The Wolf Top 10 of 2008
The Wolf staff picks their favorites (and some least favorites) of 2008's musical offerings in this year in review.
The Wolf Editorial Staff
Issue date: 12/5/08 Section: Music and Entertainment
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By Catherine Cotton
The Human Abstract: Midheaven
This cover is stark, desolate and beautiful, in the same vein as "Wuthering Heights." It also gets extra points for creativity and technical execution.
Shihad: Beautiful Machine
Someone from Apple should have designed this cover. The colors pop against such a crisp background, like a Bodyworks exhibit without any of he creepiness.
Lykke Li: Youth Novels
This is like one of the old photo montages from the 1930s, kind of weird but still within the realm of accessibility. The Swedes do everything better.
Frankenstein Brothers: Bolt On Neck
The artist does a good job of blending simplicity and subtlety, ending with a creation that could be stared at throughout the entire length of the album.
Innerpartysystem: Self-titled
Who wouldn't like geometry in neon colors? The lighting in this photo is incredibly creative.
Snow Patrol: A Hundred Million Suns
This cover art has beautiful depth, on top of being cheerful. This definitely evokes the concept of a hundred million suns, but like the other covers on this list, it does so in its own unique way.
The Gutter Twins: Saturnalia
There isn't a whole lot going on in this artwork, but the photo speaks for itself. It practically sparkles on the ground, and up top it's a dead ringer for the quintessential Halloween night.
The Sound of Animals Fighting: The Ocean and the Sun
I'm still not sure what this is supposed to represent, but I like the shapes and the colors so it doesn't really matter. The line drawing has strong three-dimensionality, giving this cover its spark.
Cut Copy: In Ghost Colours
This reminds me of light refracted through a piece of glass. I love that. It wins.
Kings of Leon: Only by the Night
This is one of two covers out for this album. It gets on this list because it's the only one I found really creepy. There's something intriguing about its directness.
Best Live Performances
By Sally Tunmer
1. Sigur Ros, The Greek Theater, Berkeley. Talk about a night of enchantment. Sitting on the stone seats of the gorgeous Greek Theater, I watched as the celestial Icelandic foursome completely stole the night with a transcendental performance. A massive screen displaying abstract images - including their hands and feet playing the instruments - was the backdrop. The show ended with explosive blasts from confetti bazookas. They have a vision that is grander than any domestic band I've ever seen. Take notes, America.
2. Radiohead, Lakewood Ampitheater, Atlanta. Thom Yorke can't help but to appear on stage as a little boy who just got let out of a really long phonics lesson at recess. His youthful exuberance, the plunging sound from the band and a pulverizing light show made for one exceptional concert.
3. R.E.M., Voodoo Fest, New Orleans. The Athens heroes pulled out some vintage treats from their gaping bag of goodies. Having songs from nearly 30 years to pick from, they played each one about New Orleans (which took up about half the set list) and even some from their first album, "Murmur." From Mike Mills' rock star wardrobe to Michael Stipe's consistently adorable dancing, these 50 year old rockers managed to seem more like 20.
4. Bones, Circle Bar, New Orleans. Discovering Bones was sweetly serendipitous. Never had I heard of the Baton Rouge duo, but when they nearly clocked me in the head with oversexed grunting, bluesy guitar and punishing drums, I all but blacked out - in a good way.
5. Ladytron, House of Blues, New Orleans. The band had better be worth it to venture into the inevitably packed and handsomely priced HOB, and the Euro-pop technicians didn't disappoint. They demanded dancing from the crowd, and dancing they received.
6. M.I.A., 619 Frenchmen, New Orleans. Mysterious buzz started generating about this "secret" show happening during Jazz Fest. It became less secret when tickets went on sale on Ticketmaster and the location was revealed: the SDT Waste warehouse of all places on Frenchmen Street. M.I.A. caused everyone to dance their ass off as usual till sunrise.
7. Silver Jews, One Eyed Jack's, New Orleans. The seasoned indie rockers got their start in the early 90s and though this was my first time seeing them, I can't imagine them sounding any better. They drew a large crowd of long-time faithful fans and truly indulged them with a catalogue encompassing set list.
