ARTICLE JUMP
Inevitably, we can in no way hear every album released in a given year; and, there is always those couple of records that we point to and say, "How did I miss that record?" These were the records that I kicked myself for missing in 2008?better late than never I guess.
1. Gregor Samsa - Rest (Kora)
Where have I been, and why have I slept on Gregor Samsa? The first time that I listened to Rest the record was so arresting that I literally stopped what I was doing to pay attention to the soothing sounds that this record put forth. Quite possibly, this album would have been in my top ten albums of last year had I heard it in enough time to put it there. If you have not heard this album yet, go do it. It simply is one of those records that if I am having a rough day, always make me feel better.
2. Helms Alee - Truly 7" (Hydra Head)
This EP would have been near the top of my EPs list had I gotten a hold of it just a little earlier. Two catchy and noisy as hell songs that just hit the right nerves.
3. The (Fallen) Black Deer - Requiem (Southern)
Sitting in a dark room with this on the turntable was a guilty pleasure. The concept (a re-imagining of The Shining soundtrack) is so awesome that I was jealous that I had not thought of it first. This is another record that would have been high up on my list last year at this time.
4. Thee Oh Sees - The Master's Bedroom Is Worth Spending A Night In (Tomlab/ Castle Face)
Pure rock 'n' roll is what this release exudes. I still bounce around every time the lead off track, "Block of Ice," starts pumping through the stereo. If people hate this record, then they hate fun because this record is a ton of fun.
5. Asva - What You Don't Know Is Frontier (Southern)
There are albums out there that are born from such gut wrenching emotional outpouring as a form of personal therapy or personal journey of recovery for the artist or artists responsible for the work, and while it is a rare opportunity to glimpse such pain and catharsis, this one is such a chance for listeners. I am still struck by what G. Stuart Dahlquist said about this release (which he wrote), "What You Don't Know is Frontier is about rebirth? about that light at the end of the tunnel. Amen." A gripping trip that makes for one hell of a record.
(Bob)
