Written by Fense
The year is over. We have a new president about to take office, a failing economy, and out of control weather. The good news is that last year saw some amazing albums hit and, thanks to the rampant oppression of hard times, next year should prove just as fruitful music-wise. After all, difficult times, depression, etc. can often breed above average achievements in the arts… right?
So here it is, my top 33 and 1/3 albums of the year and the last post of 2008. …

Written by Fense
So I don’t really drink champagne, but I’ll enjoy me a thick stout or juicy lager any day. And dry red wine tends to go down a bit smoother than it should. So, as I pop open a bottle of Chilean Carménère, I am ready to compile my top ten music videos of 2008.
The image above is a picture I took last week of The Edison Eye, the art gallery for the town in which live during the week these days. I think it’s …

Written by Ron Trembath
A truly lovable indie/ambient sound is hard to come by in a world of music filled with angst and worry. Thankfully there are melodically in-tune bands like matt pond PA. Few bands are so in touch with a rampant disregard for what may please the incumbents of a sadder existence. In a time of constant crisis, a gathering like matt pond PA (MySpace) and his merry men can serve as a fairweather fellowship.

Written by Ron Trembath
This eccentric five-some make music that combines so many elements or rock-n-roll, they create their own genre. And Daylight Breaking by Rogue Motel (MySpace) puts it all out on the table. Each song is full and has an individual tone that’s set over breathtaking melodies. For a band that only formed as a whole on the first night of recording, they play with a great sense of unity and ambition. Not to mention an “ole time rock-n-roll” vibe.

Written by Fense
And here I thought quirky, lo-fi, synth-based garage bands were pretty much limited to Kill Rock Stars releases, but Hot Lava (http://www.myspace.com/hotlavaep) proved me wrong. Their little ditty that is Lavalogy may sound like it could be a KRS release, but it comes to us from the honored label Bar None. But then again, this is a label that goes through such a diverse list of artists to include 10,000 Maniacs, Architecture In Helsinki, and DJ Spooky in their catalog, and that’s before you even hit …

Written by Fense
Pop fans of the world unite. Well, make that past tense — united. Pop fans of the world united for this video. Moscow Olympics is not from Russia, as the name might suggest. They’re from the Philippines. Their video for “Second Trace” was put together by a pop fan from Brazil. And now this little piece was written by a guy in the states. See, music does have the ability to unite the world!

I’m calling it a pReview, as Cleemann’s release of 45 Minutes Mostly About Caring is not slated for official release until February 2009 at the earliest — a promo release featuring the cover below (by Franz Jacobi) was sent out in a limited batch in 2007 and 2008. Word on the street is that Series II Records, currently one of the best CD-R labels in the states, is planning a state-side release around 45 Minutes.

God, love is a crazy thing. It makes you do crazy things, have crazy feelings, and be… well… crazy. Distance only enhances the longing. Like right now — I really, really miss my girlfriend. It’s the knowledge that she’s there, laying in my bed in my condo without me, lonely just like me. Yet I cannot be there for her. It’s songs like “The Last Thing I Do” by Nedelle that exacerbate the whole situation.

Written by Fense
So, I guess I better just come out and say it: Na Na Ni by Fredrik (MySpace), out in Sweden on Jezebel Recordings and in the states on The Kora Records, will be snagging the ultimate spot of Best Album of 2008. This should not be a surprise to you, as I’ve likely said it since receiving the LP in the mail many, many months ago. I imported the CD from Sweden. Well, today I just picked up the vinyl version, out in the states …

Written by Fense
Sometimes the best music videos don’t really have a point. Sometimes there’s no plot, no storyline. Sometimes they’re just a collection of clips taken while out on the road, slapped together in a way that’s aesthetically pleasing. That’s pretty much what you get with Hari and Aino’s “Gold (Or Something Just As Nice”.