epic postz00r

2008
Music For My Masses!

Well here we are again, the end of another year and what a year it has been.. And the main thing that kept me going through it is the Music I’m about to list for you. This year has been a big step forward, as well as backwards for me and i want to at least show you some of what this year meant to me.. And as always as everyone knows I’m a Music Junkie. So here's something I’m going to share:

My Top 30 Albums Released in 2008!


30#
Kings of Leon - Only by the Night

I've been following Kings of Leon for a little while now, and while this isn't my favourite album by them it is definitely something i have enjoyed though. The band itself has definitely grown with the lyrics on this album being a bit more feeling of 'Desperation' and a bit more depressive than their other albums, but more or less i am looking forward to their Future albums despite what alot of other people think of this band. “They’re not bad ".

29#
Beyonce - I Am... Sasha Fierce

I'll be honest; it feels like she's taken a huge step backwards. "Dangerously In Love" and "B'Day" were just amazing R&B albums, for my own personal view i think she improved immensely when she released " B'Day ". It's weird because she spent longer on this album than her last two, and as she has said that this album is a more "passionate" and "personal" side to her, but as soon as the album goes past "If i were a Boy" it's nothing fantastic. The album isn’t that great, if you’re a Beyonce fan you may enjoy it.. But if someone like " Leona Lewis " released this album.. i'd like it better.

28#
Sugababes - Catfights and Spotlights

It's nothing what i expected it to be. But it's pretty awesome. Originally i didn't like it at all, but it really has grown on me alot. Previously Sugababes were a more so Electro-Pop / Pop.. But this album is more Soul and Funk. The tracks are modern yet they sound like they've been taken from the 60's.. And i love it. It's a little more Darker too, which is hot ,lol.

27#
Mindless Self Indulgence - If

The album is my Favourite album by them so far, and it was great to have another album from them to add to my collection. Small improvements have been made, but overall they've brought and taken new things into " If ". Also the album art is done by Jhonen Vasquez.. Squee!

26#
Madonna - Hard Candy

Her attempt to harness the Urban Market didn't grab me much at all. All up i only like about four songs from the album. Not saying it’s not good but it’s nothing special, with “Confessions on a Dance floor “i fucking begged for more and more.. All the influence and effort she put into that album blew me away. But with Hard Candy it just feels like it's a bit late and a bit 'Done'. Though, “Give it 2 Me “is fucking camp and fun.. Loves it.

25#
The Presets - Apocalypso

This is the album that's given The Presets a mainstream following, and i can see why. The album itself is Proof Australians can Make Fantastic Electronica, Honestly. With the screeches and bass, I’m sure you wouldn’t see anyone not dancing to a track played at a club/disco now. I loved the gripping raw Electronica from their last album “Beams ", but the Duo themselves have Definitely improved beyond alot of our expectations.. Taking more so of a Australian Mainstream 'Pet Shop Boys' Influenced Band. Though, i do wish they would stop playing “Talk like That “Everywhere.

24#
Ladytron - Valocifero

i beg more and more for Ladytron. British Electropop at my favourite. The first time i sat and listened to the album for the first time it blew me away, after a few listens i still get tingles from Helen's vocals. The band seems like it's always experimenting with Different styles and themes when they bring fourth another album. The album has gotten me through some hard times this year; it usually brings me back to the calm remembrance that i am myself and nothing worse. I recommend it to anyone who is seeking Electronica with feeling and calm.

23#
Pussycat Dolls - Doll Domination

What’s amazing about this album? The Suggestive themes like BDSM and Sexual Fetishes that's what. The album does live up to “PCD " but on its own and new level, Though I’ll be honest.. it does feel like Nichole is in love with the Sound of her Own Voice. And after listening to Jessica's solo track i think teh bitch needs her own album srsly!!

