Archive for 'Ed's Top Ten'

The Antlers – Kettering

Hospice album art

I was torn between this and Two, both off of the new album which came out on the 3rd of March. They’re coming to Chapel Hill tomorrow night — I’d like to try and make it if I can. This band started as a bedroom project by Peter Silberman and what I’ve heard has been very mellow and electronic-driven. NPR’s All Songs Considered was the source for this pick.

Album Stream: http://theantlers.bandcamp.com/album/hospice

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Okkervil River – Unless it Kicks

The Stage Names album art

This album is the precursor to The Stand Ins from 2008, so it’s dated but it’s our favorite. We are about documenting our favorite songs, not necessarily being current. Lost Coastlines from the new album is good, too.

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Bon Iver – Flume

For Emma, Forever Ago album artBon Iver – Flume
Album: For Emma, Forever Ago

This is one of my favorite songs from 2008. The album’s good but this song stands out.
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Midlake – Roscoe

The Trials of van Occupanther album artMidlake – Roscoe
Album: The Trials of van Occupanther

This is a great song off a solid record. Great chorus in an overall upbeat song – really has nothing to dislike.
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Shearwater – Rooks

Rook album artShearwater – Rooks
Album: Rook

This one’s really high up on both of our favorite songs for 2008. I’d recommend the entire album to anyone that likes this song. The band is from Austin, TX and was created by two members of Okkervil River (who we also like, for the most part).
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Ratatat – Wildcat

Classics album artRatatat – Wildcat
Album: Classics

This album predates their more recent one from last summer, but I think it’s better. I really like the development in their music, and their use of harmony.
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Islands – Creeper

Arm's Way album artIslands – Creeper
Album: Arm’s Way

We saw these guys in downtown Raleigh and they were just as good live. This is easily one of my favorites from 2008. Heavy beat, catchy melody. Love it.
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Loney, Dear – I Am John

Loney, Noir album artLoney, Dear – I Am John
Album: Loney, Noir

Loney, Dear is a close competitor for my favorite band, but I’d have to hear them live to really decide. It’s a project by Emil Svanängen, from Sweden. This is not my favorite song from the album (it’s Saturday Waits), but it’s the first one I heard by Loney, Dear.
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David Byrne and Brian Eno – Strange Overtones

Everything that Happens Will Happen Today album artDavid Byrne and Brian Eno – Strange Overtones
Album: Everything that Happens Will Happen Today

From an August album called Everything that Happens Will Happen Today. David Byrne was a member of the Talking Heads, and Brian Eno is a minimalist composer. This song is definitely one of our favorites from last year.
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Tunng – Bullets

Good Arrows album artTunng – Bullets
Album: Good Arrows

Starting things off with an old one that we didn’t want to leave out. This is a British folk band and the song was released in 2007.
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