Your 2008 List.

I just want to throw this one out there. I just wasted twenty minutes of my life reading the Pitchfork Guestlist: Best of '08. Needless to say, total bullshit. The same dudes from Vampire Weekend, Fleet Foxes, and MGMT namedrop themselves back and forth while simultaneously talking about Lil' Wayne. Honestly, I don't think I can name ten records that came out this year. I mean, I'll give it to him, Weezy put out a pretty bomb-ass record, but that can't be it. So fuckit, I've got a short list and then everybody go crazy.

1. Xiu Xiu - Women as Lovers
If you don't like Xiu Xiu then, fuck off. Seriously. I've seen these guys twice and they now account for the best show I've ever seen and the second best show I've ever seen. Listen to them get down all Zappa like on this one. Also, if "I Do What I Want, When I Want" doesn't make best song of the year, I'm quitting Pitchfork for good. Serious this time.

2. Earth - The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull
These guys are from Seattle. Just look at that picture, thats the guitarist with four JCM800 half stacks. Also, I just started smoking weed this year.

3. Akimbo - Jersey Shores
Whole lotta fuckyeah. Used to practice next to these guys, but didn't get the full scope until they hammered myself and the audience into submission opening for Big Business. Most legit gear ever.

4. Mars Volta - Bedlam in Goliath
Best since Deloused by far. Some of the heaviest grooves ever.

5. Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream/Machina
I know these didn't come out this year, but they really shaped my entire idea of music. I never got into them when they were out, but suddenly I found these albums of heavy guitars, gnarly production, and entirely awesome songs. Most of you that know me know that I'm always a little behind the curve on new music, and I'm sure I've pounded them into your brains this year as well, so, you know, sorry.


Now bring on the lists.


BTOWN.