, then give this one a try.

Album Review: All Hope is Gone

When I first saw Slipknot play at like 9:00 in the morning at Ozzfest '99 I immediatly dismissed them as a bunch of ICP rip-off masked clowns. I continued to do so until Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses) came out, which I consider to be a masterpiece of the genre.

So, I was quite excited that 4 years after Vol. 3, we got a new album from these guys. I was even more excited, when the band described it as being their heaviest effort yet, with more experiementation as was explored on their prior album.

The short of it, is that All Hope is Gone is neither. Imagine, if you will, a large fellow who is not so bright playing on the high-school football team. His first big play is to tackle the wrong guy, a teammate perhaps, but he doesn't stop there; this guy goes on to tackle a cheerleader and a concession-stand vender. Then, to make things awkward, he does an end-zone dance, right there in the popcorn.

That is to say that on this album Slipknot assult every metal cliche that they could have got away with in the 90's. From the gang-chourus on top of speed-riffing in "Gematria [The Killing Name]," to the lame Marilyn-Mansonesque "Hey!" chant in "Venetta" this is a band that sounds like it's out of ideas. Which is a shame, because Vol. 3 was full of 'em.

All Hope is Gone may very well be a reference to the chances of us getting a good metal album this year. If you know of one, please post to the comments.

Because I love it so much, here's Slipknot from Vol. 3, which is like a love letter from a serial killer.

Here is "Psychosocial," from All Hope is Gone.

Album Review: Keeper's

Deastro has been making DIY pop music underneath his parent's roof since he was 12. He has self-released 3 albums worth of material and has recently been signed by Ghostly International. Keeper's is a bit of a "best of" compilation released through eMusic Selects, which is a label that distributes music exclusively through independent online music retailer eMusic.

Deastro, who is now 22, has a youthful sense of dreaminess to his music. You know how children can say things that are nonsensical and just sort of stick with you? His music feels like that, set to this chill, amazingly pleasant, blippy electro-pop.

There's often a profundity to child-like nonsense, and that's demonstrated here on what's sure to be the latest edition to the hipster's Xmas playlist, Child of Men, Son of God. In it, the speaker ponders "If there was room in the inn, maybe he wouldn't have to pay for my sins."

The major flaw on this album may be a deal-breaker. Deastro has admitted to not knowing what he's doing when it comes to recording music, and unfortunately these songs are pushed beyond the wall to distortion. The mix is fine for bangin' at parties, but with headphones it might drive you crazy. There's hope for future projects, though, as the version of Light Powered that appears on Ghostly Swim seems to have a much cleaner sound.

I think that more I listen to his music, the more I am fascinated by the man, and that rabbit hole takes a steep dive when you start looking at his artwork, which looks like a brilliantly deranged high-school student's notebook after a semester of boring classes and a pack of markers. His liner notes, complete with lyrics, can be found here. Be prepared to use the "Rotate Clockwise" button on your .pdf reader.

So, with sound quality issues plaguing the recording, Keeper's might very well be a pass, but hopefully future releases from Ghostly International will be better. Like Palpatine to Anakin Skywalker, I'm gonna keep my eye on this kid.

"I feel truly dead inside."

Many centuries ago, we produced a radio special with Philip Feeney's ballet, Dracula. It's a fun little audio-drama of the famous novel, and as a Halloween treat for you, here's a condensed version of the program. We cut out most of the music, because nothing scares us more than getting sued, but some of the more exciting themes are there, and I think that Morgana's morose delivery alone is worth the download. It's a real treat with a pair of headphones so crank 'em up, grab your favorite candy, and enjoy.

Dracula Radio Special

Album Review: The Midnight Organ Fight

If you found yourself disappointed by this year's offering from Counting Crows then you should perhaps check out Frightened Rabbit.

The CC comparison is obvious in some circles and fightin' words in others. The important distinction is that Counting Crow's best stuff is waiting patiently for that inevitable '90's revival that's on the the horizon, and Frightened Rabbit is currently outputting the good stuff.

The Midnight Organ Fight is another article in the massive tome of morose men who try to make everyone else as morose as they are. So, if you like that sort of thing, jump in, and we'll consider my job complete.

Frightened Rabbit - Floating in the Fourth

Still not into it? Then let me mention that FR is from Glassgow, and while this is certainly not the only Scottish game in town, I think you'll find Scott Hutchison's accent pleasant, and even though his voice frequently cracks and is full of emotion, it is not at all overbearing.

Frightened Rabbit - Old Old Fashioned

8 is Enough

Chiptunes have been around since the mid 80s and are unique because they use actual sound chips from computers and video games instead of sampled synthesized sounds. This post focuses on the Gameboy seen, which, as its name implies, is music mostly composed and performed on Nintendo Gameboys. The sounds are familiar to anyone who grew up in the 80s, or who has ever held a Nintendo controller in their hands. The music is extremely bright and fun, and is sure to lift the most dour of spirits.

Bitshifter is a great intro to the genre. He’s a member of 8-bit Peoples, which is a netlabel in New York City that offers a lot of this kind of music for free.

Bitshifter - Reformat the Planet

While a lot of Gameboy music takes cues from gabber-dance tracks, there are others who take handheld game systems to entirely different places. NYC’s Haeyoung Kim is a classically trained pianist who publishes 8-bit music under the name Bubblyfish. Her tracks are much more sparse and reflective, and you’ll hear that on “Shadow.”

