Here is my list of what I consider to the be the “best” releases I’ve heard this year, full albums and EP’s, local and not, self-released or with a label. Regular readers probably won’t find too much surprising but there are a few that we may have not featured very much, probably because I just didn’t have too much to add to the already existing narrative. Most notable among that list is my number one choice From Emma, Forever Ago, by Bon Iver, AKA Justin Vernon. Each listen of this debut LP proffers a new detail to my ear and generates a renewed catharsis within my soul.

Before I start opining any further and get out of control (we’re saving that for next week’s official Northwest-themed lists), here are my favorites from the past year…

Josh’s Top 25 Releases of 2008

1. Bon Iver - From Emma, Forever Ago |myspace|
2. Dead Confederate - Wrecking Ball |myspace|
3. The Moondoggies - Don’t Be A Stranger |myspace|
4. J Tillman - Vacilando Territory Blues (Digital Release Only) |myspace|
5. The Whigs - Mission Control |myspace|
6. The Dutchess and the Duke - She’s the Dutchess, He’s the Duke |myspace|
7. Wild Orchid Children - S/T EP |myspace|
8. Kay Kay And His Weathered Underground - S/T LP |myspace|
9. Starfucker - S/T LP |myspace|
10. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours |myspace|
11. The Notwist - Devil, You + Me |myspace|
12. Noah and the Whale - Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down |myspace|
13. Land of Talk - Some Are Lakes |myspace|
14. Fleet Foxes - S/T LP |myspace|
15. The Dodos - Visiter |myspace|
16 See Me River - Time Machine |myspace|
17. Jake One - White Van Music |myspace|
18. Whore Moans - Hello From the Radio Wasteland |myspace|
19. The Pica Beats - Bring Back the Claws … |myspace|
20. Thee Emergency - SOLID |myspace|
21. Lightspeed Champion - Falling Off the Lavender Bridge |myspace|
22. The Saturday Knights - Mingle |myspace|
23. Army Navy - S/T LP |myspace|
24. Horse Feathers - House with No Home |myspace|
25. Crystal Stilts - Alight of Night |myspace |

The album I listened to the most that was actually from last year but didn’t discover until this year…

The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism |myspace|

You’ll notice TV on the Radio, Of Montreal, Portishead, and Deerhunter aren’t in there. Nor Lil Wayne. I’m sorry (but not that sorry) to say I’ve listened to all of these records and they just didn’t do it for me. Dear, Science is certainly an innovative record, but I didn’t connect enough to warrant the repeated listens of those listed above. Vampire Weekend’s record is another that fits that profile, a well realized album that unfortunately for me is without any lasting impact. And I’ve diligently searched for the quality in the Deerhunter album that has everyone shouting, but I’m just completely missing it.

Today you can buy the MP3 album of Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago from Amazon for 5 bucks. After my ringing endorsement, and at that price, you have no good reason not to go get it.

Cut Copy at Neumos ::: Photo by Josh

Of all of the over-hyped bands I’ve seen this year, Cut Copy was surely one of the few that completely lived up to the hype. In Ghost Colours is certainly one of my most listened to albums of the year, and their set at Neumos earlier this year was memorable. Far from some dudes with a synth just looping samples, Cut Copy was a full on rock band with an adoring front row contingent such that I rarely witness. And after this show it was apparent why: these guys know how to get people dancing.

See more photos from this Cut Copy show here

Last nights sold out Cut Copy and Black Kids show at Neumos left no soul untouched, or rather un-drenched in their own sweat. As the buzzing capacity crowd filed out of double doors and caught a breath of fresh air, the (barely arrived) spring evening was just warm enough to avoid the inevitable shivers that follows completely soaked neon t-shirts in the dead of night.

Brooklyn’s Mobius Band started off the night right with a happy-go-lucky attitude and an enjoyable set. Mad props to the drummer for wearing a “Willie” tee in honor of the red-headed stranger’s birthday. I was coveting it all night, scheming how to surreptitiously lift the shirt from his back while he was wearing it. I really enjoyed their set and appreciated their energy, so I’m going to have to pick up a record.

The Black Kids, newly signed at Columbia Records for a debut album set to appear July 22, had something to prove. Prior to their New York debut, they were possibly one of the biggest beneficiaries of blog hype to date; after their Big Apple appearance, they abruptly got the tall pedestal they had been set on kicked out from under their feet. Without a proper recording I wasn’t fully sure what to expect, which is probably good since the last thing the Black Kids need right now is unfounded preconceived notions creeping into my thoughts.

Shortly into the completely unfamiliar set, I got to thinking what I’d never expect myself to think: the eighties are back. While I won’t go so far as to say that’s a good thing, the legacy of the Talking Heads and New Order loomed larger than ever. I’m a sucker for the boy-girl shtick and Black Kids’ delivery manages to be youthful without being too immature. Guitarist Reggie Youngblood worked up a sweat halfway through the first song and kept to business the entire set, only once speaking to react negatively to the fact that they weren’t allowed to drink on stage. Youngblood’s voice didn’t feel strong and seemed a bit strained, but I suspect that will work itself out with time and a bit of touring.

The crowd was amped from the start but tension was building in the front for the people who really wanted to dance hard to a song they recognized. The the dam finally broke during the second to last song, when everyone went absolutely ape-shit for the band’s the most popular cut so far, “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You.” While this band has a playful element to them that is very smart and fun, I’d still like to hear a few more of those songs in a recorded form before making any serious judgments. Are there are bands right here in Seattle who I think have more mass appeal and just as hypeworthy? Unquestionably. Should you make an effort to seek out a Black Kids show and decide for yourself? Definitely.

Melbourne’s Cut Copy on the other hand, I can see why this band has been garnering praise. Their latest In Ghost Colours is tight, catchy, unabashedly upbeat dance-rock with singles like “Lights & Music” that genuinely tug at your feet. With their live set, this foursome (plus a computer) brings it even bigger, intermixing cuts from their first album with new ones seamlessly. Moment of night had to be “Hearts on Fire,” which maybe the straight “clubbiest” song they played, where I even spied a few people dancing up in the balcony. They’ve shot to number 1 on the Australian charts already and are currently the helm of a North American tour which runs through May. Most of those dates are with Black Kids.

Flickr: Cut Copy, Black Kids, Mobius Band at Neumos, April 30, 2008

A few short months ago The Black Kids were the next big thing. Prior to ever touring, recording an album, or actually making a name for themselves, the internet
hype machine (I know it is pretty amorphous), hungry to discover the next big thing decided Jacksonville, Florida’s The Black Kids were worthy of a mention (or a hundred). By the end of their first trip to New York they had been chewed up and spit out as that weeks object to pimp and then cut down, and the backlash was already in full swing. By all accounts the hype was too early and the expectations for fans going in were too high, such that few bands could live up. That said, late last year they were named by Rolling Stone as one of the 10 artists to watch in 2008, and I for one am looking forward to see whether after a few months of touring and practice these kids will live up to their billing.

The Black Kids are now starting at US tour with fellow blog-darlings and current internet band du-jour Austrailia’s Cut Copy. Receiving attention on the strength of their latest In Ghost Colours, and for more than just being dance-hall pop as stated in Grandy’s latest interview with the band. I’m just as excited about this band as I am about Cut Copy.

Also on the Neumos bill Wednesday night is Mobius Band. Wednesday at 6pm, Cut Copy will also be at Easy Street Records on lower Queen Anne for an in-store performance, which of course is all-ages.

Cut Copy, The Black Kids, Mobius Band
Wednesday April 30, 8pm doors
Neumos, $15 adv., 21+
Get Tickets!