Non Movie Related Post.

It may be a surprise to anyone who reads this and doesn't know me personaly that music is something I am far more passionate and concerned about than movies. Infact, I only make fun of movies because of the constant stream of shit that has come out in the last 5 years.

Anyways with the year closing in I figured it was time to post what I considered my Top releases of the year.


1. The Cute Lepers - Can't Stand Modern Music (1234 Go Records)
It was a sad day when The Briefs stopped putting out albums, but this record almost makes up for it.
This was the first release I got excited for this year. I even pre ordered 3 copies, of course I sold of 2 of those copies when my amp needed new tubes, but still evidence of my excitement. The album leads off strong with the kind of anthemic song "Terminal Boredom" which was released last year on 1234 Go Records, The only major department that the LP falls short in is the fact that "Terminal Boredom" was 1 of 4 songs that were previously released before this album dropped. I am pretty sure by now this record has been pressed twice by 1234 Go! and once more on a eurpean label, it's on just about ever colour of vinyl imaginable except black so you can even get it to match the walls in your living room.

2. The Black and Whites - S/T ( Douchemaster Records)
My friend Mike first told me about the band on the subway in the spring, on his advice I picked up this record that same and instantly loved it, The guitar riffs on alot of tracks are very catchy and fast, songs like "That Girl Aint No Good" and "Multiple Girls" are the kinds of songs that make you pick up the needle and playing them over. The band succesfuly calms it down with tracks like "Don't Wanna Go" and "So Torn Up Over You".

3. Gentleman Jesse and His Men - Introducing (Douchemaster Records)
Considering the S/T Gentleman Jesse EP was hands down my favourite record last year, this one was pretty much garunteed to be on this list. When the pre-order for a record like this goes up I guess you can say "I get so excited". From the minute I started listening I was sucked into a "Black Hole" of perfect power pop. This album has definately "Got me where it wants me". I think everyone on earth needs to own a copy of this record, so sit back, "Put Your Hands Together" and give this record the "Attention" it deserves, but you "Don't have to if you don't want to".

4. Teenage Bottlerocket - Warning Device (Redscare records)
This is one of those bands I really really really (yeah, 3 of them) got into this year. I wish I could
have gotten into them in early 07 so their stuff wouldnt cost me a fucking fortune now. 14 tracks of straight forward, catchy and fun pop punk. I am really bummed about missing their toronto show this summer but I am sure they will be back. As great as this LP is I don't think it compares very well to "Total" or "Another Way". I don't think I am alone in saying that "Pacemaker" is the standout track on this album.

5. Thee Make-Out Party - Play Pretend (Recess Records)
This is going to be another case of my friend Mike knowing whats good for me. I can't remember when but I remember him telling me I absolutely needed this LP. At first I didn't pay much attention to his insane ramblings about how great this album was but eventualy I decided to buy it. The problem was the local(ist) recordstore didn't was sold out. A couple weeks later I get an email from Mike saying the No-Idea distro had copies on sale for 6.99. You even get a
free random 7" with orders from NO Idea. it's a shame the 7" was aweful, but I guess there is a reason its free. Anyways, this record spent a solid 2 weeks glued to my turntable, just getting played over and over, before I got it the shitty myspace Rips on my Ipod were played over and over to but the songs still haven't lost any enjoyability.

6. Nobunny - Love Visions(Bubbledum Records and 1234 Go Records)
So this album gets released on Bubbledum Records and becomes a a favourite for many even though It was mastered poorly and you have to change the volume on every song. Towards the end of the year The good folks at 1234 Go decide to re-press it and boy was the end product amazing. Songs like "I am a Girlfriend" and "Chuck Berry Holiday" Illustrate Nobunny's ability to write musical gems.

7. Thomas Function - Celebration! (Alive Records)
On October 10th 2008 I ventured out to toronto to see the Ergs play a Legion Hall at King and Niagra Street. Statues put on an amazing set but are undoubtedly dwarfed by The headlining set on the Last Ergs tour before they call it quits in November. When that show ends another adventure begins. My 2 friends and I hop into a cab and tell the cab driver to take us to The corner of Spadina and College. We pay a discounted cover at the doors of the silver dollar room and walk in to see that the place is empty, deserted almost, We join a crowd of maybe 15 people watching a band that I can only describe as mediocre. But what followed was exciting and much anticipated. The Thomas Function's live set that night had all of the intensity of the LP and as few people as my bedroom. I don't know if having a packed house would have made the show more enjoyable, sure there would have been more people as into the set as I was, but its always nice to not get elbowed by some drunk asshole. Best track on the album is "Can't Say No" The long into builds into very catchy lyrics and a chorus that won't get out of your head no matter how many albums you hear that week.

8.The Goodnight Loving - S/T (Dusty Medical Records)
Drag is an amazing song. The end. Ok no, not really, for one this is just an amazing folk rock album. They put on a great live show and their bass player is 11 feet tall. I think 2 of the band's members are in The Midwest Beat. While its not cemetary trails it certainly doesnt disapoint. The only major short comming is the version of this album being released on an Italian Label. 1 different song and a new track listing order apparently. Put the damn song out on a 7" with an alternate recording of "drag". Seriously, having to buy a second copy of the damn record hurts the wallet.

9.Lemuria - Get Better (Asian Man Records)
I first heard this band on a split New Jersey pop punk wunderkinds The Ergs! Their sound contrasted with the Ergs! up beat catchy "Introducing Morrissey" and their cover of "Hey Jealousy" by the Gin Blossoms. I enjoyed that for the most part their sound was very mellow, I don't see to many female vocalists in punk and pop punk, let alone female vocalists with
very mellow, comforting voices. This is definately the kind of album that will put you to sleep in a good way.

10. Cheap Time - S/T (In the Red)
This is an album you will either love or hate. I absolutely love it, Lo-fi garage rock and roll at its finest. I think it is a real step up from their "Handy Man" single on Douchemaster Records. I would not recomend this album to those of you who think recording quality is everything.


Singles and EPs.

1. Marvelous Darlings - Demos 7" (Rat Patrol Records)
2. Suspect Parts - Seventeen Television 7" ( Deranged Records)
3. Teenage Bottlerocket/ Broadway Calls Split 7" (Adeline Records)
4. France Had the Bomb - World Of Mirrors 7" ( Dusty Medical Records)
5. Midwest Beat - S/T 2x7" (Dusty Medical Records)
6. The Ergs! - "That's it Bye" 12" ep (Don Giovanni records)
7. The Tranzmitors - S/T 12" ep (Deranged Records)
8. Demon's Claws - Fucked on Ketamine 7" (Rob's House Records)
9. Gentleman Jesse/ Joseph Plunket Split 7" (Rob's House Records)
10.The Goodnight Loving - "Up North Girl" 7" (Bancroft Records)

Re-releases
1. The Ergs!- Dorkrockcorkrod LP (Don Giovanni)
2. Nobunny - Love Visions (1234 Go!)
3. King Khan & The Shrines - The Supreme Genious of... 2x LP ( Vice Records)
4. Carbonas - Blackout 7" (Douchemaster Records)
5. Screaching Weasel - BoogadaBoogadaBoogada LP (Recess Records)

Props:
Douchemaster Records for all the great releases
Dusty Medical Records for the same reason
The Ergs for playing the best set I saw all year

Slops:
Matador Records for causing all that Jay Reatard Single Series drama.
Internet variant collector fan boys for making it harder to get certain records I wanted.
The Weirdies.