22#
Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy

SO it’s been about 15 years since Guns N' Roses released an album, that being their last album was " The Spaghetti Incident " back in '93 and i really want to know.. Why this album wasn't released sooner? The album overall for me was fucking fantastic, Badass and in some ways Epic. It was pleasant to have a new album from them after so long, and once again Axl has reinvented himself. The band overall has grown alot as well, especially with the long delay of this album and hearing all the influence and interests it feels like a bit of a 'Blues' , 'NIN' , 'Queen' and 'Ministry' are pushed together like play doh in Guns N' Roses world and this is what we've got. As i said though, It's Pleasent and Fantastic to have a new and memorable comeback album from one of my old school bands.

21#
Mogwai - The Hawk is Howling

This album has stuck with me alot lately, it's alot more stronger, longer and darker than their last album.. With the ability to meet your expectations ( if your teh mogwai fan ) but it surprises as well. Probably my favourite Post-Rock band to date, Mogwai have been a real powerful influence on me since their latest stuff, As its alot more powerful and even in many ways a little violating because they are quite powerful lyrically. But even for Mogwai this album is a bit uplifting and even uptempo alot of the time.

20#
The Killers - Day & Age

I'll say after listening to it just again, it's "Sam's Town" in Space. This album is pretty fucking good, and alot of people and response to it hasn't been all to favourable with it but with this late 2008 release I’m one to say I’m pretty pleased with the outcome. The album feels like 80's alternative thrown into space and engages you. Flower's lyrics have definitely grown into a more arresting/drawing you in feel and take you outside the current world and into something more influential.

19#
Nine Inch Nails - The Slip

When the album was first released, it was a free digital download from their website with the words from Trent himself saying: "thank you for your continued and loyal support over the years - this one's on me" , made me so fucking gooey all over.. i mean hello Trent was thanking teh fans, Squee! But, gosh. The album has had quite alot of repeats and it's probably one of my most listened to album's overall for the year. But, it definitely isn’t their strongest album but it's again feeling Trent is wanting to follow his “Year Zero " sound.. and EVERYONE knows i didn’t think much of Year Zero at all, hell i even liked the Remix Album better because it had " Saul Williams " Singing alot of the tracks. But with that, it is alot more better than “Year Zero ", and it was a treasure to have TWO NIN ALBUMS this year!

18#
Annie - Don't Stop

Really, the album isn’t due for release until 2009.. but some of us 'Annie' Fan's were able to get copies of the Album prior to that. Though there will be some cutting and pasting on the 2009 release.. But So far the album is just simply cute and uplifting. Annie has always made me interested, especially with her first album release " Anniemal " which blew me away Completely. So much that me and Benji went to go see her a few years ago, and we were melting with fanboy love afterwards. The entire album just feels like she's grown up, found what makes her happy, and stuck to it. It's really uplifted me and kept me uplifted over the year with constant album repeats, aswell as completely understanding where she is comming from with the tracks " My Love is Better " , " I Know UR Girlfriend Hates Me " and " Take You Home ". Electropop, where i want it to be.. in a Gorgeous Norwegian Girl.

17#
Empire of The Sun - Walking on a Dream

If you’re looking for some Australian Slow Electro Influenced Pop, this Duo is what you’re looking for. First time i listened to the Entire album i found myself quite Surprised, with the Lyrics sticking to my Brain like Glue. Surprised i still am, with the Duo being formed of 'Luke Steele' from The Sleepy Jackson and 'Nick Littlemore' from PNAU. I love PNAU, mainly because of Ladyhawke being close to Nick and the collabaration with PNAU's song 'Embrace'. Overall the album feels David Bowie Esq, and Raw. I’m watching to see how they develop from here to the future.

16#
Portishead - Third

This album has almost been a non-stop solid listen for me.. as once i start listening to it, i can’t find myself pulling away from it or trying to play something over it, it has been a while I’ve been this artistically embraced and sensually orgasmic by an album, but "Third" can give and give so much. If you’re looking for " Dummy/2 " then just walk away from this album, because you will be disappointed, Third is quite mechanical and more industrial with the songs being more edgy, tight and infectious. It's definitely not a "Dance" album, or a happy album.. But it's Proof that Portishead are more about making Art. Third, has taken me alot out of myself and taken me on magical and fantasic rides, its very Deep.

