Seasons Greetings My Merry Music Lovers,

The time is here, for my albums of the year. Sorry, Christmas makes me feel like rhyming. Anyways, I have finished my schooling and can once again indulge in the things I love (music, books other than textbooks etc). After much deliberation I have come up with a list of my top albums of the year. Like my list of my favourite songs of the year, the list is simply all my listens added up to see what I listened to the most throughout the year. I’m not saying these are the “best” albums, just my favourite. I think it’s pretty obvious what my album of the year is judging by my previous two lists (EPs and songs) and the picture at the top of this post which depicts a pretty fleet looking fox, but if you haven’t already figured it out, take a look:

20. Noah & The Whale - Peaceful The World Lays Me Down

To start us off is the debut album by a talented little group of music makers from England, Noah & The Whale. I love pretty much every song on the album, and Laura Marling’s beautiful voice sparkles here and there throughout the album, making it shine ever brighter. A promising start for these guys and I hope to hear a lot more from them in the future. I had the privilege of seeing them play live in New York City and wow what a show.

19. Tyler Ramsey - A Long Dream About Swimming Across The Sea

Next is an album that I listen to every time I have had the need to just take a step back and calm down a little while. It is by guitar extraordinaire Tyler Ramsey. Ramsey also serves as one of Band of Horses’ guitarist. A truly talented musician and a great debut album by him.

18. Laura Marling - Alas I Cannot Swim

If you don’t know who Laura Marling is by now you must be living under a rock. Her debut album is just pure beauty, and she is only 18 years old. I can’t wait to see what she will have for us next. In her spare time she has been making guest appearances on the albums of some pretty awesome bands. Mystery Jets, Noah & The Whale and Mumford & Sons have all collaborated with Marling and it seems as if everything she touches turns to gold.

17. Plants & Animals - Parc Avenue

This one is the debut album from my fellow Montrealers, Plants & Animals. I fell in love with this album over the summer while I was interning in New York City. I remember strolling down 3rd avenue on bright sunny days listening to Parc Avenue. Good times. Ok I’ll stop being cheesy now. Seriously, this album is pretty incredible and if you haven’t already, you should give it a listen.

Plants & Animals - Feedback In The Field

16. Department of Eagles - In Ear Park

Number 16 on my list is by a band called Department of Eagles. If you are a fan of Grizzly Bear, then Department of Eagles is right up your alley. You see, the bands share the same lead singer, Daniel Rossen, and because of this have a similar sound. There are obviously differences between the two bands but I was really impressed with this album. “No One Does It Like You” is among my absolute favourite songs of the year.

Department of Eagles - No One Does It Like You

15. Horse Feathers - House With No Home

Number 15 is just a beautiful album that I listened to to death this year by a band called Horse Feathers.

Horse Feathers - This is What

14. Vampire Weekend - Self Titled

Vampire Weekend was another one of my bands of the summer. It’s funny, when I first listened to this album I wasn’t that impressed. Maybe I just felt like it didn’t live up to the hype. Then one day I just got it and it quickly became one of my favourites of the year.

13. The Dears - Missiles

The Dears are back and better than ever on their newest LP, MISSILES. The band has been completely rebuilt from the ground up, while keeping the foundation of Murray Lightburn and Natalia Yanchak and adding an array of talented musicians from all different places. What we are left with is a group of seriously talented musicians who have created a really great album. This may in fact be my favourite Dears record to date.

12. Ratatat - LP3

I waited for this album to come out for so long that when it did come out I was so excited that I listened to it non-stop for weeks. That being said, it is quite the album. I don’t know how it ranks among the other two Ratatat albums but it is definately a fresh new sound for them that makes this album stand apart from the other two.

11. Blitzen Trapper - Furr

This was an album that I was reluctant to listen to at first, because I wasn’t crazy about Blitzen Trapper’s first release. But after hearing a couple of songs on satellite radio I decided to give it a try. I was happy I did because this album is pretty amazing. I had the chance to see them play when I went to see Fleet Foxes opening for them awhile ago, but I left after Fleet Foxes’ performance. Looks like that was a bad decision on my part.

