Scene Point Blank is now in our third year of the "Pass the Mic" feature as part of our evaluation of the best music of the year. With this year's "Pass the Mic" feature, we turn to some of our favorite bands, record labels, and other music business friends to get their thoughts and opinions on their favorite records of 2008, the re-emergence of vinyl, reflections on 2008, and their most anticipated releases of 2009.
All interviews were conducted by Michael exclusively for Scene Point Blank.
LINKS TO ALL THE PAGES
Sakes Alive!! (Chris Vandeviver)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2008?
- Glass and Ashes - Glass and Ashes
- Man Man - Rabbit Habits
- Transistor Transistor - Ruined Lives
- Damiera - Quiet Mouth Loud Hands
- Dead to Me - Little Brother
It's worth noting that spending money for music was extremely limited this year for me. So I didn't experience a whole ton of new records. It's also worth noting that I did not include the new Dillinger Four album. I love Dillinger Four. That record, to me, was a letdown. Our guitar player, Tim, does love it though. May his taste ease your angst.
What band did you discover in 2008 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I can't say they had an impact on my life, but Modest Mouse was a band I never cared to check out until recently. You know the record everyone hates? "We're Dead Before This Ship Even Sank"? It's amazing. I'm a sucker for stuff that's a little theatrical. OK Pilot from the U.K. was another band I found this year that I had no idea about. My favorite band from The Fest, hands down. They are great men playing great music.
How will you remember 2008? (In terms of music)
As the year after 2007, the golden year of music. 2007 cranked out great record after great record. Besides lack of funds, I'm not wholly impressed with too much this year. 2008 also had me wondering a lot of questions this year in terms of music. What happened to punk rock and hardcore? Why is DIY the hollow shell it is now? Why is it acceptable that every band has a manager/booking agent/PR? Not that I shun these things, but where did the ethic go? Punk/hardcore certainly has progressed, but the whole idea has been a bit tarnished. Will there be a new breakaway of idealistic bands? Will there be another wave of bands that will express politics without being concerned if it's limiting their fan-base or professional chances?
Vinyl record sales saw a significant increase this year while hard copy sales continued to dwindle. Is this a return to the glory days for vinyl or just a phase? Explain.
Well, there's the snobby few who will tell you they were buying vinyl before it was cool. So it ain't a phase for them. Then the swoop haircut kids are probably too enamored with iTunes and downloading. So they can't bring the phase to vinyl. I think people are just fed up with the bullshit packaging record labels wrap around their CDs and then charge $15 for. Your four-panel, no lyrics in a jewel case is bullshit. Get with it. Vinyl is one of those things that, though the layout isn't much different, it's bigger and has more weight to it. Therefore, it actually feels like it has value to it.
What was the most memorable moment for you in 2008? (Can be in terms of anything)
100% being at, and playing The Fest in Gainesville. That changed my life.
What can we look forward to from you in 2009?
Two 7-inch releases: "Act II" on Cavity Records and "Act III" on a label to be announced. A full-length record and touring.
What three records are you looking forward to most in 2009?
I seriously have no idea what's coming out in 2009. But guaranteed if it's on No Idea, Jade Tree, or Red Leader, I'll probably be digging it.
Homepage: http://www.sakesalive.org
