2k8 musical wrap-up of sorts

I’m wrapping up 2k8 a little later than I aimed to do so, but it’s better late than never methinks….

1. The Shivers “Beaks to the Moon” [Whiskey and Apples]
I did not hear this album until the year was more than halfway over. It's a shame because “Beaks to the Moon” has been on my constant rotation ever since my friend Dan let me hear it in its entirety after we saw them at CMJ. Note: the moment they won me over might have been their brilliant Suicide cover…

At any rate, the track “Half Invisible” is probably what made me fall in love with “Beaks to the Moon.” The first minute or so makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s exactly like the first time I heard CAN’s “Yoo Do Right” and that is more than okay with me.

And the rest are as follows:
2. Frightened Rabbit “The Midnight Organ Fight” [Fat Cat]
3. Department of Eagles “In Ear Park” [4AD]
4. Mates of State – “Re-Arrange Us” [Polyvinyl]
5. The Walkmen “You & Me” [Gigantic]
6. The Night Marchers “See You In Magic” [Vagrant]
7. Sleeping in the Aviary “Expensive Vomit in a Cheap Hotel” [Science of Sound]
8. WHY? “Alopecia” [Anticon]
9. Wax Fang “La La Land” [Don’t Panic Records]
10. Jay Reatard “Matador Singles” [Matador]
11. TV On the Radio “Dear Science” [Interscope]

Albums I Wish I Spent More Time With (aka honorable mentions):
Chad VanGaalen – “Soft Airplane”
Ladyhawk – “Shots”
The Dodos – “Visiter”