happy new year and all that

Like a lot of people I find end of year lists both absurd and irresistible. There's no such thing as the 'Best Album of 2008' and I tend to assume anyone who says there is is trying to sell me something. But then they're fun and interesting and all that, so I should probably stop complaining right? Of course it's great to have people telling the world what record hasn't left their record player/mp3 player/car stereo over the past year. Provided that album isn't by Fleet Foxes of course.


Plus, when I think about it I realise I've stayed remarkably quiet about most of my favourite records. Crystal Stilt's self titled EP, The Motifs compilation and The Andersen Tapes Cloudberry single have been suitably gushed over; but Minisnap's Bounce Around has been kind of ignored and I haven't engaged in Vivian Girl's debate much (for the record I love them, think they sound nothing like The Shop Assistants and think people label them sound a likes are mildly sexist/stupid). Plus, I've also avoided writing about No Age for some reason, so I'll say now Nouns is an absolute killer and about as exciting as I imagine music can be. I was a bit disappointed when I saw them at ATP, but hopefully their Auckland show with Jay Retard will make up for it.

Then there's been The Gladeye's 'album' The Prospect Palace Practice Tapes. Recorded in one day with Tim Guy on bass and chief Ruby Sun Ryan McPhun on drum it has all the spontaneity and excitement that makes seeing bands live worthwhile. I'm in danger of becoming a bit of a joke if I keep gushing over these guys so I'll I'm just going to say I think they're the best lo-fi pop band around (and that includes Times New Viking) and mention the CDs only NZ$15 (which is like the equivalent in price of a packet of crisps in most countries) and you can buy it from here.

Oh, and I feel I have enough distance now to say Pants Yell!'s Allison Statton is my favourite album of 2007. So maybe check back in twelve months time for a more confident review of 2008.