8. The Melvins, One Eyed Jack's, New Orleans. Sometimes you just need a good dose of metal to let out all the mental toxins. The Melvins offered a satisfying therapy session complete with the usual sludgy stoner riffs, each beckoning a head bang.
9. The White Bitch, Circle Bar, New Orleans. Headlining a benefit, The White Bitch (a.k.a. Michael Patrick Welsch) delighted with his moog constructed beats and Prince-like vocal stylings, with the groovy Ray Bong at his side making trippy noises with buttons. This show got especially wacky as Mr. Bitch spontaneously invited unfamiliar musicians to join him on stage.
10. Zydepunks, Check Point Charlie's, New Orleans. The local musical energizers got the whole place dancing. Their sound is a hodgepodge of international styles and languages and the lead singer is pure sex. As he tore off his shirt, and the accordion player, fiddler, bassist and drummer all blazed, it became clear this is one of the best shows to see locally.
Best Songs
By Lauren LaBorde
1."Why Don't You Let Me Stay Here?" - She & Him (From "Volume One," Merge Records): Among year's offerings from screen darlings-gone-indie artists, Zooey Deschanel's stint in She & Him with singer/songwriter M.Ward presents a viable career alternative - for Scarlett Johansson, not so much.
2. "Your Control" - Crooked Fingers ft. Neko Case (From "Forfeit/Fortune," Constant Artists, Inc.): This is how Neko Case spots on newer New Pornographers songs should sound - Case's commanding vocals soaring over power pop.
3."Help Help" - Mates of State (From "Re-Arrange Us," Barsuk Records): More proof that this husband-wife pair are the coolest parents ever.
4."Keep Yourself Warm" - Frightened Rabbit (From "The Midnight Organ Fight," FatCat Records): These Scotts played to a ten-person audience at their summer show at One-Eyed Jack's, but this song - with the lyric "It takes more than f--cking someone you don't know to keep warm" - still packed the same intensity, despite the sparse crowd.
5. "Fools" - The Dodos (From "Visiter," Frenchkiss Records): Clicking and clapping Animal Collective-esque percussion that nearly outpaces the vocals culminates with a guitar-driven refain on my favorite song by this duo.
6. "Here's the Thing" - Girl Talk (From "Feed the Animals," Illegal Art Records): About 36 seconds in, there's a really awesome mash up of 60s one-hit-wonder "96 Tears" and 90s booty jam "C'mon Ride It (The Train). Sounds like dueling DJs at a wedding reception - but in a good way.
7."I'm Good, I'm Gone"/ "Little Bit" - Lykke Li (From "Youth Novels," LL Recordings): Among (the many) great things about Sweden: Ikea, H&M, gender equality and Lykke Li. I couldn't decide which song was better.
8. "Collapsing At Your Doorstep" - Air France (From "No Way Down," Sincerely Yours): The opening line of this lovely Swedish (sense a theme?) import says it all: "It's like a dream ... no, better."
9. "Rat is Dead (Rage)" - CSS (From "Donkey," Sub Pop Records)
I don't like CSS when they do electroclash (see "Music is My Hot Hot Sex"). But when they sound like the Brazilian lovechild of the Pixies and Pavement on songs like "Poney Honey Money" and this first single from this year's "Donkey," they're at their best.
10. "Cobrastyle" - Robyn (From "Robyn" [2008 US Release], Konichiwa Records)
Yes, this is the same person responsible for 90s bubblegum chart-toppers "Show Me Love" and "Do You Know (What it Takes)." But under her self-started label Konichiwa Records, she has perfected pop the way Swedes have been doing it since ABBA.
Worst Songs
By Heidi Lyons
1. Flo Rida "Get Low"
The song has no meaning yet people seem to love to listen to it in the clubs over and over again. After hearing this song thirty thousand times it makes people with good taste in music dread going to a nightclub.
2. Kid Rock "All Summer Long"
This was the worst remake of 2008. He took a classic rock song and made it into an annoying pop song.
3. Katy Perry "I Kissed a Girl"
Katy Perry made kissing anyone a scary subject. The song is played in the clubs over and over again. Its catchy lyrics make people listen to it but when it comes down to the facts this song should never have been written.
4. New Kids on the Block "Summertime:
The New Kids on the Block finally made a comeback; maybe it was a mistake. This song reminds me of middle school and all of the terrible boy bands. There's a reason they went out of the music scene a long time ago.