Blitzen Trapper - Furr

10. Dr. Dog - Fate

Number 10 on my list is Dr. Dog’s album Fate. This is just an amazing album from start to finish. The highlights on it for me would have to be “The Old Days” and “The Breeze”, but every song on this album is worth a listen. Just an all around solid album.

9. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

You won’t find too many top album lists without this album on it. Bon Iver exploded onto the scene this year. Songs like “Flume” and “Skinny Love” have been permanently on my mind as I often find myself singing or humming them to myself. You can see how much bigger they got within the year. The first time I saw them play was at a small venue in Montreal called The Cabaret. A few weeks ago I saw them play in New York City at the prestigious City Hall, one of two sold out back to back shows at the same venue. By the way, have you seen the awesome design they did for YBP?

8. The Dodos - Visiter

Even though The Dodos album cover looks like it was created by a child, the album itself is as far from childish as it gets. These songs are rife with emotion, lead by the incredible guitar playing of Meric Long and Logan Kroeber’s tribal drumming. And as good as they sound on the album, you have to see them live to fully appreciate them. I was lucky enough to do so and all I have to say is…”The Season”.

7. Born Ruffians - Red, Yellow & Blue

I’m not sure how popular this album was because I don’t know that many people who listen to Born Ruffians but I was in love with this album the second I heard it and I am still in love with it today. “Little Garcon” is probably my favourite, but the rest of the album is great as well.

Born Ruffians - Barnacle Goose

5. Man Man - Rabbit Habits

What could possibly be bad about a new Man Man album? It seems as if these guys just get better and better with time. Their first album was okay, their second was great and their newest album, Rabbit Habits is stellar. What I love about Man Man is that they always keep you guessing. For example, who expected that amazing xylaphone action in “The ballad of Butterbeans”? This is another example of a band that is great on the album and even more amazing live. If you have a chance to see these guys live you must do so.

Man Man - The Ballad of Butter Beans

4. Pinback - Autumn of the Seraphs

This was arguably my most anticipated albums of the year. Pinback has been one of my all-time favourite bands for a long time now and the idea of a new Pinback album just gets my hyped. I don’t know if this album will go down as one of my favourite Pinback albums, but it is definitely worth a whole bunch of listens.

Pinback - Bouquet

3. Pete & The Pirates - Little Death

Number 3 on my list is a wonderful little album by some awesome Brits that go by the name of Pete & The Pirates. I really became obsessed with the album for a good while this year. I’m not sure what makes these guys so likable. Their music is just exciting. They might be my favourite British band of the year. They also have two new songs on their myspace page called “Blood Gets Thin” and “Jenny” that are worth a listen, check it out.

2. The Hush Sound - Goodbye Blues

The Hush Sound at number 2. Who would have thought. Their first two albums reminded me too much of Panic at the Disco, but on their newest album, Goodbye Blues, lead singer Greta Salpeter takes the reins and is featured much more prominently then the band’s other male singer. They may be too poppy for some, but I love it and think they are well deserving of my number 2 slot.

The Hush Sound - Break The Sky

1. Fleet Foxes - Self Titled

Fleet Who? Ya right. This has been the year of the Foxes. Throughout the year we have been treated to one of the best EPs of the year, in the Sun Giant EP, as well as an amazing debut self-titled LP by Fleet Foxes. Songs like “Mykonos”, “White Winter Hymnal”, “Your Protector” and “Oliver James” have been on continuous repeat throughout the year and I was lucky enough to see them play live twice in Montreal. I’m so excited about this band and what will come from them in the future.

Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal

Fleet Foxes - He Doesn’t Know Why

So there you have it. Fleet Foxes sweep the series. They have produced my favourite EP, LP and song of the year. I’m so happy for these guys. Now I would like to pay tribute to a few more albums that either just missed the top 20 or were released too soon to be a part of this year’s list. Here are some albums that deserve honorable mention…

Yeasayer - All Hour Symbols

Girl Talk - Feed The Animals

Santogold - Santogold

The Tallest Man on Earth - Shallow Graves

Alaska in Winter - Holidays

The Welcome Wagon - Welcome to the Welcome Wagon

Tv On The Radio - Dear Science

Radiohead - In Rainbows

Now that you know pretty much everything that I listened to throughout the year it’s your turn! What are your top albums of the year? I’m sure there’s plenty I’ve forgotten.

Until next week…

-The Middle Distance Runner

In the second installment of my “Best of 2008″ series, I will be unveiling my top songs of the year. Just to warn you, this is a list of my most listened to songs. It’s not a list of what I think were my favourites throughout the year. Also, I only put one song by each band or artist. If I didn’t do this the list would be almost exclusively Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver. Other than that there aren’t really many surprises except for a few bands here and there where I thought to myself, “wow did I really listen to them that much?” Anyways, without further ado, here are my favourite 20 songs of 2008:

20. Stars - The Night Starts Here

I remember first hearing this song while in London. I was immediately addicted. It quickly became the song of the trip. By the way, have you heard Stars’ new EP called the Sad Robots EP? It was number 3 on my list of the top 5 EPs of 2008. You should really check it out.

19. Laura Marling - Cross Your Fingers

If you don’t know who Laura Marling is yet than you are really missing out on one of the top new artists of the year. She writes some of the most beautiful songs, and she is only 18 years old. Unbelievable talent.

18. Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor

This is my favourite song from Hot Chip’s new album, Made in the Dark. I don’t know if the album as a whole will stand up to their amazing previous album, The Warning, but it is nevertheless pretty damn good.

17. Chairlift - Bruises

This song is just catchy as hell. Every time I see that Itunes ad, the song stays in my head for the rest of the day. The rest of the album isn’t bad either. It’s called Does You Inspire You. Give it a listen.

Chairlift - Bruises

16. Plants & Animals - Bye Bye Bye

This one is by my fellow Montrealers, Plants & Animals. I absolutely love their debut album, Parc Avenue, which was nominated, but didn’t win the Polaris Music Prize. Have you seen their performance on Pitchfork TV’s “Don’t Look Down”? Check it out here.

15. The Hush Sound - Break The Sky

I don’t know if anybody knows about them, but I love them. Catchy tunes, singer with an outstanding voice, what more do you need?

The Hush Sound - Break The Sky

14. Horse Feathers - This is What

I became obsessed with this band for a good 2 months. Haven’t really listened much to them since then, but I still consider this one of my favourite songs of the year.

Horse Feathers - This is What

13. Dr. Dog - The Old Days

How can you not love this song? The whole album is amazing, but this was definitely my favourite and most listened to track on it. Check out this awesome performance:

12. Miniature Tigers - Hot Venom

I recently got into this band. They are really poppy and catchy as hell, and I love every minute of it. This song is a cute little ditty about falling in love….and venom.

Miniature Tigers - Hot Venom

11. Man Man - Top Drawer

How insane is Rabbits Habbits? Without a doubt one of my favourite albums of the year. This song is tied with “Mister Jung Stuffed” for most listened to song on the album. I was lucky enough to see them play live with Yeasayer opening. Yeasayer was just ok. Man Man was INCREDIBLE. One of the best live shows I have ever seen. If you get a chance to see these guys live, please do so. You won’t regret it.

Man Man - Top Drawer

10. Islands - Pieces of You

My favourite song on the new Islands album, Arm’s Way. Love the strings.

Islands - Pieces of You

9. The Dears - Money Babies

This song, along with “Demons” and “Lights Off” are my favourite songs from the new Dears album, MISSILES. I think it actually may be my favourite Dears album to date. Have you heard about the new Dears band members? Pretty talented company.

8. Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

I really could have picked any song from Vampire Weekend’s stellar self-titled debut album, but I think this just might be my fave. Afro-poppy goodness!

