Who would have thought that, out of all the months of the year, December would be the busiest? It's been utterly nuts this month! Thankfully, I am on Christmas holidays at last, which means lots of sleeping in, gift giving, and a big road trip down south for New Years Eve. Lots to look forward to!
There's also lots to look back upon in 2008. It's only fitting that my 100th post marks just about the end of a brilliant year for music, and a fun year for writing about my favourite pop songs. At the beginning of the year, I made a resolution to listen to as much new music as I could, because over the past couple of years I had been neglecting and missing out on an awful lot of brilliant new bands. Since then, I've astounded myself discovering bands who are making some of the most glorious music around - 2008 has been a great year for pop music. For some recommendations, I'd suggest you visit Brogues for his Monorail year end list, and Unpopular for the 2008 Advent calendar.
For me, though? I'd say The Pains of Being Pure at Heart stole my very heart more than any other band this year, and I can guarantee their debut album will be on very high rotation across many record players in quarter one, 2009. Seeing The Long Blondes in Munich back in May was one of the best spontaneous trips I've ever made, and I only wish I snuck a glimpse of The Lodger as their support band, because "The Good Old Days" ranks as one of my favourite songs of the year.
Sure, I know I'm echoing what everyone else is saying, but the rise of Slumberland like a phoenix from the flames has been a godsend to all, and all those winning podcasts will make a discerning listener of me in no time (a more than honourable mention here to the boys from I Smiled Yesterday, who made me smile and dance and run faster at the gym on more than one occasion).
I could keep on going here - Je Suis Animal, Slow Down Tallahassee, Cause Co-Motion!, Crystal Stilts, Guy Blackman, Summer Cats... it's been a terrific year, and I really can't wait to see what 2009 offers up.
By the way, that Frida Hyvonen album? It is utterly amazing. Like, more than I can possibly describe. Like the dark horse coming from the back of the pack, it couls well be the best album of 2008. It is that good.
Anyway, I wanted to offer you a special Christmas treat of my favourite seasonal songs, but it's taking a little longer than normal for me to compile. I will try to have it up in the next day or so! In the meantime, however, you can enjoy some festive plum pudding, musical style, with super downloads over at both Skatterbrain! and Hey Hey Honeypop!. I'll pour myself some egg nog and we can all enjoy the Christmas cheer together.
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3 comments:
Merry Christmas Alex! It's been great meeting you and reading your blog this year. xx
A hundred posts and every one a winner. Here's to the next 100!
Thanks for your Pain of Being Pure of Heart tip-off. I just cottoned on to them and I must say I like what I hear!
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