5. Flobots "No Handle Bars"
"I can ride my bike with no handle bars," this is the main lyric found in this song. It is replayed over and over again like someone was listening.
6. T.I. "Whatever You like"
This was released later in the year; it followed the pattern of every other song that has made it big in 2008.
7. Brittney Spears "Womanizer"
Brittney Spears should have stopped when she was ahead. This techno/pop song is a repeat of everything she has already done. She needs to come up with something new before she releases another song.
8. Madonna "4 Minutes"
Madonna and Justine Timberlake's "4 Minutes" was 4 minutes too long. The song was released early in 2008 and was playing in the clubs for a month before it was put to rest.
9. Pink "So What"
Pink's new song is loud and obnoxious with a repetitive sound. So what is right, nothing new.
10. Beyonce "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)"
Her new song is nothing new compared to the old. The song left my ears ringing in pain as a changed the station.
Best Soundtracks
By Lizzy Margiotta
1. There Will be Blood- Jonny Greenwood's score for Thomas Anderson's
film painted an unsettling intensity that truly personifies the film. This is a great accomplishment and turning point for film scoring as a whole with its dramatic build-ups and gripping, unidentified noises. Radiohead should be proud of their guitarist's little side project.
2. Juno- This indie that could is just as quirky as its soundtrack. From Belle & Sebastian, The Kinks, to Buddy Guy, this album will interest anyone needing a pick me up.
3. RocknRolla- Raunchy punksters such as Lou Reed, The Clash, The Hives, The Scientists, and other various artists create a boot stomping album. Directed by Guy Richie, the film reflects its soundtrack with a plot soaked in sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
4. The Wackness- With another pot smoking plot in theaters, The Wackness reveals a weed-dealing teenager living in New York City during the summer of 1994. The soundtrack is a collection of 90's hip-hop and rap with pioneers such as Wu-Tang Clan, D.J Jazzy Jeff, Nas, and even The Notorious B.I.G.
5. Once- the Oscar winning soundtrack exposes Glen Hansard's lighthearted Irish folk songs and beautiful vocal harmonies, which brightly reflect the struggle and triumph of being a working musician.
6. Choke: I have read Choke, Chuck Palanuik's (writer of Fight Club) book and have not seen the movie yet, but the soundtrack should give us a good idea of the tone of the film. Well-known artists including Radiohead, Ben Kweller, and My Morning Jacket are braided through the album, while there are also a number of underground artists. Not as monumental as Fight Club's soundtrack, Choke's is a close second.
7. Shine a Light- With 45 years of practice, The Rolling Stones are still rockin it. Martin Scorsese's new documentary about The Rolling Stones was recorded over two nights at New York City's Beacon Theatre in 2006. Special guests include Jack White, Buddy Guy, and Christina Aguilera who collaborate with the Stones on select songs. There are also archived songs from the bands career intertwined throughout.
8. Religulous- Bill Maher points out the negative aspects and
contradictions in this humorous, yet deeply offensive documentary. The
soundtrack mostly consists of outwardly controversial rockers from the
past and present: Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Dylan, The Talking
Heads , and Ben Folds, just to name a few.
9. Pineapple Express- this collection of old school hip hop and is more
controversial than the expected stoner's list, but it sure gets you off
that couch and dancing. How can you ever go wrong with Cypress Hill,
Public Enemy, and Bone Thugs?
10. What Just Happened- Leading actor Robert De Niro juggles life with his blood rising job as a Hollywood producer in this identifiable film. What Just Happened is as endearing as its soundtrack. Marcelo Zarvos' heartfelt score, and playful tunes from artists such as Nick Drake, takes the listener back to childhood days before the word stress meant anything.
Best Albums
By Allison Baznik
1. Ray LaMontagne "Gossip in the Grain," compiles a mix of blue grass, soul, rock and keeps the deep, guttural voice that LaMontagne is known for.
2. Coldplay "Viva La Vida," you can listen to any of these songs for a pick-me-up. Each song is better than the previous!
3. Lil Wayne "Tha Carter III," one of the most anticipated albums of the year, and is still topping the charts. Weezy still represents NOLA.
4. Jason Mraz "We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.," has a chill feel that you can listen to anytime, anywhere.