15#
Girls Aloud - Out of Control

Let's be realistic, If you listened to 'Tangled Up' and then move to 'Out of Control' you would be saying " WTF?!!!111". Well i know that was my reception to it, as Girls Aloud being my Favourite Girl Band i was greatly disappointed when i first heard the album. But don’t get me wrong please, the album on grown on me immensely and i adore it, especially every track after " The Promise " because let's all be Honest, they should of never done that song or could've just hidden it as a B-Side and try to forget how awful and painful it is, and instead released " We Wanna Party " or " The Loving Kind " as their first Single. The album does feel a little outdated and not as intense/raw/fun as 'Tangled Up', but its more a lingering aftertaste of balled-esq pop, somewhat a breakup album. With a title like "Out of Control", it's a little disappointing because it fails to be Out of Control.

14#
The Ting Tings -We Started Nothing

Take "The White Stripes" and reverse the roles, and you have The Ting Tings. It didn't take me long to get infectious with The Ting Tings and start dancing whenever i heard them playing where-ever i go, its automatically fun alternative pop rock. Enjoyed them so much, me and Benji went to go see them this year and it was fucking fantastic, but as all new bands do with having one album the gig was rather short but it was definitely memorable and intense fun. I can't wait to hear more music from them, i can see them developing and influencing from all directions. Oh, i dare you to listen to " Fruit Machine " and try not to dance around to it.

13#
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

I have not been influenced by a NYC Band since Interpol's " Turn on the Bright Lights ", which revived the dark sounds of 80's British Punk Bands like: Joy Division. MGMT, feel like the Biggest Mixture of so many Fantastic things that have made Music History. It's like cooking up a stew really, throw in some Ultravox, a dash of Kate Bush, Sprinkle some Peter Gabriel and top it off with The Doors.. and Here we have MGMT. I'll be honest, the mainstream response to them is kind of insane, but don’t let that put you off from getting this album and having a good listen to it. It honestly took me a few listens to Like it as much as i do, but im sure you'll connect with it on your own personal level.

12#
The Mars Volta - The Bedlam in Goliath

Being a Mars Volta fan for some time now, i was not disappointed when 'Bedlam' came into my Ears. This being their Fourth Studio album now, the band definitely tends to grow more and more and more. Especially since the album is 75 minutes long, it flows so hyperactive as if they don't need to stop for breath but instead it does make the songs feel like a massive rush of being louder, harder and faster. Overall the album is a huge thrill ride, showing the band can produce fantastic music and amazing musicianship.

11#
Ayumi Hamasaki - Guilty

The Queen of J-Pop (Japanese Pop) Herself. With Guilty, She unleashed the Rock Princess inside her, and i fucking Adore it. Previously claiming her favourite genre is rock, she fulfils that with this release. Being the strong and optimistic woman she is, this album really showed that she's not a girl anymore but a Woman, running through the album with Love and Life. A Huge impact she's had upon me is that recently she has been diagnosed with a disease that has left her with complete deafness to her left ear, but she will not be stopping her music saying she will “not give up " and wants " to deliver the best performance for everyone". I adore her not only for her music, but for her passion and her choices. She's admirable and Strong in my Eyes.

10#
City And Colour - Bring Me Your Love

I’ve never have been one for slow, calm and passionate acoustic music.. But Dallas Green Completely Changed that for me. With him bringing a Harmonica and Banjo to this album it has a more Folkier feel, little improvement on his vocals also just made the experience of first listening to this album took me to the more spiritual side of myself, beyond my usual Electronica/industrial/metal roots. I feel that this CD has helped me grow up a little more this year on my own Personal level, with my own demons creeping upon me alot of the time i found myself laying in my bed sometimes with the playing on my iPod and finding myself at such a peace that went beyond the first time i listened to " Back to Black " By Amy Winehouse.