7. Tokyo Police Club - Graves

To be honest, I liked Tokyo Police Club more before they released their debut album, Elephant Shell. The album, does have some goodies though. And they’re Canadian, so they get extra points.

6. The Dodos - The Season

This song is just completely ridiculous. I was lucky enough to see the Dodos play it live at Sala Rossa in Montreal a few months ago and it completely blew me away. It is arguably the best single song I have ever seen played live. You can’t really get the same feel from watching a video, but hopefully this will give you an idea:

5. Pete & The Pirates - Bears

Awesome song by some talented Britts called Pete & the Pirates.

Pete & The Pirates - Bears

4. Pinback - How We Breathe

I love Pinback and everything they have ever done. It’s kind of weird how they are a completely different band live, but I still love them. This is the song I have listened to most off of their new album, Autumn of the Seraphs.

Pinback - How We Breathe

3. Born Ruffians - Little Garcon

I don’t know what it is but this song has a certain charm that just grabs me. By far my favourite song on Born Ruffians’ excellent debut LP, Red, Yellow & Blue.

Born Ruffians - Little Garcon

2. Bon Iver - Flume

This song could have easily been my song of the year. I got to see Bon Iver play in Montreal a few months ago and wow what a show. And lucky me, I’m seeing them play again on Thursday, this time in New York City, with the Tallest Man on Earth opening.

1. Fleet Foxes - Mykonos

But of course the best song of the year is by Fleet Foxes. So far they are 2 for 2 in my “Tops of 2008″ lists. Their Sun Giant EP is my EP of the year, and now “Mykonos” wins for song of the year. Will they sweep the board with the best album of the year? Stay tuned to find out.

Now that you know mine…what are your favourite songs of the year?

Until next week…

-The Middle Distance Runner

Hello Birdies,

I hope you are all doing well. Those of you that are still in school, as I am, I wish you a good start to the semester. May your tests be easy and your essays short. For those not in school, I hope whatever you are doing is making you happy, and that there is nothing you’d rather be doing. There’s nothing I’d rather be doing than listening to music. So here are 5 songs that I have been listening to on repeat over the past week. I hope you like…

Akron/Family - Before and Again

I just discovered this band last night. Well to be honest I have been hearing about them for awhile, but never gave them a chance until last night. I saw that they were playing in Montreal for the Pop Montreal Festival so I decided to check out their myspace page for a few samples and was pretty blown away. I still don’t know them very well but this song is sounding quite nice right now.

Born Ruffians - Little Garçon

Born Ruffians have been one of my bands of the summer. They make such catchy and fun songs and they are Canadian, so they get extra points. This song is a cute little love song that you can play for your boyfriend/girlfriend/love interest in order to capture their heart. Unless they like rap music, then you should play them this.

Pinback - Wasted (Black Flag Cover)

I have been listening to sooo much Pinback lately, especially after writing that Tribute to Rob Crow. It really got me back into them. I have been listening to this song, which is actually a Black Flag cover, every night before bed for the past week. Not because it is a song that puts me to sleep. Just because I like it a lot. What makes it such a good cover is that it is so different than the original. It just goes to show how talented Zach and Rob actually are, that they can take a hardcore punk song, and make it into something so beautiful. The ending of the song is a fitting tribute to the original.

Human Highway - The Sound

Nick Thorburn is becoming quite the band hopper. From the Unicorns, to Islands, to his other various side projects. He is now teaming up with Canadian Juno Award winner Jim Guthrie, who together form Human Highway. This band is very different from anything Nick has done in the past and just goes to show how versatile he is. They make some really pretty songs, take a listen.

Midlake - Bandits

Midlake has been arguably my favourite band of the past year. I hardly go a week without listening to them. If you are not familiar with their music you are really missing something. There is something about them that makes me feel so at ease and comfortable. I’m trying not listen to them that much this summer just because I love listening to them in the fall and winter. Along with “Roscoe”, this is my favourite Midlake song. They have a new album in the works, which will most likely be entitled The Courage of Others. You can expect to see it in stores at some point before the year is out. Along with Mew’s new album, this is the album I am most excited to hear.

