:: Madison Music Review :: Favorite Shows and New Recordings for Mister Bill

2008 Reflections
by Mister Bill

This is the time of year when all the "big league" music review sites declare The Best Albums of 2008! ... I can't presume to judge that. But I have found it to be fun to reflect a bit upon the music I've added to my collection over the past year and the shows I've seen. I suggest that you also flip through your music collection and give another listen to favorites - old and new.

Here are some of my favorite shows and albums from last year.

My Favorite Shows

	Gary Louris / The Mekons at Barrymore	If you were there, you know what a great bill this was. The Mekons played a semi-acoustic set that was quite fun, then Gary and his band played an amazing set. It was a smallish crowd, and I was with a bunch of my friends. Pretty special.
	Stephen Malkmus & Jicks at Pabst	My first time seeing Malkmus, and my first time at the Pabst. Very talented musician in a gorgeous setting. Well worth the mid-week trip to Milwaukee!
	Todd Rundgren at Barrymore Theatre	This show was like reconnecting with an old friend... He's been a hero of mine forever it seems.
	Robin Trower at Barrymore Theatre	I love these old warriors.
	High Places at Majestic Theatre	I always find the artists on the Thrill Jockey label to be interesting and talented. This show reinforced my belief. It was my highlight of the Forward Music Festival.
	Eef Barzelay at Café Montmarte	Cafe Montmarte provides a wonderfully intimate setting. The rest is up to the band and the crowd. This show was magic.
	Deadmau5 at Movement ‘08	...or Mark Farina ... or Carl Craig. My God, it's hard not to list 10 acts from the Detroit Electronic Music Festival!
	Blitzen Trapper / Fleet Foxes at High Noon	I have the feeling that we will be hearing from both Eric Earley (BT) and Robin Pecknold (FF) for years to come. Both are artists with great passion and talent.
	Mickey Hart at 10KLF	Can you believe that I had never seen the Mickey Hart Band? This was the highlight set for me at 10KLF.
	Immortal Technique at High Noon	I don't get to many hip-hop shows. So if I get a chance to see a giant, I try to take it. DanK turned me on to Technique's Revolutionary Vol 2 a few years ago, and it was this album the got me listening more carefully to certain rap artists. It was really great to be able to see IT perform at High Noon.

My Favorite New Releases

	Joseph Arthur and the Lonely Astronauts – Temporary People	I idolize this guy... This year he released four EPs and this full-length LP with his great band. This one is my personal choice for Record of the Year.
	Al Green – Lay it Down	Lay It Down is as good a record as Al Green has ever released. There I've said it. In fact, close your eyes and you would believe that he recorded it in the mid- 70's. Produced by the very talented ?uestlove.
	Hot Chip - Made in the Dark	I defy you to resist Hot Chip's groove. This album also has a number of very spare and haunting ballads that I like a lot.
	Stephen Malkmus – Real Emotional Trash	I just got into Malkmus this past year and have been working to acquire his extensive back catalogue. But it was this new release that grabbed me and got me going.
	TV on the Radio – Dear Science	I discovered TVOR on a small side stage at the 2006 Austin City Limits Festival when they were just starting to tour behind Return to Cookie Mountain. They blew me away... This is a great album, and I hope to see them again soon!
	Dead Meadow – Old Growth	What can I say; I love this heavy acid rock sound.
	Blitzen Trapper –Furr	See Favorite Shows pick above and read more here.
	Gutter Twins – Saturnalia	Chroniclers of the struggle with our darker nature; I like this recording a lot. Read more about them here.
	The Accidental – There Were Wolves	Every so often a record label sends MMR something new and asks that we give it a listen. I've listened to this over and over, and it's become one of my "go to" early morning / late night choices.
	Gary Louris - Vagabonds	I actually reviewed this one.

If you are unfamiliar with any of these artists, then check out My Player, where I'm streaming some great tracks from these releases.