9#
Genghis Tron - Board Up The House

This Three Piece Band, fucking blow me away so much. Take two of my favourite music genre's Electronica and Grindcore, and you have the Cybergrind Band Genghis Tron from NY. Masterful bouts of metal spliced with spaced out Electronica, Vocals melodic yet aggressive. This Album is Fucking Brilliant and their Strongest. Though this is their Second Full Length album, the band definitely knows it has so much to offer and experiment with. But, don’t be surprised. This music style isn’t for everyone.

8#
Cyndi Lauper - Bring Ya to The Brink

Definitely my favourite Dance album of the year, that's right folks.. Cyndi brought us an amazing dance album and we all fucking love it. Bringing us some epic tracks at the age of 55, such as "Into the Night Life" and "High and Mighty", it definitely won’t disappoint you trust me. It's Camp with a Mixture of Maturity and Fun. Practically most of the songs on the album itself have the talent to become giant dance tracks for her career, Bring on more albums like this Cyndi... This is where you are Completely Golden.

7#
Girl Talk - Feed The Animals

Girl Talk, always knows where to find the Ghetto Girl inside me. His a Mashup DJ, so basically he cuts and pastes alot of random music together, probably one of my favourite mashup by him is when i heard " Only by Nine Inch Nails " with the vocals of " Can i Have it like That by Pharrel Williams Feat. Gwen Steffani ". By now, with his Fourth Album... He didn’t grab me like he does till i heard his Third album " Night Ripper " back in 2006, and have been looking forward to his work since then, and i can tell you know.. i was not disappointed. GT, knows where to bring you and takes you to the next step constantly, playing out beats that are familiar and hit back to the days when you were at home listening to music stations as a child and maxes up the flavour to remind you its 2008 with the vocals of today. GT, You fucking rule.

6#
Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree

Goldfrapp, by far my Favourite Artist of all Time. Definitely the most Subtle album and the most Hippie-Esq. This Album really made me feel closer to Alsion as Fanboyish as that sounds, but it felt like listening to Kate Bush for the first time again, I’ve been alongside with Alison Goldfrapp since the early days of " Felt Mountain " and it’s been quite the ride. After Supernature, it was a Surprise when i first listened to this album, as being the electronic junkie i am i was expecting something much like her last work. But Coming to The Seventh Tree, I can’t explain how much of a fanboy meltness i got myself into when i hear her melodies of purity that just flow from this album. I spent alot of Rainy Days listening to this album smiling and swooning.

5#
Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke

This girl, must have Music and Fucking Brilliance Written into her Genes because i find it hard not to fucking adore her. Obviously influenced by the right stuff, you can see in her hand drawn cover she's a Video Gamer, Musician, Obscene Hair and Kitties... omfg its the Female Matty! Cute thing about Ladyhawke is she's a Lesbian, also she's friends with "Peaches" so how could she do any wrong at all? She's pure and just what i needed to get through this year with. The Album itself really blew me away from" Magic ", the rest of the album flew past so quickly like a visionary of colours and 80's style synthpop. It blasted through the speakers constantly throughout the year and with my tick of approval i recommended this album to EVERYONE. Seriously, if you’re looking for some Arty Alternative Synth-Influenced Music, Ladyhawke is your girl. She's way too Talented for you to imagine, Trust me.

4#
Scarlett Johansson - Anywhere I Lay My Head

Never, have i heard an album that makes me feel like im Lost in a Fantasy land like being in a Magical Wood Forest, or even floating through clouds. When i first heard that David Bowie was working on this album with Scarlett, i was amazed. Not only was my Favourite Actress was Making Music but Making it with the King of Music! Really, The album took me Two listens to find that peace with it, especially finding Scarlett vocals interesting from Start to Finish. It's Rare to come across someone who can Act and Sing, But Scarlett brings the Whole Package. That being said don't expect to listen to this album and expect anything Pop Styled... Because it is completely unexpected which brings you to the point of amazement. Yet again, i think this album took me to new thoughts of myself and helped me with some personal issues. I Ache for more.

