Chewing Pine

The Paste Top Albums of 2008: A Refutation

This photo was cold-jacked from Zack Arias

Allow me to say that I really enjoy reading Paste. I, however, hate year end lists more than I hate wearing tight pants in general – but specifically after a huge meal. Anyway, Paste, much like every other media outlet in the world has compiled their favorite discs from the year 2008.

Considering that the way in which human beings arbitrarily defined time, year-end lists seem ridiculous. But also, considering the fact that Psychic Ills, WAVVES and dälek amongst others have already swamped the press with soon to be released 2009 discs, I feel like any list compiled now would contain glaring empty spaces with those discs not included.

These are my points of contention with Paste and its list.

#15: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!: I’ve really tried to like the music of Nick Cave. I probably should, but I can’t. And watching him release this disc as well as Grinderman, really just aggravates me ‘cause I won’t be listening.

#12: Of Montreal – Skeletal Lamping: These folks might be the biggest hoax currently being perpetrated on the indie-record buying public. You know who’s got cooler out fits? KISS, that’s who.

#06: Fleet Foxes – Self Titled: What qualifications do any of these bands have to be touted as great? All I know is that I’m pretty sick of seeing this band’s name everywhere I bloody look.

#03: Vampire Weekend – Self Titled: Seriously?

Instead of compiling some noxious list of ephemera, I just asked the folks in the Psychic Ills to give me a list, any list, of stuff (or even things) that they’ve enjoyed over the last year. This is what they got back to me with. And if you’ll notice,  Santogold are glaringly absent.

Tres Warren (guitar):

La Monte Young live at the Dream House, June 20th, 2008.

Juan Atkins live at Studio B, June 21st 2008.

Jimy SeiTang (guitar):

Omar S. live at the Beach (Queens), July 16^th, 2008

Elizabeth Hart (bass):

Burial – Untrue

Excepter – Debt Dept

The moon on December 12th. It is the closest it has been to the Earth in 14 years!