Top Tracks of ‘08
January 19, 2009 – 8:06 pm(NOTE: mp3s aren’t showing up in RSS feeds, you’ll need to click through to enjoy the tunes!)
Finally, I’ve compiled my Top Tracks of ‘08 list. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m sure I’ve left a whole lot out. The only rule: the song had to be released in 2008. Other than that, It’s a good view of what I really listen to, varying from pretentious hipster tunes to the “hot jams” you’d hear on any Top 40 station. I’ve offered commentary where I had anything to say, and the first five tracks are what I consider “the very best.”
Hopefully you’ll listen to a song or two you haven’t heard before. I’ve embedded the mp3s for your enjoyment.
The Hold Steady – Two Handed Handshake
In my opinion, the best track on the Stay Positive is the last (bonus track), which only really happened to get added after the album leaked a few months early.
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Good Old War – Coney Island
I used to love Days Away. After they disbanded, two members formed Good Old War, and I was pleasantly surprised with their upbeat, country-leaning album that’s reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel.
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The Faint – Forever Growing Centipedes
I first heard this song back in the spring of ‘07 at the opening of the Waiting Room in Omaha. After hearing it, I eagerly anticipated the long-overdue Fasciinatiion. 15 months later, the album didn’t disappoint.
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Girl Talk – No Pause
I used to hate mashups. Hate. Until I heard Girl Talk. Listen to this entire tune and tell me the Yael Naim/Eminem mix isn’t genius.
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Butch Walker – Here Comes The…
It pains me to have a song featuring Pink on my list, but this is a fantastic song from the 2nd best album of the year.
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The Gaslight Anthem – Old White Lincoln
The album surprised the hell out of me. I was finally convinced to listen to it after the snobby Pitchfork gave it an 8.6 review.
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Vampire Weekend – A-Punk
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Britney Spears – Circus
Don’t hate.
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The Hold Steady – Constructive Summer
The only band on my list to feature two tracks (coincidentally my favorite band) – this is the first track on Stay Positive, and I stumbled onto it my first week after graduation. A perfect start to an awesome summer.
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The Grand Archives – The Crime Window
I was thrilled when these guys played UNL for free last spring, unfortunately only 50 people showed up. Luckily, I was one of them.
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Rihanna – Disturbia
Pretend you hate this song. I won’t believe you.
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Fall Out Boy – Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet
My guilty pleasure since 2003. This is their best song.
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The Black Keys – I Got Mine
Blues-rock at its best.
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Ludo – Love Me Dead
These STL guys can sure write a good tune.
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Third Eye Blind – Non-Dairy Creamer
Silly lyrics aside, Third Eye Blind is back after a five year absence and I couldn’t be happier.
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Keri Hilson – Return the Favor
BFleiss pick #1
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John Mayer – Say
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Bloc Party – Signs
A beautiful song from the ever-evolving Bloc Party.
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Augustana – Sweet and Low
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Kanye West – Welcome to Heartbreak
What the hell am I doing with a Kanye song on my list?
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T.I. – Whatever You Like
Fleiss pick #2.
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Funeral for a Friend – Someday the Fire…
A band I’ve been a fan of since 2003 has released another great album filled with awesome tracks like this one.
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