3#
Britney Spears - Circus

Let me Say, its nothing like i expected. Now, last year i didn't make a list of albums like this one I’m currently doing but Britney was 1# last year. That's not saying that this album is not fucking fantastic, i just found two albums i liked more better. But this album really was the recovery that Britney needed and i think we all Adore that. As we all Know Britney had quite the year last year, immediately getting to a point where she needed to be alone.. but instead being hounded by the paparazzi and she snapped. Shaving her Head, Wearing Wigs, Partying Every day, etc. And what came from that year was personally my Favourite Album by Britney EVER, instantly becoming the album i melded my life into and becoming this insane party animal myself. Not caring for anyone else at the clubs and bars, more so than usual but all i cared about was getting absolutely wasted with my BFF's and Dancing to Brit Brit. Now, That’s Gay.

Not to say that it wasn't something i Treasure Daily. But that was then and this is the Now. Circus is a reflection of herself now and her past, showing that her life isn't normal.. its a Circus. Throwing in our faces, that she can be ontop of all the Drama that's behind us and making us adore her and even love her even more. There isn’t a track on the album that stray's away from what her life has been over the last year or two. I would definitely say that this is a Fantastic Stepping stone in Her Career.. Because in the Pop World, Its Obviously all about Re-Invention, and She's gone the step further and not only has she Reinvented herself but She's Reinvented her Life and Living Situation too, Focusing more on her Children and Her Music. Let the Princess of Pop Music Rein Supreme and Take her Throne as the Queen of Pop.

2#
Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts I-IV

I haven't adored a Nine Inch Nails album like this since “The Fragile ", now that's something. Ghosts is a Instrumental Artwork with 36 Tracks that strip into you. Dark, Brooding... Haunting. There's so much in this Collection.. It's honestly the Most Interesting thing from Nine Inch Nails we've had in Years. Being my Favourite Band, i am rather particular of what i expect from Trent Reznor honestly, i admit that because i have been disappointed with his work during his “Sober " years. But this definitely has constantly been drawing me in when i listen to it, and i find new and different things each time i listen to it aswell. Even more so, i've been playing around with equalising some of the tracks to see what i can find, as if im solving my own puzzle with my ears. Now as i said also before the album IS instrumental, so i even find myself questioning myself asking “This is instrumental, with no vocals from Trent.. and i ache for this Album.. wow ". It really went to show me that, this is what they wanted to make and share with us. If anything this is more of an Art Piece put together by the genius minds that are Nine Inch Nails. If you like Nine Inch Nails, i dare you to listen to Ghosts and tell me it's not good.

#1
Lady GaGa - The Fame

Beyond EVERYTHING, this year for me has been all about “The Fame".

"I marry a lot of different genres, from Def Leppard drums and handclaps to metal drums on urban tracks...It's very 70's, with early 80's Prince-like guitars and 80's synths. It's a bit retro, a bit glamorous, and you can dance to it. It's very futuristic, very fresh, and very dramatic, sort of like theatrical pop."

How can everything about this woman be so fucking Brilliant. She's the sweet desire I’ve been waiting for Pop Music to come for a long fucking time. I understand that alot of Pop Fans out there enjoy artists like Britney, Pink, Xtina, Hilary Duff, etc.. But bring something to the Pop World that mixes all the things that i adore, and im blown away and that is GaGa. The amount of time's ive heard this album, im pretty sure I’ve annoyed the neighbours and they don't want to hear this album anymore, or maybe they are begging for more and more like myself. There is not a song on this album i cannot relate to in some way, and im pretty sure im not the only one. If you’re a fun outgoing personality who appreciates everything that made pop it is now, and the art of the past.. you'll love the fame. Even, when you get to the low point of the album where it gets to the sad song of course “Brown Eyes " even that is uplifting, goes to show how Uplifting and Fun "The Fame" can be.

I couldn't be happier with this NYC, pre-drug chic.

So,there you all have my long and somewhat detailed review of the Music of 2008 that helped shape and brought me some guidance for the upcoming year, and with summer coming up.. i can only expect things to get better im hoping, and Please i would love some feedback considering the work i have put into this. Thanks Beetches! xoxo