5. John Legend "Evolver," keeps his smooth beats, but also has many upbeat, feel good songs.
6. T.I. "Paper Trail," long awaited, and proves to be true T.I. style, even post arrest.
7. Adele "19," a new comer who has made her mark on the music scene. Each song produces a fresh, new sound that is desperately needed in the music world.
8. M.I.A. "Kala," brings hot beats and a unique voice to the music scene.
9. Duffy "Rockferry," has an interesting sound and an album that keeps your attention and leaves you wanting more.
10. Snow Patrol "A hundred million suns," a great album to listen to on a rainy, relaxing day.
Best Venues
By Jessica Williams
1) Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club 1931 St. Claude Ave.
If you're craving some Coltrane, Monk, or Armstrong, or want to fall under a poet's spell, this sweet spot is where you want to be. Hidden near the edge of the French Quarter, this restaurant/club attracts local and national jazz performers the weekends, and local spoken word artists on Tuesdays. Cover ranges from $8-$10, and the dinner menu ranges from $9-$20.
2) Club Ampersand 1100 Tulane Ave. Featured in local and national publications such as Gambit Weekly, Maxim, InStyle, and G.Q., this high-energy, 2-level, 2-bar dance club and courtyard is where patrons dress in accordance with the club's motto, "sophistication with a dash of naughtiness." Hip-hop Fridays are a must, and techno Saturdays draw large crowds. The club is open Thursday through Sunday, and cover varies with event type.
3) Republic New Orleans 828 S. Peters St. Thursdays through Saturdays, this club draws large crowds with its themes. On the popular Throwback Friday night, cover is $5 and a free tab goes to the person who can solve a Rubix cube. On Femme Thursday, ladies get in free with complimentary cocktails all night long. And on Saturdays with Damion Yancy, the DJ keeps the club live until the morning. The club turns into a performance venue when indie artists take the stage once a month, and cover varies.
4) Bruno's Tavern 7538 Maple St. Voted "Best College Hang Out" in Gambit Weekly's Best of New Orleans 2008, Bruno's is an everyday spot for good beer, good food, and good times. Make it a family event and bring your little brother before 5 p.m., but after that all kids are kicked out and the 20-somethings get to have their fun over a sports game and some Heineken. They are open everyday, starting at 11:30 a.m. and shutting down at 3 a.m.
5) Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center 1618 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd
For those sick of the club scene and who want to be inspired by local and national artists and indie films, this artistic venue is ideal. With events featuring string ensembles and films covering anything from the life and work of musicians to indie comedies and action flicks, Zeitgeist offers more than enough to keep its patrons occupied. Admission is by donation: $7/general, $6/students and senior citizens, and $5 for kids and Zeitgeist members.
6) LePhare New Orleans 523 Gravier St. Nestled inside of hotel Loft 523, this classy venue is perhaps best known for it's "Sundays on the Rocks" affair, where drinks start at about $8 and plush sofas and candlelit tables create a contemporary feel. On Sundays, admission is $5, but cover varies throughout the week. Free salsa lessons are on Tuesdays.
7) Preservation Hall 726 St. Peter St. This French Quarter venue first opened its doors in 1961 with the goal to "protect and honor New Orleans Jazz," and it has been going strong ever since. It is open seven nights a week, with jazz veterans playing live jazz starting at 8:15 p.m., and closing out at 11:00 p.m. For the true jazz lover, it is a must-see event. Admission is $10, and all ages are admitted.
8) Mimi's in the Marigny 2601 Royal St. They boast as the bar where "the vibe is more house party than hotspot," and the homey atmosphere of this multi-colored ceiling bar proves their claim. While hip hop and funk DJs mix it up on Fridays and Saturdays, the bar also plays occasional host to live bands. The bar is open seven days a week.
9) The Dragon's Den 435 Esplanade Ave. For those who enjoy anything from metal and punk to indie-rock and Afro-beat, this club is a hot spot. Local groups like White Colla Crimes and The Zydepunks frequent it every night of the week. Cover is $5 on Friday and Saturday nights, and varies during the weekdays.
10) The Howlin' Wolf 907 S. Peters St. With live music from bands such as Rebirth Brass Band and Private Party, this bar/performance venue is good for keeping you moving all through the night. Ticket prices vary with each performance.
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