Well that’s all for now. I shall now go out and enjoy my last free day of summer. Is it crazy that I’m really excited for fall?

Untill next week…

-The Middle Distance Runner

Dear friends,

Have you heard of Rob Crow? You may know him better as one half of Pinback. If that is all you know of him then you are in for a treat. Not only is Rob crow one of the two angelic voices in Pinback, but he has been part of more bands than I have fingers. Each of these bands are very different from the next, showing Crow’s versatility. One thing that stays the same across all of Crow’s bands and side projects is his talent, shining brightly in each of his projects. So here is a tribute to one of my favourite artists in the past few years. Rob Crow, here’s to you.

Pinback

Obviously, this is Rob Crow’s best known project. Teaming up with Zach Smith (of Three Mile Pilot), they together have released four LP’s, each as good as the last and a whole bunch of great EP’s and tour EP’s. This is how I first got introduced to the genius of Rob Crow, and I have yet to get sick of any Pinback song for as long as I’ve been listening to them. I have been lucky enough to see Pinback live once in Montreal. They have this huge tour coming up but there is no Montreal date this time around. Toronto lucks out again. If you don’t already listen to Pinback then you really should get on that.

Pinback - Talby

Pinback - Tripoli

(Pinback’s Myspace)

Optiganally Yours

In this band, Rob Crow teams up with Pea Hix to form a band that is miles away from what Pinback sounds like. What makes this band special is that besides Crow’s guitar, the primary instrument is the Optigan, which is a toy organ made by Mattel in the 1970’s. From the two albums that they released the highlights for me are “Oar” and “Gepetto”, among others. They music is definitely different from what you hear everyday.

Optiganally Yours - Oar

Optiganally Yours - Gepetto

(Optiganally Yours’ Myspace)

The Ladies

This band fits into a completely different genre altogether, incorporating elements of metal music, which it seems Rob Crow is a big fan of. This time Crow teams up with Zach Hill to create a sort of eccentric, soft core metal band. Nevertheless, they still have that element that makes all of Rob Crows projects shine. Perhaps that element is Crow himself. In the song “Non-Threatening”, Crow softly sings along with his guitar and Hill’s double bass pedaling about how he wants to kill the president. One thing to really pay attention to while listening to this band is Zach Hill’s incredible drumming. It’s really something special.

The Ladies - Nice Chaps Buddy

The Ladies - Non-Threatening

(The Ladies’ Myspace)

Thingy

This is another of my favourite of Rob Crow’s side-projects. It really boggles my mind how one man could have so many songs in him. In this band, Crow teams up with Eléa Tentuta, Brent Asbury, Cameron Jones, Kenseth Thibideau and Jason Soares to make some of his best music to date. The strange lyrics continue with Thingy, in which he sings in one song about a ballpoint pen and another about how he’s a big dumb animal whose fingers should be put in a fan. This band is as eccentric as it gets. A sort of recurring theme in Crow’s music.

Thingy - Ballpoint Pen

Thingy - Big Dumb Animal

(Thingy’s Myspace)

Rob Crow Solo

As if it wasn’t enough, Crow also writes and records music all by himself, releasing a Rob Crow Solo album entitled Living Well. I guess this is the stuff that doesn’t fit into any of his other bands. Crow’s solo work is probably the closest sounding to Pinback of all of his other side-projects. Here we really see Rob Crow at his best, without any other musician’s influence.

Rob Crow - Taste

Rob Crow - Over Your Heart

(Rob Crow’s Myspace)

This is just a small introduction to Rob Crow. He is in over 10 bands in all. So if you like what you hear, go and buy some of his stuff! And like I said, Pinback is currently on tour all over the US and then Europe, so go check them out.

Until next week…

-The Middle Distance Runner