Musical memories from 2008
Listen Up!
Brian Washburn
Issue date: 12/1/08 Section: Lifestyles
As the end of the year approaches, it is time to look back and reflect on a few of the most memorable moments, releases and bands of 2008. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to put a few of these mind-blowing releases on Christmas lists.
While 2008 saw releases from some of the most notable artists in music, it is hard to argue this wasn't the year of Lil' Wayne. The man sold more than a million albums in just the first week, released four successful singles and is selling out concerts all over the world. The only question remaining with Weezy is if his world domination will turn over with the new year. With upcoming and recent hip-hop releases from Kanye West, 50 Cent and Eminem to follow, Weezy better watch his back or else one of them might just steal the hip-hop championship away from him.
Even though Lil' Wayne sold the most albums to date this year (and it was an amazing record), it is hard to deny the brilliant records released this year.
Indie kings Death Cab for Cutie released Narrow Stairs in May, and it seems the band has not looked back since. Although the Seattle-based band members have been deemed "sell outs" and other ridiculous titles since signing onto their major label before their last album, the indie rockers completely dismissed the notion they would only release "radio-friendly music." In fact, Narrow Stairs is dark, experimental, catchy (at times) and a step up from 2006's Plans.
But Death Cab's 2008 effort seemed to be just one stepping stone in what seemed to be the year of the experimental indie rockers. Two of the best new artists of the year broke onto the scene this year with debut albums featuring music never before heard in today's modern music.
Electronic rock band MGMT burst onto the scene with their ultra-catchy, lyrically smart single "Time to Pretend" from one of the years best albums, Oracular Spectacular. However, it's their current single - the '80s electro-influenced "Electric Feel" - that really shows the band's diverse sound mixed with intelligent lyrics. MGMT will be a band to reckon with in 2009, but they will have to compete with another indie newcomer, Vampire Weekend.
While 2008 saw releases from some of the most notable artists in music, it is hard to argue this wasn't the year of Lil' Wayne. The man sold more than a million albums in just the first week, released four successful singles and is selling out concerts all over the world. The only question remaining with Weezy is if his world domination will turn over with the new year. With upcoming and recent hip-hop releases from Kanye West, 50 Cent and Eminem to follow, Weezy better watch his back or else one of them might just steal the hip-hop championship away from him.
Even though Lil' Wayne sold the most albums to date this year (and it was an amazing record), it is hard to deny the brilliant records released this year.
Indie kings Death Cab for Cutie released Narrow Stairs in May, and it seems the band has not looked back since. Although the Seattle-based band members have been deemed "sell outs" and other ridiculous titles since signing onto their major label before their last album, the indie rockers completely dismissed the notion they would only release "radio-friendly music." In fact, Narrow Stairs is dark, experimental, catchy (at times) and a step up from 2006's Plans.
But Death Cab's 2008 effort seemed to be just one stepping stone in what seemed to be the year of the experimental indie rockers. Two of the best new artists of the year broke onto the scene this year with debut albums featuring music never before heard in today's modern music.
Electronic rock band MGMT burst onto the scene with their ultra-catchy, lyrically smart single "Time to Pretend" from one of the years best albums, Oracular Spectacular. However, it's their current single - the '80s electro-influenced "Electric Feel" - that really shows the band's diverse sound mixed with intelligent lyrics. MGMT will be a band to reckon with in 2009, but they will have to compete with another indie newcomer, Vampire Weekend.
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