The Mandatory 2008 Post

So, it's that time of year again when everybody gets a little gushy and retrospective about the year that has passed, and what a year it's been. The Recession, Obama's monumental victory and umm, well, Mugabe has meant that you couldn't call this year dull. Besides all the tedium of the political world, there's been some great stuff about in the musical side of things. Folk has seen a surprising comeback and it seems people are finally growing tired of the Libertine sound-a-like sea of indie bands out there, choosing a more unconventional style instead.


I thought I'd add to the endless list of bloggers doing this and compile my very own list of 2008. However, this post will be spaced out over a number of days, 20/20 hindsight has told me that it is an ickle bit too long for just one post. So, enjoy!

10. Ladyhawke-Ladyhawke

In case you haven't yet noticed, 2008 has been the year of the synth. It's been unavoidable as of late, so much so that I wanted to get one and break it into teeny tiny pieces. However, Ladyhawke's self-titled debut is definitely the exception to the rule. This is an album full of potential singles, not a filler in sight. For someone who describes herself as being an introvert, you certainly can't tell listening to this. Pip's vocals ooze confidence and her songs have the perfect blend of synth and guitar that combine to make a damn catchy album. I'm already looking forward to her follow up, get to it Pip!






9. Robots in Disguise-We're in the Music Biz

Ok, so I know this album wasn't exactly ground breaking stuff, but this was the album that made me fall in love with this edgy electro duo. My friends and I saw Sue Denim and Dee Plume play songs from this album the night before its release, and they were as adrenaline fuelled and chaotic as they are on the album. This record proves that not only can the girls make tracks fit for dancing like no-one's watching but they also have a good sense of humour; giving us a more realistic view of the rock'n'roll lifestyle in Can't Stop Getting Wasted and unleashing a tongue in cheek tirade against conformity in Don't Copy Me. This is a much rougher album than their previous in terms of style, but it's the edginess that makes this well worth a listen.

8. Frank Turner-Love Ire & Song

2008 has really been Frank's year. He's spent much of the year touring bloody everywhere and yet still had time to release a refreshing and witty album. What a nice bloke. Mr. Turner is one of my favourite finds of the year. Pals with fellow folkster (see what I did there?) Chris T-T, Frank writes music that not only makes you think but allows you to actually enjoy his clever lyrics. Charity single 'Long Live the Queen' is a testament to this, as on first listen it's a catchy song but if you dig deeper and listen to the lyrics, you hear the story of a young women dying in hospital for breast cancer, the charity in which the single's revenue goes towards. This is the most underground artist on my list, and I really hope that by this time next year I will be able to gloat that I introduced this chap to you when he's one of the UK's most successful debut singer-songwriters.



















7.Ladytron-Velocifero
For me personally, 2008 has seen my musical tastes expand into the unfamiliar field of electro. Having grown up with the likes of Placebo, New Order and Echo and the Bunnymen shoved down my throat, I thought it would be nice to see what all of the fuss was about regarding this strange mesh of electronic sounds. Listening to this album is almost like being hypnotised and punched in the face simultaneously. The edgy beats and angst ridden synths create a definite groove that makes it all the more addictive to hear. Although some of the songs on here do make this album lose a touch of its charm, (Predict the Day's jaunty rhythm is more nauseating than exciting) others simply thrill me (see Versus' dangerously catchy refrain and bizarre kitten lyrics), making this album a firm favourite of mine for dancing about pathetically when getting ready to go out if nothing else.




















6. Laura Marling
Now at this point I'm going to say that I don't intend to market this album rundown as the most unconventional thing to do at the end of the year, lets face it Joe and Jane Bloggs have and are going to write posts along the same vein as this here thing. I can bet you 3 packets of Jellytots that this young lady will feature heavily. Laura Marling is the brilliantly talented songstress who's managed to take the alternative music scene by storm and is a staple of 6Music's playlist. Aaand she's only 18, lest we forget. This album is a true testament to her talent, with her warm raspy vocals leaving you wanting more and her brilliantly dark yet witty lyrics. It's been said before but it's hard to believe from hearing this album that she is only just an adult, a mature and rather graceful air seems to resonate from this record. How this girl did not get the Mercury Prize is beyond me. The only question I'm left asking after hearing this is where can she go from here?
What have been your favourite records of 2008? Comment me and let me know, and look out for the next installment of my album roundup.

Where's the Support?

We've all been there. You've had the week from hell, stacks of work to do and everyone you know is pissing you off. So, in an attempt to cheer yourself up you book tickets to see the gig you've been dying to go to all year. After weeks, months even of waiting, that fateful day arrives and you're buzzing with anticipation for the moment the beloved headliners grace the stage.



But then..



What's this? Some small, obscure band whose name you can't even pronounce sidles onto the stage and starts playing tracks swallowed by synths and bizarre vocals that conjure up images of dying kittens. What do you do?






I recently ran a poll asking if there was any actual love for the support band. The answer, a resounding no, seemed to confirm my suspicions. People, it seems, just don't care about the opening act. 'I paid good money to see the headliners' I hear you cry; 'Why would I want to hear some band I've never heard of, they're just wasting my time.' Well, maybe because, for all we know, that small obscure band being attacked by synths could be the next big thing.



Today's support act is tomorrow's stadium act.



A couple of years ago my parents went to see Stellastarr * perform, with some quaint American band known as The Killers. Now, can you tell me for a brownie point, where are Stellastarr now, and what have The Killers been up to recently? With a new NME cover (out tomorrow) to add the heap of other magazine articles and hundreds of festival appearances, it seems to toil of being a support band paid off.



Also, whatever happened to just having a good time and trying something new? It saddens me that, in an age where new music is only a Myspace search away, it appears that not many are actually taking advantage of having it right there in front of them. I've been to many 'a gig recently, (purely research of course) and when observing the crowd during the support act, most of the crowd stood, cross armed and bored, whilst large portions oft he crowd hadn't even bothered turning up yet!



Surely, in these times of economic turmoil you want to get as much out of your tenner as possible, rather than just an hour's set from the big guys? The only exception to the rule I've noticed was at an electro gig, with Asobi Seksu (pictured) supporting the magnificent Ladytron. I'd almost given up hope on a supportive crowd but, lo and behold, the NYC band actually got people moving. But then, taking a second glance at the crowd, you can see why. Most of those here tonight are gig veterans, not some indie/scene kids who think they're 'too cool' to listen to more underground bands.



Trust me, you ain't.



So, if you've gleaned anything from my rant, let it be that support bands can make you feel as giddy as any headlining band could. The next time you see that small, obscure band shuffle onto the stage, dance like a madman and give the new kids a chance.



What are your support act experiences? Let me know, the weirder the better.