Bubbly Fish - Shadow

Paza is Paza Rahm from Stockholm Sweden. He started out by playing bass as a teenager and got into electronic music by making tracks to accompany him.

Paza - Teenage Hipster

You could easily fill up an iPod Nano with the free music that's out there. Check out the following links to get started.

8bitpeoples

8bitcollective

It's Getting Easier to be Green

Maybe you're the kind of person who holds the values of Earth Day all year long. Or, you might be kind of tired of hearing about climate change every time you listen to NPR. Either way, you should check out Cloud Cult.

They are the most environmentally friendly band touring today, but they are not at all about using your ears as a vessel to push an environmental agenda into your brain. This is merciful, for the tunes are catchy enough for this plan to work.

Craig Minowa, the brains and voice behind Cloud Cult, writes indie-pop tunes that are delightful and sometimes devastatingly melancholy. He also happens to have rejected numerous offers from record labels in favor of his own eco-friendly label, Earthology. Every CD that he sells is in a recycled jewel case and sealed in a corn-based shrink wrap.

You can find out more through a profile produced by Public Radio International's Studio 360 called "Creative Minds Go Green".

You should also check out The Elliot Potter Show, where tracks from Cloud Cult's latest album Feel Good Ghosts (Teapartying Through Tornadoes) is getting crazy spins, as they say in the business.

Cloud Cult - Story of the Grandson of Jesus from Feel Good Ghosts (Teapartying Through Tornadoes)

Cloud Cult - Breakfast with my Shadow from Aurora Borealis

Indie Epics

Indie heavyweights Death Cab For Cutie and My Morning Jacket both have new CDs coming out later this year. Both have released advance singles from their new collections of work, and both singles clock in at more than eight minutes.

Death Cab's "I Will Possess Your Heart" has a five minute introduction featuring a driving bass line and slowly building orchestration. When Ben Gibbard finally opens his mouth, we learn that he will...er...possess your heart. Maybe he's been watching The Temple of Doom in anticipation of the new Indiana Jones movie.

My Morning Jacket's "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Part 2" starts off as a big departure from MMJ's latest output on Z. Some electronic ambiance and bleeps and bloops start things off before Jim James comes in with all of his reverb-saturated glory. Though I haven't heard any other songs from MMJ's forthcoming Evil Urges, this track suggests another change in direction for Louisville's finest. Thus far, this moody new sound fits the band well.

While most radio programs would shy away from playing eight minute rock songs, Elliot Potter relishes it!

Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart

My Morning Jacket - Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Part 2

The 80s in 08

I'm starting to get that bleached-jean feeling again.

The 1980s sound is back in full force with new releases by Aussie outfit Cut Copy and French composer Anthony Gonzalez, aka M83.

Cut Copy's In Ghost Colours takes over where 2004's Bright Like Neon Love left off, but in the process refining and maturing the band's sound. I think it's safe to say that Cut Copy isn't influenced by the music of the 1980s, but rather is creating new music to extend the Reagan era into a post-W world. After a couple of listens, I found myself bobbing my head and making awkward herky-jerky movements that some, though not many, would consider "dancing." My wife was amused.

M83's Saturday = Youth pays homage to young love through synthesizer-drenched compositions that call to mind the best of 1980s cinema. It is no surprise that Cocteau Twins producer Ken Thomas also produced Saturday = Youth, though I was shocked by how different this album sounded compared to my previous exposure to M83. I was ready for dramatic instrumental compositions with a thunderous crescendo, and instead found myself transported back to my pre-teen years.

Cut Copy - Lights and Music

M83 - Kim & Jessie

Elliot Potter has arrived!

You may have noticed that Night Music has disappeared from the SEPR schedule. We now have a new format with mysterious origins.

We received a stack of CDs at the station with a note that read: "Don't hurt yourself. Have a great summer! -Elliot Potter."

You can hear this exciting, new, and innovative program weeknights from 10-midnight on your radio at 90.9 or 88.9fm or, at our website.

For now, enjoy some ear candy.

Cloud Cult - Everybody Here is a Cloud

Basia Bulat - Snakes and Ladders

It's delicious.

"On your radio tonight, and forever."

On the next Friday Night Music, MGMT (sounds like "management," when you hear it on the radio). It's fun, like a parent that loves you.

MGMT- Weekend Wars

Also, a great song from Drive-by Truckers called "Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife." It's the story of a man who is murdered, and when he gets to Heaven, he's surprised to see his family there, murdered as well.

Drive-by Truckers- Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife

"I mean, like genuinely afraid."

Listen here, son!

The Mountain Goats Heretic Pride is scheduled to come out on February 19th. It's leaked, and 4AD has dropped a track to hold us over.

Please check it out and recognize that it is awesome.

The Mountain Goats-- Sax Rohmer #1

Plus, does this song not remind you of Cloverfield?

The Mountain Goats-- Lovecraft in Brooklyn

You know, as much as you can be reminded of something you probably haven't seen?



If this song isn't in the movie (and I have no reason to believe that it is) I'll be mentally inserting it myself.

Hear more on Friday Night Music. Friday nights at 10:00 on Southeast Public Radio.